Paula Brackston
Author of The Witch's Daughter
About the Author
Series
Works by Paula Brackston
Witch 1 copy
Detective Gretel 1 copy
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Brackston, P. J.
Davy, P. J. - Birthdate
- 20th century
- Gender
- female
- Education
- Lancaster University
- Short biography
- Paula Brackston (aka P. J. Brackston, P. J. Davy, and Mabli Roberts) is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter and other historical fantasy novels. She also writes the fantasy crime Brothers Grimm Mystery series under the pseudonym P. J. Brackston.
Prior to solidifying her career as a fiction writer, Brackston worked as a groom on a racing yard, a travel agent, a secretary, an English teacher, and a goat herd. She attended Lancaster University, where she received her M.A. in creative writing. Brackston is also a visiting lecturer at the University of Wales, Newport.
She was born in Dorset, England, and grew up in Wales, where she now lives with her partner and their two children. She has lived in Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, where The Winter Witch takes place, and spent six years in central London near Fitzroy Square, where The Midnight Witch is set in seventeenth-century England. Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith, the main character of The Witch's Daughter, lived in Brackston's hometown of Dorset.
Brackston's debut novel, The Witch’s Daughter, was originally published in February 2009 under the title The Book of Shadows and was intended as the first book in the proposed Shadow Chronicles series, followed by The Winter Witch. However, each of the novels are standalones that explore witches and their experiences through different times and settings. The Witch’s Daughter spawned a sequel titled The Return of the Witch in 2016. In Lamp Black, Wolf Grey, Brackston introduces Merlin as one of the main characters in the story. - Nationality
- UK
- Birthplace
- Dorset, England, UK
- Places of residence
- Wales
London, England, UK - Associated Place (for map)
- England, UK
Members
Reviews
Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston is an intoxicating blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance that will sweep readers away into a richly woven tale of time travel and mystery. This second installment in the Found Things series builds upon the captivating world introduced in The Little Shop of Found Things, delivering even more intrigue, emotion, and magic.
The story follows Xanthe Westlake, a gifted young woman with the ability to connect with objects that call her show more back in time. In this adventure, a beautiful yet ominous antique chocolate pot draws her to the bustling, dangerous streets of 17th-century London. As she navigates a world of political intrigue, perilous alliances, and dark secrets, Xanthe must confront not only external threats but also the difficult choices of the heart as her feelings for the enigmatic Samuel intensify.
Paula Brackston’s writing shines with her vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. The setting of the chocolate house—a place of indulgence, secrecy, and power—is richly depicted, immersing readers in the sights, smells, and social intrigue of the period. Her portrayal of time travel feels both magical and grounded, with tangible consequences that add tension and depth to the narrative.
The characters are another standout element. Xanthe is a refreshingly relatable heroine, strong yet vulnerable, guided by her fierce loyalty to those she loves. Samuel’s complexity and charm create a compelling romantic tension, while supporting characters like Mistress Flyte and Harley add layers of warmth and wisdom to the story.
While the plot is full of suspense and danger, the novel’s emotional core—Xanthe’s struggle to reconcile her life in two different centuries—resonates deeply. Themes of destiny, choice, and sacrifice are skillfully interwoven, giving the story a thought-provoking edge.
Overall, Secrets of the Chocolate House is a spellbinding tale that beautifully balances history, fantasy, and romance. Brackston’s engaging storytelling and rich imagination make this a must-read for fans of time-travel fiction and historical adventure. A deliciously satisfying sequel that leaves readers eager for the next chapter in Xanthe’s journey.
Highly recommended! show less
The story follows Xanthe Westlake, a gifted young woman with the ability to connect with objects that call her show more back in time. In this adventure, a beautiful yet ominous antique chocolate pot draws her to the bustling, dangerous streets of 17th-century London. As she navigates a world of political intrigue, perilous alliances, and dark secrets, Xanthe must confront not only external threats but also the difficult choices of the heart as her feelings for the enigmatic Samuel intensify.
Paula Brackston’s writing shines with her vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail. The setting of the chocolate house—a place of indulgence, secrecy, and power—is richly depicted, immersing readers in the sights, smells, and social intrigue of the period. Her portrayal of time travel feels both magical and grounded, with tangible consequences that add tension and depth to the narrative.
