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The Sugar Queen
In this irresistible novel, Sarah Addison Allen, author of the New York Times bestselling debut, Garden Spells, tells the tale of a young woman whose family secrets—and secret passions—are about to change her life forever.
Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.
Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.
Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds her closet harboring Della Lee Baker, a local waitress who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey’s narrow existence quickly expands. She even bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who is hounded by books that inexplicably appear when she needs them—and who has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush. Soon Josey is living in a world where the color red has startling powers, and passion can make eggs fry in their cartons. And that’s just for starters.
Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2008
About the author
Sarah Addison Allen
42 books17.7k followersNew York Times Bestselling novelist Sarah Addison Allen brings the full flavor of her southern upbringing to bear on her fiction -- a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance, and small-town sensibility.
Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allen grew up with a love of books and an appreciation of good food (she credits her journalist father for the former and her mother, a fabulous cook, for the latter). In college, she majored in literature -- because, as she puts it, "I thought it was amazing that I could get a diploma just for reading fiction. It was like being able to major in eating chocolate."
After graduation, Allen began writing seriously. Her big break occurred in 2007 with the publication of her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend it. Booklist called Allen's accomplished debut "spellbindingly charming." The novel became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection, and then a New York Times Bestseller.
Allen continues to serve heaping helpings of the fantastic and the familiar in fiction she describes as "Southern-fried magic realism." Clearly, it's a recipe readers are happy to eat up as fast as she can dish it out.
Her published books to date are: Garden Spells (2007), The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (August 30, 2022).
--From B&N.com
Born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allen grew up with a love of books and an appreciation of good food (she credits her journalist father for the former and her mother, a fabulous cook, for the latter). In college, she majored in literature -- because, as she puts it, "I thought it was amazing that I could get a diploma just for reading fiction. It was like being able to major in eating chocolate."
After graduation, Allen began writing seriously. Her big break occurred in 2007 with the publication of her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend it. Booklist called Allen's accomplished debut "spellbindingly charming." The novel became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection, and then a New York Times Bestseller.
Allen continues to serve heaping helpings of the fantastic and the familiar in fiction she describes as "Southern-fried magic realism." Clearly, it's a recipe readers are happy to eat up as fast as she can dish it out.
Her published books to date are: Garden Spells (2007), The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), The Peach Keeper (2011), Lost Lake (2014), First Frost (2015) and Other Birds (August 30, 2022).
--From B&N.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,248 reviews
May 7, 2013
The Sugar Queen is a book clearly written for a particular type of woman. And that woman is not me. I'm not immune to the charms of chick lit, but I do require it to be witty, have quirky characters, present a plausible and realistic relationship (notice I did not say a "romance") that is not the axis upon which the main character's world turns, and a strong female lead. After reading Garden Spells by the same author last year, I knew that Sarah Addison Allen did not meet this criteria. Alas, I had bought The Sugar Queen from the bargain bin before my disappointing experience with Garden Spells and felt compelled to at least give it a whirl. After dutifully trudging through it, I can report that I was every bit as underwhelmed as I expected to be.
Josey Cirrini has a secret--a deep, dark secret. One that could ruin her life. She's embarrassed and humiliated by what she hides from the world. Want to know what it is? Come closer and I'll tell you. It's--are you sure you can handle this? I'll understand if you're not ready for such a shocking revelation. Okay, well, you're still here, so it's . . . a closet full of candy and romance novels. Hey, don't blame me if you weren't ready for that kind of dark and twisty. You were forewarned! And now Della Lee Baker, the lovable town skank has claimed squatter's rights on Josey Cirrini's closet. You see, Della Lee is on the run from a man that she can't resist and, like one does in such a situation, she immediately runs to the nearest stranger's closet. Della Lee professes her desire to help the shy, awkward Josey find a way to free herself from her overprotective mother and take charge of her life. Secrets are revealed, new loves are forged, old loves are rekindled, and a kind of awkward magical realism is sprinkled throughout. I could go on, but if you're rolling your eyes by now, then I think you get the gist of what Allen is peddling here.
Allen's books have been described as "light" and "fluffy"; I would add "saccharine" and "predictable" to the list of adjectives. I did not like nor identify with this group of characters and, while there's nothing offensive enough to warrant a one star rating, the novel certainly isn't exceptional in any way. It's a romance, plain and simple, written for women in their 20's and 30's who have forgotten the thrill of a first love and want to vicariously reconnect with that, but preferably not in a way that involves a creepy emo vampire. And, if that's your bag, baby, then groovy--go ahead, pick up a copy, make yourself a nice cuppa tea, grab a blankie and have an estrogen fest. Right now, I'm going to try to restore balance in my reading life by seeing if there's anything on my bookshelf that might involve someone's jugular being ripped out.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
Josey Cirrini has a secret--a deep, dark secret. One that could ruin her life. She's embarrassed and humiliated by what she hides from the world. Want to know what it is? Come closer and I'll tell you. It's--are you sure you can handle this? I'll understand if you're not ready for such a shocking revelation. Okay, well, you're still here, so it's . . . a closet full of candy and romance novels. Hey, don't blame me if you weren't ready for that kind of dark and twisty. You were forewarned! And now Della Lee Baker, the lovable town skank has claimed squatter's rights on Josey Cirrini's closet. You see, Della Lee is on the run from a man that she can't resist and, like one does in such a situation, she immediately runs to the nearest stranger's closet. Della Lee professes her desire to help the shy, awkward Josey find a way to free herself from her overprotective mother and take charge of her life. Secrets are revealed, new loves are forged, old loves are rekindled, and a kind of awkward magical realism is sprinkled throughout. I could go on, but if you're rolling your eyes by now, then I think you get the gist of what Allen is peddling here.
