Viola Shipman is actually the pen name of Wade Rouse, a well-known and acclaimed memoirist. Rouse decided to use his grandmother's name, Viola Shipman, as a way to pay homage to the woman who sparked his creativity with her charm bracelet and captivating family tales. His debut novel, a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of our elders, has been a great success. Residing in Michigan, Rouse is a frequent contributor to People and Coastal Living, as well as a regular on All Things Considered. The Charm Bracelet, his first book, has now been translated into nine different languages, reaching a wider audience around the world.