The second novel in a bewitching series “brimming with charm and charisma” that will make “fans of Outlander rejoice!” (Woman’s World Magazine) New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things was called “a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series … Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with its sequel, Secrets of the Chocolate House.
After her adventures in the seventeenth century, Xanthe does her best to settle back into the rhythm of life in Marlborough. She tells herself she must forget about Samuel and leave him in the past where he belongs. With the help of her new friends, she does her best to move on, focusing instead on the success of her and Flora’s antique shop.
But there are still things waiting to be found, still injustices needing to be put right, still voices whispering to Xanthe from long ago about secrets wanting to be shared.
While looking for new stock for the shop, Xanthe hears the song of a copper chocolate pot. Soon after, she has an upsetting vision of Samuel in great danger, compelling her to make another journey to the past.
This time she’ll meet her most dangerous adversary. This time her ability to travel to the past will be tested. This time she will discover her true destiny. Will that destiny allow her to return home? And will she be able to save Samuel when his own fate seems to be sealed?
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In this enchanting 2nd book in my new favorite series Xanthe finds herself trying to get used to her new gift, yet can’t forget what she had to leave in the past. Once again she’s back at it and must race against time past and present to help the man who stole her heart! Will she be able to fix the wrongs of the past? You’ll have to read to find out!!! In love with this series!
Another great book by Paula Brackston!
Secrets of the Chocolate House earns 5+/5 Time-crossed Love Affairs…Engaging!
Paula Brackston has become a favorite author due to her extremely well-written three-book Shadow Chronicles and two-book The Witch’s Daughter series, so I was eager to read this second book in her Found Things series. I was concerned I’d be at a disadvantage not having yet read book one, “The Little Shop of Found Things,” but in many respects, it is a stand-alone with some references to the first book (no confusion, no spoilers) making it easy to get totally involved! I, however, found it very helpful knowing a bit about the series from online synopses.
Brackston’s fascinating theme in her Found Things series begins with the premise that people throughout their lives imprint emotions onto their belongings: a piece of treasured jewelry, a well-worn gown, a copper pot. Adding to the thought objects hold these connections to their owners, there are people with the gift to hear, feel, sense this imprint and connect with the long-lost owner even being able to time travel or “spin.” Xanthe Westlake, all her life, has been one of those sensitive people having experienced many objects “singing” to her, telling her of their secrets, and now transporting her back in time, but exploring those objects, those connections, can be problematic…engaging…even, epic. Her “spinning” this time, precipitated by the whisper of a copper chocolate pot, leads her back again to the seventeenth century where Samuel, her long, long ago love, is in peril, and another “spinner” is poised to destroy everything.
Brilliant! Although written in a third-person narrative (not a favorite perspective in which to immerse myself), Paula Brackston has painted the most marvelous story to which I have become engaged. Xanthe exists in two worlds (contemporary and seventeenth century) creating interesting situations in which she must navigate…what’s accepted in one era could get you imprisoned in the other. Using vivid imagery and descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well the various personalities and tone, the story incorporates fascinating English history, insights into chocolate houses, a nemesis, an ex, a friendship, a love. Xanthe is somewhat of an enigma. She isn’t as strong or as prepared as one would expect from a protagonist with her gift, but I see growth in progress. Also some queries I had about “spinning” and any history about “why her” aren’t completely addressed, and there’s an intriguing cliffhanger ending…it’s going to be a deliciously long series!
Secrets of the Chocolate House is ‘Unputdownable’ ! 5 stars plus
Paula Brackston’s first novel was ‘The Little Shop of Found Things’. I found it spellbinding! Her second story ‘Secrets of the Chocolate House’ is truly so captivating and exciting that I didn’t want to put it down to stop reading it. It is especially fascinating to follow the heroine Xanthe all along her journey through time! Best time-travel adventure with the daring heroine Kanthe who will take you on a spin through time! I adored every moments of her journey, her ups and downs! Ms. Brackston is a very descriptive writer, so during some moments, I felt like I was really in the little antique shop or the chocolate house. The passages through time are very well written. I still can’t believe that I’m getting addicted to this series ‘Found Things’, but I’m glad I gave it a chance! Let yourself be swept away through centuries!
