Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston

Happy Sunday!  Paula Brackston lives in a wild, mountainous area of Wales.  She has a MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and she is a visiting lecturer for the University of Wales, Newport.  Before becoming a writer, Paula tried several positions that included travel agent, secretary, English teacher, groom on a racing yard and a goat herd (poor goats).  When not writing at her desk under the stairs, Paula plays Swedish tennis with her children as well as gets walked by her dog (I have a dog like that) or hacks at the weeds in her vegetable patch.  She likes to relax with a glass of wine by the pond.  You can find a list of Paula Brackston's novels here on Amazon.

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston has readers traveling across the pond to Marlborough, Wiltshire, England.  Xanthe Westlake and her mother, Flora have purchased a small antiques shop so that can have a new start away from London.  Since Xanthe was a small child she has been able to read certain antiques (psychometry).  The objects that call to her, Xanthe gets memories from them.  Xanthe attends an estate sale where a silver chatelaine calls to her intently.  She feels a connection to this piece, so she sets out to find more about the chatelaine.  One day Xanthe is in the garden and the chatelaine reacts to a small building.  When Xanthe steps through the doorway, she ends up in another era.  An injustice in the past needs to righted, and Xanthe is the only person who can fix it. 

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston has an intriguing premise.  Xanthe Westlake can get memories from antique items that call to her.  She always gets a feeling when near a special object.  After finding a silver chatelaine at an estate sale, Xanthe finds herself in the past to correct an injustice.  I liked the idea of a woman with psychometry ability delving into the past.  Unfortunately, I had a difficult time wading through The Little Shop of Found Things.  I struggled to get through the story.  I kept hoping it was just a slow starter and that I would soon be completely engrossed.  That did not happen.  The pacing is sluggish and certain details are repeated often.  The author has an old fashioned writing style and there are overly detailed descriptions.  I was astonished that Xanthe would travel back wearing Doc Martens and no one notices the odd shoes (really).  I could not connect with Xanthe and I did try.  It took me several attempts, but I did finish the story.  I was just not the right audience for The Little Shop of Found Things.  I wanted to like this book because it is the type of story that appeals to me.  I failed to find the magic in The Little Shop of Found Things.

 

The Little Shop of Found Things* (Amazon UK) is the first book in the Found Things series.  Secrets of the Chocolate House is the second book.  While The Little Shop of Found Things was not right for me, it did appeal to many readers.  To see if it is your type of story, please read a sample and judge for yourself.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am featuring Fading into the Night by Vannetta Chapman tomorrow.  I hope that you have a relaxing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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