What a lovely story. Moving through the grieving process and slowly discovering that he has life yet to live, Arthur carries the reader along through his discoveries.

Premise good, execution poor.

** I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin UK publishers in a Goodreads Giveaway. **

SOLID 5/5 stars

Let me start by saying that I am super grateful to have won a copy of this book. It could very easily end up being one of my favorites that I read in 2016. I wish it so much success when it gets released and hope that those who read this book enjoy it as much as I did.

I thought this book was absolutely adorable. I loved the whole concept of the book: 69-year old widower Arthur Pepper (p.s. what a cute name!) finds a charm bracelet among his wife’s belongings on the one-year anniversary of her death. He doesn’t recollect ever seeing his wife wear it, and he wonders where it came from and what sentimental value it might have held for Miriam. He goes on an adventure trying to trace back where each of the charms came from and encounters lots of interesting people with wonderful stories along the way.

Even the side characters are appealing. Bernadette starts off seeming like a nosy neighbor, but really she was just being nice. I really liked Lucy (both of them!) and how she had realistic problems that she had been struggling to deal with on top of her mother’s death. Terry, forever mowing his lawn and dealing with the great escape artist of a tortoise that lived next door was pretty funny.

Overall, this book was charming and fast-paced. I kept turning page after page wanting to know the next adventure that Arthur would be experiencing. The idea that you can be 69-years-old and still go on life-changing adventures and see the world is a wonderful concept. You just have to be willing to break from your daily routine and comfort zone like Arthur did and take the steps out your front door.

[Audiobook] Someone in the Audiobook Addicts group on FB recommended this, saying I’d enjoy it if I liked books such as Harold Frye and Man Called Ove. I did, and I may have enjoyed this one even more! Great characters, excellent narration, and the story kept my attention every minute from the first page to the last.

Cute, but felt a bit implausible. Definitely trying to be a feel good book, and for the most part, succeeding. A-ha moments felt a bit too pat and contrived, but cute, and worth reading if you're looking for something that won't challenge you too much.

This book was just lovely. A feel good kind of story that makes the cynic inside of me melt a little. And it is a shining example of how not to judge a book by its cover for there is likely so much more to a person than we could ever imagine.
Would highly recommend.

A light read, even if a bit long winded at times, overall I enjoyed it

Cute book, similar to A Man Called Ove, but not quite as stirring.

I loved Arthur's journey. I kind of knew what was going to happen before it happened, but I didn't mind. A sweet little story about love and how strong relationships can be.

This book was simply charming!