I will recommend this to readers who enjoyed the Outlander series and Rise and Fall of The D.O.D.O..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
“The Little Shop of Found Things” by Paula Brackston falls into the genre, which I am now identifying as, ‘time travel fiction’.
Xanthe and her mother, Flora, are keen to start a new life after acquiring a small, antiques shop in an equally small U.K town. Xanthe has always felt an attachment to antiques, sometimes feeling so strong a physical attachment that she is able to identify the object’s previous owners and their journey. When she comes across a similar object in the pile of leftovers from the shop’s previous owner, Xanthe is soon pulled on a mission across time to help solve the mystery attached to the object. The pressure is on Xanthe to stop the murder of young Alice, as Alice’s mother is now a lost ghost, stuck in limbo and threatening to harm Flora unless Xanthe can release her daughter from harm’s way.
A young woman, with the help of an object, travels through centuries and is soon embroiled in the challenges of a life before electricity and the other modern pleasures of our time where, of course, she meets a man from that time and forms a relationship with him. An abundance of similarities to Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” can be drawn, and in fact as an avid fan of those novels, I had a hard time separating Xanthe from Claire, and Samuel from Jamie in a lot of spots.
However, that being said, the novel is magical and charming. Told from the perspective of Xanthe, the eclectic young woman with a special talent, the story is well-developed and the setting of the novel is quaint and comforting.
There are few characters in this novel, which makes the plot easy to follow, and they are all likable (with one exception being Mrs. Lovewell perhaps). I was a little confused by the ghost character of Margaret Merton. I understand her role in the story (she is necessary to give Xanthe the motivation to continue her time traveling quest) but for her to be so brash and abrasive was unnecessary. As Xanthe, I would’ve simply told her where to go and that would be that- ghost or no.
No one ever questions Xanthe when she shows up at random times of the day, in various stages of dress, and demands odd things. Perhaps I am more cynical and skeptical, but I would not be so willing to comply with the bizarre requests from a woman whom I had just met. I guess that’s the joy of small towns and budding romances.
Overall, this novel was an endearing read, with a time travel element that allows it to be both women’s fiction, and historical fiction. It was well written and easy to follow. Fans of Outlander will definitely enjoy “Little Shop”, as will anyone looking for a quaint, easy read.
Previously unfamiliar with Brackston’s work, I may check out her other novels to see what they have to offer.

Oh how I loved this book. I have only recently begun to branch out from my usual historical fiction genre to explore other genres, and so couldn't wait to dig into this book, as it's out of my norm. How happy I am that I took a chance on something new! What a brilliant novel. The author created a beautiful setting for the book, that I was easily able to escape into. Her characters are unique in their own personalities and "humanness," complex and well developed. And the storyline itself was amazing! A little cozy thrown in with paranormal wrapped around mystery...I was HOOKED.

Couldn't put this book down and I definitely didn't want it to end. I'm curious to see if there will be another book because I can see these characters coming back on the page for at least another story. It was beautifully written, captured me from the very get-go and had me wanting more by the last word.

The gist of the story was ok but the execution leaves much to be desired here.

Xanthe travels back in time to the 1600s while wearing her beloved Doc Martens boots and... no one really notices.

I just felt like everything was out of place in this story. Xanthe was imprisoned (wrongly) for being the person on her flat lease when her boyfriend gets raided for drugs. The police find drugs in the flat and Xanthe is charged. After being released from prison she moves to another town with her mother Flora who has just been jilted by Xanthe's father. No real mention is made of this except that Flora is sometimes sad. Xanthe and Flora open an antiques shop after the previous owner dies. Xanthe sometimes gets vibes or "readings" off of antique items and is stirred up when she and her mother find an old chatelaine at an auction. Turns out a ghost has been looking for someone since the 1600s to find this chatelaine and then "help" her daughter who was wrongly accused of theft in... the 1600s.

After having found the chatelaine and then miraculously finding a blind house in her garden, buried in shrubbery, Xanthe is transported back in time to the 1600s. When she returns the mean ghost tells her basically "if you don't go back there and help my daughter I will hurt your mother here in 2018" and then proceeds to break things in the house out of anger, as ghosts are want to do I guess.

So of course Xanthe goes back and of course she falls in love while there and of course she tries to clear the thief daughters name etc etc. and then when all is said and done she returns to the present time and merrily parties with her mother at the opening of their shop. Oh there is also a cute neighbor that is a mechanic who seems to be interested in Xanthe but the author never really gives him any storyline except to drive Xanthe around or help her out when she needs it. Basically a friend butler.

I just felt this story really needed some serious direction and editing. It felt like a chore to read.

Xanthe and her mother Flora purchase an antique shop. Xanthe has a unique ability, sometimes when she touches an antique she feels a type of connection to it. She is able to tell a bit about its past.

When she goes to an antique auction with her mom, she feels an incredible connection to a chatelaine. This an accessory women used to wear that also served a functional purpose. A chatelaine might hold a pair of scissors, a thimble, tiny items you might like to have on hand.

This particular chatelaine is missing a few items and it links back to a sad story that Xanthe soon learns.

