Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 7/9/2025 + 43 more book reviews

dusted off this book and decided to reread it. As a result, I enjoyed reading it even more because I picked up on details that I missed the first time. 

Willa Jackson moves back to Walls of Water, North Carolina, after her father dies she uses the insurance money to buy a sporting goods store. Back in high school, she had the reputation of being the "High School Joker" on account to her legendary pranks. 

Paxton Osgood, the president of the Women's Society Club, is restoring the Blue Ridge Madam, a grand mansion in Walls of Water, in order to become a bed and breakfast. She is considered "the princess" due to her wealthy background and privileged background. 

Colin Osgood, Paxton's twin, is a landscape architect who happens to live in New York.  He returns to his North Carolina hometown to assist Paxton with the removal of a peach tree from the Blue Ridge Madam. His nickname in high school was "Stick Man" owing to his long, skinny legs. 

Sebastian Rogers, moves back to Walls of Water and takes over Dr. Kostovo's dental practice. Unfortunately, his nickname was "Freak" back in high school because he was an outcast and was believed to be gay. 

I loved reading about Willa and Colin becoming a couple as well as Paxton and Sebastian. Regrettably, I was not as impressed with the examples of magical realism throughout the book. For example, at the Women's Society Club meeting, all the women were suddenly compelled to be brutally honest and tell everyone what they really think. I would have loved to have had the author explain the reason for this bizarre behavior. 

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