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The Light a Candle Society
Every flame tells a story.
George McGlory has been adrift since the death of his beloved wife, Audrey. But when he stumbles upon a public health funeral—a stark ceremony with no flowers, no mourners, and no love—he resolves to do something about it.
Determined that every life deserves to be remembered, George teams up with florist Elena, undertaker Edwin, and Sid, the eccentric owner of a bric-a-brac shop. Together they form The Light a Candle Society, a group devoted to bringing light, beauty, and compassion to those whose final journeys would otherwise go unnoticed.
As they craft heartfelt tributes for strangers, George and his newfound friends begin to confront the ghosts of their own pasts—discovering that remembrance can heal as much as it honors.
Tender, uplifting, and filled with gentle humor, The Light a Candle Society is a moving story about love, loss, and the small acts of kindness that can illuminate even the darkest days.
George McGlory has been adrift since the death of his beloved wife, Audrey. But when he stumbles upon a public health funeral—a stark ceremony with no flowers, no mourners, and no love—he resolves to do something about it.
Determined that every life deserves to be remembered, George teams up with florist Elena, undertaker Edwin, and Sid, the eccentric owner of a bric-a-brac shop. Together they form The Light a Candle Society, a group devoted to bringing light, beauty, and compassion to those whose final journeys would otherwise go unnoticed.
As they craft heartfelt tributes for strangers, George and his newfound friends begin to confront the ghosts of their own pasts—discovering that remembrance can heal as much as it honors.
Tender, uplifting, and filled with gentle humor, The Light a Candle Society is a moving story about love, loss, and the small acts of kindness that can illuminate even the darkest days.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
147 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hogan
12 books2,814 followersI was born in the house where my parents still live in Bedford: my sister was so pleased to have a sibling that she threw a thrupenny bit at me. As a child I read everything I could lay my hands on: The Moomintrolls, A Hundred Million Francs, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the back of cereal packets and gravestones. I was mad about dogs and horses, but didn't like daddy-long-legs or sugar in my tea.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College which was brilliant, but then I came home and got a 'proper' job. I worked for ten years in a senior local government position (I was definitely a square peg in a round hole, but it paid the bills and mortgage) before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and convinced me to start writing seriously. It was going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was The Keeper of Lost Things.
I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering partner (who has very recently become my husband - so I can't be that bad!) I am a magpie, always collecting treasures, and a huge John Betjeman fan. My favourite word is 'antimacassar' and I still like reading gravestones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
March 26, 2026
In a Nutshell: A contemporary fiction about a group of people coming together for the titular purpose. Good characters (mostly older in age), great concept, genuine emotions. Found family trope. Heartwarming, though a bit too sentimental at times. A nice option for fans of the UpLit genre, though not the best by this author.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I don’t often read the UpLit genre as the cynic in me finds saccharine sweetness tiresome at times. But during tougher periods when my mind wants something easy, such books work well enough. This was one such case.
Ruth Hogan is one of the better authors in this genre, and to date, I haven’t been disappointed by her works, even if they will never be my top favourites simply due to my reading preferences. But I must add, this is the least favourite of her books I have read so far.
Bookish Yays:
🕯 The concept – doing something special for those who die alone. All my love for this idea!
🕯 George. A wonderful character to a great extent. And a refreshing one too. Unlike most old men in contemporary fiction, he isn't cantankerous. He loves colourful shirts, he speaks aloud to his late wife Audrey without any qualms, he is jovial and not a recluse from society. We need more fictional geriatrics such as George.
🕯 The other characters in the book, whether human or canine. A bit too sweet to be true to life, but that is standard in this genre. I love how the characters were diverse without their diversity being thrown into our face. It is also nice to see a good age range in the characters, though most ages aren’t specified. A special shoutout to Captain and his dog Sailor – possibly my favourite of the secondary characters.
🕯 The highlight on public health funerals for those who die alone. I love how the book demonstrates that people dying alone doesn't mean people having no one or being alone in their final years.
🕯 The details of the ‘Light a Candle’ society and how it all comes together. A bit too smooth at times, especially in how conveniently George finds the appropriate business owners that can assist in the funerals, but works for the genre. I love the name of the group!
🕯 The interlude chapters coming from the POV of the people who died alone in this book. Bittersweet!
🕯 The found family trope being put to good use, not just in terms of who comes together but also how they have to work beyond their personal hesitations. There’s quite an extended family in this one!