When she gets home with the chatelaine she soon meets a spirit. The spirit is the mother of a young woman who died because of the chatelaine. Her daughter was convicted of stealing it from her wealthy employers and threatened to death.
Xanthe has only just recently realized that she can travel back in time with the chatelaine and now she is being told that she must go back and save the young woman. If she can’t save her, the spirit has threatened Xanthe’s mother Flora.

When Xanthe travels back in time, she meets Samuel and covertly enlists his help in proving the girl’s innocence.

Here’s what I liked:
-The idea of Xanthe connection to these items in such a way was so unique and cool
-Samuel was a great character
-the antique shop and the cute little bakery next door
- the cute little bar where Xanthe sang

Here’s what didn’t work as well for me:
-The girl Xanthe was trying to save was so incredibly frustrating, wow, seriously. Seriously frustrating. The spirit, the mother, kept harassing Xanthe for not getting the job done yet. But the daughter in prison was doing absolutely nothing to help. Not only did she decline offers of help but she kept making it worse! I wanted to yell at her for not making any attempt to proclaim her innocence. Even if she thought she couldn’t prove it why wouldn’t she at least say she was innocent?
- Is it just me or did they never mention Xanthe’s age?
-I wasn’t a huge fan of the end of the book...I realize now that it’s a series though so it makes more sense

I got to read an early e book edition from NetGalley.

This book tells the story of a woman who is pulled back in time and helps save another woman's life. Overall, I found it interesting. I enjoyed the characters, and I am always a big fan of historical fiction. If you like history, and do not mind paranormal elements you will probably enjoy this book.

From the author of the The Witch’s Daughter comes a brand new time bending adventure story that will make you never look at antiques in the same way again.

Without giving away any spoilers, this story follows a Mother & Daughter duo as they attempt to rebuild their lives in rural England by opening up an antique shop. What follows is a magical silver piece with a sordid past , a violent ghost, ley lines, a good old-fashioned love story, English politics, and proper English gentleman.
The author’s use of descriptive language to evoke a charming English village and its previous centuries old history, not only transports the main character, but also transports the reader to another time and place.

The strong relationship between the main character Xanthe and her Mother Flora was a nice added break from stories about estranged parents and dysfunctional families. It’s what kept the reader anchored to the present but also floating to the 17th century sub plot as well. It is their mutual love that drives the story forward like an old-fashioned carriage, a little bumpy, but reliable nonetheless.

The supernatural aspect of the story was tasteful and effective as were the bits of romance. Readers will appreciate the female characters who were each strong in their own ways appropriate to their statuses. The main character Xanthe is a heroine, with her mud-stained cheesecloth rags she rescues an innocent young girl from her terrible fate, and in doing so, rescues a part of herself that she lost after enduring her own terrible fate prior to moving to Marlborough.

We see how this charming English village of Marlborough evolved into a more modern version of itself but still retained the same type of personalities even after hundreds of years. This made the story more believable, as the past and present are always interacting with each other and it is those long forgotten items and discarded antiques that are some of the greatest witnesses of history. If we started treating them as such, as opposed to a price tag, we would develop a greater appreciation for the present.

Be careful not to hold onto this book too tightly, for you might find yourself transported to 17th century England…oh and if you do, a minstrel is always a good disguise.

Rounding up to a four; reality is a 3.5.
Funny thing... I own all of Brackston's "witch" books, but haven't read any of them yet. When this review copy came available, I decided to request it, as I was sure I'd enjoy it. It started and ended strong, in my opinion, but the middle lagged. It felt as though the description of the 17th century portion of the story was bogged down in repetitive detail - and the people, one in particular, were not as fleshed out as I would have liked.

Despite my criticism, still an entertaining read, and good concept.

This is a wonderful story with a little bit of everything thrown in.
It left me wanting more, which is no bad thing.

In the spirit of complete transparency, I did put this book on my THE list. !y only issue with the book was that it was a cross between Garden Spells and 11/23/63.

I was hoping for a sweet magical book ~ something in the vein of Sarah Addison Allen and I didn't get that i got time travel and some magic and the book just didn't work for me

I'm really sad because I was in the mood for a sweet, magical story ~ this did not hit th mark for me.

I would like to thank Net Galley and the Publisher for the Advanced Readrs Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so excited about this new series from Paula Brackston. I mean, the cover alone is enough to make you want to visit...
Xanthe (don't you just love that name?!?) and her mother are looking for a fresh start. Both of them are trying to move on, and the charming little town of Marlborough seems like just the place to do that. They're ready to make their dream of owning an antique shop a reality.
It's while they're looking for merchandise that Xanthe comes across an ancient chatelaine (I had to look this one up) that she just has to have. You see, it speaks to her. Xanthe has an intense connection to certain antiques. And this chatelaine speaks to her loudly. In the form of a ghost. She finds herself transported back to the seventeenth century. There's a mystery to be solved, and that ghost won't let her have any peace until it's done.
This is such a promising start to a new series. It's historical and mysterious and suspenseful and magical all at the same time. The author has a true gift for these kinds of stories. I can't wait for the next one!

