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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
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.
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!