The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

By: Phaedra Patrick

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

In this poignant and sparkling debut, a lovable widower embarks on a life-changing adventure.

Sixty-nine-year-old 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, healing, and self-discovery 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 curiously charming debut and a joyous celebration of life's infinite possibilities.

©2016 Phaedra Patrick (P)2016 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited.

sweet, predictable novel of widower's quest

This British novel is about a 69 year-old widower on the first year anniversary of his wife's death. The retired Arthur Pepper leads a boring life, ruled by his routines. And then he finds a charm bracelet of his wife's, one he had not ever seen. Curious, he investigates the meaning of each charm, and learns more than he wanted about his wife before they had met. It is also a story about change and self-discovery, and Arthur tries to reconnect with his adult children in the process. Yes, it is over-the-top sweet and manipulative. But it was an enjoyable "feel-good" story nevertheless. This novel fell short of my favorite of this genre (Us: A Novel by David Nichols and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce), but I still recommend this for readers who like sweet relationship stories about older people and families. The reader was perfect for this story.

A heart warming book!

This is such a sweet story. A 70 year old widower learns about his wife's life before they met. A touching story written and told beautifully. You won't regret it. 😀😀😀

Cool

The book is based on a good lesson, to leave the in the past and to not let it dictate or affect the future. I thought it would have been more Romancy but it was more of a husband going into the well lived past life of his wife.

Entertaining story, excellent narrator

Light hearted and entertaining story. Good bedtime story because it's not too exciting. Enjoyed it.

A lovely diversion

Just what I needed. A beautiful story in a quaint setting and not entirely predictable.

Great book

Loved this book..if you have not read it, you need to do so now 🙂

So touching...

My Mother, who was British, passed away a little less than a year ago. I connected so much to Arthur’s loss. My British grandfather‘s name was Arthur and one of my mom’s best friends name was Miriam. This was a lovely book with truly touching content about the many aspects of our journey through life. I won’t forget this one!

waaaaait!!! the book is over already?!?

the cutest book ever!!! omg what a sweet older widowed man, you easily fall in love with him.. and his journeys are excitingly comical. I did not want this book to ever end!!

Arthur Pepper

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. The story and narration were excellent. Great distinction between characters so you can always tell what character is speaking. Sweet story.

Gracious telling of a lovely story

Sheer perfection, this voice with this story. I enjoyed every moment of the telling. The story is heartfelt and charming, the characters true and strong. I will listen again often.