Reviews

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston

ingypingy2000's review against another edition

4.0

I thought this was such a sweet and fun sequel. The mixed plots of Marcus, Samuel, Liam, and Fairfax had me wondering from one minute to the next what each is adding to the story. Without giving away too much, I was almost in tears with Samuel and I'm quite dreading what the future holds with the turn of events at the end. Overall though I was pleasantly entertained with the addition of new characters and the fleshing out of old ones. I can't wait to read what the next adventure holds for our dear Xanthe!

brittaknee's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ander2ky's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A good read when in the mood for something “cozy” that also has time travel and a bit of adventure. 

belles_bookishlife's review against another edition

4.0

This series is just getting better and better ah. While the storyline with Samuel broke my heart, it also pieced it back together. I loved that we got to see more of the side characters in this story, especially Liam and Harley.

The Character growth in this novel was incredible. And the slight cliff hanger ending? Ahhh. Love it. Beautifully written and so much fun

kairosdreaming's review against another edition

4.0

Secrets of the Chocolate House is the second book in Brackston's Found Things series. It's not a series in which you can read them as stand-alone (context matters!), so if you've not read the first, go start there!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had ended up with mixed feelings about the first one and the way the plot was driven, but this seemed more thought out without as many plot points thrown in. While it does introduce a new concept, it fits well with the theme and gives the background for other books in the series that the author may do (there's two more that I know of at the time of this writing).

While Xanthe was still a bit foolhardy, she was at least likable this time around and I didn't feel myself growing as frustrated with her actions. Liam was a dear as ever and I can't wait to hopefully see more of him in the coming books. Everyone else, well, the pleasant side characters were pleasant and the not-so-pleasant did a compelling role of playing the antagonist. We also get a little mystery in some of the characters that we meet in this book and it helps to draw a reader in.

I now look forward to the next book in the series and seeing where Xanthe's abilities take her.

Review by M. Reynard 2022

quothmebruhh's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

literarycari's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

read_y_picker's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

noelle_vandermeid's review against another edition

5.0

Two super fun reads!

Wasn’t expecting much but was pleasantly surprised and addicted. Not Outlander, but it scratched an itch. Can’t wait for the 3rd one in November!

lauralovestoread's review against another edition

5.0

Paula Brackston will always be one of my favorite authors. She blends fascinating characters with magical elements that I have grown to know and love about her writing.

I loved the second book in the Found Things series, and have really enjoyed the concept of time travel. I discovered this after reading The Little Shop of Found Things, and furthermore with Secrets of the Chocolate House. Xanthe has such an interesting gift, and I love that she is able to find objects that have a magical past as they “sing” to her.

All the stars, once again!

*Thank you to St Martin’s Press for this gifted copy for review.