I was so disappointed in this sequel. I loved the first book, but this one just lacked urgency. I kind of knew what to expect, so perhaps the magic was gone for me.

This is my first encounter with books in this series, I did not read book one in this series; unfortunately, for me. This can be read as a stand-alone novel, but there is certainly some benefit from backstory, which I missed out on. Xanthe reprises her original role in this story. Recently relocated from the busy London streets, Xanthe is living in Marlborough with her mother, running a newly established antique shop. Xanthe has a special gift in which she can communicate with antique objects. They sing to her, voices from the past, beckoning her to return to the past and right the wrongs and correct history to what it was supposed to be. On an antique hunting trip, an ancient copper chocolate pot calls to Xanthe. She is surprised to learn that the copper pot seems to have connections to Samuel, a man from the seventeenth century, whom she helped during previous visits back in time. This time he seems to be in need of help again, and the copper pot calls to her to make a return journey to the past. This isn’t a journey that is without risk; however. Aside from the risk of becoming lost on the journey, a villain waits on the other side of time. A fellow time traveler who wants certain things from Xanthe. Risking it all, Xanthe feels duty bound to honor the call, and respond to the call of the past. This is an engaging story that should appeal to fans of the series and fans of stories like Outlander. I myself am intrigued enough with it to want to look into the first book in the series and follow up novels in the future. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
My review is posted on Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Amazon.

This book is the second book in a series; the first book being "Little Shop of Found Things". Another wonderful and adventurous time traveling read. In this second book you get to learn more about the characters and their abilities. However, I'm not too fond of the whole "time-traveling" thing so it wasn't my favorite.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

Wow. I picked up the first book in this series because I thought it sounded cute and I like the author and I was sucked in and LOVED it so much so I was ecstatic to get this book next! This novel picks up a few months from where we left off with Xanthe and her new found gift when items sing to her. Xanthe is still thinking about the possible love that she may have lost forever and how he is fairing, then one day, an object sings to her again and she sees Samuel......in a not great situation. Xanthe knows she will not be able to make the object stop singing if she does not do something about this, but don't worry, she learned her lessons from last time she was stuck time traveling. Although, this time, she feels she cannot do it alone and requests some help from another local business owner.

Xanthe is thrust back into the 17th century and racing against time, however, I love that we also get some more answers about what is going on with her and her gifts! I love that. I also totally saw that last page coming and I am SO excited for the next book because I want to know what happens next! I love picking up gems like this because I just want to devour them...and then I hate it also because I just want the next one now instead of having to wait! But I will wait, mind you, patience is not an option but I will have to try. Wonderful novel!

i have always been fascinated by time travel stories. Antique objects speak to Xanthe pulling her back in time to right a wrong. The author blends history, time travel and romance that keeps you engaged to the very end.

Very good read. Time travel is handled well and makes the book interesting and a bit suspenseful. This book captivated me more than the first book and I am now eagerly awaiting the next book. The descriptions are rich and vivid and transport the reader to another time.

This is the second book in a series that I love. Great characters. What an imagination. The story sucks you in, it is hard to stop reading.

This is a sequel to The Little Shop of Found Things and picks up a few weeks after the first book. This story builds on the first one and so I highly recommend reading them in order. I loved The Little Shop of Found Things.

After returning for the last time from the seventeenth century, Xanthe goes about trying to settle back into modern life. She longs for Samuel, but must deal with her obnoxious ex-boyfriend instead. When she is drawn to an old chocolate pot while searching for antiques for the store, she realizes it has a connection to Samuel and she knows she must return to the past.

This trip to the past doesn't follow the same pattern as Xanthe's first one did. She meets other people who can also travel as she has and she gains more control over her abilities and learns that she is a "Spinner" and comes to understand more of what that means. Her journey this time is fraught with more danger as she tries to help Samuel.

Xanthe returned to the future more this story and there was a lot of skulking and lying about where she was and what she was doing. We learned more about friends in the village and a better understanding of how the past intertwines with her present.

