Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston

Secrets of the Chocolate House (Found Things #2) by Paula Brackston, 308 p.

"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?"

This second foray into the time-traveling Xanthe adventures was as good as the first. A fun read, going a little deeper with relationships both in the current time and in the 17th century. I'm still up for a cuppa with Xanthe and her mum, but I'd like Liam to join in this one as well. 
 

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

The Little Shop of Found Things (Found Things #1) by Paula Brackston, 307 p.

"Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.

It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she's confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s.

While Xanthe fights to save her amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave."--Goodreads blurb

This was a fun first step into a new series with some time-traveling magic and fun characters. Xanthe doesn't always make the best decisions, but that makes for a fun (and sometimes infuriating) story. I'd love to have a cuppa with Xanthe and her mum (using vintage china, of course)!