The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston is a quirky little story about the art of listening to objects from the past tell their story, it's called psychometry. Flora and Xanthe, mother and daughter, both recently broken hearted move on to open a new vintage shop. They quickly become friends with a few of the new towns folk. Through listening to objects, Xanthe hears to calling to help a young girl from 1605 while in a blind (jail) house on the edge of their new property. She time travels through the blind house to save a young girl from hanging who was accused of stealing. Lots of historical fiction mixed with the current times. It's a magical adventure! Thank you #netgalley #thomasdunnebooks #paulabrackston

Once upon a time, I claimed I would never read another book involving time travel, but Paula Brackston's The Little Shop of Found Things has changed my mind.

This book first caught my attention because it is focused on an object called a chatelaine. When I was in high school, I was a member of a dance/drill team called The Chatelaines. A really silly reason to be drawn to a book, but I am so glad that this little detail found me!

The Little Shop of Found Things is set in England modern times and the 17th century. In the novel, readers are introduced to Xanthe and her mother who have recently moved and opened an antique shop in a historic town. Readers also quickly learn that the main character, Xanthe, has a unique gift where she can "read" objects - she can hear the stories of those who used objects in the past. Perfect gift for someone who spends her life living amongst antiques.

Xanthe is instantly drawn to a 17th-century chatelaine; however, what she doesn't know when they purchase the item is that it is also tied to ghost fighting to save the life of her daughter in the past. A time portal is located in Xanthe's backyard and the ghost forces her to go back in time to prove her daughter's innocence - or else.

Okay - I know this sounds a little hooky. But, I promise, it is such an enjoyable escapist read. You can trust me! I am not big on time travel and seldom read anything with ghosts!

Brackston lets the story unfold slowly. This is not a page-turner. However, the way she describes even the smallest details allows readers to also be transported back in time. And, I desperately needed an escape this month.

And, I can't go without letting you know that the novel does have a bit of romance - time travel romance. But, don't expect Outlander. This is tamer.

The Little Shop of Found Things is the first in what is going to be a series, and the author already has me looking forward to the next novel.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for providing me with this review copy. You can pre-order your copy now - or buy it when it is released on October 16, 2018.

Wonderful enchanting book full of mystery and intrigue: I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started reading, but I was rather surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Intersecting ley lines provide a mystical energy source for Xanthe, a psychometric, to travel in time to see the people who “sing” to her through the antiques she and her mother sell. With this premise, Paula Brackston’s new series will certainly provide readers with many delicious tales of time travel and romance.

Ms. Brackston’s latest story is abounding in historical detail. Her writing style really draws you into the story. The present-day characters in the small English town of Marlborough are delightful. The ease with which Xanthe and her mother, Flora, become part of the community made me long for life in a small, cheerful town. From the teashop owner, to mechanic to pub owner and history buff, each of the secondary characters made the story richer. There were a couple instances of unexplained tertiary characters that left me wanting. Was the character meant to set the tone of the scene? Was it part of an abandoned story line that didn’t get edited? Either way, nothing was added to the story by the inclusion of the character, nor did it detract much from the novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical romance as well as the present-day playful banter between Xanthe and Liam, a handsome, young mechanic in town. The charming mother-daughter story is quite sweet. I love Flora’s upbeat, positive attitude. Both the past and present have their own antagonists who are at cross-purposes. This creates a complex conflict spanning centuries.

I fell in love with Paula Brackston’s writing when I happened upon The Witch’s Daughter at my library. I’ve ready many of the author’s books since, and her storytelling never disappoints! The Little Shop of Found Things is a delightful time-travel story with just the right amount of romance and mystery to be a truly engaging read.

Xanthe and her mother, looking for a fresh start, take over an antique shop, where Xanthe is able to sense part of the past of the items in the store. While examining one item, she is taken back to the 17th century, where she's confronted by a ghost who gives her an assignment. If she fails, it may cost her her mother's life.