While this one didn't resonate with me as much as the first story, I enjoyed it. Magical realism, suspense and a bit of romance all compelled me to keep me reading. The story is resolved, but there is a cliffhanger at the end to lead into the next book in the series. I am so very curious to see what happens next.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Paula Brackston for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of Secrets of the Chocolate House. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Secrets of the Chocolate House is the second in the Found Things series. The first book, The Little Shop of Found Things, introduces us to the main character, Xanthe, who has a mysterious ability. Inanimate objects, usually old and unique things, will “sing” to her. It’s like the object wants to tell her its history. Now Xanthe comes upon these objects frequently because she and her mother own an antique shop. Xanthe soon discovered that with the object she is able to travel into the past to right some wrong. In the past she meets Samuel, who she falls in love with. She had to leave him in the past, because of her responsibilities in the future but continues to love him.

In this book, Xanthe misses Samuel but knows she has to be in the present to help her ailing mother. Soon, a mysterious copper pot speaks to her. She is afraid to connect with it unless the pot hurls her into the past because she can’t control her abilities. She is afraid of getting stuck in the past. But the pot continues to talk to her and she learns that Simon is in prison. Without her help, he will die. She must return to the past and hope that she will be able to return to her mother. This time she prepares herself carefully. How will Simon feel when he sees her? She didn’t realize how nervous she would be.

Xanthe travels back to a chocolate house where the pot once belonged. There she finds an ally in Mistress Flyte, who not only helps Xanthe but warns her that the man who has imprisoned Samuel is a very dangerous man. He wants something from Xanthe and he is willing to do anything to obtain it. He wants to learn how to time travel. Samuel will die if Xanthe doesn’t share her power. But can she do it? Should she do it?

This didn’t bother me as much as the first book. I think because I knew the characters, the storyline and the style of writing, I knew what to expect in this book. The story moved a lot quicker in this one than the first one, which I appreciated. Brackston has opened up the story to allow for more books, I’m guessing, but it made more of a mystery of the time travel aspect. Xanthe doesn’t just have a mysterious power, but now knows there are others that have it, it can be controlled, she could potentially move forward or backward in time and that makes it more interesting. There was the familiarity of the characters, the love story, but more world-building this time around.

Less time in the present also helped. I didn’t understand why Marcus, her ex who was the reason she went to jail, comes back into the story. It didn’t develop into anything and I wasn’t sure why this storyline was created. She connects with Harley, my favorite bartender, which I enjoyed. There was endless chatter about how bad she feels for lying to her mother, on and on and on. I don’t enjoy this aspect of Xanthe’s character. We get it, you are a good person who has to tell white lies so you can time travel. Get over yourself.

The book works as a standalone, so not to worry if you haven’t read the first book. There is enough review that you can catch up on the details of the story. I’m not sure if I enjoyed it because it was a better book or if I knew what to expect so I didn’t judge it as harshly. But I did enjoy it more than the first and would like to see where this series develops. Now that the time travel ability has been expanded it could make for really interesting sequels.

I have always been intrigued by the fantasy of time travel. Growing up in Philadelphia, with frequent visits to historical sites and streets that date back to colonial times, I often wondered what it would be like to live in the past. In the second entry of the Found Things Series, Xanthe again travels back and forth from modern day rural England to its 16th century counterpart. The contrast between the two time periods was fascinating as was the precise attention to historical detail of daily life. With the exception of the villain, all of the characters in both centuries are nuanced and likeable.

This is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable story with some light mystery and thriller elements mixed in. There is at least another entry in the series to anticipate so this is an excellent time to jump in and read the books in order! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't generally like time travel stories but the time travel in this book was so smoothly integrated that it didn't bother me at all. Xanthe is a is a traveler, who can hear various items which cause her to travel to specific past years. She has people she loves in the 17th century, and people she wants to help, but she also has responsibilities and strong ties in the present. I LOVED that, since those things are important, yet often neglected in time travel books. This book had a nice ending, yet room for further adventures. And it made me want to drink good hot chocolate.

