THE SPARROW SISTERS

Cassandra Campbell's enchanting cadence isn't enough to spark interest in Ellen Herrick's novel. Its descriptions are lush, but the plot lacks excitement, and there are only whispers of magical elements despite its being billed as "PRACTICAL MAGIC meets WITCHES OF EASTWICK." Campbell brings Patience Sparrow and her sisters, Nettie and Sorrel, to life with her steady narration and gives the lovestruck doctor, Henry, additional credibility. The sisters own the local nursery, which that overflows with blooms no matter the season and provides the herbs that Patience uses in her remedies as the town healer. The plot finally picks up when gratitude for Patience turns to fear as the 300-year-old Sparrow family legend ignites a modern-day witch hunt. A.L.C. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]