Flora and Xanthe have pooled their resources to buy an old antique shop in Marlborough, in the south of England. Flora suffers with chronic pain from her arthritis and has to walk with sticks to get around, Xanthe is very aware of her suffering and wishes to ease her through it. Despite having just arrived and moved their boxes into the small space above the shop, Flora still wants to go to the next 'sale' at a nearby old hall and persuades Xanthe that this is just what they need.

While at the sale, Xanthe is drawn to an object in one of the glass cases used to display valuable items and is given the funds that Flora has kept safe for new purchases, in order to buy the item. Flora knows that when Xanthe wants an item, she just has to have it, so does not make a fuss about the amount that gets spent on the item.

It is when Xanthe gets the item home that the fun and games start! Particularly as there is a very interested party in the guise of a ghost, that wishes Xanthe to engage with the item and save their child from terrible circumstances. And Xanthe is thrust into the seventeenth century, where she has to learn new ways very quickly in order to survive and save both herself and the innocent girl.

The descriptions of the transport between times is exceptionally good, giving a feel for the trauma experienced by Xanthe as she passed the centuries. And the shock on transition the first time, the realisation of the reality of the experience, evidenced by the changes in her clothing, is so well described.

I am sure that there will be a follow up to this book, if it is as well written as this one, it should be a fine piece of work as well. I look forward to reading it.

Paula Brackston has produced an intriguing time slip mystery here, which is not exactly what I was expecting. The story is interesting and somewhat unusual. I cannot recall many other time slip story where the person from the present is forced into the past by a ghost as menacing as Mistress Merton. The characters are appealing, and the relationship between Xanthe and her Mum is heartwarming. I thought the whole drug back story was a little odd, but it didn’t detract from the story. All in all, this book provides a pleasant escape for a couple hours.

Just a fun, fast read that is also the first of a new series, yeh! Xanthe has a connection to objects and in the antique business that can be a problem when a ghost discovers her gift. Traveling back to 1605 to save the a relative of the ghost when said ghost threatens Xanthe's mother, complications of course insue. Mixing romance, mystery and time travel with interesting characters is always a good combination and this book does not disappoint. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Easy holiday read with pacy writing and atmospheric environment. I enjoyed the historical details but found the ghost 'villain' somewhat cartoonish and the plot premise a bit clunky.

Paula Brackston's witches have a new sister: Xanthe Westlake. Her story begins in modern-day England, where she and Flora, her mother, are about to re-open their antique shop in a charming town bustling with appreciation for the old and the beautiful.

Xanthe's magic is very specific. She can not cast spells or create potions. She can, however, when the circumstances are right, hear the songs of objects, almost as if they are beings are reaching out to her in song. A singer herself, she is as sensitive and open to these songs as she is to the songs of Old England that she sings. She knows that historic Marlborough is probably rich in stories and songs, but she does not know that it is about to involve her and her mother in the dangerous demands of a desperate ghost.

As the story begins, Xanthe and Flora attend an auction at Great Chalfield Manor, hoping to replenish the stock for their new store. Xanthe is drawn to a glass case that holds a silver chatelaine, which sings and calls and almost insists to be held and purchased. The chatelaine's chains hold a button hook, a scent bottle, and a notebook; its other chains hang empty. Flora approves of the purchase, despite the chunk of their meager budget that it requires.

Although this is a cozy novel, rooted as it is in a picturesque town, it is not a murder mystery. Instead, genres blend into the realm of ghost story and time-travelling adventure-romance. The chatelaine is connected to a miscarriage of justice in the Manor: an imprisoned young girl is about to be put to death for the supposed theft of objects from the silver chatelaine. The girl's mother is the desperate ghost who impels Xanthe to set things right or risk harm to Flora. A round outbuilding, once a jail, proves to be a portal at the intersection of ley lines. Xanthe's sympathy with the girl is tied to an injust imprisonment she once endured, but she undertakes the quest more out of love for - and fear for - her mother.

How will a thoroughly modern woman survive in the dangerous and unsettled world of the early 17th century? By her wits, by dips into the timestream, and by the songs that define a true minstrel of any age. The dangers are real, past and present - so is love.

Readers will delight in the charming present, where the women are welcomed and befriended by characters who will doubtless recur in future installments of this new series. They will also be drawn to the people of 1605, both the nobility, and those who serve in situations rarely illuminated with such detail and sensitivity.

Not only do I look forward to meeting Xanthe again, but I also hope the author will create a Spotify list to let the reader be immersed in the songs of present and past. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

A lush, magical journey that only Paula Brackston can take a reader on. For fear of spoilers, I would highly recommend to anyone that has enjoyed her other novels, as well as fans of Alice Hoffman,

Paula Brackston is one of my favorite authors and I read this book in two days! I loved the main character with her very cool supernatural ability, and funky antique store her and her mom were opening. The historical details were wonderful and truly took you back in time. The romantic subplot was a little disappointing, and I felt let down by the ending.

Wonderfully descriptive with just the right mixture of mystery. The Witch's Daughter author Paula Brackston takes magical realism one step further with this new time travel tale.