🕯 The warmth of the emotions evoked by the story. Perfect when you feel disillusioned by this crazy world.
Bookish Okays:
💐 The large number of characters. They are somewhat needed in a story that spans so many deaths and funerals and subplots, but the going does get confusing at times, especially on audio. Plus, each character has their own baggage, so you need to remember who is linked to whom and who is dealing with what.
💐 Given that the plot is character-oriented, the pacing is on the slower side. It doesn’t drag too much (except in the final quarter which feels never-ending at times), but it also doesn’t push forward easily.
💐 As is usual in the genre, the main characters are almost perfect and the scenes are almost overly sentimental. Works for those who love Hallmark; might annoy those who prefer realism.
💐 Many deaths in a single book - surprising for an UpLit yet not so surprising considering the title and core concept. This gets heartbreaking at times. Of course, the deaths are handled sensitively and the book is successful in turning this sad theme into a life-affirming one.
Bookish Nays:
⚰ The plot is somewhat minimal. I struggled even to frame my ‘Plot Preview’. If you keep the title in mind, you already know a major chunk of what’s going to happen.
⚰ Forced romance arcs. Might satisfy those who love characters getting together, but this never works for me. In this book especially, most of the love tracks just weren’t needed.
⚰ The few disparaging comments about Dubai. Even if coming from George’s character and offering more insight into his personality than about the location, the remarks are still judgemental, misinformed, and annoying.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 8 hrs 32 min, is narrated by Mark Elstob. His performance is excellent when it comes to the male characters. Whether George or Edwin or the Captain or Niall or the various other minor male characters, he gives them each a distinct voice and accent and helps us picture them well. I wish I could say the same about his voices for the female characters. But oh my! *clutching my pearls!* Not a single female character is voiced convincingly. They don’t even sound realistic, forget about sounding like women. The voices are either too nasal or too masculine. For a book with so many character POVs, a narrator more adept at voicing men as well as women ought to have been chosen.
Overall, the book delivers almost exactly as promised, with an excellent concept, loveable characters, heartwarming scenes, and much camaraderie. Despite the deaths that keep occurring on the page, the overall tone of the book is more like a balm, soothing in all the right ways. I only wish the final quarter or so had been more tightened, because in the absence of a concrete plot, the ending seemed to extend needlessly.
Definitely recommended to readers looking for a sweet and emotional read despite the morbid content. This isn't for those who prefer some mystery around the proceedings as it’s more about the journey than the destination.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing the ALC of “The Light a Candle Society” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Widower George McGlory has tried to make the best of his life after the passing of his wife two years before. He works as a part-time librarian and has an active presence in the community. So when he sees a ‘public health funeral’, with no mourner in attendance and no flowers or candles for the deceased, he is determined to take action so that those who die alone receive a meaningful goodbye.
Joining George on his noble quest are several locals/friends such as Roxy the librarian, Elena the florist, Niall the government employee in charge of the funerals, and Edwin the undertaker, among others. Together, they plan how to tackle such funerals with appropriate compassion. As they begin this journey, they also find themselves having to confront some of their personal issues.
The story comes to us in the third-person perspective of several characters.
I don’t often read the UpLit genre as the cynic in me finds saccharine sweetness tiresome at times. But during tougher periods when my mind wants something easy, such books work well enough. This was one such case.
Ruth Hogan is one of the better authors in this genre, and to date, I haven’t been disappointed by her works, even if they will never be my top favourites simply due to my reading preferences. But I must add, this is the least favourite of her books I have read so far.
Bookish Yays:
🕯 The concept – doing something special for those who die alone. All my love for this idea!
🕯 George. A wonderful character to a great extent. And a refreshing one too. Unlike most old men in contemporary fiction, he isn't cantankerous. He loves colourful shirts, he speaks aloud to his late wife Audrey without any qualms, he is jovial and not a recluse from society. We need more fictional geriatrics such as George.
🕯 The other characters in the book, whether human or canine. A bit too sweet to be true to life, but that is standard in this genre. I love how the characters were diverse without their diversity being thrown into our face. It is also nice to see a good age range in the characters, though most ages aren’t specified. A special shoutout to Captain and his dog Sailor – possibly my favourite of the secondary characters.
🕯 The highlight on public health funerals for those who die alone. I love how the book demonstrates that people dying alone doesn't mean people having no one or being alone in their final years.
