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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Secrets of the Chocolate House is the sequel in the Found Things series. Xanthe has returned from her time travel after successfully saving the woman she was sent to help, but heartbroken over the man, Samuel, she had to leave behind in the 17th century. But while searching for new items for their antiques shop, another item "sings" to her...an antique copper chocolate pot. This new item sends her back to the same time as before, only Samuel is now in trouble and needs rescue from a very dangerous man...a man desperate for Xanthe's secrets of time travel. Will she survive to rescue Samuel, or will they both die in the attempt?
I absolutely love this series! I fell in love with the idea of these antique objects singing Xanthe into the past. There are so many time periods and story lines that this series can follow and I'm excited to see where her time spinning takes her next, especially after that cliffhanger ending!
Secrets of the Chocolate House is the sequel in the Found Things series. Xanthe has returned from her time travel after successfully saving the woman she was sent to help, but heartbroken over the man, Samuel, she had to leave behind in the 17th century. But while searching for new items for their antiques shop, another item "sings" to her...an antique copper chocolate pot. This new item sends her back to the same time as before, only Samuel is now in trouble and needs rescue from a very dangerous man...a man desperate for Xanthe's secrets of time travel. Will she survive to rescue Samuel, or will they both die in the attempt?
I absolutely love this series! I fell in love with the idea of these antique objects singing Xanthe into the past. There are so many time periods and story lines that this series can follow and I'm excited to see where her time spinning takes her next, especially after that cliffhanger ending!
The problem with time travel and love history between a contemporary character and one in the past is that you cannot help comparing the story to Outlander. Being a huge Outlander fan it was what happened to me.
Xanthe is no Claire, she's weaker and sometimes I found hard to understand her. I think it would be great if there was some more character development and we were able to see more of her reasons.
On a general level Ms Brackston can surely write a novel that will keep you hooked till the end, with an engrossing and entertaining plot.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone but it would be better to start with the first instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Xanthe is no Claire, she's weaker and sometimes I found hard to understand her. I think it would be great if there was some more character development and we were able to see more of her reasons.
On a general level Ms Brackston can surely write a novel that will keep you hooked till the end, with an engrossing and entertaining plot.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone but it would be better to start with the first instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Short Version: Folks looking for a cozy, paranormal romance will be sorely disappointed :(.
Longer Version, Spoilers: What I liked most about the first book in this series was that the characters who were juggling a paranormal romance, a ghost story, and a historical fiction/mystery were not gimmicks. They were not over-the-top or campy. The friendships and potential romances introduced were done with great finesse and humanity. I related to them and enjoyed them all.
This sequel seemed to have no desire to associate with its predecessor :(. Benedict Fairfax is the typical monologuing villain. Mistress Flyte is the cliche speaks-in-riddles wise woman. Marcus is the cautionary tale that Drugs and Rock-n-Roll turn kids Evil. And poor Samuel is written out of the series with a non-character who... smiles prettily and knows when to be quiet? That's about all that gets said of Henrietta.
The book seemed to have no interest in conflict resolution either, which - most book-lovers will tell you - is rather a central part of story crafting. This book has the villain reveal his backstory and desires, no intrigue or effort on the part of the heroine required, and then the heroine... gives him what he wants. Well, first she /leaves/ to go antique shopping in her own time, /then/ she travels back and gives him what he wants. The heroine behaves as though this is a job well done, no more conflict. Shocking no one, the villain returns to threaten her again... Turns out, ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away.
The sequel takes a bit of a genre shift from the first book too, distancing itself from romance or mystery, and instead investing heavily in becoming a Christian Fiction. The heroine was chosen by God and given a Goode Booke to guide her in playing guardian angel to people in need. Her previously shown bravery and ingenuity will no longer be necessary, as God has a plan for her which will make itself obvious when the timing is right, she need merely wait for the plot to come to her. She feels peace in forsaking love, guilt, or other emotions for duty, and she feels a deeper sense of community knowing she follows the chosen path and her mission benefits people past and present. This character might resonate with other readers, and that's fine. No sarcasm, if surrendering to a higher power is a theme which speaks to a reader, I'm glad they found this book. But I found surrendering the best parts of Xanthe's character to make her a passive, faithful puppet, to be bitterly disappointing.
Longer Version, Spoilers: What I liked most about the first book in this series was that the characters who were juggling a paranormal romance, a ghost story, and a historical fiction/mystery were not gimmicks. They were not over-the-top or campy. The friendships and potential romances introduced were done with great finesse and humanity. I related to them and enjoyed them all.
This sequel seemed to have no desire to associate with its predecessor :(. Benedict Fairfax is the typical monologuing villain. Mistress Flyte is the cliche speaks-in-riddles wise woman. Marcus is the cautionary tale that Drugs and Rock-n-Roll turn kids Evil. And poor Samuel is written out of the series with a non-character who... smiles prettily and knows when to be quiet? That's about all that gets said of Henrietta.
The book seemed to have no interest in conflict resolution either, which - most book-lovers will tell you - is rather a central part of story crafting. This book has the villain reveal his backstory and desires, no intrigue or effort on the part of the heroine required, and then the heroine... gives him what he wants. Well, first she /leaves/ to go antique shopping in her own time, /then/ she travels back and gives him what he wants. The heroine behaves as though this is a job well done, no more conflict. Shocking no one, the villain returns to threaten her again... Turns out, ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away.
