Ruth Benziger

In a garden surrounded by a tall fence, tucked away behind a small, quiet house in an even smaller town, is an apple tree that is rumored to bear a very special sort of fruit. In this luminous debut novel, Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of that enchanted tree, and the extraordinary people who tend it. . . .The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants—from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys—except for Claire’s rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire, as their own mother had years before.When Sydney suddenly returns home with a young daughter of her own, Claire’s quiet life is turned upside down—along with the protective boundary she has so carefully constructed around her heart. Together again in the house they grew up in, Sydney takes stock of all she left behind, as Claire struggles to heal the wounds of the past. And soon the sisters realize they must deal with their common legacy—if they are ever to feel at home in Bascom—or with each other. Enchanting and heartfelt, this captivating novel is sure to cast a spell with a style all its own. . . . This edition contains excerpts from Sarah Addison Allen’s First Frost and The Girl Who Chased the Moon.

Sarah Addison Allen is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eight novels. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Allen is credited with bringing “Southern Magical Realism” to a mainstream audience. Her work, characterized by its romantic, lyrical prose and its exploration of family dynamics through a supernatural lens, has been translated into more than thirty languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Allen’s debut novel, Garden Spells (2007), became a breakout success and an indie bookseller favorite, spending weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her subsequent works—The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (2022)—have each been bestsellers, garnering acclaim for their quiet magic and subtle, folkloric elements integrated into contemporary Southern life.

The daughter of a journalist father and a mother who was a celebrated cook, Allen grew up in a household where storytelling and food were the primary love languages, elements that now define her fiction. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, graduating with a degree in Literature. At age 39, Allen took a hiatus from publishing following a diagnosis of late-stage breast cancer. Her return to writing was marked by a shift toward more poignant narratives.

Allen’s most recent project, Paper Ghosts (2026), continues her tradition of blending mystery with the supernatural. She currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.

My Review

The Waverley garden has a tall fence with an apple tree surrounded by speculation and rumor. A peculiar family with peculiar gifts in Bascom, North Carolina, their reputation that holds mystery and charm. Claire runs a catering business, and her edible flowers and herbs produce special powers. Her elderly cousin, Evenelle, is known for giving gifts to people who later need the item. I quite liked her.

When Sydney, Claire’s sister, returns to Bascom with a daughter of her own, she’s perplexed but happy to see her. Secrets surround Sydney and her history. What she did in those places. Where was Bay born? Who is her father? Too many questions to answer. Claire’s quiet life changes when life is brought into the house. Laughter and youth take precedence.

A neighbor moves in and begins to form a friendship with the Waverley sisters. Romance blooms, jobs are acquired, and secrets are unraveled.

I quite enjoyed this story. From the character development to the unique charm of magic thrown in, the story was quick and fun. There were little moments that were gripping. I laughed quite a bit and fell in love with Evenelle. I watched Claire bloom and Sydney find her courage and strength. Bay was such a burst of fun and creativity.

Allen told a wonderful story full of heart, family, and magic. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to Amy for suggesting this book and this author. Your suggestion made me a fan of this author. 🙂