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The Summer of Lost and Found
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26For a woman at a turning point, a small Kentucky town offers a summer of healing, unexpected romance, and rediscovery in a bittersweet novel by
USA Today
bestselling author Toni Blake.
Recovering from cancer, Cincinnati news anchor Jessica Fox has no choice but to take a summer leave. Her boss’s for Jessica to take it easy and recharge at his late grandmother Mabel’s cottage in the Kentucky mountains.
The town of Lost and Found lives up to its name. Resistant at first, Jessica grows to appreciate the slower pace, the spectacular sunsets, the affable locals, and even Matt Cordray, the laid-back, too-friendly police chief next door. Most engaging of all is Mabel, who left behind a treasure map that leads Jessica to a collection of lost items—mementos and love letters—people have mailed to the town over the years. Jessica needs something to help pass the time, and she finds it in reuniting these precious things with the distant strangers who lost them.
Lost and in flux herself, Jessica has no idea just how connected to life this town will make her feel again or, by summer’s end, how transformative a season it will be.
Recovering from cancer, Cincinnati news anchor Jessica Fox has no choice but to take a summer leave. Her boss’s for Jessica to take it easy and recharge at his late grandmother Mabel’s cottage in the Kentucky mountains.
The town of Lost and Found lives up to its name. Resistant at first, Jessica grows to appreciate the slower pace, the spectacular sunsets, the affable locals, and even Matt Cordray, the laid-back, too-friendly police chief next door. Most engaging of all is Mabel, who left behind a treasure map that leads Jessica to a collection of lost items—mementos and love letters—people have mailed to the town over the years. Jessica needs something to help pass the time, and she finds it in reuniting these precious things with the distant strangers who lost them.
Lost and in flux herself, Jessica has no idea just how connected to life this town will make her feel again or, by summer’s end, how transformative a season it will be.
- GenresRomance
347 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 17, 2026
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Toni Blake
45 books1,160 followersToni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and she's also had more than forty short stories and articles published. Toni lives in the Midwest and enjoys traveling, genealogy, crafts, and snow skiing.
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.
Photo: Cassandra Stella
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Summer of Lost and Found
by Toni Blake
This novel presents a thoughtful and gentle exploration of the essence of summer and the power of personal renewal. I particularly appreciated Jessica's journey, as she embarks on a path to rediscovering herself after a challenging battle with cancer.
Cincinnati news anchor Jessica Fox faces a forced summer leave from her demanding job, prompting her Boss, Kenvin, to offer her the use of his late grandmother Mabel’s quaint cottage nestled in the picturesque Kentucky mountains. However, upon her arrival, she is met with unexpected challenges that nearly drive her back home to her bustling life in Cincinnati.
In the small, charming town of Lost and Found, Jessica encounters her neighbours, including Matt Cordray, a warm-hearted police chief with a compassionate demeanor, and Jo, Conrad, and Grace, locals who quickly become her friends. As Jessica gradually adjusts to the slower pace of life in this close-knit community, she starts to find a sense of belonging and comfort that had eluded her for so long.
The portrayal of Lost and Found immerses readers in a nostalgic atmosphere, richly depicting a simpler, more authentic way of life that invites reflection and peace. The characters are endearingly quirky, each bringing their own unique imperfections, which makes them relatable and engaging.
This marks my first experience with Toni Blake’s writing, and I found myself thoroughly enchanted by the story. The book is imbued with heart and deep emotional resonance, allowing readers to connect with Jessica's struggles and triumphs.
The well-crafted characters and engaging storyline provided a soothing sense of comfort, making me believe that this book could become a cherished comfort read for many others as well. Overall, my experience with this novel was enriching, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to dive into its pages and discover the warmth and wisdom it has to offer.
by Toni Blake
This novel presents a thoughtful and gentle exploration of the essence of summer and the power of personal renewal. I particularly appreciated Jessica's journey, as she embarks on a path to rediscovering herself after a challenging battle with cancer.
Cincinnati news anchor Jessica Fox faces a forced summer leave from her demanding job, prompting her Boss, Kenvin, to offer her the use of his late grandmother Mabel’s quaint cottage nestled in the picturesque Kentucky mountains. However, upon her arrival, she is met with unexpected challenges that nearly drive her back home to her bustling life in Cincinnati.
In the small, charming town of Lost and Found, Jessica encounters her neighbours, including Matt Cordray, a warm-hearted police chief with a compassionate demeanor, and Jo, Conrad, and Grace, locals who quickly become her friends. As Jessica gradually adjusts to the slower pace of life in this close-knit community, she starts to find a sense of belonging and comfort that had eluded her for so long.
