The Sugar Queen

This book, like all of the ones I’ve read by Sarah Addison Allen, feels like stepping into a studio ghibli movie. Everyday slice of life magic. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

Originally the title of the book charmed me. Since the beginning of the book it drawn my attention to keep reading and wanting more. Overall it was a good story. I enjoyed the twists and truns the story offered me. I'm glad the version of my book had an Q&A and a delete scene section, otherwise I'll be craving more. It was a good novel worth my time.

I read The Sugar Queen as quickly as Garden Spells: in 7 hours straight. I hated when this book was over. I really enjoyed this tale and eagerly look forward to Allen's third book.

I absolutely loved every minute of this read! It was lite, easy reading and a very enjoyable tale.

Affluent semi southern belle Josey Cirrini has one big problem. She is THE SUGAR QUEEN of the south; unable to resist candy and cakes. Since her mom the great dictator demands she must stop eating sugar, twenty-seven year old Josey feels like a kid as she hides her stash in a secret compartment inside her closet. Battered Eat and Run greasy spoon waitress Della Lee Baker takes refuge in Josey's hideaway. Worried about her uninvited guest, Josey tries to make the haven a bit more comfortable for her soaking wet unwanted guest who explains she took a dip in the nearby cold river. Meanwhile Josey relooks her lifestyle starting with her philandering father Marco, developer of Bald Slope Ski Resort, and her secret attraction for the mailman Adam Boswell while Della Lee becomes her streets wise fairy godmother helping Josey with her insecurities starting with the best grilled cheese sandwich in town and ending she hopes with Adam. This whimsical charming romantic fairy tale is an engaging tale as tough Della Lee harangues, bullies, and coaxes Josey to go out and get him in spite of her mom's objection to a working class son-in-law. The story line is driven by the relationship between Josey and Della Lee though the other key players are complete especially how they connect to and from the titled character. On top of all that is the mystery of Della Lee. Readers will appreciate this engaging tale and seek and want to read Sarah Addison Allen's magical previous novel (see GARDEN SPELLS). Harriet Klausner

I adored Garden Spells by this author and admit to fearing she wouldn't be able to replicate in The Sugar Queen that same quality of writing that makes me feel as if I'm floating through the story. But she definitely did! I have a hard time defining how Allen's writing differs from other authors. Her characters are so well drawn you fall for them instantly and root for them, even with their flaws. The smattering of magic she includes just works for her, where it might seem contrived if used by another author. I think each of her characters has a bit of magic inside them, whether they know it or not. I found the book to be surprising in some places, including the ending, which I had only partly predicted, and the part I didn't predict left me in tears. A wonderful, highly-recommended book! I truly wish the author could write faster, as it was over far too soon.