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Charlie and Pearl
It was supposed to be simple...
Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl.
Girl, slightly more cynical, takes a little longer.
And they lived happily ever after, right?
It definitely wasn't supposed to end the way it did.
For fans of Colleen Hoover, Jojo Moyes and Eleanor Rowell, Charlie and Pearl is a breathtaking story of unconventional love, of finding that spare part you never knew you were missing and what happens when love simply isn't enough.
"This is an incredible story. As long as you don't mind getting kicked in the gut, shedding a few tears, and having your heart squeezed at the pain the characters go through, you'll love this book. It's simple, yet elegant. Painful, yet heartwarming. It is put simply, an incredible story told well."
Mark Paxson
Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl.
Girl, slightly more cynical, takes a little longer.
And they lived happily ever after, right?
It definitely wasn't supposed to end the way it did.
For fans of Colleen Hoover, Jojo Moyes and Eleanor Rowell, Charlie and Pearl is a breathtaking story of unconventional love, of finding that spare part you never knew you were missing and what happens when love simply isn't enough.
"This is an incredible story. As long as you don't mind getting kicked in the gut, shedding a few tears, and having your heart squeezed at the pain the characters go through, you'll love this book. It's simple, yet elegant. Painful, yet heartwarming. It is put simply, an incredible story told well."
Mark Paxson
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2013
29 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Robinson
18 books191 followersTammy Robinson is a contemporary author from the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. After years spent working her way around the world, Tammy settled back in New Zealand, where she met her husband. They now have three children and live on a farm. She published her first six novels through Amazon before she was signed to Hachette, who published DIFFERENTLY NORMAL and PHOTOS OF YOU, with several worldwide translations. PHOTOS OF YOU has been optioned for film by LA Production company MRC Film, to be produced by Elizabeth Cantillon. Tammy's ninth book, BACK TO YOU, will be published April 27th 2021 by Hachette.
Find her on Facebook - Tammy Robinson - Author
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Or follow her on Twitter - @TammyRobinson76
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
November 5, 2016
"If you've ever seen the movie 'Finding Nemo', I'm sure you remember the scene with the turtles in the current, I can't remember what it was called exactly, but they were like cool surfer dudes man, and Nemo's dad and Dory hitched a ride with them. Well the backpacker highway in New Zealand is a bit like that. Familiar people everywhere you pull up, all following the same current. It's nice. Makes me proud to be a kiwi to
see how much they love their country. We enjoyed spending time with them".
"Sometimes though there were nights when we just wanted to be alone. Those nights we parked somewhere remote, enjoy being just the two of us, cooking dinner together, watching the sunset and then when it got dark crawling into bed together".
This is the type of book that when you are done reading the last page -- you say....
"What"? "OMG"! "Is this partly a true story?"
'Charlie and Pearl'.....are the 'stars' in this story and by the time you get to the end, whatever your thoughts are about love stories evolves with tender grace.
I noticed grammatical errors - not a lot - but a 'few'. It surprised me more than bothered me-- because they were pretty noticeable. So ....for a few minutes -- I thought "ok, this is going to be a sweet story -maybe better for younger people"......
BUT THEN.....
a shift took place - not a sudden shocking event - but an authentic intimate investment of 'thyself' with the characters. I couldn't put it down. It took no longer than 3 hours to read - yet I don't think I'll ever forget this story.
I WAS crying! I WAS moved! I was SURPRISED & STUNNED with the ending.
I had to sit and think about it - long after finishing it. I actually had more questions-
questions of where this story came from - questions for the author - and a deeper desire to visit New Zealand.
The experience of the coastal small town of New Zealand was peaceful. Local naked children diving into the river--Pete's book store-( an Indi book store), the entire quaint environment --and food was a yummy reading indulgence...(paua fritters, fried eggs, and a half fried tomato, etc.). I like these little details ---they added a great feeling with the larger issues at going on.
As for the main plot...I'd rather not give anything away.
I recommend this book to my female friends. The emotions build. It's a hard book 'not' to cry in. I really believe most my friends would love it as I did.
At its core....THIS IS A LOVE STORY!!
*Tammy Robinson lives in New Zealand. She's a wife, a mother of three small children, and an author. A sensitive writer with a lot of heart!
see how much they love their country. We enjoyed spending time with them".