Paula Brackston is a favorite author of mine. I’ve read almost all of her books and with each read, I feel like I walked away satisfied and looking forward to the next book.

She has a deft hand with magical realism and all things ‘witchy’. She is probably most known for her ‘witch’ books of which I have read almost all of them (The Silver Witch, The Midnight Witch etc) as well as a host of other works by her.

After reading the first book in this particular series, I was eager to see what direction this book took! After reading this one, I do think that readers who haven’t read the first book, The Little Shop of Found Things, should definitely read that one first before attempting this one.

Summary
After her adventures in the seventeenth century, Xanthe does her best to settle back into the rhythm of life in Marlborough. She tells herself she must forget about Samuel and leave him in the past where he belongs. With the help of her new friends, she does her best to move on, focusing instead on the success of her and Flora’s antique shop.

But there are still things waiting to be found, still injustices needing to be put right, still voices whispering to Xanthe from long ago about secrets wanting to be shared.

While looking for new stock for the shop, Xanthe hears the song of a copper chocolate pot. Soon after, she has an upsetting vision of Samuel in great danger, compelling her to make another journey to the past.

This time she’ll meet her most dangerous adversary. This time her ability to travel to the past will be tested. This time she will discover her true destiny. Will that destiny allow her to return home? And will she be able to save Samuel when his own fate seems to be sealed? (summary from Goodreads)

Review
Brackston’s maturity and experience as a writer shows in her writing. She is comfortable in her genre and always executes her stories exceptionally well and in this novel, it’s no different than what I would expect from her. This novel is a fun, quick read that captivated my imagination and wouldn’t let go.

I love that Xanthe can time travel through the use of antique objects. What a unique and fun way of incorporating time travel in this series. That would be my dream super power right there. I can definitely see that Brackston took time to develop the time travel parts in this book over the first one. For new readers it might not be obvious but if you have read the first book in this series and now this one, you will see that Brackston has put a little polish on this element of the story.

I don’t know that I loved Xanthe anymore than I did in the first book. I remember thinking in the first book that I wished she was a little more sure of herself and stronger but it didn’t bother me too much as I expected to see her evolve more in future books. But here we are, book 2, and I don’t see much of a shift in her character. She still seems a little unsure of herself and not quite as strong as I was expecting her to be.

That said, I enjoyed the plot—there was a lot to hold my interest and keep me reading. You can’t go wrong with one of Brackston’s books. She a great writer and provides lots of details and hooks right from the beginning and this book was no different. A solid 4 star book for me!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Expected publication: October 22nd 2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ASIN B07PBP38Q7
Free review copy provided by publisher, St Martin’s Press, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: magical realism, historical fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I did read the first in the series called "The Little Shop of Found Things".

In the second book, Xanthe journeys back to the past when a copper chocolate pot calls to her. Xanthe's trip is full of danger as she works to save her dear Samuel . Xanthe also learns more about her rare gift!

Can't wait to read the next in the series!

I received a free e-copy of Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book is the second book in a series; the first book being "Little Shop of Found Things". Paula Brackstons writing is eloquent and engrossing. The storyline is intriguing, warm and suspenseful while the characters are unique and endearing.

If you enjoy time-travel stories or feel like trying a beautifully written step outside your usual genre, I highly recommend this series!

Paula Brackston does an amazing job immersing the reader into Marlborough, Xanthe's story and the antiques she finds. The rich, detailed setting and flowing sentences are something I have come to expect and enjoy in Brackston's works.

I felt like I was there in that time, experiencing what Xanthe experiences. I really like the concept around antiques 'singing' to Xanthe.

I do believe you would benefit from reading the first book in the series, because I found myself a little lost but I thoroughly enjoyed this!