Allen's books have been described as "light" and "fluffy"; I would add "saccharine" and "predictable" to the list of adjectives. I did not like nor identify with this group of characters and, while there's nothing offensive enough to warrant a one star rating, the novel certainly isn't exceptional in any way. It's a romance, plain and simple, written for women in their 20's and 30's who have forgotten the thrill of a first love and want to vicariously reconnect with that, but preferably not in a way that involves a creepy emo vampire. And, if that's your bag, baby, then groovy--go ahead, pick up a copy, make yourself a nice cuppa tea, grab a blankie and have an estrogen fest. Right now, I'm going to try to restore balance in my reading life by seeing if there's anything on my bookshelf that might involve someone's jugular being ripped out.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
September 28, 2023
Okay, I am obsessed.
When I like an author, I am intrigued and want more. Don’t you?
So here I am again…The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.
The Sugar Queen is a slightly surreal but very enjoyable novel about a young woman maturing and finding love.
It is also a candy jar of magical characters and mystical adventures set in an ordinary North Carolina town.
Without giving away the key plot, let me just share this…
As in Ms. Allen’s previous novels read, there’s an element of the supernatural (magical events) and it works.
When I like an author, I am intrigued and want more. Don’t you?
So here I am again…The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.
The Sugar Queen is a slightly surreal but very enjoyable novel about a young woman maturing and finding love.
It is also a candy jar of magical characters and mystical adventures set in an ordinary North Carolina town.
Without giving away the key plot, let me just share this…
As in Ms. Allen’s previous novels read, there’s an element of the supernatural (magical events) and it works.
September 15, 2010
My lovely book-gifting mother gave me a nice, healthy stack of books for Christmas and among them was THE SUGAR QUEEN. I read and loved Sarah Addison Allen's first novel, Garden Spells, last year on the recommendation of my good friend Michelle. Incidentally, I actually gave my mom Garden Spells for Christmas so there was some fun karmic reciprocity goin' on there. Garden Spells was the perfect autumn read and I finished it itching to get my hands on Allen's second book, which, as it turns out, is the perfect winter read. I love it when my book and the season serendipitously mesh. Set in a small ski resort town in North Carolina with magical snowflakes falling and the smell of peppermint in the air, I had no interest in resisting its spell. I just sat back and let THE SUGAR QUEEN carry me away for a couple of wintry nights.
Josey Cirrini loves candy. And I mean Josey LOVES candy. Sweets, snacks, baked goods of any kind. She keeps them in a stash in her closet and retreats there whenever she's feeling particularly anxious or down. Which is pretty much every day, several times a day. You see Josey lives alone with her aging, patrician mother in their aging, empty mansion. And every day her mother reminds her how plain she is, how she should never wear anything but black or white but for-the-love-of-all-that-is-holy no RED, and how she was such a trying child and should spend the rest of her life making it up to her poor, beautiful, widowed mother. Gah. The only bright spot in her day is the moment when their mailman Adam walks up to her door to deliver the mail. Then there's Chloe. Lovely, orphaned, loves to read, lost in love Chloe. She runs a small fast food stand in the local city courthouse lobby, lives with her lawyer boyfriend Jake, and dreams of owning her own home one day after having had to sell the only home she'd ever known when her grandparents passed away. Neither of these girls sees her life changing anytime soon. But on one fateful day a local tramp shows up in Josey's closet and Chloe discovers her boyfriend cheated on her but won't tell her with whom. And, just like that, everything changes.
Like its predecessor, THE SUGAR QUEEN is one part magical realism, one part fairy tale, and one part contemporary fiction. And like before, I fell immediately under its spell. I don't know if I was just in the mood for something pretty and sweet and romantic in the dead of winter, or if there's something about Allen's kind, honest characters that speaks to me, but I absolutely loved this book. Possibly even more than Garden Spells, I think, because I liked Josey so much. With her unselfconscious awesomeness, her straightforward goodness, she was vulnerable but never beaten. The slow, pleasantly-deceit-free way she and Adam negotiated their relationship was delightful to me. And Josey and Chloe's friendship, in particular, was extremely well done. I love how helping and being needed by Chloe makes Josey brave. How Chloe recognized Josey for what she was and took her in even when she was the one who was slowly but surely drowning. In a Sarah Addison Allen book, you can always count on a little organic magic and my favorite instance of this in THE SUGAR QUEEN was undoubtedly the way books literally popped up around Chloe whenever she needed them. For example:
You can imagine the smile of contentment on my face after I read that passage. It was clear this book and I would get on well. And we did. I absolutely loved it. And you can bet I will be picking up Ms. Allen's upcoming third novel, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, the day it comes out.
Josey Cirrini loves candy. And I mean Josey LOVES candy. Sweets, snacks, baked goods of any kind. She keeps them in a stash in her closet and retreats there whenever she's feeling particularly anxious or down. Which is pretty much every day, several times a day. You see Josey lives alone with her aging, patrician mother in their aging, empty mansion. And every day her mother reminds her how plain she is, how she should never wear anything but black or white but for-the-love-of-all-that-is-holy no RED, and how she was such a trying child and should spend the rest of her life making it up to her poor, beautiful, widowed mother. Gah. The only bright spot in her day is the moment when their mailman Adam walks up to her door to deliver the mail. Then there's Chloe. Lovely, orphaned, loves to read, lost in love Chloe. She runs a small fast food stand in the local city courthouse lobby, lives with her lawyer boyfriend Jake, and dreams of owning her own home one day after having had to sell the only home she'd ever known when her grandparents passed away. Neither of these girls sees her life changing anytime soon. But on one fateful day a local tramp shows up in Josey's closet and Chloe discovers her boyfriend cheated on her but won't tell her with whom. And, just like that, everything changes.
