Secondhand Charm
Julie Berry
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Release Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 352
Source: ARC for review

Rating: 4.5 stars

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 . . .

This book was so cute! I will admit I was expecting something completely different. Then the book took a turn from what I was expecting, and it was instant love. Secondhand Charm addresses a very interesting part of fantasy, and I absolutely loved it.

This book is a very quick read. I found myself reading it in one sitting. It has a very light, magical air about it, making it a very fun read. The plot was just so fun! It had a very almost quest-ish feel to it, which is how some of my favorite books are.

I really liked the characters. Evie was a very smart main character, with a great voice. Aiden was a character who I really just loved, he was so sincere. The minor characters in the book really stayed in your mind. The two actor brothers, Alfonso and Rudolpho, were absolutely hilarious and made you laugh every time they walked onto the page.

Another really great thing about Secondhand Charm is how I think it would appeal to a wide range of readers. Middle grade readers would enjoy it, as would those who like Young Adult. I haven’t read Julie Berry’s other book, The Amaranth Enchantment, but after Secondhand Charm I know it will be one of the books I read soon!