Oh, how I loved this novel! As I was reading, I was so immersed into village life I felt as though I actually lived in Cranbridge despite me living in a town! It is a beautifully written story, highlighting community, friendships and love.

The Village of Lost and Found by Alison Sherlock is the 2nd book in the Riverside Lane romantic series, and another fun story. Lucy Conway is a former party girl, who escaped to a small village to help care for her Uncle Frank. Frank's owns his beloved newspaper The Cranbridge Times, but it is on the verge of going out of business. Editor Tom Addison, doesn't know how to help the paper. Can Lucy and Tom save the newspaper? I really enjoyed this romance, along with the changes that everyone goes through. This book really was a feel good story, that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Village of Lost and Found is the second book in the Riverside Lane series, and after reading the first instalment I couldn’t wait to dive in to this novel. I will also say that although it is part of a series you can certainly read this book as a standalone novel too.

Lucy Conway finds herself as front page news when it comes to light that the man she has been dating is in fact a married man. something of which she wasn’t aware of. When her parents find out, they cannot hide their embarrassment of their whimsical daughter, and decide to send her to stay with her Uncle. This is something that Lucy is rather happy about, as her childhood memories of her beloved Uncle Frank are filled with happiness, and as she is in much need of some time to heal and move forward with her life, this feels like the perfect scenario.

Whilst Lucy is staying with her Uncle, she begins helping out at the local newspaper which her Uncle owns. The newspaper is being managed by Tom Addison – a man who is also trying to allow the bruises of his past to heal. When Lucy and Tom meet, there is a spark between them instantly, but with both of them trying to recover from their past’s, they are understandably reluctant to allow their heart to open up for anyone else.

This book was such a delight to read and offered me the escapism I so desperately crave right now. I love the authors writing style and the ways in which she brings the setting to life beautifully for the reader. The storyline itself was heart warming and really reeled me in from the start and kept me well and truly engrossed until the very end. The characters are wonderful and loveable, and i adore the ways in which they have their own stories to share as the book progresses. Lucy is such a lovely character who you feel a connection to instantly. Tom is equally likeable, and as we learn more about him and his own obstacles to overcome, he also secures a place in your heart.

Beautifully written, truly heart warming with an enchanting storyline. It is impossible to not fall in love with this book.

This is another lovely book set in the village of Cranbridge, a place which is warm and welcoming and seems to help people find what they’re looking for, whether they realise it or not.

This time we meet Lucy, who has found herself front page news, her parents find her a disappointment and she has little confidence in her own abilities. So she heads off to Cranbridge for a change of scene and to help her uncle who has injured his foot. She quickly re-discovers the warmth of the village and begins to realise that she is capable of more than she thought.

It was lovely to see Lucy, Tom and Molly develop as characters through the course of the book. (Molly works at the newspaper with Tom.) I loved watching them develop as characters and it was good to see a range of characters getting a decent amount of page time, even though the focus is decidedly on Lucy. The one other character that deserves a mention for just being fabulous all the time, is Keith. He is lovely and his mischievous is just what is needed at times. I’ll let you find out for yourself what I’m referring to as I’m not doing spoilers.

Cranbridge is such a lovely place, it feels so warm and welcoming that it’s like rays of sunshine coming out of the pages. I found it really easily to visualise the little river, the bridges and the local businesses. It’s a shame it’s not a real place because I’d love to visit it, or possibly even move there.

If you loved The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts then I think you’ll love this book too. I’m really hoping there’s another book to come that’s set here because quite honestly two is not enough. If you’ve not read the previous book don’t worry, it’s not essential to read them in order.

After being totally smitten by The Village Shop of Broken Hearts I couldn’t wait to take another trip to Cranbridge to read more about this charming community.
The Village of Lost and Found is centred around the inhabitants of Cranbridge, but mainly around the office for the local newspaper. The newspaper is owned by Frank Conway and managed by Tom, who is also the editor in chief and the only journalist left working there. Frank’s niece Lucy is looking to escape London, and a sticky situation, for a while so gets a temporary job in the offices. Both hiding things and struggling to move forward, but can they save the newspaper and begin to live life again?
I love the atmosphere of Cranbridge. It has wonderful community spirit and is beautiful in its imperfections. I adore the Black Swan and its inedible food, the river, the village store (run by Amber and Josh who were the main characters in book 1) and the description of the countryside.
Lucy is such a sweet character – really unsure of herself and with no self-confidence. At least Uncle Frank can see the potential that Lucy can’t and gently nudges her in the right direction of happiness. Tom is loveable but it’s easy to pick on up his unhappiness. It was a pleasure to be part of their journeys to finding some self-belief, happiness and a purpose in life again.
This novel is such a charming and heart-warming read and really does lift the spirits. A little romance and a lot of community heart makes it the perfect recipe for a dreary day. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Cranbridge, hopefully not to far away in the future.

