All the feels with The Last Charm!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I still have a book hangover from this moving book written by Ella Allbright @authorbythesea1207

I loved the way in which Jake & Leila’s story unfolds as Leila recounts the significance of each charm on her missing bracelet. I was engaged from the very start as Jake and Leila’s connection deepened over time and these troubled characters developed, stumbled and matured over the years. Their relationship came across as authentic and there’s a beautiful poignant quality in the storytelling that had me invested in the lives of both Jake & Leila as well as the fantastic cast of secondary characters around them.

I have to admit that Leila’s behaviour frustrated me at times, but for me that’s a sign of wonderful writing - that an author can elicit a strong emotion out of me! I savoured #The LastCharm over several days, it’s the type of book to take your time with and appreciate the various themes explored.

This delightful and touching story will stay with me for a long time and I look forward to reading more from Ella AllBright in the future.

I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and Sarah Lambie was an excellent narrator.

Huge thanks @onemorechapterhc & @netgalley for providing an eARC for review

Wow! What a book! Absolutely loved this and I was really sad when I got to the end!

The story follows the lives of Leila and Jake from their first meeting as early teens. Major life events are marked by the addition of another charm to Leila's bracelet, which becomes even more treasured by her as the years go by. The charms are perfect and so appropriate every time and although I do have a very precious charm bracelet myself with the majority of my charms having been bought for me by my long deceased grandparents, my charms don't mark life events in the same way as hers do. I love the fact that the bracelet encapsulates all those memories from their lives. What I really loved was the style of writing by the author - her turn of phrase and insight was amazing and some of the things I read are really going to stay with me ("All we have is time" - so true!)..

Although I had an inkling of what might happen due to the mention of a couple of other stories in the write up for this novel, this did not spoil my enjoyment at all. I just couldn't wait to see how things were going to turn out for these two wonderful characters. I also used to live in the same area as this story is set and know of the beauty of that county, so wonderfully described in the story.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough and will definitely be looking out for other books by this author. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest opinion, which this genuinely is!

I absolutely loved this wonderful book. I loved following Leila and Jake's story and learning the relevance of each charm from the bracelet. I couldn't put it down. Such a brilliant and emotional story which I won't forget.

The Last Charm’ is the latest book by Ella Allbright.

When Leila Jones loses her precious charm bracelet and a stranger finds it, she has to tell the story of how she got the charms to prove she’s the owner. Each and every one is a precious memory of her life with Jake. So Leila starts at the beginning, recounting the charms and experiences that have led her to the present. A present she never could have expected when she met Jake nearly twenty years ago…

If you enjoy a story that will break your heart but will also make it sing, then ‘The Last Charm’ is the book for you.

The story is seen through the narrative of Leila and Jake and is written over a15 year span and how they are there for each other during pivotal moments in their lives. The story starts at the moment that Leila has put out an appeal to find the charm bracelet that she has had most of her life. Someone has recovered this bracelet and wants proof that the bracelet is indeed hers and so begins her story of the importance of each charm on the bracelet.

Jake and Leila meet at the moment that Jake and his parents move into Leila’s old house as Lelia and her father have to move as her mother has suddenly disappeared leaving Leila distraught. For the short time that Leila and Jake hang out before she leaves for Bournemouth, it makes a huge impact on Jake’s life and he never forgot her kindness when she shared her lunch with him. So going forward with every significant moment in Leila’s life, Jake sends her charm, but she is unaware that the charm is from him.

The story progresses over a period of time, as the pair of them get older and develop relationships with other people, they are always drawn back to each other. Although Jake has loved Leila aka Jones as he calls her, Leila is more hesitant towards the idea of a relationship with him.