The characters are another standout element. Xanthe is a refreshingly relatable heroine, strong yet vulnerable, guided by her fierce loyalty to those she loves. Samuel’s complexity and charm create a compelling romantic tension, while supporting characters like Mistress Flyte and Harley add layers of warmth and wisdom to the story.
While the plot is full of suspense and danger, the novel’s emotional core—Xanthe’s struggle to reconcile her life in two different centuries—resonates deeply. Themes of destiny, choice, and sacrifice are skillfully interwoven, giving the story a thought-provoking edge.
Overall, Secrets of the Chocolate House is a spellbinding tale that beautifully balances history, fantasy, and romance. Brackston’s engaging storytelling and rich imagination make this a must-read for fans of time-travel fiction and historical adventure. A deliciously satisfying sequel that leaves readers eager for the next chapter in Xanthe’s journey.
Highly recommended! show less
What a fun and thrilling romp through time! Xanthe, a "spinner", is one who can spin time and travel through it. Her access point is the old blind house facilitated by objects which "sing" to her, calling her back in time to right a wrong or correct an injustice. As it turns out, this is the call of the "spinners".
As Xanthe and her mother, Flora, are out on an antique gathering excursion for their fledgling Marlborough shop, Xanthe runs across a sweet and quite old chocolate pot. Just show more holding the item sends shivers and excitement through her being as the object "sings" to her. As she holds the pot, it conjures visions of 17th century Samuel in distress. Xanthe is torn between following the call of the chocolate pot or staying home to assist her physically challenged mum in running the shop. She hates having to spin lies in order to prevent her mother's worry. Yet, she cannot resist the call and back to the 17th century she goes, landing in the hoarde cellar of a Chocolate House, where lots of secrets can be found and shared. As inexperienced at time travel as Xanthe is, she worries whether she has arrived at the right time and whether she's too late to help Samuel. Thus begins the story.
Author Paula Brackston, through her extensive research, is brilliant at world building and deftly creates two - the now and 17th century then of England. Her writing is exquisitely crafted and at times poetic. Such a wonderful imagination this author has to spin such a fabulous yarn.
This second in series book, stands well enough on its own. However, there are a few tantalizing references to the first which have piqued my curiosity enough to reserve, "The Little Shop of Found Things", from my local library. I eagerly await its availability as well as the next installment in this grand and adventurous series.
I am grateful to Paula Brackston and her publishing team at St. Martin's Press for having provided a free uncorrected proof of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. show less
As Xanthe and her mother, Flora, are out on an antique gathering excursion for their fledgling Marlborough shop, Xanthe runs across a sweet and quite old chocolate pot. Just show more holding the item sends shivers and excitement through her being as the object "sings" to her. As she holds the pot, it conjures visions of 17th century Samuel in distress. Xanthe is torn between following the call of the chocolate pot or staying home to assist her physically challenged mum in running the shop. She hates having to spin lies in order to prevent her mother's worry. Yet, she cannot resist the call and back to the 17th century she goes, landing in the hoarde cellar of a Chocolate House, where lots of secrets can be found and shared. As inexperienced at time travel as Xanthe is, she worries whether she has arrived at the right time and whether she's too late to help Samuel. Thus begins the story.
Author Paula Brackston, through her extensive research, is brilliant at world building and deftly creates two - the now and 17th century then of England. Her writing is exquisitely crafted and at times poetic. Such a wonderful imagination this author has to spin such a fabulous yarn.
This second in series book, stands well enough on its own. However, there are a few tantalizing references to the first which have piqued my curiosity enough to reserve, "The Little Shop of Found Things", from my local library. I eagerly await its availability as well as the next installment in this grand and adventurous series.
I am grateful to Paula Brackston and her publishing team at St. Martin's Press for having provided a free uncorrected proof of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. show less
Tilda, a widow of one year, has finally moved into the remote Welsh cottage that she and her husband were going to live in until an accident put an end to their plans. She hopes to work on her pottery and find peace. Once there, however, strange things start happening. Modern things- whether it be the electricity, gasoline engines, or simply mechanical things like a grandfather clock- start refusing to work when she is around them. Then she sees a vision on the lake- three people in a canoe, show more not dressed in modern attire. Finally, she is seeing a horrific vision of a mutilated woman- a very angry mutilated woman- threatening her. And it all seems to be connected with an archeological dig next to the lake.
