Day Two: Review of Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

*As part of October's Outstanding Bloomsbury and Walkerbooks Authors Week, I have a reveiw of Julie Berry's Secondhand Charm today; be sure to check back later for more Secondhand Charm related goodies*

Summary/Cover Image from Publisher's Website:

A lyrical and magical new story from the acclaimed author of The Amaranth Enchantment

In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Berry's debut novel garnered glowing reviews and strong sales—and now she's done it again with a beautifully woven tale to keep all readers, young and old, absolutely charmed.

Review:

Julie Berry has certainly crafted a whimsical, well written tale in Secondhand Charm, one that's sure to entertain readers from all backgrounds with its interesting premise!

Secondhand Charm tales the tale of Evie, an ordinary girl who dreams of doing extraordinary things, such as being a doctor and studying at her kingdom's grand university ... a dream that certainly isn't going to happen to a girl from her background. But everything changes the day she helps heal one of the king's men, marking her as being any thing but ordinary and giving her the chance she so greatly deserves, a chance of a future far away from her secluded village. Now she's on the journey to the university with her best friend, who has also been awarded a scholarship, and the boy-next-door, one that Evie may just like a bit more than she says. Soon enough it's apparent that this trip will be anything but smooth, as she stumbles upon a plan and a secret of her parents' past that might just change her life and her kingdom's forever.

Evie was a smart, fiery, and fascinating girl, one that I couldn't help but love and root for as the story went on, and I'm most readers will feel the same way! I loved her determination in finding out a way to stop her kingdom from becoming anther's prey, as well as learning the most about her serpentina past as she could. Another favorite character of mine was Aidan. He nothing but charming and sweet!

The premise of this was fantastic, and the execution was even more so! I loved the idea of serpetina's and how they each had their own person serpent (especially the one Evie had- he was adorable and funny addition to the story!). Even better was the whole master evil plan against the kingdom that left for me and the main character to spend most of the book curious at what exactly was occurring, especially with the !
capricious' nature it had

As mentioned before, Secondhand Charm was nothing but well-written, and I have to say, it officially landed Julie on my favorite author list and Secondhand Charm as one of my favorites of the year! I can't wait to see what Berry has in store for us next! I'm sure it'll be even better than this one.

In all, Secondhand Charm was an imaginative and delightful novel that I utterly adored! I can't suggest this one highly enough!

Grade: A-

Secondhand Charm will be released October 12, 2010!

Source: Kate at Bloomsburry. Thanks!