Helpful Score: 10
Curl up, suspend your disbelief, and jump into Josey Cirrini's world...you won't regret it! This is another sweet (oohh...sorry about the pun!) novel from the author of "Garden Spells." It's a story of love and magic and realizing that forgiveness can be given---it's never too late. This is a perfect Escape-My-World novel. I loved it!
Helpful Score: 8
This was such an enjoyable book. I became so attached to the characters that it felt like losing a good friend when the book came to an end. A fascinating story line that keeps you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down, and characters that you can really connect to. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
Helpful Score: 8
This is the second book I have read by Sarah Addison Allen and like the first, Garden Spells, I was put under a spell. ( Pun intended!) Her books are a light, easy read. You can keep track of all the characters and what is going on in the book with out having to make notes. I find it intriguing how she mixes real life with magic and a little fantasy. I am looking forward to reading more by S. Allen to me she is an author to watch!
Helpful Score: 7
Excellent story! Leaves you wondering until the very end, so it is a bit of a mystery (don't know if it is billed as one). The only complaint I have is that the title is a bit misleading and doesn't give a good picture of the story.
Helpful Score: 6
If you like fiction books with just a touch of magic, then you'll love The Sugar Queen!
I read this book straight after Garden Spells (although the two books are not connected) and it's hard to say which I enjoyed more. Once again set in North Carolina and centered around a small town and it's residents, I guessed the major twist in the book very early on but it still didn't spoil my enjoyment of this wonderful book.
I'm very much looking forward to Sarah Addison Allen's next book and hope she writes many more.
I read this book straight after Garden Spells (although the two books are not connected) and it's hard to say which I enjoyed more. Once again set in North Carolina and centered around a small town and it's residents, I guessed the major twist in the book very early on but it still didn't spoil my enjoyment of this wonderful book.
I'm very much looking forward to Sarah Addison Allen's next book and hope she writes many more.
Helpful Score: 5
If you liked Garden Spells then read The Sugar Queen!!!
I absolutely could not put down this book!! I wanted to because it was one of those books that you just do not want to end.
I really enjoy Sarah Addison Allen's style of writing. Her creativity is astounding...not your everyday, run of the mill, crank-out-the-books novelist.
She has a knack for creating truly unique characters.
Cannot wait for her to release a new book.
I absolutely could not put down this book!! I wanted to because it was one of those books that you just do not want to end.
I really enjoy Sarah Addison Allen's style of writing. Her creativity is astounding...not your everyday, run of the mill, crank-out-the-books novelist.
She has a knack for creating truly unique characters.
Cannot wait for her to release a new book.
Helpful Score: 3
Had a little trouble getting going on this book, but by page 50 I was totally absorbed and glad to be back in Sarah Addison Allen's wacky world. Like "Garden Spells', just suspend any need to be in the real world and enjoy the ride, and it is an easy ride. Josie is such a likeable character and I was totally intrigued with her friend Chloe and her relationship with books. Already looking forward to this author's next book.
Helpful Score: 3
Lovely, enchanting, gripping, and well-written. This is the 2nd book I've read by Allen, and it did not disappoint. Her writing is like being wrapped in a lovingly and skillfully pieced quilt. It is sweet and touching without being saccharine, yet she manages to touch on serious issues. I just love how she can tell the stories of several characters so well - the book is full of interesting stories running simultaneously but it doesn't seem crowded, confused, or choppy. I read the entire thing in one sitting because I just could not put it down and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Helpful Score: 3
I picked this book up after reading the author's previous book, Garden Spells, expecting exactly what I got: a story of women coming into themselves, journeys of discovery, and endings wrapped up neatly. The characters are likable and the dashes of magic are fun, not overwhelming. I do have to say that there were a few elements in this book that reminded me again (as did parts of Garden Spells) of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman.
The writing in this book is better than the writer's previous title, but I think that there was more heart in the former and I almost felt like, as a reader, I was kept at arm's length. I wanted a little more detail and a little more depth, but the plots and sub-plots were good. I would recommend this book, but will caution is is almost too fast a read, and I wish I hadn't felt a little rushed. That said, it was a great cold, rainy afternoon companion.
The writing in this book is better than the writer's previous title, but I think that there was more heart in the former and I almost felt like, as a reader, I was kept at arm's length. I wanted a little more detail and a little more depth, but the plots and sub-plots were good. I would recommend this book, but will caution is is almost too fast a read, and I wish I hadn't felt a little rushed. That said, it was a great cold, rainy afternoon companion.
