I had absolutely no idea that lost luggage auctions are a real thing before I read Lost Luggage, but I loved the premise of this novel! Samantha Tonge is a hugely talented writer and her storytelling is exquisite. I loved joining the characters on their adventures and I was intrigued to see how everything would come together. Some of the story lines did feel slightly far fetched, but I didn't mind at all, as the story is so heartwarming and wholesome!

The characters in Lost Luggage are wonderful and I loved them all. I quickly began to feel as if they were my own friends and family. They all have flaws, but this is what made me warm to them, as I hoped they would all feel comfortable in their own skin. Their growing friendships with each other are beautiful and I will be thinking about Dolly, Phoebe and their neighbours for some time to come.

As well as the lighthearted moments in the novel, Samantha Tonge explores some really important themes that I felt are really relevant to society today. She explores issues such as grief, self image and loneliness to name just a few and I felt she did this so effectively and in such a sensitive manner. It is clear that she is writing about topics about which she is passionate.

This book was so good and very interesting. I loved the characters and could picture Leroy in his bright clothes. What a treat this was. I will look for more by this author in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was such a gorgeously uplifting story full of love, loss, strength, self discovery, grief, and dancing. The whole book kept me smiling from beginning to end, even when I was gasping with surprise!

This heart warming tale held my attention, I flew through it in a day, eager to find out what was going to happen next. I hope that when I am 72 I am as healthy and positive as Dolly is. I might start my own year of firsts!

You can read my full review on my blog post.

Facing up to the future after loss can be hard to do
As the characters in this book found very true.
However, with love and support from folk who care
Sometimes you can surprise yourself at just what you dare!

When someone you love departs,
They take with you a part of your heart.
It doesn't matter why they've gone,
The problem is having strength to keep moving on.

For Dolly, after fifty years or more, being two
Living without her sister is hard to do.
For a year on life she turned her back
But her friends are there to get her back on tack.

The sisters always went to the lost luggage auction where
They'd bid and buy two cases at Christmas to share.
This year Dolly buys just the one
To remind her of times that have gone.

Into the case on Christmas Day she takes a look
Discovering clothing, jewellery and special notebook.
The book shares plans something new each month to do
And Dolly now plans to try to do them, too.

With support from her neighbours, Leroy and Flo
She's determined to give the challenges a go.
And these friends are facing challenges, too,
Supporting each other all the way through.

With family dramas, this is inspirational, too,
Live life to the full, whatever you do!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

I thought this was a great idea for a story - when Dolly buys a lost suitcase, it changes not only her life but that of her friends too. At the core of the book are relationships and human nature. Watching Dolly's transformation as she emerges from the grief of losing her sister is heartwarming - as is her neighbour's realisation of what is important and being true to oneself. There is one coincidence from Dolly's past that seemed a little contrived but that aside, this is a truly engaging read that left me feeling warm inside.

Dolly and Great always used to buy a lost luggage suitcase each, but now Dolly is on her own. This years pick leads to a mystery and tracking down the owner. A great read with some great characters

Lost Luggage is another unique story from Samantha Tonge.

From the premise (I just had to find out if lost luggage auctions exist and they do), to the refreshing ages of the characters (and the bonds they have), this story has drawn me in.

It’s not often you get to read such an inspiring story whose main character is 72 years old.

Dolly is quirky and eccentric with a fab sense of humour. When we first meet her, swamped by grief, she’s given up on herself and her life. Through the notebook of firsts, we get the privilege of seeing her slowly emerge from her self-imposed isolation and begin to live again.

But she doesn’t do it alone. And she isn’t the only one whose life turns around.

Leroy, Flo and Phoebe are fabulous too. I don’t have one favourite character from Lost Luggage, I loved them all! The bonds they have with Dolly warmed my heart.

Such a broad spectrum of ages with spot on perceptions of how they view the world (had a giggle at some of the youngsters’ perceptions). Each age group has their own challenges and it’s clear that Samantha Tonge has used her own experiences to portray them sensitively and realistically.

There are a few twists that make sense of a lot of things. I did work them out but it didn’t have any impact on how much I loved this story.

Lost Luggage is a reminder that we’re motivated by our own experiences to do things that protect others. That decisions we make come from a place of love. And it’s our tribe, the network we build, who help us get through the hard times and celebrate the good times with sincerity.

If you’re feeling in a rut, I think you’ll find Phoebe’s ‘Year of Firsts’ motivating and maybe you’ll come up with your own 🙂 In fact, if you’re in need of feeling uplifted, Lost Luggage should be on your radar. Considering where we start, this is such a joyful read and I finished the story with a beaming smile.

