Where do I begin? I loved it doesn't quite cover my feeling on this story. I cared about the main characters straight away - their growing friendship touched me and I connected so much with a man in a generation older than me - I usually read books with female leads and so this was a new direction for me and wow did it blow me away.

I loved the concept of his collections and I felt protective of thenm on his behalf - this is a man who has been so deeply impacted by what he has lost, whether through wrongly places self blame, or just through the weight of the loss. I wanted to h0ld on to his collections tightly for him - I found the invasive nature of the social worker to be very real - there was no attempt to really get to know him or connect with her, he felt backed into a corner and afraid. Then we have the other main character who is so much younger and has had such a difficult start in life - both share the experience of a hard start in life and lack of family, but what they don't realise is that they will be family to each other.

It ends so well also - a really nice way of staying true to the characters and who they are as people. I may have seen the loft incident coming, but I did not predict the ending and I felt it wrapped up really nicely. I really wanted to stay within the pages of this book for longer, I miss them both now I have cone to the end and wish I were settling down with them again tonight!

A rare 5 stars from me!

Perfect for fans of Sally Pages ‘Book of Beginnings’
I loved the unlikely friendship that blossomed between these two very different characters. The book was charming! Touching on friendships and the deep understanding of people from all walks of life. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC

Abigail Johnson’s »The Secret Collector« takes readers on a heartwarming journey through unlikely friendships and personal growth against the backdrop of a house filled with memories and treasures.

The story centers around Alfred, an elderly widower who finds solace in nostalgia and hoarding, and Kian, a troubled teenager grappling with the failures of the care system. Their paths collide when Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, leading to Alfred's hospitalization and Kian's enrollment in a restorative justice program.

As the plot unfolds, Alfred and Kian are forced into each other's lives, initially with resistance and resentment. Alfred, clinging to his antiques as a way to cope with grief, faces the harsh reality of his hoarding when social services intervene. Kian, on the other hand, struggles to navigate his turbulent emotions and past traumas. The novel's ambiance is rich with tension and warmth, capturing the chaotic yet touching atmosphere of Alfred's home—a physical manifestation of his emotional state.

As the story progresses, we witness the transformation of Alfred and Kian's relationship, from resentment to understanding and empathy. This evolution is beautifully depicted, evoking a range of emotions from frustration to joy. Johnson's writing style is accessible and sophisticated, blending humor with profound moments of introspection that deeply resonate with readers.

Johnson skillfully tackles heavy themes such as loss, loneliness, and redemption without resorting to melodrama. While the premise may seem straightforward, the depth of character development and emotional resonance elevate the novel beyond typical narratives about friendship. The dialogue feels authentic, capturing the generational gap while highlighting universal themes of hope and connection.

»The Secret Collector« is more than just a story about an old man and a troubled youth; it’s a thoughtful commentary on finding hope in unexpected places.

Johnson’s ability to infuse humor into poignant moments makes this novel not only enjoyable but also deeply moving. It serves as a powerful reminder that an open heart and an unexpected friendship can change our lives in unimaginable ways.

When Kian throws a brick through Alfreds window, he has no idea how the old man will change his life.

Part of Kian punishment is that he has to help Alfred clear his house of the hoardingAlfred has accumualted since his wife died.

This is a novel of pure joy. I loved how the relationship developed between the two men and even the generation gap did not make a difference in the end.

There are some emotional moments and I loved it ..

I loved this book so much. It brings together the lives of two very different people in an unexpected way and the friendship they form. Alfred is an elderly widower who uses antiques and collectables to fill the hole left by the death of his beloved wife. Kian is about to become an adult, let down by the care system, and not make the right choices. Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, which causes Alfred to end up in hospital. He ends up with a social worker, who finds out his secret. He is a hoarder. Kian is placed on a rehabilitation programme, which means he must help Alfred clear out his house so that Alfred can live a normal life. As the story unfolds, a beautiful friendship develops, and the two change each others lives for the better.