The Garden of Lost Memories: A heartbreaking page turner about learning to love and remembering to live

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 moving tale is for anyone who has ever felt the pang of loneliness, or worried that their broken heart might never be the same again. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Keeper of Lost Things and The Library of Lost and Found will fall head over heels for this life-affirming novel that shows us that if you’re willing to take a risk, happiness is only ever a heartbeat away.

Readers absolutely love The Garden of Lost Memories:

‘WOW!!! This book was absolutely amazing. My heart was breaking… 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… It was phenomenal and I could read this over and over.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘OMG how amazing was this book!... Captivating… Left me with a smile on my face and I could not help but chuckle… An enchanting story that captured my heart.’ Chells and Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was totally smitten with this book… Ruby Hummingbird has produced a magnificent 5-star read that left me with a comfy feeling and a general sense of contentment. I recommend The Garden Of Lost Memories without a flicker of hesitation, so don’t miss out!’ Brianne’s Book Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a gorgeous book! If you need a distraction from the outside world, or if you need a reminder of the joy of human kindness, read this… Beautifully written and wonderful.’ Sibzzreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book! I give it ten stars! It is inspiring, heartfelt and exactly what we need right now!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved this book!... Definitely a feel-good book… Has a magical, surreal feeling to it… I absolutely loved the fact that there was a mysterious element to this book… A definite 5/5 for me!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Just perfection!... What a beautiful story this was. Moving, beautifully written... Thank you for giving me the absolute pleasure of reading this book.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely adored this book. The characters were so real that it sucked you in and made you feel part of the story. You didn't want it to end!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved it!... A beautifully written tale of friendship, overcoming hurdles and how the kindness of just one person can mean so much…  I was thinking about the story days after I finished it – all signs of a bloody good book!’ Mrs Roadley, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Picking up a book by Ruby Hummingbird is like coming home and settling into your favourite armchair. You know you're going to get comfortable and warm and everything will be okay by the end of the night… I was keen to see whether she would be able to hit the bar again. To put it quite simply, yes she has… This is another fine example of ‘up-lit’ at its best… Thank you Ruby for another wonderful story. 5 twinkly stars from me.’ Sandie’s Book Shelves, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book!... I couldn’t stop reading it… What more could you want?! The story is written beautifully and it shows the impact we can all have on other’s lives.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a sweet story!... Elsie and Billy feel real to me and I could not put down the book!... I highly recommend if you like a good, inspirational read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is one of my new very favourite 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!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was absolutely blown away by the touching, beautifully written storyline… Packed full of characters who leap from the pages and touch your heart.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautifully written, lovely story that is perfect for those who books like A Man Called Ove or Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine!’ All the Good Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Lovely, heartwarming story… 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… Kept me intrigued and turning pages long after my bath water ran cold.’ Kaleido Soul, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