I love reading books by southern writers- especially southern women writers. And I’m going to add Sarah Addison Allen to my list. In her charming debut novel Garden Spells, Allen brings to life a simple tale about the strained relationship between two sisters, life in a small southern town, and a temperamental apple tree.

Claire Waverly has always been dependable. Her sister Sydney ran away from her Bascom, North Carolina upbringing and the Waverly name as soon as she could get away. Ever since, Claire carved a pleasant life for herself in Bascon, carrying on the Waverly traditions even after her grandmother’s death. After ten years, Syndey mysteriously returns to Bascom with a young child in tow. Suddenly both sisters must come to terms with their past.

I loved every second I spent reading this book. It is quirky and beautifully written, and I can’t wait for Allen’s next novel.