The Sugar Queen

By Sarah Addison Allen,

Book cover of The Sugar Queen

Book description

Twenty-seven-year-old Josey is sure of three things: winter in her North Carolina hometown is her favorite season; she's a sorry excuse for a Southern belle; and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her hidden closet.
For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother's house,…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked The Sugar Queen as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

From the first chapter, I was bewitched by the effortless overlay of the fantastical with the everyday.

This delightful sugary read showcases a heroine who craves sweets, connection, and acceptance—I can relate to all of that!

When she succeeds, I feel I do too. I love how this book creates a feeling of hope in a new day within me. 

Sarah Addison Allen’s books enchanted me at first read. In her books, what others consider weird or magical are an ordinary part of life.

Josey Cirrini still lives with her unloving mother. She hides her favorite thing in her closet. A stack of romance novels and a stockpile of sugary treats. This was her sanctuary until Della Lee Baker, a cranky waitress in the town, moves into Josey’s closet.

Chloe Finley’s life is sprinkled with books that follow her around.

Sarah weaves their lives together into a beautiful magical story where the color red has startling powers and passion can…

From Susan's list on romances with seasoned heroines.

This book is full of quirky characters, mouth-watering food, fairy tale elements, and magical realism. It was the first book I read of Sarah Addison Allen’s, and it wasn’t the last. All her books are amazing, but quite simply The Sugar Queen is my favorite. Not only is it cute and clever, it’s also a charming, quick pleasure read. Be warned though, you will get hungry, so have snacks nearby.

From Amie's list on brimming with magic.

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