What a delightful read. I truly enjoyed this book by Ms. Brackston. This was the first book I had read by her and I will certainly consider others. The story is well written, even though we have a time travel back to the 17th century and a mean ghost, it was all very entertaining and she even made it sound believable. The character development was good, I cared about Samuel, Xanthe, Flora, Liam, Harley and could even envision the favorite neighborhood bar, Feathers.
I read another time travel book this year and I really enjoyed it too. The research on the 17th century time period was done so well, I loved the descriptions of the buildings, the stonework, the period clothing, the streets with the horses and carriages, all the way down to the fabric fraying when it came into the 20th century, she did a wonderful job. How they handled a legal trial was very interesting too, I’m sure that’s how it was done. And the added little touch of romance and the singing minstrel characterization was perfect.
I highly recommend and I wish the best for the Little Shop of Found Things, I’m sure Flora and Xanthe will make great store owners.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This one gets a high 5*****’s.

Xanthe Westlake was 8 years old when she discovered that she could feel the vibrations of a past life through antique objects. A fluttering singing rhythm that allowed her to see the previous owners past story through the object she was close too. It didn’t happen all the time, but as her mother raised her around antiques, she gradually grew more tuned to the specific objects that would sing their stories to her, whether it was an old teapot, a vintage wedding dress or pieces of jewellery from centuries ago.

The past year hasn’t been kind to Xanthe and her mother Flora, Xanthe being accused of a crime she didn’t commit and Flora’s difficult divorce with Xanthe’s father left them both with a desire to start fresh away from the city. They purchased an antique shop in a quiet Wiltshire village and began hunting for antiques to add to their little shop.
It was at an antique market where Xanthe began hearing the song of a particular piece, a chatelaine, unlike anything she has heard before. The feeling of anxiety, fear, urgency and sadness with a powerful vibration that she couldn’t escape from that she knew she had to have.
She came to realise that the chatelaine would only send her visions of the past when she was close to the mysterious hidden building in their back garden, only they weren’t just visions. Xanthe found herself being transported back to the seventeenth century to the origin of the chatelaine. Her life became even more complicated when a ghost starts appearing in a malicious nature demanding that Xanthe needs to travel back in time to rescue her daughter who has been accused of thief and sentenced to death. The ghost ensures that she doesn’t let her down by threatening Flora’s life. With no choice but to do as she is told, Xanthe travels back to 1605 to rescue the innocent girl.

‘She struggled to take in the enormity of what was happening. She had traveled into a place other than where she had started. The ghost of Margaret Merton had meant her to go there, had been determined she would. Xanthe knew as soon as she had entered the blind house she had been powerless to stop herself falling back through the centuries’

My Thoughts

This was the first book I had picked up by Paula Brackston and I can assure you that it won’t be the last. Her writing had me hooked from page one right up until the ending which had me craving more! It was a perfect mixed blend of Mr Darcy meets Time Travelers Wife. Who wouldn’t want more of that!
The story had a nice pace with fantastic settings which felt like you were in the scene itself, whether it was walking down the comforting cobbled streets of Marlborough in the present day market place or taking a horse and carriage through the beautiful countryside to the busy city of Salisbury with it’s timber houses, unsanitary open sewers and muddy roads in 1605.

‘The room itself did look wonderful. There were flowers everywhere, from pink and white posies on the tables, to swags of ivy and tiny white flowers over the fireplace, to Clara’s requested rose bower above where she sat. Pale green silk had been unfurled on the walls, covering the dark tapestries, giving the illusion of grass or perhaps leaves, so that the whole place felt like a flower-filled garden in summer, rather than an imposing stone house in October. It smelled a great deal sweeter than the kitchens too, with herbs strewn over the floor, releasing their uplighting scents as they were crushed under foot.’

