If you like a story with a neat, tidy ending, then this may be the book for you. I usually enjoy books featuring dual narratives, and that aspect of the book is well done.

🌱And a little child shall save them: Elsie's dreary life shaken but all for the good⛅

4.5🌟stars
Elsie and Billy's story has its share of ups and downs, but this is ultimately a lovely story of unexpected friendship and joy after a tunnel of sadness and despair. The stops and starts in their growing friendship were totally realistic. A young boy forced to hang out with an older adult he does not know - not surprising he is reluctant. And Elsie is cemented in a life of strict daily routines and defensive isolation. It was a big step for her just offering to help Samantha and her son. The story of these neighbors adjusting to and then relying on each other was special.

At the heart of this story is an old tin box which Billy sees as a bright adventure (one he needs to forget the bullies in his new school, his barren home life and the separation from his father) and Elsie can hardly bear to open. The box leads in to Elsie's sad and disappointing past, with tragic loss, disillusionment with the person she loved most, and roads not taken. For me, this part of the tale was the most bittersweet and, despite the book's happy conclusion, it left me feeling deep regret for the chances Elsie had missed. Elsie's letterwriting and her difficulty dealing with her past were moving, but I did wish that the story of her youthful romance had received more attention.

This is the second of Ruby Hummingbird's novels that I have read and they both struck me as special, not easily categorized, and focused on the joys and delights possible with the revival of meaningful human connection in an increasingly impersonal world.

Thanks to publishers Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Elsie and Billy are an unlikely pair: an older woman (approximately 62-I refuse to think of her as old!) and a 10 year old boy. However, both are going through a rough time and their friendship blossoms over Elsie's garden.

This well-written, feel-good novel was enjoyable. This character-driven story is unique in the connections felt between the characters, and how relatable both the 62-year-old woman and 10-year-old boy are. The plot felt realistic with Samantha and Billy experiencing real-life problems. There were some issues, where some aspects didn't make sense to me and I thought some character reactions were over the top. I was pulled into the story after the first chapter, but after that the story slowed down until I was approximately 40% through, at which point I couldn't put it down. Overall, though, I found it to be a good read and would recommend it to friends, and I plan on reading more by Ruby Hummingbird.

Goodreads link:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3242365578

WOW!!! This book was absolutely amazing. My heart was breaking at times for Elsie and Billy. The characters in this book were so well developed, Not only could I picture them in my mind but, I wanted to be there with them. Both Elsie and Billy needed hugs so badly my heart hurt. The storyline moved along smoothly and each chapter complimented the previous one. The story was believable and relevant to today and was told, highlighting Billy and his mother’s life while adding Elsie’s story making them one. I found myself laughing at some of their antics and then tearing up at other times. This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. It was phenomenal and I could read this over and over. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this lovely book.

It took me a while to "get into" this book. I thought it would be more of a mystery as the book opens with secrets being buried. In reality there is not much mystery in this story. At first Elsie reminded me too much of Olive Kitteridge and I am in the minority of not liking that character. About 1/4 of the way through it started to come together for me and then it became an enjoyable read, I loved Billy's character throughout the whole story. The ending was a bit too happy for me. I did like the older/younger generation connection and it was a feel good story for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. .

This is just a beautiful book and exactly the kind of book I needed to read this week in such trying times.
It is beautifully written and is so easy to read. I laughed, I cried. I just loved reading it!
The characters are so well developed and getting to know them is so easy and rewarding.
We know immediately why Billy & his Mum Samantha moved but seeing Billy work it out in his own way is heart wrenching.
Ruby Hummingbird writes a 10 year old boy which such wonder & understanding. Elsie is also wrote with the same keen eye & love.
Read this book....read it immediately, you won't regret it.
If you loved the Library of Lost & Found...this is definitely the book for you too.

Thanks so much for the publisher & Netgalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review. I loved reading this, and I will say again ..its a beautiful book!

This beautifully told story about secrets, love and loss is written from the perspective of two completely contrasting individuals - who seem at first to have nothing in common.⠀
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Billy is a 10 year-old boy from London, whose world is suddenly turned upside down. His mum wakes him in the middle of the night, bundling him into a taxi with a few of their possessions to escape to a new life in rural England - but Billy doesn’t understand what they are running from.⠀
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Elsie is a lonely woman who has created a life of isolation for herself, seemingly wanting to have nothing to do with anyone. What happened to her?⠀⠀
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One day, Billy discovers a mysterious tin at the bottom of Elsie’s garden that threatens to unearth secrets long buried, leaving Elsie frightened and Billy curious and excited to unravel what it all means.⠀⠀
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These two characters contrasted beautifully, showing that age has no meaning when it comes to friendship and what we have to offer each other. I was dabbling at my eyes constantly for the last 5 or so chapters (I must have had something in my eye, honestly!). The setting of this story was beautiful and I could tell that it was written with humour, love and a great fondness for nature and the countryside. A lot of the places visited and described in this book are very familiar to me too, which no doubt added to my enjoyment but the author did a wonderful job of creating a gorgeous background for this story.⠀⠀
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A sweet, tender and at times very funny story that tackles some upsetting issues with great care. I really loved reading this. I’ll be adding Ruby’s previous novel (and debut), The Wish List of Albie Young to my TBR! The Garden of Lost Memories is released in ebook format on 1st April 2020.⠀

