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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
The concept had potential but approximately halfway through, the book began feeling both repetitive and contradictory. The main character would have a revelation, go on a bit about it, several pages later be back to her original viewpoint, and then suddenly have the same revelation again as if it had never occurred.
Also, not a fan of how the ending has a blindingly obvious cliffhanger indicating another tale to come.
And yet, if I find the time, I will most likely attempt at third book in the hopes of plot resolution and to see if the main character's personality firms up.
Also, not a fan of how the ending has a blindingly obvious cliffhanger indicating another tale to come.
And yet, if I find the time, I will most likely attempt at third book in the hopes of plot resolution and to see if the main character's personality firms up.
3 stars because I'm conflicted about this whole series. I would give 5+ stars to the modern time of it, I really just want a romance novel about Xanthe setting up an antiques shop and everything she gets up to with her life, but the time travel aspect just doesn't work for me. I liked this better than the first book, but every time Xanthe comes up with a lie about where she's going to her mother I can't help but wish she were actually going to do the lies instead of travel in time. I don't feel like the Spinning storyline has been really developed, and Fairfax really wasn't a convincing villain. Still, I'll be reading the next one because I want to read more about what the modern residents of Marlborough get up to!
Beautiful atmospheric novel, fans of time travel will not be disappointed. I didn’t realize that there are other books in the series, will definitely be picking them up.
Unbeknownst to me Secrets of the Chocolate house is the second in a series of novels written by Paula Brackston. But fear not, it’s written in a way that is quite easy to piece the history together from the first novel although on reflection I would have made it easier on myself had I stopped an read the first instalment titled Little Shop of Found Things.
Unfortunately I don’t have any particular gift .... for anything!
The heroine Xanthe has two gifts - one for singing (literally) and a gift of interpreting where inanimate objects ‘sing’ to her. When the item sings to Xanthe she is transported (referred to as ‘spinning’) backwards and forwards in time. It’s a relatively new gift Xanthe has discovered and she has yet to fully understand her abilities.
Xanthe is hell bent on going back in time to help Samuel, as she has forseen his death and she fears she could have done something to prevent it. With this aim, we observe Xanthe as she tries to juggle her present life as co-owner of an antique shop in present day England, and right the wrongs of the past. Can she do so without significantly impacting the future in a negative way?
She meets some remarkable characters on her journey to the past - such as the owner of the Chocolate House who coincidentally is also a spinner who sees so much of herself in Xanthe, as well as Benedict Fairfax who will stop at nothing to achieve his own end and control the future. Harley, from Xanthe’s present proves to be an interesting character as well
The questions for readers are will Xanthe alter the course of history by rescuing Samuel and find love in the past? Will she sacrifice herself to Fairfax in order to save those she loves or will she leave the past in the past?
This is an enjoyable read, with a somewhat historical Sliding Doors-ish vibe (though in a good way). For lovers of historical fiction this book is rich in historic detail about life in the 1600s. At times however, I thought there was so much detail I was distracted from what was happening and I haven’t quit figured out the purpose of Marcus, Xanthe’s ex-boyfriend as that part of the story didn’t really seem necessary.
The characters are likeable and Xanthe shows promise as a recurring character in a series. She can tend toward being frustrating with her agonising though.
Thank you to Paula Brackston and St Martins Press and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Posted to goodreads and will also appear on my instagram @aplace_inthesun.
Unfortunately I don’t have any particular gift .... for anything!
The heroine Xanthe has two gifts - one for singing (literally) and a gift of interpreting where inanimate objects ‘sing’ to her. When the item sings to Xanthe she is transported (referred to as ‘spinning’) backwards and forwards in time. It’s a relatively new gift Xanthe has discovered and she has yet to fully understand her abilities.
Xanthe is hell bent on going back in time to help Samuel, as she has forseen his death and she fears she could have done something to prevent it. With this aim, we observe Xanthe as she tries to juggle her present life as co-owner of an antique shop in present day England, and right the wrongs of the past. Can she do so without significantly impacting the future in a negative way?
She meets some remarkable characters on her journey to the past - such as the owner of the Chocolate House who coincidentally is also a spinner who sees so much of herself in Xanthe, as well as Benedict Fairfax who will stop at nothing to achieve his own end and control the future. Harley, from Xanthe’s present proves to be an interesting character as well
The questions for readers are will Xanthe alter the course of history by rescuing Samuel and find love in the past? Will she sacrifice herself to Fairfax in order to save those she loves or will she leave the past in the past?
This is an enjoyable read, with a somewhat historical Sliding Doors-ish vibe (though in a good way). For lovers of historical fiction this book is rich in historic detail about life in the 1600s. At times however, I thought there was so much detail I was distracted from what was happening and I haven’t quit figured out the purpose of Marcus, Xanthe’s ex-boyfriend as that part of the story didn’t really seem necessary.
The characters are likeable and Xanthe shows promise as a recurring character in a series. She can tend toward being frustrating with her agonising though.
Thank you to Paula Brackston and St Martins Press and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Posted to goodreads and will also appear on my instagram @aplace_inthesun.
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.