🕯 The details of the ‘Light a Candle’ society and how it all comes together. A bit too smooth at times, especially in how conveniently George finds the appropriate business owners that can assist in the funerals, but works for the genre. I love the name of the group!
🕯 The interlude chapters coming from the POV of the people who died alone in this book. Bittersweet!
🕯 The found family trope being put to good use, not just in terms of who comes together but also how they have to work beyond their personal hesitations. There’s quite an extended family in this one!
🕯 The warmth of the emotions evoked by the story. Perfect when you feel disillusioned by this crazy world.
Bookish Okays:
💐 The large number of characters. They are somewhat needed in a story that spans so many deaths and funerals and subplots, but the going does get confusing at times, especially on audio. Plus, each character has their own baggage, so you need to remember who is linked to whom and who is dealing with what.
💐 Given that the plot is character-oriented, the pacing is on the slower side. It doesn’t drag too much (except in the final quarter which feels never-ending at times), but it also doesn’t push forward easily.
💐 As is usual in the genre, the main characters are almost perfect and the scenes are almost overly sentimental. Works for those who love Hallmark; might annoy those who prefer realism.
💐 Many deaths in a single book - surprising for an UpLit yet not so surprising considering the title and core concept. This gets heartbreaking at times. Of course, the deaths are handled sensitively and the book is successful in turning this sad theme into a life-affirming one.
Bookish Nays:
⚰ The plot is somewhat minimal. I struggled even to frame my ‘Plot Preview’. If you keep the title in mind, you already know a major chunk of what’s going to happen.
⚰ Forced romance arcs. Might satisfy those who love characters getting together, but this never works for me. In this book especially, most of the love tracks just weren’t needed.
⚰ The few disparaging comments about Dubai. Even if coming from George’s character and offering more insight into his personality than about the location, the remarks are still judgemental, misinformed, and annoying.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 8 hrs 32 min, is narrated by Mark Elstob. His performance is excellent when it comes to the male characters. Whether George or Edwin or the Captain or Niall or the various other minor male characters, he gives them each a distinct voice and accent and helps us picture them well. I wish I could say the same about his voices for the female characters. But oh my! *clutching my pearls!* Not a single female character is voiced convincingly. They don’t even sound realistic, forget about sounding like women. The voices are either too nasal or too masculine. For a book with so many character POVs, a narrator more adept at voicing men as well as women ought to have been chosen.
Overall, the book delivers almost exactly as promised, with an excellent concept, loveable characters, heartwarming scenes, and much camaraderie. Despite the deaths that keep occurring on the page, the overall tone of the book is more like a balm, soothing in all the right ways. I only wish the final quarter or so had been more tightened, because in the absence of a concrete plot, the ending seemed to extend needlessly.
Definitely recommended to readers looking for a sweet and emotional read despite the morbid content. This isn't for those who prefer some mystery around the proceedings as it’s more about the journey than the destination.
3.75 stars.
My thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing the ALC of “The Light a Candle Society” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
June 26, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
3.75 🌟 rounded up.
What a beautiful story. The Light A Candle society are born when George sees a public health funeral taking place while he’s laying flowers at his wife’s Grace. Moved and distressed at the idea of anyone having nobody to mourn them, George quickly sets about finding out how he can make a difference, the difference that comes about is remarkable.
Along the way we gather a fabulous host of memorable characters from members of the society to the deceased themselves, everyone gets their turn. Captain succeeded in finally bringing me to tears. Overall the story is poignant, moving and upsetting but above all it’s hopeful and human.
The audio narration was lovely.
Huge thanks to WF Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
3.75 🌟 rounded up.
What a beautiful story. The Light A Candle society are born when George sees a public health funeral taking place while he’s laying flowers at his wife’s Grace. Moved and distressed at the idea of anyone having nobody to mourn them, George quickly sets about finding out how he can make a difference, the difference that comes about is remarkable.
Along the way we gather a fabulous host of memorable characters from members of the society to the deceased themselves, everyone gets their turn. Captain succeeded in finally bringing me to tears. Overall the story is poignant, moving and upsetting but above all it’s hopeful and human.
The audio narration was lovely.
Huge thanks to WF Howes LTD via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 17, 2025
I’m delighted to share my review of this wonderful book. While tending his late wife’s grave, George is moved and troubled to see a funeral taking place with no-one in attendance. On further investigation, he discovers that it was what is called a public health funeral. These take place when someone dies with no known relatives, or when relatives are unable or unwilling to organise a funeral.
