The Charm Bracelet: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels)

Viola Shipman

$9.99

Publication Date: April 16th, 2019

Publisher:

A Thomas Dunne Book for St. Martin's Griffin

ISBN:

9781250235640

Pages:

336

This is the story of three women slowly losing themselves until they are reunited in Scoops, Michigan, at the beginning of summer: Arden, working at a job that gives her nothing but a paycheck; Lauren, becoming sadder as she moves farther from doing what she loves most; and Lolly, gradually forgetting all the things in her life that brought her joy and happiness. Linked together like the charms on their wrists, Arden, Lauren, and Lolly will remind each other of times gone by, how to appreciate the present, and how to embrace whatever the future brings. Reading this sweet story reminded me how lucky we are if we are close to those who share our history.

Sylvia Smith (E), Bookmiser, Inc., Roswell, GA

April 2016 Indie Next List

Description

The Indie Next List Bestseller

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.

About the Author

VIOLA SHIPMAN is a pen name for award-winning memoirist Wade Rouse. His novels, including The Charm Bracelet, The Hope Chest, The Summer Cottage, and The Heirloom Garden, have been translated into over a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. Rouse lives in Michigan and writes regularly for People, Good Housekeeping and Coastal Living. He is a contributor for All Things Considered.

Praise for The Charm Bracelet: A Novel (The Heirloom Novels)

"[An] idyllic setting, and likable characters make Shipman's debut an enjoyable comfort read for fans of women's fiction centered on mother-daughter relationships." -Booklist

"Debut novelist Shipman--a pen name chosen by memoirist Wade Rouse in homage to his grandmother--pulls out all the emotional bells and whistles here; his book reads like a fictionalized guide to living the good life ("Live! Love! Laugh!") and checks all the boxes--family, friends, God, love, and simply living--designed to warm the heart and fill the tear ducts. Smooth writing, unabashed sentimentality." -Kirkus Reviews

"Shipman's charming story of finding peace in oneself, listening to your heart, and remembering all those who came before you will be welcomed by fans of Cecelia Ahern and Debbie Macomber." -Library Journal

“Rich in character and story, The Charm Bracelet is utterly charming!”
-Debbie Macomber, New York Times bestselling author

“The Charm Bracelet is as sweet as three scoops of Dolly’s ice cream. It’s packed with gorgeous scenery, time-honored wisdom, and all kinds of charm.”
-Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author

“There are family heirlooms that wind up in yard sales, and then there are the priceless ones that are passed down from generation to generation. The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman is a keeper, a novel like a rare jewel that will be passed down one generation to the next and from one book club member to the next until everyone has read this heartfelt, intergenerational story of love and forgiveness. Viva Viola!”
-Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author

“It made me weep, think, and cry again. It is rare to find a book that makes people cry in a good way. I reread the whole book yet again because I wanted to. That’s how amazingly good it is.”
-Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author

“. . . characters you care for, a story to enjoy, and the hope for a family understanding that anyone would benefit from.” —Senior Life Times

“Readers will be charmed by the characters, most of all by kooky but wise Lolly (a mix of Viola and Madge Rouse, Wade’s paternal grandmother), who teaches her stressed-out daughter and granddaughter lessons in life and love.”—Good Housekeeping