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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
It is such a shame that my arc copy doesn’t have the cover for the book. Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston has an absolutely GORGEOUS cover. It will dazzle once the book hits the shelves! I also adored the first book in this series called Little Shop of Found Things, so I was so excited to read this one.
SPOILERS!
Xanthe starts to return back to her routine with her mother in her own time. Her adventures took her to back to the 17th Century in the first book where she met Samuel. Now, she must focus on her antique shop and singing at a local pub. Items still speak to her and she is taken by surprise when an old copper chocolate pot shows her a vision of Samuel in danger. She knows she must help him, but traveling through time isn’t always so easy. She becomes familiar with other Time Spinners. One who would use his abilities for selfish reasons and happens to punish those around him. She must be able to save Samuel, without being discovered so she can return to her own time. Can it be done? Or will she be discovered and tried as a witch?
This book just exudes charm and magic. I can’t express how much I love this series. Xanthe captures readers with her spunk and wit. She is the type of person who everyone wants to be friends with. I love how the author really creates her inner conflict as she tries to discover who she is and where she wants to go in life. When her ex pops back into her life it just shows how easy it could be to fall back into old habits if one isn’t strong enough. My favorite character in this book has to be Harley, the pub owner. He is hilarious, protective, and supportive. I love how she can open up to him and he does not show any judgment. He definitely embodies what it means to be a true friend.
Paula Brackston is a master with detail. Like the cover, her writing is absolutely captivating. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to historical detail which makes my history lovers heart happy! I really recommend this read for those who love historical fiction, romance, and time travel. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book will be released on October 22nd. Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Paula Brackston for a copy of this book!
SPOILERS!
Xanthe starts to return back to her routine with her mother in her own time. Her adventures took her to back to the 17th Century in the first book where she met Samuel. Now, she must focus on her antique shop and singing at a local pub. Items still speak to her and she is taken by surprise when an old copper chocolate pot shows her a vision of Samuel in danger. She knows she must help him, but traveling through time isn’t always so easy. She becomes familiar with other Time Spinners. One who would use his abilities for selfish reasons and happens to punish those around him. She must be able to save Samuel, without being discovered so she can return to her own time. Can it be done? Or will she be discovered and tried as a witch?
This book just exudes charm and magic. I can’t express how much I love this series. Xanthe captures readers with her spunk and wit. She is the type of person who everyone wants to be friends with. I love how the author really creates her inner conflict as she tries to discover who she is and where she wants to go in life. When her ex pops back into her life it just shows how easy it could be to fall back into old habits if one isn’t strong enough. My favorite character in this book has to be Harley, the pub owner. He is hilarious, protective, and supportive. I love how she can open up to him and he does not show any judgment. He definitely embodies what it means to be a true friend.
Paula Brackston is a master with detail. Like the cover, her writing is absolutely captivating. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to historical detail which makes my history lovers heart happy! I really recommend this read for those who love historical fiction, romance, and time travel. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book will be released on October 22nd. Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Paula Brackston for a copy of this book!
Trite and predictable
I rather enjoyed the first book of this series, but this installment is a yawner. I don't know if I'll continue with the next book
I rather enjoyed the first book of this series, but this installment is a yawner. I don't know if I'll continue with the next book
An enchanting second book in the Found Things Series, Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston is another bewitching journey back in time filled with magic and intrigue.
The writing is vivid and atmospheric and I simply love the author's style as she brings to life the small town of Marlborough with its shops and cottages and the characters. There's a certain comfort in returning back to familiar and beloved characters as they embark upon a fresh new adventure, and going back in time with Xanthe was a treat, and a very suspenseful one too. Despite the characters and plot being familiar, the story was as fresh and engrossing as it could be.
I've mentioned it before in my review of The Little Shop of Found Things that the pacing isn't brisk but rather pretty slow and it's the same for this story, but having said that, I had no issues and it worked perfectly for the storyline.
The author maintains the suspense and mystery surrounding the characters and wraps up with a satisfying conclusion and an exciting cliffhanger. I am very excited to see where it'll all lead to and will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this delightful series.
**An e-ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
The writing is vivid and atmospheric and I simply love the author's style as she brings to life the small town of Marlborough with its shops and cottages and the characters. There's a certain comfort in returning back to familiar and beloved characters as they embark upon a fresh new adventure, and going back in time with Xanthe was a treat, and a very suspenseful one too. Despite the characters and plot being familiar, the story was as fresh and engrossing as it could be.