A thoroughly charming novel exploring family bonds and about doing your absolute best for those you love. I defy you not to enjoy this book, and fall in love with Cranbridge and it’s inhabitants. Buy this book and immerse yourself in a literary wonderland that will leave you utterly charmed from beginning to end.

Former ‘wild child party girl’ Lucy has been sent to stay with her uncle in the countryside by her wealthy parents, after embarrassing them with a tabloid headline. Jamie had assured Lucy that he was separated form his wife, but alas that turned out not to be true. Uncle Frank has offered Lucy a job that doesn’t really exist at his ailing newspaper business, but Lucy doesn’t know at first the kind of trouble the paper is in. Lucy used to be shipped off to stay with her Aunt and Uncle in Cranbridge as a child, and so feels happy at the thought of going back to stay, while the tabloid furore blows over.

Lucy has been constantly undermined and belittled by her demanding parents and it has affected her confidence, to the extent that she feels she has nothing to offer the newspaper. Tom the newspaper editor seems far more easy going however and confirms some temporary work for Lucy in the newspaper office, if only to tidy up the terrible mess everywhere. Lucy worries however that Cranbridge will simply become the latest in a long line of places, where she simply feels that she doesn’t fit in.

Tom, is young and good looking and one can’t help but wonder whether there will be any romantic spark between him and Lucy, or merely sparks of irritation? A warning though reader – Tom does seem to have some kind of skeleton in his closet. Tom has been keeping the full extent of the newspaper’s circulation and financial issues from Frank – trying to protect him, but how long until Lucy discovers the truth? Another potential love interest is introduced in the form of Henry the farmer, who is undoubtably very good looking, but is he in the market for a bit of romance? However Lucy is concerned at the way Henry seems treat his dog; the dog, ‘Keith’ seems intent on escaping and one has to wonder why!

When Tom upsets Lucy after an incident with a bull in a field, it feels as though any spark between them cannot possibly be ignited, but Lucy warms towards him a little after she rescues him from the office in a drunken state and brings him upstairs to her flat to sleep it off on the sofa.

The morning after, Tom lets Lucy know about the newspaper’s problems and they become united in a campaign to stop a quarry being established in the village, fearing it will destroy the village. They are hoping that a big campaign to save the village from the quarry, will also provide a lifeline for the Cranbridge Times.

So my unanswered questions:

Will Lucy find love at last – with either Tom or Farmer Henry?(Note – myself I would far prefer Tom.
Will Lucy and Tom be able to banish their prospective demons!
Can the village be saved by stopping the establishment of the quarry?
is there still life in the Cranbridge Times?
In order to find the answers to these questions and more, you will need to read the book for yourself.

Although this is the second of a series set at Riverside Lane, this is definitely one you can jump into feet first – pretty much like the river that runs through Cranford! This is a delightfully summery read and I could not help but read it with a smile on my face.

When Lucy arrives in Cranford, she is attempting to escape some bad press about an affair she has had with a married man. Lucy’s quick brush with notoriety unfortunately initially follows her to Cranford as people, including her prospective boss, come to recognise Lucy from the newspaper coverage. However, Lucy is determined to shake this reputation away and uses her opportunities in Cranford to grow as an individual. Despite the affair, it is clear that Lucy has quite low self-esteem and confidence in her own talents. It is only until her close friends in Cranford point out her skills and abilities, that we see Lucy recognise she has made a positive impact on this quaint, rural village.

Sherlock has created a beautiful village in this story. Being set in the scorching summer months had me forgetting the cold weather that I was experiencing! I felt transported to the river banks of Cranford, soaking up the summer rays and spending light, warm evenings in the village pub. It was wonderful escapism and I think this is one of the reasons why I found the read so satisfying. It definitely was a book radiating warmth and the “feel good factor” that we all seek at some stage or another.