"Sometimes though there were nights when we just wanted to be alone. Those nights we parked somewhere remote, enjoy being just the two of us, cooking dinner together, watching the sunset and then when it got dark crawling into bed together".
This is the type of book that when you are done reading the last page -- you say....
"What"? "OMG"! "Is this partly a true story?"
'Charlie and Pearl'.....are the 'stars' in this story and by the time you get to the end, whatever your thoughts are about love stories evolves with tender grace.
I noticed grammatical errors - not a lot - but a 'few'. It surprised me more than bothered me-- because they were pretty noticeable. So ....for a few minutes -- I thought "ok, this is going to be a sweet story -maybe better for younger people"......
BUT THEN.....
a shift took place - not a sudden shocking event - but an authentic intimate investment of 'thyself' with the characters. I couldn't put it down. It took no longer than 3 hours to read - yet I don't think I'll ever forget this story.
I WAS crying! I WAS moved! I was SURPRISED & STUNNED with the ending.
I had to sit and think about it - long after finishing it. I actually had more questions-
questions of where this story came from - questions for the author - and a deeper desire to visit New Zealand.
The experience of the coastal small town of New Zealand was peaceful. Local naked children diving into the river--Pete's book store-( an Indi book store), the entire quaint environment --and food was a yummy reading indulgence...(paua fritters, fried eggs, and a half fried tomato, etc.). I like these little details ---they added a great feeling with the larger issues at going on.
As for the main plot...I'd rather not give anything away.
I recommend this book to my female friends. The emotions build. It's a hard book 'not' to cry in. I really believe most my friends would love it as I did.
At its core....THIS IS A LOVE STORY!!
*Tammy Robinson lives in New Zealand. She's a wife, a mother of three small children, and an author. A sensitive writer with a lot of heart!
November 4, 2016
TITLE: Charlie and Pearl
AUTHOR: Tammy Robinson
GENRE: Contemporary Romance.
RELEASE DATE: January 13th 2013
When I was approached by this author to review her book as soon as I saw she was a kiwi like myself without hesitation I jumped on this. This will be my first read by this author so I'm keen to see what kind of journey she takes me on.
CHARLIE AND PEARL: This is spoken in 'Alternative Perspectives' and is solely centered around twenty-three year old Charlie and twenty-four year old Pearl a riveting story of unconventional love set in the backdrop of New Zealand.
Charlie is your typical easy going laid back kiwi guy with a heart of gold, slightly overweight and quirky and has worked in the same book store since he was thirteen years old, and is some what content with his life until Pearl walked into it and knocked him for a sixer, he knew she was it for him he just needs time to convince her of it.
My job is boring. My life is fairly boring. I have no love life to speak of, and I'm not sure any of my limited past experiences count for much. I'm treading water, going nowhere, seeking nothing, and waiting for something to find me.
~ CharliePearl has come back to her roots seeking solace and move on from the past and what better way of doing that by staying at her Grandmother's isolated batch by the beach in a small secluded coastal town. She's not looking for any love connection as far as she's concerned the male race is non existent.
It is obvious how he felt about me. There was no attempt at pretense on his part. His face and his eyes reflected exactly how he was feeling at any given time and sometimes adoration that beamed my way was comforting.
~ PearlI love how the author has captured the true essence of the simplicity of true kiwi living within a small town, and has brought it to life, where everyone knows your name, such a riveting story that captures you as soon as you start it.
This was so beautifully written, it felt like I was actually there in this small coastal town, surrounded by the ocean, the sounds of waves crashing on the shore, the author has a real natural talent for setting the stage and transporting you to that location in the book, the ending killed me but then how else could it have ended? It suited the story, gave us all that shock factor, all the feels, the frustration of not really knowing if it was premeditated or truly an accident.
Every second of every moment I had ever spent with her was seared into my memory like our tattoos were seared into our flesh.
October 4, 2021
My second Tammy Robinson book and again she does not disappoint.
Very beautifully written and the whole story floats along nicely.
I really enjoy this authors style of writing and I will be reading her other books.
Very beautifully written and the whole story floats along nicely.
I really enjoy this authors style of writing and I will be reading her other books.
June 8, 2015
Beautiful, heart breaking, joyful and sad. I read this in one sitting. Nothing more to say except read it now!