I've mentioned it before in my review of The Little Shop of Found Things that the pacing isn't brisk but rather pretty slow and it's the same for this story, but having said that, I had no issues and it worked perfectly for the storyline.
The author maintains the suspense and mystery surrounding the characters and wraps up with a satisfying conclusion and an exciting cliffhanger. I am very excited to see where it'll all lead to and will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this delightful series.
**An e-ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
It was a lovely step back in time with this series.
There's a new villain in the past that Xanthe must best, but she's not as alone as she was in book 1. As much as I love the time travel aspect of the book, I love the community that Xanthe and her mom are a part of- from the tea shop owner (Lucy?) to Harley the pub owner, and more importantly, Liam. I've liked him since his first arrival on the pages, so I was glad to see more of him.
Xanthe finds a copper chocolate pot that calls to her, and shows her a vision of Samuel in mortal peril. She is called upon once more to travel into the past to save an innocent person, but this time she'll discover more about her talent (gift? curse?), which was a highlight of the book.
Not only does Xanthe have to deal with 17th century drama calling to her, but her not-so-distant past makes an appearance that only adds to Xanthe's woes. Can she correct the past and save a friend and still pull off a Christmas miracle for her mom? Do you doubt it? ;)
The ending to this book guarantees book 3, and while I knew it was coming, it still left me gutted. Hope book 3 doesn't require too much forward time travel on my part!
There's a new villain in the past that Xanthe must best, but she's not as alone as she was in book 1. As much as I love the time travel aspect of the book, I love the community that Xanthe and her mom are a part of- from the tea shop owner (Lucy?) to Harley the pub owner, and more importantly, Liam. I've liked him since his first arrival on the pages, so I was glad to see more of him.
Xanthe finds a copper chocolate pot that calls to her, and shows her a vision of Samuel in mortal peril. She is called upon once more to travel into the past to save an innocent person, but this time she'll discover more about her talent (gift? curse?), which was a highlight of the book.
Not only does Xanthe have to deal with 17th century drama calling to her, but her not-so-distant past makes an appearance that only adds to Xanthe's woes. Can she correct the past and save a friend and still pull off a Christmas miracle for her mom? Do you doubt it? ;)
The ending to this book guarantees book 3, and while I knew it was coming, it still left me gutted. Hope book 3 doesn't require too much forward time travel on my part!
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Xanthe Westlake has a unique ability: she is able to time travel with the use of certain historical objects. Running an antique store with her mother in the quaint British town of Marlborough gives her the unique opportunity to find such objects during her search for antiques. This time, it’s a chocolate pot, and it transports her to the 17th century to right a historical wrong. Readers of the first book in the series will have the opportunity to revisit familiar characters both in the 17th century and in present day Marlborough. Once her task in the past is complete, Xanthe is free to return to her “real life” in Marlborough.
As in the first book in the series, Braxton has taken a unique approach to both time-travel and magic. Her characters are relatable and a story a pleasant and quick read. However, there was a lot of internal dialogue that I felt slowed down the action and spoon-fed informed to the reader that could have been gleaned from the text. Braxton also used a technique to slow down the action that seemed clumsy: one character would refuse to give another character information. As a reader, I found this frustrating rather than tantalizing. Finally, I found the historical accuracy very variable. Some of her details seemed spot-on whereas others, like a book that she references, did not.
At any rate, this is an enjoyable way to spend several hours. If you like this genre, this is a good addition to your shelf. Future books would benefit from a tighter writing style.
As in the first book in the series, Braxton has taken a unique approach to both time-travel and magic. Her characters are relatable and a story a pleasant and quick read. However, there was a lot of internal dialogue that I felt slowed down the action and spoon-fed informed to the reader that could have been gleaned from the text. Braxton also used a technique to slow down the action that seemed clumsy: one character would refuse to give another character information. As a reader, I found this frustrating rather than tantalizing. Finally, I found the historical accuracy very variable. Some of her details seemed spot-on whereas others, like a book that she references, did not.
At any rate, this is an enjoyable way to spend several hours. If you like this genre, this is a good addition to your shelf. Future books would benefit from a tighter writing style.
After reading "The Little Shop of Found Things," I joined Paula Brackston's Facebook Group- it's such a friendly and welcoming group and I recommend Paula Brackston fans and those new to her work to check it out!