Although it is clear where the romance in this novel will come from, I found myself more interested in the surrounding friendships that Lucy makes and her role at the village newspaper. When it becomes clear that the newspaper is struggling and its days are numbered, I was keen to see how Lucy’s influence would make a difference. At first, she is brought in to tidy the forlorn newspaper office. However, with her good ideas and “can do” attitude, Lucy steps up and becomes increasingly involved in village and newspaper life. As a result, I thought this made the story more interesting to read. Of course, romance does develop in the story, but I don’t think it was emphasised as much in comparison to books of a similar genre.

This book is part of a series set in Cranford. The first book is about the village shop and these characters form the supporting cast around Lucy. I have some sneaky predictions about what the next book could have in store – I looked for run-down or abandoned properties as a starting point! However, although I may be correct, it will certainly not lessen my excitement about what happens next in Cranford. Indeed, I’ve already got the first book on my (ever-growing) ‘to be read’ list – reflecting how much I have fallen in love with Cranford.

An idyllic setting with lovable characters – including a dog named Keith! This is a perfect summer read. With short chapters, this is ideal to dip in and out of with story full of optimism and hope. It reminds readers of the importance of community and how, despite such tough times, we are never alone.

With thanks to Boldwood books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love stories that revolve around having to confront one’s past. They speak to humanity and relationships in ways that completely resonate with me.

This was the second book in a series to take place in a the small village of Cambridge. Honestly, though, I had no idea it was a sequel and didn’t feel at all lost reading this. If anything, it made me want to pick up the fist in the series right away!

The romance in this one was gently and perfectly done, and the main character was a lovely heroine!

A perfect read to sit and cuddle up with!

Well, I knew this was by the author of The Village Shop For Lonely Hearts and that was enough to make me keen to read this but what I hadn't realised is that it is a fantastic sequel to it! It is set in the same small village of Cranbridge and involves many of the characters as well as places involved in the first book. It was brilliant to be able to catch up with them all again and to meet some new folk, too. Having said that, I do believe it would work well as a standalone if you haven't read the earlier book, too.

Lucy Conway is escaping from scandal in London to take care of her Uncle Frank who has injured himself. She's been the victim of a cheating, married man - who her parents had set her up with! She hadn't realised he was still married but the press are having a field day with all the gossip. She has happy memories of spending time with her beloved Uncle and Aunt in Cranbridge as a child and hopes this will give her the opportunity to decide what she wants to do with her life as she feels she's rubbish at everything. Mind you, she's not the only one who has lost her way in life - so has Tom Addison, the editor of her Uncle's newspaper, The Cranbridge Times. The paper is losing readers and in danger of going out of business. Can Lucy and Tom work together to revive the family newspaper and help find their own purposes in life in the process?

The story really lives up to its title as those who were lost, are helped by the community and love to find their way again. It is a delight to escape into, with some great village characters, plenty of new friends, inspiration and a new danger to the village that needs stopping! Get ready for exploding gin, a bully being given a taste of their own blunt honesty, a battle to be fought, a real stink to be raised and lots of laughs along the way to a heartwarming romance. This is a lovely story, bringing a community together, empowering friends and finding new roles and love. I can't recommend it highly enough and hope we get to return there again soon - I really hope Belle and Molly can find love, too, in future books! 

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

I have been a fan of Alison’s work for a little while now. I haven’t read all of her books yet but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ and it certainly sounded like another cracking read. Well it was all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the main characters of Lucy Conway and Tom Addison. When the story opens, Lucy is literally tabloid news when she has a fling with a married man, although it must be said that she didn’t know he was married. Her parents are embarrassed and they send her to stay with her uncle. This suits Lucy as she is very fond of her Uncle Frank and she has many happy childhood memories of staying with her Uncle and Aunt, when her Aunt was still alive. It’s safe to say that Lucy is feeling battered and bruised emotionally so she views the time away as ‘healing’ time. Or at least that’s the impression I got. Lucy is a lovely young lass, who would do anything for anybody. Whilst staying with her Uncle, she helps out at the local newspaper, which her Uncle Frank owns and which is currently being managed by Tom Addison. Tom is a bit battered emotionally too following the break up of a recent relationship. There seems to be a certain amount of chemistry when Lucy and Tom meet. I kept everything crossed that that would get together and have the ‘happy ever after’ ending that they both deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ certainly came along at the right time for me. I was feeling a bit fed up and in need of a tonic and this book was certainly a tonic and then some. I found it difficult to put the book down for any length of time. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I was having too much fun with the characters and the story to stop reading. Part of the appeal of the story was the fact that I had taken so well to the two lead characters and I had to keep reading to see how things panned out for them. At times I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to say farewell to Lucy and Tom.
‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Alison’s books in general. She creates idyllic sounding locations for her stories and her lead characters are certainly likeable. I love the subtle way in which she grabs your attention and draws you into the story. I really did feel as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Alison’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I found ‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ to be a funny and light hearted read, which kept my attention throughout and it certainly kept me entertained.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Village Of Lost & Found’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Alison’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