Determined that everyone deserves a proper, dignified send-off, George begins what becomes known as the Light a Candle Society. Gradually more people become involved and as they do, we find out their stories and reasons for wanting to help out. Some of the society, including George himself, have some secrets which they then confront over the course of the novel.
Throughout the book, there are touching chapters where we meet the people who end up having the public health funerals the Light a Candle Society attend. We see what their earlier lives had been like and get a glimpse into how they ended up dying alone. Quite often, these people had lived perfectly normal lives and it made me think about how easy it can be for people to fall through the cracks. Although, as George discovers, there is almost always someone who has a connection to the person, or has some information which can be used to build up a picture of someone’s life and can help them have a decent funeral. It’s so true that ordinary people have interesting stories waiting to be uncovered, that ‘every life is a story of some sort’.
I read most of this over the course of a very wet Saturday but to be honest, I think it’s a book I wouldn’t have been able to put down anyway. I was completely caught up in the lives of the wonderful characters the author created and I was also very moved by the stories of the people whose funerals George and his friends attended. George in particular is a character I took to my heart. He was just an ordinary person but he started an extraordinary chain of events. Captain and his dog Sailor were also firm favourites.
I have loved all Ruth Hogan’s books and this is no exception. I can’t recommend The Light a Candle Society enough. It’s a heart-warming, emotional and uplifting and read and one of my favourite books of the year!
Determined that everyone deserves a proper, dignified send-off, George begins what becomes known as the Light a Candle Society. Gradually more people become involved and as they do, we find out their stories and reasons for wanting to help out. Some of the society, including George himself, have some secrets which they then confront over the course of the novel.
Throughout the book, there are touching chapters where we meet the people who end up having the public health funerals the Light a Candle Society attend. We see what their earlier lives had been like and get a glimpse into how they ended up dying alone. Quite often, these people had lived perfectly normal lives and it made me think about how easy it can be for people to fall through the cracks. Although, as George discovers, there is almost always someone who has a connection to the person, or has some information which can be used to build up a picture of someone’s life and can help them have a decent funeral. It’s so true that ordinary people have interesting stories waiting to be uncovered, that ‘every life is a story of some sort’.
I read most of this over the course of a very wet Saturday but to be honest, I think it’s a book I wouldn’t have been able to put down anyway. I was completely caught up in the lives of the wonderful characters the author created and I was also very moved by the stories of the people whose funerals George and his friends attended. George in particular is a character I took to my heart. He was just an ordinary person but he started an extraordinary chain of events. Captain and his dog Sailor were also firm favourites.
I have loved all Ruth Hogan’s books and this is no exception. I can’t recommend The Light a Candle Society enough. It’s a heart-warming, emotional and uplifting and read and one of my favourite books of the year!
September 20, 2025
easy going read
July 9, 2025
5⭐️ for this moving story, full of wonderful characters, with at times heartbreaking stories, and a group of people honouring those who passed away on their own, at public health funerals. It had me in tears on more than one occasion and I absolutely loved it 🥰
January 14, 2026
What a lovely tale Ruth Hogan spins in The Light a Candle Society. Quick moving, seriously a few time I got lost with the various cast of character and how rapidly they changed... so pay attention lol! Truly though, the premis of the story is absolutely lovely, and a great message for any time of year.
The highlight for me is the stunning performance by Mark Elstob in the audio version of The Light a Candle Society. The insane variety of voices and characters this talented audiobook narrator produces is mind blowing. My jaw literally dropped several times - that performance is miraculous. Elstob is very good at their job.
an audiobook copy of The Light a Candle Society was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The highlight for me is the stunning performance by Mark Elstob in the audio version of The Light a Candle Society. The insane variety of voices and characters this talented audiobook narrator produces is mind blowing. My jaw literally dropped several times - that performance is miraculous. Elstob is very good at their job.
an audiobook copy of The Light a Candle Society was provided by Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
July 29, 2025
Absolutely adorable audiobook!
This book really struck a chord with me. The thought of people passing away without a funeral or even anyone to mourn them absolutely broke my heart. This book sheds some light on this issue, and writes a heart warming story around it. The narrator was fabulous, I couldn't stop listening.
This book really struck a chord with me. The thought of people passing away without a funeral or even anyone to mourn them absolutely broke my heart. This book sheds some light on this issue, and writes a heart warming story around it. The narrator was fabulous, I couldn't stop listening.
December 2, 2025
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺."
