I was hoping that this book could turn it around, but honestly I was just bored. You would think a book about time travel would be interesting, but it's really not. I think Brackston is hoping to set up Xanthe so have an epic nemesis like in her "The Witch's Daughter" series and I just cannot live through that mess again. This book doesn't hang together very well. Xanthe is not interesting at all. We have some pieces about her ability to "spin" through time, but no real information. We also have her talking to another character about this and my eyes glazed over. I wanted Xanthe to go back to Samuel and her protestations about her mother and her store just got annoying. We also have three love interests this time through and I just threw up my hands. The big bad was a laugh and a half and I just maybe snickered at the ending. Maybe next time Xanthe listens to someone.

Xanthe is trying to stay focused on helping her mother run her antique business in the town of Marlborough. Xanthe still thinks about Samuel, the man she met back in the seventeenth century. However, Xanthe is determined to not travel back in time. She had a hard time lying to her mother and she knows that she can't say back in the past. However, on a shopping trip with her mother, a chocolate pot "sings" to Xanthe. She doesn't know why it's calling to her and why it seems so reluctant to show her it's story. When Xanthe gets a vision that Samuel is in danger, she travels back in time to find out that he is being held prisoner and soon to be hanged for a plot against the king. If this isn't enough, Xanthe's ex Marcus is running around Marlborough trying to get her to talk to him again. And of course we have Liam still wanting more from Xanthe though she's told him she's not ready for a relationship.

I don't know, I should not have been hoping that Xanthe fail and stay back in the past. Her reasoning behind staying for her mother made me cringe a bit. I don't really see Xanthe doing what she loves, she's staying to take care of her mother and help her with her business. We hear how Xanthe is a really good singer, and I don't recall her singing that much this go round. Maybe once I think? It just seems as if all of her supposed passions are dried up. When Xanthe finally meets someone who knows about her abilities though she can't get information out of them. I started to get annoyed because it makes zero sense to me why it's not discussed. And then of course, Xanthe meets another spinner, or what I call a dark leaper (you Quantum Leap fans know what I am talking about). Honestly that is what jarred me a bit, I did start thinking about this book being a send up of Quantum Leap and then I started to see if I could find that series streaming anywhere.

I can't even say much about other characters. The most interesting one to me is a woman that Xanthe meets in the past who won't tell her much. We sadly don't get enough scenes with her and Samuel. Liam bugs me and Marcus sucked. We have Xanthe revealing her powers to someone and I was so bored with that that I started looking up Quantum Leap gifs.

The writing read as forced to me a few times. I mean honestly this whole Samuel is in danger thing could have been tied up pretty fast. But nope, we have Xanthe jumping back and forth in time and dealing with nonsense from Marcus and going over her abilities with someone and then going back in time trying to deal with the evil leaper. Pick a story-line and stick with it please.

The flow was off and I kept going oh is she still on that with so and so? I just started to lose interest in this whole book by the 70 percent mark or so. It was a struggle to finish cause we have like 3 or 4 "endings" before we get to the dun dun dun one.

The book jumps back and forth from our time to the 1600s in England again. The only reason why I am giving this book 2 stars though is that Brackston obviously did research on chocolate houses in that time and place and chocolate pots. I didn't even know that this was a real thing and got interested in reading about them and liked the details we are given. At times the book reads as a history book, but it didn't bother me at all.

The ending is a cliffhanger and one wonders how Xanthe is going to get her way out of this one.

This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

A lot of our patrons have read Little Shop of Found Things and were fascinated from beginning to end so for their sake I had to read Secrets of the Chocolate House. I must say at first I did not know what to expect and was a little skeptical at first. As I started reading I was afraid of disappointment but as the book carried on my interest engine started to spark. My heart warmer are characters with unique names such as Xanthe and the secrets she beholds resulting from Little Shop of Found Things plays a intricate role in this book too and she continues to run the antique shop and uncovers a copper chocolate mug that changes the course of the book. From that point, I could not stop reading and loved every page since. I know a lot of fans of Little Shop of Found things will certainly love Secrets of the Chocolate House and I can't wait to tell everyone about it and see what Brackston has in store for next time.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Secrets of the Chocolate House: Found Things Book 2 by Paula Brackston is a delightful mix of Historical, Romance, Time Travel and Fantasy Fiction. This newest book is the second in this series and includes chocolate, antiques, special objects, a mysterious book, and remarkable time travel. Brackston‘s words as with all her books flow through your mind like listening to beautiful music. Her characters, scene settings and details are written in a way that makes the reader feel a part of the story. I almost feel as if I am traveling with Xanthe on her journeys through time. Don’t miss any of Paula Brackston‘s books but this series is my personal favorite. I hope that this series will continue with new journeys and adventures for Xanthe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.

I loved this book and consider it a worthy successor to the first in the series. I’m now mad about having to wait for the third because I wanna knoooooow.

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston
Review by Dawn Thomas

320 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: October 22, 2019

Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Time Travel

This is the second book in the Found Things series. Since this is the second book in the series, I recommend reading The Little Shop of Found Things first. There are several references in this story that would make more sense after reading the first book.