This is such a lovely story and a great follow up to 'The village shop for lonely hearts.' Running a village shop in the Cotswolds myself means I have taken this series to heart and the second book, whilst introducing new characters, takes us back to the village of Cranbridge. As we follow the developing relationship of Lucy and Tom, their mission to save 'The Cranbridge times' seems doomed.Can they overcome the obstacles to save the village newspaper and will they ever get together as a couple? It was nice to catch up with some of the residents from the first book too but the introduction of Lucy's uncle in this book is a gem. Gorgeous gentle read.

This story has an engaging setting with realistically flawed characters. The protagonists are at a low point in their life but want to find happiness again. The Riverside Lane series focuses on female protagonists who need positive change in their lives and hope to find it in Cranbridge. The village needs rejuvenation, but there is an intrinsic community spirit that is attractive to newcomers. Lucy is the latest incomer someone who wants a quiet life and is happy to look after her uncle who she loves to find it.

Village life is under threat, and the newspaper is failing. Lucy has the skills to help, but she is low on self-esteem. This is a story of self-realisation, helping others and finding your true life path. The story is gently paced and is character-led. The simple plot satisfyingly showcases character development.

This is a heartwarming and uplifting read with humour, poignancy and romance.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I really enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to reading this one.

It felt good to be back in Cranbridge.

In this book, a quarry is being developed and it seems the village is at risk.

Lucy, a new resident, has made a few bad decisions and has now, come to the village to look after her Uncle, Frank.

It was, once again, lovely to see the village coming together to save their beautiful countryside, and in helping them, Lucy saved herself.

Cannot wait for the next one.

When I read the first book in this lovely seriesI found it a little bit slow to begin with, as the characters were established and I began to feel comfortable in the village of Cranbridge – but I must say that I loved this book from the very beginning. After an introduction to Lucy and her Uncle Frank, I felt immediately at home, and the smile on my face never faltered for an instant.

The Cranbridge Times – owned by Frank – has hit difficult times. When he sends Lucy in the direction of editor Tom – while she’s licking her wounds after a relationship that had her more used to being on the front pages of the tabloids – he hopes there’s something she’ll be able to do to help restore its fortunes. And it’s not just the paper that’s struggling, Tom is too – he’s recently lost his mother, is very unhappy at home, and has lost his ability to write. The relationship between them is just wonderful – she surprises him (and herself) as she puts in some really hard work, comes up with new ideas, and begins to make his life infinitely happier too.

I really loved the two main characters and the way they were developed, but the supporting cast is excellent too. If you read the first book, many of them will already be familiar – but if this is your first visit to Cranbridge, you’ll soon feel you’ve known them forever, looking forward to evenings in the Black Swan (just so long as you aren’t put off by the warring couple who run it – and don’t eat the food) or to enjoying your coffee and pastry on the bench overlooking the river outside the newly renovated Cranbridge Stores.

As well as the exceptionally well drawn setting, there’s such a wonderful sense of community in this book. In Amber, Belle and Molly, Lucy finds the kind of supportive friendship she’s never had before – and finds it’s something she rather likes. And Molly, who Lucy shares a flat with, also finds out what friendship really means – and it’s certainly not what she has with her toxic boyfriend or the loud-mouthed and abrasive Bridget – and it was a joy to see her gaining a new confidence. But the older characters are also excellent – and there’s a really nice focus on family too.

There’s also some lovely humour – Dodgy Del can always be relied on for that – perfectly balanced by all the moments of warmth and poignancy. A community pulling together is always something I really enjoy, and this was one it was an absolute delight to be part of. Now, it just needs something else to make it complete – yes, it’s a dog, and the wonderful Keith finds himself a home and a happier life too. The writing is excellent, and I really enjoyed the story that unfolded – some really nice ideas, a few big changes that make a real difference, coupled with a growing romance that I found really touching but also entirely believable and authentic.