‘Secrets of the Chocolate House’ will take you on a journey of many twists and turns with a touch of time travel, a bit of romance, adventure and danger. Xanthe and her mother Flora are owners of a little shop of antiquities! The heroine Xanthe has a special gift! When she touches an antique piece, it may ‘sing’ to her and share it’s past story. In this second story, it’s a little copper chocolate pot that holds a special bond with Xantle which will send her through time to rescue someone dear to her! Will she ever find again her ‘Samuel’, a talented architect of the 17th century? During her wild journey, she will meet a a dangerous and powerful man named Fairfax! Will she discover her true mission in life? Will she be able to help people trapped in the past with her special gift? Xanthe will experience a moment of emotional turmoil as a ‘Time Spinner’!
If you are a lover of time-travel adventure, then ‘Secrets of the Chocolate House’ will please you very much. It’s a magical and fantastic read you won’t forget! I’m excited to know what will happen next to Xanthe! Ms. Brackston you didn’t disappoint me!
Secrets of the Chocolate House: Found Things Book 2 by Paula Brackston is a delightful mix of Historical, Romance, Time Travel and Fantasy Fiction. This newest book is the second in this series and includes chocolate, antiques, special objects, a mysterious book, and remarkable time travel. Brackston‘s words as with all her books flow through your mind like listening to beautiful music. Her characters, scene settings and details are written in a way that makes the reader feel a part of the story. I almost feel as if I am traveling with Xanthe on her journeys through time. Don’t miss any of Paula Brackston‘s books but this series is my personal favorite. I hope that this series will continue with new journeys and adventures for Xanthe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
I loved the continuation of Xanthe’s story as she discovers more about her ability to spin time! I love this series!
Paula Brackston seamlessly transitions between past and present in The Secrets of the Chocolate House, a tale that draws the reader into its magical story and keeps them engaged to the end.
The settings are always described with just enough vivid detail so you have a good picture, but not so much that you lose the story. The characters, both past and present, add wonderful color to the foundation of this interesting book, and for someone like me who doesn’t normally read time-travel, the author has managed to capture my imagination. I want more! Don’t miss the fascinating Found Things series.
Full review at the blog.
Loved getting back to Xanthe’s life! Couldn’t put it down!
I had a great time with this book! After enjoying the first book in this series, The Little Shop of Found Things, I was really excited to see what would happen next in Xanthe’s life. I went into the book hoping that I would like it as much as I did the first book and I did. This was a story that was able to grab me from the very beginning and was enjoyable until the end. I am so glad that I made the choice to give this series a try.
Xanthe is able to move through time. She runs an antique shop with her mother in the present time and when she finds certain items, they call to her. Sometimes these items are connected with an event and Xanthe has the ability to go to that time to make things right. When she finds a chocolate pot, she has a vision of Samuel and he is in trouble. She goes back to Samuel’s time, the 17th century, to try to help him and find things have become very complicated.
I loved the fact that in this book we learn more about the act of time traveling, or spinning. I have a feeling that we are only at the beginning of learning all about what Xanthe can really do. There were some great characters introduced in this installment and I enjoyed seeing Xanthe interact with the mistress of the chocolate house. I also really liked the fact that Xanthe bounces around in time a bit during the story so we get a pretty clear picture of what is going on in both time periods. She has quite a few challenges to overcome in both time periods.
I thought that Marisa Calin did a fabulous job with the narration. I loved how consistent the voices that she uses have been throughout the series. Each character has a very distinct sound and I thought that she added a lot of life to the characters. The way she reads the story adds a lot of emotion and excitement to it. I think that I might have enjoyed this book just a bit more because of her narration.
I would recommend this book to others. I do recommend reading this series in order if at all possible since the relationships between the characters do change over time. I had a great time journey through time with Xanthe and look forward to her future adventures.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library via Overdrive.
Secrets of the Chocolate House has all the romance of the seventeenth century with a heroine that is every bit twenty-first: clever, fierce, and willing to put her own life on the line to rescue the man she loves.
I’ve had an ARC of SOTCH on my kindle for a few months now but I like to read them in order of release date. I’m telling you it killed me to see this beauty sitting there waiting for me to feast my eyes upon the words falling forth from the pages.
I had such a strong connection to Xanthe in TLSOFT and this time around was no different. Xanthe is growing in her time traveling and is learning more about her abilities.
She now knows that she must return to Samuel’s time to ensure that events occur as they should so that the present isn’t altered. She learns very quickly that not all people who can spin time is an adversary. Sometimes they are the biggest foe that she will encounter. Often times determined to throw things out of order. Xanthe must fight to save Samuel while also making sure she returns to her own place and time.
