Thursday, May 5, 2011

Review: The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

I highly recommend this lovely novel from one of my favorite authors!

Whenever I introduce Sarah Addison Allen's books to my friends, I describe her writing as "Light, entertaining, well-written, and always with a touch of magic."  The magic is Allen's signature, brought into her novels with such a light brushstroke, adding to the quality of the main story without pushing its way to center stage.  No witches, vampires or faeries!  Just a touch...and always in subtle and unexpected places. 

When The Peach Keeper came into my house, all other books took a backseat.  I couldn't wait to open it, was instantly surrounded with the scent of peaches, and I was sad to see it end.  Coming in at under 300 pages, Allen manages to fill her pages with a story across generations, highlighting the magic of love and friendship...and and a 75 year old secret. 

The Peach Keeper is a heartwarming story centered around two women - Willa and Paxton.  Willa was the rebel in high school, the jokester, the girl who couldn't wait to get out of her hometown and explore the world.  Her reality came crashing down when her father passed away and she decided to come back to Walls of Water, North Carolina.  Now she lives a quiet life running a sportswear store and cafe.  Paxton is a society girl still living in her parent's home, chairing fundraisers and galas, yet never allowing herself the freedom to make her own decisions. 

The two women come together to form an unlikely friendship, similar to that of their own grandmothers, while finding love and passion that had been missing from their lives.

I don't want to give too much away, but there is friendship, romance, mystery, and, of course, Sarah Addison Allen's signature touch of magic.  She did not disappoint her fans with The Peach Keeper!




If I may add a personal note to Sarah, who is currently battling breast cancer:  Your books are a gift, and the only thing I can think of to return such a gift is to offer you my thoughts and my prayers.  May your friends, your family and God give you love, support and strength.  I'm looking forward to your happy ending! 


Book Extras:
Sarah Addison Allen
Sarah Addison Allen on Twitter
Sarah Addison Allen on Facebook
Random House
TLC Book Tours - The Peach Keeper tour page
Read an Excerpt HERE
Recipes for Rachel's Coffee Snacks
Book Club Discussion Questions

About the Book:
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Bantam; First Edition edition (March 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780553807226
ISBN-13: 978-0553807226


About the Author:
Sarah Addison Allen is the best-selling author of Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, and The Girl Who Chased the Moon. She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina.






Book Trailer:





Many thanks to TLC Book Tours for inviting me to come on this tour with them!  Thank you also to Bantam (Random House) for providing me with an ARC and a book to give away to my readers.

21 comments:

alitareads said...

I've only read Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, but I loved it and immediately knew I wanted to read all her other stuff. So glad to hear this one didn't disappoint!

Teicia said...

Using this one for next book club -- thanks for the review! Great site!

Katia said...

Great book to add to my library.

bermudaonion said...

I love a subtle touch of magic and can't wait to read this book!

Debbie T said...

I finished reading this book this week and didn't want it to end. If it wasn't a library book with a 14 day lending period, I would have reread it. I absolutely adored this book. One of my favorites and I love them all.

You're review said everything I would have said but much prettier. (love your writting)

A.M. Swan said...

I live Sarah Addison Allen's books - Magic Realism is one my favorite genres. I can't wait to read this one.

kay - Infinite Shelf said...

Every review of Sarah Addison Allen's books I read make them seem magical and amazing reads. I have two on my TBR pile and have yet to read them (a shame, I know), and yet I want to add the PeachKeeper too.

Carol N Wong said...

This sounds like such a wonderful book with the smell of peaches and a touch of magic. I haven't had the chance to read any of her books yet but I really would love to.

Also send my thoughts and prayers for a great recovery for Sarah.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

DarcyO said...

Who doesn't love magic and mystery? The Peach Keeper is definitely on my TBR list.

Alison's Book Marks said...

To those of you who haven't read this book yet, you're in for a treat and I wish you luck in my contest!

To those of you who HAVE read this book, you liked my review, and this makes me very happy.

Debbie - you made me blush. :)

Christie - The Fiction Enthusiast said...

I’ve heard so many wonderful things about this author. This is one for my wish list no doubt. So sad to hear she is battling cancer. Many positive thoughts and prayers heading her way!

Vivien said...

I've been curious about this novel. It does sound like a nice treat with a little magic thrown in. Lovely.

Zibilee said...

I have one book by this author, but I haven't read it yet. This book sounds fantastic, and I loved reading your thoughts on it! Great review!

karenk said...

would love to read this novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

IandSsmom said...

My prayers are with her!! I'm so excited to read this book!!!
shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

Margaret said...

I've been looking forward to reading one of her books and this one sounds really good! Thanks!

Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com

Amy said...

This book sounds enticing and wonderful. Your enthusiadm for this book is awesome! I enjoy books about women's friendships and this one sounds like it has some terrific themes. I've read many terrific reviews of Sarah's books and I am looking forward to the experience of reading her work.

KJ said...

Sarah is one of my favorite authors! I just finished reading The Girl Who Chased the Moon... loved it! I can't wait to read this one, it sounds great. I'm glad to have found your blog :)

Margie said...

This book looks wonderful. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

LisaMM said...

I just love SAA. Great review, thanks so much for being on the tour!

Gwendolyn B. said...

You've written a lovely review - I think you must have a touch of magic in yourself! I've enjoyed Sarah's other novels very much and I'm sure I'll be enthralled by this one. I'm very sorry to hear she about her current struggle with cancer and wish her all the best.

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