Like its predecessor, THE SUGAR QUEEN is one part magical realism, one part fairy tale, and one part contemporary fiction. And like before, I fell immediately under its spell. I don't know if I was just in the mood for something pretty and sweet and romantic in the dead of winter, or if there's something about Allen's kind, honest characters that speaks to me, but I absolutely loved this book. Possibly even more than Garden Spells, I think, because I liked Josey so much. With her unselfconscious awesomeness, her straightforward goodness, she was vulnerable but never beaten. The slow, pleasantly-deceit-free way she and Adam negotiated their relationship was delightful to me. And Josey and Chloe's friendship, in particular, was extremely well done. I love how helping and being needed by Chloe makes Josey brave. How Chloe recognized Josey for what she was and took her in even when she was the one who was slowly but surely drowning. In a Sarah Addison Allen book, you can always count on a little organic magic and my favorite instance of this in THE SUGAR QUEEN was undoubtedly the way books literally popped up around Chloe whenever she needed them. For example:
She could remember very clearly the first time it happened to her. Being an only child raised by her great-grandparents on a farm miles from town, she was bored a lot. When she ran out of books to read, it only got worse. She was walking by the creek along the wood line at the end of the property one day when she was twelve, feeling mopey and frustrated, when she saw a book propped up against a willow tree.
She walked over and picked it up. It was so new the spine creaked and popped when she opened it. It was a book on card tricks, full of fun things she could do with the deck of cards her great-grandmother kept in a drawer in the kitchen for her weekly canasta game.
She called out, asking if anyone was there. No one answered. She didn't see any harm in looking through the book, so she sat under the tree by the creek and read as much as she could before it got dark. She wanted to take it with her when her great-grandmother called her home, but she knew she couldn't. The owner of the book would surely want it back. So she reluctantly left it by the tree and ran home, trying to commit to memory everything she'd read.
After dinner, Chloe took the deck of cards out of the kitchen drawer and went to her bedroom to try some of the tricks. She tried for awhile, but she couldn't get them right without following the pictures in the book. She sighed and gathered the cards she'd spread out on the floor. She stood, and that's when she saw the book, the same book she'd left by the creek, on her nightstand.
For awhile after that, she thought her great-grandparents were surprising her with books. She'd find them on her bed, in her closet, in her favorite hideouts around the property. And they were always books she needed. Books on games or novels of adventure when she was bored. Books about growing up as she got older. But when her great-grandparents confronted her about all the books she had and where did she get the money to buy them, she realized they weren't the ones doing it.
The next day, under her pillow, she found a book on clever storage solutions. It was exactly what she needed, something to show her how to hide her books.
She accepted it from then on. Books liked her. Books wanted to look after her.
You can imagine the smile of contentment on my face after I read that passage. It was clear this book and I would get on well. And we did. I absolutely loved it. And you can bet I will be picking up Ms. Allen's upcoming third novel, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, the day it comes out.
May 25, 2016
3.75 stars
I loved Garden Spells , so I decided to give another of Sarah Addison Allen’s books a go. There’s the same lush storytelling with hints of magic that are just subtle enough to be believable. The Sugar Queen touches on many fairy tale elements while staying grounded in reality. (Please note: this is not a fairy tale retelling, it just has some faint yet recognizable allusions.)
I loved Garden Spells , so I decided to give another of Sarah Addison Allen’s books a go. There’s the same lush storytelling with hints of magic that are just subtle enough to be believable. The Sugar Queen touches on many fairy tale elements while staying grounded in reality. (Please note: this is not a fairy tale retelling, it just has some faint yet recognizable allusions.)
April 12, 2008
While this is a good read, its storyline is too pat, its conclusion to easy, and its writing too forgettable to earn more than three stars. Would I read it again? Probably not. Would I want to reread parts of it years from now? Possibly. Would I read a sequel? Quite probably. You can draw your own conclusions from that :-)
Our heroine struggles with self-perception and a lack of self-esteem. Josey is supposed to be a Southern belle...living in a ski resort town in the mountains of North Carolina. She suffers from a domineering mother who for personal reasons really doesn't like her, an unbelievable amount of guilt for tantrums thrown before she became a saint at the ripe old age of nine, a town of busybodies who all remember the tantrums (perhaps I should have reserved "unbelievable" for this portion of the plot), and isolation resulting from all of the above.
The point of The Sugar Queen is how Josey resolves all of these issues with the help of her polar opposite who shows up unexpectedly in her closet at the beginning of chapter 1. At the same time, various other people affiliated in some way with Josey or her family are going through their own, somehow completely related, problems. The book also contains a smattering of magic, which seems to have been included for no other reason than to help the reader suspend disbelief throughout a string of improbable events. Once you've suspended disbelief, it is possible to enjoy the book in all of it's feel-good splendor :-)
At it's heart, that's all this book is, a feel-good novel. A sad woman (and we know she's sad because at least four different people show up to say so and then disappear from the plot) finds happiness and love, a true love is saved, family problems are resolved, and death is established as an okay place.
If you have some extra time, like feel-good novels (and I personally do), and desire to learn a little about self-perception and a lot about why to not live your entire life in the same small town, you should give this book a chance :-)
Our heroine struggles with self-perception and a lack of self-esteem. Josey is supposed to be a Southern belle...living in a ski resort town in the mountains of North Carolina. She suffers from a domineering mother who for personal reasons really doesn't like her, an unbelievable amount of guilt for tantrums thrown before she became a saint at the ripe old age of nine, a town of busybodies who all remember the tantrums (perhaps I should have reserved "unbelievable" for this portion of the plot), and isolation resulting from all of the above.
