Take a photo of a barcode or cover
readinginmagnolia 's review for:
Secrets of the Chocolate House
by Paula Brackston
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.