I loved both characters in this story and found a real connection with them. The story focuses on troubling topics such as abandonment and physical abuse and the author, handles these topics with sensitivity. I really loved the dynamics between Jake and Leila, how they banter with each other, but also how they can be honest as well and Jake gently pushes Leila with her passion for art and any time, she has any self doubt, he’s in the background cheering her on. Both characters are flawed in their own ways, both are passionate but they compliment each other so well, so all the while that I was reading the book, I was cheering for them. Each time they were together, I found myself smiling throughout.

A beautifully written and tender book about love, friendship and new beginnings and had me up reading much later than my scheduled curfew. A story filled with heart and hope, ‘The Last Charm’ is a tender story that pulls the reader in from the first page, joining them on the Jake and Lelia’s adventure. This book is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes.

You can buy ‘The Last Charm’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

I was initially drawn to The Last Charm because of my own charm bracelet which I would be devastated to lose – knowing what it means to me, I can fully understand Leila’s attachment to hers. I actually have a charm just like Leila’s with the cross, anchor and heart – it’s one of the charms I treasure the most.

We first meet Jake and Leila as children and follow them through their interactions throughout their lives. The characterisation of Jake and Leila as they grow from children to adults is beautiful, their voices changing, yet somehow staying the same as they grow. Watching them mature and battle their demons means that they really get under your skin, making their triumphs and heartbreaks feel all the more personal. It really is an exquisite journey through their lives centred around the specific points where Leila receives a new charm.

The Last Charm is a book that made me laugh and cry in almost equal measure, although perhaps it was a little heavier on the crying. If you are fans of Emma Cooper or Amelia Henley, then you will love this book.

This book is definitely meant for someone much younger than I am. I think someone in their late teen years to mid 30's would enjoy this book a lot more than I did. I struggled to read the book. At 50% of the book, I wanted to stop reading, but I pushed forward since I do not like to leave a book partially read.

The main female character was the reason I found it difficult to read. She is the type of person that takes something from her childhood and wants to live the rest of her life with a bad cloud hanging over her. (Yes her situation was awful, but becoming an adult is to accept your past and move forward.)

The main male character of the story is totally the opposite, while he may have rebelled in his teen years because of abusive situations in his life he pushed on and let that be a road block he overcame, in his path to his future, and strived to have a positive outlook and be a better person.

As I pushed forward and read, the book became more enjoyable. I definitely liked the last fourth of the book much more than the preceding part.

While I think the author is talented, I struggled with the plot flow. It seemed to drag, and I wanted to skim through parts, but I did not. As I stated earlier, I just do not think I am the target audience for this story.

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for allowing me to read the advance reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by reading the ARC.

What wasn’t there to love about this book. Well besides the ending. I loved the forming relationship between Leila and Jake. Leila was just a normal person who kept having the worst luck. If you think this is a love story with a happy ending you need to think again. Get the tissues ready.

When picking this up, I somewhat expected it to resemble ‘Dear Emmie Blue’ which I absolutely loved and I was fully prepared to shed some tears but what I received was far from it.

‘The Last Charm’ shares the story of Leila and Jake’s journey, the love that blossomed between them and the charms that they gathered over the course of twenty years. Filled with family drama, angst, abuse, misunderstandings, death and bubbling romance—I was ready for this to tug at my heartstrings but it sadly didn’t and it was simply because of Leila.

She was judgmental, selfish and needed to get a better hold of her emotions. Lashing out and saying insensitive, hurtful things to Jake. I wasn't feeling that. This precious bean deserved better. And the back and forth forgive and forget I hate you I love you bull was too repetitive for my taste.

But I will say the only part that stood out was the ending. It was absolutely devastating and even though I knew it was heading in that direction, it didn’t make it hurt any less because like I said—Jake deserved better. I won’t say no more but everything that led up to that moment and what could’ve been could only be summed up into one word: damn.

Why did no one tell me/ warn me about how sad the ending was going to be!

I must say for about 50% of the book it was taking me a lot of time to get into the book. as it was just quite heavy and every now again was upsetting!

I loved each chapter as it was all about how Lelia received each charm - I still find it a bit weird that it actually started with the mum buying her the first charm before leaving!