The point of The Sugar Queen is how Josey resolves all of these issues with the help of her polar opposite who shows up unexpectedly in her closet at the beginning of chapter 1. At the same time, various other people affiliated in some way with Josey or her family are going through their own, somehow completely related, problems. The book also contains a smattering of magic, which seems to have been included for no other reason than to help the reader suspend disbelief throughout a string of improbable events. Once you've suspended disbelief, it is possible to enjoy the book in all of it's feel-good splendor :-)
At it's heart, that's all this book is, a feel-good novel. A sad woman (and we know she's sad because at least four different people show up to say so and then disappear from the plot) finds happiness and love, a true love is saved, family problems are resolved, and death is established as an okay place.
If you have some extra time, like feel-good novels (and I personally do), and desire to learn a little about self-perception and a lot about why to not live your entire life in the same small town, you should give this book a chance :-)
November 22, 2018
3.5 I thought this book was a cute, easy read especially for the winter holidays. Her writing reminds me of Hoffman. A story filled with magic and romance and sadness. I like that her characters are in a tough spot but they persevere to come out better people. This book ended with a surprise ending, kinda creepy for the superstitious in us all...
November 18, 2009
Wow! Another magical novel by Sarah Addison Allen. Beautifully written. Much like her debut novel Garden Spells, this book contains a blend of interesting food and magic realism.
Josey Cirrini is a chubby, shy recluse who lives with her overbearing mother. She consoles herself with junk food and romance novels that she keeps hidden in her closet. One day her boring life is turned upside down when she discovers local bad girl, Della Lee, hiding in her closet. Desperate to be rid of Della Lee, Josey makes certain promises that lead her on a journey to self-discovery. An unexpected romance with the mailman, a new friendship and answers to questions about her past follow.
I cannot say enough how much I enjoy this author's unique writing style! Each chapter is cleverly named after Josey's favorite sweets and reflects on the various plot themes. Just check out this quote ...
"Books can be possessive, can't they? You're walking around in a bookstore and a certain one will jump out at you, like it had moved there on its own, just to get your attention. Sometimes what's inside will change your life, but sometimes you don't even have to read it. Sometimes it's a comfort just to have a book around. Many of these books haven't even had their spines cracked. 'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course."
Now who here on Goodreads can't identify with that?
Highly recommended!
Josey Cirrini is a chubby, shy recluse who lives with her overbearing mother. She consoles herself with junk food and romance novels that she keeps hidden in her closet. One day her boring life is turned upside down when she discovers local bad girl, Della Lee, hiding in her closet. Desperate to be rid of Della Lee, Josey makes certain promises that lead her on a journey to self-discovery. An unexpected romance with the mailman, a new friendship and answers to questions about her past follow.
I cannot say enough how much I enjoy this author's unique writing style! Each chapter is cleverly named after Josey's favorite sweets and reflects on the various plot themes. Just check out this quote ...
"Books can be possessive, can't they? You're walking around in a bookstore and a certain one will jump out at you, like it had moved there on its own, just to get your attention. Sometimes what's inside will change your life, but sometimes you don't even have to read it. Sometimes it's a comfort just to have a book around. Many of these books haven't even had their spines cracked. 'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course."
Now who here on Goodreads can't identify with that?
Highly recommended!
December 12, 2015
Η ρομαντική πένα της Σαρα Αντισον Αλλεν έκανε κ πάλι τα μαγικά της. Αυτή την φορά δημιούργησε μια ιστορία πιο ώριμη από αυτή του Μαγικού κήπου. Ένα κόσμο πιο ωμό και σκληρό, μητέρες εκδικητικές, άντρες που κερατώνουν, θλίψη, μελαγχολία, πορνεία και hangover μετά από μεθύσι. Που όμως περιπλέκονται πολύ αρμόνικα με την γλυκιά αδυναμία της Αλλεν, την αφελή ελπίδα ενός μικρού παιδιού πως εκεί στα καθημερινά και απλά πράγματα κρύβεται μαγεία, το θαύμα. Αλαφροΐσκιωτες υπηρέτριες, κυνηγούν φαντάσματα στο σκοτάδι σε μία διακοπή ρεύματος, αρώματα μέντας που διώχνουν τους ανεπιθύμητους, μια κόκκινη ζακέτα για γούρι και βιβλία που εμφανίζονται από το πουθενά κ συνεχίζουν να εμφανίζονται πεισματικά μέχρι να τα πάρεις στα χέρια σου. Όλα μπλεγμένα μαζί, μαγεία και κυνικότητα. Και γιατί να μην τα μπλέξουμε άλλωστε; Όταν όλα φαντάζουν απελπιστικά σκληρά και ασπρόμαυρα, φόρα μια κόκκινη ζακέτα, είναι μαγική, αν όχι, τουλάχιστον θα διώξει την μουντίλα και θα σου φτιάξει το κέφι!!!
November 26, 2015
Have you ever finished a whole plate of chocolate cake while binge watching Revenge to fill the emptiness of your nights?
If you have, then this book is for you.
Have you ever broken down because you didn't know how to function alone anymore?
If you have, then this book is for you.
Have you ever squatted in a stranger's closet?
If you have, then this book is for you.
This is not my usual fare, but I was in the mood for something light, fluffy and sweet, like Meringue. I didn't get the Meringue, but I got The Sugar Queen and it just hit my sweet spot. The Sugar Queen is about three women from a resort town going through a quarter-life crisis (quarter life crisis is real). They unexpectedly find each other and themselves in the process.
