The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enchanting journey

St Martins Press
October 2018
Fiction, library loan
Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this novel and its unique experience with time travel. Xanthe Westlake and her mother Flora moved from London to Marlborough following the divorce from her father, Philip. As they attempt to start their new life and renovate the old antique shop left in disarray after the death of Mr. Morris, a ghost from the past hones in on Xanthe for help. Margaret Merton, a spirit from the past, senses Xanthe's unique sensitivity to "hear singing" when she held certain items from the past. Through the years it has served well discovering the history and unresolved issues left with the items.

This time Xanthe buys a silver chatelaine, made in Bristol, at an auction which desperately made it known it needed her help. Little does she realize that the chatelaine is connected to the ghost, Margaret Merton, who haunts and threatens her to help her save her daughter, Alice. Of course, the problem is that Alice lives in 17th century Marlborough accused of a crime to which is she due to be hanged.

This delightful story follows the challenging adventures Xanthe must endure to hopefully save this young girl from an uncertain death. Her dedication to her mother, Flora, who ails with often disabling arthritis, is admirable. She quickly develops a friendship with Liam, a local mechanic who agrees to check on her mother while she is "visiting a friend". Soon, Xanthe finds herself "lost" between the past and present trying to solve a mystery for a spirit which has proven her ability to harm her mother should she not be successful in her mission. In the process, Xanthe meets and confuses many people in the past and present as she seeks help and information. She leaves many with unresolved feelings and unanswered questions.

Ultimately, The Shop of Found Things antique store had its grand opening which was celebrated by all the locals with the support from the owners of her neighboring establishment.
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I received the second book in this series, "Secrets of the Chocolate House", from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. It is due to be published October 22, 2019 giving me ample time to read the beginning of this wonderful adventure.



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