Secrets of the Chocolate House

I should have paid attention and realized this was the second in the series, not because I felt lost or out of touch with the events, but the concept, the spinning and the main character, Xanthe were just so marvelously drawn and intriguing. But, I entered with her second find and ‘assignment’ and it was both gripping and engaging. Xanthe and her mother have moved to Marlborough and opened an antiques shop: after Xanthe’s rather catastrophic end to her last relationship. She and her mother are close, and Xanthe worries about her mother: her arthritis is a constant companion, and frequent flare-ups that make it worse have limited her mobility. But, not one to be coddled, her mother is determined to make a wonderful Christmas for the two of them, and to continue re-finishing and repurposing their stock. They both have an appreciation for the past and its items, and the very special items ‘sing’ to Xanthe… such was the chocolate pot they found. The pot continues to sing to Xanthe, and while she knows that using the little ‘blind’ in their garden will allow her to travel back in time, she’s torn because of the lies she needs to tell her mother, her worries about being able to “guide” her landing in the past, and her heartbreak over the man she met – an early 17th century architect of some renown, Samuel. She thought with the last ‘task’ set her by an object that she had completed her mission, but she now knows that Samuel is in some danger due to his politics and thoughts, and she has a recurring dream of him being in a jail cell (or blind), alone, cold, scared and in danger. She uses the chocolate pot as a gps – it lands her in the blind just yards from a chocolate house, but in the sight of a dangerous man. Unsure of her purpose, or just what dangers she faces, it is the proprietress of the Chocolate House who has some answers, a task and the pot that was singing to Xanthe – newer, unblemished and purposed. The story was one of contemporary and past times, questions and answers, and plenty of intrigue. Samuel is under the employ of Benedict Fairfax, a man of great (and growing) power, and with the ability to ‘locate’ other time spinners at will. With his work on the abbey for Fairfax, the end of the construction means the end of Samuel’s life, and places both Xanthe and Samuel in a very precarious position. Meanwhile in the present, she is still singing occasionally at the local pub, her ex has returned to ‘demand’ her cooperation and Christmas is fast arriving, with their stock needing to be topped up and hopes for successful Christmas sales being of primary importance for their survival. Brackston’s prose and character development are marvelous, the historic moments are clearly well-researched, and the lore of the time spinners is as unique as it is unusual. Xanthe will risk everything in her determination to save Samuel and allow him the life he should have, while keeping Fairfax ‘contained’ and restrained. A read in one sitting book, there was plenty of information, heartache and heartbreak among the intrigue and dangerous moments, with Xanthe’s understanding of her gift and purpose as a time spinner grows. A curious and dangerous second appearance of a man from the past adds that bit of “oomph’ to the story, leading us into a third book as Xanthe’s travels continue. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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.