I want to thank Julie Berry for stopping by today to talk about charms.Julie Berry grew up in western New York. She holds a B.S. in communication from Rensselaer and an M.F.A. in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of the Fine Arts. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her husband and four young sons, and works for a technology startup.
Juilie's other works include The Amaranth Enchantment and Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys, a new series from Grosset & Dunlap. Her current novel, Secondhand Charm is in stores today!
A Practical Guide to Charms
Most people who buy charms from the traveling gypsy caravans passing through Pylander get exactly what they pay for –decorative trinkets, worthless unless you think they’re pretty. If the gypsy lady selling the charms says they’re love charms, or luck charms, or charms to ward off the fever, you can smile, but you know you’re only buying them because they’re cleverly made and the lady is persistent. They’re only a joke, and everyone knows it.
But there are certain people – certain women and girls – who can put on the charms and make things start to happen. The gypsies, who travel the world over and deal in small magic, know how to recognize such women. Mostly they’re found in kingdoms other than Pylander, and then, generally in coastal cities. Most would know not to tamper with talismans and charmed trinkets. But if you’re Evie Pomeroy, living all your life miles and miles away from the sea, or from any knowledge of what your capabilities are, then you might just succumb to the gypsy woman’s persuasions. If you wear a charm for good luck, your chickens will lay more eggs than you’ll know how to scramble. If you don a love charm, you’ll need to fend off suitors with a tree limb. And if you add to the mix a charm against snakebite, the gypsy lady will bite her tongue and laugh, for she knows well you’re sure to never need it.
SECONDHAND CHARM by Julie Berry
Pub. Date: October 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 352pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
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.
For more info about Julie Berry and her books, please visit her website here.
