Audio Book Review ‘First Frost’ by Sarah Addison Allen
A bit of
magic and a lot of family support in a story with an emphasis on the positive.
Sometimes it’s a pleasure to read a bit of fiction and appreciate a low-drama situation,
even though, it’s obvious that circumstances are going to turn out for the
best.
Hence, First Frost is a delightful story about
a family of southern women, the Waverleys of Bascom, North Carolina. Raised by
their agoraphobic yet, somewhat mystical grandmother, Claire and Sidney grew up
in a house with family history passed down through several generations. Of
course, this is not an ordinary home. A special garden occupies the backyard of
the residence and although all of the flowers and herbs possess unique
properties, the apple tree at the far-end is the source that fuels the magic
that not only manifests in the plants, but also in the form of selective powers
bestowed upon each of the Waverly women.
Unlike other
trees, the Waverly apple tree begins blooming at first frost and if that isn’t
bizarre enough, the tree has a personality with an attitude. Perhaps, the tree
is home to the spirits of deceased relatives. Whatever the reason, one thing is
for sure; it is the wellbeing of the Waverly women that fuels the tree’s
deeds.
Claire is a
caterer and for a short while a candy maker, accordingly, her gift emerges in
the divine creations that come from her kitchen, especially when she
incorporates herbs and flowers from the enchanted garden. Likewise, Sidney is a
hairdresser and after a new do, her clients leave her shop with miraculous acts
of fate to follow. The sister’s aunt and two daughters also have marvelous
blessings.
While these
gifts are subtle, they are nonetheless significant, especially when the family
of women unite in response to a blackmailer. Eventually they learn to move
forward towards the future, and let go of the past.
Sweet
southern fiction is often uplifting, but this story is exceptional. Filled with
warm southern values, and diversity, it is rare in this genre to see modern
evolution shamelessly coexist without judgement.
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