My love affair with New York has been rekindled thanks to my latest read, The Charm Bracelet by Melissa Hill. Having ticked off Paris from my must-visit-places list, New York is next and hopefully, I'll soon be able to spend a vacation (preferably Christmas) there. The hustle and bustle of the Big Apple combined with all the skyscrapers and lights has a certain appeal that has had me itching to pay it a visit. It is a city that is full of energy and this aspect is brought to life in Melissa Hill's novel. Set in NYC at Christmas time, it tells the story of single mother Holly O'Neill and the journeys she is taken on by a charm bracelet that she finds at the store where she works. The book had me at the words 'vintage clothes' and I've been hooked on it ever since.
Being the owner of a charm bracelet herself, Holly knows its value and the sentimentality associated with each charm, and so she resolves to track down the owner and return the bracelet - not an easy task considering the size of New York and the sheer volume of people residing in this remarkable city. Taking into account the fact that she has a ten year old son, Danny, a job and a Christmas dinner to juggle, Holly has her work cut out for her. The new and peculiar personalities she meets along the way make for a very interesting tale. Even though she hits certain road blocks as she progresses, her determination pushes her forward and over the hurdles.
Running alongside Holly's story is that of Greg Matthews. Initially, his connection to Holly and the bracelet is not very clear, but as we read on, we start figuring out the relationship. It's amazing how two totally different people who were never even aware of each other's presence can be brought together by a piece of jewelry. Greg is experiencing a liberation that comes from quitting his job as a stock broker to pursue his dream of photography. Unfortunately, this emotion is not shared by his girlfriend, which puts him in some hot water. To me, it's clear that they aren't meant to be together, and we see how their relationship develops (well, more like deteriorates) through the chapters.
I enjoy the way the author describes some of the key New York sights and locales, which keeps my mind's eye quite busy. Every time I pick up the book, I feel like I'm hopping on a jet plane and zipping off to the City of Lights! And I'm glad that this kind of trip doesn't need a passport or a ticket ;) Melissa Hill incorporates flashbacks into the story line so that we can understand the significance of some of the charms on both the bracelets. It amazes me how small pieces of gold or silver act as storytellers and offer vivid glimpses into a person's life.The story does end with a slight surprise and a cliffhanger because it leaves the readers wondering what happens to Holly and Greg. However, I see this as an opportunity for the audience to take the reins of imagination into their hands and paint a pretty picture of what could happen next.
Happy reading!
Being the owner of a charm bracelet herself, Holly knows its value and the sentimentality associated with each charm, and so she resolves to track down the owner and return the bracelet - not an easy task considering the size of New York and the sheer volume of people residing in this remarkable city. Taking into account the fact that she has a ten year old son, Danny, a job and a Christmas dinner to juggle, Holly has her work cut out for her. The new and peculiar personalities she meets along the way make for a very interesting tale. Even though she hits certain road blocks as she progresses, her determination pushes her forward and over the hurdles.
Running alongside Holly's story is that of Greg Matthews. Initially, his connection to Holly and the bracelet is not very clear, but as we read on, we start figuring out the relationship. It's amazing how two totally different people who were never even aware of each other's presence can be brought together by a piece of jewelry. Greg is experiencing a liberation that comes from quitting his job as a stock broker to pursue his dream of photography. Unfortunately, this emotion is not shared by his girlfriend, which puts him in some hot water. To me, it's clear that they aren't meant to be together, and we see how their relationship develops (well, more like deteriorates) through the chapters.
I enjoy the way the author describes some of the key New York sights and locales, which keeps my mind's eye quite busy. Every time I pick up the book, I feel like I'm hopping on a jet plane and zipping off to the City of Lights! And I'm glad that this kind of trip doesn't need a passport or a ticket ;) Melissa Hill incorporates flashbacks into the story line so that we can understand the significance of some of the charms on both the bracelets. It amazes me how small pieces of gold or silver act as storytellers and offer vivid glimpses into a person's life.The story does end with a slight surprise and a cliffhanger because it leaves the readers wondering what happens to Holly and Greg. However, I see this as an opportunity for the audience to take the reins of imagination into their hands and paint a pretty picture of what could happen next.
Happy reading!
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