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Jennifer K. Kershaw County Library, Camden, SC

Another Winner From Sarah Addison Allen
Allen's trademark blend of Southern charm and magical realism is once again in view in this follow up to Allen's debut novel Garden Spells. This was a fast, enjoyable read. I only hope the author will return to Bascom in a future volume--perhaps to tell us what happens to Bay, who is a teen in this story.

Jorie (Florida)

A serendipitously intuitive family
It is not often I find myself curled into a sequel of a previous novel (in this case "Garden Spells") wherein I find the writer has softened her writing voice and style. I found her previous work abrasively full of angst and bluntly wound through dialogue and narrative which felt oppressive. Inside "First Frost", I can happily express a soft stirring of serendipitous intuition endowed to a family (the Waverleys) who live in small towne North Carolina wherein their gifts are given freely to those who are in need of them. This is a story where an open mind towards opening a door of what is imaginatively possible is necessary to embrace the central heart of the novel's message.

Bay is the narrator of the story, as there is a 10 year gap between when we first met her and where this half of her life starts to unfold. She's a keenly observant teenager, clued in to being aware of how things fit together even when others are not as willing to accept how the pieces go together. Part coming-of age and part magical realism, where there is a slight suspension of reality in how it is regularly perceived knits this heart-warming tale into your heart. You cannot help but ponder the deeper layers of what Allen is attempting to convey. Even the old house and the fabled apple tree have been given a breath of life most innate objects are not given the freedom to having.

It is a step inside the lines between where fate and faith intercept with human intuition, and how far we sometimes have to travel along our path in life to understand the full scope of who we are and where we are meant to fulfill our niche. A foothold of the undertone of the story is spilt out of the lyrical prose fused with the hidden meanings oft gone unnoticed whilst life ebbs forward and away from our sight. The mysteries of who we are at birth and who we become defined as we mature into adulthood isn't a straight line nor is it a finite designation; the beauty is how we allow ourselves to stay in motion, seeking ourselves in the quiet moments and acknowledging the path whilst appreciating the journey.

I personally did not want this story to end, as you become so caught up in the moment of being with the Waverley's -- you find yourself being pulled into their orbit without wanting to return to your own. Unlike "Garden Spells", this sequel is unputdownable!

Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO)

First Frost
I had read "Garden Spells" and was carried away by the story of the Waverley family. Sarah Addison Allen's new book, "First Frost" is a sequel that picks up ten years after "Garden Spells" and gives us another look at the emerging events in the Waverley family. What I like about the story is that the Waverley's, despite their family "talents", have all the issues and problems that any person or family has, and you learn how the Waverley's come thorough the tribulations as better people. I find Allen's writing style is exceptional and you really find yourself inside this world wishing it would never end. I highly recommend reading both books, as these are great for escaping from the everyday world.

Marta M. (Santa Ana, CA)

magical
I love Sarah Addison Allen. A few years ago, I found Garden Spells and fell in love. I went to the book store and read all of the rest of her books. I gave them away and all my friends and especially my daughter are now fans. When I received this book as a First Impressions book I was elated. I wasn't disappointed. To go back to the Waverly family from Garden Spells was a treat. The book made me want to stop thinking of what is impossible and think only of possibilities.

Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA)

First Frost
First Frost has all the elements that make Sara Addison Allen's novels so endearing. Her books always give the reader a Southern feel-good story combined with magical realism. This novels brings together second chances and romance in charming fashion. The cast of characters are misfits with heart. I highly recommend the book and this author.

Nancy L. (Denver, NC)

First Frost
What great characters! Each one would be great to be friends with - except one. Kept wondering what was going to happen at this year's First Frost. Loved making the apple tree itself a living thing! I'd like to know what happens in the future with Bay and her most interesting family. Follow up?

...19 more reader reviews

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