The portrayal of Lost and Found immerses readers in a nostalgic atmosphere, richly depicting a simpler, more authentic way of life that invites reflection and peace. The characters are endearingly quirky, each bringing their own unique imperfections, which makes them relatable and engaging.
This marks my first experience with Toni Blake’s writing, and I found myself thoroughly enchanted by the story. The book is imbued with heart and deep emotional resonance, allowing readers to connect with Jessica's struggles and triumphs.
The well-crafted characters and engaging storyline provided a soothing sense of comfort, making me believe that this book could become a cherished comfort read for many others as well. Overall, my experience with this novel was enriching, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to dive into its pages and discover the warmth and wisdom it has to offer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this!
Toni Blake is a new to me author. This was an ARC book from Netgalley, that I received through Toni's team, in exchange for an honest review. The book is set for release on February 17, 2026.
I thought the pacing of the the story, the length, the ending was absolutely wonderful.
Toni took a tough subject, turned it into a beautiful story that was touching, had self reflection, laughs, and tears ( happy and sad ). All the feels. Realistic characters, with beloved animals and a location that became another character.
I really liked the idea of trying to reunite items with loved ones, it's a recurring theme with several books that I've read over the last year.
I didn't always agree with the actions of the main character, Jessica, but I've known people like her, so this made her more realistic in my opinion.
Toni Blake is a new to me author. This was an ARC book from Netgalley, that I received through Toni's team, in exchange for an honest review. The book is set for release on February 17, 2026.
I thought the pacing of the the story, the length, the ending was absolutely wonderful.
Toni took a tough subject, turned it into a beautiful story that was touching, had self reflection, laughs, and tears ( happy and sad ). All the feels. Realistic characters, with beloved animals and a location that became another character.
I really liked the idea of trying to reunite items with loved ones, it's a recurring theme with several books that I've read over the last year.
I didn't always agree with the actions of the main character, Jessica, but I've known people like her, so this made her more realistic in my opinion.
November 1, 2025
This book was such a lovely slow stroll through summer. I really enjoyed it, I felt for the character and her journey. I was rooting for her to find herself again after dealing with cancer. I loved this town that seemed to be like stepping back in time to a slower pace. The characters were quirky and they were perfectly imperfect. It’s been a long time since I read a book by this author and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this. This book had heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my gosh…what an absolute lovely read!
Our heroine, Jessica, a popular television news anchor, is recovering from cancer treatments. She is having a difficult time feeling herself, especially due to losing her hair. Feeling banished after a coworker, Kevin, suggests she stay in his grandmother’s lake cottage for the summer. She agrees to give it a try…but already deeming it a fail, and finds herself heading out to the land of no cell or internet service (AKA the town of Lost and Found).
Here, she will meet her neighbor, (and town Sheriff) Matt, as well as other neighbors she meets while on her scavenger hunt of sorts, left to complete by whomever found Grandma Mabel’s hidden note.
This book is so heartbreaking and realistic, but at the same time, makes you feel warm inside and makes you really think about what (and who) is important in your life. I absolutely loved feeling Jessica’s emotions while reading this book! It is a love story about learning to love yourself, and allowing yourself to fall in love with others.
Author Toni Blake did an incredible job writing this, and I cannot recommend it enough!
A couple of quotes that resonated with me:
First I return to the willow theory, overdramatic metaphor or not. When you get a diagnosis like breast cancer, you become that willow…No matter what strong, independent person you started out as, you find yourself constantly bending, swaying, letting yourself get whipped about by the process.
“Don’t worry,” he says, “cats are resilient. She’ll adjust to where she is.” And I find myself thinking maybe my spirit animal is a cat – I’m pretty resilient, and I seem to adjust to wherever I am, even if I’m not always happy about it.
Our heroine, Jessica, a popular television news anchor, is recovering from cancer treatments. She is having a difficult time feeling herself, especially due to losing her hair. Feeling banished after a coworker, Kevin, suggests she stay in his grandmother’s lake cottage for the summer. She agrees to give it a try…but already deeming it a fail, and finds herself heading out to the land of no cell or internet service (AKA the town of Lost and Found).
Here, she will meet her neighbor, (and town Sheriff) Matt, as well as other neighbors she meets while on her scavenger hunt of sorts, left to complete by whomever found Grandma Mabel’s hidden note.
This book is so heartbreaking and realistic, but at the same time, makes you feel warm inside and makes you really think about what (and who) is important in your life. I absolutely loved feeling Jessica’s emotions while reading this book! It is a love story about learning to love yourself, and allowing yourself to fall in love with others.
Author Toni Blake did an incredible job writing this, and I cannot recommend it enough!
A couple of quotes that resonated with me:
First I return to the willow theory, overdramatic metaphor or not. When you get a diagnosis like breast cancer, you become that willow…No matter what strong, independent person you started out as, you find yourself constantly bending, swaying, letting yourself get whipped about by the process.
