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Please Note: I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things was called “a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with its sequel, Secrets of the Chocolate House.
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?
Review:
Like the first book in the series, The Little Shop of Found Things, Secrets of the Chocolate House has many charming qualities. In the present day, it has a small village setting filled with interesting characters. The section set in the 18th century has many details of life at that time. And along with time travel, there is a heart-wrenching tale of impossible love. With much to recommend this book, I must say that I did have some issues with the time travel aspect of the book. But overall, this was an enjoyable adventure.
What I Liked:
Small Village Setting:I adore books set in small towns (or in the case of this British novel, small villages). The sense of community, the various neighbors, shop owners, and tourists create a setting that I wish were real so I could visit!
18th Century Life:
When Xanthe travels back to the 18th century, the author gives us so many small details of food, clothing, eating, and manners, that I felt as though I had made the journey with the character. This attention to detail is one of the reasons I love reading historical fiction.
Romance:
This isn't a conventional romantic book. While Xanthe has several men vying for her attention, she is pining away for Samuel, the man who she connected with so strongly in the 18th century. The author created a realistic portrait of how one would behave (with all the social constraints imposed on people of that era) when one's heart wants someone they can't have.
What I Was Mixed About:
Time Travel:Of course, when one is reading a book about time travel, one has to have a willing suspension of disbelief in order to accept it. But when the reader buys into that fantasy they still know that there are rules that must be followed. Usually, they are spelled out, and we can understand how this universe works. But in the case of Secrets of the Chocolate House, the rules kept changing to suit the plot. The explanation given is that every time traveler ("Spinner") works differently. Some need a specific object to Spin, other can use multiple objects, or none at all. This was confusing. Plus some of the time travel that Xanthe does towards the end of the book don't even follow Xanthe's time-traveling parameters. It would have been easier to accept all of this if the rules were more consistent.
Rating:
Release Date: October 22nd, 2019
Author: Paula Brackston
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Historical/Fantasy Fiction
Page Length: 320 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: Despite some inconsistent logic, this was a fun time-travel adventure. I will look forward to the next installment.
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