Ever since she was nine years old and her father died, Josey Cirrini has been trying to make up for her awful childhood by essentially waiting on her mother hand and foot. Josey does not have a life outside of the house; she doesn’t have any friends and everyone remembers her for the devious deeds she performed as a small girl, like kicking shins and stealing chocolate cake, even though her family should be the foremost in the community. Her life changes when Della Lee appears in her closet, on the run from a destructive relationship and looking for a place to hide. Not only does Della Lee encourage Josey out of her shell, but she guides her to Chloe, who becomes Josey’s friend and who desperately needs a friend herself to help her through the discovery that her long-time boyfriend has cheated on her, and closer to Adam, the mailman on whom Josey has had a crush for the past three years.
There is almost too much sugar in this book for words. I liked it, but it’s very, very sweet and cute and it’s a book you really need to be in the mood for. Everyone gets what they want even when they don’t know they want it, except for the characters who are just bad and you know it. The best part was easily watching Josey come into her own and watching Adam fall for her (it’s obvious that he’s going to – just couldn’t happen any other way in this kind of book) since she’s been so stifled for so many years.
I enjoyed the little magic edge in this book, just like in Allen’s other book, Garden Spells. In this one, books follow Chloe around, and whenever she and her boyfriend kiss, water boils in the coffeepot, which I thought was cute. There are a couple of other magical happenings, but they are spoilery. There is also an appreciation for books in this. At one point, Chloe is viewing a house and discovers that there is a closet full of books. The owner tells her the realtor had him put them away because books are clutter, and both characters agree (as do I of course) that books could never be clutter.
This isn’t really a new story. It doesn’t do anything original. It’s just a cute, quick read, and if you’re in the mood for something sweet, The Sugar Queen
I’ll have to check it out it sounds just like my cup of tea. I’ll toss it onto ye old TBR list.
-Jess
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Probably not for me. It sounds just a little too sweet.
Beth F’s last blog post..Award and Changes
I usually don’t like my books that sweet. Thanks for the warning!
Kathy’s last blog post..Review: The Middle Place
I read this a few months ago and agree with you – it is sweet. It’s not deep literature, and doesn’t really provoke thought, but it’s great to read on the porch on a lazy afternoon!
Laura’s last blog post..My Spy: Memoir of a CIA Wife
Maybe a good lazy summer read? I haven’t read either of her books, but this one does seem to get less praise!
Amy @ My Friend Amy’s last blog post..Review: Nothing But Trouble by Susan May Warren + Giveaway
My mom read this book after Garden Spells by the same author. She loved Garden Spells, but she said Sugar Queen didn’t really work for her.
heidenkind’s last blog post..Thursday Tea
I didn’t like this one as much as Garden Spells but it was still enjoyable. It’s great to read when you just want something light and airy.
Darlene’s last blog post..Book Review: Sea Changes by Gail Graham
I have enjoyed both of Sarah Addison Allen’s books. They are fun and light and fluffy, but written in such a way to make it an easy world to get lost in. They are sweet, but I think that they are a really good change of pace for me which is part of the reason that I enjoyed them so much.
Marg’s last blog post..Library Loot!
I thought this book was kinda cute too.
Diane’s last blog post..75 – Life Without Summer; Lynne Griffin
I need to get this one… loved Garden Spells!
Arleigh’s last blog post..author highlight: Amanda Grange
This book is definitely very sweet. Still, I enjoyed it!
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Sounds like a good beach read. Thanks for your candid review.
Wisteria’s last blog post..Sunday Salon–Book Raffles Ending Tomorrow!!
I really should get the books by her for when I want something light! I must see if the library has them!
Kailana’s last blog post..Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass – Book One by Erica Kirov
I really, really loved Garden Spells — it was one of my favorite reads of 2008! I made a note that this one was coming out in paperback recently and definitely plan on getting it. You’re right — you have to be in the mood for “sweet” stories. I totally think I am
Good review!
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So is Chloe Josey’s and Della Lee’s sister?