I liked the characters in this book, they feel authentic, especially, Josey. She's a shy, twenty-seven year old woman who lives as her mother's PA. She dreams of travelling, but her perceived obligations to her mother hold her back, so she gorges on clandestine sweets and pastries for comfort, until she finds Della Lee. Della Lee and Chloe were colorfully written as well, but Josey is the star.
Overall, The Sugar Queen is a pleasant read, a good, relaxing option while in between reading more intricate novels. This is my first book from the author, and it certainly won't be the last.
January 29, 2016
You know how when you are not feeling well you are told to each chicken soup? Well, this is my chicken soup. I love reading books by Sarah Addison Allen, they are comforting, and in an odd way, familiar. Yes, its not as good as Garden Spells, but this one is different. Allen's books have magical realism, southern traditions, quirky characters....what's not to love. This book tells the story of lonely, isolated Josey and the other people who come into her life from town, and how she changes over time. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more books by Allen.
January 5, 2025
Charming magical realism. Really enjoyed Josie's coming of age a bit later in life - 27.
May 25, 2019
The Sugar Queen
By way of confession: I have been Vanquished by a romance book . . . .BUT it was a magical one, with an interesting story line. That counts, right? The book sought me out, not the other way around. This was in a pile of books by my mother’s bed, that after her passing I threw in a box for stronger times. It’s been four years and I’m just now getting the resolve to sort that container out.
More than anything, I loved the books that communicated with, and put themselves in the way of , a supporting character in the story, Chloe. The books send her messages, encouragements and warnings by placing themselves where she is when she needs the message of their book title. I loved this – so often things, books and other items send me feedback and messages on actions I’m taking in my daily life and through which I assign/find meaning. I looked to see if there were any other of this author’s books that might have carried on this whimsical course for Chloe, but not yet.
Not yet. Hint, hint, Ms. Sarah Addison Allen. More about Chloe and the books, please.
By way of confession: I have been Vanquished by a romance book . . . .BUT it was a magical one, with an interesting story line. That counts, right? The book sought me out, not the other way around. This was in a pile of books by my mother’s bed, that after her passing I threw in a box for stronger times. It’s been four years and I’m just now getting the resolve to sort that container out.
More than anything, I loved the books that communicated with, and put themselves in the way of , a supporting character in the story, Chloe. The books send her messages, encouragements and warnings by placing themselves where she is when she needs the message of their book title. I loved this – so often things, books and other items send me feedback and messages on actions I’m taking in my daily life and through which I assign/find meaning. I looked to see if there were any other of this author’s books that might have carried on this whimsical course for Chloe, but not yet.
Not yet. Hint, hint, Ms. Sarah Addison Allen. More about Chloe and the books, please.
September 30, 2017
This is my third book of this author. It's chick-lit, with a mystery thrown in. Many love interests: some romantic and others scandalous; a little bit of magic; and a few secrets to dolly things up. Southern snobishness with old family histories and a good plot. A chicken-for-the-soul read for those who need something light and entertaining. And I enjoyed the late and great Marco Cirrini, the old goat! He made sure he owned more than just the town ... At least he brought some color into the tale. Yes, he knew how to paint the town of Bald Slopes RED! When money talk, secrets walk.
I needed this palate cleanser. Oh, and I really appreciate this author's original titles. Always good.
I needed this palate cleanser. Oh, and I really appreciate this author's original titles. Always good.
June 16, 2017
This book was so sugary sweet that I felt like I was reading the Hallmark channel. Yes, I am not that into you! So, in the future, I need to remind myself to stay far away from the pitter patter of love books. Perhaps I am super spoiled by the love story of Ross and Demelza Pollack that I am currently reading, that I find The Sugar Queen to be so implausible that it is laughable.
Sorry Ms Allen, but your books are just not my cup of tea.....without sugar or honey I might add!
Sorry Ms Allen, but your books are just not my cup of tea.....without sugar or honey I might add!
May 28, 2022
A decent read. Can't say I felt that the characters jumped off the page at me and grabbed my heart like Garden Spell or First frost, but, as usual, the writing is very good.
April 25, 2011
I love this story! It's a very strong character-driven tale with all of the ingredients I personally enjoy in a book, a little magic, a little fantasy, romance, conflict, and dream fulfillment. The author chose a very simplistic style of writing and spent very little page space describing the weather, the people's description, and atmosphere which doesn't bother me one bit, since she mastered the storytelling element. She DID describe the main characters enough for you to get a good picture of each one, but she was not redundant about it and I REALLY appreciate that.
I'd rather read a book written simply that engages me, than read a beautifully written poem with poor story and character development.
The main character, Josey, made herself a warm spot in my heart the same way Della Lee got all cozy inside Josey's closet. But Josey, of course didn't enter my heart in a commanding way. I didn't feel sorry for her because she felt like she was doing something good; and people shouldn't feel bad about doing good things. I just wanted more for her and this desire pulled me into the story. I cared about her and that's important for me as a reader, to care about the main character in some way. The events that unfolded were so natural and made so much sense while still possessing a unique quality. One example of this is the unexpected connection between all of the characters.
I am so happy I found this one at the library in hard cover. I think Sarah Addison Allen might be my new favorite author. I'll be picking up Garden Spells next. This excites me greatly as I have a high affinity for sweets (which drew me to The Sugar Queen) and I'm obsessed with gardening, which is drawing me to Garden Spells. I hope it's just as enchanting as TSQ.
I'd rather read a book written simply that engages me, than read a beautifully written poem with poor story and character development.
