I really sniggered at many of the humorous passages: the WI lady's knowledge of something Italian she'd had in a restaurant, incidents with Portia and Sunshine's honesty. I could see how it might be an issue for some as it took me the first two to get the hang of it, but then I really enjoyed it. Once a celebrated author of short stories now in his twilight years, Anthony Peardew has spent half his life collecting lost objects, trying to atone for a promise broken many years before. 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.

This was a joy to read - I haven't enjoyed a book this much since I first read Lord of the Rings back in the 70s. Sunshine is special and has the capacity to see and understand things that elude Laura, particularly when it comes to a irascible and troubled ghost and the lost items. And I’ve already put her new novel, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes on my list for when I need a small dose of frothy, feel-good bookishness. The background and interaction with the characters in the story add wonderful perspectives, especially with Sunshine.

When they finally do, the answer is so obvious that Sunshine would probably shake her head at you for not picking up on the obvious clue. We work closely with publishers and authors to ensure that we offer the best books on the market for your child. Hogan's writing has the soothing warmth of the cups of cocoa and tea her characters regularly dispense. Realising he is running out of time, he leaves his house and all its lost treasures to his assistant Laura, the one person he can trust to reunite the thousands of objects with their rightful owners. It was a story of people, a bit broken at times, but with the strength and love we all possess and probably should show more of.

But, like objects, people do not stay around forever, and Anthony eventually leaves this ongoing quest in the capable hands of his caretaker, Laura, who appears equally as “lost” as his beloved objects. 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. All Laura needs is the help from a plucky neighborhood girl and a conveniently handsome gardener and miracles can happen! Ever since I finished it, I've been puzzling over why this novel irked me so, because I do enjoy the occasional light and fluffy book. She does a really great job at helping the reader be present in the story and actually imagine being there with the characters.For ten years I had a successful if uninspiring career in local government before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and was the kick up the butt I needed to start writing seriously. As a reader who is enamored with stories told within stories, I can appreciate how this book contained a multitude.