This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last. I liked the writing, the characters and the setting – in both the present day and in the past. Once I got into the story, it was hard to put the book down, and the historical aspects made it even more enjoyable for me. I will definitely look for the next book in this series when it comes out.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.</i>

When I was a young girl, my favorite stories were adventures of fantasy like The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, or Alice in Wonderland. The idea of being able to step into another life, another world has you holding your breath till the very last page. I sincerely thank St Martins Press and #NetGalley for allowing me to read this uncorrected proof of The Little Shop of Found Things. This is the second book of 2018 I found myself reading at stoplights, at my desk at work, and just like my favorite stories of days gone by with my phone light into the night.
Xanathe Westlake has had a hard life but moving to Marlbourough and strating over with an antiques business with her mother seems like a good way to start fresh. Hunting through her shops garden she comes across what the town historian tells her is the old town jail..a stone building with no windows. Xanathe soon finds her "jail" is haunted , and the ghost will not stop following her till she agrees to go back to the 17th century to save her daughter from hanging. Similar to the Outlander series, the author does well to add historical accuracy and authenticity to the story. Xanathe finds a kindred spirit in the town architect, and Ken Follet fans will adore the chapters devoted to description of buildings and estates of Post medival England. My only regret is the ending , and I hope this story doesn't end for Samuel and Xanathe, I would love this to be a duology to trilogy. Look for this release October 16, 2018

I don't know how to classify this book, as it's a mix of fantasy/historical fiction/time travel/paranormal and other genres, but I can surely say it's a wonderful book.
I loved Paula Brackston and I had high expectations that were met.
I was hooked since the first pages and couldn't put it down, it was 2 am when I ended it.
The style of writing, the world building, the characters: everything was perfect and enthralling.
It's highly recommended and surely will be a best seller.
Many thanks to St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this ARC

Well researched and written, although some parts seemed too choppy and at a fast pace. Xanthe is a complex character who has trust issues especially with men. Her father left her mother and halted any money to them, and her ex-boyfriend left her to be prosecuted for drug possession of his drugs. She has a good reason to be leary of men, but she easily falls for Samuel who is rather brisk with her but holds Liam apart from her although he helps her without question. A good novel overall.

...So, what did I like about it?
Although historical fiction isn't my usual choice of reading material, St Martin’s Press gave me the opportunity to read this and as I really enjoyed Paula Brackston’s The Silver Witch back in 2015 I thought I'd give it a try.

As before, I found myself captivated with Ms Brackston’s beautiful and descriptive use of language. The prose she uses is intelligent, eloquent and very reminiscent of a historical novel; the words chosen and the sentence formation, while still managing to set the scene beautifully in one's mind.

I liked the way that this intriguing tale was told from Xanthe’s perspective, our heroine, and as my regular followers will know, I always enjoy a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resourceful, resilient and has plenty of gumption; in this tale both Xanthe Westlake and her mum, Flora had these traits in spades.

I felt that the sad scenes, tense scenes, mysterious scenes and romantic ones were all written particularly well giving us a good balanced plot, with a sprinkle of humour thrown into the mix.

Although this is a work of fiction, the attention to historic detail and the care that was obviously taken when writing her characters made Ms Brackston’s world and the people in it feel very real to me. I enjoyed the fact that this foray into the past is not a rose tinted one; life was harsh and the rules of etiquette numerous. Although I feel that a bit of licence is permitted to aid a fictional tale too much can turn it into a mockery; Ms Brackston hit the right balance for me.

The Little Shop of Found Things has made me rage with indignant frustration, put a soppy smile on my face as well as had me holding my breath, on the edge of my seat and I loved the way that the story kept me guessing in both present day Marlborough and in the 17th century.

...So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
OK, so here’s when I have to be completely honest and tell you why my rating was 4 stars rather than 5.

I think that I have to recognise that my knowledge of everyday life in historical England is possibly above average (I watch a lot of documentaries) because parts of this story, e.g. some of Xanthe's thoughts and actions during her time travelling - became a wee bit frustrating.

It’s important to remember that this is an opener to a new series, I have read reviews that complained of a slow start, the introduction of too many characters without building depth and the too subtle romance aspect of the tale but I enjoyed the gentle way in which Xanthe’s and her mum, Flora’s life to date and their personalities were revealed, how the mystery in the past and subsequent dangers gradually built and I liked that Ms Brackston left enough teasers to continue in subsequent books.

...So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really enjoyed reading this cliffhanger-free book. It has everything that I look for in a story; a good mystery, a sprinkling of romance, a nice balance of gentle humour with the added bonus of being within my favourite genre - paranormal.

I would recommend this book to fans of mystery stories, historical fiction and paranormal tales as well as readers of YA novels too as there is no explicit sexual content and only a handful of expletives, having said that, some of the beliefs, customs and laws of 17th century England may cause offence to your modern sensibilities.

New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter Paula Brackston returns to her trademark blend of magic and romance to launch a new series guaranteed to enchant her audience even more.

Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.

It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she's confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s.

While Xanthe fights to save her amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave.

* * * * *

I really wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I started to read THE LITTLE SHOP OF FOUND THINGS. I have seen it compared to Outlander but with the exception of the time travel, I didn't really find them to be similar. I just didn't get the same depth of being immersed in the past. Now that being said, I have to admit that I throughly enjoyed reading this book.

There were a couple things that gave THE LITTLE SHOP OF FOUND THINGS gold stars. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Xanthe is a strong woman who would do anything to protect er mother including willingly going into the past to save another woman's daughter. Not being really close to my own family, Xanthe's bond with her mother was something that I treasured about her character.

All of the secondary characters are as well drawn as Xanthe. Her mother Flora is a also a very strong women despite her disability. I also really like Liam who happens to own the local garage for classic cars and really hope to get to know him better in the next book in this series,

Now while I don't feel immersed in 17th century England, I did feel that way about the small town that Xanthe and Flora had recently moved too. The warmth of their new neighbors radiate from the pages and make me want to head there on vacation.

I do think that my readers who enjoy time travel mixed with an interesting mystery will really enjoy this book. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the next part in this series. There is some talk of violence and sex but nothing in your face so this book is safe for all ages.

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Susanna Kearsley, Pamela Hartshorne, Kate Mosse, Deborah Harkness, Simone St. James and other Historical timeslip Authors and ghost story writers this is a wonderful treat. For those who love Paula Brackston's Witch series, this is a little different but just as gripping as her other novels.

This novel is about a mother Flora and her grown up daughter, Xanthe who decide to leave London to open a new antique store in a quaint English village. They both meet some lovely new neighbours including the handsome, friendly, local Garage mechanic and handyman..
Xanthe has a gift that when she holds some of the special pieces of antiques that she is drawn to, they sing to her and reveal their past story.
Xanthe becomes particularly attracted to a silver chatelaine., which not only transports her back to the 17c., but becomes trapped by a hostile ghost which has plans for Xanthe's paranormal gift. Xanthe has been chosen by this ghost to do her bidding or her mother Flora will be in danger.

I throughly enjoyed reading this ghostly historical mystery with suspense and some romance attached to the story. The characters were well -rounded and the plot was thrilling to read. I would love for Paula Brackston to write more novels like these. I look forward to her future novels.

Xanthe and her mother Flora’s arrival at the small village of Marlborough was a new start for them both. The past was not worth thinking about for either of them, although unfortunately it was still present. When Flora had discovered the old antique shop, which had been unoccupied since the previous owner’s death, she was excited. Flora’s love of antiques, along with Xanthe’s affinity to some of the pieces meant the opening of the shop was a perfect solution. Plus, the residence which was above the shop saved them much needed funds.

The sale of antiques at the old Manor house would be the start of an adventure that Xanthe could well have done without. The beautiful silver chatelaine she purchased at the auction vibrated with messages – it was a Victorian relic, reminiscent of pieces dating back to the 1600s. The shock when she was thrust through time to 1605 was immense – the immediate need to save the life of a young girl something she couldn’t ignore. But it was the malevolent presence of the ghost in Xanthe and Flora’s new home that made her fearful…

Could Xanthe save a young girl’s life three centuries before Xanthe was born? She didn’t know – but also knew she had to try, or she could well lose her mother…

The Little Shop of Found Things is the first in a new series by Paula Brackston and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Racing against time – literally – meant the pace was electric for Xanthe (and me!) It was a magical read set in a small English village, steeped in historical details (when we were back in the 1600s) and it also looked at the closeness and love between a mother and daughter. A wonderful read which I highly recommend and I'm already looking forward to #2.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.

I loved, loved, loved this story! I'm a collector of found things, so that's what drew me to this particular story.
I enjoyed the way certain "things" sang to her. I found that I was quite jealous of her talent. The fact that she encountered a menacing ghost, time-traveled, fell in loved and saved a loved one in just a short number of days is amazing!
There was a hint that this would be series. I certainly hope so. I hope she gets her Samuel!
Great book!!!!!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I went into The Little shop of Found Things having never read Paula Brackston before. The beautiful cover drew me in and after reading the book description I was intrigued. Time travel and dual timelines seem to be a favorite of mine lately. Alas, this book and I were simply not a fit. The premise was interesting and caught my attention but Xanthe (the main character) and I did not click. And because of this I struggled with the overall story. Despite this, I did finish the book as I was curious to see how things would work out for Xanthe - and I appreciated that the ending was not neat and pat but open ended.