The contrast in the two different time frames was great. Something that made the story different from other time travel books I’ve read was that Xanthe had more control over when she would travel. She had time to prepare what she could in order to go back to the seventeenth century to rescue Alice. Obviously she wouldn’t get it perfect and it was strange that her unusual looks went unnoticed for the most part, even with her excuse as a traveling minstrel, but she made it work.
The details in each time frame was clever and well thought from the historical settings with the lack of modern amenities that Xanthe is used too, as well as the spoken language and expectations of the levels in society, to the contrasting slang and carefree lifestyles in the present day. The author managed this distinction well by making the present characters unique in their own way, Gerri as a bright and eccentric single mum who collects antique china for her cafe and never had a hair out of place, to Harley the burly Scottish barman with keen interest in the history of Marlborough and it’s hidden treasures.

Most of the characters were really well written, even with the small build up to each one. You felt you knew who could be trusted and who couldn’t. Xanthe knew the importance of the chatelaine and pursued to risk everything to travel back in time to save Alice and her mother from the malicious ghost of Margaret Merton. She was scared, helpless, exhausted and in a new world with no one to help her with her secret mission. Not to mention she had to keep up appearances as a girl from the future with the different expectations of a woman in the seventeenth century. Xanthe remained strong for her mother, even if she did unintentionally try and pass the responsibility of Alice’s rescue onto the Applebys at one point. I wasn’t sure what to think when she began using Liam to help her find answers. I could see why she did it, but it didn’t sit right for me with her feelings for the dashingly handsome Samuel in the picture.

Master Samuel Appleby. A product of Mr Darcy with his dark smouldering looks, his antisocial behaviour with a lovely dash of loyalty and intelligence which he used to his advantage when it suited him. Even though Xanthe appeared as nothing more than a kitchen maid in the Lovewell manor, to Samuel, she was his saviour to help him complete his work.
Their connection in the 1600’s is so sweet and pure that you’ll begin to wonder how Xanthe will ever be able to leave him behind. I wont spoil it for you though! You’ll have to find out for yourself!

‘She turned to go, but as she did so Samuel put his hand on her arm. It was a fleeting gesture, a reaction to the thought of such a valuable resource leaving him, no doubt. Still the contact was startling, his touch firm, and the look he gave her suggested it surprised him, too.’

Needless to say that I was surprised by how much I adored this story. I will definitely be hunting for more from Paula Brackston.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of The Little Shop of Found Things in exchange for an honest review.

Rich in historical detail of both the customs of the time and in its descriptions of English villages, The Little Shop of Found Things combines mystery, romance, dangerous situations, and time travel. Flora and Xanthe are a mother and daughter who’ve just opened an antique shop. While touching a 17th century chatelaine, Xanthe finds herself transported to the past with a mandate (from a ghost) to rectify a wrong that occurred in the 17th Century. Flora’s life is suddenly imperiled should Xanthe not succeed in her mission, adding tension to the plot. Her undertaking leads Xanthe to meet two very different potential love interests: Samuel and Liam. I am assuming Xanthe’s relationship with these two men will provide the foundation for future books in this series.

While at times a bit over-the-top in her usage of metaphors, Paula Brackston has come up with an unconventional and fascinating premise for a time-travel series: psychometry. I look forward to reading more of Xanthe’s adventures in future books in this series.

Magic and romance spin a timely tale between current day and 1605 in this beautiful tale. I love the setting and characters, the charm, the magic, the transference of time! The author writes the scenery so well you actually picture yourself there, either in the country or bystander in the rooms with these amazing people. I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next book!!! Highly recommend!!!

4 stars--I really liked it.

It's been a long time since I read a time-travel book, I realized as I was reading this one. And I really enjoy them! Despite some minor anachronisms, I found myself engrossed in Xanthe's story--both in the present and the past. There was a bittersweet romance, some lovely characters (especially Flora), and overall a cozy feel to this book.

I was pleased to see this is the start of a series. I'll definitely pick up the next book.

I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!

Enjoyed this adventure! I love books that take you back in time and this one was fun with a ghost, a witch, time travel, a love interest (or two?) and a matter of life and death. Although the witchcraft in this book was decidedly understated, Xanthe definitely had a gift. Objects "sang" to her and she was driven to solve what they were trying to tell her. This adventure pushed her to go back in time to attempt to prevent the hanging of a young girl accused of stealing.