I loved this book! I give it ten stars!!
It is inspiring, heartfelt and exactly what we need right now!
Two lonely people, one ten years old and the other in her sixties, find each other during challenging times for both.
Though they do not realize it, they will grow to love and help one another.
BUT... It is not easy to get through all the secrets and learn to trust!
This is one of my new very favorite stories and one I will not forget!
This is my first novel by Ruby Hummingbird, but I am off to check out her other novel and I cannot wait!

I adore stories with different generations interacting. This book focuses on the relationship between Billy, 10 years old and his 62 year old neighbor, Elsie. Although on the surface they might appear to be odd friends, their relationship is genuine and needed by both of them. The author did an amazing job of making this friendship believable.

I enjoyed the emotional plot with many laughable and heartbreaking moments. This story touched me and I recommend it highly. This was the first book I read by this author, Ruby Hummingbird. She created deeply developed characters, and an entire believable world that they live in. The story is told from the points of view of Elsie and Billy. I really enjoyed reading how they felt about the same situation.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read the advance reader copy of this touching book. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC. #TheGardenofLostMemories

This book is exactly what it claims to be - a heartwarming tale of a curmudgeonly older woman who starts babysitting a sullen 10 year old boy after school and how they change each other’s lives. The first half didn’t really draw me in, as I was feeling a bit tired of characters like Elsie, but the story got a little more real (TW: domestic abuse) and I began to appreciate it a lot more. In the end, I was happy with how the characters changed - it was pleasant but still believable.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

The Garden of Lost Memories by Ruby Hummingbird grabbed my attention right away, I love the bright cover! Then I read the synopsis and knew I had to read this story.

Take a look:

Just because you feel ordinary doesn’t mean you aren’t extraordinary to someone else. Sixty-two-year-old Elsie knows what she likes. Custard creams at four o’clock, jigsaw puzzles with a thousand pieces, her ivy-covered, lavender-scented garden.

Ten-year-old Billy would rather spend his Saturdays kicking a ball, or watching TV, or anything really, other than being babysat by his grumpy neighbour Elsie and being force fed custard creams. If it was up to them, they’d have nothing to do with each other. Unfortunately, you can’t choose who you live next door to.

But there is always more to people than meets the eye… Elsie doesn’t know that Billy’s afraid to go to school now, or why his mother woke him up in the middle of the night with an urgent shake, bags already packed, ready to flee their home.

Billy doesn’t know that the rusting red tin he finds buried in Elsie’s treasured garden is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode her carefully organised life. And that when he digs it up, he is unearthing a secret that has lain dormant for twenty-eight years…

This is a beautifully written, lovely story that is perfect for those who books like A Man Called Ove or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I enjoy books like this one because I love getting invested in a character who is prickly or misunderstood but has some kind of deep wound we learn about through the pages. I’m already looking forward to the next book from this author!

99 cents! Out on April 1, order here.

I want to start this review off with a disclaimer: we are obviously living in a bizarre time and I do think perhaps current events are struggling to allow me to get fully immersed in a book.

The Garden of Lost Memories was... okay. It was just okay. The first two thirds of the book dragged more than I thought necessary and could’ve been cut in half. The last third did have me slightly more hooked, but the book was nowhere near as dramatic and gripping as I wanted it to be.

If you fancy a very lighthearted read, then this is for you.

I enjoyed The Garden of Lost Memories! A nice little tale of an uncommon friendship between an elder and lonely boy. Billy is new to town and wishes he wasn't...his mom left his dad and now he has to start over in a place he doesn't feel he belongs to. Elsie is used to spending most of her time alone, and isn't sure what to do with the boy she impulsively offered to look after. They both end up finding some common bonds and forge a path to healing their wounds.

Nice, feel good story!

