To Holly O' Neill, a single mom, raising Danny, her 10-year-old son, is her life. His father never wanted a child, leaving Holly to have Danny alone. Holly loves her job at Secret Closet in Greenwich Village. It is a vintage designer clothing consignment shop with a wealthy client base. Their merchandise comes from chic affluent women and their prices are not for the faint of heart. Holly has just unpacked an Anna Bowery Dress, a lovely black silk dress with tiny delicate crystals that grace a full tulle skirt. This is a special dress. Bowery was a famous socialite in the 1960's, always rubbing shoulders with the Kennedys and Frank Sinatra. Holly adores the dress but where would she ever wear it? She has no social life. Holly is a beautiful, auburn-haired beauty with emerald- green eyes who dreams about a one-time love but so far it has evaded her. Unpacking a classic Chanel red velvet jacket, Holly decides she must try it on. It is a beauty with exquisite workmanship and fits perfectly. She discovers a small zipper inside the lining and pulls out a beautiful silver charm bracelet filled with many charms. Having one herself that she cherishes, she knows she must reunite this one with its owner. But how?

Greg Matthews experiences a close relationship with his parents. Proud of their close and loving marriage, Greg is looking for the same for himself. Is it time to propose to his girlfriend, Karen? It's been three years. He has been working on Wall Street, making tons of money for himself and the clients who already have too much money. He has been to all the galas and big events in the city. He hates his office as it is like "being in a cube." The panic and stress is everywhere around him. What he truly loves is to take photographs of New York, the city he adores. Greg knows he has the passion and talent to go into the photography business. Today is the day. He quits his job and feels relief and happiness. When he shares his news with Karen she is upset and annoyed. She complains bitterly that he has added responsibilities onto her shoulders without asking her opinion. She makes him feel like a loser and their relationship hits the rocks.

The charms are clever clues and take Holly all over New York during the Christmas Holidays. The finale is a tear jerker/hurray/Happy New Year that is sweet and sparkles and I have re-read many, many pages again. THE GIFT OF A CHARM is a keeper. You have a new and loyal fan, Melissa Hill.

Book Summary