Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things, #2)
This is the second book in the Found Things series. Since this is the second book in the series, I recommend reading The Little Shop of Found Things first. There are several references in this story that would make more sense after reading the first book.
Several months have passed since we met Xanthe and her mother, Flora. Their antique shop is set up and they are making sales. They go to an estate sale to buy more things for the shop and find a room full of chocolate pots. They pick the ones they think they can sell but a dented copper pot sings to Xanthe and she must have it. She rushes home to find out the secrets it wants to share with her. Xanthe spends some time with the pot and travels back into the seventeenth century. She fears Samuel, an architect she met during her last travels, is not safe. When she arrives back in time, she meets a mysterious man. She immediately senses danger from him. Mistress Flyte, the owner of the Chocolate House comes to her rescue. As the story progresses, we learn the connection between Mistress Flyte and Xanthe.
During her time travels, we also learn about Benedict Fairfax, another time spinner. He has Samuel working on his abbey. The working conditions are hard and Samuel’s future rests in Fairfax’s hands. Xanthe does what she can to help Samuel, but will it be enough. In the present time, Marcus, Xanthe’s ex-boyfriend comes to Marlborough. He wants her to come back to him, but she doesn’t want any part of him. She has already paid a price for her relationship with him. And then there is Liam, the handsome mechanic that is always willing to lend a hand. Will something develop between the two of them?
The book is written in third person and revolves around Xanthe in both the present and her time travels. The characters are well developed, and historical references make the story feel more authentic. I have enjoyed other books by this author and look forward to reading more about Xanthe’s adventures. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical or time travel stories.
