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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Always fun to discover a book you enjoyed has more in the series! I didn't love the way certain characters were handled, as it felt a bit rushed to sort out the two love interests, but I was happy with how it ended up.
Initially, I had a hard time getting into the second installment in this series. The whole storyline with Marcus was a turn-off for me. I also felt that there was too much Fairfax in the beginning, though as the story moved forward, I understood to some extent. Perhaps a little more of the familiar could have been incorporated into the story early on. I felt there were too many “new” villainous characters thrown at me in the beginning without enough of the original, comfortable characters. Once Samuel, Liam, Gerri & Harley became more integral to the story, it found its groove and I couldn’t put it down.
I also had an issue with Xanthe’s priorities and timing. She was always rushing into things without asking the questions that she knew she needed to ask, especially in regard to Mrs. Flyte, and Samuel, to some extent. I’m also not sure I understand the shift in Xanthe’s feelings. Suddenly it just was? Was it just a matter of time? Was this shift in feelings a result of the confrontations with Marcus? I would have liked a little more introspection in that regard instead of the “subtle alterations in her emotional response” or “subtle shift in their friendship” explanations. “Something altered in the way she felt about him”. Period. I’m told this in words but there is no introspection, no explanation, no feeling to go with it. It just is because I am told so.
Despite these few minor issues, I’m looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out later this year. I enjoy the concept of these stories. The mechanism of Xanthe’s time travel experiences juxtaposed with her working with her mother in the antique shop and her evolving friendships in their new hometown overall make for a good read.
I also had an issue with Xanthe’s priorities and timing. She was always rushing into things without asking the questions that she knew she needed to ask, especially in regard to Mrs. Flyte, and Samuel, to some extent. I’m also not sure I understand the shift in Xanthe’s feelings. Suddenly it just was? Was it just a matter of time? Was this shift in feelings a result of the confrontations with Marcus? I would have liked a little more introspection in that regard instead of the “subtle alterations in her emotional response” or “subtle shift in their friendship” explanations. “Something altered in the way she felt about him”. Period. I’m told this in words but there is no introspection, no explanation, no feeling to go with it. It just is because I am told so.
Despite these few minor issues, I’m looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out later this year. I enjoy the concept of these stories. The mechanism of Xanthe’s time travel experiences juxtaposed with her working with her mother in the antique shop and her evolving friendships in their new hometown overall make for a good read.
Really 3.5. Had all the elements I like: historical fiction, in England, time travel, witches :)
Having read the first installment of Ms. Brackston's Found Things series I had to seek out the second when it was released. Thankfully, I was able to pick it up from my library before they shut down for quarantine. No matter though, I would have had it done in plenty of time if it was expected back since I found it very difficult to put down. The first book, [b:The Little Shop of Found Things|31450585|The Little Shop of Found Things (Found Things, #1)|Paula Brackston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534190128l/31450585._SY75_.jpg|52153476] was new, exciting and fun; [b:Secrets of the Chocolate House|43263457|Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things, #2)|Paula Brackston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550608631l/43263457._SY75_.jpg|67142283] is even better.
The story begins not long after Xanthe's first forays into the past have ended, and she is trying to resume life as normal in a new town with her mother and their new endeavor. Once again, they head out to replenish their antique store stock, and an item "calls" to Xanthe. She quickly recognizes that it is connected to the love interest she left behind in 1605 and heads through time again to help. The story expands now to include a self-absorbed villain, whom Xanthe ends up slighting badly, and a mentor character who sheds some light on Xanthe's time-traveling abilities. The resolution of the romantic thread was neatly done, making use of the unique way history leaves clues through time- giving strength to the adage "time heals all."
I find [a:Paula Brackston|1106214|Paula Brackston|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1421328489p2/1106214.jpg]'s writing style inviting and comfortable. She uses description to create deep scenes but does not overwhelm with details. Xanthe feels the pain of living in two very different time periods and the reader is brought in to struggle along with her- deciphering clues and fabricating lies to family members. All of the possible negatives in Xanthe's life seem to converge on her in this book, as often happens when we are focused on one specific thing. Her difficulties are reachable and evoke empathy. The supporting characters are just as compelling and I am looking forward to what the next installment tosses them into!
[b:Secrets of the Chocolate House|43263457|Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things, #2)|Paula Brackston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550608631l/43263457._SY75_.jpg|67142283] moves at a lively pace, leaving little room for wanting to put it down. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this book immensely. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and settle in for a weekend, you will feel as if you traveled back to 1605 yourself, just remember your talisman for the way home.~
The story begins not long after Xanthe's first forays into the past have ended, and she is trying to resume life as normal in a new town with her mother and their new endeavor. Once again, they head out to replenish their antique store stock, and an item "calls" to Xanthe. She quickly recognizes that it is connected to the love interest she left behind in 1605 and heads through time again to help. The story expands now to include a self-absorbed villain, whom Xanthe ends up slighting badly, and a mentor character who sheds some light on Xanthe's time-traveling abilities. The resolution of the romantic thread was neatly done, making use of the unique way history leaves clues through time- giving strength to the adage "time heals all."
I find [a:Paula Brackston|1106214|Paula Brackston|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1421328489p2/1106214.jpg]'s writing style inviting and comfortable. She uses description to create deep scenes but does not overwhelm with details. Xanthe feels the pain of living in two very different time periods and the reader is brought in to struggle along with her- deciphering clues and fabricating lies to family members. All of the possible negatives in Xanthe's life seem to converge on her in this book, as often happens when we are focused on one specific thing. Her difficulties are reachable and evoke empathy. The supporting characters are just as compelling and I am looking forward to what the next installment tosses them into!