Helpful Score: 2
A fluffy, light read about a chubby woman with an addiction to sweets whose beautiful, ice-cold mother tries to keep her down so that there will always be someone there to take care of her. The heroine has been in love for years with the hunky, but emotionally vulnerable postman. He in turn is friends with a handsome District Attorney who cheated on his girlfriend who just happens to be the heroine's best friend. The story is about all four of them and the town bad-girl who just happens to live secretly in the heroine's closet unbeknownst to anyone else but the heroine. Quirky characters, small-town setting, a predictable plot and not a lot of depth. If you like magical realism, you'll like this book. I can read this kind of book when I don't want something too deep, but it's not the type of book I crave or keep.
Helpful Score: 2
I haven't quite finished it yet but I'm so loving it! When I got it I couldn't even remember requesting it - no recollection of why I wanted it. I think it's possible I had read the author's other book - I'll have to check on that. If that's not what happened I'll definitely be ordering it!
This book is just so magical. It's hard to quantify what it is exactly....the author has been compared to Alice Hoffman and I guess I can see that although I think it has more to do with the storyline than writing style. I didn't much care for Hoffman's style - too nebulous. This book has a dreamy quality and yet concrete things happen.
All I can say is, if you like slightly dreamy/romantic books with a very slight magical (as in paranormal) edge, you'll probably love this. I would also say it's not at all a realistic book - you'll never meet people quite like these - but that in no way is a bad thing. It's quite part of its charm. It's definitely an escape!
This book is just so magical. It's hard to quantify what it is exactly....the author has been compared to Alice Hoffman and I guess I can see that although I think it has more to do with the storyline than writing style. I didn't much care for Hoffman's style - too nebulous. This book has a dreamy quality and yet concrete things happen.
All I can say is, if you like slightly dreamy/romantic books with a very slight magical (as in paranormal) edge, you'll probably love this. I would also say it's not at all a realistic book - you'll never meet people quite like these - but that in no way is a bad thing. It's quite part of its charm. It's definitely an escape!
Helpful Score: 1
Sarah Addison Allen has a special talent for immediately drawing you in, and putting you under her spell. "The Sugar Queen" (as are all of her books) is a real treat. Her characters are genuine and relatable. Her stories are unique and full of surprises. I read her books one-after-the-other. She is indeed "that good".
I anxiously look forward to her books.
I anxiously look forward to her books.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book, even though it started out strangely. Sometimes a little far fetched...but helps show its never to late for forgiveness.
Helpful Score: 1
Soft. Easy. Enjoyable. Satisfying. What a great author!
A great story with a few suprising twists at the end. Very well told through quirky, endearing characters that make the experience that much more.
Helpful Score: 1
this is a book that can be read in as short as an hour, or a day. a real spell bound book. i have read all of this authors books and recommend them highly.
Helpful Score: 1
this writer really makes you face all emotions. very enjoyable and makes you look at yourself also. love it!!
Helpful Score: 1
When I first started reading the book, I thought it was really weird but as the characters were developed it all came together. Josey Cirrini, Della Lee and Chloe Finley are all young women with one thing in common that very few people in the small ski town outside of Ashville were aware of. The book in enchanting and when I was finished, I wanted more. I loved the characters as well as the story line.
Helpful Score: 1
I hope Sarah Addison Allen writes a lot more books. I really enjoy her style. This book was a great as her first one Garden Spells. You really feel like you know the characters and feel their feelings. What they do and don't do make sense.
I am looking forward to her next book!
Kim
I am looking forward to her next book!
Kim
Helpful Score: 1
I gave this book five stars. One of new favorites---It was a lovely and delightful read! An almost perfect (a couple ugly f-bombs toward the end) story. I wish I could have a Chloe and a Della Lee of my own. I didn't want this book to end.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book...such a sweet and lovely story. Have the rest of her books on my wish list. I could not put this one down!
Helpful Score: 1
I gave it 5 stars. This book is so well written, the magic is subtle, but powerful. Dont miss this book!
Helpful Score: 1
A truly delicious treat of a book. I really enjoy this new author. Once I pick up any of her books ( not enough of them yet ) I can't put it down until it is finished.
Mystical and magical. A fascinating story of women, their mothers, their fathers, friends and sisters. Suspend all you know about life, and read this tale of romance and heartbreak.