Ruth Hogan strikes a perfect balance between sadness and happiness in The Light A Candle Society. Under the guise of a somber theme, she manages to create an uplifting story showcasing the generosity and strength of human spirit.
Hogan does a remarkable job of weaving in snippets of the deceased characters to give the reader an insight into their lives as well as their last day. The juxtaposition between the glimpse into a happier time of their life and how they came to be alone in their end is a poignant reminder of how drastically life can change.
As for our living ensemble, these characters were all relatable and likeable. George, an ordinary person who started this extraordinary society and chain of compassion, burrowed his way into my heart. They each (George included) have their own internal struggles to confront and find solace and belonging by contributing to this group. It was overwhelmingly heartwarming to watch them go above and beyond honoring the memory of those who had no one else to do so.
The final funeral was bittersweet and moving. Hogan writes with beauty and sensitivity, carrying grace into a sorrowful topic. She and this cast of characters made me believe that maybe the kindness of humanity isn't lost after all --- a reminder I think we can all use a little more of right now.
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."
🎙Mark Elstob is the sole narrator. I really enjoyed his voice and thought he was incredible at evoking the emotions within these characters and story.
✨ Thank you Net Galley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! Pub date: 12•6•2025
Ruth Hogan strikes a perfect balance between sadness and happiness in The Light A Candle Society. Under the guise of a somber theme, she manages to create an uplifting story showcasing the generosity and strength of human spirit.
Hogan does a remarkable job of weaving in snippets of the deceased characters to give the reader an insight into their lives as well as their last day. The juxtaposition between the glimpse into a happier time of their life and how they came to be alone in their end is a poignant reminder of how drastically life can change.
As for our living ensemble, these characters were all relatable and likeable. George, an ordinary person who started this extraordinary society and chain of compassion, burrowed his way into my heart. They each (George included) have their own internal struggles to confront and find solace and belonging by contributing to this group. It was overwhelmingly heartwarming to watch them go above and beyond honoring the memory of those who had no one else to do so.
The final funeral was bittersweet and moving. Hogan writes with beauty and sensitivity, carrying grace into a sorrowful topic. She and this cast of characters made me believe that maybe the kindness of humanity isn't lost after all --- a reminder I think we can all use a little more of right now.
"𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳."
🎙Mark Elstob is the sole narrator. I really enjoyed his voice and thought he was incredible at evoking the emotions within these characters and story.
✨ Thank you Net Galley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! Pub date: 12•6•2025
March 10, 2026
This is one of those really heartwarming books that gives you some faith in humanity. It's basically about this man who lost his wife and while he's visiting her grave he sees this really tragic funeral that is just empty and so he sets out to figure out what was going on and maybe do something about it.
Along with some people he meets along the way he starts this group called the light of candle society where they host and attend the funerals of people who have nobody. This book is split between his story and then interspersed are case numbers of these people who die and have nobody to mourn them or give them a funeral.
Now this book is classified as lgbtq+ on netgalley and I personally would not classify it is that. For me a queer book needs to have a queer main character and our main character is not queer at least not that's stated anywhere. There are a few secondary queer characters in the book and I think that it is a queer friendly book but I wouldn't qualify it as a queer book if that makes sense.
I do think this makes a fantastic general public book and can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this. it's a very likeable book for lots and lots of people and a way to introduce queerness and compassion to more people.
Along with some people he meets along the way he starts this group called the light of candle society where they host and attend the funerals of people who have nobody. This book is split between his story and then interspersed are case numbers of these people who die and have nobody to mourn them or give them a funeral.
Now this book is classified as lgbtq+ on netgalley and I personally would not classify it is that. For me a queer book needs to have a queer main character and our main character is not queer at least not that's stated anywhere. There are a few secondary queer characters in the book and I think that it is a queer friendly book but I wouldn't qualify it as a queer book if that makes sense.
I do think this makes a fantastic general public book and can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this. it's a very likeable book for lots and lots of people and a way to introduce queerness and compassion to more people.
December 18, 2025
What a delight! Audiobooks with elderly British male protagonists might just be a favorite genre of mine. This one is as charming as The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.
The story is really touching, as a ragtag group of people from all walks of life come together around pub quiz nights and otherwise unattended “public health” funerals where they learn about and honor the lives of people who otherwise might not have been noted or celebrated.
