There are two ways to view this second book in the Riverside Lane Series by Alison Sherlock. First, as a stand alone book. And in that, The Village Of Lost And Found is everything that you expect from Alison Sherlock – heartwarming, uplifting and a happy read. A simple story based at a countryside hamlet, quiet and peaceful with lovable characters.
When you read this in conjunction to the first book in the series The Village Shop For Lonely Hearts , there are a few things that are easily noticeable. It is very evident that the author has followed a strict framework with the same steps in the ladder as before – infact strikingly similar. To start with, the protagonist of the two books (earlier Amber and now Lucy) are both low on confidence, Amber due to the bullying in her growing up years and Lucy due to lack of love and faith from her parents in her abilities. Both land up in Cranbridge for a short stay and end up finding their future in this small village. Both discover love & a purpose in this village.
While the first book is about saving The Cranbridge Stores, in this one they are saving the Cranbridge Times. In both books the emphasis is on utilizing local resources to develop a sense of community and belonging amongst the people. If the first faces a flood that brings people together, here they are up against a quarry that threatens their environment & existence. In the first book they have a Christmas fete while in the second a Summer fete to raise funds. And finally, both have a cinematic dramatization of the climax as the two ladies are in dilemma to leave or stay, waiting for love to be expressed from Josh & Tom.
As would be evident how similar these books are, I felt the charm of the first book a little amiss here. The Cranbridge Stores revival was much more endearing and relatable than the newspaper here. The Village Shop For Lonely Hearts had them in action to revive the shop right from the word go, while here, there was hardly any real action till about 65% of the book. If I had to choose one book to read out of such similar ones, The Village Shop For Lonely Hearts would be the obvious choice for it’s rustic, countryside charm & simplicity. But nothing to take away from The Village Of Lost And Found, which by itself is a very good read. One unique facet of this book is a surprise that awaits at the end as to how they save the village from the quarry. This I had never expected and came as a welcome twist that adds a zing to it.
All in all, a good leisure time read. The third Riveside Lane book review can be viewed here – The Village Inn Of Secret Dreams.