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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
4.5 stars
STRONG review
Oh, my goodness! I love this series - "Found Things" by Paula Brackston. Each novel is better and better and so interesting with the historical references!! I truly inhaled this novel!
For me, 1605 would not have been my favorite place to travel in England. It would have been a little rough except for the wealthy!
The timeline takes off where Book 1 ended and takes us on another amazing journey. I am now officially hooked on Paula Brackston!!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2024/09/secrets-of-chocolate-house-found-things.html
STRONG review
Oh, my goodness! I love this series - "Found Things" by Paula Brackston. Each novel is better and better and so interesting with the historical references!! I truly inhaled this novel!
For me, 1605 would not have been my favorite place to travel in England. It would have been a little rough except for the wealthy!
The timeline takes off where Book 1 ended and takes us on another amazing journey. I am now officially hooked on Paula Brackston!!
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2024/09/secrets-of-chocolate-house-found-things.html
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loooooved reading this book! As I love all of the Paula Brackston novels I have read so far, which Secrets of the Chocolate House makes 5. She is one of my favorite newly discovered authors, so I was so excited to receive this one as an ARC through goodreads giveaways.
This book takes an original "spin" on time travel with an intriguing premise and relatable characters. Descriptions are so acutely precise that you can visualize the scenes playing out before you without being too wordy or having to put forth too much reading effort; no distracting prose or cheesy dialogue.
It's so rare to read the second book in a series and it turn out even more intriguing than the first, but this one did. And it's, also, not easy to find a book that can emerse you into the story as much as this one did.
Beginning to end I loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one! *crosses fingers*
This book takes an original "spin" on time travel with an intriguing premise and relatable characters. Descriptions are so acutely precise that you can visualize the scenes playing out before you without being too wordy or having to put forth too much reading effort; no distracting prose or cheesy dialogue.
It's so rare to read the second book in a series and it turn out even more intriguing than the first, but this one did. And it's, also, not easy to find a book that can emerse you into the story as much as this one did.
Beginning to end I loved this book, and I can't wait for the next one! *crosses fingers*
I really enjoyed the first book, but this one didn't resonate. I felt like half the book was reintroducing characters, place, and concept, and the other half was spent setting us up for the next book. There was too much time spent describing the protagonist's appearance and clothing- I get it, she's got great boho style and curly hair (treated with Argan oil). Still rating a 3 mostly out of respect for the first book and the author's body of work, which I usually enjoy. Hopefully the next one stands on its own better.
Round up to 3 1/2. I consider a 3 rating a good solid read, maybe just not as compelling or enlightening as some. Round this up a bit for entertainment value and ding it a bit because the last 6 percent or so lagged. Clearly, there will be another, making this a series.
Stating that fans of Outlander will rejoice is, in my opinion, setting up some readers for disappointment. Just because there is time travel, doesn’t mean it should be compared to Outlander; allow it to stand on its own.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
Stating that fans of Outlander will rejoice is, in my opinion, setting up some readers for disappointment. Just because there is time travel, doesn’t mean it should be compared to Outlander; allow it to stand on its own.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
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.~