When Xanthe Westlake moved to Marlborough in Wiltshire with her mother, Flora, to begin a new life and open an antique shop, she never expected just how drastic the change might be. Xanthe discovered as a child that particular objects "sang" to her, and she was compelled to find out their stories. A silver chatelaine from the seventeenth century sent her back in time to save a serving girl from the hangman. The vengeful ghost of the girl's mother demands it and threatens Xanthe's mother. The events of The Little Shop of Found Things shows her hurtling back and forth in time to accomplish her mission, with very little knowledge to back her up. She finds an ally in Samuel Abbleby, a closeted Catholic and socially conscious thinker. They are undeniably attracted, but Xanthe must return to her own time. Flora is struggling with crippling arthritis, and Xanthe is her only support.

Assured of her success but dealing with heartache, she is once again thrown into the dangerous realm of time-travel by a battered copper chocolate pot. She is shown a vision of Samuel imprisoned in one of the blind houses of the era, windowless lock-ups for accused felons. Fully knowing how fraught the reign of King James I was politically, especially so for Catholics, Xanthe must try to save him. In Secrets of the Chocolate House, she learns more about what she is, a "Spinner," and what that means. She is intended to stop certain events that would disrupt the proper flow of time. However, another Spinner wants to use his abilities for his own ends and attempts to thwart her. Xanthe has to enlist the help of a friend from her own time and risk exposure.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins for an advance copy of Secrets of the Chocolate House. I read both books in quick succession since The Little Shop of Found Things had been on my to be read list for quite a while. While I don't think it's strictly necessary to read the series in order, there is progression both in Xanthe's knowledge and character development. She is building a group of supporters who are willing to help her even though only one knows what she really is. Fans of magical realism, historical fiction, and fantasy (with a bit of romance) should love this series. The cliff-hanger at the end of this second book ensures that I will be eagerly waiting for the next! The opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own. Review cross posted on Amazon, Good Reads, ,Barnes & Nobel and Net Galley. This series is one of my favorites by the author as it has magic, time travel and a wonderful atmospheric feeling for the reader.

This is the 2nd book in the enchanting series "Found Things" by beloved author Paula Brackston. I read the first in series and found it delightful and one of my favorite reads . " Secrets of the Chocolate House" is equally exciting to read and I found myself so enthralled I did not put this book down until conclusion. We return to our Xanthe as she travels through time and has marvelous adventures that will have you turning the pages in anticipation as to her next adventure. I love the time travel described in this series. The author has eloquently described different periods of time and brought them to life for her readers.

Xanthe has a gift of touching an object and traveling back to its time period. . Objects call out to her to travel to a time where her help is needed. She will always answer the call to prevent the future path being changed. In order to time travel she has to leave her Mother and their beloved antique shop behind as she embarks on her adventures.

With the discovery of an old chocolate pot that calls out to Xanthe a adventure begins that challenges her previous knowledge of how to survive in time travel. She meets with a element of danger and does not know who to trust. She soon meets up with another time traveler who proves to be evil and threatens who she loves. She also finds a mentor and takes the opportunity to learn. She must preserver over evil and protect those she loves while solving a fascinating mystery.

I loved the wonderful way the author builds the excitement of this series. The charcters are well drawn to the time periods and brought to life. The atmospheric feel of the book is enthralling for the reader. The writing by the author is so well crafted that this book is a delight to read. I cannot wait for the next in series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Secrets of the Chocolate House. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an excellent sequel and another great adventure! New characters allowed for even more interesting events to unfold. I loved the danger, suspense, and secrets. Much of the plot was completely unexpected. The cliffhanger ending was perfect. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!! (My only disappointment was that the rekindling of romance was not what I was hoping for, but there was some of a new flavor, and I did enjoy the hint of romance in the future.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Paula Brackston for the ARC!!!

Secrets of the Chocolate House (Book 2) by Paula Brackston

Historical fiction
St Martin’s Press
October 22, 2019
Rating: 4/5
5/9/19 rec’d
7/2/19-8/7/19
Follow up to The Little Shop of Found Things.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2802473818

I received this digital arc from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an unbiased review.

Publication date: Oct 22, 2019
Book 2 which continues the story of Xanthe and her mother Flora who open a antique shop in a quaint English town. They settled into this new neighborhood for a fresh start after Flora’s divorce and Xanthe’s breakup from her angry, controlling boyfriend, Marcus. It seems Xanthe has a special “talent” by which antique items “sing to her” with a tale from the past. She is able to find treasures which help sales in their business.