The main character, Josey, made herself a warm spot in my heart the same way Della Lee got all cozy inside Josey's closet. But Josey, of course didn't enter my heart in a commanding way. I didn't feel sorry for her because she felt like she was doing something good; and people shouldn't feel bad about doing good things. I just wanted more for her and this desire pulled me into the story. I cared about her and that's important for me as a reader, to care about the main character in some way. The events that unfolded were so natural and made so much sense while still possessing a unique quality. One example of this is the unexpected connection between all of the characters.
I am so happy I found this one at the library in hard cover. I think Sarah Addison Allen might be my new favorite author. I'll be picking up Garden Spells next. This excites me greatly as I have a high affinity for sweets (which drew me to The Sugar Queen) and I'm obsessed with gardening, which is drawing me to Garden Spells. I hope it's just as enchanting as TSQ.
January 23, 2019
The Sugar Queen is a standalone novel written by author Sarah Addison Allen. The Sugar Queen is a mix of chick lit, fantasy, and contemporary romance, with some more serious elements related to family dynamics and self-esteem. It didn't "wow" me, but overall I liked it and it held my interest well. I thought it was funny how a lot of the main character, Josey's experiences were described like some kind of sugary sweet. “Like magic, she felt him getting nearer, felt it like a pull in the pit of her stomach. It felt like hunger but deeper, heavier. Like the best kind of expectation. Ice cream expectation. Chocolate expectation.” I have to admit the character development was excellent. If you're a fan of chick lit with a magical element then you should check it out!
My favorite quote:
“Books can be possessive, can't they? You're walking around in a bookstore and a certain one will jump out at you, like it had moved there on its own, just to get your attention. Sometimes what's inside will change your life, but sometimes you don't even have to read it. Sometimes it's a comfort just to have a book around. Many of these books haven't even had their spines cracked. 'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course.”
My favorite quote:
“Books can be possessive, can't they? You're walking around in a bookstore and a certain one will jump out at you, like it had moved there on its own, just to get your attention. Sometimes what's inside will change your life, but sometimes you don't even have to read it. Sometimes it's a comfort just to have a book around. Many of these books haven't even had their spines cracked. 'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course.”
September 22, 2017
*3.5 stars
A very cute romance, steeped in magical realism and seasoned with Southern charm. This was picked as the first reading selection for a new book club at my local library--probably as counterpoint to the heavier reads of the 'other' book club.
Josey Cirrini, 27 and still living at home under her wealthy mother's thumb, takes solace in her hidden closet of indulgent sweet treats. But one day she discovers something else in that closet...something that may help her 'get a life.' Some fun supporting characters help flesh out this quickly-read story.
A very cute romance, steeped in magical realism and seasoned with Southern charm. This was picked as the first reading selection for a new book club at my local library--probably as counterpoint to the heavier reads of the 'other' book club.
Josey Cirrini, 27 and still living at home under her wealthy mother's thumb, takes solace in her hidden closet of indulgent sweet treats. But one day she discovers something else in that closet...something that may help her 'get a life.' Some fun supporting characters help flesh out this quickly-read story.
May 21, 2023
I found this book to be very sweet. Secrets and family expectations held Josie in a tight grip and made her miserable. The secrets affected many different people in different ways. I loved the supernatural bits and the twist towards the end. The growth and the friendships as people found each other and supported one another was uplifting. Ultimately a lovely ending that makes my heart happy.
November 2, 2008
This treacly romance was lauded by reviewers, but I found it as difficult to swallow as a spoonful of raw sugar. Two young sheltered women in their twenties struggle with their pasts and their current romantic relationships in a small North Carolina resort town. Nothing unusual there, except the author adds elements of magical realism that are not quite successful. For example, there is a strange woman living in the closet of one of the women who may or may not be real. When her presence is hurriedly explained at book's end, it feels abrupt and odd. The author's clumsy foreshadowing doesn't adequately prepare the reader for the supernatural revelation that doesn't really match the rest of the novel's traditional tone. The dialogue is nothing special, the arch of the parallel romances predictable. If romance is your genre, take a look, but this book doesn't rise above type enough to make it universally appealing.
October 18, 2010
I think this author is best read when you’re lying low, feeling tired, sick or just plain soul-weary. This is the second novel of hers I’ve read and just like Garden Spells it was a classically perfect definition of an escape. And even though it is Sunday night, a notoriously depressing night of the week for me on account of tomorrow being Monday when I find I must return to a soul-stealing corporate job, I’m relaxed and riding high on the fuzzy afterglow of having just had my saccharine sweet girl tank filled to the brim by this enchanting book.
I usually have to be in a special place in my life to receive sweet stories well and even then, my pessimistic side usually takes over and thwarts any enjoyment that might have been there. But for whatever reason, Sarah Addison Allen is batting 2 for 2 with me at this point. And I suspect the elements of magical realism have something to do with this. It keeps the pessimist at bay by starkly reminding her that this is just a story and there’s nothing wrong with calmly sitting back and enjoying a gentle tale.
This book also spoke to me on a personal level, one that I can’t and won’t delve into too deeply on account of spoilers. But witnessing the budding relationship and friendship between Josey, the main character, and Della Lee and between Josey and Chloe, two local women whispered at something that I’ve always felt was missing from my life. And reading a happy story where a bond can form between women who would otherwise be at odds with each other was like balm for my soul. Unrealistic as all get out but hey, sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles and sometimes, just what this cookie needs.