[b:Secrets of the Chocolate House|43263457|Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things, #2)|Paula Brackston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550608631l/43263457._SY75_.jpg|67142283] moves at a lively pace, leaving little room for wanting to put it down. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this book immensely. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and settle in for a weekend, you will feel as if you traveled back to 1605 yourself, just remember your talisman for the way home.~
This second book in the Found Things series finds Xanthe firmly back in her own time focusing on her shop and her singing. While shopping for new stock, a dented copper chocolate pot sings to her. This new found object sends her back in time once more. This time she encounters a dangerous adversary who can prevent her from completing her mission. She also finds new allies in both the 17th century and the present day. With their help Xanthe can finally begin to understand the true nature of her strange gift. This is a delightful new series and I look forward to more if Xanthe's time-traveling adventures.
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reviewed on: Ashes Books & Bobs.
So many thanks to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for the chance to read this novel.
Almost exactly a year ago I read The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston and was absolutely absorbed. Twelve months later, the same is true with Secrets of the Chocolate House! The Found Things Series is completely enthralling! Both books have played to my tastes (forgive the pun) with their unique stories, vivid imagery, and magical realism. I simply can't get enough!
I'm not normally someone who enjoys reading books in a series as they come out because I like experiencing the full impact of the story without forgetting important details along the way. Luckily, this continuation effortlessly put me back in the story without feeling like a year had elapsed in time. Maybe some of the magic of time-travel really exists within these pages? I was surprised to find I remembered the previous story quite clearly!
I've come to greatly appreciate Paula Brackston's atmospheric writing, transporting me to the quaint town of Marlborough, England and beyond. I relish in the clear descriptions of the weather, the homey shops, and the adventures Xanthe finds herself in. I wish I could meet her in real life if just to ride around in her taxi and look for antique treasures myself.
While this was a slow read for me, taking me several days and hours to read, I was happy to kick back and take my time in this world of magical possibility. I think the author may have a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to controlling time herself. I was pleased to see the story basically picking up where it left off in both the past and present settings, allowing readers to catch up on the lives of characters we've grown fond of. I was worried when I finished the first book Xanthe's upcoming travels would take her somewhere else entirely. Thankfully, the old characters made their presence known, with the welcome additions of a few new folks.
I especially enjoyed the dimension added to the time-traveling, or Spinning, in Secrets of the Chocolate House. It added further possibility, which could ultimately mean the series would be able to go on for the foreseeable future, or as long as the author can dream up new exploits for Xanthe. Ordinarily, I'm not too wild about the added presence of a new villain in a story, but the addition of Ben Fairfax opened up some extremely interesting doors with where things can go as well.
If you're a fan of magical realism or Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this series. It inspires me to look for magic in the mundane around me. And an added bonus - it pairs perfectly with the Autumn season. Even though the Summer hasn't left us in Texas, I could easily imagine a nip in the air and frost on the ground. I will eagerly be awaiting future books from Paula Brackston and may find my way to her backlist titles soon! I love her writing style. My main question upon finishing this novel is this: Why haven't chocolate houses stood the test of time? That's a true injustice.
Pick up your copy on October 22nd.
So many thanks to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for the chance to read this novel.
Almost exactly a year ago I read The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston and was absolutely absorbed. Twelve months later, the same is true with Secrets of the Chocolate House! The Found Things Series is completely enthralling! Both books have played to my tastes (forgive the pun) with their unique stories, vivid imagery, and magical realism. I simply can't get enough!
I'm not normally someone who enjoys reading books in a series as they come out because I like experiencing the full impact of the story without forgetting important details along the way. Luckily, this continuation effortlessly put me back in the story without feeling like a year had elapsed in time. Maybe some of the magic of time-travel really exists within these pages? I was surprised to find I remembered the previous story quite clearly!
I've come to greatly appreciate Paula Brackston's atmospheric writing, transporting me to the quaint town of Marlborough, England and beyond. I relish in the clear descriptions of the weather, the homey shops, and the adventures Xanthe finds herself in. I wish I could meet her in real life if just to ride around in her taxi and look for antique treasures myself.
While this was a slow read for me, taking me several days and hours to read, I was happy to kick back and take my time in this world of magical possibility. I think the author may have a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to controlling time herself. I was pleased to see the story basically picking up where it left off in both the past and present settings, allowing readers to catch up on the lives of characters we've grown fond of. I was worried when I finished the first book Xanthe's upcoming travels would take her somewhere else entirely. Thankfully, the old characters made their presence known, with the welcome additions of a few new folks.
I especially enjoyed the dimension added to the time-traveling, or Spinning, in Secrets of the Chocolate House. It added further possibility, which could ultimately mean the series would be able to go on for the foreseeable future, or as long as the author can dream up new exploits for Xanthe. Ordinarily, I'm not too wild about the added presence of a new villain in a story, but the addition of Ben Fairfax opened up some extremely interesting doors with where things can go as well.
If you're a fan of magical realism or Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this series. It inspires me to look for magic in the mundane around me. And an added bonus - it pairs perfectly with the Autumn season. Even though the Summer hasn't left us in Texas, I could easily imagine a nip in the air and frost on the ground. I will eagerly be awaiting future books from Paula Brackston and may find my way to her backlist titles soon! I love her writing style. My main question upon finishing this novel is this: Why haven't chocolate houses stood the test of time? That's a true injustice.
Pick up your copy on October 22nd.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
slow-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