The narrator was great, and the ridiculous way he voiced the female characters added an element of comedy to the story (in a good way). The characters are good and kind and quirky people who blossom with connection. It’s a feel-good book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is really touching, as a ragtag group of people from all walks of life come together around pub quiz nights and otherwise unattended “public health” funerals where they learn about and honor the lives of people who otherwise might not have been noted or celebrated.
The narrator was great, and the ridiculous way he voiced the female characters added an element of comedy to the story (in a good way). The characters are good and kind and quirky people who blossom with connection. It’s a feel-good book.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
I listened to the audio for this and it was superb. I must admit I’m a sucker for old age protagonists and this story was full of them 😂
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story of humans going good deeds and kindness and compassion being at the heart of their decisions.
George and his friends form the Light A Candle Society after he sees a hearse with no flowers or mourners pull up at the church as he’s putting flowers on his late wife’s grave. He’s rightly horrified and the society is formed to shine a light on those who were to have public health funerals. Not only do they attend the funerals but they research the deceaseds life and even have a wake.
The author manages to make what is a really sad topic into a lifting and life affirming story of the strength of human spirit. Each story of a deceased persons life felt real and believable.
A fabulous story of the great things we can do when we come together with others.
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming story of humans going good deeds and kindness and compassion being at the heart of their decisions.
George and his friends form the Light A Candle Society after he sees a hearse with no flowers or mourners pull up at the church as he’s putting flowers on his late wife’s grave. He’s rightly horrified and the society is formed to shine a light on those who were to have public health funerals. Not only do they attend the funerals but they research the deceaseds life and even have a wake.
The author manages to make what is a really sad topic into a lifting and life affirming story of the strength of human spirit. Each story of a deceased persons life felt real and believable.
A fabulous story of the great things we can do when we come together with others.
August 9, 2025
The best Ruth Hogan book since The Keeper of Lost Things. Great individual stories. There's an underlying sadness but lots of hope.
January 31, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book and it was such a cute story. I'm glad I picked this book up and was worth the read. I did pick this book up as I've read other books from Ruth Hogan so was looking forward to reading this and I'm glad to say that I was not let down!
I love how Ruth Hogan ‘starts with the ending’ - there’s not a lot of info that ruins the plot but just enough for me to want to read more and find out the back story. I haven’t read a book that starts with an epilogue recently so I’m glad that this is a first. I absolutely loved this book and glad that I read it. It was such a cute story and was worth the read. We are able to get a glimpse of the lives of people who then unfortunately ending having a public health funeral and it shows how sometimes (or quite often) we don’t know the details or stories in someones lives and is a reminder that we should not judge anyone without knowing the details. It did open up my mind to think about public health funerals as that was something I didn’t know much about and it was cute to see George actually do something ‘helpful’ with his time and it feels like he’s on a mission rather than just sit around and ‘get bored’. It was quite an easy read but satisfying and happy ending. I’m looking forward to reading more books from her.
I love how Ruth Hogan ‘starts with the ending’ - there’s not a lot of info that ruins the plot but just enough for me to want to read more and find out the back story. I haven’t read a book that starts with an epilogue recently so I’m glad that this is a first. I absolutely loved this book and glad that I read it. It was such a cute story and was worth the read. We are able to get a glimpse of the lives of people who then unfortunately ending having a public health funeral and it shows how sometimes (or quite often) we don’t know the details or stories in someones lives and is a reminder that we should not judge anyone without knowing the details. It did open up my mind to think about public health funerals as that was something I didn’t know much about and it was cute to see George actually do something ‘helpful’ with his time and it feels like he’s on a mission rather than just sit around and ‘get bored’. It was quite an easy read but satisfying and happy ending. I’m looking forward to reading more books from her.
December 23, 2025
I have been a fan of Ruth Hogan's work for some time so I was excited to receive an early copy of her newest audiobook.
The Light a Candle Society is a story about a mismatched quirky cast of characters. These are my favorite kind of stories and this story did not disappoint. Yes, at times it was a bit sad because it was all about the funerals of people who had no one to attend. But at the same time, it was about the greatest in humans when we rally together to make the world a better place.
The only reason I didn't give this audiobook 5 stars was I struggled a bit to keep track of all of the characters. I think this might have been because I was listening and not reading.
You won't want to miss on this gem of a story.
I received the copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Light a Candle Society is a story about a mismatched quirky cast of characters. These are my favorite kind of stories and this story did not disappoint. Yes, at times it was a bit sad because it was all about the funerals of people who had no one to attend. But at the same time, it was about the greatest in humans when we rally together to make the world a better place.