“Don’t worry,” he says, “cats are resilient. She’ll adjust to where she is.” And I find myself thinking maybe my spirit animal is a cat – I’m pretty resilient, and I seem to adjust to wherever I am, even if I’m not always happy about it.
November 22, 2025
This was a sweet take on love a little later in life.
Still recovering from cancer, news anchor Jessica Fox, finds herself on an extended vacation in her boss's late grandmother's home in the tiny town of Lost and Found, Kentucky. She is frustrated and feeling replaced at work, like she was a burden to her friends, and tired of not recognizing herself in the mirror. She's grateful to be alive, but tired of being not herself as she knows herself.
When we meet the cute neighbor with the bad hat and tiny dog, we know they will end up together because that's what happens in these books. But what was nice was that since they were older, they were more patient with each other, less critical. He understood that she wasn't ready, until she was.
Then there was the added bit about the lost and found - the lost items that people mailed to Lost and Found because of the name of the town - which becomes a project that gives Jessica a place to put her energies. She never imagined that it would take her out of her head and eventually bring her both peace and a way back to working on television again.
There were the standard romance misunderstandings etc but overall it was a nice reminder to take time to heal, to unplug sometimes, to understand that our dreams can change over time.
Still recovering from cancer, news anchor Jessica Fox, finds herself on an extended vacation in her boss's late grandmother's home in the tiny town of Lost and Found, Kentucky. She is frustrated and feeling replaced at work, like she was a burden to her friends, and tired of not recognizing herself in the mirror. She's grateful to be alive, but tired of being not herself as she knows herself.
When we meet the cute neighbor with the bad hat and tiny dog, we know they will end up together because that's what happens in these books. But what was nice was that since they were older, they were more patient with each other, less critical. He understood that she wasn't ready, until she was.
Then there was the added bit about the lost and found - the lost items that people mailed to Lost and Found because of the name of the town - which becomes a project that gives Jessica a place to put her energies. She never imagined that it would take her out of her head and eventually bring her both peace and a way back to working on television again.
There were the standard romance misunderstandings etc but overall it was a nice reminder to take time to heal, to unplug sometimes, to understand that our dreams can change over time.
January 14, 2026
I have been a reader and fan of author Toni Blake since I discovered her in 2007. This latest book is fictional, but I believe we had more than a glimpse of her “Inner-self” / heart.
The Summer of Lost and Found is where we meet Jessica, a TV anchorwoman, who identifies with this persona in both her professional and personal life. She is recovering from breast cancer and takes an extended leave in the mountains of Kentucky. In this small, laid back town, where there is no such thing as streaming Netflix, or for that matter the internet. She basically has to learn to live at a different pace of life, leading her to form lasting relationships with her neighbors Grace and most importantly, the police chief, Matt.
Jessica finds herself on a "lost and found mission" only to discover that she has a larger impact on others than she realized, including the revival of the town. This was a 'hard to put down story'……I was quite invested in all of the characters, including Joy Lynn!
I will be recommending The Summer of Lost and Found to my reader friends and I thank Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The Summer of Lost and Found is where we meet Jessica, a TV anchorwoman, who identifies with this persona in both her professional and personal life. She is recovering from breast cancer and takes an extended leave in the mountains of Kentucky. In this small, laid back town, where there is no such thing as streaming Netflix, or for that matter the internet. She basically has to learn to live at a different pace of life, leading her to form lasting relationships with her neighbors Grace and most importantly, the police chief, Matt.
Jessica finds herself on a "lost and found mission" only to discover that she has a larger impact on others than she realized, including the revival of the town. This was a 'hard to put down story'……I was quite invested in all of the characters, including Joy Lynn!