I usually have to be in a special place in my life to receive sweet stories well and even then, my pessimistic side usually takes over and thwarts any enjoyment that might have been there. But for whatever reason, Sarah Addison Allen is batting 2 for 2 with me at this point. And I suspect the elements of magical realism have something to do with this. It keeps the pessimist at bay by starkly reminding her that this is just a story and there’s nothing wrong with calmly sitting back and enjoying a gentle tale.
This book also spoke to me on a personal level, one that I can’t and won’t delve into too deeply on account of spoilers. But witnessing the budding relationship and friendship between Josey, the main character, and Della Lee and between Josey and Chloe, two local women whispered at something that I’ve always felt was missing from my life. And reading a happy story where a bond can form between women who would otherwise be at odds with each other was like balm for my soul. Unrealistic as all get out but hey, sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles and sometimes, just what this cookie needs.
October 12, 2013
I will get a red cardigan - and think of Josey's.
I enjoyed this even more than Garden Spells! I liked the chapter titles! And the way books inexplicably appear when Chloe needs them (or when the book thinks Chloe needs it). The relationship between Josey, Della Lee & Chloe develops. And the big laugh I got from the Cirrini's new maid near the end!
I recommend it!
I am so excited I must get her latest book!!!
I enjoyed this even more than Garden Spells! I liked the chapter titles! And the way books inexplicably appear when Chloe needs them (or when the book thinks Chloe needs it). The relationship between Josey, Della Lee & Chloe develops. And the big laugh I got from the Cirrini's new maid near the end!
I recommend it!
I am so excited I must get her latest book!!!
September 14, 2023
Probably should have saved this for Christmas, but still such a lovely and heartwarming read! 3.5 stars ❄️
February 20, 2012
Books come to Chloe when she needs them to tell her things; Della shows up in Josey's closet (which holds the stash of sweets, romances, and travel inforama that Josey hides from her domineering mother) to tell Josey to get a life, and Josey? Josey nurses a secret love for the mailman. It's Della who brings the three of them together as Chloe's long romance is collapsing and Della's trying to decide what to do about the boyfriend who hit her.
Allen's books about nice Southern girls, magic, food, and romance are utterly dear and beguiling. I don't think this is even the best compared to GARDEN SPELLS OR THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON, but it still crept up on me. Maybe you can see the ending coming, but who cares?
Allen's books about nice Southern girls, magic, food, and romance are utterly dear and beguiling. I don't think this is even the best compared to GARDEN SPELLS OR THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON, but it still crept up on me. Maybe you can see the ending coming, but who cares?
January 20, 2024
Sarah Addison Allen's magical realism(ish) novels just work for me on a deep level. I'm trying to space them out for when I need them. This is the 3rd I've read, I think. I could make a few critiques, but these books reach me on such a...like....soul level, that I don't event want to.
Also, this isn't even really a book about books, and yet, it had a quote that knocked me over the head:
'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course.
Also, this isn't even really a book about books, and yet, it had a quote that knocked me over the head:
'Why do you buy books you don't even read?' our daughter asks us. That's like asking someone who lives alone why they bought a cat. For company, of course.
October 4, 2018
Loved loved loved! Sweet magic, body and food positive. Adorable and heartwarming.
March 3, 2019
Sugar sweet romance blossoms
✨ Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019✨
✨✨A book with "pop", "sugar" og "challenge" in the title✨✨
I didn't have the highest expectations for this book. When I started it I actually said to my mother "I don't think this is for me". I was actually pleasantly surprised. It is a cute fluff book perfect for weekends spend on the sofa or the beach. Sure, it was quite predictable all the way through, which is the main reason why I couldn't give it more than 3 stars. But it had some bright moments of sweetness and romance. There were some sweet characters with relatable problems. So, all in all, it was sweet and nice - better than I expected - but without any wow-moments.
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✨ Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019✨
✨✨A book with "pop", "sugar" og "challenge" in the title✨✨
I didn't have the highest expectations for this book. When I started it I actually said to my mother "I don't think this is for me". I was actually pleasantly surprised. It is a cute fluff book perfect for weekends spend on the sofa or the beach. Sure, it was quite predictable all the way through, which is the main reason why I couldn't give it more than 3 stars. But it had some bright moments of sweetness and romance. There were some sweet characters with relatable problems. So, all in all, it was sweet and nice - better than I expected - but without any wow-moments.
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
I have a mission - to create a world of book lovers. Will you help me?
October 25, 2020
This is my third book read written by Sarah Addison Allen, and she always brighten my spirits.
Josey is a small town rich girl, who is subservient to her mother and disliked by the towns people for her actions in childhood. She longs for friends and fun. One day she finds a woman in her closet, who refuses to leave. I loved Della! Della is there to help Josey get on with her life, but Josey has no clue why or how Della got into her closet.
There's heartache, there is joy and a lot of smiles in this book. When I need another pick me up, no doubt I will reach for another book by this author.
Josey is a small town rich girl, who is subservient to her mother and disliked by the towns people for her actions in childhood. She longs for friends and fun. One day she finds a woman in her closet, who refuses to leave. I loved Della! Della is there to help Josey get on with her life, but Josey has no clue why or how Della got into her closet.
There's heartache, there is joy and a lot of smiles in this book. When I need another pick me up, no doubt I will reach for another book by this author.
December 27, 2016
Christmas 2016 Reading Fail #2
What's that you say? A book about books that magically appear? A book about a closet full of candy? What could be better? Turns out, a lot.
If I pick up a novel called THE SUGAR QUEEN, I want some warm and cozy feels. I do not want to read about "hard sex" and men slapping women around. This was like biting into a cookie and realizing the chocolate chips are actually raisins.
What's that you say? A book about books that magically appear? A book about a closet full of candy? What could be better? Turns out, a lot.
