I know it sounds a bit lame, but the biggest thing I can say about this story is it made me happy. I had to stop half way to have dinner and came straight back, already smiling. It, and the people in it, are so warm and kind and real, that child is every lost child and Celebrian is every woman whose children and grandchildren are too far away. I could see Elrond loving those walks on the beach. Frodo needing a reason to go on and finding it in a lonely child was so in character, and --- one of my daughters had a blanket - the yellow blankie - that went everywhere, so I immediately connected with Tharhîwon. What a sad, sad story his was, but what a happy ending.

I have put The Winter Garden on my 'to read' list. Just really loved this.

Oh, and letters and gifts crossing the sea --- that is perfect!