April 2, 2013
It was a free book through Amazon, so I thought I'd give it a whirl..
When I started reading this book and was on the fence about it....That was until Charlie & Pearl met...I finished this book at 2:30 AM last night, with tears in my eyes. It has been a LONG time since a book has brought me to tears like this one did. This book put me through the emotional ringer. I loved the evolution of Charlie & Pearl's relationship..everyone should experience what they have at least once in their life time!!
Please take a chance on this one! You will not regret it.
When I started reading this book and was on the fence about it....That was until Charlie & Pearl met...I finished this book at 2:30 AM last night, with tears in my eyes. It has been a LONG time since a book has brought me to tears like this one did. This book put me through the emotional ringer. I loved the evolution of Charlie & Pearl's relationship..everyone should experience what they have at least once in their life time!!
Please take a chance on this one! You will not regret it.
December 17, 2015
OMG, what a heart rendering, wonderfully written book.
Tammy Robinson not only brings characters to life, she brings life to characters and makes you believe in them...
this was a fantastic story, written from both perspectives of Charlie and Pearl. As the story unfolds you are unsure of the good ending.
Please read books from this author, so well written.
Tammy Robinson not only brings characters to life, she brings life to characters and makes you believe in them...
this was a fantastic story, written from both perspectives of Charlie and Pearl. As the story unfolds you are unsure of the good ending.
Please read books from this author, so well written.
September 24, 2019
Charlie and Pearl by Tammy Robinson
4,5 out of 5 ⭐️
Charlie and Pearl (I just love the name, but that’s not the half of it) is an exquisite love story. It’s a simple unforced fairy tale of a book told in such raw and heartbreaking prose about the wonder of a 1st, true love. The characters are haunting, vivid and real and they seem to echo in your psyche long after the book has finished.
The setting, an unconventional and quirky coastal town in New Zealand also seems to take root in you, and although I’d visited Rotorua on NZ’s North Island in 2005 for my brother’s wedding, well, I wanted to uproot and head off back there again 10 years later, after I read this.
Charlie and Pearl is a book that makes you want be young and fall in love again, that makes you wonder whether you truly, bravely ventured forth in love and all it makes of us, despite whatever heartache this might bring.
I recommended it to my bestie in London, who immediately went out to buy it and told me afterwards - ‘I’m just finished’
It’s magical, read it. It’s a 1 sitting read.
Note ~ the lovely Tammy Robinson posted me a copy of her book and it’s taken me this long to review it. Shameful. I started reading it fairly soon after the birth of my little boy Charlie, and so I could be biased.
4,5 out of 5 ⭐️
Charlie and Pearl (I just love the name, but that’s not the half of it) is an exquisite love story. It’s a simple unforced fairy tale of a book told in such raw and heartbreaking prose about the wonder of a 1st, true love. The characters are haunting, vivid and real and they seem to echo in your psyche long after the book has finished.
The setting, an unconventional and quirky coastal town in New Zealand also seems to take root in you, and although I’d visited Rotorua on NZ’s North Island in 2005 for my brother’s wedding, well, I wanted to uproot and head off back there again 10 years later, after I read this.
Charlie and Pearl is a book that makes you want be young and fall in love again, that makes you wonder whether you truly, bravely ventured forth in love and all it makes of us, despite whatever heartache this might bring.
I recommended it to my bestie in London, who immediately went out to buy it and told me afterwards - ‘I’m just finished’
It’s magical, read it. It’s a 1 sitting read.
Note ~ the lovely Tammy Robinson posted me a copy of her book and it’s taken me this long to review it. Shameful. I started reading it fairly soon after the birth of my little boy Charlie, and so I could be biased.
February 5, 2016
Lovely
Not sure I should have read the end at son's swimming lesson :(
Not sure I should have read the end at son's swimming lesson :(
February 4, 2013
24 year old Pearl has been through some traumatic experiences as of late and so by residing at her Gran’s beach house for a while, she gets to relax and try to get away from everything back in the city.
24 year old Charlie has lived in the quaint New Zealand coastal town all his life. He lives with his mum, has worked at a bookshop since he was 13 and has a close relationship with the owner – Pete – whose health is slowly deterring and Charlie looks out for him.
