Sweet story

A mostly light and easy read, which was what I was looking for, however it fell a bit short of other books in this vein that I have adored, like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry or A Man Called Ove. I found the structure of the story a bit simple/predictable and I would've liked the characters to have more depth/development. It just didn't grab my heart strings and felt overly predictable and simplistic. If I could do half stars, I'd have given it 2.5.

For the last year, Arthur Pepper has been following a strict routine of solitude and schedule after his wife passed away. Estranged from his children and fairly curmudgeonly, he is not quite sure what life has left to offer him when, while going through his wife's clothes, he finds a mysterious charm bracelet in one of her shoes. As he starts investigating the meaning behind each of the charms he learns more and more of the wild and adventurous life Miriam lead before their marriage. The more he learns, the more he begins to doubt that their marriage was all that he thought it had been.

This is part of the growing number of books I call old people think they've had it but then they say, "sod off" and go on adventures. Quirky, kinda like the movie UP and the side characters are what bring the story to life. If you need a warm fuzzy, this is a good choice.

3.5 stars. This was a pleasant read. It took me a little time to get into it but I wanted to keep going once I did. Arthur Pepper developed so much throughout the book and it was nice to see him grow and break out of his habits. Some of it felt bittersweet and there were times were I was laughing out loud because I didn't expect it to take the turns it did. It's a sweet book.

“You know, through my travels and meeting people who were part of Miriam’s life, I’m learning that it’s the things you say and do that people remember you for. She is no longer here but she lives on in people’s hearts and minds.”

A widower stuck in a routine finally brings himself to sort through his dead wife's things. He discovers a hidden charm bracelet that sets him off on an adventure to learn more about his wife's past, as well as himself.

This is cozy contemporary lit, about a widower Nothing otherworldly or unbelievable occurs, but there is so much charm and heart in this story that it cannot be dismissed as mundane either.
I was the most impressed by the PERFECT pacing. I did not feel that any chapters dragged which is a difficult task for this type of "slice of life" novel. Arthur's growth throughout is very satisfying, and the people he meets are an eclectic cast whose personal stories help keep the reader interested.
Overall this was a delightful and comfy read, perfect if you are looking for a "just a chapter or two before bed".

A charming, endearing and utterly lovely book which follows Arthur Pepper on a journey of discovery about his late wife but ultimately it becomes about him. Filled with delightful characters, gentle humour and truly heart warming moments this is a book which is antidote to whatever ails you. It will leave you smiling, uplifted and very, very glad to have met Arthur Pepper.

3.5 stars

A feel good story about growing older, making peace with your choices, and enjoying life as long as you are alive. Manipulative and preposterously implausible, but it's an easy and enjoyable read. I'm hoping it will be a good book for discussion as well.

I listened to about a third of it and recommend the audio.

In the mold of A Man Called Ove but not nearly as good.