The Garden of Promises and Lies by Paula Brackston
Series: Found Things #3
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: December 15, 2020
Date Read: December 16, 2020
Length: 320 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
The third installment of a bewitching series “brimming with charm and charisma” that will make “fans of Outlander rejoice!” (Woman’s World Magazine).
New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s second novel in the Found Things series, Secrets of the Chocolate House, was called a “time-swapping romance [that] will please fans of Alice Hoffman” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with a third book, The Garden of Promises and Lies.
As the bustle of the winter holidays in the Little Shop of Found Things gives way to spring, Xanthe is left to reflect on the strange events of the past year. While she’s tried to keep her time-traveling talents a secret from those close to her, she is forced to take responsibility for having inadvertently transported the dangerous Benedict Fairfax to her own time. Xanthe comes to see that she must use her skills as a Spinner if she and Flora are ever to be safe, and turns to the Spinners book for help.
It is then that a beautiful antique wedding dress sings to her. Realizing the dress and her adversary are connected in some way, she answers the call. She finds herself in Bradford-on-Avon in 1815, as if she has stepped into a Jane Austen story.
Now in Xanthe’s time, Fairfax is threatening Xanthe into helping him with his evil doings, and demonstrates all too clearly how much damage he is capable of causing. With Fairfax growing ever more powerful, Xanthe enlists the help of her boyfriend Liam, taking him back in time with her. It is a decision that might just ensure she prevails over her foe, but only by putting her life—and his—on the line.
This was fantastic! I tend to enjoy time travel stories so I was drawn to this series from the start. Once I started reading the series, it became evident that this was something really special. I was really looking forward to this installment and it delivered on every level. I found this book to be a wonderful escape and really enjoyed going along with Xanthe during this adventure.
I received a digital review copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.
About the AuthorPAULA BRACKSTON is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter, The Winter Witch, The Midnight Witch, The Silver Witch, and The Return of the Witch. She has a master’s degree in creative writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She lives in Wales with her family.
I always wanted to try book 1 🙂
I think time-travel stories are fascinating, and this one really sounds and looks like a very charming read! I'll have to start from the first instalment, though, it seems to me like this is a series I shouldn't miss 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carole!
very interesting story and cover, not to mention the very intriguing title names. I can't wait to try these out (once they are finished, I can't bear a cliffhanger)
Neat how there was big progress in the story. I have book one and need to get busy on the series.
I'll have to think about this series. I am generally not a fan of time travel. I love the cover on this one though. Thanks for the review.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Sounds like a great series.