I like Brackston's writing style- the books in this series so far have been a quick, easy reads. They are entertaining and I can tell that she has planned quite a bit for the series- a lot of the story lines come together nicely. The series plot progressed quite a bit in this second book, so I highly recommend reading "The Little Shop of Found Things" first before reading this one- without it, this book won't be nearly as enjoyable. And if you enjoyed the first book, you will probably like this one as well :)
My only real complaint is about the main character. Xanthe is
Brackston wrote on her FB page that she has a lot more plans for Xanthe- I look forward to reading them and hope I will be able to get more ARC copies of this series. It's a win so far!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I like Brackston's writing style- the books in this series so far have been a quick, easy reads. They are entertaining and I can tell that she has planned quite a bit for the series- a lot of the story lines come together nicely. The series plot progressed quite a bit in this second book, so I highly recommend reading "The Little Shop of Found Things" first before reading this one- without it, this book won't be nearly as enjoyable. And if you enjoyed the first book, you will probably like this one as well :)
My only real complaint is about the main character. Xanthe is
Spoiler
particularly dishonest with her mother and her lies are exhausting to keep track of- her character is otherwise smart and kind and it's frustrating to read. I ended up skimming these bits- pages of explanation of how to adequately lie to her mom is just too much. I partially understand her motivation, but I don't think that she is justified in her actions. This "lying to protect you" trope been done so many times in stories- and it'll most likely end with the revealing moment where mom finds out anyway and there's this big dramatic fall out followed by forgiveness... because that's what almost always happens. If it turns out differently, I'll eat my words later!Brackston wrote on her FB page that she has a lot more plans for Xanthe- I look forward to reading them and hope I will be able to get more ARC copies of this series. It's a win so far!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is definitely a FULL 4 stars. I’m not sure why I’m hesitant to give it 5…. (I’m just stingy I guess. Maybe once I give it a good think I’ll come back and change it…)
I don’t usually review the others in a series I read unless I think they deserve it and this does for sure!
This one felt much more put together and gave a better, wider scope of things. The vibe in the first was good and I loved the ghostly aspect but this one just felt... richer.
I loooooved the chocolatier details!!!
-Spoiler Alert-
Xanthe’s idea for their shop with her Mom and Gerri was awesome, that would be so fun!! She wrote it so well, I could almost see everything! I want to visit a specific era, Christmas village now -sigh-
Then, right before the closing scene, with Liam, and the snow falling, was so sweet!! I liiiike Liam.
I had liked Samuel a lot too though and at first I was sad. I had wondered how the author was going to work It out leaving Samuel behind, and how Xanthe had the opportunity to appreciate/warm up to Liam, but she did that all VERY well. I was satisfied anyway.
-End Spoiler-
I don’t like that Xanthe has to lie to her mom… but she felt remorse for it too so there was that though and I do get it, especially since she’s only just now really able to get more info about everything, that she’s semi starting to understand herself. But. If she’s able to tell someone else, she should tell her Mom. There were a few things too that disconnected/seemed abrupt but
for the most part, I couldn’t put it down and it was lovely.
I don’t usually review the others in a series I read unless I think they deserve it and this does for sure!
This one felt much more put together and gave a better, wider scope of things. The vibe in the first was good and I loved the ghostly aspect but this one just felt... richer.
I loooooved the chocolatier details!!!
-Spoiler Alert-
Xanthe’s idea for their shop with her Mom and Gerri was awesome, that would be so fun!! She wrote it so well, I could almost see everything! I want to visit a specific era, Christmas village now -sigh-
Then, right before the closing scene, with Liam, and the snow falling, was so sweet!! I liiiike Liam.
I had liked Samuel a lot too though and at first I was sad. I had wondered how the author was going to work It out leaving Samuel behind, and how Xanthe had the opportunity to appreciate/warm up to Liam, but she did that all VERY well. I was satisfied anyway.
-End Spoiler-
I don’t like that Xanthe has to lie to her mom… but she felt remorse for it too so there was that though and I do get it, especially since she’s only just now really able to get more info about everything, that she’s semi starting to understand herself. But. If she’s able to tell someone else, she should tell her Mom. There were a few things too that disconnected/seemed abrupt but
for the most part, I couldn’t put it down and it was lovely.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
As with the first one, I couldn’t put it down. I will preorder the third book in this series.