I’ll leave you with this quote from the book that’s become my mantra:

“… the past belongs to nostalgia or regret, the future to hopes or fears … whereas the present belongs to nothing but opportunity …”

A delightful read! Dolly has been living rather dull existence, especially after the death of her sister Greta, with whom she has lived most of her life. Barely caring for the state of her home, her appearance, or the state of her milk, she finds herself challenged to try a series of firsts prompted by a journal that was in a suitcase she purchased at the lost luggage auction. Wonderful story featuring great characters.

Cute story about finding yourself after loss. Dolly has spent her life with her sister and when she loses her, she loses a piece of herself and her will to live. Slowly, she finds her way back with the help of the quest to reunite a stranger with her journal. I found Dolly to be interesting and her friends were likeable. Flo was probably my favorite. But while this story is cute and about rediscovery, there’s nothing new; it reads like so many other novels about the same thing. The most interesting part was the journal and the challenges but those were tossed to the wayside after the owner is found. Still, the story was interesting enough to keep reading. I just wish there was more travel involved.

Loved this book I found it a quick and interesting read I enjoyed. I loved the idea you find lost luggage and if no one claims you can buy. And learn what in the luggage and items you get is yours. I love the characters are amazing I love Dolly characters so sweet. I love the energy that Dolly has and wants to go certain places. I loved the adventure in this story.

3.5 stars.

I liked this book. There were a lot of plot twists, secrets and characters' with complicated backstories to keep it interesting. Dolly; her sister Greta (plot twist); neighbors Leroy, Flo, Kaz and Mark; Phoebe; Fred (plot twist) and lots of lost luggage, emotional baggage and hidden secrets. One piece of lost luggage from an auction binds all the elements together.

It did take me a bit to get into the story, but then it moved fast. Right when I thought it would be ending, another change in direction took place. By the end all is resolved and emotions expended.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I have loved all Samantha Tongue's books and as each one appears, I always decide that it's her best yet. This story is no exception! The way the characters and their varied lives intertwine is masterly. The tale of the lost suitcases involves some very complex and moving backstories, and the author keeps us on our toes throughout. There's mystery, romance, passion, pain and love as Dolly, Phoebe, Flo and the rest of the cast work their way towards a finale that is deeply satisfying. This is an intriguing premise, a triumph of relationships perfectly spanning the generations and a glorious celebration of friendships. Dolly's story will stay with me for a long, long time.

I found this book very engaging from the beginning. It was really intriguing to wonder what might be in the lost luggage that Dolly bought at the auction and even more so when she tried to find out who the mysterious Phoebe was who owned the luggage and, of course, the notebook within it. I enjoyed reading about her carrying out challenges from Phoebe’s year of firsts in an attempt to find her and reunite her with some precious items. The firsts were challenges for Dolly just as they would have been for Phoebe, perhaps even more so for an older lady who has cut herself off from the world.

One thing that struck me was that so many of these characters had aspects of their lives they were trying to hide from others or secrets that had been kept from them. Some pretty big and important secrets had been kept from some of the characters and it was sad that they hadn’t been able to be discussed. It could have made quite a difference to their lives if they had.

I liked that this was a novel featuring characters of different generations with Dolly and Leroy more senior, Phoebe a younger character and Flo on the verge of becoming a teenager. Flo’s parents annoyed me at times as they didn’t seem to appreciate what a special girl they had. The friendships between the characters, particularly between Dolly and Flo were lovely to read about. They were a great encouragement to each other and made such a difference in the other’s life.

There were some pretty big issues covered in the book. I won’t say what they are as I don’t want to give anything away but I felt that the author brought the issues into the story very well and that her readers may well finish the book with a greater understanding.

Lost Luggage may have begun with something that was lost – Phoebe’s suitcase – but it’s really all about the characters finding out about things. Finding out about themselves, finding out about secrets, finding friendships, finding connections, finding out what matters. I really enjoyed this heart-warming story and will definitely read more from Samantha Tonge in the future.

I love this originally themed festive story that introduces the reader to several characters, each with their own story in this emotional and ultimately motivational tale. Dolly's grief at losing her sister, a dominant force in her life for many years, has led to her losing her way. Attending and bidding at the lost luggage auction, a festive tradition when her sister was alive, is the beginning of a new life for Dolly.

I love Dolly's friendship group. Leroy and Flo are believable characters who add authenticity and poignancy to this story. The list of firsts is the key to the story and takes Dolly and her friends on a life-changing journey. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read that resonates.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I found this book an emotional read, dealing with a some tough subjects. However, this did not detract from the book in what is, an excellent book.

Featuring ~ single 3rd person POV, eating disorder references, grief, cancer references, death of a close family member

Sisters, Dolly and Greta, have a tradition every year to go to a lost luggage auction and bid on a suitcase to give each other as Christmas presents. This year Dolly is on her own since Greta has passed away. Dolly has been in a bit of a funk these last few months ~ she hasn't been properly taking care of herself or her house, and this auction was a small effort to get back out there. Is a lost luggage auction really something? It sounds fun.