Several months have passed since we met Xanthe and her mother, Flora. Their antique shop is set up and they are making sales. They go to an estate sale to buy more things for the shop and find a room full of chocolate pots. They pick the ones they think they can sell but a dented copper pot sings to Xanthe and she must have it. She rushes home to find out the secrets it wants to share with her. Xanthe spends some time with the pot and travels back into the seventeenth century. She fears Samuel, an architect she met during her last travels, is not safe. When she arrives back in time, she meets a mysterious man. She immediately senses danger from him. Mistress Flyte, the owner of the Chocolate House comes to her rescue. As the story progresses, we learn the connection between Mistress Flyte and Xanthe.

During her time travels, we also learn about Benedict Fairfax, another time spinner. He has Samuel working on his abbey. The working conditions are hard and Samuel’s future rests in Fairfax’s hands. Xanthe does what she can to help Samuel, but will it be enough. In the present time, Marcus, Xanthe’s ex-boyfriend comes to Marlborough. He wants her to come back to him, but she doesn’t want any part of him. She has already paid a price for her relationship with him. And then there is Liam, the handsome mechanic that is always willing to lend a hand. Will something develop between the two of them?

The book is written in third person and revolves around Xanthe in both the present and her time travels. The characters are well developed, and historical references make the story feel more authentic. I have enjoyed other books by this author and look forward to reading more about Xanthe’s adventures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical or time travel stories.

I've had an ARC of SOTCH on my kindle for a few months now but I like to read them in order of release date. I'm telling you it killed me to see this beauty sitting there waiting for me to feast my eyes upon the words falling forth from the pages.

I had such a strong connection to Xanthe in TLSOFT and this time around was no different. Xanthe is growing in her time traveling and is learning more about her abilities.

She now knows that she must return to Samuel's time to ensure that events occur as they should so that the present isn't altered. She learns very quickly that not all people who can spin time is an adversary. Sometimes they are the biggest foe that she will encounter. Often times determined to throw things out of order. Xanthe must fight to save Samuel while also making sure she returns to her own place and time.

Oh my this was such a delight to read and the ending will leave you wanting more.

**ARC received through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

Xanthe and her mother are new proprietors of an antiques shop and they must find enough stock to be ready for holiday shoppers to make a success of their business. Xanthe is well-suited to this job because interesting objects ‘speak’ to her. In the first book of the series it was a chatelain from the 1600s that took Xanthe on the adventure of a lifetime. Now, in the second book, Xanthe isn’t sure she wants another adventure but when she touches a recently acquired chocolate pot she envisions the man she met the first time she travelled. She realizes she may not have a choice whether or not to return to him. At the same time her ex-boyfriend turns up and instantly reminds her of why he’s an ex. Xanthe is faced with decisions and choices in the current day as well as a few centuries earlier. It all added up to an enjoyable time travel that left me looking forward to the next book in the Found Things series.

What a fun and thrilling romp through time! Xanthe, a "spinner", is one who can spin time and travel through it. Her access point is the old blind house facilitated by objects which "sing" to her, calling her back in time to right a wrong or correct an injustice. As it turns out, this is the call of the "spinners".

As Xanthe and her mother, Flora, are out on an antique gathering excursion for their fledgling Marlborough shop, Xanthe runs across a sweet and quite old chocolate pot. Just holding the item sends shivers and excitement through her being as the object "sings" to her. As she holds the pot, it conjures visions of 17th century Samuel in distress. Xanthe is torn between following the call of the chocolate pot or staying home to assist her physically challenged mum in running the shop. She hates having to spin lies in order to prevent her mother's worry. Yet, she cannot resist the call and back to the 17th century she goes, landing in the hoarde cellar of a Chocolate House, where lots of secrets can be found and shared. As inexperienced at time travel as Xanthe is, she worries whether she has arrived at the right time and whether she's too late to help Samuel. Thus begins the story.

Author Paula Brackston, through her extensive research, is brilliant at world building and deftly creates two - the now and 17th century then of England. Her writing is exquisitely crafted and at times poetic. Such a wonderful imagination this author has to spin such a fabulous yarn.

This second in series book, stands well enough on its own. However, there are a few tantalizing references to the first which have piqued my curiosity enough to reserve, "The Little Shop of Found Things", from my local library. I eagerly await its availability as well as the next installment in this grand and adventurous series.

I am grateful to Paula Brackston and her publishing team at St. Martin's Press for having provided a free uncorrected proof of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

I love the mystery and fantasy in Paula’s books. This was an excellent read that incorporates historical fiction, time travel, and magic. Highly recommend this sequel!

This was definitely a different read for me. Usually my favorite genre is Historical Fiction, but the title with "chocolate in it was too tempting! I have read time travel books before, but this was definitely a bit more unusual. Having said that, the book held my attention and I found it quite interesting. I didn't know this was a sequel, but I feel that it could stand on its own. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked from the first page. Though I had. It read this author before, I will be following her now. I expect I will take a step back and read her earlier book too. I liked the main character and found her sympathetic. The historical details seem well researched. This book should appeal to fans of both historical fiction and time travel fantasy. Excellent. I hope to read more like this.