I suspect many people will enjoy this book, - the supernatural and time travel always make for a fun mix. Overall this was a three star read for me, as I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story as well as the ending.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this novel early.

I have only good things to say about The Little Shop of Found Things and I'm delighted this book lived up to and even surpassed my expectations! I didn't read the entire blurb when I decided to request this book from Netgalley, so I wasn't quite sure what to this story had in store for me. Judging by the cover and title, and the Historical Fiction genre, I pinned my hopes on these things delivering a great story for my sentimental heart. Based on my own love of old, historical things and the stories they could leave behind, I knew if this novel was well-done it would be one I loved. You could say this novel sang to me.

I'm exceptionally excited to learn this is the start of an upcoming series, but don't let that discourage you if you're a lover of standalones. I think this book reads perfectly on its own and doesn't leave hoards of unanswered questions like many first books tend to do. I only hope the series will continue with the same characters because I've grown attached to those featured here!

Lovers of Outlander will find similarities in this story, but enough originality to readers guessing and eager to find out what will happen next. This story features everything, from bits of romance, mystery, paranormal aspects, time-travel, and a heartwarming mother-daughter relationship. I could not help but become completely immersed in this novel, feeling as if I was in a charming English village, alternating with the past of the seventeenth century.

Because I wish I had the ability myself, time travel is one of my favorite sub-genres to read about. This has made me pursue numerous books on the subject and has allowed plenty of time to reflect on the practical difficulties people would face if they were to travel back in time. My only small reservation about the story and the reason I ultimately gave 4-stars instead of the full five was due to this issue. When Xanthe went back to the early 1600s, she was wearing her Dr. Martens. This seems like a simple thing, and it was mentioned that some of the characters in the past mentioned how odd her footwear was. However, my mind leads me to suspect the labels on these boots would raise some eyebrows in a time when shoes weren't likely printed with the modern labels or brands of today. The same could be said for a scene when the characters inspect the clothes she wore on her journey back in time, I suspect even a tag would seem strange. These are small issues in an exceedingly enjoyable novel, but ones I couldn't help but question as I read.

I couldn't get enough of this story and I hope the follow-up novel will come soon, only due to my desire to learn more about the characters' lives, rather than unanswered questions. The Little Shop of Found Things was a truly captivating story, full of magic and wonder. I'm so happy I decided to pick this up and was able to learn interesting things about a time long ago with a modern main character. This book is releasing in no time at all, so be sure to get your copy on October 16th.

4.5 Stars

As soon as I saw the gorgeous cover of this book and read the title, it called out to me and I knew I had to read it! What a wonderful, magical book! The Little Shop of Found Things is the first book I've ever read by Paula Brackston, but it won't be my last. It was a delight! I love its mix of fantasy, time travel, historical fiction, a touch of romance, a bit of suspense, and mystery, plus throw in a ghost and you now have most of my favorite book ingredients blended together for one lovely and thoroughly captivating read.

Xanthe is a young woman who has the unique ability to hear antique objects "sing" to her and because of this gift, she is able to discover details about the item's past. Since Xanthe and her mother Flora have just moved to Marlborough, not only for a much-needed fresh start in life but to open their own antique shop, this is a valuable and special ability to have.

On a visit to an estate sale to buy stock for their new shop, Xanthe immediately feels a silver chatelaine from the seventeenth-century sing to her, and there is no dissuading her from buying it even though the price is much more than she and her mother can afford. What happens next is the start of a journey into the past unlike Xanthe has ever experienced.

While the objects she usually touches sing to her and she's able to "hear" their stories and is then able to research the owner's or item's history, the beautiful chatelaine is unlike anything she has touched before. Instead of just singing to her, the chatelaine causes Xanthe to have disturbing visions and feel strong emotions of fear and danger.

As Xanthe tries to find out more about the chatelaine, she encounters a not very nice ghost named Margaret who has been waiting centuries for someone with Xanthe's powerful abilities to travel back to the seventeenth century and rewrite history. Her daughter Alice has wrongfully been accused of theft and the punishment is death. Margaret ruthlessly threatens the life of Flora if Xanthe cannot travel back in time and save Alice's life. Xanthe, of course, will do anything to keep her mother safe even if it means going back to the 1600s while trying to fit into the era and not be accused of being a witch--a very real fear during that time!

