First Frost

Allen (Lost Lake) takes the reader on a journey to the small town of Bascom, N.C., where the Waverley women are known for their unusual gifts: Claire has recently given up her catering business to market her Waverley candies, a booming business using natural ingredients such as lavender and honey. Sydney is a local hairdresser with a magic touch, luring women from all over town to book appointments. Sydney’s daughter, Bay, is a young teenager comfortable with her status as a social outcast—except as it affects her ability to befriend Josh Matteson, a popular boy at her high school. When a strange, elderly man comes to town and threatens to disrupt the peaceful Waverley existence, the family must pull together and rely on each woman’s unique talents. Allen has written a beautiful, lyrical story, complete with genuine characters whose depth reflects Allen’s skill as a writer. Allen’s fans will be eagerly awaiting her next. (Jan.)