Secrets of the Chocolate House

Secrets of the Chocolate House is a spellbinding journey back into an exciting world of time-travel! I loved kicking off fall with a little bit of magic and mystery, and book 2 of the Found Things series was the perfect way to ring in the new season.

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?

I fell in love with the main character, Xanthe, in the first book of this series, The Little Shop of Found Things. She is a young woman who owns an antique shop with her vibrant mother. She finds herself drawn to certain antique items that “sing” to her, connecting her with their past and transporting her to their time. As soon as I dove into this latest book in the series, I was immediately transported deep into Xanthe’s latest adventure as she is now taking time travel more in stride along with taking a firmer hold on her destinations and desires.

Secrets of the Chocolate House was just as entertaining, engrossing and exciting as the first book...Actually it was even more engrossing, and I found myself unable to set this book down. I loved how the characters continued to develop, make deeper connections and bonds with each other as they form a tighter knit community. They really are a unique and endearing cast, and I was fully invested in all their lives.

Brackston’s writing is still as eloquent and engrossing as ever, and creates an atmosphere that is thick and palpable. Just like the first book, the storyline is intriguing, warm and suspenseful. Oh…and that cliffhanger at the end has me salivating for book three!

If you are a fan of The Caught in Time series or the Veronica Speedwell series, than you will thoroughly enjoy this time-traveling series! So, grab yourself a warm cozy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, this book and get ready for a wonderful fall/winter read!