He’s content with his life – albeit it’s a little quiet but he makes what it is of it, until Pearl arrives and he’s instantly attracted to her, but Pearl isn’t looking for a relationship. Charlie sets out to win her over with such determination that it would be hard to constantly turn him away.
Although Charlie does get his girl, Pearls secret has come out in the open and is destined to hurt everyone. Will Charlie stick with her through thick and thin? Will they get their happily ever after?
I’m really glad that Tammy emailed me asking me if I wanted to read and review Charlie and Pearl. Although its only 120 pages long, so a short read, so much happens in the short time you are reading it. There are twists and turns and a whole lot of love included throughout the story.
Set in New Zealand, Tammy supplies so much imagery that you will feel you are at the beach town along with Charlie and Pearl – it made me want to be there and experience the town as it seemed heavenly and just what you would need to go and relax somewhere for a while.
Charlie is a sweet guy. He’s easy going, has a big heart and he’s content with his life. When he first sets his sight on Pearl, it was pretty much love at first sight. He then does whatever he can to try and win her over, even when Pearl just wants to stay friends; it would be hard not to enjoy the attention and admiration that Charlie was pouring. Pearl flicked a switch in Charlie and it seemed that they were meant to meet and relish in life together and Charlie never seemed happier than when he was around Pearl. Until the dreaded secret came out and everything changed, apart from Charlie’s feelings for Pearl – nothing could stop his love for her.
Pearl is a soft soul but she comes with some heavy baggage too. She’s had some heartbreaking news – which you find out near the start – to which she has come to the beach house for a while to get away from the city and to try and forget what has happened. BUT that is not her secret, oh no, you find that out near the end. MAJOR PLOT TWIST. She’s not looking for a relationship, but even she can’t turn away from the attention that Charlie is giving her and she eventually falls for his persistent. Pearl just wants to live life to the fullest and experience everything it has to offer which is why both her and Charlie fitted perfectly together.
The book is written in alternative POV’s and you got an insight into how each other were feeling throughout the book about one another and themselves and the events unfolding around them. Tammy made the characters come to life and you really feel attached to both of them that when everything unfolds you feel the heartbreak and the emotions from both Charlie and Pearl.
The story is both comical and emotional but that is what made it a great book to read. It makes you treasure all that you have and can do in life as well as finding the person that lights up your life, no matter how much you didn’t want to. It’s about two young adults trying to figure out their way in the world and how they both fit together right up until the end where everything changes.
The end! Oh the end. Now THAT I was not expecting at all! When you seem to think something is going to happen, it takes another twist and goes the other way. Yes I cried because, as I’ve said you become attached to the characters and the pain pouring from both of them is heartbreaking and you just want to hug them both and tell them that it will be okay, even when it’s not.
This is a great debut book from Tammy Robinson, and everyone should get their copy and read it! It is a short read, but it’s packed with EVERYTHING! Love, drama, secrets; there is something for everyone. It beautifully written and I shall be awaiting the next book from Tammy now.
Definitely recommend Charlie and Pearl.
24 year old Charlie has lived in the quaint New Zealand coastal town all his life. He lives with his mum, has worked at a bookshop since he was 13 and has a close relationship with the owner – Pete – whose health is slowly deterring and Charlie looks out for him.
He’s content with his life – albeit it’s a little quiet but he makes what it is of it, until Pearl arrives and he’s instantly attracted to her, but Pearl isn’t looking for a relationship. Charlie sets out to win her over with such determination that it would be hard to constantly turn him away.
Although Charlie does get his girl, Pearls secret has come out in the open and is destined to hurt everyone. Will Charlie stick with her through thick and thin? Will they get their happily ever after?
I’m really glad that Tammy emailed me asking me if I wanted to read and review Charlie and Pearl. Although its only 120 pages long, so a short read, so much happens in the short time you are reading it. There are twists and turns and a whole lot of love included throughout the story.
Set in New Zealand, Tammy supplies so much imagery that you will feel you are at the beach town along with Charlie and Pearl – it made me want to be there and experience the town as it seemed heavenly and just what you would need to go and relax somewhere for a while.
