What a delight this book turned out to me. The premise is simple: Arthur Pepper, while purging his deceased wife's belongings on the first anniversary of her death, discovers a charm bracelet. He doesn't recall ever seeing Miriam wear this bracelet, and it strikes him as being out of character for her to have something so lavish. One by one, he solves the mystery of each charm, learning more about his wife's past as he goes.

I love books of all sorts, but I especially love those that are seemingly simple while warming the heart. This book is everything I needed in a book at the time I read it, and just recalling some of the events and situations Arthur found himself in makes me smile.

3.5 stars. There will never be another Ove, but Arthur grew on me as well. A charming, easy read.

Loved this. After losing both sets of parents, and aging gracefully with my husband, this beautiful story of a marriage, then death of a spouse hit home with me.

If I had to choose one word to describe this story it would be ‘UPLIFTING.’
I went from feeling sympathy for Arthur, stuck in the pits of grief and mundane routine after the loss of his wife, to feeling huge admiration for him as he truly started to live his life to the full at the age of 70. A heartwarming journey with Arthur as he discovers his sense of adventure, strengthens his relationship with his children, sees new friendships flourish and learns a valuable lesson - to leave the past in the past, and keep moving forward.
I also enjoyed the familiarity of some of the Yorkshire locations featured in the story - York, Scarborough and Whitby.

Really cute and sweet

4.5 stars. Oh, I just loved this little book. Granted, I'm in a phase where I'm loving books with older protagonists, but still. I loved Arthur Pepper and all the people surrounding him. From the characters who flitted in and out of Arthur's life, to those that were his mainstays, Patrick seemed to develop each character and each character's relationship with Arthur just the right amount. I loved the setting, and had such a wonderful time following along on Arthur's adventures. The reason that this book loses half a star is because something that I can't put my finger on caused it to slow down, or hesitate, about 3/4 of the way through. Whatever it was, it passed just as quickly as it appeared and I was sucked right back in. So happy I picked up this book.

Charming and quaint story of how an elderly gentleman finds life again after his wife dies. Whimsically written. Quick and easy read.