The Lost Ticket

By: Freya Sampson

Narrated by: Katharine Lee McEwan, Helen Lloyd

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

One of Amazon’s Best Books of September!

Strangers on a London bus unite to help an elderly man find his missed love connection in the heartwarming new novel from the acclaimed author of The Last Chance Library.

When Libby Nicholls arrives in London, brokenhearted and with her life in tatters, the first person she meets on the bus is elderly Frank. He tells her about the time in 1962 that he met a girl on the number 88 bus with beautiful red hair just like hers. They made plans for a date at the National Gallery art museum, but Frank lost the bus ticket with her number on it. For the past 60 years, he’s ridden the same bus trying to find her, but with no luck.

Libby is inspired to action and, with the help of an unlikely companion, she papers the bus route with posters advertising their search. Libby begins to open her guarded heart to new friendships and a budding romance, as her tightly controlled world expands. But with Frank’s dementia progressing quickly, their chance of finding the girl on the 88 bus is slipping away.

More than anything, Libby wants Frank to see his lost love one more time. But their quest also shows Libby just how important it is to embrace her own chances for happiness—before it’s too late—in a beautifully uplifting novel about how a shared common experience among strangers can transform lives in the most marvelous ways.

©2022 Freya Sampson (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“It’s as sweet as it sounds--a literary cup of cocoa. Sampson reminds us that there’s value in the “failures” in life--missed connections, broken relationships, unattained college degrees. They may, inadvertently, set us on the right path. Same for small daily interactions like a conversation on public transport…if you’re looking for a little hope, or a reminder of how chance encounters can change life for the better, this is the ticket.”—USA Today

“A heartfelt story about chance, loss, and aging, populated by messy characters you will root for in this delightful ride.”—The Montecito Journal

“Freya Sampson’s writing is like a feel-good magical potion made of everything that’s beautiful in life: a hug, a cup of tea, a warm blanket, a puppy. The Lost Ticket is the perfect sophomore novel: the descriptions of London are whimsical and immersive; the characters are relatable and lovable; the story is uplifting and romantic, full of emotions and heart, celebrating the importance of making human connections and embracing our dreams. This book is my happy place! Whatever Freya writes next, I’m on board.”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis

Best hug in book form

Book that brims with hope, heart and humanity.
You’ll fall in love with each character.

heart felt

Truly enjoyed the story and each characters . The writing was incredible and precise....great job

Warms your heart

Would make a lovely movie 💕
I am crossing my fingers it’s discovered and produced. I would love to see the characters live this book

Love conquers all!

Liked the story—and the characters were interesting. Also got to know my way around London on the bus.

Some nice surprises

This is a lovely story! Just when you think you know all about what’s going on, it shifts your perspective. It’s still a tad predictable, but it’s not always taking the path you expect.

The Perfect early summer read!

A sweet romance, unlikely of friendships book about an elderly man who wouldn’t give up on his look for a lost love. I dive my self in this story that I want to go to London and take the 88 Bus.

So sweet.

Great story and characters. l
Laughed out loud and cried. Highly recommend for anyone who likes a good romance.

Great story

I really enjoyed this book. Total “feel good/happy ending” type story. I’d definitely recommend it.

Interwine Lives

I loved this story! It weaved together the lives of so many characters in a beautiful way. The emotions were well balanced and a delight to listen to

Sweet but sad story

Good story with hope and sadness. Libby is A bit of a busybody who gets herself involved with Frank an aging man with dementia and his caregiver, The 3 main characters are well drawn and believable. The story sweet if somewhat predictable.

I think it was an enjoyable listen.