Charlie is a sweet guy. He’s easy going, has a big heart and he’s content with his life. When he first sets his sight on Pearl, it was pretty much love at first sight. He then does whatever he can to try and win her over, even when Pearl just wants to stay friends; it would be hard not to enjoy the attention and admiration that Charlie was pouring. Pearl flicked a switch in Charlie and it seemed that they were meant to meet and relish in life together and Charlie never seemed happier than when he was around Pearl. Until the dreaded secret came out and everything changed, apart from Charlie’s feelings for Pearl – nothing could stop his love for her.
Pearl is a soft soul but she comes with some heavy baggage too. She’s had some heartbreaking news – which you find out near the start – to which she has come to the beach house for a while to get away from the city and to try and forget what has happened. BUT that is not her secret, oh no, you find that out near the end. MAJOR PLOT TWIST. She’s not looking for a relationship, but even she can’t turn away from the attention that Charlie is giving her and she eventually falls for his persistent. Pearl just wants to live life to the fullest and experience everything it has to offer which is why both her and Charlie fitted perfectly together.
The book is written in alternative POV’s and you got an insight into how each other were feeling throughout the book about one another and themselves and the events unfolding around them. Tammy made the characters come to life and you really feel attached to both of them that when everything unfolds you feel the heartbreak and the emotions from both Charlie and Pearl.
The story is both comical and emotional but that is what made it a great book to read. It makes you treasure all that you have and can do in life as well as finding the person that lights up your life, no matter how much you didn’t want to. It’s about two young adults trying to figure out their way in the world and how they both fit together right up until the end where everything changes.
The end! Oh the end. Now THAT I was not expecting at all! When you seem to think something is going to happen, it takes another twist and goes the other way. Yes I cried because, as I’ve said you become attached to the characters and the pain pouring from both of them is heartbreaking and you just want to hug them both and tell them that it will be okay, even when it’s not.
This is a great debut book from Tammy Robinson, and everyone should get their copy and read it! It is a short read, but it’s packed with EVERYTHING! Love, drama, secrets; there is something for everyone. It beautifully written and I shall be awaiting the next book from Tammy now.
Definitely recommend Charlie and Pearl.
May 2, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Tammy Robinson. It was a simple story with a heart wrenching ending. It would be a great "by the pool" book, or "in the waiting room". I shall look out for more by this author.
January 26, 2014
This was a beautiful love story, and I couldn't put it down. It was an easy read, and a touching tale.
May 31, 2015
Another great read by Tammy Robinson http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Pearl-T...
August 20, 2015
Loved "Charlie and Pearl". Didn't want to finish it.
February 5, 2017
I'm touched and overwhelmed after reading this modern-day love story. It is beautiful and poignant and whilst I loved reading it a part of me wished I never had. Pearl is heartbroken after a love affair gone wrong. She flees to her grandmother's beach house and it is there she meets Charlie: although of the same age he is of an innocence Pearl has not seen before. Charlie works in the local bookstore and lives with his mother. He is sweet and romantic and falls for Pearl the second he sets eyes on her. Only then he realises: she is who he has been missing in his life and never knew until this moment. Charlie is in love.
Pearl is recovering from a love affair such as she had never experienced before. Adam was charming and attractive and everybody told them they were a match made in heaven. No wonder she was totally into the man - even if he wanted her to change her appearance and perhaps her personality. No wonder, in the end, he walked away. Pearl should have noticed the signs but she did not until it was too late. After he "backed away so fast I didn't understand what happened" Pearl finds out she is pregnant. After miscarrying Adam's baby she sees no alternative but to flee the city and hide out in her grandmother's beach house in the small coastal town in New Zealand. The house is perfectly situated on the edge of the beach with the ocean just outside and the soothing "sound of the waves breaking".
One day Pearl needs supplies so she walks into town but once she has the loaded shopping bags in her hands she realises she is tired. That is when she remembers the comfy couch in the old bookshop and decides to rest there, even if it is just for a minute. Finding neither staff nor the lovely old couch in the bookshop, Pearl slips into the office and rests in the chair. Some time later 24-year-old Charlie, who helps out bookshop owner Pete, discovers Pearl asleep in the office. He is completely surprised by the intensity of his emotions when his eyes meet hers. In his own words, he will "never, ever forget how I felt in that moment." Where Charlie is positive he has met the love of his life, Pearl is slightly embarrassed but is willing to let Charlie bring her and her shopping home.
