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Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper (Original)
Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper (Original) | Phaedra Patrick
"Phaedra Patrick understands the soul. Eccentric, charming, and wise...The Curious Charms is not just for those who are mourning over love or the past. This book will illuminate your heart." -- Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop Don't miss this curiously charming debut! In this hauntingly beautiful story of love, loneliness and self-discovery, an endearing widower embarks on a life-changing adventure. Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam's death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam's possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he's never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife's secret life before they met--a journey that leads him to find hope, healing and self-discovery in the most unexpected places. Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters with big hearts and irresistible flaws, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a joyous celebration of life's infinite possibilities. More Praise: "Tender, insightful, and surprising... [Arthur Pepper] will instantly capture the hearts of readers who loved Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Nina George's The Little Paris Bookshop, and Antoine Laurain's The Red Notebook." -- Library Journal, starred review Look for Phaedra Patrick's latest perfectly charming read, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone, out now!
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CoffeeNBooks
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#12Booksof2023
On the one year anniversary of his wife's death, Arthur finally thinks it's time to go through Miriam's things. When he finds a charm bracelet he'd never known she had, he decides to step away from his very structured life and start trying to find out where each charm came from and what each one meant to her.
@Andrew65

Andrew65 This is on my TBR, I need to advance it up the list! 3mo
58 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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Writeme
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Pickpick

Stuck in bed with Covid, and grabbed this off a stack I had picked up at the library book sale for my Little Free Library. Not my usual fare, but I absolutely inhaled it and even cried a bit. 😂😂 If you like light, sentimental reads, or just need a pick-me-up, this should do the trick!

BookmarkTavern Hope you have a quick recovery! ❤️‍🩹 6mo
12 likes1 comment
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Texreader
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When Mom stays with me at our lake house she reads this book from my shelves. I just noticed her bookmark. Can y‘all tell what it is? Proof that anything nearby works for book lovers! Btw I haven‘t read it yet but Mom says it‘s very good straight from the beginning

Soubhiville Looks like a tissue? 😆 I‘ve done it, so no judgement. I liked this book more than I expected to. 7mo
Jari-chan @Soubhiville I did it, too 😄 7mo
52 likes2 comments
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dabbe
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Eggs Me too🙌🏻🙌🏻 7mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 🧡🩵 7mo
58 likes3 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
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Pickpick

On the one year anniversary of his wife's death, Arthur finally thinks it's time to go through Miriam's things. When he finds a charm bracelet he'd never known she had, he decides to step away from his very structured life and start trying to find out where each charm came from and what each one meant to her.
#LitsyLoveReads

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sounds good!! 11mo
keys_on_fire I LOVED this book! 11mo
dabbe @keys_on_fire #ditto! It reminded me of Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye, another one I loved! 🤗 11mo
Soubhiville I liked this one too, it was sweet. 11mo
75 likes1 stack add4 comments
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SilversReviews
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Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:

#TEMPTINGTITLES
@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents
#LitsyEvents

Today‘s Prompt: TITLE WITH A VEGGIE

BRITISH LITERATURE - CONTEMPORARY - MYSTERY

How could a charm bracelet stir up so many emotions and curiosity?

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/5eh8zw4k

@phaedrapatrick

Eggs 🌶️❤️🫑 12mo
33 likes1 comment
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Karisimo
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Eggs Perfect 👍🏼 🌶️ ❤️ 12mo
dabbe I loved this book! 🥰 12mo
29 likes2 comments
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

Arthur discovered a charm bracelet that belonged to his wife a year after her death. This is the story of his exploration of where the charms came from, and about Miriam‘s life before they met.

It‘s sweet, but I‘m not sure it‘ll stay with me. A light pick for this light read.

#booked2023 #propernouninthetitle

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Great photo 🍌 1y
Cinfhen I love the photo too😍 1y
Cinfhen And the review 🥰 1y
76 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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SW-T
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Pickpick

Arthur Pepper found himself on an unlikely adventure. Enjoyed how he learned about his wife‘s past and himself on his journey. A comfort read for sure.

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dabbe
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Pickpick

This book strongly reminded me of the THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY. Both are odysseys where an older man is searching to find himself or reinvent himself as the case may be. The key, though is, the hero has to return a DIFFERENT person than what he was originally; otherwise the story doesn't ring true for most of us. Arthur does that and more. The fact that it's cozy and takes place mostly in England makes it all the better.

