You could honestly look at any of the other reviews I've written for any of this author's other books and apply most of it to this review. Sarah Addison Allen is so consistent in the quality of her writing and books. I love the way her books make me feel. I love that the books don't forget the 'realism' in magical realism. Too often I'll read a book that is slotted into this genre that isn't grounded in anything substantial. These books take place in towns that feel familiar to anyone who has ever lived in a small town. The characters have depth and are often very flawed. Many of them just happen to have abilities that are out of the ordinary.

I also thought this book explored the subject of grief in a way that felt real, while also inserting some magical touches as well. The idea that Kate was 'asleep' for a year being used as a metaphor for her grief over losing a loved one really made sense and was very touching. I was happy that the book introduced a couple of romances, but they weren't the center of the story.

As is usually the case, I just wish this story had been a little longer. I would've liked an epilogue to see how they were a year, five years, ten years down the road.

I love this author's writing. I can't wait for a new book to come out. I may need to do a reread of The Girl Who Chased the Moon and Garden Spells so I don't go into withdrawal.