From the author of Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, soon to be a an original movie on Hallmark.“An endearing celebration of life.” -RealSimple.comPerfect for fans of A Man Called Ove, this curiously charming debut follows a lovable widower and his life-changing adventure of love and self-discovery.Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just … Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden.
But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam’s death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam’s possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he’s never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife’s secret life before they met—a journey that leads him to find hope and healing in the most unexpected places.
Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters with big hearts and irresistible flaws, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a joyous reminder of life’s infinite possibilities.
Check out these other heartwarming stories from Phaedra Patrick.
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone
The Library of Lost and Found
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A light read to pass the time on the beach.
Poor Arthur Pepper, I mean seriously! This guy goes on a life altering adventure only after his wife is dead and, well, let’s be quite frank here, when death is close to knocking on his door too. This book is a sad representation of how not to live your life to the fullest. I found it extremely dull and had it not been part of my book club, I would’ve never even glanced at it in a book store.
So, Arthur is struggling with the death of his wife, now having to live life alone, he discovers his wife’s charm bracelet. He realises it’s part of his wife’s life that he never knew about. He sets out to discover where the charms came from and more about his wife’s past.
Let’s just rewind here for a minute, it takes Arthur losing his wife to finally realise he never knew her. Now I’m a sucker for romance, but let that really sink in, that a man waits until his wife is six feet under to discover who she was and what a fantastic, adventurous life she lived. This, people of the ethernet, is why you should never judge a book by its cover, or you know, never marry anyone by the name of Arthur who doesn’t ask about your past in the first date. Even the author points out Arthur’s ultimate downfall:
“He regretted it now. They should have visited new places together, had new experiences when the kids got older. They should have grasped the opportunity to do what they wanted to do and expand their horizons…”
There were a couple of aspects of this book that really rubbed me the wrong way — first and foremost, the pesky neighbour who is all up in Arthur’s business. I mean, woman, go get yourself a hobby or maybe take interest in your own son’s ambitions? And even Arthur’s daughter who thinks she won’t be satisfied with her life until she gets married and has children? Can we please remember it is 2018, and women do not need to be married or have children to be satisfied? But if that’s seriously what makes you think you’ll be satisfied, maybe you should be in another decade.
Maybe this review is coming off too harsh, a little bitter towards a cute little old man who is having a coming to Jesus moment before he knocks the bucket? Well, let’s just say, one positive thing about this book is its short and could totally be described as a summer beach book. It was an easy read and had some witty parts to it that could even make a bitter, cough, reader smile. But, overall, there’s nothing really “charming” about this book.
Read more of my review here: https://bit.ly/2Pl6tap
I enjoyed Arthur’s adventures and his interactions with unexpected characters.
This is a great book for book clubs! It’s entertaining, heartwarming with a fascinating main character, Arthur Pepper. His search to discover more about his deceased wife’s past is colored with charm, humor and sadness. It was enjoyed by all ages in our book club.
Cute story. Very original. Really liked this book.
unusual and uplifting
Absolutely charming book. Character development was extraordinary for the main character. I fell in love with him. So simple in his love, courage and determination – and curiosity! And the story line was just one of the most creative that I’ve encountered. Truly enjoyed this book and all the emotions that it evoked.It isn’t a sad book. It’s a beautiful book.
Fun and easy read.
Building upon a discovery made a year after his wife’s death, and what a miserable year it was, Arthur finds if he just reaches out here and there, he could have a wonderful life and he does.
Awesome book!
Fun to read the development of the characters. It is a gentle read.
A charming book about healing, growing, courage, self-discovery, and what can happen when you open yourself to possibilities. Look elsewhere for a synopsis. I enjoyed reading this book about a recent widower who sets out to learn some things about his wife and ends up discovering even more about himself and others. No car chases, no assasins, no political statements, no double dealing . . . how refreshing! If I have one complaint it is that the author seems to think our hero is OLD. Excuse me, but he’s only 60!!
If you love, “A Man Called Ove ” you will love this book.
I so enjoyed this! Very sweet. Lovely read.
I hope this author writes more about her main character
I loved these characters’ courage and quirky individuality. I would recommended this book, especially to other seniors.
A very charming book. The characters were delightful and the story sweet and heartwarming.
What if? You lived with someone, had children with them and suddenly found out they had kept secrets from you – after they died. It seems to me the point of the story is to not life interfere with your relationships. Arthur thought he knew his wife. His perceptions of his children were just that – his perceptions. His concept of who other people in his life were – his own ideas. And, the biggest surprise of all, did he even know himself?
An enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns and Arthur works through his grief to learn to live.
I questioned myself every step of the way. Would I go find out? Would it change anything? Very heart warming.
A warm, feel-good read that will leave you satisfied at the end!