Simply Suzanne's AT HOME: First Frost

My kids (and family life) keep me busy, so I look forward to opportunities for 'down time.' That's often when I edit photos, write/blog, and peruse through my favorite magazines.

A few months ago I added a new 'down time' activity to my repertoire . . . reading! And I love it!

A beautiful gal, S, told me about the book Garden Spells. She said that the main character reminded her of me, and that I had to read it. So before the school year ended she gave me two books to read over Summer break . . . Garden Spells and The Candy Queen.

Since I don't read novels very often (if at all), I wasn't sure how I would embrace the book; but I fell in love with the author's writing style - and content - immediately.

If you know me, then you know that I'm passionate about my family and FOOD. So when I learned that Garden Spells had all the things that I love - nestled between two covers - I was excited to read it.

Garden Spells is beautifully written!

I've truly enjoyed following the stories/women of the Waverly family.

I particularly fell in love with the main character, Claire, who clings to her roots and tradition . . . and tends to the enchanted soil in the family garden from which she makes her sought-after delicacies. I enjoyed reading about her baking & cooking, and catering events, as her menus were impeccably described . . .

Business was doing well, because all the locals knew that dishes made from flowers

that grew around the apple tree in the Waverly garden could affect the eater in curious ways.

The biscuits with lilac jelly, the lavender tea cookies,

and the tea cakes made with nasturtium mayonnaise

the Ladies Aid ordered for their meeting once a month

gave them the ability to keep secrets.

The fried dandelion buds over marigold-petal rice, stuffed pumpkin blossoms,

and rose-hip soup ensured that your company

would notice only the beauty of your home and never the flaws.

Anise hyssop honey butter on toast, angelica candy,

and cupcakes with crystallized pansies made children thoughtful.

Honeysuckle wine served on the Fourth of July gave you the ability to see in the dark.

The nutty flavor of the dip made from hyacinth bulbs made you feel moody and think of the past,

and the salads made with chicory and mint

had you believing something good was about to happen, whether it was true or not.

I enjoyed Garden Spells so much that my husband surprised me (for my birthday) with First Frost, the sequel to Garden Spells. I was so excited!

When I opened the book and saw Claire's First Frost menu, I knew that I would love this novel too.

Fall is my favorite time of year . . . and what makes this this story extra special to me is that it's set in the Fall. So the text is filled with visions of pumpkins on porches, sidewalks lined with red leaves, cooler temperatures, and bare branches. LOVE!

For all of you who are also passionate about gardening, cooking, and baking . . . and would love to get lost in a fun, light-hearted, and magical story that encompasses all these things AND MORE . . . then I totally recommend these two books!

Do you have any favorite Summer reads?