Warm characters and lots of atmosphere kept the story interesting. The time changes from present to past were well done and I liked the use of the ley-lines across the area to perform the time travel. Most of this story was in the past but I would have liked to have read more about the present and the new antique shop and especially what happens with Xanthe and Liam.

Thanks to Paula Brackston and St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.

This book was surprising on so many levels. I’ve never had the pleasure of reading another title by Paula Brackston, but was impressed by her ability to evoke past and present so vividly, while weaving the paranormal into a work of historical fiction without it detracting from the authenticity of the tale. The book is a testament to the transcendent power of love - both romantic and familial - and passion: for your profession, for your conviction, and for the necessity of righting wrongs. A very enjoyable read!

What a pleasant read! Xanthe has clairsentience, the uncanny ability to feel emotions left behind in objects by past owners and events. She and her mother, who suffers from crippling bouts of arthritis but pushes on with a smile, are opening an antiques and collectibles shop in the quaint village of Marlborough. Xanthe is strongly drawn to a chatelaine, a fancy piece of belt jewelry worn for both decorative and useful purposes, which they find at an estate sale. Thus begins Xanthe’s adventures between the present and the 17th century with colorful characters in both frames of time.
Paula Brackston does a beautiful job of making Xanthe normal, not perfect, someone we can more easily relate to. Her mother Flora is a strong, loving woman who you immediately like. The townsfolk and shop owners of Marlborough are diverse and interesting. Then Xanthe meets the people of her 17th-century world, who are characteristically true to that era of history. I’m really excited that this will be a series. The groundwork Paula has established in this book ensures future interesting adventures. And even though I don’t normally become interested in the future of those who fall in love in books, I’m anxiously awaiting what transpires between Xanthe and Samuel.
(I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for making it available.)

Thankyou to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Paula Brackston for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Little Shop Of Found Things.
I found the book to be extremely well written. The central characters were well developed and engaging. I loved every aspect of this novel. I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Hopefully, Xanthe will go on more adventures,
Highly recommend this book. Such a beautifully written and engrossing story.

I have always enjoyed Paula Brackston's magical stories chiefly for the way she blends fantasy with reality. It has always been easy to put myself in her character's place. The Little Shop of Found Things had all the potential to transport the reader but in some aspects it fails to do so.

Young and troubled Xanthe can hear objects "sing" their past. What a delightful premise for a book! We know at the outset we will be transported to another time. Of course she meets a ghost-and so goes the rest of the story-it is merely a ghost of a tale with no real substance.

Primarily, there was little character development. Characters were introduced and then forgotten. Perhaps this is the first in a trilogy. Maybe Brackston is setting the scene for a more in depth story in the future. I certainly hope so, otherwise we were simply rushed through a plot--we met some lovely people--none of them fleshed out--and then rushed toward a dissatisfying conclusion. Flora? Samuel? Jason? What happened to them? Most of all---Alice. Why didn't we ever meet Alice?

If this is a jumping off place for sequel, then "Bravo," but as a stand alone piece, it lacks substance. Too bad-it reads like an outline--I would love to flesh it out--take it from the spectral and turn it into body and soul.

New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter, has penned a delightful tale of magic and suspense. Xanthe and her mother Flora have had a tough go of it over the past couple of years. Starting anew, they have purchased an antique shop in the charming little village of Marlborough. Xanthe has a unique power to sense the history of some antique pieces. When she touches them, she can sense something of the people who once owed them. When she and her mother attend an auction at a local country manor she is drawn to a silver chatelaine that has a powerful hold on her.
The chatelaine leads her to an ancient jail cell built into the wall of their new garden. A ghostly figure living in the house threatens to harm Flora if Xanthe doesn’t go back to the 1600’s to rescue her daughter. Paula Brackston spins a compelling story with dimensional characters that is hard to put down. I look forward to reading this continuing series.

Interesting premise, lovely setting, good characters, looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.

The Little Shop of Found Things is a fabulous new book by Paula Brackston. I absolutely loved the story, so well written, full of action, history, love, mystery, split time and unusual time travel. It certainly left me wanting more of Xanthe and Samuel. Now I can hardly wait for the next book in this series. My thanks to the author, the publisher and netgalley for making this book available to me to read and review.

