Sarah Addison Allen Did Not Disappoint!
Read this, but read Garden Spells first!
First Frost is a sequel to Garden Spells, which is one of my favorite books of all time. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. I read it before I started reviewing books so you will just have to take my word for it. The only one I have a review for is Lost Lake, but I recommend all of them.
The thing is, that because she does not have too many books in her library, I have to savor these. I try very hard to read them slowly and enjoy them which is often difficult as I usually read things very quickly, devouring them.
Those metaphors for eating are probably subconscious in this case. This book does have many references to food which is often interwoven into this author's book, especially when speaking about the Waverly family who are prominent in this story. This takes place about ten years after Garden Spells. I don't want to spoil that book for those that may choose to read it first (and you should, along with all of her other books) but let us just say that the Waverly sisters have new challenges and desires in their life that center around family and that their children also have developed in characters. Each Waverly has a "gift" and sometimes they appreciate it and sometimes they don't. A gift can often present challenges as magic often does.
Claire Waverly has moved on to a successful career in candy making and has put her catering business on the back burner (sorry another cooking pun, I must resist) but she doesn't seem that happy. Her world may be turned upside down when a mysterious stranger arrives with a plan for blackmail.
Magic is again in the heart of this story, as well as family, and belief. Believing in one's self, and appreciating the gifts they are given, feature prominently in this story.
As always, this was a magical tale and a lovely read. I love how the author writes, with beautiful detail and a lyrical prose. Highly recommend. If you haven't read Allen, please try all her books. Start with Garden Spells first and then work your way through all of the magic.