Pearl is hesitant, but Charlie is determined to get to know her better and to spend as much time with her as he can. His puppy eyes show a genuine concern for Pearl but she does not want to answer his questions so there is only one thing she can do: kiss him. Charlie is excited and cannot believe what has happened! She kissed him. Pearl kissed Charlie. And she agrees to go out with him. On one condition: they go as friends. They undertake all sorts of outings: from going to a cinema to a picnic on the beach. Despite the fact that they have fun and it seems that Pearl is opening her heart towards Charlie they do not go any further than being friends. Until the fateful day Pete dies, the bookshop owner and Charlie's boss. Pete's funeral is the first night Charlie and Pearl make love. What follows is not your typical love affair.
I loved this touching and poignant modern-day romance novel! It's heartwarming and heartbreaking - and worth your while. The book is well-written and told from the alternate perspectives of Charlie and Pearl. We read about their thoughts and feel for Charlie, sweet Charlie who is innocent at heart and has fallen so deeply in love that it consumes him. Pearl does not want to fall in love but we cannot determine which way our heart leads us. I love the not too fast pace of the book and the descriptions of the surroundings, the colours and smells that you can almost experience yourself.
For me, Tammy Robinson's debut novel is a little treasure in between the crime and psychological thrillers I mostly read and review. To get an insight into how both Charlie and Pearl feel and how they each described events was also fun as it shows all too clearly that everyone has a different perspective on events. When Charlie thinks Pearl must be in love, we see Pearl giving another meaning to a kiss or a touch of the hands. It is beautiful and touching - more I cannot say for fear of disclosing the events to follow. If you like a modern-day romance with an intense undercurrent Charlie and Pearl is your next read.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/charli...
Pearl is recovering from a love affair such as she had never experienced before. Adam was charming and attractive and everybody told them they were a match made in heaven. No wonder she was totally into the man - even if he wanted her to change her appearance and perhaps her personality. No wonder, in the end, he walked away. Pearl should have noticed the signs but she did not until it was too late. After he "backed away so fast I didn't understand what happened" Pearl finds out she is pregnant. After miscarrying Adam's baby she sees no alternative but to flee the city and hide out in her grandmother's beach house in the small coastal town in New Zealand. The house is perfectly situated on the edge of the beach with the ocean just outside and the soothing "sound of the waves breaking".
One day Pearl needs supplies so she walks into town but once she has the loaded shopping bags in her hands she realises she is tired. That is when she remembers the comfy couch in the old bookshop and decides to rest there, even if it is just for a minute. Finding neither staff nor the lovely old couch in the bookshop, Pearl slips into the office and rests in the chair. Some time later 24-year-old Charlie, who helps out bookshop owner Pete, discovers Pearl asleep in the office. He is completely surprised by the intensity of his emotions when his eyes meet hers. In his own words, he will "never, ever forget how I felt in that moment." Where Charlie is positive he has met the love of his life, Pearl is slightly embarrassed but is willing to let Charlie bring her and her shopping home.
Pearl is hesitant, but Charlie is determined to get to know her better and to spend as much time with her as he can. His puppy eyes show a genuine concern for Pearl but she does not want to answer his questions so there is only one thing she can do: kiss him. Charlie is excited and cannot believe what has happened! She kissed him. Pearl kissed Charlie. And she agrees to go out with him. On one condition: they go as friends. They undertake all sorts of outings: from going to a cinema to a picnic on the beach. Despite the fact that they have fun and it seems that Pearl is opening her heart towards Charlie they do not go any further than being friends. Until the fateful day Pete dies, the bookshop owner and Charlie's boss. Pete's funeral is the first night Charlie and Pearl make love. What follows is not your typical love affair.
I loved this touching and poignant modern-day romance novel! It's heartwarming and heartbreaking - and worth your while. The book is well-written and told from the alternate perspectives of Charlie and Pearl. We read about their thoughts and feel for Charlie, sweet Charlie who is innocent at heart and has fallen so deeply in love that it consumes him. Pearl does not want to fall in love but we cannot determine which way our heart leads us. I love the not too fast pace of the book and the descriptions of the surroundings, the colours and smells that you can almost experience yourself.
