After Emily Benedict’s mother dies, she goes to live in Mullaby, North Carolina, the hometown that Dulcie Benedict left behind and never discussed, with the grandfather she never knew she had. Emily wants to learn more about her mother’s past, but in the process she finds a house where the wallpaper changes, where lights dash through the forest behind her house, and where some people have a “sweet sense” and can see cakes being baked. Emily’s neighbor, Julia, a former outcast, does her part to help Emily adjust to the knowledge of her mother’s past, but she has to face some demons of her own.
While I found Allen’s last offering, The Sugar Queen, to be a little too sweet, I thought this book found the perfect balance. I loved all the characters, even if they’d made mistakes in their past. Julia’s story in particular I found to be heart-wrenching, but she had me cheering for her throughout the entire book. She has a more mature story, knowing all the town’s secrets, while Emily has a lot to learn. There are two separate love stories in the book, but neither is really given much preference and both are wonderful.
I also really enjoyed the doses of magic spread throughout. They never seem out of place, but fit beautifully within the story and add to it, not at all taking away from the feelings or personalities of the characters. The Girl Who Chased the Moon never feels unrealistic or absurd. It is fairly light fiction but I loved it and I’m very much looking forward to further books from Sarah Addison Allen.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free from the Amazon Vine program.
I’m glad to hear this one is lovely. The Sugar Queen was adorable (I really liked all the comfort food – especially the sandwiches). I have Garden Spells around here somewhere, but everytime I pick it up I feel like the characters are a little too jaded for what I need from comfort reading. Will ahve to get to it eventually.
I’m not big on romances, but this book sounds very appealing to me for some reason. Great review!
Yay! I definitely want to read this one!!! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
.-= Julie P.´s last blog ..Review: Fireworks over Toccoa & Sweepstakes =-.
I’ve been waiting to see reviews on this. Now I really have to pick it up. If only there were more hours in the day!
Great review Meghan!
.-= Amy @ Passages to the Past´s last blog ..book trailer for Claude & Camille by Stephanie Cowell =-.
I had my eye on this one — so glad that it was good.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Taroko Gorge by Jacob Ritari =-.
I might get this one for my mom, if she doesn’t buy it for herself first.
This sounds lovely. I’ve yet to read any Sarah Addison Allen, and I’m thinking I should probably start here.
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Henrietta’s War by Joyce Dennys =-.
I have really enjoyed the last two books from this author,and I can’t wait for this book to make it onto the library catalogue! I am first on the request list, so hopefully I won’t have to wait too much longer.
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James =-.
I just reviewed this book today and 100% agree – while I liked The Sugar Queen, I loved this book! Great review.
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..The Girl Who Chased the Moon – Sarah Addison Allen =-.
I have read several great reviews of this book and am interested in getting a copy and seeing if I agree. I have not read anything by this author, but it sounds like this is the place to start! Awesome review. It looks like a fun read.
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..If You Follow Me by Malena Watrous – 384 pgs =-.
Glad you liked it! It’s on my library holds list, and I can’t wait to lay my hands on it.
.-= Andi´s last blog ..Limping Toward Maternity Leave =-.
I’m eagerly anticipating reading this book. I have read both of Allen’s previous works and I absolutely adored both of them. Her magical writing is so much fun to read. I love getting lost in the worlds she creates.