Books matching: magical garden
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- #1
Save:Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a whimsical and enchanting tale set in North Carolina, focusing on the lives of two sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley. The story revolves around their family's unusual gifts and the magical garden they tend to, including an apple tree that plays a central role in their lives. The book combines elements of love, family, magic, and self-discovery, creating a charming and heartwarming narrative that explores themes of relationships, acceptance, and the power of familial bonds.
The author, Sarah Addison Allen, weaves a story that is both light-hearted and magical, blending everyday life with mystical elements seamlessly. Through the characters of Claire and Sydney, readers are taken on a journey of reconnecting with the past, embracing their unique abilities, and finding solace in the bonds of sisterhood. With a touch of romance, a sprinkle of fantasy, and a dash of Southern charm, Garden Spells offers a delightful escape into a world where the ordinary is intertwined with the extraordinary.
Every smiley moon, without fail, Claire dreamed of her childhood. She always tried to stay awake those nights when the stars winked and the moon was just a cresting sliver smiling provocatively down a... - #2
Save:The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick is a novel that follows the story of Sorrel, the eldest Sparrow sister gifted in planting flowers, as she travels to the UK to mend an old Shakespeare garden. The book weaves a tale of mystery, possibly a love story, and the unraveling of hidden messages within the garden. Readers are taken on a journey filled with enchanting elements, historical garden research, and a touch of magic, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful garden and intriguing characters. The plot is a mix of family saga and fantasy elements, with a focus on the magic and allure of gardens, both historic and mystical.
- #3
Save:'The Time Garden' by Edward Eager follows four modern American children who discover a magical garden allowing them to travel through time by sniffing thyme. The book features historical events, witty humor, and unpredictable magic, making it a great read for both younger and older audiences. The story involves encounters with American patriots during the revolution, Queen Elizabeth I, and even characters from 'Little Women', adding an element of charm and adventure to the plot.
The writing style of 'The Time Garden' is reminiscent of E. Nesbit's stories, with a focus on magic, humor, and moral values. The characters are realistic and interesting, with both boys and girls taking part in thrilling adventures. The book is praised for its ability to appeal to a mixed-age group, combining excitement and humor that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Tales of Magic ) - #4
Save:'The Book Charmer' by Karen Hawkins is a heartwarming tale set in Dove Pond, a small town facing financial difficulties. The story follows Grace, a newcomer who must navigate her new role as town clerk while caring for her orphaned niece and foster mother with Alzheimer's. Sarah, the town librarian with a unique ability to communicate with books, believes that Grace is the key to saving Dove Pond. As the characters grapple with themes of love, loss, family, and a touch of magic, the narrative beautifully weaves together their lives, challenges, and the sense of community in the town.
“No,” Grace said for the eighth time, her eyes locked on the moving truck that slowly rumbled along in front of her Honda. Every side of the ancient truck bore the words MCLAREN’S YOU NEED TO MOVE WE ... - #5
Save:Rose Daughter is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, focusing on the story of Beauty and her two sisters who find themselves in a magical and mysterious home after their family faces a sudden change in fortune. The book explores themes of family, transformation, and love, with a strong emphasis on Beauty's magical gardening abilities and her relationships with her family members and the Beast. The writing style is described as lush and romantic, with detailed descriptions of emotional depth and character development.
Her earliest memory was of waking from the dream. It was also her only clear memory of her mother. Her mother was beautiful, dashing, the toast of the town. Her youngest daughter remembered the blur o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Folktales ) - #6
Save:'Tom's Midnight Garden' by Philippa Pearce is a timeless children's classic that follows the story of Tom, a young boy who is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle due to his brother's illness. Bored and lonely in the old house, Tom discovers a magical garden that appears only at night when the clock strikes thirteen. In this enchanting garden, Tom meets Hatty, a young girl from the past, and the two form a special bond despite the mysterious time differences between them. As Tom explores the garden and spends time with Hatty, he uncovers the secrets of the garden and experiences the complexities of time travel and growing up. The book beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, time, and the bittersweet passage of childhood into adolescence.
Philippa Pearce's writing style in 'Tom's Midnight Garden' is captivating and evocative, drawing readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine seamlessly. Through the enchanting narrative, Pearce explores themes of youth, aging, change, and memory, creating a poignant and thought-provoking story that resonates with readers of all ages. The book's exploration of time travel, friendship, and the power of imagination makes it a classic tale that continues to enchant and inspire generations of readers.
If, standing alone on the back doorstep, Tom allowed himself to weep tears, they were tears of anger. He looked his good-bye at the garden, and raged that he had to leave it—leave it and Peter. They h... - #7
Save:Mary Rickert's debut novel, 'The Memory Garden', is a sensuous and enchanting tale that weaves together themes of friendship, motherhood, magic, and gardens. The story revolves around Nan, an older woman, and her adopted daughter, Bay, who begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her. The novel explores the importance of relationships, the impact of secrets, and the beauty of nature through a blend of magical realism and genuine character development. Rickert's writing style is poetic and captivating, drawing readers into a world where the real and the magical seamlessly intertwine.
- #8
Save:In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber is a captivating novel that intertwines strong women's friendships and family dynamics amidst a backdrop of magical realism. The story follows Emme Wynn, who returns to her Southern hometown of Sweetgrass, Alabama, to confront her past and heal alongside her cousin, Cora Bee. The community is vibrant and supportive, featuring a magical garden that serves as a refuge for the characters, allowing them to face their challenges and discover secrets as they bond over growth and resilience.
Webber's writing style is engaging and filled with warmth, creating relatable characters that readers will root for. The novel explores emotional themes with a perfect blend of lightheartedness and gravity. Each chapter presents wisdom about flowers, enhancing the magical atmosphere while providing insights into healing and personal growth. With unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, the book reminds us of the importance of relationships and the strength found within community.
- #9
Save:'Bryony and Roses' by T. Kingfisher is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, offering a fresh perspective with a no-nonsense heroine, a Beast with a dry sense of humor, and brooding dark magic. The story follows Bryony, a skilled and dedicated gardener from an impoverished family, who stumbles upon an enchanted manor house during a snowstorm. She must navigate the complexities of her stay as she faces the Beast's demand for her future as forfeit for the theft of a rose. The book cleverly plays with the traditional fairy tale elements, introducing a terrifying villain, a kind yet prickly House, and fleshed-out secondary characters like Bryony's sisters, Holly and Iris.
The writing style in 'Bryony and Roses' is described as straightforward, snappy, and delightful, with a witty, intelligent, and unsentimental relationship at its core. The author, T. Kingfisher, presents a refreshing blend of canonical elements and new ideas that keep the story engaging and suspenseful. The book is commended for its intelligent and playful approach to the retelling, offering a darker and lighter take on the original Beauty and the Beast story while maintaining a unique and captivating narrative.
Bryony pushed her cloak back from her face and looked up. The space between Fumblefoot’s ears had become her entire world for the past half-hour, and she was a little surprised at how large the forest... - #10
Save:'Mighty Jack' by Ben Hatke is a middle-grade graphic novel that follows the story of Jack, his family, and a special friend as they embark on a magical adventure after planting mysterious seeds. The plot is a reimagining of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, with elements of fantasy, adventure, and family dynamics intertwined. The illustrations in the book are highly descriptive, allowing the storyline to progress smoothly without relying heavily on dialogue. Readers are introduced to a world filled with unexpected turns, fantastical creatures, and complex characters facing hardships and making difficult decisions.
