The Keeper of Lost Things: A Novel by Ruth Hogan

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A charming, clever, and quietly moving debut novel of of endless possibilities and joyful discoveries that explores the promises we make and break, losing and finding ourselves, the objects that hold magic and meaning for our lives, and the surprising connections that bind us.

Lime green plastic flower-shaped hair bobbles—Found, on the playing field, Derrywood Park, 2nd September.

Bone china cup and saucer—

Found, on a bench in Riveria Public Gardens, 31st October.

Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. Forty years ago, he carelessly lost a keepsake from his beloved fiancée, Therese. That very same day, she died unexpectedly. Brokenhearted, Anthony sought consolation in rescuing lost objects—the things others have dropped, misplaced, or accidently left behind—and writing stories about them. Now, in the twilight of his life, Anthony worries that he has not fully discharged his duty to reconcile all the lost things with their owners. As the end nears, he bequeaths his secret life’s mission to his unsuspecting assistant, Laura, leaving her his house and and all its lost treasures, including an irritable ghost.

Recovering from a bad divorce, Laura, in some ways, is one of Anthony’s lost things. But when the lonely woman moves into his mansion, her life begins to change. She finds a new friend in the neighbor’s quirky daughter, Sunshine, and a welcome distraction in Freddy, the rugged gardener. As the dark cloud engulfing her lifts, Laura, accompanied by her new companions, sets out to realize Anthony’s last wish: reuniting his cherished lost objects with their owners.

Long ago, Eunice found a trinket on the London pavement and kept it through the years. Now, with her own end drawing near, she has lost something precious—a tragic twist of fate that forces her to break a promise she once made.

As the Keeper of Lost Objects, Laura holds the key to Anthony and Eunice’s redemption. But can she unlock the past and make the connections that will lay their spirits to rest?

Full of character, wit, and wisdom, The Keeper of Lost Things is heartwarming tale that will enchant fans of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, Garden Spells, Mrs Queen Takes the Train, and The Silver Linings Playbook.

my thoughts:

What a charming and delightful story! I absolutely LOVED The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan! It was the perfect book to read over the holiday - armed with a cuppa and some chocolates I devoured it in one sitting.

Anthony has lost his beloved Therese and the keepsake she had given him to forever cherish.  Mired in grief, he promises to safeguard the lost items he finds and begins a collection.  He's a writer, so not only does he jot down where and when he found the item, but he also writes a story to go along with it.  As the years go by, his collection grows, until he's amassed too many items to handle.  So, he hires an assistant named Laura.  When Anthony passes away, he tasks her with the job of reuniting each lost item with their owner.  Talk about a daunting task!   And yet, Laura agrees to it.  Why?  Well, Laura has her own personal issues to work through and believes that accomplishing this huge challenge will show her family and herself that she can handle anything.  Alongside this story, we get to know Eunice and Bomber, two other characters with a story all of their own.  Eunice lands a job working for Bomber, who she falls in love with. They become best friends and her love goes unrequited.  The connection between these two and Anthony comes up eventually.  Oh, and did I mention the ghost of Therese - yep, she's haunting Anthony's home and she's not a happy camper.  And that is all I will write about the story, because you absolutely need to read it for yourself.

Hogan has written a feel-good story that is truly a treat to read.  The characters are unforgettable and such fun to read about.  The story itself is imaginative and captivating.  And this idea of rescuing lost things - well, that is simply the best.  Who doesn't wonder about the objects they find on the street or left behind on a park bench?  Especially, if its something you've lost.  To imagine someone finding your lost watch or book and safeguarding it for you - how crazy, but sweet is that?!  To be the rescuer of lost things - what a job that must be?! I can't stop imagining all of the items Anthony must have "rescued" over the years - oh my!

I would most definitely recommend The Keeper of Lost Things to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Keeper of Lost Things

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!