Finished 1-12-09, rating 4.75/5, fiction, pub. 2007
She’d learned the hard way to avoid hiring anyone local if she could help it. Most of them expected to learn something magic or, at the very least, get to the apple tree in the backyard, hoping to find out if the local legend was true, that its apples would tell them what the biggest event in their lives would be.
Chapter 1
Claire Waverly and her sister Sydney, were part of the Waverly’s of Bascom, North Carolina. The family that was just a bit off, strange, and they had that magic apple tree in the back yard. Claire stayed in the family home after her mother and grandmother died, but Sydney had escaped to New York and beyond as soon as she could. The sisters had never been close, so when Sydney returned to Bascom with her 5 year old daughter in tow, Claire was surprised.
Claire’s gift was affecting people’s mood and feelings through food. The garden was always in bloom, even if she had to put up with the trouble-making apple tree. Sydney had spent most of her life denying her Waverly roots, but even she found her special gift when she returned home. The only other family still around was a great-aunt who had the gift of giving people, even complete strangers, trinkets that they would soon need.
I loved this book. Loved it. It had romance, charm, and drama. The relationship between the sisters was compelling and the magical elements made it very light and fun. The reason that drew Sydney back to Bascom was a shadow hovering over the Waverlys and it provided a grounding effect for this magical story. I was drawn into their world and didn’t want to leave.
In my first two years of blogging I gave out a total of five 5 star ratings. This was very, very close, but I’m giving out my first 4.75 rating. I think this means that I’m going to have a year of reading great books 🙂
This came from my personal library and I want to thank Debbie, Mary, Amanda, Allesandra, Soft Drink, Bonnie, and Melissa for recommending it. Here’s what they had to say…
“Easy read, nice story.” Debbie
“I loved this short novel and will probably read anything the author writes.” Mary
“Magical realism. A bit of fluff.” Allesandra
“Spellbinding story with a twist of magic, loved it.” Bonnie
“You’ll like it.” Amanda
“Cute magical realism story.” Soft Drink
Stacy's Books 
Yes, yes, yes! I loved this book too! 😀
Whew! 😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed this book.
Ever since I have read about this book, I have wanted to read it.. I am so ENVIOUS 😦
I want I want this one!
I loved both of her books, and look forward to her soon to be released title as well; great review.
Oh my gosh, the book sounds fabulous! Thanks for the review! I hope you continue to have a wonderful year in books.
I loved this book and am so glad that you gave it 5 stars! I totally agree that it deserves it and you are not going soft!! I like how you added quotes from reviewers who liked the book…nice touch! Thanks for quoting me:) Now, you have to read The Sugar Queen!!
This one looks like a great read! I’m putting it on my list!
Oh I am so glad you loved this one too. I know it’s not the best literary novel but sheesh…I just loved it too. Sugar Queen was ok, I wasn’t in love…so I’m excited to see what her next one is like.
Thanks for linking me!
This has been on my to-read list for a while. Glad to see you loved it.
I have an award for you, by the way.
This book totally deserves the 5 stars!! I loved it and am glad you enjoyed it too!! I already have a reserve on her new one and it hasn’t been published yet. Can’t wait to read it! 🙂
Your review makes me want to read it too! Maybe I can borrow it next time I see you.
It sounds kind of “Alice Hoffmanish” — and I mean that in a good way (her magic realism books, I mean). And if you don’t hand out 5 stars too often, that makes me take notice.
You ARE having a great reading year and it’s only half way through January. This one sounds so sweet. I can’t wait to see what’s up next.
Nothing wrong with having a good reading year. I’ve been debating whether to add ratings to my reviews. Last year, in my records, I gave only 5 books 5 stars too.
Have not read this one. It is going on my TBR list right now.
Wow, did this come out back in 2007?!? It still seems “new” to me (probably because it’s still on my wish list!)
I like the comments from other bloggers when you’re getting recommendations.
The comments are from the votes I received in December for the 50 books I should read this year. I admit that I’ve been impressed by the selections so far!
Hi Stacy! This book is part of my Romance Reading Challenge. Thank you for the review. I’m going to be reading this very soon.