The Keeper of Lost Things: A Delightful Blend of Magical Realism and Romance, Fall in Love with the Keeper of Lost Things Hardcover – February 21, 2017

This captivating audiobook has left an indelible mark on my heart, and its themes will linger in my mind for a while. The narrative elicited a wide range of emotions, including anger, frustration, sadness, love, loss, adoration, happiness, fear, and admiration. Despite initially experiencing the story through audiobook format, I intend to purchase a hard copy. The vignettes woven throughout the narrative were poignant and relatable, resonating deeply with me. The plot was equally engaging, and I admired the strong bond formed by the characters, which resembled a makeshift family unit. As someone who enjoys “people watching,” I found this book to be a unique opportunity to do so through the lens of a story. Ultimately, the story serves as a reminder that even the smallest items (or actions) can hold significant meaning for others.

I had a little trouble at first that I’m not sure of. I struggled in my reading not really getting in too deep but the writing and characters were so interesting I buckled down and really enjoyed it.The idea of lost things and how they can make such a difference in your life was very interesting. The love stories, the sadness, and anger was very well written. By the end of the book, I was all involved in everyone’s story. Loved it definitely worth the read.

I loved this. I experienced all the emotions while reading this book. Laughter, hope, heartbreak, despair, joy... The writing was engaging and drew me in pretty immediately. I wasn't totally sold until the first vignette about the puzzle piece. I cackled with glee and continued to think about it and giggle days later. Laura is so beautifully flawed, her own worst enemy & biggest critic - aren't we all? I adored Sunshine. I thought the ending was lovely and pretty perfect. I enjoyed that we got some closure regarding some of the vignettes, too.

It was a very good story, but at the same time really slow for me. I struggled to finish it when usually a book this size I would finish it within a day. The story was original though so it was worth it to read.

I was in love with this book from chapter one. From the very lightly exaggerated magical realism, to the flawed characters to the lovely web of stories that connected everyone. I savored it as long as I could and felt very satisfied with the tidy, though sorrowful, bow it ended on.I would read another by Ruth Hogan. She is the perfect balance of comfort, a gentle hug for anyone dealing with the types of people and situations she's portrayed, and a firm tug on the boot straps to stop waffling and do the scary thing already.

A lovely, thought provoking book about love, friendship, acceptance, and faith.I gobbled it up in one sitting, I hate that it has come to an endSmall items can mean so much as they travel through our lives.

“Anthony saw all of this in Laura and knew that he had chosen well. She understood that everything had a value greater than money; it had a story, a memory, and most importantly a unique place in the life of Padua.”Short story writer, Anthony Peardew, tragically lost the love of his life too early. As a result, he spent the remainder of his life lovingly collecting and cataloging lost items (such as buttons, puzzle pieces, and cremated ashes). He did this with the hope of bringing joy to people by reuniting them with their special lost items. As the novel begins, Anthony is near the end of his life and decides to leave his sanctuary-like house, named Padua, to his housekeeper Laura with the request that she continues his work of trying to reunite the lost items with their owners. Thus begins Laura’s story as she works through this request, comes to know Anthony’s full story, makes Padua her home, heals her own wounds, and steps out into “real life”.I finished this book and immediately thought – what a sweet book! Not sweet in the saccharine sense, but in a charming, feel-good way. To me, this book was reminiscent of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Hogan masterfully wove stories within stories. As Laura’s story progressed, Anthony’s story unfolded and the stories behind many of the lost items were revealed. The characters in each of the narratives danced around one other – sometimes coming together and interacting, and other times only being in each other’s orbit. I found it refreshing that the author did not feel the need to connect everyone in the end.Hogan’s novel was imbued with British humor that had me laughing out loud throughout the book. There was also a touch of the mystical as the ghost of Anthony’s fiancée, Therese, made her restless presence known by haunting Padua. I also appreciated many of the author’s references like naming Anthony after Saint Anthony of Padua (the patron saint of lost things) and his last name Peardew was suggestive of the French word “perdu” meaning lost. Obviously, the theme of loss played a major role in this novel. Even the characters that were drawn to Padua (Laura, Freddy the gardener, Sunshine the neighbor, and Sunshine’s parents) were lost people who found solace, sanctuary, and healing in the house. Other themes included grief, reunion, love, and how seemingly insignificant things/moments/people can have powerful meanings.I loved this book. Ruth Hogan presents a cleverly imaginative and whimsical novel. After I finished reading it and understood the arc of the story, I wanted to go back and reread it immediately to find and appreciate more of the author’s nuisances. I highly recommend this book – settle in with “the lovely cup of tea” and enjoy!

I really enjoy this author. This was the first book that I bought from the author. I was looking for an easy cozy read, and it is exactly that.