There’s an immense warmth about it all – there may be a few characters who behave badly, a few touches of drama, but that only helps make it feel all the more real. Lucy comes to feel Cranbridge is a place she doesn’t want to leave – and I felt exactly the same. If you’re looking for a book to escape with, that pulls at your heartstrings a little, that makes you feel good, that makes you smile – well you really won’t find anything much better than this. The loveliest read, and I recommend it really highly.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

This book is the second in the series. But I feel can easily be read as a standalone.

We meet Lucy whose uncle Frank owns the local newspaper. She decides to go and stay with Frank after appearing in the press herself after a disastrous love affair. She feels like she can't do anything as her parents don't feel they connect her and she lets them down.

She starts working with Tom the paper editor to try to turn the papers fortunes around. But Tom has also had a tough few years can they work together to solve the papers problems and maybe their personal ones too.

If you love Cathy Bramley or heidi swain give these a go.

Small English Village Breathes In New Life
This is a lovely novel about losing oneself and then finding yourself again. This book is filled with the most lovely and believable characters. Almost everyone in this book has lost a portion of themselves. Over the course of the story, they begin to reclaim themselves through closer family, new friends, new loves, success at a new job, or even a renewed sense of community. I enjoyed the book so much that I couldn't put it down and my face ached from too much smiling. This is quite the 'feel-good' book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I have now reviewed four books by Alison Sherlock on my blog, and from two different series: Willow Tree Hall and Riverside Lane.

I enjoyed both series but by far my favourite so far has been the Riverside Lane one because of the setting in the Cotswolds which is an area that I know of as I grew up in the same county.

I have reviewed so many books since The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts (Riverside Lane #1) and since the last word of that book I have been wishing for a sequel to the series.

Now, it's here. Riverside Lane was a homely, friendly place with memorable characters in picture postcard settings but with real issues. It was a place that captured my heart. but will it be the same?

Lucy left London in the hopes of a new start in life and possibly love, but in need of a life makeover.

I enjoyed catching up with the characters and being back on the Lane. The Village of Lost and Found was about saving the village shop, but now the local newspaper is in trouble.

Will she be able to do it?

Thanks to Alison Sherlock, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for a an honest and voluntary review.

4 stars.

I've read this book unaware that it was #2 of a series. It actually can be read very easily as a standalone.
Nice, sweet story of Lucy escaping from an overwhelming situation in London (and from a not very loving family and also virtually no friends) to the village of Cranbridge where she finds friends, a loving uncle, a job, a meaning to her life and possibly love.
A very light hearted reading, with some much appreciated witty humour.
The story moves at a quick pace with some repetion, because it's narrated from two points of view.
I would recommend it for a younger (than myself I mean, I'm past 50) audience. On the whole a very enjoyable read that leaves you wanting to go reading #1 of the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#thevillageoflostandfound #NetGalley

It was great to spend a winter evening back in sunny Cranbridge in this second book. Having enjoyed my visit to Cranbridge last year, I’m pleased to say I enjoyed this return visit too.

Lucy may have been a city girl but her heart appears to belong to Cranbridge, where she spent many happy summers with her aunt and uncle, when her parents were too busy for her.

Tom is struggling to keep the local newspaper going, and to deal with the heartbreak in his life. When Lucy arrives to help and organise the office, its not just the newspaper that starts to feel the benefit.

This is a no spoiler review so you will need to read the book to see if Lucy can help the paper and Tom. It was lovely to meet the characters from the previous books, to see that the village shop is doing well and that the food at the pub is still as inedible as before.

Happy to recommend this book to readers looking for a virtual visit to the English countryside for an uplifting read, especially if you love books with dogs included in the story. Family, friendship, romance and a four legged friend made for an enjoyable read.

Another winner from Alison Sherlock which follows on nicely from Josh and Amber's story but without being a sequel as such. I do love the characters and settings she creates and I love the fact that community is a key theme, something that can be quite lacking today in society.
This is an enjoyable feel good read and a great book to curl up with.
My only criticism is the over use of the word "soft" soft smile, soft laugh, soft blush soft chuckle, to name a few..