When Autumn Leaves

by Amy S. Foster

When Autumn receives news that she's been promoted to a higher coven, she also learns she has to replace herself. But who in Avening is in tune enough with her own personal magic to take over the huge responsibility of town witch? Autumn has a list of thirteen women and men who just might have what it takes-but how can she get them to open their eyes to the magic in their lives?

This endlessly surprising and heart-warming debut is the story...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590202554
• ISBN13: 9781590202555
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 287 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

When Autumn Leaves

When Autumn, the town of Avening's resident witch, gets news that she must move away from her beloved town because of a promotion to a higher coven, she must find a way replace herself as town witch. But who in Avening is in tune enough with her own personal magic to take over this huge responsibility? Autumn has a list of likely candidates for the position, but she takes it upon herself to put an add in the paper seeking an apprentice. She has a year to find a high witch and the women who will be part of her coven - but how can she get them to open their eyes and believe in the magic in their lives? This was actually surprisingly really good. I was a little thrown off when I realized that each chapter was a (loosely related) short story. As some of you might know, I am not a fan of short stories and after recently reading Olive Kitteridge, which sadly was a massive fail for me, I honestly thought this would fall in that same category. But, to my endless surprise, this was really good. I felt that I could relate to each story and each character in one way or another. Throughout the book we encounter many of the town's gifted and unusual residents... but in the end who will she choose? Will it be Ellie the invisible researcher - who thanks to a magical pair of shoes becomes the life of the party? Ana - a married woman who falls in love with another woman's husband? Stella - a healer who needs change in her life and can only do that by capturing lightning in a bottle? The letters continue to arrive and, as each applicant's story entwines with Autumn's, the suspense begins to grow as to who her successor will be. I was initially intrigued by the title and the (oh, so pretty) cover. But the tales in this book were all heart-warming, touching and, on more than one occasion, brought a tear to my eye. Although magic plays a big part in this novel, the subject matter was anything but light. These were real women, with real, everyday problems - none were perfect, but each was endearing in her own way. As a woman, I felt that this book called to me. These women were brave, strong, and I saw aspects of myself as well as of my family and friends in some, if not all, of the characters. This is a heart-warming debut of coming to terms with the magical things we take for granted every day - our friends, our community, and, most of all, ourselves. All in all, this is an exceptionally imaginative story riddled with vivid and quirky characters - making it a delightfully magical escape. It is a charming, cozy and very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.

When Autumn Leaves by amy foster

Love this book, Ms Foster is a talented writer and always loved her lyrics. Wanted to see how she did with a novel and I am not disappointed. This lives up to my expectations for a novel, easy to get lost in.

A completely charming story

This novel is a magical and sweet story that is sure to appeal to women of all ages. I loved the characters and how the author played around with female archetypes, but mostly, I LOVED the setting! What a beautiful, sweet town this novel is set in. I was so enchanted by it that I googled the author, which I highly recommend doing if you fall in love with the town of Avening as much as I did. On her website, she has a little map of it!

enchanting!

I was immediately drawn into Amy Foster's first novel by the enchanted town of Avening, tucked sweetly into the forest of the Pacific Northwest, and the peculiar women that reside there. Amy Foster writes with the grace of a songwriter; her prose takes on a lyrical quality as she ushers readers through her charming novel, exploring mystical power of women, friendship, and faith.

pure enchantment

Picked it up for the beautiful cover... and was so pleasantly surprised by the complex, magical yet realistic world within. I can't believe Avening, BC isn't a real place; I went as far as to look it up on the internet to see if we could visit it in case we ever go to British Columbia. I think my favorite character was that of Piper, the children's book writer/mother of two teenage daughters. But there's certainly subtle appeal for any woman in each of the characters in this very special town.