Continuing the magic she conjured in Garden Spells, New York Times best-selling author Allen opens ten years after the events in that book, when Claire Waverley met Tyler and adjusted to the reappearance of outrageous half-sister Sydney. Now Claire is married to Tyler and adjusting to the return of her father, who comes bearing unwanted news. With a one-day laydown and a reading group guide.

A special "aura" surrounds the Waverley women of Bascom, NC. Some say they have magical powers. Whatever the explanation, as long as she can remember, teenage Bay's keen intuition has never steered her wrong in decisions of the heart. Bay's Aunt Claire knows just the elements to add to a cake or pie to transform the emotions of all those who indulge in the delicacies she serves at her popular catering business. Then, at the first sweep of winter weather, changes occur. The Great Bandit appears in town, causing the women to question their histories, testing the strong family bonds they've forged. Is Claire really who she appears? Can a new romance thrive in spite of the ominous shadow the past casts on it? VERDICT Fans of Allen (The Peach Keeper; The Sugar Queen) will recognize familiar characters from her 2007 Garden Spells. This novel features charming characters, exploration of the family ties that bind and captivate us, and a touch of the supernatural, which will especially please longtime Allen readers. [See Prepub Alert, 7/14/14.]—Julia M. Reffner, Fairport, NY

Allen (Lost Lake) takes the reader on a journey to the small town of Bascom, N.C., where the Waverley women are known for their unusual gifts: Claire has recently given up her catering business to market her Waverley candies, a booming business using natural ingredients such as lavender and honey. Sydney is a local hairdresser with a magic touch, luring women from all over town to book appointments. Sydney's daughter, Bay, is a young teenager comfortable with her status as a social outcast—except as it affects her ability to befriend Josh Matteson, a popular boy at her high school. When a strange, elderly man comes to town and threatens to disrupt the peaceful Waverley existence, the family must pull together and rely on each woman's unique talents. Allen has written a beautiful, lyrical story, complete with genuine characters whose depth reflects Allen's skill as a writer. Allen's fans will be eagerly awaiting her next. (Jan.)