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rachaich
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Pickpick

A sweet but not twee read.
Arthur sets out to find the origins of the charms on a bracelet and discovers a new lease of life. Some chapters felt a little contrived but the overall feeling was warm and heartfelt.

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rachaich
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So I started this earlier today,then went to a book club meeting to discuss Harold Fry and almost entwined the two tales 😱😫🙄.
I'm enjoying this one, I like the adventure he's going on.

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Jaimelire
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Pickpick

Cute little book. Arthur is a loveable character and this book left me feeling happy. A nice little distraction from our current, crazy reality!

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katy4peas
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Pickpick

A charming audiobook in the likes of A Man Called Ove, this one follows Arthur as he looks for the stories in the charms on his late wife‘s bracelet. The charms reveal a life Arthur never knew about and make him question his own life. While it is a sweet book, it also includes man-eating tigers! A fun read for sure!

72 likes1 stack add
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katy4peas
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Almost finished Charms on audio. Very sweet and charming. Arthur‘s wife passed away and he finds her charm bracelet. He goes on an adventure to find out what all of the charms mean and discovers the secrets of her past life. Is it really worth it? What does he learn about himself on the way?
Also reading DOW and These Violent Delights for buddy reads.
Loving DOW! The characters are great! TVD is a bit gory.
Thanks for the tag @Kdgordon88

See All 7 Comments
Cupcake12 Thank you for the tag x 2y
kspenmoll Thanks for tag! 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Thanks for the tag, Katy! I just started TVD for the buddy read and I like the gory parts but the rest is a bit droll so far. 2y
51 likes7 comments
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BookBosomed1
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Pickpick

This book felt like meeting a new friend. I adored the curmudgeonly protagonist, Arthur Pepper.

I recommend this book for readers who loved “A man called Ove.” I also recommend it for those who understand what it means to know someone yet never truly know who they were before their lives intertwined. It‘s a book about appreciating the wisdom of self-discovery and loving what “was” even if the past means questions unanswered.

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bthegood
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Pickpick

Loved it. Felt like I was on the physical and emotional journey with Arthur.
Another TBR done! Needed the boost #CrushTheRush @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Great job! This sounds cute. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 3y
16 likes1 comment
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BeckyHart
Pickpick

This was a book club pick that I probably wouldn‘t have found on my own. Sweet look at a marriage after one partner passes.

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CoffeeNBooks
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Eggs Well done 👍🏼 4y
54 likes1 comment
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Texreader
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Day 21: I‘m following the idea to post a book from my tbr list from @StaceyKondla and @Cortg

No description or reason for wanting to read it is necessary if you want to join along. #tbrpile

Karkar I thought this one was a cute story. 4y
65 likes1 comment
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mcctrish
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Pickpick

I finished this today on my #litsybitsy walk and it has been an absolutely lovely distraction listening to this feel good story told in an British accent ❤️ it‘s a brisk sunny day for a walk @Cuilin sorry I took no pics of the walk itself 🤦🏻‍♀️

Cuilin @mcctrish sounds like a great book. Very stormy here so only walked about my house🙁 long walk due tomorrow. 4y
mcctrish @Cuilin that was our yesterday and tomorrow looks like rain 😖 4y
40 likes2 comments
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mcctrish
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Awesome chalk art on my audio walk #litsybitsy @Cuilin

Cuilin @mcctrish great chalk art. Very cheerful. Yay. 4y
mcctrish @Cuilin it put a smile on my face!!! Thx for starting this audio walking group 😘it‘s great to meet new Littens and be accountable (edited) 4y
38 likes2 comments
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mcctrish
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Audio peanut butter cookie baking

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mcctrish
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There are tigers in this book and it‘s making me laugh out loud while I audio walk. I‘m picturing Lord Greystoke, or whatever his name is, resembling some of the crazies in Tiger King

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mcctrish
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My method of picking audio books is based on what is available, sometimes I grab the first title I recognize, sometimes I persevere and scroll through some pages of options. On Pinterest I saw a post called “if you liked reading “Eleanor Oliphant” and I wrote the titles down that I hadn‘t read. Arthur Pepper is one of them. These are great books to read in these days of #shelterinplace #stressthatneverabates

Libby1 This one is really good. Enjoy! Another one that I‘d recommend is is The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr. 4y
mcctrish Thx @Libby1 I will see if I can get it on audio 4y
Libby1 😊 4y
Bren912 I loved this book!! 4y
mcctrish @Bren912 it‘s grabbed me from the start 4y
38 likes1 stack add5 comments
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hes7
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Pickpick