The Little Shop of Found Things is extremely well written, the characters are so alive and vibrant, and the settings in both the present in and in the past are charming and richly described. In the past, Xanthe meets a young architect named Samuel who I immediately liked! He's a bit moody but intelligent and kind. He not only helps Xanthe in her quest to save Alice but develops strong feelings for Xanthe, and she begins to return them. I admit that I cried because their relationship seems so impossible since they live in two different worlds separated by over four hundred years!

Oh, and I so love the relationship between Xanthe and her mother Flora; it is just so loving and tender. While I love Xanthe, I empathize strongly with Flora, who has a chronic, disabling pain disorder, yet she just keeps on going with a smile and so much cheerfulness even on her worst days or the nights when she has to take pain medication to help ease her suffering. Since I have both Lupus and fibromyalgia, I know all too well what it's like to live with daily chronic pain, so I am glad to see an author write a character who has a real, pain condition and handles it with honesty about how she feels but also still has a joyfulness for life.

I love this new series and am already dying to read book two to find out what happens next in Xanthe and Flora's story! I highly recommend you read this novel if you like the Outlander series (although The Little Shop of Found Things lacks the violence and the mature sexual content and is more enchantingly magical), historical fiction, books with a hint of magic, or just an extraordinarily delightful story!

**Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.**d honest review.

What a charming novel and a complete joy to read. This is a new author to me and, oh, what a terrific find! The story centers on a young who possesses the ability to sense the history behind vintage objects. They "sing" to her. She and her mother, Flora, have moved to a small town to get a fresh start and open up a new business.
This one has a touch of whimsy, a bit of magic, a dash of time travel and a lingering ghost seeking a resolution to a mystery. The perfect ingredients for an ideal book to curl up with on a crisp Autumn night.
The author has a very readable style of writing and draws you into the story immediately. Characters are interesting and quirky.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I had no idea I would be so captivated by this book. By the second page I was convinced I would not read the rest. Too cute, too fantastical with the time travel. But I was mesmerized and quickly read the rest. It’s a good story and a fresh take on historical fiction. A big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. I really enjoyed it and now have a new author to follow!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this advance copy! I wanted to give it a 5 star review but it was a bit long and dragged in places. I loved the concept of the foynd object “talking/singing to Xanthe. The time travel is not a new subject but was well constructed and am sure Outlander fans will enjoy this first book of a new series. Characters were well developed and likable, you can almost see them! I love Xanthe and her strength and determination not to fail with the task at hand.

Actually, I am very sorry, I just found The Little Shop of Found Things, I should have read it earlier. Whatever it is, first I will say thank you to NetGalley who has given a copy. Also, to Paula Brackston and St. Martin's Press.

Flora and Xanthe are strong female characters in this story. They immediately moved to a small town called Marlborough to manage an antique shop. In the first part, the writer reveals the reason these two figures moved because of their life problems. Xanthe is said to be having problems with her boyfriend and Flora is divorced.

I think maybe Marlborough is not the right city to run or recover their feelings. Because it's a small city, everyone will know them quickly. But it turns out it's a nice little town, friendly people and of course there are less good characters.

One time they went to the auction center in the city. Xanthe was fascinated by a very beautiful silver chatelaine. That's when her psychometric abilities began. She knows she will go into a life or maybe she knows who she will meet.

The psychometric power that makes Xanthe can tell all the past all the antique objects it touches. The silver chatelaine brought Xanthe to 1605. It was Xanthe's first experience, so surely that was the reason for this story.
The relationship between Xanthe and Flora is described as very strong and beautiful. They are like having an endless power. When Xanthe was brought back to the seventeenth century after touching the silver chatelaine, that phase became an interesting story. She is faced with a ghost who reveals a mystery. The mission is to save the life of a girl who is actually innocent. And if it's not caught, the bet is the life of Flora. Then Xanthe meeting with Samuel Appleby also appeared an architect who might help her. Of course, there are ups and downs in this story. There are also some characters as city dwellers who irritate. And this will make the reader sometimes restless, anxious or angry.

I am happy with the way the author describes the city of Marlborough. It's a beautiful city with charming city dwellers. The way to describe characters, city buildings, other places, and everything are very beautiful. I am curious to wait for the next series.

The complete The Little Shop of Found Things is a story about love stories, human relationships, family and friendship. The magical side of the story is easy to enjoy and very entertaining. Reading this story until the final page will obviously make us find the true meaning.

The story of love and magic that brings us to the journey of time.