The only reason I didn't give this audiobook 5 stars was I struggled a bit to keep track of all of the characters. I think this might have been because I was listening and not reading.
You won't want to miss on this gem of a story.
I received the copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 17, 2025
4.5/5
Points for the plot! Loved how the kindness and compassion were the main themes of this book! How they collectively work to bring a group of people together and pave a way to the birth of a society based on organizing funerals for people who don’t have anyone to mourn their death. It just goes on to show that there is a lot of good left in this otherwise dark world which we’ve become accustomed to.
Points for the plot! Loved how the kindness and compassion were the main themes of this book! How they collectively work to bring a group of people together and pave a way to the birth of a society based on organizing funerals for people who don’t have anyone to mourn their death. It just goes on to show that there is a lot of good left in this otherwise dark world which we’ve become accustomed to.
January 10, 2026
If such a society doesn't already exist it should do! A delightful story that should make us all think about the important things in life and death. Although it will always be classified as an "easy read" this shouldn't detract from the important themes of friendship, community and human connections.
November 25, 2025
Wonderful characters and a touching story with thought-provoking themes
March 22, 2026
I can't even count how many times I sobbed while listening to this book.
So beautifully heartbreaking, so mindful, so enlightening...
I loved it.
So beautifully heartbreaking, so mindful, so enlightening...
I loved it.
August 19, 2025
A gentle, heartwarming story that was easy to pick up.
March 5, 2026
The Light a Candle Society by Ruth Hogan is pure, glowing comfort wrapped in quiet magic. Tender, hopeful, and brimming with Hogan’s signature warmth, it celebrates second chances and the small acts of kindness that change everything. I closed the final page feeling lighter, softer, and utterly enchanted.
June 5, 2025
The Light A Candle Society by Ruth Hogan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great book by this author, full of love, life, happiness and friendship. George notices a lone hearse at the crematorium when he is tending his wife’s grave. There begins a tale of public health funerals for people who die with no relatives or friends. This book oozes kindness, emotion and love.
Another great book by this author, full of love, life, happiness and friendship. George notices a lone hearse at the crematorium when he is tending his wife’s grave. There begins a tale of public health funerals for people who die with no relatives or friends. This book oozes kindness, emotion and love.
January 22, 2026
The Light a Candle Society drew me in with its warmth and sense of quiet purpose. I loved how the story focused on connection, community, and the small kindnesses that often mean the most. It’s tender without being saccharine, gently emotional, and left me feeling uplifted rather than drained. A book that reminds you people matter.
December 26, 2025
As I have said before, I’ve read all of Ruth’s novels, my favourites being The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes and The Keeper of Lost Things (in that order or maybe joint first). But nothing could have prepared me for The Light A Candle Society and the emotion it stirred up in me. I listened to it on Audible and at first I wasn’t sure about the male narrator, but I grew to love him with his great voices and impressions.
Having had a busy Christmas Eve and a quick drink in the pub on Christmas Day morning, I had the rest of the day free – dinner notwithstanding. Not particularly interested in the repeats on TV, I listened to the last two hours of the book and spent most of it in tears. It’s not because of the funerals themselves – the Light A Candle Society is a beautiful idea – but because we learn so much about the people who supposedly die without freinds and relatives, and the interesting lives they had before they found themselves alone. There but for the grace of God etc…. Arthur and Captain in particular stole my heart along with crisp-eating Sailor the dog (all my dogs have loved eating crisps in the pub so I can identify).
So how did the Light A Candle Society come to exist? Librarian George McGlory is a widower who visits his late wife Audrey at the cemetery once a week. He always takes flowers from Elena’s flower shop. It is at the cemetery that he meets undertaker Edwin and learns about public health funerals. It’s when people with no relatives or friends are given a funeral with only a member of the council present. George finds this very sad. So he decides one day to ‘gatecrash’ a funeral and even starts singing The Lord is My Shepherd. This attracts the attention of newly appointed council employee Niall, who reprimands George for ‘interfering’ as he didn’t know whether Derek, the deceased, was even a Christian.
George works part time at the Library with Roxy who is almost forty and still unmarried or in a relationship – her mother is in a care home. Together with journalist Briony, the small group start to attend all the public health funerals, trying to find missing friends and relatives of the deceased and even having a wake at the Dog and Donkey pub where they are also a regular quiz team.