-The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper 4⭐️
-Walk Two Moons 4⭐️
-Dating Games 2⭐️
-Claim Your Crown 3.5⭐️

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yvo_about_books
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I needed some distraction today, so I decided to make and decorate our own chocolate Easter egg again! Say hello to Mr. Bunny. 🐰🥚 #easter #chocolateegg

Beatlefan129 That is adorable! 🐣 4y
17 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BookmarkTavern
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1 - 📕 tagged, 🎧 Hidden Figures, 🎧 The Devil‘s Highway
2 - The Deep by Rivers Solomon
3 - gastritis medication is working! Woo! 💊

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

sheshedbooks Glad you're doing better! 4y
BookmarkTavern @greenreads God, me too. Thanks. 😂 4y
49 likes2 comments
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AlisonM
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Mehso-so

This book left me wanting more. Yes, Arthur is a charming character. You want to reach right into the book and give him a hug. However, I closed this book needing to know more about his wife. I felt like there was not enough story with each charm. And why did she never share anything with her family? Was she ashamed? Did she want to lead a different life? I need more...
#Book5of2020

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theladygreer
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Looking for a read that's "both whimsical and profound?" Nicole Baart's got you covered with her #read99women recommendation, THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER. Read more: http://www.greermacallister.com/blog/2020/2/15/read99women-nicole-baart

22 likes2 stack adds
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SilversReviews
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Thanks to:

#AULDLANGREADS
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

Today‘s Prompt: CHARISMATIC CHARACTER

Arthur was an ​absolutely endearing, charming, sweet character for me.

THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER is an adorable, enchanting, uplifting read. Be prepared to fall in love with Arthur Pepper.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4tdccyz

OriginalCyn620 👍🏻📚😊 4y
JenReadsAlot Great book! 4y
See All 6 Comments
SilversReviews @JenReadsAlot It is...I love her books. I have read all of them. Her newest is just as sweet and heartwarming. 4y
Crazeedi Loved the book 4y
SilversReviews @Crazeedi 😊😊😊😊😊 4y
51 likes6 comments
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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

For fans of A Man Called Ove, this is another sweet story of a 69 year old pensioner who lives a quiet life sticking to the routine he and his wife kept during their 40 year marriage. A year after her passing he starts packing up her clothes for charity and finds a charm bracelet he's never remembered seeing before. Each charm leads him on an adventure into is wife's life before their marriage. He meets many people with stories themselves. 5☆

Libby1 I liked this one, too. 😊 4y
38 likes1 stack add1 comment
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FountainOfWords
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Pickpick

An easy however decent read which combines the element of mystery with interpersonal relationships and everyday challenges. I read after a more demanding book and found pleasantly refreshing, intriguing and funny.

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SilversReviews
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#LetsTravelAugust
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

TODAY'S PROMPT: ADVENTURE

Arthur was an absolutely endearing, charming, sweet character for me. We traveled the globe with him on his adventures.

THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER is an adorable, enchanting, uplifting read. Be prepared to fall in love with Arthur Pepper.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y4tdccyz

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I‘ve got to get to this one!!! 📚📚 5y
OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚💙 5y
SilversReviews @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks I know you love it. 😍 5y
49 likes4 comments
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LibrarianBecky
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Pickpick

Done this beauty of a book!! Anyone who loved “A man called Ove” needs to read this book!! Such a good story 😭😭 💗📚

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ericarobynreads
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Pickpick

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick is a lovely tale about love, loss, and overcoming things from the past to enjoy the present.

If you enjoy stories with a little sadness, but a whole lot of heart and growth, then I highly recommend this one to you! The main premise behind the movie UP came to mind while I was reading this.

https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-review-the-curious-charms-of-arthur-pepper/

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marleed
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Pickpick

This book is sweet and charming and reminds us how much there is to love about the elderly. ...It wasn‘t my intention but I seem to have a stack of older widowed men discovering there is goodness in their lives yet to come!