In the novel’s second point of view, Seren lives in a hut by the same lake, more than a thousand years before Tilda’s time. Seren is a witch and a shaman who prophesizes for the local prince, who lives on a man-made island in the lake. She and the prince are in love, but the prince is married- a marriage made to cement an alliance.
As Tilda learns more about the past, she also gains control over the powers she seems to have acquired by coming to the lake. But can she gain control well enough to defeat the very powerful ghost that is rising from the grave the archeologists are excavating?
I enjoyed this book a great deal, although it took me a while to get into it. I loved the setting and season; winter in the secluded lake area puts Tilda largely on her own, despite a love interest. The ending managed to surprise me; it was obvious that the grave was very important but who was in it was not who I expected! Great atmosphere and I liked most of the characters, although some were rather flat, there to just serve a function. I’ll be looking for Brackston’s previously published books now. show less
In the novel’s second point of view, Seren lives in a hut by the same lake, more than a thousand years before Tilda’s time. Seren is a witch and a shaman who prophesizes for the local prince, who lives on a man-made island in the lake. She and the prince are in love, but the prince is married- a marriage made to cement an alliance.
As Tilda learns more about the past, she also gains control over the powers she seems to have acquired by coming to the lake. But can she gain control well enough to defeat the very powerful ghost that is rising from the grave the archeologists are excavating?
I enjoyed this book a great deal, although it took me a while to get into it. I loved the setting and season; winter in the secluded lake area puts Tilda largely on her own, despite a love interest. The ending managed to surprise me; it was obvious that the grave was very important but who was in it was not who I expected! Great atmosphere and I liked most of the characters, although some were rather flat, there to just serve a function. I’ll be looking for Brackston’s previously published books now. show less
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
Wow, what a strong start for a new series, with an incredibly compelling lead! Hecate Cavendish is the independent-minded bright daughter of an archaeologist. She speeds through Hereford on her bicycle, thrilled to be starting her new job as an assistant librarian at the local cathedral. There, she's enthralled not only by the collection of old, obscure books, but by the medieval map over her desk--and in it, the figures seem to move, for her eyes show more alone. Within the first day, she meets new friends on the grounds as well--ghosts, which to her shock, she can speak with. But when evil entities burst forth from the crypt beneath the cathedral, darkness soon stalks the streets of Hereford.
There is so much I love about this book. Foremost is Hecate, who is smart, savvy, and oh so human. Her love of books immediately made her relatable for me. The setting is wonderful, too--Hereford, a quintessential British small town with a deep history and ready access to London for when the plot requires a jaunt to the British Museum. The supporting cast is great, too. There's the kind of ensemble cast you need for a mystery.
There were two major points that made me pause from a full 5 stars, though. First of all, I was left craving more... uniqueness in the dark magic that was afoot. Maybe more nuance and originality will emerge with future books--I hope so! The end brought a devastating twist that was a bit transparent, and overall, left a whole lot hanging. I would have liked to have had more resolved in this book, but hey, I adore Hecate and I'll be happy to read onward to find out what happens next. show less
Wow, what a strong start for a new series, with an incredibly compelling lead! Hecate Cavendish is the independent-minded bright daughter of an archaeologist. She speeds through Hereford on her bicycle, thrilled to be starting her new job as an assistant librarian at the local cathedral. There, she's enthralled not only by the collection of old, obscure books, but by the medieval map over her desk--and in it, the figures seem to move, for her eyes show more alone. Within the first day, she meets new friends on the grounds as well--ghosts, which to her shock, she can speak with. But when evil entities burst forth from the crypt beneath the cathedral, darkness soon stalks the streets of Hereford.
There is so much I love about this book. Foremost is Hecate, who is smart, savvy, and oh so human. Her love of books immediately made her relatable for me. The setting is wonderful, too--Hereford, a quintessential British small town with a deep history and ready access to London for when the plot requires a jaunt to the British Museum. The supporting cast is great, too. There's the kind of ensemble cast you need for a mystery.
There were two major points that made me pause from a full 5 stars, though. First of all, I was left craving more... uniqueness in the dark magic that was afoot. Maybe more nuance and originality will emerge with future books--I hope so! The end brought a devastating twist that was a bit transparent, and overall, left a whole lot hanging. I would have liked to have had more resolved in this book, but hey, I adore Hecate and I'll be happy to read onward to find out what happens next. show less
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- 27
- Members
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- #4,497
- Rating
- 3.6
- Reviews
- 306
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