For me, Tammy Robinson's debut novel is a little treasure in between the crime and psychological thrillers I mostly read and review. To get an insight into how both Charlie and Pearl feel and how they each described events was also fun as it shows all too clearly that everyone has a different perspective on events. When Charlie thinks Pearl must be in love, we see Pearl giving another meaning to a kiss or a touch of the hands. It is beautiful and touching - more I cannot say for fear of disclosing the events to follow. If you like a modern-day romance with an intense undercurrent Charlie and Pearl is your next read.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/charli...
January 5, 2017
If you enjoy an emotional read, this is for you
June 1, 2013
What a heart wrenching story. It had some heart-warming moments, some comedic moments, and some moments that make you think. But overall, this was a heart breaking tearjerker.
Robinson spends a great deal of time setting up the scene. Everything is laid out in a very clear and concise manner. It flows like real life. The story itself is also very solidly put together. There weren’t any holes or confusing spots in the storyline. Don’t get me wrong. There were times where you were caught up in the mystery of a new romance, right along with the characters, but it adds to the truthfulness of the story itself. Robinson’s story is not only solid, but well built around a very tough subject that is an everyday reality for all too many people. This is one of those stories that makes you stop and think about your life, and how you would handle a similar situation.
Throughout her novel the author switches perspectives between the 2 characters. This is a technique that is becoming more and more common in the literary world. Robinson, however, gives it a bit of a twist. She switches on pretty much a page by page basis. The story is told in the first person, but more than that, it is told through the thoughts of the two main characters. This allows you a huge insight into the main characters and into their actions and reactions. It also gives you greater insight into their relationship with one another. And this relationship is another thing I really liked about the novel. It was a real relationship with real quirks.
I got a bit stuck on the ending. I get it. I fully understand where it’s coming from. It wraps up the story perfectly. It’s actually the only ending I can imagine, but yet, I still don’t know what I think about it.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Robinson spends a great deal of time setting up the scene. Everything is laid out in a very clear and concise manner. It flows like real life. The story itself is also very solidly put together. There weren’t any holes or confusing spots in the storyline. Don’t get me wrong. There were times where you were caught up in the mystery of a new romance, right along with the characters, but it adds to the truthfulness of the story itself. Robinson’s story is not only solid, but well built around a very tough subject that is an everyday reality for all too many people. This is one of those stories that makes you stop and think about your life, and how you would handle a similar situation.
Throughout her novel the author switches perspectives between the 2 characters. This is a technique that is becoming more and more common in the literary world. Robinson, however, gives it a bit of a twist. She switches on pretty much a page by page basis. The story is told in the first person, but more than that, it is told through the thoughts of the two main characters. This allows you a huge insight into the main characters and into their actions and reactions. It also gives you greater insight into their relationship with one another. And this relationship is another thing I really liked about the novel. It was a real relationship with real quirks.
I got a bit stuck on the ending. I get it. I fully understand where it’s coming from. It wraps up the story perfectly. It’s actually the only ending I can imagine, but yet, I still don’t know what I think about it.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
Pearl is running from bad memories, trying to escape and find solace in her own company.
Charlie is a slightly overweight young man who takes an instant shine to Pearl, but isn't sure about taking things further. After all, what would she see in him?
This isn't your boy meets girl and falls madly in love story. This is more boy and girl meet, bump into each other a few times and find something special in each other.
It is a slow burning romance from dual POV's, something whichever works really well in this story.
I honestly thought I had it figured out, why Pearl was running from her memories. But nothing prepared me for the truth when it finally came out.
From then on this becomes something else, something more, something special. We learn that dreams CAN come true, even for just a short time.
The ending! Wow, what I can I say about the ending. I honestly think it is the only ending to this story, to Charlie and Pearl's story, that there could be. It wraps things up, not neatly, but it wraps them up nevertheless.
This author has talent, she has proved that with this and her other stories. I for one cannot wait to see what follows.
Charlie is a slightly overweight young man who takes an instant shine to Pearl, but isn't sure about taking things further. After all, what would she see in him?
This isn't your boy meets girl and falls madly in love story. This is more boy and girl meet, bump into each other a few times and find something special in each other.
It is a slow burning romance from dual POV's, something whichever works really well in this story.
I honestly thought I had it figured out, why Pearl was running from her memories. But nothing prepared me for the truth when it finally came out.
From then on this becomes something else, something more, something special. We learn that dreams CAN come true, even for just a short time.
