Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Kate has been asleep for a year.  Not asleep like Rip Van Winkle, but she's detached herself from reality since the death of her husband.  Her mother-in-law, Cricket saw it as an opportunity to step in and take control of Kate, and her daughter, Devin and their lives. 

On the day Kate and Devin are scheduled to move into Cricket's home, she finds an old postcard from Lost Lake.  The memories of a summer spent there as a teenager come flooding back.  Aunt Eby and Uncle George own the resort in southern Georgia.  Cricket has carefully planned their move, but Kate disregards Cricket's instructions, packs Devin in the car and heads to Lost Lake. 

Aunt Eby welcomes them with open arms.  The once popular resort has few guests and is in a state of disrepair.  Eby drops the news that she has finally decided to sell and move on with her life.  Since Uncle George died, things haven't been the same.  A casual comment to have a farewell party for Lost Lake, sets the story in motion.

I have to say I am a huge fan of Sarah Addison Allen.  The Sugar Queen is on my list of all time most favorite books.  I love the magical fairy dust she sprinkles into every story.  Lost Lake unfortunately didn't get its fair share of enchantment.  Lost Lake had plenty of potential, with sweet Devin dressed in a tutu and fairy wings in search of the mysterious alligator, and Selma with her box of charms. None of the characters was able to weave enough fantasy to keep me engaged as a reader.  I'm still a fan of Ms. Allen, but not of Lost Lake.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

Emily comes to Mullaby after the death of her mother.  Her mother's legacy awaits her and let's just say no one is welcoming her with open arms.  She's put in the care of a grandfather she's never met.  He's a kind and gentle giant, towering over everything and everyone.  Vance Shelby is constantly looking in the clothes dryer and inquires often about the wallpaper in Emily's bedroom upstairs.  He hasn't seen it in years but he knows its pattern changes. Emily politely updates him and one day flowers become butterflies.  Her transformation is about to begin.

Julia is searching for herself in this odd and magical town.  She bakes cakes.  Wonderful and marvelous confections she hopes will mend her heart.  She harbors a deep secret.  Befriending young Emily elevates Julia's baking to a new level leading her back into the arms of Sawyer, her love with the sugar scent. He is the reason she bakes the cakes.

Unusual things happen in Mullaby under the spell of the full moon, sparkling lights, new loves, pasts left behind and secrets revealed.  I love the magical, mystical writing of Ms. Allen.  The characters are rich, the settings, divine.  The Girl Who Chased the Moon didn't disappoint.