Oh my this was such a delight to read and the ending will leave you wanting more.
**ARC received through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
Secrets of the Chocolate House is the second book in the Found Things series, and it continues with Xanthe learning even more about her powers as a Spinner (of Time) and finding a couple of people she can talk to about her time traveling ability. The book picks up right after the events of book one, The Little Shop of Found Things.
The way Paula Brackston incorporates the history, customs, and atmosphere of 17th century English villages is spectacular. You can tell she’s spent a lot of time researching the era. Brackston intertwines Historical Fiction and Fantasy seamlessly. And all of the characters from the first book continue to grow. The new characters that are introduced in Secrets of the Chocolate House are very well written with lots of details and back stories. Brackston really shines in her ability to write characters that you are sympathetic to and want to continue to get to know.
I did get a bit exasperated with Xanthe. She would go gung ho into situations and then right when something major would happen (like a knife fight between a man she cared about and the main villain) she would go to a different time worrying about the situation but not hurrying back to do anything to help. I think if Xanthe’s mom doesn’t find out about her time traveling in the next book, this could be a deal breaker for me continuing this series. And there does seem like there are plans for more books in the Found Things series since this book leaves off on a cliffhanger!
If you are into the science of time travel, this book might not be for you since you have to suspend your imagination a lot, and Xanthe is constantly changing things with no regard as to how it might affect the future. Brackson explains how this is possible in the first book, but the reader still must really suspend belief. But since this is an Historical Fantasy novel, I would think you would be willing to do this going in. And if you enjoy The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon or Brackston’s other books, you will definitely want to give the Found Things series a try.
Oh my I so love this series. I fell in love with Little Shop of Found Things and the world of Xanthe and her mother Flora and their delightful antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough.< In book two we pick up with theirs lives and new adventures of Xanthe and time travel back to the seventeenth century which presents her with new challenges and a new advisory.. This is a series once I start reading I can not put down and the ending left me begging for more. #Netgalley #StMartinPress
Secrets of the Chocolate House (Book 2) by Paula Brackston
Follow up to The Little Shop of Found Things.
I received a digital copy of this ARC from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publication date: Oct 22, 2019
Book 2 which continues the story of Xanthe and her mother Flora who open a antique shop in a quaint English town. They settled into this new neighborhood for a fresh start after Flora’s divorce and Xanthe’s breakup from her angry, controlling boyfriend, Marcus. It seems Xanthe has a special “talent” by which antique items “sing to her” with a tale from the past. She is able to find treasures which help sales in their business.
In this story, Xanthe’s talents are again taken to a different level. She is fortunate to have wonderful neighbors who check on her mother who is often debilitated by her arthritis. Liam, the town mechanic, is always available to help when needed. Xanthe seems to dismiss his obvious signs of affection which is further complicated by the unexpected arrival of her ex boyfriend, Marcus.
The first story has Xanthe time traveling to relieve the angst and threats from a woman who haunts her. It was dangerous the first time where she met and fell in love with Samuel Appleby who was betrothed to Henrietta. Although difficult she manages to complete his mission to return home.
This time an old copper chocolate pot calls to her in a distressful manner. Again, she begins to investigate the origins and history of this pot which begs for her help. Coincidentally, the chocolate pot seems to come from 1605 which was the era of her previous trip. Xanthe has conflicting feelings about lying to her mother and again risking her life by traveling back in time. She also feels a connection with Samuel Appleby who she abruptly left on her first trip.
Before this trip Xanthe finds she can confide in Harley who owns the neighboring pub, Feathers with his wife. He happens to have a lot of history which he shares with her regarding his interest in time travel. Harley agrees to watch out for her mother while she travels to resolve the mystery regarding the chocolate pot.
Xanthe feels somewhat prepared for her travel this time purchasing era related clothing. Her travels this time bring her to an unexpected place where she meets Mistress Flyte. She learns more about her special ability to time travel and of those who came before her. She is also provided with guidelines and precautions regarding particular people who might pose an obstacle to her accomplishing her mission.
While Xanthe tries to balance her life between past and present, she realizes that she plays a bigger role in history than she realized. There are many foundations for book 3 as her ex boyfriend Marcus is still in town trying to win her back. Meanwhile, she starts to acknowledge her feelings for Liam may extend beyond friendship.