Dolly is an interesting one ~ her best friends are Maurice, a fish, and Flo who is 11 years old and Leroy. Flo is having trouble fitting in with her peers and Leroy is still sad about his recent breakup with his boyfriend, Tony. They have a great friend dynamic and lift each other up. I liked how they had dance parties in their living room while a record played in the background.
There's a bit of a story within the story as we read Phoebe's diary entries, which leads to the meat of the story ~ a list of firsts.

After a bit of a slow start for me, it eventually did pick up and I really enjoyed the beauty of the story. I was delighted to be blindsided by a few twists ~ the biggie I did figure out, but the other two were nice ones. Dolly and Phoebe came into each others lives at exactly the right time. They needed each other in very different ways to help heal. All in all, an uplifting, feel good, heartfelt story.

I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book pulled at my heartstrings so much!.

Dolly is grieving the loss of her sister Greta, she still can’t fathom that she’s gone,she’s always done what Greta thinks is best even down to holidays, Greta wanted to stay in the UK so that’s what Dolly did.

To keep up with tradition Dolly goes to the lost luggage auction as it’s what her and Greta always did but this year when Dolly opens the luggage what will she find?.

This heartwarming story is the perfect example of when you think that life has nothing left give, you get to lead another happy and fulfilling life that you’d didn’t think was possible.

* A little side note, I feel I should say that I found the stereotypes used in this book a little outdated for 2022 but it didn’t take away from the magic of the book.*

Lost Luggage is an addictive read. It begins with the fascinating concept of bidding on lost luggage, repurposing it and finding treasures, those that tell a personal story. The book tells the story of two sisters who bid every year on a suitcase.

Dolly, has always lived life following her sister’s likes & dislikes not being unhappy at all but living under the shadow of a long lost love a distant memory that causes happiness and pain. After a difficult year the suitcase she bids on opens her World up again. She discovers new friendships and adventures.

Dolly’s preteen, neighbour also lives under a shadow, she is shy and feels different because she is interested in insects and books, not the usual things young people enjoy. Dolly’s other neighbour is retired and mourns a lost love and constantly tries to reinvent himself to rekindle the relationship. They are fast friends not just neighbours. The suitcase alters all their lives.

I loved reading this book it gave me a very warm feeling. It showed how true happiness is sometimes hiding, the importance of family, opening up and not keeping secrets. The intergenerational friendships that run throughout the book are so important and are very refreshing. This book isn’t all about romantic love.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Boldwood Books for an ARC of this fabulous book.

This is the first book that I have read by Samantha Tonge and it definitely won't be the last, I absolutely loved this book. I intend to read some of her older books.
This has a varied and quirky cast of characters. They are very likeable and well developed. They are characters who I actually cared about, and I wanted them to have a happy ending.
There were several plot twists that I didn't see coming, although I did predict a couple of events.
I really enjoyed reading this book, there were a few difficult themes, such as grief,eating disorders and loneliness but they were written about sympathetically.
This book is set in more recent times, and Dolly's loneliness and staying at home was reminiscent of the Lockdowns. The characters were celebrating The Queen's Jubilee, I read this book in the same week that the Queen died, so I felt a poignancy when I red this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.

It’s hard not to sound like I’m gushing, as I review this book, but it really is rather special. Samantha Tong has created a group of people who couldn’t be less likely to be connected, yet they work perfectly. The story examines the loneliness of life’s misfits with a kindness that should be more common in the modern world.
As the synopsis explains, Dolly is feeling bereft after the loss of her sister, Greta. Her life has taken a downward spiral and her lack of self-care has reached challenging limits. Craving some of the routine that she enjoyed with her late sister, Dolly visits a lost luggage auction, as they had done together for years. Digging through the case that she buys, she discovers a notebook with a list of firsts, which captures her imagination, and offers an opportunity to reunite some of the items with their original owner.
Dolly has an eclectic mix of friends which include Leroy, her retired neighbour and Flo, the eleven-year-old daughter of her other neighbours. She also has a fish who she dotes upon. As the story progresses, we witness this rag-tag group each discovering their own potential, and their transformations are beautifully handled.
I cannot tell more of the story without running the risk of revealing spoilers, which is something that I would hate to do. The layers of this story are carefully crafted, and as they are peeled back, the reader and Dolly learn more about a past that is filled with assumptions and heartbreak.
Picking a favourite character, other than Dolly, is a simple task; I just adored young Flo and her story arc. I found myself willing her to find the love and acceptance that she was craving and to find a way to bond with her parents.
This book is an absolute triumph and I feel privileged to have been able to read an advance copy. It’s going straight in as one of my books of the year.