Foodie Fiction Review: The Girl Who Chased the Moon

Goodreads Summary:
In her latest enchanting novel, New York Times bestselling author Sarah Addison Allen invites you to a quirky little Southern town with more magic than a full Carolina moon. Here two very different women discover how to find their place in the world—no matter how out of place they feel.

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. Such as, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? And why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew—a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life: Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes.

Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes—which is a good thing, because Julia can’t seem to stop baking them. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth but also in the hope of rekindling the love she fears might be lost forever. Flour, eggs, milk, and sugar . . . Baking is the only language the proud but vulnerable Julia has to communicate what is truly in her heart. But is it enough to call back to her those she’s hurt in the past?

Can a hummingbird cake really bring back a lost love? Is there really a ghost dancing in Emily’s backyard? The answers are never what you expect. But in this town of lovable misfits, the unexpected fits right in.

My thoughts:
Well, first off, it should be noted that I love all Sarah Addison Allen books...and since this was my first Allen novel, it holds a special place in my heart.  The Girl Who Chased the Moon has the highest element of magic in all of Allen's books (Garden Spells being a close second) so if you are a reader who cannot suspend disbelief...this might not be a novel for you.  However, I love the mystical bits - especially when mixed with the comfy elements of baking and BBQ!  One character has the ability to sense out sugar (thank goodness that is not a real ability because if I had it, my sweet tooth would be out of control)!  

Each character is endearing yet complex (they all have issues to overcome) which makes the reader want to discover what is behind the mysteries of Mullaby and it's residents all the more.  If you're looking for a fun, fluffy, romantic romp with some Southern foodie elements - look no further!  Highly recommended.


4/5 stars