Play Book Tag discussion

Synopsis: It's the dubious distinction of thirty-year-old Willa Jackson to hail from a fine old Southern family of means that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam--built by Willa's great-great-grandfather and once the finest home in Walls of Water North Carolina--has stood for years as a monument to misfortune and scandal. Willa has lately learned that an old classmate--socialite Paxton Osgood--has restored the house to its former glory, with plans to turn it into a top-flight in. But when a skeleton is found buried beneath the property's lone peach tree, long-kept secrets come to light, accompanied by a spate of strange occurrences throughout the town. Thrust together in an unlikely friendship, united by a full-blooded mystery. Willa and Paxton must confront the passions and betrayals that once bound their families--and uncover the truths that have transcended time to touch the hearts of the living.


My Thoughts: This was a sweet, predictable story, and exactly what I needed right now; short, simple, and a breath of fresh air.

Predictability is huge in this novel. You can figure out within the first 50 pages how this whole plot is going to play out. It's part of what made this story so quick and easy to read. Friendship and love were also major in this book, with a strong message of always being there for your friends, making this a lovely little novel.

I think what prevented me from truly loving this story, however, were the brewing romances that are a staple in every Allen novel. The tales didn't feel all that complete and fully fleshed out, in my opinion. Nevertheless, I did like how both the men and women were pushed to change, rather than just the women (you know what I mean--guy enters girls' life and turns it upside-down, girl ends up accepting change and falling in love. This time girl also gets the guy to accept change).

The magical realism in the story also felt a little incomplete, but it really wasn't the focal point in the story, so I can't say it was a real negative point for this book.

I love Sarah Addison Allen's stories, although I have to say Garden Spells is still my favorite. So I was surprised to see a tie-in to my favorite story in this novel, in the form of Claire Waverley catering to one of the events. I always enjoy tie-ins, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it here.

Overall, I found this story entertaining. Like I said earlier, it's sweet, simple, and predictable. I see this being an excellent beach read, so if you're looking for something to read while on vacation, I would recommend this one.

I really liked The Girl Who Chased the Moon, with the little hints of magical realism with the changing wallpaper. I'm not sure if I will like the books with more magical realism in it...

I think all her books are pretty short though, so this seems worth trying for when the mood hits.

Garden Spells and The Sugar Queen were may absolute favorites of Allen's. However, I've liked them all and will read anything she writes.

I'm not a fan of magical realism but there is something so comforting about her work. In one of my reviews I likened it to curling up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate on a cold night.

I really enjoy her books for what they are --- a bit of magical realism with a background of southern charm. My favorite was The Sugar Queen which is the first on that I read.

I often save them for when I need a lighter read in between heavy stuff or just when life makes me want that type of sweet story. This one I remember reading when I was recovering from having 3 surgeries in 4 weeks. There was no way I was able to concentrate on anything, but I wanted something comforting.

I agree that she is such a great comfort read! I do like magical realism though...

Lost Lake is my hand down favorite by her. It is not her most popular books but I just adored the characters.

Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't really read that much by her! Sounds like I may not go with The Peach Keeper, but The Girl Who Chased the Moon has always caught my eye...

She is definitely a light read, no matter which book you pick up. I think at one point she had breast cancer (while writing Lost Lake I think?), so I feel like her experiences in life have helped her to write books that provide comfort to her readers. I have yet to read a novel of hers that didn't make me feel better, this one being no exception.

I like her books, usually at 3 stars, but I think one or two were 4 stars or rounded up. I have read this one, but for some reason my rating didn't make it here from Shelfari. I'll make a note to go check LibraryThing (I ought to keep a list of reviews and ratings I need to check there, since some that didn't make it here made it there.)

Nicole R wrote: "I agree that she is such a great comfort read! I do like magical realism though...

Lost Lake is my hand down favorite by her. It is not her most popular books but I just adored the..."

Lost Lake is my favorite too!!!!!

I think another reason I like her is because she does a good of capturing the "South" without turning it into a caricature