Moving forward in life is hard when your heart and friends are deeply in the past. As she tires to move on she is continually drawn to thinking of where she has been and who has made impressions on her life. Will she be content in her new life or want to be back where she feels connected

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, Netgalley.com and St. Martin's Press. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ms. Brackston is a master storyteller and Secrets of the Chocolate House doesn't disappoint. The second in a series that should be on the reading list of every fan of historical fiction, time travel-romance. A thoroughly entertaining read.

4 out of 5 stars. Recommended reading.

The Little Shop of Found Things captivated me in Paris--I almost wanted to stay in my hotel and read the book rather than explore the city on my vacation. When I learned the second book was coming out, I immediately requested it. It did not disappoint! The plot was enthralling with a delicious twist at the end. I can't wait to read the third book in the series!

I loved The Little Shop of Found Things and was very excited to read the second book in the Found Things series. Paula Brackston does not disappoint! Secrets of the Chocolate House is an extremely enjoyable read that I don’t think requires reading the first book. Brackston seems to provide the necessary information to new readers while also reminding the “old” readers. It was delightful to meet up with Xanthe again and to accompany her as she travels through time. It was also fun to see the Appleby clan, especially Samuel.

Xanthe has a gift. Certain objects “sing” to her, prompting her to travel to a certain time where her help is needed. She feels compelled to heed the call because otherwise the outcome could be regrettable and the future thrown off its proper path.

Secrets of the Chocolate House begins with the discovery of an old chocolate pot that “sings” to Xanthe and produces quite an adventure that challenges her resourcefulness and perseverance. Xanthe must deal with danger, intrigue and questions of who to trust and who to fear. She learns she is not the only time traveler or spinner. However, this other spinner is evil and wants to hurt her beloved Samuel. What can she do to save him?

I really appreciate that Brackston developed the time travel element. We learn more about spinning, for example that objects cannot travel forward in time because they will degrade or deteriorate. Xanthe learns to have a little more control over how to travel to specific times. Also, it was interesting for her to “compare notes” with another spinner and have a mentor to further her abilities.

The story is well structured and the characters are well developed. I particularly like Brackston’s writing style and her use of imagery. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see what object sings to Xanthe and where it takes her.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Second book in the series, I found this book full of adventure and interesting characters. Sometimes traveling between times a story can get lost but this was easy to follow and kept your attention. Great detail. Would read more from this author. She gets details for the period and a great imagination. I found I could imagine myself in the story. Love the art work on the cover as well. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press .

This is the first book by the author that I have read and is the second in a series. The description made it sound that it is similar in style to the Outlander series and will work as a stand alone novel. I have to disagree with both. I found frequent references in the book to the first one in the series making reading that mandatory before being able to fully understand everything that was taking place in the second. The only commonality with the Outlander series is the ability to time travel. Using inantimate objects that spoke to the time traveler was an interesting twist, but not enough for me to cotinue to engage in the series.

I received a free Kindle ARC courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. It was with the understanding that I would provide an honest review and post it on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

I adore Paula Brackston's stories. They are all so whimsical and full of beautifully descriptive cosy settings. I found this series of books thus far to be very easy to fall into. They are different than her witch books, but equally good. These are more of a light read than her other books, so if you want something that isn't too serious you would enjoy these. I think fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen would enjoy this series.

Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston is a well-written, entertaining mix of Historical Fiction and Fantasy that kept me engaged throughout the book. While it is the second book in the series, it worked as a standalone novel. I believe most readers would benefit from reading the series in order as there are references back to events in the first book of the series. However, this did not diminish my reading pleasure.

The novel takes place in and around Marlborough, a market town in the English county of Wiltshire in a mix of contemporary times and the latter part of the first decade of the seventeenth century. Xanthe and her mother Flora now live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe’s parents are going through a divorce, money is tight and Flora is suffering from arthritis. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices. Objects sing/whisper to her. When a copper chocolate pot calls to her, she knows that she will once again be time traveling.

Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place. Her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. There is history, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, a villain, hope, friendship and much more.

I wish that Xanthe was a stronger female protagonist. She is still somewhat unsure of herself whether she is in contemporary times or in the seventeenth century. However, there are hints of changes and I expect this is one thing that the author will address in future books.

Readers that enjoy time travel and history should enjoy this novel. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Brackston.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston via Net Galley for a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

I loved this sequel to The Little Shop of Found Things, Paula Brackston did a fabulous job. The Xanthe and her mother F[ora; as well as characters that were new described so well and fir right into the "spinning" scenes. Her first book was my first experience reading about time travelling and this gave me more fun experiences with it. I loved the details and descriptions of antiques and items from the time period she traveled to. I had fun reading this and am not sure whether to expect a sequel. I hope there is one.