The beloved characters from Garden Spells return to entrance us again with their unusual gifts that they themselves barely understand. Addison makes magical realism accessible to readers who love warm and cozy stories. The writing was a bit stilted this time and occasionally repetitive, but still a delight.

The other reviews here have said it all. I want to also recommend the audio version of the book. I listened to a Hatchett Audio recording, 2013, read by Morven Christie. Her beautiful voice brought Agnes and her story to life in a way that few audio book readers have done, in my experience. Her pronunciation of the difficult Icelandic names and words sounded perfect to my ear. Highly recommended.

Don't look here for a cozy story about a quaint Irish country town. Bessie Halstone is on the run from a terrifying IRA enforcer. With her son, Herkie, she becomes stranded in Tailorstown where she soon interacts with the inhabitants. Bessie's difficult life has left her hard-edged and un-likeable. I especially was put off by her harsh language with her child. The heavy Irish dialect was tiresome. The book was also much too long. I think it would have been much better told in about half the pages. Lorcan Strong was Bessie and the book's saving grace. The ending was thrilling and satisfying. I just wish it had come sooner.

Readers who enjoy protagonists who change over the course of a story and readers who enjoy an evocation of place will both enjoy this book. Christina Schwarz is a writer gifted with the ability to bring characters to life on the page. Female characters are particularly strong in The Edge of the Earth.

Trudy's transformation from a young, properly raised urbanite to a strong marine biologist is carefully and realistically traced. The gorgeous and foreboding northern California coast also comes to life. Schwarz's descriptions of the fog slowly rolling back from the coast mirror the way secrets are slowly revealed in the characters lives. Lighthouse lovers will enjoy the descriptions of the hard work of keeping the light on in the late nineteenth century, before electricity took over. I couldn't put this book down. I think book clubs would enjoy it.

Food is comfort. Food is love. Food is memory. All of these themes are explored in a story about family, about recipes and secrets passed down through generations, about accepting who you are. What might have been an overly-sweet story is rescued by the author who does not give in to easy resolutions. Although somewhat distracted by the references to the Normal Book, which I thought unnecessary, I found myself engrossed and caring very much about what was happening to the characters. A very good selection for a book club, especially if the hostess for the discussion has to supply the refreshments. The Midnight Cry Brownies would be a divinely perfect tie-in.