The Charm Bracelet
A Novel
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4.2 • 69 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Lose yourself to the magic of The Charm Bracelet.
Through an heirloom charm bracelet, three women will rediscover the importance of family and a passion for living as each charm changes their lives.
On her birthday each year, Lolly’s mother gave her a charm, along with the advice that there is nothing more important than keeping family memories alive, and so Lolly’s charm bracelet would be a constant reminder of that love.
Now seventy and starting to forget things, Lolly knows time is running out to reconnect with a daughter and granddaughter whose lives have become too busy for Lolly or her family stories.
But when Arden, Lolly’s daughter, receives an unexpected phone call about her mother, she and granddaughter Lauren rush home. Over the course of their visit, Lolly reveals the story behind each charm on her bracelet, and one by one the family stories help Lolly, Arden, and Lauren reconnect in a way that brings each woman closer to finding joy, love, and faith.
A compelling story of three women and a beautiful reminder of the preciousness of family, Viola Shipman's The Charm Bracelet is a keepsake you’ll cherish long after the final page.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Shipman's debut novel unites three generations of women as they come together to heal the wounds of their pasts and forge a family. Arden works for the Chicago magazine Paparazzi, editing and writing code for the magazine's website. While she is not content with her job, she spends many hours working, knowing that she must pay college tuition for her daughter, Lauren. When Arden's mother, Lolly, sends Arden a note requesting that she visit, Arden and Lauren decide that it is time for them to take a road trip to the family home in Scoops, Mich., near Lake Michigan. Lolly is as effervescent as ever, continuing to work at the local fudge shop. But Lolly's memory isn't as good as it once was, and together the three women face the possibility that it may deteriorate further. At the heart of their reunion is Lolly's unfettered desire to live in the moment and recall, through the charms on her bracelet, the momentous occasions of her life. Shipman compellingly depicts the bonds of family, revealing that the moments of trials and tribulation are part of lives filled with hope and faith.
Customer Reviews
The Charm Bracelet
I really enjoyed this book and I think that girls age 12 and up would really enjoy it
A summer beach read!
The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman is set in Scoops, Michigan. Lolly Lindsey has the beginning of dementia. She knows that this will be her last chance to tell her stories and family history to her family. Arden, Lolly’s daughter, gets a call about her mother from a neighbor. Arden and her daughter, Laurel hurry back to Scoops to check on Lolly. This is Lolly’s chance to spend time with her busy daughter and granddaughter. Lolly tells her story via the charms on her charm bracelet. Each charm represents a special event or time in her life. Each charm is a story and has a life lesson. Lolly wants to pass along to Arden and Lindsey about living life to its fullest and enjoying each day. Can Lolly change Arden’s and Lindsey’s perspective (and what is most important) on life? Come join Lolly, Arden, and Laurel on a journey towards a better life.
The Charm Bracelet was sweet (though extremely predictable) story. It was passable, but not riveting (engrossing or engaging). It is a story that has been told before and has a expected outcome. The writing is satisfactory, and the characters (for the most part) are relatable (especially Arden). But there is something off (did not feel right or seem right about the female characters). I did not discover it until after I finished the book (I wanted to see what other people were saying about the book). The author is not a woman and it explains so much (it is hard to put into words). I finished The Charm Bracelet, but I did a lot of skimming (i.e. speed reading) to finish it. I give The Charm Bracelet 2.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a light, summer read, then you will enjoy The Charm Bracelet.
I received a complimentary copy of The Charm Bracelet from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.