Reviews

This was a sweetheart of a book. Old man grieving his wife finds his spark again. I understand the comparisons others have made with A Man Called Ove. But this wasn’t as well done. Although heartwarming and entertaining, the book was very contrived. Arthur discovers a charm bracelet with eight charms that he knows nothing about. So of course we go on eight adventures to learn more, with each charm conveniently setting out breadcrumbs for the next one. The effect is mechanical, with a very forced character arc that dilutes the charm of the characters (pun very much intended!)

scottishlindsay's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

m00plays's review against another edition

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4.0

This was such a nice journey and a lovely idea too! A lifetime reflected in charms, it's beautiful. I think the writing was brilliant to reflect an older man's perspective and general take on life. Certain things like 'bookface' made me giggle but of course that is the older generation for you!

This book was an emotional journey of love, loss and adventure. I would definitely recommend reading this gem!

I received this book to review from Harlequin MIRA so thank you very much to them. This does not affect my review in any way, I'm truthful whether I'm reviewing or not.

testaroscia's review against another edition

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4.0

This had all kinds of alarm bells of “it will be a rip off of Harold Fry or Captain Pettigrew “ two other very similar “elderly men coming of age” in gentle middle class England. But it does work on its own merits. Yes it covers all the expected chestnuts in therms of characters but it was a perfect book to listen to on a long car journey

thechanelmuse's review against another edition

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3.0

This is one of those cozy, feel good reads. It’s a charming story about an introverted, sixty-nine-year-old grieving widower who stumbles across his late wife’s hidden charm bracelet on the first anniversary of her death. Though reluctant at first, his curiosity of each charm leads him on an odyssey to discover more than the meaning behind each of them. I would’ve given this book a higher rating if it wasn’t a bit too coincidental and predictable at times. Nonetheless, Arthur is a likable character and I enjoyed the feeling the book left me with.

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