Emily Benedict has come to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew, she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor, Julia Winterson, bakes hope in the form of cakes, not only wishing to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also dreaming of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.
My thoughts:
I have only read one book by her before but it was lovely, and this one was just as lovely. I could just say "it was wonderful, everyone should read it" and leave it at that. But I will try to say more.
The magical realism makes this book and it feels so real. Yes I do believe that the things happen could happen. In a Southern small town, with quirks of its own.
The book is about two people, Emily who comes to live with her grandfather and tries to solve the mystery why her mother left. She finds friendship, not so nice people and magic in this town. And herself.
The other main character is Julia, Emily's neighbor. She bakes with the windows open, why, well you will find out. Her story is sad, but there is hope and she becomes friends with Emily. Two different people in age and situation.
There is also a dash of romance, and that is never wrong.
Conclusion:
What more can I say? Allen knows how to write, I got sucked into the story and did not want to leave. A wonderful tale.
Cover:
Meh
Genre: Magical realism / fiction
Pages: 261
Published: 2011 by Hodder and Stoughton
Source: Own
SAA is one of my favorite authors so I'm glad you enjoyed this. It has a different cover than mine.
ReplyDeleteYes my cover was a bit boring :/
DeleteLove her books, they are so magical and leave you with such a lovely feeling! I really need to pick up The Peach Keeper!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Peach yet, but I sure want to :D Still I will wait a bit so I have something to look forward too
DeleteI enjoy magical realism and the small town setting sounds fantastic. I need to read this author!
ReplyDeleteYou have to read her books! They are simply wonderful :D And just right
DeleteAllen is one of my favorite authors and I think this book is my favorite of hers. I am so glad that you enjoyed it too!
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely :D The way she writes and the things that happen. Love it
Deletethis review sounds as lovely as this book. Thanks B :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
DeleteThis sounds really good. I'm going to add it to my wish list. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful book :)
Deletethis cover is not so great for me either, i have seen better versions of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's so boring, but I do not buy books for the covers..I buy the cheapest version ;)
DeleteI haven't tried this author yet, but I really want to.
ReplyDeleteOh you must you must!
DeleteI am digging that cover.
ReplyDeleteI really am loving the description of this book. Thanks for the rec.
You really must read it, such a lovely tale and magical to the bone
DeleteI agree with you that the cover so not pings my buying radar but by your review this book sounds like my kind of read... gotta go and nosey more about this book :)
ReplyDeleteGo be nosey cos this author is wonderful :D
DeleteBut my cover is pretty meh
It sounds nice, it's a cute cover!
ReplyDelete:) You have to try one
DeleteI does sounds cute and nice - I think I am sold!
ReplyDeleteJust be kind
DeleteI do like the hummingbird on the cover...
ReplyDeleteWell the small images are cute
DeleteI love this cover. So beautiful. lovely.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of this novel, too. How come I never heard of this before? I am so adding this to my TBR
Thanks for the awesome review
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
I am so glad I read it now then so that you could see it. And hopefully read one of her books too, as like I said, they are lovely
DeleteI love this author my fav is Garden Spells
ReplyDeleteI have not read that one, but I sure wanna
DeleteThis is one of those authors that I hear so many good things about but still haven't tried for myself. I hope that 2013 is the year I give one of her books a try!!
ReplyDeleteI hope so too :) I also hope it's the year I read her other two books, and her new book that is coming out this year ;)
DeleteI loved this one too. She has a gift that is for sure!! Read all of her books!!
ReplyDeleteI have two more that I need to read :D I just need to get them first
DeleteI loved this book and I love Allen. You are right she has a way of making it seem and feel so real.
ReplyDeleteShe is a truly wonderful author :D
Delete