This is the first book I read in 2017 - and if another as good comes along in the next 12 months, I'll eat my special gold reviewing spectacles... Wonderful stuff and the perfect cure for the New Year blues * Daily Mail *
Psychological realism, whimsy and magic are a winning combination in this quirky, exquisitely crafted novel... It's a charming read, perfect for the holidays: you will want to share it when you get home * The Lady *
A really beautiful, tender book. Heartbreaking in parts, but lovely. I got sucked in and read the whole thing in one afternoon, unable to tear myself away. I sobbed for a good hour afterwards! * The Londoner *
When this book first appeared I said it was the perfect cure for the New Year blues. But it could apply just as well to any summer blues... This touching, funny and romantic debut is that rare and precious thing - a real story with brilliant characters * Daily Mail - Best Summer Books 2017 *
The back stories, real or imagined, of lost-and- found objects form the centrepiece of this exquisite, absorbing novel, a potent cocktail of insightful psychological realism, whimsy and glittering magic, where hopes and new beginnings glint off the sharp edges of grief and loss. It grabs you right from its intriguing opening scene... Hogan's prose is considered, expressive and vivid, but never overwritten. Her characters reveal themselves gradually, much as the found objects acquire layers of meaning as we become acquainted with their provenance and history. A charming read that seems bound to become a book club favourite. * The Lady *
A debut to watch for... I was hugely impressed by this flawlessly written, most humane novel. * Ronald Frame, Sunday Herald (Books of the Year) *
A charming story of fresh starts and self-discovery that warms the cockles * Woman & Home *
A warm and heartfelt debut. * Prima *
A charming whimsical novel about holding on to what is precious * Red *
This mystical and spiritual tale is a joyous read that will broaden your imagination and warm your heart * OK! *
It's charming, beautiful and full of heart * Fabulous Magazine *
One is beguiled by its old-fashioned sweetness * Mail on Sunday *
Magical and moving * Heat *
A charming story, warmly and wittily written with wonderful characters * My Weekly *
A lovely read - quirky, fun and plenty of gallows humour * Bedfordshire on Sunday *
From the attention-grabbing opening paragraph, to the joyful conclusion, Ruth Hogan has stirred together a charming fairy tale in which the people may be more lost than the things; and generosity and compassion may be the key to finding a way home. Also there are dogs. Delightful. * Helen Simonson, author of MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND *
A sometimes poignant, sometimes funny but always heartfelt page-turner, The Keeper of Lost Things turned out to be exactly the book I was looking for. * Chrissie Manby, author of A PROPER FAMILY HOLIDAY *
Ruth Hogan captures perfectly and heartbreakingly the small moments on which a life can turn. We can all recognise something of ourselves in these pages. * Kirsty Wark, author of THE LEGACY OF ELIZABETH PRINGLE *
A beautiful story of love, loss and the redemptive power of friendship * Catherine Hall, author of DAYS OF GRACE *
Wonderful and heartwarming * Nina Pottell aka Matinee Girl *
The premise for this story is wonderful... The range of characters is handled beautifully, and they all feel like real individuals... It's a great bedtime read, though difficult to put down, so keep an eye on the clock!' * Bookbag *
Totally and completely gorgeous * Lovereading *
Warm and quirky characters and the mystery of each lost item impel the reader forward. In the end, Hogan's first novel reveals how even discarded items have significance and seemingly random objects, people, and places are all interconnected. * Booklist *
Whimsical... characters have spunk and wit to spare, and [...] Hogan's writing has the soothing warmth of the cups of cocoa and tea her characters regularly dispense. Readers looking for some old-fashioned storytelling with a sprinkling of magic will find it here. * Kirkus *
Interlacing plots join this cozy, clever, contemporary English story, unveiling the layers of four lives brought together by the discovery of a biscuit tin full of human ashes found on a train... Hogan's debut pulls in readers with each crafty chapter. Memorable minor characters add to the plot in this excellent selection for discussion groups. * Library Journal *
In The Keeper of Lost Things, debut novelist Ruth Hogan ties together the lives of her characters and the objects they discover. It's a quiet but beautifully intricate novel that will remind readers that we are each other's points of connection. When life becomes confusing or sad, showing a bit of kindness and appreciation for each others' stories can lead to redemption * BookPage *
A charming novel ... It covers love and loss, friendship and pain through beautifully written prose -- Carol Sampson
