Not Far from the Peach Tree

"I wish that were true. I wish I would stop messing things up. I wish--I wish my fairy godmother were here, then all this wishing would be good for something" (chapter 19).Thank you Sabrina Falk and Peasantry Press free eARC. This review was originally posted on my blog, June Reads Books.I genuinely loved this sweet story about a lost city girl who learns about herself by following her history to a small town in Georgia. Welcome to your 20's, people. I have never related more to a character than I related to the feelings of despair when faced with the realization that you have no idea what you're doing with your life. It's like you're staring at a brick wall with all the possibilities just beyond it, but no energy to climb it. This is where Abigail is in life, and it doesn't help that she feels like her parents way of supporting her is by trying to push her, and suggesting she move out.When Abigail's grandmother dies, she's faced with a wave of questions. Who was she? Why did her mother have a poor relationship with her? How come she never got the opportunity to get to know her? So Abigail decides to fake an internship that would please her parents, while including a junior program for her spirited sister who just got put on probation at school, so that the both of them can go to Georgia to learn what they can about this mysterious woman. While she and her sister get their late grandmother's house ready for an estate sale, Abigail uncovers family secrets set in motion before her mother was even born.Abigail's character is so kind and unsure of herself. As she learns more about her grandmother, she starts learning more about herself, and it made my heart happy to see her grow in confidence. Her sister, Maddy, was probably my favorite character, though. She is so spunky, sarcastic, and always hungry! Every time she opened her mouth, I looked forward to what she would say. And of course, how can you write a story set in a small town in Georgia without introducing a swoonable country boy love interest? Lemme tell ya, he's a good one.Falk writes an engaging, genuine story with humor from start to finish. The town is charming and full of secrets, the people are hospitable and gossipy, and the sun is just plan hot. I would definitely watch this story unfold in a feel-good movie.

This book is a breath of fresh air. It gives cause for thought that perhaps people are more than what they present to the world. It was interesting and not predictable. The down side is that the book came to an end. I really enjoyed it and will look for more from this author.

What a captivating and engaging book! I couldn’t put it down!