THE CHARM BRACELET by MELISSA HILL

THE CHARM BRACELET

BY MELISSA HILL

THE BLURB:-

Many years ago she was sent one with just a single charm attached. The charms have been appearing ever since, often at challenging times, as if her mysterious benefactor knows exactly when she need a little magic in her life.

As a result, Holly's bracelet is her most prized possession. So when she finds someone else's charm bracelet, she feel she has to try to reunite it with its owner. Even if the only clues she has to follow are the charms themselves.

On a search that will take her all over New York City at Christmas, Holly becomes ever more determined to piece together the details of the other charmed life. But what she doesn't know is that her quest may also lead her somewhere she never, ever expected...

THE REALITY:-

Another delight from the pen of “light, bright and trite”. This book is definitely charming but it's also very predictable. I worked out who the owner of the charm bracelet was long before the story told me, ditto the mysterious giver of charms as presents for Holly, to add to her bracelet. And it was obvious how Greg's relationship with Karen would turn out, as it was very simple to see what that lady really wanted out of life.

Having said all that, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Set in New York City- a wonderful place I have been to, and can relate to- Holly works in a vintage clothing store. As a lover of clothes, especially those not mainstream, it was a fantastic backdrop for a fashionista like myself! The characters were likeable and believable and often funny (lothario Gennaro's ways had me laughing out loud, as did Karen's ridiculous pretentiousness.)

Although it was quite obvious how the story was going to pan out, there was a lovely twist with regard to Greg's mother's health (you are led to believe one thing, then find out all is not exactly good, but not as bad as you first think) and how her involvement and interference shapes the final outcome. The nicest bits for me, though, were the stories behind the charms of the lost bracelet- they added a lovely, romantic flavour to the tale.

Definitely recommended.