I thought this books was great. First time reading anything by sarah addison allen, it was pleasantly surprising quick read.
I gave this book five stars. One of new favorites---It was a lovely and delightful read! An almost perfect (a couple ugly f-bombs toward the end) story. I wish I could have a Chloe and a Della Lee of my own. I didn't want this book to end.
I really enjoyed both of the Waverly books by Allen. This was the first stand alone book I have read by Addison. It was okay, but definitely not my favorite. There is a bit of magical realism in here, but not nearly as much as in the Waverly books. It basically follows a couple young women around as they deal with life issues and try to find their way to happiness.
Josey is living a pretty sorry life as a 27 year old. She was a horrible child and has spent most of her life trying to make up for it by caring for her mothers every need....Joseys mother is not a nice person. Things start to change for Josey when the wild Della Lee shows up in her closet, Della is fleeing something and begs to stay in Joseys closet to take a breather from her life. Della pushes Josey to try new things and before Josey knows whats happening Josey has befriended the slightly odd Chloe Finley. Then Josey actually decides to talk to the mailman Adam who shes had a crush on for years. All of this leads to Josey and the people around her taking risks and working to make their lives a better and more happy place to be.
This book is written in the beautiful writing style that all of Allen's books are written in. However I had some trouble engaging with the characters and just thought the whole story was a bit boring. The book didn't give me the comforting warm feeling that her Waverly books do.
I had a lot of trouble engaging with Josey, she was just so cowed by her mother and so scared to step outside her comfort zone. She does grow a lot as a character throughout the book, but as the main heroine of the story she wasnt my favorite. Josey hides candy in her closet and eats it in secret as a way to deal with her unhappiness (hence the title of the book).
I liked the character of Chloe better. Chloe has a mysterious power, books randomly appear around her and they are always books that will help her in some way. When her husband cheats on her Chloe feels betrayed and desperate. Only her budding friendship with Josey allows her some stability and helps her from making some truly bad decisions.
Adam is Joseys love interest and he was a well done character. He is very sweet and loving towards Josey and has some secrets of his own. I thought the relationship between him and Josey was sweet but they two didnt have explosive chemistry. Theirs was more of a gentle lull of a relationship.
There is a big twist at the end of the book that I kind of saw coming. However, I found most of the story to be a bit boring. It was more of a drama/soap opera than anything, even with the small bits of magical realism throughout.
Overall this wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't my favorite either. I like Addisons Waverly series a lot more. This book was mostly the drama of a number of women trying to find their way in life. Parts were a bit boring and I had trouble engaging with the characters. There is a nice twist at the end of the story and I did enjoy the beautiful writing style. I guess I would recommend to die hard Addison fans or to those who like reading those Lifetime drama sorts of books.
Josey is living a pretty sorry life as a 27 year old. She was a horrible child and has spent most of her life trying to make up for it by caring for her mothers every need....Joseys mother is not a nice person. Things start to change for Josey when the wild Della Lee shows up in her closet, Della is fleeing something and begs to stay in Joseys closet to take a breather from her life. Della pushes Josey to try new things and before Josey knows whats happening Josey has befriended the slightly odd Chloe Finley. Then Josey actually decides to talk to the mailman Adam who shes had a crush on for years. All of this leads to Josey and the people around her taking risks and working to make their lives a better and more happy place to be.
This book is written in the beautiful writing style that all of Allen's books are written in. However I had some trouble engaging with the characters and just thought the whole story was a bit boring. The book didn't give me the comforting warm feeling that her Waverly books do.
I had a lot of trouble engaging with Josey, she was just so cowed by her mother and so scared to step outside her comfort zone. She does grow a lot as a character throughout the book, but as the main heroine of the story she wasnt my favorite. Josey hides candy in her closet and eats it in secret as a way to deal with her unhappiness (hence the title of the book).
I liked the character of Chloe better. Chloe has a mysterious power, books randomly appear around her and they are always books that will help her in some way. When her husband cheats on her Chloe feels betrayed and desperate. Only her budding friendship with Josey allows her some stability and helps her from making some truly bad decisions.
Adam is Joseys love interest and he was a well done character. He is very sweet and loving towards Josey and has some secrets of his own. I thought the relationship between him and Josey was sweet but they two didnt have explosive chemistry. Theirs was more of a gentle lull of a relationship.
