Garden Spells

Book Bag Rating: Read it!
I downloaded this book on a whim because it was cheap and because it was a B*arnes & N*oble recommended selection. I really didn't expect a whole lot but I was pleasantly delighted with it. It is the story of two sisters who are very different and yet very alike. They are born into a different sort of family where there are no coincidences and there is great power in things that grow in their garden. There is an apple tree whose fruit will show anyone who eats it the most important event in his life. This event may be good or bad. It is almost always better not to know. It is also about love and how you can find it in the most obvious and unexpected places. It is about good versus evil and happily here good wins! It is about reinventing yourself and learning to trust your instincts. I really liked this story. One of the story lines reminded me of Sleeping with the Enemy which I happened to like but that is only one part of the book. It is a short and easy read and perfect for the end of summer as the story takes place over a summer. Again even though I didn't plan it--I swear-- this story takes place in the south. Does anyone else see my wishful thinking?

The Day the Falls Stood Still

Book Bag Rating: Read it!
This is the story of Bess, the daughter of a fallen power company executive set in Niagara Falls on the Canadian side during World War I. It outlines the historical aspects of the struggle between the demand for power, greed and the desire by some to protect the falls. It is a classic forbidden love story. Bess now forced from the cocoon of privilege is forced to deal with her alcoholic father, overburdened mother and seriously depressed sister. She meets Tom a "river man." He is what her mother calls a fishmonger and not worthy of her daughter. Tom is however an honorable man, sensitive and smart. Despite being courted by the wealthy son of friends Bess through tragic circumstances chooses Tom. Two children and a war later life is hard and through it all Bess is strong and forges ahead. Some reviewers were upset at the sad ending for the book, but I didn't see this as a happy ending story. I really can't think of any other way the author could have ended it.

I liked this book and I learned a lot about the falls. It was a quick and easy read and worth the time.