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book at the beginning, but fell in love with the story. A time travel love story with some 16th century intrigue. It was well written and I was sad when the story ended. I would love to read a part two of the lives of the main characters. I highly recommend this for those who love clean, but not boring live stories.

Xanthe has a special ability when it comes to antiques, when she touches an item she is able to sense the era they came from as well as the stories they hold. When Xanthe comes across chatelaire she is transported back to the seventeenth century where she learns about a girl named Alice who is falsely accused of theft and as a result her life is in danger. Xanthe is soon confronted by a ghost who is the mother of Alice and demands that Xanthe help free Alice of suffer the consequences. What follows is Xanthe trying to piece together the mystery.

This took me a while to get into while the plot was being set up. You alternate back and forth between the past and present times as Xanthe transports between the time periods. In the present I enjoyed the relationship between Xanthe and her mother Flora as they work to open an antique shop. I also enjoyed the friendship between Xanthe and Liam, who becomes an essential part in helping Xanthe try to solve the theft mystery. The past timeline was interesting as Xanthe works undercover as a maid while she is trying to piece together what really happened with Alice and find a way to save her life. I enjoyed seeing the bonds Xanthe makes while in this time period, particularly with Samuel. He was someone that helped Xanthe a lot and was willing to risk his reputation in doing so. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow over the course of the book.

While there were parts I enjoyed, I couldn't fully get into this book. There were parts that were confusing, mainly the time traveling parts and all the dynamics that went with it. There were some parts that dragged for me and then some scenes that felt rushed through. Overall, this was an okay read that had parts I enjoyed. I would recommend this book for fans of time traveling.

I usually immediately love Paula Brackston's witches, but I couldn't seem to get into this one as much or as quickly. I think the character development just took too long. Her "witchiness" wasn't obvious and her backstory took too long to come out. I also didn't understand why the girl she was rescuing was trapped in the tapestry. The objective was to prevent her death, there was nothing supernatural about the actual rescue. I was just confused and it distracted from the story.

Many people, while wandering through antique shops, wonder about the use of certain objects and the lives of the people that owned them before. Xanthe Westlake can actually hear certain object's pasts when they "sing" to her. While browsing a nearby auction for new items to sell in their antique shop, one antique calls so strongly to Xanthe that she has to buy it. This silver chatelaine has the frightening ability to send her back in time. To save what she loves in her own time, she has to solve a centuries old mystery and rescue a young girl from an unjust death sentence.
I love the description of this book and I was so excited to get a chance to read it. The details of the architecture, decorations, and clothing of the 17th century were wonderful and brought the story to life. The way the book ended makes me hopeful for a possible sequel or series. Thanks so much to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

I received a free copy of The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston from NetGalley for my honest review.

Xanthe Westgate has a connection to objects. The objects sing to her and provide her with images and stories from the people who originally owned them. Xanthe moved to Marlbrough with her mom, Flora, to open an antique shop. There, she experiences her biggest connection ever with a specific object. She is trying to uncover it's secrets. In doing this she is going back and forth from the 17th
century to the present.

The characters in this book are so vividly written and you find yourself growing a connection with them. Her writing reminded me a lot of Alice Hoffman's with her magical context. I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book as well.

If you enjoy time-travel and/or Outlander this book is right up your alley.

The premise of this novel is what sucked me in - Xanthe and her mother Flora are the new owners of an antique store in Marlborough. While on the hunt for new items for their shop Xanthe's gift of "hearing" the past in various objects shines on a new object but in a way that her gift hasn't worked before. Eventually she finds out the mission that she must take to save a woman in the past before it's too late.

Overall I thought this was an interesting novel and a fun take on time travel. There were a few bits that I felt dragged a bit too long. I also feel that the ending was a bit abrupt and I wish more of the loose threads were tied up. Still, it's a good read and quite engaging for those who like this kind of genre.

Such a lovely novel! Magical and entrancing. Must read for Outlander fans or anyone interested in the witchy or historical.