When Autumn Leaves

     I had first seen this book advertised in a magazine a couple years ago and with fall being my favourite season how could I not be attracted to the bright orange and black cover with the word “autumn” in the title? I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover but, anyways moving on! I also noticed that this book was penned by Amy S. Foster, the daughter of music legend David Foster. A man who has written some of the most beloved songs, surely his lineage would make a good write, no?

     This book is whimsical and wonderfully written. Foster has the ability to blend her words together in order to melt her imagination with mine. You know when you read a well written book and you feel a part of the story? I felt this way a few times. 

     The story takes place in the town of Avening we are introduced to the words left by Seraphina, a woman we know little of in the beginning other than the fact that she founded the little island town hoping to create a small garden of Eden  as a sanctuary to all who should seek it. Avening is a town far from the norms of typical society yet it has foundation in each individual. Throughout reading I was able to identify with certain aspects of each character. 

     The main Character is that of Autumn, the resident witch though she never calls herself that, but it’s hard not to place such a label on a woman of her beliefs and practices. Autumn is more than just spells and a seemingly bottomless pit for herbal tea, but for a lot of people in the town she is their spiritual guider but more important than that, a trusted friend. To the books title, it is Autumn’s time to go for she must leave behind the town of Avening naming a new woman to take her place. She holds a contest asking the women of the town to write an essay stating why they should take over Autumn’s store, Demeter’s Grove. We first read about each characters personal journey that delves into their spiritual essence and in some cases it cause them to question everything about who they are or who they that they were. The spirit in them asks each girl to bring forth who they are and their acme of abilities. Autumn must choose who out of the thirteen wonderfully gifted women is best to take her place. I will admit that it did start off slow and some of the events in the book were a little farfetched even for a book of this nature. It was not the best book I’ve read but I did enjoy this read and I would recommend it especially for this season. 

     When Autumn Leaves, is a delightful tale of sisterhood and the strength that each person holds in order to take charge and do what needs to be done in their own lives. It tells us that no decision comes without its daunting reality of the outcome but when we trust in ourselves and we trust in those who we righteously have all along that we can be more powerful than lightning in a bottle.

Purchase When Autumn Leaves on Amazon here