As anyone familiar with Ruth’s books will know, there is always a cast of slightly eccentric, colourful characters in addition to our main protagonists. I just adored this book and I shall miss them all.
Having had a busy Christmas Eve and a quick drink in the pub on Christmas Day morning, I had the rest of the day free – dinner notwithstanding. Not particularly interested in the repeats on TV, I listened to the last two hours of the book and spent most of it in tears. It’s not because of the funerals themselves – the Light A Candle Society is a beautiful idea – but because we learn so much about the people who supposedly die without freinds and relatives, and the interesting lives they had before they found themselves alone. There but for the grace of God etc…. Arthur and Captain in particular stole my heart along with crisp-eating Sailor the dog (all my dogs have loved eating crisps in the pub so I can identify).
So how did the Light A Candle Society come to exist? Librarian George McGlory is a widower who visits his late wife Audrey at the cemetery once a week. He always takes flowers from Elena’s flower shop. It is at the cemetery that he meets undertaker Edwin and learns about public health funerals. It’s when people with no relatives or friends are given a funeral with only a member of the council present. George finds this very sad. So he decides one day to ‘gatecrash’ a funeral and even starts singing The Lord is My Shepherd. This attracts the attention of newly appointed council employee Niall, who reprimands George for ‘interfering’ as he didn’t know whether Derek, the deceased, was even a Christian.
George works part time at the Library with Roxy who is almost forty and still unmarried or in a relationship – her mother is in a care home. Together with journalist Briony, the small group start to attend all the public health funerals, trying to find missing friends and relatives of the deceased and even having a wake at the Dog and Donkey pub where they are also a regular quiz team.
As anyone familiar with Ruth’s books will know, there is always a cast of slightly eccentric, colourful characters in addition to our main protagonists. I just adored this book and I shall miss them all.
March 21, 2026
Truly a wholesome story. It is very sad to know that there are actually people out there who have no family or friends, to be able to give them a proper send off.
This book was like a big hug and also a reminder to treat everyone with respect, whether they're still with us or have transitioned/gone to a better place.
There were so many lovely quotes throughout the book. My only reason for giving 4 stars out of 5 is because I felt some parts went on longer than they needed to and I wanted to know how things went between George and Roger - it was an important part of the story to me, but there wasn't enough elaboration.
Overall, it was definitely an enjoyable book.
God bless the dead 🙏🏽.
This book was like a big hug and also a reminder to treat everyone with respect, whether they're still with us or have transitioned/gone to a better place.
There were so many lovely quotes throughout the book. My only reason for giving 4 stars out of 5 is because I felt some parts went on longer than they needed to and I wanted to know how things went between George and Roger - it was an important part of the story to me, but there wasn't enough elaboration.
Overall, it was definitely an enjoyable book.
God bless the dead 🙏🏽.
September 4, 2025
A lovely story of community, found family and honouring the dead.
George witnesses a council led funeral for a person who has died with no relatives and it gets him thinking about how he could make this situation slightly better.
Cue The Light a Candle Society, a group that helps to celebrate the people.
George is a fabulous character, as are all the side characters that you get to know throughout the book. Told in chapters both following the main characters, but also giving sound background to the people that have died too.
I found this really heartwarming despite the many funerals and I would say it's a fabulous uplifting book.
George witnesses a council led funeral for a person who has died with no relatives and it gets him thinking about how he could make this situation slightly better.
Cue The Light a Candle Society, a group that helps to celebrate the people.
George is a fabulous character, as are all the side characters that you get to know throughout the book. Told in chapters both following the main characters, but also giving sound background to the people that have died too.
I found this really heartwarming despite the many funerals and I would say it's a fabulous uplifting book.
July 4, 2025
I read this book in 24 hours. I love this author. The story is heartwarming and galvanising. George Mcglory witnesses a public health funeral, with no one in attendance. He resolutely creates the light a candle society, so each and every life is remembered. In today’s society when more and more people live and die alone, this was a very poignant and beautifully crafted story.
July 31, 2025
I absolutely love Ruth Hogan's books and this did not disappoint. Such a beautiful, well-written story. Loved it.
August 29, 2025
Gorgeous & opened up a topic (public health funerals) that I knew nothing about. It makes me want to do more like George McGlory 💙 easy read but very satisfying.
September 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
October 12, 2025
I love this author.... every book is so enjoyable.
This is a mix of inspirational and a touch of sadness.
Truly a awakening.
This is a mix of inspirational and a touch of sadness.
Truly a awakening.
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