Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula BrackstonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Secrets of the Chocolate House (Book 2) by Paula Brackston
Follow up to The Little Shop of Found Things.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received a digital copy of this 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.
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