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, The Charm Bracelet is a keepsake you’ll cherish long after the final page.

I’ve always been a huge fan of history and the one thing I wish I had was a deeper knowledge of my own family’s past. Say what you will about families, but at the end of the day, the journey our ancestors and even our more immediate family members embark on are part of who we are. One could only be so lucky to have memories and charms that Lolly, Arden and Lauren have. They are living memory of their own past experiences as well as their family.

This is a truly touching and compelling story of three generations finally being able to come together to reconnect not only with one another, but themselves. As Lolly approaches an age where her life is going to change dramatically, she recognizes the importance of reaching out to her daughter and granddaughter before it’s too late. With the threat of dementia on the horizon, she knows the time has finally come for her to share her family’s stories behind the charms that dangle from her bracelet.

The great thing about this family saga is that it encompasses more than just the three generations. It includes the tale of Lolly’s grandmother who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1900’s. It shares moments of love and lost that Lolly and Arden endure as they grew up. Even though Arden comes off as stiff, unlikable and even annoying, it’s nice to see her finally warm to her mother’s eccentric behavior and come to understand that she’s a truly remarkable woman.

The book touches on so many aspects of the family dynamic, that it’s hard to pinpoint each and everything I admired about it. In truth, I think it’s the realism and honesty of the story that makes it such a compelling tale for me. At no point does the author waste time trying to make any of the women perfect and that helps add an a genuine air to the story. But I suppose this is also because the author was inspired by her own grandmothers and their charm bracelets.

Not only did I find this to be a must read, I felt it was one of those stories that I will forever carry within my own heart. I’m even embarrassed to say it made me wish to create my own charm bracelet. I would highly recommend this as a must read for every bookworm and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Reviewer’s note: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating