The Keeper of Lost Things
Author: Ruth Hogan
Desc: A charming clever and quietly moving debut novel 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 accidentally 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 a 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.