If I pick up a novel called THE SUGAR QUEEN, I want some warm and cozy feels. I do not want to read about "hard sex" and men slapping women around. This was like biting into a cookie and realizing the chocolate chips are actually raisins.
August 12, 2014
I think this is now my favorite Allen book.
Part of the reason I liked this so well is because it was exactly what I needed right now...essentially, I inadvertently pulled a Chloe in that this book showed up on my holds list and I checked it out and listened to it and it helped soothe my troubled soul. Well, if I had a soul. It helped calm the oozing, black miasma that takes the place of my soul, is probably a more-accurate statement.
This is a story about oppressed women, people who are kept in little boxes (closets?) by their mothers, their fathers, their grandmothers, their significant others, their perceived roles in society, and by themselves. These boxes are dismantled to varying degrees in a number of ways throughout the book, though only for the main women of the story that we know of. (Olivia's granddaughter is probably still under the old woman's thumb)
So! It's probably fairly obvious to readers of this genre or of horrorish/supernatural tales that Della Lee, the closet-dweller, isn't what she seems.
That's all fine and fun but what I liked was the friendship Della orchestrated between Josie and Chloe which was followed by a reluctant bond between Josie and Della. Female friendship is such a strange thing; I find that many women can't do it. They have this idea that women are essentially evil and untrustworthy. I get that; I thought the same thing all through college because my female peers were often catty, untrustworty, horrible people. You get burned enough times by girls and you avoid them. But that's not actually how female friendship really works. If you can find it, it is so worth having and keeping forever and I like that this is a theme throughout the book. The InstaFriend thing is explained which didn't do anything for me one way or another but does magically make sense of the super blossoming adoration between Josie and Chloe.
And speaking of Chloe - I love LOVED her books. LOVED THEM! The whole idea of books appearing as needed is charming! I guess I have the next best thing in that I work with books all day, four days a week, but still. This is like magical readers advisory and I completely loved that.
The romance is probably really nice and wonderful. I hate romance so that was just background noise for me but I'm sure people who like romance will think the two main and one side love stories are adorable and sweet, etc. I couldn't connect with Chloe and Jake; I don't buy the whole "accidental moment of indiscretion" thing and I've always believed that if he cheats once, he'll do it again but...her situation, not mine.
I was torn on my feelings about Helena. How much of her is a big stereotype? Is it a racist stereotype? I don't know; I'm not the one to answer that. Still, something about her rudimentary English and her superstitious ways and her little Oldsie/Oldgret joke rubbed me the wrong way, though I don't know why. It's not like I haven't met people who speak broken English and who are highly superstitous. This representation just bothered me for some reason, maybe because she was a pivotal background character and I wanted more from her? I don't know.
It was the overall feeling of the story, the building of friendships which lead to the breaking down of walls which lead to new experiences and richer lives, that had me all in love with the story. It makes me feel good to know that, at least in FictionLand, tiny touches of everyday magic can help move a body along to a healed place. That was a message I needed to hear right now.
Part of the reason I liked this so well is because it was exactly what I needed right now...essentially, I inadvertently pulled a Chloe in that this book showed up on my holds list and I checked it out and listened to it and it helped soothe my troubled soul. Well, if I had a soul. It helped calm the oozing, black miasma that takes the place of my soul, is probably a more-accurate statement.
This is a story about oppressed women, people who are kept in little boxes (closets?) by their mothers, their fathers, their grandmothers, their significant others, their perceived roles in society, and by themselves. These boxes are dismantled to varying degrees in a number of ways throughout the book, though only for the main women of the story that we know of. (Olivia's granddaughter is probably still under the old woman's thumb)
So! It's probably fairly obvious to readers of this genre or of horrorish/supernatural tales that Della Lee, the closet-dweller, isn't what she seems.
That's all fine and fun but what I liked was the friendship Della orchestrated between Josie and Chloe which was followed by a reluctant bond between Josie and Della. Female friendship is such a strange thing; I find that many women can't do it. They have this idea that women are essentially evil and untrustworthy. I get that; I thought the same thing all through college because my female peers were often catty, untrustworty, horrible people. You get burned enough times by girls and you avoid them. But that's not actually how female friendship really works. If you can find it, it is so worth having and keeping forever and I like that this is a theme throughout the book. The InstaFriend thing is explained which didn't do anything for me one way or another but does magically make sense of the super blossoming adoration between Josie and Chloe.
And speaking of Chloe - I love LOVED her books. LOVED THEM! The whole idea of books appearing as needed is charming! I guess I have the next best thing in that I work with books all day, four days a week, but still. This is like magical readers advisory and I completely loved that.
The romance is probably really nice and wonderful. I hate romance so that was just background noise for me but I'm sure people who like romance will think the two main and one side love stories are adorable and sweet, etc. I couldn't connect with Chloe and Jake; I don't buy the whole "accidental moment of indiscretion" thing and I've always believed that if he cheats once, he'll do it again but...her situation, not mine.
I was torn on my feelings about Helena. How much of her is a big stereotype? Is it a racist stereotype? I don't know; I'm not the one to answer that. Still, something about her rudimentary English and her superstitious ways and her little Oldsie/Oldgret joke rubbed me the wrong way, though I don't know why. It's not like I haven't met people who speak broken English and who are highly superstitous. This representation just bothered me for some reason, maybe because she was a pivotal background character and I wanted more from her? I don't know.
It was the overall feeling of the story, the building of friendships which lead to the breaking down of walls which lead to new experiences and richer lives, that had me all in love with the story. It makes me feel good to know that, at least in FictionLand, tiny touches of everyday magic can help move a body along to a healed place. That was a message I needed to hear right now.
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