The ending! Wow, what I can I say about the ending. I honestly think it is the only ending to this story, to Charlie and Pearl's story, that there could be. It wraps things up, not neatly, but it wraps them up nevertheless.
This author has talent, she has proved that with this and her other stories. I for one cannot wait to see what follows.
May 14, 2015
Charlie has lived in the small New Zealand coastal town all his life and lives with his mum. Since the age of 13 he's worked at Pete's bookshop. Pete's health is failing and Charlie is worried about him. One day he meets Pearl who is fast asleep in the office of the bookshop and instantly falls in love with her.
Pearl having been through a breakup and trying to come to terms with her life moves into her Grandmother's beach house to think things through. I guessed there was something bothering Pearl which was more than a breakup with a boyfriend quite early on.
Charlie just adores Pearl and wants to spend all his time with her. They date and work together in the bookshop although she insists they must just be friends. Their relationship develops and Pearl admits she has feelings for Charlie.
A bittersweet ending which left me dazed. I just didn't see it coming. Go read this amazing book.
Pearl having been through a breakup and trying to come to terms with her life moves into her Grandmother's beach house to think things through. I guessed there was something bothering Pearl which was more than a breakup with a boyfriend quite early on.
Charlie just adores Pearl and wants to spend all his time with her. They date and work together in the bookshop although she insists they must just be friends. Their relationship develops and Pearl admits she has feelings for Charlie.
A bittersweet ending which left me dazed. I just didn't see it coming. Go read this amazing book.
September 15, 2016
Charlie and Pearl is one of those books that slowly draws you until you're completely hooked and can't put it down! Fundamentally a love story, it's so beautifully written that I found myself really trying to imagine how it would feel to be in each character's shoes. I loved how Charlie and Pearl's relationship evolved and how it wasnt portrayed in a gushy-over-the-top way. This is a book that doesn't sugar coat, it's real, matter of fact but still so sensitive. It made me cry and I found myself asking lots of questions at the end. I didnt just accept what I think was written on the last page. An amazing book, not to be missed. Tammy Robinson you've written a gem!
July 29, 2016
Wait...whaaaat?!?!? Just finished this and am so torn up about it!!! I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters who were so real to me, Charlie who is not a millionaire or ripped in muscles or a manwhore but instead a loveable, super sweet, funny guy and Pearl who is super moody (lol). This book had such sweet moments and moments that just tugged at your heart. Sigh! Really good, unexpected but heartfelt read. :)
August 23, 2015
I absolutely loved this book.
It didn't take me long to read, the fact I couldn't put it down helped with this!
This is a wonderfully emotional, heart wrenching book, you feel you are experiencing everything with Charlie and Pearl.
I loved everything about this story and it will stay with me for a long time.
It didn't take me long to read, the fact I couldn't put it down helped with this!
This is a wonderfully emotional, heart wrenching book, you feel you are experiencing everything with Charlie and Pearl.
I loved everything about this story and it will stay with me for a long time.
December 7, 2015
I liked this story. It took a few pages to get into the swing of the dual narration and there were lots of typos throughout but the story was touching. I do think there was more opportunity to further develop the story and flesh out some additional characters, but it was a nice read and good to read something from a New Zealand perspective.
August 25, 2015
This was a beautiful and heart wrenching tale for a young couple in love, who have found their soul mate in each other only to have life constantly get in the way.
The ending was absolutely perfect, there was no way it could have ended any differently. Well done on a great book Tammy xx
The ending was absolutely perfect, there was no way it could have ended any differently. Well done on a great book Tammy xx
January 3, 2016
What an amazing story. I read this in a day as I just couldn't put it down. The main characters were so engaging - sweet & funny. I won't spoil anyone's read, but I will suggest you may need tissues.
A 5 star review from me and I'll definitely be reading more Tammy Robinson.
A 5 star review from me and I'll definitely be reading more Tammy Robinson.
February 22, 2013
Wonderful book. Beautifully written with some great characters. Recommend very highly
March 19, 2013
Touching story but I'm left pondering if I like the way the story ended or not....
October 19, 2013
Tear jerker
February 6, 2015
What a lovely book. I loved the little twist at the end just made it even better. Would recommend having some tissues to hand near the end though.
June 22, 2015
Nice, quick, easy read. I really want to give it 3.5 stars.
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