The Little Shop of Found Things: A Novel (Found Things, 1) Paperback – October 1, 2019

I hardly ever have the time to read anymore -- so I'm VERY HAPPY I "randomly found" this gem of a book, while in a quaint local bookstore buying books for my grandchildren for Christmas! I loved every single page, and Paula Brackston is such an amazing author, who paints vivid pictures with her beautiful words and phrases. That's important to me -- an artist with a vivid imagination, who literally SEES visions of word descriptions in my head.This book has so many things that intrigue me: time-travel (back to 1605); mystery; a vengeful ghost who really just adores her own daughter and would do anything to ensure she is saved from execution; a completely lovable, intelligent, and "gifted" protagonist with a dear, sweet, goofy mother; a sweet, unexpected romance (described in such a "clean/inoffensive" way -- I don't like graphic descriptions of physical intimacy); the beautiful countryside of southern England with its ancient buildings and rolling hills; antiques, and a bit of Olde English history that makes one really appreciate the day and age we live in, with laws that protect the individual.I hadn't even finished the first chapter before I bought a Kindle-copy for my 88-year old mother, knowing she would love this book too! I now can't wait to read the two next, as this is a trilogy. I also intend to find Paula Brackston's other published works -- as she is a master of language, and an expert at pulling the heartstrings of her readers! I will definitely read this one again -- someday!

I wanted to live this book. But it was just alright. I wanted her to tell Samuel her secret. I wanted to know what became of Alice. Too many loose ends. But it was a good story.

Another good summer find.I think summer reading is a favorite of mine.This book was whimsical and entertaining.I would suggest it to anyone. It is a series so on the the next one.

Such a lovely story of a daughter's love for her mother amid time traveling back to the 17th century. I highly recommend this book !

I normally don’t read what I deem as ‘fluffy’ books, but my friend and I have been doing a little long distance book club during the pandemic and we both felt a little depressed after reading several WW II novels, so we’re trying some lighter reads. The title of this book caught our attention and the idea of a ghost story was intriguing.I didn’t completely hate it, but there were plot holes in the story that prevented me from fully enjoying it. Honestly, the ghost was in no way essential to the storyline and should have been left out completely. It seemed the ghost was thrown in to keep it from being an Outlander wannabe. The supporting characters are very one dimensional. I would’ve loved to have seen them be more fully developed and actively involved, as opposed to just being convenient to Xanthe when they filled a need. It seemed unrealistic that the protagonist experienced a malevolent haunting, multiple instances of time travel, and a tragically ended love affair without ever confiding in anyone and without her actions and absences ever truly being questioned by anyone. It was all just a little too rushed and convenient.All in all, I wanted to love this book but didn’t get there. I liked it enough to order the second book in the trilogy and give it a chance. After finishing Little Shop of Found Things we read Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber and LOVED it (AMAZINGLY filled with fully developed, likable and quirky characters!), so if you enjoy light reads with a mixture of mystery and magical realism, I highly recommend it!

The glimmer of an enticing plot kept me reading, despite not-so-in-depth conversations by most characters. Could be due to the plot considerations, but that is the one thing I felt left unsatisfied by this book. Overall, really enjoyed this piece of light reading between non-fiction I alternate between.

The story is great but unfortunately the condition of the book I purchased is not :(

This was one of those few books where you read it as quickly as you can because you can't bear to put it down....But when you realize you only have 20 pages left, you slow down and reluctantly finish the book, because you can't bear to have it end.I truly did not want the story to end and I cannot wait to continue reading more from, Paula Brackston. The story was full of beautiful characters that you loved quickly, the pace of the story was perfect, there were twists and turns, but they weren't out of nowhere like some authors do, it truly is a masterpiece of writing. I wish I could give a 10 stars! It is now one of my favorite books I've ever read.Thank you for sharing your wit and talent Paula.

Some history, fantasy and romance. Couldn’t ask for anything better! If you like time travel this is a must read.

Love, love, loved this book and cannot wait to start on the next one... I love history, antiques, little country lanes and adventure. This book has it all in abundance and a love story which made my heart ache for the lovers and their own destinies.Thank you for such a great read with cliffhangers all and such a great story...

muy recomendable

The storyline took a while to get into and feel the direction it was going, but once there, this is an incredible read. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed the plot, but the writing could have been more concise. There's little evidence of a good editor, alas. Still, I stuck around to see how it would end, and the author has left the door open for more in the series.