Honestly, people really should read this book if anyone would like to read a romance book but without the typical slushy stuff!

A beautiful book. I experienced many emotions while reading this story. It is a slice of life readers will take to their hearts.
Many thanks to One More Chapter and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A poignant and evocative story covering a twenty year lifetime in the relationship between Jake and Leila.
This is a brave and exciting concept with a lovely approach and voice right from the start which captures that crazy coming of age time in any one's life.
Unfortunately the two voices of Leila and Jake did not work for me. Leila is written in the first person while Jake is third person and present tense, even though it was flashbacks.

I love the concept for this book. My mom started me a charm bracelet as a teenager and I started one for my daughter's when they were born. They're still the number one requested item for Christmas even though they're in their twenties. The bracelets tell a story and bring back memories.

Leila and Jake's story is really sweet. Leila has been burned by her mom leaving so she doesn't trust relationships. Jake and her have been friends since they first met. Leila lives with her dad and grandpa while Jake lives with his mom and abusive father. Leila awaits the day for her mom's return while Jake can't wait to leave home .

Through their friendship, they date other people, argue and make up consistently. It felt a little drawn out at times but I still liked the storyline. The ending was very sudden and surprising.

All in all, I think it was a cute read. Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is one of those emotional reads which you can visualise as a film. Both the central characters are instantly likeable, with a certain irreverence and a gentle quality. Both Leila and Jake have had difficulties to face in their childhood. Nevertheless, they have found support from friends and family and you get the message early on that they have a great connexion. Loss and longing are written through the heart of the story but there are also lots of positives as well. Jake makes something of his life despite his father and he has such a caring side. He always feels like Leila's guardian angel.

The story is told in retrospect and the story of how Leila gets the charms on her bracelet forms the framework of the tale. Each one represents an important episode in her life. This is a poignant and emotional read which involves the reader and keeps a few surprises right to the end.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

The Last Charm begins with Leila writing an email. She has lost her charm bracelet and wants to prove ownership to the woman who has found it. We are then taken back in time to see how Leila and Jake's life and love story emerged...
Simply beautiful.
I suppose you need more detail than that!
Leila and Jake both have an unhappy start to life. Jake's father is abusive and Leila's mum abandons her family. The emotional trauma from this shapes the people the children become and their actions over the course of the book.
The chapters from Leila's perspective were in the first person as I think this helps to make her more vulnerable and likeable. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have had as much sympathy as she often acts selfishly and concentrates on what she has lost rather than what she has.
Jake's story just broke my heart. Abused by a violent dad, desperate to save his mum, feeling like an outcast due to his odd coloured eyes and cleft palate operation scar. He is an outcast, desperate to feel normal. His friendship with Leila's grandad gets his life back on course and he clearly loves Leila but she has no idea.
This is not always an easy book to read as it grips your heart and makes you feel strongly for the characters. I wanted to shout at Leila to notice Jake's adoration and appreciate his thoughtfulness. It broke my heart to see her reject him several times after he repeatedly put her happiness above his own.
Grief is a significant theme in The Last Charm. The loss of family members, hope and talent are all covered sensitively. Forgiveness is another crucial theme, the need to forgive others but also yourself.
The chronological narrative showing the gifting of the charms is quite unique and works so well to convey the plot. I spent the last half hour struggling to read as the tears running down my face made it almost impossible to see the words.
It is not hyperbole to say that it was a privilege to read this book and I can't wait to see what author Ella Allbright writes next.

Beautiful, beautiful love story. Stories told through the charms on a bracelet. Recounted because Leila needs to prove that the bracelet is hers. Loved the stories and the characters. Made me cry and want to read the whole story in one sitting! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy..