There is a big twist at the end of the book that I kind of saw coming. However, I found most of the story to be a bit boring. It was more of a drama/soap opera than anything, even with the small bits of magical realism throughout.
Overall this wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't my favorite either. I like Addisons Waverly series a lot more. This book was mostly the drama of a number of women trying to find their way in life. Parts were a bit boring and I had trouble engaging with the characters. There is a nice twist at the end of the story and I did enjoy the beautiful writing style. I guess I would recommend to die hard Addison fans or to those who like reading those Lifetime drama sorts of books.
Sarah Addison Allen is truly talented. Her stories are so magical and beautiful. "Garden Spells" and "The Girl Who Chased the Moon"
This was predictable but so much fun to read. This book has it all mystery, romance, and comedy. It covers the lives of several characters without loosing focus on the main story. It's Sweet and fun and just a wonderful read. A touch of magical realism and maybe a touch of just plain magic.
This was predictable but so much fun to read. This book has it all mystery, romance, and comedy. It covers the lives of several characters without loosing focus on the main story. It's Sweet and fun and just a wonderful read. A touch of magical realism and maybe a touch of just plain magic.
This book reads like something written for junior high school girls, but with sex enough for any mature audience. I found it engaging, but rather silly. Not an author I'll probably read again.
I really enjoyed the book. After the first couple chapters I was caught up in the surprise of how all the characters were connected. I had a hard time putting the down. If looking for an enjoyable quick read, this is the book.
This book was delicious!!!! Loved every minute of it...
This was an absolute favorite read - it is so delicious - you really can taste and feel the things the author describes. There is a little magic - the kind you want so badly to believe in. I recommended it to book club, and one of those girls recommended it to her book club - it's a winner!
I absolutely loved this book! It was fun to read, magical, and Ms. Allen's style of writing had me laughing out loud at some parts. I highly recommend this book.
Although not as good as Garden Spells, Allen's first novel, Sugar Queen is a fun tale of love and magic that is bittersweet.
A wonderful read....
This book was like a bedtime fairytale for adults complete w/ an evil mother, Rapunzel, magic, love and candy. What more could you ask for? It was a fun read & I can't wait for her next one.
What a great book! This was a light, easy read with mystery and humor. Great characters with a story that all tied together in the end. I picked this up as one of my book buddies on this site recommended it and I LOVED it!
Fun, mystical, magical. An enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed this book as did my 13 year old daughter. Excellent read!
One of the favorite books that I have ever read! For all those who have a 'sweet tooth' and love a great romance novel, this one's for you.
This book was an adorable follow-up to Garden Spells! SAA has fast become one of my favorite authors. A word of caution, do not read any of her works if you are hungry. Sugar Queen made me want grilled cheese sandwiches for days.
I loved this book!!! It was such a joy to read, I couldn't put it down even though I wanted to savor it longer. The book takes place in a small Southern town in the snowy town of Bald Slope. Josey is a modern day Rapunzel, trapped in her house taking care of her ungrateful mother her whole life. The sudden appearance of a stranger changes it all. This book is romantic and magical, but in ways that aren't your usual run-of-the-mill spells and I loved it for that. Loved the author's writing style, cannot wait to pick up her other book!
Wonderful story about the tug of war between freedom and independence. Lots of great characters, lots of twists and turns, and as usual with a Sarah Addison Allen book, just a little magic to make it all work out.
A wonderful book - I loved it.
A wonderful book - I loved it.
Enjoyed this light fluffy book. Easy quick read. Little bit of magic and fairly predictible. Enjoyed Garden Spell much more however but like this author.
What a great read and the ending was totally a surprise. Sweet as the name suggest.
Excellent book. Hard to put down after starting. I love the magical realism twist. A little bit predictable but very interesting and fun to read. I love Sarah Allen's writing style. I am looking forward to reading her most recent book.
Probably more like 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
I really enjoy Sarah's books. they are magical and fun. Very easy, light reads. This one was just as magical as GARDEN SPELLS but very different. I really had fun reading it.
I really enjoy Sarah's books. they are magical and fun. Very easy, light reads. This one was just as magical as GARDEN SPELLS but very different. I really had fun reading it.
Another fun read by Sarah Addison Allen! I love all the funny characters in the book. Great summer read for the beach.
I absolutely loved this book, and have added all of Sarah Addison Allen's books to my wishlist. How wonderful to discover a new author to love!
Magical.