I have to say, I was so thoroughly engaged in this lovely, heartwarming story, that I was sad to see it end. What more can I say? The characters are all real and believable, and from the very beginning I was cheering both Billy and Elsie on. It was beautiful to watch the two of them transform throughout the pages (also Billy’s mother, Samantha). The plot and story points kept me intrigued and turning pages long after my bath water ran cold.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a beautiful story this was. Moving, beautifully written....just perfection!.

A true tale of friendship and overcoming the many obstacles that life can throw your way.
Billy has recently moved with his mother, and they find themselves living next door to Elsie.
Throughout this book we learn more about the struggles Elsie has had to deal with throughout her life. She offers to look after Billy whilst his mother Samantha goes to work, and this is where a truly beautiful friendship begins to blossom.
The characters in this book were relatable and very likeable, I found myself despairing for them when things were falling apart for them.

I would certainly recommend this book.
Thank you for giving me the absolute pleasure of reading this book.

I liked the idea of this book. An older person befriending a lonely boy who she Is minding while his mother works. They both suffer insecurities and have a common bond over the garden.
Unfortunately it didn't quite do it for me. Too much thinking by Elsie over her actions and then things are resolved far to cleanly for me.
A slushy feel good book, but not really my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for my ARC in return for an honest review.

Can an old and lonely woman be friends with a ten year old boy? Billy is new in town, He lives with her mother and his new neighbor is this weird old woman. Elsie is been alone for the las twenty eight years, when her mother died. She is so used to be alone that when she has to babysit Billy she doesn’t know how to interact. But they will forge a friendship and will help each other face their secrets, their fears and find happiness in live again. A touching story

Picking up a book by Ruby Hummingbird is like coming home and settling in to your favourite armchair. You know you're going to get comfortable and warm and everything will be okay by the end of the night.

Ruby's debut novel The Wish List of Albie Young was one of my favourite books of 2019 and it will stay in my heart for a very long time, so when the opportunity arose to read her next book I was keen to see whether she would be able to hit the bar again. To put it quite simply, yes she has.

62 year old Elsie Maple is very set in her ways. She's prickly, has routines and lists which keep her on track and safe in her every day life. Change is not welcome in Elsie's world and the easiest way to avoid change is to not let anyone in to her life which might upset her routine. But 10 year old Billy comes crashing into her life when he and his mum move in next door, there's something about him which knocks down Elsie's defences and she finds herself offering to babysit Billy while his mum goes to work. She can't explain it, but she feels she needs to help. They appear to have little in common - Elsie was home schooled so she can't even compare stories as to how school life may have changed over the years. They struggle to find common ground for even the most basic of conversations. The author describes brilliantly the awkward silences between the two characters and as the story is told from both perspectives we get an insight into what each of them is thinking. Then one day Elsie takes Billy outside to see her garden - her life's work where she spent many an hour alongside her mother then many more after her mother passed away, finding solace in the tasks around the garden. Much to her surprise Billy comes alive out there, showing a passion to learn all about the different plants and jobs which need doing. In his enthusiasm Billy discovers buried 'treasure' in one of the flower beds, a battered old tin which looks like it has been covered for years. The last thing Billy wants is to upset Elsie, especially now they've formed a tentative friendship so he is shocked and upset at Elsie's reaction when he shows her what he's found.
The story which follows puts Elsie and Billy's friendship to the test - and even Billy's mum starts to mistrust the older lady after some of the things Billy tells her. I really enjoyed reading about how despite how their relationship had faltered, they had built up such a nice respect for one another that they subconsciously wanted to still look out for each other. They each had to dig deep inside themselves and change how far they would go for an 'outsider' - neither of them had really had much experience of this before and I felt proud of each of them as they pushed themselves out of their comfort zone. Billy's cheeky personality began to reappear over the weeks and brought out a glimmer of Elsie's younger, more rebellious self which had been hidden away for years, much to Billy's amusement.
This is another fine example of 'up-lit' at its best and okay, the ending may have been a little bit fairytale 'happy ever after' ish, but I personally would have been heartbroken had it ended any other way. And who would have thought the humble custard cream could steal the show?

Thank you Ruby for another wonderful story. 5 twinkly stars from me.

I guess I expected something different...I went into it expecting some type of mystery that never really materialized. If you’re looking for a good enough story with decent characters then you’ll enjoy it.

I loved this book! It has a beautiful name, front cover and story. I couldn't stop reading it at first, you want to keep knowing what happens next at the end of every chapter. What more with a book could you want!
Its about 2 main characters and how their lives entwine. Both are lonely and feeling like they don't know how things will ever change. Elsie is an older bereaved lady who is stuck in her ways and Billy is a 10 year old boy who's life has been turned upside down and he doesn't know where he quite fits.
The story is written beautifully and it shows the impact we can all have on others lives - no matter how different age wise people are.