Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss: A Southern Tale of Magic

Praise for Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss:“Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss tells us, ‘magic is channeling what you feel into something you can touch and see. First, you have to believe.’ I believe in Connor and Kevin Garrett and in the magic they have channeled into every glorious page of this pitch-perfect Low Country fever dream of a hero’s quest. This novel is a welcome reminder of the transcendent power of family and that the aspects of ourselves which make us different also make us powerful. Spellbound is a gift, destined to be treasured and shared.”—Jonathan Haupt, executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center and co-editor of Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy "Myths and legends speak to us in ways that logic fails. And Spellbound is just exactly that — A myth, a legend, and a story that will speak to your heart. The Garretts weave a magical tale that portrays the power of forgiveness and self love. This book is a mystical experience and a powerful story.” -- Patti Callahan Henry, author of 15 The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, including Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, and winner of The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020"A fable with epic charm and glittering personality, Spellbound Under the Spanish Moss is a whimsical allegory resplendent with plausible magic and universal truths." — Claire Fullerton, author Mourning Dove, Little Tea and others "When my sons were in school, they were often caught reading Harry Potter in the hallways between classes. I hope my grandchildren will be caught withSpellbound." —Peter Onorati, film and television actor“Connor and Kevin Garrett have spun an exceptional 'Tale of Southern Magic' in Spellbound. The blackwater swamps of southern Georgia are the perfect setting for this mythological folktale of betrayal and dark magic. But heroic sacrifice and love balance out the story, whose landscape is dotted with witches, shapeshifters, poisonous fruit, dreamcatchers, and a flower that never dies.” —Susan Cushman, author of Cherry Bomb and Friends of the Library, and editor of Southern Writers on Writing and The Pulpwood Queens Celebrate 20 Years!“Ingredients are what we all are searching for. The Garretts’ masterfully wield together profound, mystical and mythical challenges underneath the skies of dusty Georgia. As Spellbound reveals more of its complicated world, I relate more and more to my own.” —Speech of Arrested Development, 2-time Grammy award winning recording artist and activist ******************************************Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Edward after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father’s heart, Gareth follows his father’s instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia — the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation. The witch sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin’s only hope. Accompanied by the witch’s raven as a guide, Gareth’s desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. He slowly discovers that he is stronger and braver than he realized. He also forms an unlikely alliance with the Raven. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms. Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding friendship with the Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?Themes include personal sacrifice, bullying, father-son conflict, orphans, adoption, disabilities, prejudice against others who are different, female empowerment, and unconditional love.