I will be recommending The Summer of Lost and Found to my reader friends and I thank Net Galley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
November 16, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. I enjoyed the book a great deal. Jessica or Jessie, the main female character is going through a traumatic period in her life. She is recovering from breast cancer, and as a prominent newscaster in Cincinnati, she has been put on furlough until she fully recuperates. Her immediate supervisor and friend Kevin suggests she spend the summer at his late grandmother’s lake cottage in Lost and Found, Kentucky. Her summer turns out to be nothing like she expected, and as she has lost so much, she is at first skeptical of getting to know the town and its inhabitants, including the police chief next door, Matt Cordray. The author does a wonderful job describing the emotional conflicts of people who are experiencing crises in their Ives or simply dealing with change. I became somewhat frustrated with Jessie as she seemed to fail to acknowledge the positives in the life she had been given, especially when it came to Matt, but all in all, a really good book. 4 1/2 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was excellent. An evening anchor for a news station survived breast cancer and the big bosses didn't want her back when she thought she was ready. Her immediate boss and good friend of 20 years loaned her his grandmother's little cottage in a town called Lost and Found. She was quite disappointed when she got there and found it so small and had no internet. She had planned on binging a lot of shows she had missed. Slowly and surely she found something to do that brought her a lot of pleasure. she learned new things, baked, gardened and found several new friends (including the hot sheriff who lived across the street)
The story had great characters who had a lot of history to add to the story. I loved how a summer in a small town completely changed her way to thinking and living that even changed the town itself
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
The story had great characters who had a lot of history to add to the story. I loved how a summer in a small town completely changed her way to thinking and living that even changed the town itself
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 6, 2026
A wonderful novel with a touch of whimsy
Toni Blake is an amazing writer and her latest offering which I was granted access to through NetGalley is a fictional novel but it also contains pieces of her heart. The Summer of Lost and Found is about a professional woman who, through no fault of her own, finds herself recovering from a medical crisis. Basically forced to take an extended vacation in the Kentucky mountains, she finds there is so much more to life than her life in the city. In addition, she is tasked with an adventure that leads not only to discoveries about herself but also one that ends up involving others. Learning to develop sweet relationships in a once thriving town, she ends up making an impact no one saw coming. Five stars for this wonderful novel and I town I would love to be a part of!!! #toniblake #thesummeroflostandfound #netgalley
Toni Blake is an amazing writer and her latest offering which I was granted access to through NetGalley is a fictional novel but it also contains pieces of her heart. The Summer of Lost and Found is about a professional woman who, through no fault of her own, finds herself recovering from a medical crisis. Basically forced to take an extended vacation in the Kentucky mountains, she finds there is so much more to life than her life in the city. In addition, she is tasked with an adventure that leads not only to discoveries about herself but also one that ends up involving others. Learning to develop sweet relationships in a once thriving town, she ends up making an impact no one saw coming. Five stars for this wonderful novel and I town I would love to be a part of!!! #toniblake #thesummeroflostandfound #netgalley
November 5, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this Toni Blake new novel. I throughly enjoyed this book. I wasn't expecting to be so involved I guess I should say, I thought at first Jessica aka Jessie was just going to be going through the phases of wasting time in the town of Lost and Found, gosh was I wrong!! She evolved, she became a part of the town. I don't want to give to much away but her friendship with Grace was my favorite, the cowboy sheriff, Matt, next door you'll enjoy finding out all about him, and oh Joy Lynn and the juke box.and the best why the town is the lost and found. I loved the book.May we all find a grandma Mable's home someday ... Read the book, I think you might find something that brings a smile to your face, a tug to your heart..enjoy!!!
November 14, 2025
The Summer of Lost & Found by Toni Blake was my first experience reading this author’s work and I was pleasantly surprised. I had no idea this story would draw me in like it did. It’s a charming, contemplative read that is thought-provoking and deeply rooted in taking time to actually live your life, not just pass through it. Jess and Matt are well-developed characters, but it’s also the secondary characters that bring depth and warmth to this small town story. I became quite invested in all of them and thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt read. The whole lost & found concept was quite intriguing and unique! I will be reading more from Ms. Blake in the future based on this experience. I’m grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jessica, a TV anchorwoman in Cincinnati is banished to the little Kentucky town of Lost And Found. At least that is how she feels while she is recovering from her cancer treatments. Her new next door neighbor, Matt, is the police chief and pushes her to be more comfortable with her new looks. He also helps in her quest to find owners for the lost and found items sent to Lost and Found. She not only was able to find some owners but it enabled her to look more closely at her life as she realizes she has not lost everything and has a lot to live for. Ms. Blake creates wonderful stories with a side of romance and poignancy but writes the cancer part of the book with empathy that only a survivor would be capable of. Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of this book. Recommended.
November 21, 2025
This was a really good book. It was emotional, heartwarming, and romantic. I know a few people that had breast cancer and have survived it. This book made me see what they went through in a way. This was the first book I have read by Toni Blake. I picked her because of a referral from someone on Goodreads, and I love reading small town romances. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2025
This story was all about a woman finding herself after surviving cancer. She decides to spend the summer in Lost and Found to regroup. She ends up discovering a new way of life, new friends, and love. I truly loved this book. I enjoyed reading Jessica’s journey as she found herself and discovered what’s important to her.
December 5, 2025
Wow, what a wonderfully written story. It’s emotional, and uplifting. Jessica is sent to the town Lost and Found to recover, feeling lost and maybe finding herself as well. Well done!
December 1, 2025
Reading this in the winter made me long for summer. I really liked Jessica as a character and felt that her growth through the book was realistic. I also really like the romance with her and Matt. It wasn't insta-love but progressed naturally. Would definitely recommend to others to read! Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to review it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews