Quick, magical realism so lots of plot twists. ( )

An ensemble cast of very different people living in the same apartment complex, finding a sense of belonging.
All abandoned and let down in different ways by the adults in their lives, as grown-ups they struggle to heal their childhood hurts, create connection and find happiness.
Zoe is moving to a small island near Charleston, into the apartment her late mother has left her. Here she meets a cast of characters, and try to make connections. As the residents of the small apartment building get to know and trust each other, the ghosts haunting them are able to let go.

A mediocre novel with some magical realism. The sheer number of different voices (9 - 6 residents and 3 ghosts) makes the story less compelling, lacking clarity of vision and depth.
The theme of abandonment is very front and center, to the detriment of the story. There is a lot of entitled main character energy around Zoe, making the story seem like a Mary Sue wish fulfillment.

The world building is ok, and the short chapters and flow of prose makes it a very easy read. ( )

Allen has created a beautiful story of found family filled with magical realism. The setting is a small island off the Coast of South Carolina with a charming fanciful history. The imagery is inviting and surprisingly serene. The ensemble of characters ranges from realistic to ghostly. Although, several plot points lead to discovery, I would not classify this as a mystery. An overall feeling of emotional safety accompanies the reader throughout the often sad stories of each of the main characters. This book touched my heart. ( )

Rating 3.78

Ms. Allen is a skilled author that engages the reader with likable characters, ghosts and premise. Lighthearted by nature, she builds a puzzle through back stories that are revealed in the final chapters, the mark of a carefully planned out plot.

The story takes place in Mallow Island, a tourist area in the Carolinas whose history is unique in many ways. Having learned she'd become owner of her deceased mother's condo unit at the Dellawisp, Zoe uses her trust fund to move there since she'd enrolled in a college nearby. Originally a historical mansion and named after the tiny indigenous birds, Roscoe Avenger, a local author took possession, and sold the units after a remodel. Among the residents were Paloma Hennessy, Zoe's mother, estranged sisters Lizbeth and Lucy, Mac a local chef, Charlotte, a henna artist and Frasier, the resident manager.

Zoe is eighteen and has a pet bird called Pigeon whom only she is able to see and hear. Not long before she arrives, we learn Lizbeth has passed away leaving her condo in total shambles. Zoe is the upbeat innocent type who instantly bonds with Charlotte who's secrets are kept close to the chest. A Cuban immigrant, Paloma had married a wealthy yet abusive executive, divorced him when Zoe was young and moved to Mallow Island and passed away due to illness. Since Frasier had known Paloma, he tells Zoe Roscoe Avenger seeks stories Lizbeth had written and wishes to publish them and Zoe is offered the job of finding them. Given the disaster the unit was left in, as her belongings are slowly inspected, we learn of her son Oliver who attends college in CA. Being the only child, it becomes Frasier's task to make him aware of he's inherited the condo. Its here where important elements about the estranged sisters are revealed along with the dysfunctional relationship Lizbeth had with Oliver.

Interactions between the residents of the Dellawisp are complex as are the 'ghost' stories that form the 'glue'. Between Zoe learning of her mother and the island's history, Mac's fascination with cornmeal, the mystery of the tiny birds and countless other plot points, the author does a masterful job of bringing them together toward the end.

I'm not a fan of spoilers nor am I the type that likes to go into plot details. That said, its filled with interesting revelations, and well worth the time reading. ( )

“Stories aren’t fiction. Stories are fabric. They’re the white sheets we drape over our ghosts so we can see them”. (Fictional author Roscoe Avanger, Sweet Mallow)

Mallow Island, South Carolina, is a tourist community renowned for its marshmallow candy and for Dellawisps, bright turquoise, flightless, songless birds which have big personalities. It is also the home of a one-book-wonder author who is trying to avoid his fame.

When Zoey and her invisible bird Pigeon move into a small condo she inherited from her mother, she finds she is one of a small quirky group of tenants. They all have complicated backstories which make them feel alone in the world and also avoid furthering their connections to it.

The condo also has its share of ghosts, trapped in place as the living hang on to them.

Zoey becomes the catalyst for friendships formed and stories to be revealed.

I thought this was enjoyable: deftly and brightly written, but I wonder how much I will remember of this story. Nevertheless, I know this author has an enthusiastic following, and I would pick up another by her.

"There are birds, and then there are other birds. Maybe they don't sing. Maybe they don't fly. Maybe they don't fit in. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather be an other bird than just the same old thing." ( )