Tineke You might add The secret diary of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 years old by Hendrik Groen. 5y
marleed @Tineke Oh thanks! I will do that! 5y
65 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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GypsyKat
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1. Tagged.❤️ (although I‘ve read some great books this year so far)
2. From Twinkle, With Love (if I have to pick)
3. I‘m pretty excited for the illustrated Goblet of Fire to come out in October.⚡️
4. Yup. It‘s been kinda a tough year, so I‘m only at 35 of my 125 goal. But I‘m really trying to make it up!
5. No tags since this is a #LatePost

#ThursdaySurvey @laurenslibrary

Susannah I forgot about the illustrated Goblet of Fire! That‘s a gooood one. 5y
60 likes1 comment
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cookreadsleep
Pickpick

I just loved this book. I initially started out thinking it would be like A Man Called Ove, but this is WAY better, for all the reasons. There were times when I was frustrated with Arthur and/or Miriam for their failure to communicate, but by the end I told myself that Miriam would have preferred Arthur to learn by experiencing all of these wonderful adventures rather than hearing about them. A great Father's Day read.

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cookreadsleep

This book was chosen for book club this month, partially because I suggested we pick something for father's day. I am so glad this was recommended. At first I thought it would annoy me like A Man Called Ove, but it's so fun and sweet! I almost blew my bedtime last night to keep reading, and that is a big deal for me because I am super dedicated to sleep. lol

3 likes1 stack add
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ItsAnotherJen
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Pickpick

A sweet and quiet read with life lessons throughout. I enjoyed going along on Arthur's journey as he learned more about his deceased wife's life before she married him.

104 likes3 stack adds
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TorieStorieS
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Pickpick

This “charming” read is my real-life book club‘s April/May pick- and I really liked it! It‘s an uplifting read about a widower who finds a charm bracelet of his wife‘s and begins to discover earlier chapters of her life. It‘s a sweet book and one that I am thinking the rest of the group enjoyed as much as I did! The performer is great, too- and it was fun for both #AudioWalking and #AudioColoring!

GypsyKat Pretty!!! 5y
TorieStorieS Thanks, @GypsyKat !! 😊😊😊 5y
38 likes2 comments
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booksbrewsandbooze
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A most charming book #booksbrewsandbooze

10 likes1 stack add
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EastWind76
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A couple of months before she died, my mom gave me her charm bracelet. Like Arthur, with his wife's, I had never seen it before. Unlike their story, my mom and I sat together while she told me about every charm on the bracelet. The warm beauty of this book brought back that happy memory to me. 💙

Crazeedi That's a beautiful story and such a beautiful memory from your mom 5y
43 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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EastWind76
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I decided to go for one or two more (relatively) short books before embarking on my next series. This one looks interesting...

Crazeedi I enjoyed this one 5y
EastWind76 @Crazeedi so far it's really good! 5y
42 likes2 comments
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Louise
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Mehso-so

This #audiobook is nicely done. It‘s a sweet story but a bit contrived and formulaic. For me, it was an easy listen while recovering from a seasonal bug.

minkyb Sorry about the bug. Never fun. 5y
Louise Thanks, @minkyb! 5y
87 likes2 comments
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GypsyKat
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Pickpick

I loved this book! When I imagine a story about a man dealing with the death of his wife, I don‘t imagine it to be sweet and charming, and leave me with a warm lovely feeling. But that‘s exactly what this was. I really enjoyed the premise, and I felt like I was on this journey of discovery right along with Arthur. I‘ve never read anything else by this author, but I definitely will now! Highly recommend! 4 1/2 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

CouronneDhiver Yay! I‘m glad you enjoyed this one. I just finished another one of her books recently (also good): 5y
97 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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GypsyKat
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I‘m starting this one on Audible today. I‘ve heard good things about it.

CouronneDhiver It‘s really a sweet little story ... I hope you enjoy it. 👍🏽 5y
GypsyKat @CouronneDhiver Thank you! 😊 5y
Aims42 I loved this sweet story 💗 5y
100 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Rachel.Rencher
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Panpan

I think I'm the odd one out for not liking this book. I thought it was charming (no pun intended) at first, but the main character became unlikable.

Arthur is cleaning out his deceased wife's closet when he finds a charm bracelet. He doesn't remember it or the charms. So, he makes it his mission to learn about his wife of 40 years' life. If he had literally just taken an interest in her when she was alive, there'd be no story. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Booksblanketsandahotbeverage Lol great review! 😂 5y
Naj I'm laughing too hard at this 😂😂 5y
Lucas.Rencher Haha I love you! 😂 5y
See All 6 Comments
Pricel101 Right on! Great review! 🤣 5y
CouronneDhiver Oh no. 😂 I thought this was such a sweet little story. To each her own. Lol 5y
BookBabe Great review! I felt similarly. This book made so little an impression on me that I literally forgot I read it. 5y
120 likes3 stack adds6 comments