When Leila loses her charm bracelet she is devastated, because the charms represent her life story over the past twenty years. When she was a young girl, her mother gave her a charm bracelet with a heart charm on it and then promptly disappears from her life. Then, as Leila grows, she receives charms to commemorate the important events in her life. For her, it is the connection with her mother that she holds onto, rightly or wrongly. The person who finds the lost charm bracelet asks Leila to describe it and so this book is, in effect, her telling the story of each charm.



Leila's mother leaving means that Leila and her dad have to move away from their home. Before they leave, Leila meets Jake, the young boy who has moved into Leila's old house with his dysfunctional family.



Over the years, Jake and Leila's lives continued to intersect as Leila comes back to visit her granddad Ray (loved him!) and then when Leila moves back to the town.



I loved the premise of this book. The idea that when something momentous happens you add some kind of momento so that you can sit and touch it to bring back the memories, to evoke the feelings, to bring that moment to mind, to bring the people you love back to mind.



It will depend on what you think of the characters as to how this book resonates for you, and this was mixed for me.



Jake......sigh....what a man he grew up to be. Jake overcame such challenges from his childhood and through sheer grit and determination became more, much more. I struggled more with Leila who also had to overcome childhood trauma, but it took her a long time to be able see what was right in front of her, and a long time to grow up. Quite frankly, I think Jake had the patience of a saint, and there were numerous times when I wanted to lead into the book and yell at Leila to just have a proper conversation with Jake.

Having said that, I had very tangible reactions to the book. It made me smile, it made me laugh, and yes, I cried.



Rating 3.5/5

I DEVOURED this book. Based on the blurb, I was prepared for a nice story but not the One Day levels of emotion I experienced. By the last chapter I was absolutely bawling.

This is the first time in a while that I fell in love with the main characters, Leila and Jake. I loved them not only because they brought such a beautiful and tender story, but because they weren’t perfect. At times they were annoying and other times I couldn’t get enough of them. But the character development was real and raw and I couldn’t imagine Leila and Jake written any other way.

Leila and Jake had an undying love for one another, even if it took them a while to realise. Quite often, this can lead to a cheesy love story. However, The Last Charm wasn’t a frustrating case of “will they, won’t they” but a wonderful story that renewed my faith in soul mates. And then there was the story of Leila’s charm bracelet, which added a unique premise to the author’s storytelling.

Yes, I was sent a free copy of The Last Charm but that doesn’t skew my opinion. This was a beautiful, moving story that I will never forget.

This was a beautiful love story depicted in a surprising manner by using the story of a charm bracelet. The heroine was delightful and the storyline flowed seamlessly. Highly recommended!

A very well written book which was both heartwarming and emotional - keep those tissues handy! Definitely worth reading. I hope there is another book soon. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

4.5, rounded up. This is the epic tear-jerker romance for which you’ve been waiting! Slightly more literary than Me Before You, The Last Charm is infused with a bit more yearning and reality, a la Normal People. It’s evident from the beginning that Leila and Jake are meant to be— though both struggle with their insecurities, borne of societal pressure and family drama. Both are so humble and subtle, it’s at once frustrating and enjoyable, watching them come together and drift apart over the course of their fifteen years. Allbright does a wonderful job creating tension, crafting a story that is simple but never stale; even in moments where we may know what’s coming, she manages to maintain the emotional connection through our relatability, so that it is always compelling. This is the magic of this story, for me: it feels somehow familiar. Even if your own relationship history or character differs, there’s enough to make it feel like this is your story.
The only fault I found is the device of the bracelet. This isn’t to say the way it’s executed isn’t fine, it’s just that the book would have been a touch more sophisticated were it grouped into episodes of their coming together, without the bracelet. This may seem like a huge gripe, given it’s the most basic element of the book, from which the story springs, but it clearly didn’t hamper my enjoyment overall. Was just a personal preference, and the reason, I believe, the novel will not be considered by critics, but instead remain firmly in the ‘beach read/romance’ genre— which is perfectly acceptable.
Great work by a fresh voice. Can’t wait to see what Ella Allbright does next.