Being new to the novels of
Sarah Addison Allen, I was excited to receive a copy of her latest book, The
Girl Who Chased the Moon (the UK cover is adorable!) Sarah's previous works, The
Sugar Queen and Garden Spells, have gained plenty of recognition, so I was
curious to find out what else Ms Allen had to offer!
After her mother's death,
teenager Emily Benedict has arrived in the small, traditionally Southern town
of Mullaby, North Carolina; the place in which her mother grew up. Mother
Dulcie, a world-saving activist with selfless intentions, never spoke of her
past, of her life in Mullaby, or even of her father - the grandfather that
Emily never knew she had. So when Emily arrives in the small town, her 8ft tall
grandfather Vance isn't the only surprise - nor is his strange story about the
bedroom wallpaper changing design. Not long after turning up in Mullaby in the
hope of finding out more about her mother as a young girl, she discovers that
she's not welcome.
Comments about the girl's
arrival are already buzzing around Mullaby, with strangers shunning her and
local youngsters stating how she's not welcome. The only person willing to
speak to her is smart young Win Coffey, and even then, it's in secret...
Just what did her mother do
to make the whole town turn against her? Just what did she leave behind? Emily
is determined to find out.
Meanwhile, neighbour Julia
is focused on her cake-making. Seeing her return to Mullaby as only temporary
whilst she embarks on her two-year plan - to run her father's barbecue business
before selling it - she's still intent on creating her own baking business. And
seeing Emily arrive, she quickly bakes a welcome cake, seeing the opportunity
to become friends, After all, due to her mother's fiery past, she's going to
need one...
Emily's confused, but
determined. What is the big secret that everyone is hiding? What did Dulcie
Shelby do that made her everyone's enemy? And just what are the Mullaby Lights?
Are they really ghosts? And why DOES the wallpaper in her mother's old room change
its design?
There are so many mysteries
in Mullaby, and Emily Benedict is about to solve them, making a huge discovery.
And of course, finding out more about her mother along the way. Especially when
it comes to the overly-traditional Coffey family, who never come out at
night...
The Girl Who Chased the Moon
is an absolutely lovely story of love, mystery and new beginnings, combined
with just enough magic to make it perfect. The secretive town of Mullaby is a
wonderful setting for this heart-warming tale of identity and friendship.
Whilst Emily is learning about her family history, Julia is finding out some
home truths as well.
Once I started this book, I
just couldn't put it down until I'd finished it, impatiently wanting to know
how the mysteries were solved! It's a fantastic tale and has made me want to
get hold of Allen's previous novels. The Girl Who Chased the Moon is a
thoroughly pleasing, magical read!
Rating: 5/5
Like this? Try: The
Unfortunate Miss Fortunes