First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Amy         
Lynnie


women's fiction, magical realism

Amy first introduced me to the writing of Sarah Addison Allen after her first book, Garden Spells was released. Women's fiction isn't typically my favorite genre, but it was impossible not to fall in love with the story and characters she created. Full disclosure- I have read every book she's published and over the years Amy and I have been lucky enough to meet Sarah. Not only is she a wonderful writer, but she's also a terrific person who really appreciates her fans. First Frost is the first sequel she's published and it follows Garden Spells' Waverly sisters, several years after the events in Garden Spells.

Amy's Review

It was so nice to spend more time with the characters from Garden Spells. It was like visiting old friends while you passed through town. As with all of Sarah Addison Allen’s novels, First Frost was whimsical, cozy, tantalizing, and beautiful. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters that were introduced, especially the central “new” character Bay Waverly. What fun to see the person she’s growing up to be. She has a good head on her shoulders and embraces her magic. She’s a good kid and loves living in Bascom, NC. She’s quite different than her mother was at a similar age. But, that’s how it often goes. Her story was very engaging.

I was so happy to “visit” with Evanelle again. She is my favorite character in all of SAA’s books. How interesting, though, that her abilities are rubbing off on Fred. Can that happen with Tyler and Henry? That is a mystery never answered in this book.

I didn’t love Russell’s storyline and he never truly felt like he belonged in this novel. He was a tame villain who lacked confidence and was easily baffled. I enjoyed the mystery around him but he was more like a fly buzzing around while you’re trying to enjoy your lunch. You couldn’t quite ignore him and you wished he’d move on to someone else’s plate. But, he wasn’t going to ruin the meal.

I love the idea of celebrating the first frost of the year. What fun! I have printed out the recipe for Fig and Pepper Bread that SAA provided on her Facebook page (sadly, the recipe printed in the book was missing the pepper ingredient!) and might just attempt to bake it some day.

I would definitely recommend that Garden Spells be read prior to reading First Frost in order to get a more complete understanding of the characters. SAA does a good job of providing character backgrounds in First Frost, but it won’t compare to the depth of understanding if you read Garden Spells first. Plus, Garden Spells is just a fabulous book—one of my favorites! First Frost did not measure up to Garden Spells, but it was still an enjoyable read and a fun return of beloved characters.

Lynnie's Review

It was so much fun to spend more time with the cast of characters from Garden Spells. Sarah's books never fail to bring a smile to my face & I admit I read this one with patience, not really wanting it to end.

First Frost felt like running into an old friend; the kind of friend that no matter how much time has past, you're able to pick up right where you left off. We get to see how the Waverlys have changed and yet remained very much the same as the years have past. They are still two sisters trying to come to terms with their past abandonment issues, though they have both been able to move forward- getting married, having children, & advancing their careers. Watching them work their magic is a treat- slightly mysterious, but always grounded in reality.

The addition of Bay as a major character was truly the highlight for me. I loved seeing how she's grown and is confident in the person that she is, even when her actions send trouble in her direction.

If you enjoyed Garden Spells (or any of SAA's books), you won't be disappointed by this one. Like all of her books, this story was a delight from start to finish. 

- Lynnie