This is the second in series about a young woman living in Marlborough and helping her mum run an antique shop.
Xanthe has a gift for hearing certain antique objects “speak” (in this case a copper chocolate kettle from the 17th century). She has a vision that Samuel (an architect she fell for in the previous book) may be in trouble and travels back to try and help him. In the process she learns more about her gift of “spinning” time from a former Spinner, gains a vicious enemy, and resolves her feelings for Samuel.
This second book does a good job of expounding on the first by answering some questions and further developing characters. And it also leaves a convenient cliffhanger for book three.
Thanks to #StMartinsPress and to #NetGalley for providing the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
I am sorry, this story was just not appealing to me. And there are soooo many good books out there, that it was really difficult for me to hang in there and finish reading the book.
Maybe it’s the genre … like the Game of Thrones series that so many people love … but does not interest me. Time travel could be interesting, but I think it has to be presented in a way that I would enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Goodreads for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Paula Brackston’s Found Things series continues in Secrets of the Chocolate House. Ms. Brackston is a fantastic storyteller. She has beautifully incorporated historical fact into a time travel fantasy. When Xanthe and her ailing mother go to an estate sale in hopes of restocking their antique shop with tempting items, she happens upon a copper chocolate pot that sings to her. So begins another adventure that spans the present and the early seventeenth century.
In this engaging second installment, Xanthe is not only drawn to the seventeen century by an object, but also by her interest in Samuel. Through Samuel, his family and friends, readers learn a lot of history. Ms. Brackston’s research is evident. Her writing hits all the senses in both the present day as well as the past.
I really enjoyed Xanthe’s present day predicament with a suitor and a smarmy ex-boyfriend. I loved how the addition of the ex-boyfriend exponentially expanded the reader’s understanding of Xanthe’s tentative, questioning decision making. I have mixed feelings about how torn she was between the past and present. I liked the slowly evolving information about how she is able to time travel. While it was frustrating at times, the reader learns as Xanthe learns—as opposed to the reader having more information than the main character.
A strong, dark nemesis has been revealed in Secrets of the Chocolate House. Even though that antagonist doesn’t have the same deep threatening evil feel as the antagonist in the Witch’s Daughter, I am sure that as the story continues, the “plot will thicken” and the evil and threat will be more revealed.
Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston is a well-written, entertaining mix of Historical Fiction and Fantasy that kept me engaged throughout the book. While it is the second book in the series, it worked as a standalone novel. I believe most readers would benefit from reading the series in order as there are references back to events in the first book of the series. However, this did not diminish my reading pleasure.
The novel takes place in and around Marlborough, a market town in the English county of Wiltshire in a mix of contemporary times and the latter part of the first decade of the seventeenth century. Xanthe and her mother Flora now live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe’s parents are going through a divorce, money is tight and Flora is suffering from arthritis. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices. Objects sing/whisper to her. When a copper chocolate pot calls to her, she knows that she will once again be time traveling.
Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place. Her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. There is history, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, a villain, hope, friendship and much more.
I wish that Xanthe was a stronger female protagonist. She is still somewhat unsure of herself whether she is in contemporary times or in the seventeenth century. However, there are hints of changes and I expect this is one thing that the author will address in future books.
Readers that enjoy time travel and history should enjoy this novel. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Brackston.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston via Net Galley for a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
I love time travel books and was excited to be able to read the next book in the series. The story was very descriptive and made me feel like I was there! Can’t believe it ended with a cliffhanger! I want to read book 3 now! Will be hard to wait til next year when it comes out! Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the early copy. Definitely recommend this book!!
Secrets of the Chocolate House by author Paula Brackston is the second in the ‘Found Things’ series. I do recommend the books to be read in order to prevent confusion about the sequences of events in Xanthe’s life. During a buying excursion with Flora for the shop, Xanthe hears the familiar singing from an old copper chocolate pot. She knows the item has chosen her for a specific reason, and this frightens her a bit. Xanthe pushes aside her reluctance because as she brushes the sides of the pot she sees a vision of Samuel being held in jail. She must go back and try to help him! Secrets of the Chocolate House is another charming story of suspense, mystery, and adventure for Xanthe as she learns more about the role of Time Spinners. She does not want to continue to lie to her mother as she accepts the challenges to secretly travel to a different time period and try to fight injustice for others. If you enjoy reading of mothers and daughters as survivors, or time travel adventures, you will love this series!
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.