In this story, Xanthe’s talents are again taken to a different level. She is fortunate to have wonderful neighbors who check on her mother who is often debilitated by her arthritis. Liam, the town mechanic, is always available to help when needed. Xanthe seems to dismiss his obvious signs of affection which is further complicated by the unexpected arrival of her ex boyfriend, Marcus.

The first story has Xanthe time traveling to relieve the angst and threats from a woman who haunts her. It was dangerous the first time where she met and fell in love with Samuel Appleby who was betrothed to Henrietta. Although difficult she manages to complete his mission to return home.

This time an old copper chocolate pot calls to her in a distressful manner. Again, she begins to investigate the origins and history of this pot which begs for her help. Coincidentally, the chocolate pot seems to come from 1605 which was the era of her previous trip. Xanthe has conflicting feelings about lying to her mother and again risking her life by traveling back in time. She also feels a connection with Samuel Appleby who she abruptly left on her first trip.

Before this trip Xanthe finds she can confide in Harley who owns the neighboring pub, Feathers with his wife. He happens to have a lot of history which he shares with her regarding his interest in time travel. Harley agrees to watch out for her mother while she travels to resolve the mystery regarding the chocolate pot.

Xanthe feels somewhat prepared for her travel this time purchasing era related clothing. Her travels this time bring her to an unexpected place where she meets Mistress Flyte. She learns more about her special ability to time travel and of those who came before her. She is also provided with guidelines and precautions regarding particular people who might pose an obstacle to her accomplishing her mission.

While Xanthe tries to balance her life between past and present, she realizes that she plays a bigger role in history than she realized. There are many foundations for book 3 as her ex boyfriend Marcus is still in town trying to win her back. Meanwhile, she starts to acknowledge her feelings for Liam may extend beyond friendship.

Secrets of the Chocolate House earns 5+/5 Time-crossed Love Affairs...Engaging!

Paula Brackston has become a favorite author due to her extremely well-written three-book Shadow Chronicles and two-book The Witch’s Daughter series, so I was eager to read this second book in her Found Things series. I was concerned I’d be at a disadvantage not having yet read book one, “The Little Shop of Found Things,” but in many respects, it is a stand-alone with some references to the first book (no confusion, no spoilers) making it easy to get totally involved! I, however, found it very helpful knowing a bit about the series from online synopses.

Brackston’s fascinating theme in her Found Things series begins with the premise that people throughout their lives imprint emotions onto their belongings: a piece of treasured jewelry, a well-worn gown, a copper pot. Adding to the thought objects hold these connections to their owners, there are people with the gift to hear, feel, sense this imprint and connect with the long-lost owner even being able to time travel or “spin.” Xanthe Westlake, all her life, has been one of those sensitive people having experienced many objects “singing” to her, telling her of their secrets, and now transporting her back in time, but exploring those objects, those connections, can be problematic...engaging...even, epic. Her “spinning” this time, precipitated by the whisper of a copper chocolate pot, leads her back again to the seventeenth century where Samuel, her long, long ago love, is in peril, and another “spinner” is poised to destroy everything.

Brilliant! Although written in a third-person narrative (not a favorite perspective in which to immerse myself), Paula Brackston has painted the most marvelous story to which I have become engaged. Xanthe exists in two worlds (contemporary and seventeenth century) creating interesting situations in which she must navigate...what’s accepted in one era could get you imprisoned in the other. Using vivid imagery and descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well the various personalities and tone, the story incorporates fascinating English history, insights into chocolate houses, a nemesis, an ex, a friendship, a love. Xanthe is somewhat of an enigma. She isn’t as strong or as prepared as one would expect from a protagonist with her gift, but I see growth in progress. Also some queries I had about “spinning” and any history about “why her” aren’t completely addressed, and there’s an intriguing cliffhanger ending...it’s going to be a deliciously long series!