The Charm Bracelet: A Novel

Viola Shipman

Mar 2016 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

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.

Awesome book! Couldnt stop reading it. Had me laughing & crying at the same time. Great story! It Really made me think of my own family and how things get passed down. Real stuff to treasure. I Recommend this book for everyone! A must read!!

Profoundly beautiful! I will use it as a reminder of how family and life is so important whenever I feel depressed. I will read it again and again.

About the author

VIOLA SHIPMAN is a pen name for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose charm bracelet and family stories inspired him to write his debut novel, which is a tribute to all of our elders. Rouse lives in Michigan and writes regularly for People and Coastal Living, among other places, and is a contributor to All Things Considered. To date, The Charm Bracelet has been translated into nine languages. He is at work on his second “heirloom novel.”