The sequel takes a bit of a genre shift from the first book too, distancing itself from romance or mystery, and instead investing heavily in becoming a Christian Fiction. The heroine was chosen by God and given a Goode Booke to guide her in playing guardian angel to people in need. Her previously shown bravery and ingenuity will no longer be necessary, as God has a plan for her which will make itself obvious when the timing is right, she need merely wait for the plot to come to her. She feels peace in forsaking love, guilt, or other emotions for duty, and she feels a deeper sense of community knowing she follows the chosen path and her mission benefits people past and present. This character might resonate with other readers, and that's fine. No sarcasm, if surrendering to a higher power is a theme which speaks to a reader, I'm glad they found this book. But I found surrendering the best parts of Xanthe's character to make her a passive, faithful puppet, to be bitterly disappointing.
I really liked the first book in this series, and I had high hopes for this one, however, they were not met. I can't really put my finger on what the problem was, the story just did not grab me.
I actually put this book down one day, and it got knocked over and pushed under a chair where i couldn't see it. I completely forgot about it and only remembered I was reading it when I was cleaning up at a later date and found it. So that pretty much says it all.
The last 1/4 of the book I felt it finally got interesting but I had not enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book that much, so it was too little too late.
I actually put this book down one day, and it got knocked over and pushed under a chair where i couldn't see it. I completely forgot about it and only remembered I was reading it when I was cleaning up at a later date and found it. So that pretty much says it all.
The last 1/4 of the book I felt it finally got interesting but I had not enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book that much, so it was too little too late.
I had such a hard time putting down this book. While the first book presented an interesting concept, this sequel delivered in ways I could never imagine. Maybe it is because I read so many young adult novels, but it was refreshing to see maturely handled relationships that manage to be fulfilling without the typical manufactured angst. In this book we also get a deeper look into Xanthe's ability, and I have to say it was all simply fascinating and well delivered. I am excited to pick up the next book and see where Brackston takes us next!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Egads a cliffhanger at the end please hurry #3!
This series is very enchanting and magical. I love that the main character, Xanthe, can basically read and see visions of the history of some antique objects. What an interesting ability! I also love the attention to Ley Lines and her ancient blind house in the backyard of her home. All of this mixed with time-travel makes for a treat!
(But the best part is the romance)
There were some things that bothered me, I did not approve of Xanthe leaving her mom who suffers from severe arthritis so badly that she needs crutches. I personally take care of my mom, and to be honest, I do not care what happens.... my mom comes first. I just couldn't see myself leaving my mom in a possibly bad situation for any reason. This just really irritated me on a personal level.
Otherwise, the book is delicious. It's a treat. I recommend it to readers that enjoy some history with their fantasy!
(But the best part is the romance)
There were some things that bothered me, I did not approve of Xanthe leaving her mom who suffers from severe arthritis so badly that she needs crutches. I personally take care of my mom, and to be honest, I do not care what happens.... my mom comes first. I just couldn't see myself leaving my mom in a possibly bad situation for any reason. This just really irritated me on a personal level.
Otherwise, the book is delicious. It's a treat. I recommend it to readers that enjoy some history with their fantasy!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This book was so frustratingly repetitive and the ending was so long. I kept on waiting for something to happen towards the end of the book and when it finally did, the book was over. I wouldn’t have needed a cliffhanger to read the next one in this series- it’s a time travel tale after all.
As I'd mentioned in my review of The Little Shop of Found Things, Paula Brackston is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely loved Little Shop, so it will not be surprising that I adored Secrets of the Chocolate House.
Firstly, why are chocolate houses no longer a thing? Pshaw on coffee houses--bring on the chocolate!
Secondly, as much as I adored book one, this one was even better.
We got to know more about Xanthe as she grew as a spinner, and her motivations were clearer in this story. I felt like the story itself was deeper and richer.
Xanthe faced not one, but two, villains--Marcus, her annoying mildly menacing ex, and a mysterious, sinister fellow spinner who posed a real danger to both her and Samuel. It was an interesting contrast to see how she chose to deal with each.
Harley also stepped into his own as a main character and I really enjoyed his larger role.
Secrets doesn't come out until October 22, but it will make a great cozy autumn read. I recommend it highly to all my witchy, time travely readers.
I received an ARC via NetGalley from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Firstly, why are chocolate houses no longer a thing? Pshaw on coffee houses--bring on the chocolate!
Secondly, as much as I adored book one, this one was even better.
We got to know more about Xanthe as she grew as a spinner, and her motivations were clearer in this story. I felt like the story itself was deeper and richer.
Xanthe faced not one, but two, villains--Marcus, her annoying mildly menacing ex, and a mysterious, sinister fellow spinner who posed a real danger to both her and Samuel. It was an interesting contrast to see how she chose to deal with each.
Harley also stepped into his own as a main character and I really enjoyed his larger role.
Secrets doesn't come out until October 22, but it will make a great cozy autumn read. I recommend it highly to all my witchy, time travely readers.
I received an ARC via NetGalley from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.