The Garden of Promises and Lies: A Novel

Description

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 by putting her life-and his-on the line.

PAULA BACKSTON is the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter and The Little Shop of Found Things, among others. When not in her writer's shed, Paula can be found being walked by the dog, hacking through weeds in her vegetable patch, or sitting by the pond with a glass of wine. She lives in Wales with her family.

Praise for The Garden of Promises and Lies: Those who enjoy Brackston's unique blend of historical detail, village charm, and twisty plotting will be delighted by this rip-roaring installment. --Publishers Weekly Keeping readers engaged.. --Booklist Praise for the Found Things series: Brackston's vibrant story is on firm historical ground, with period details woven in nicely....Time-swapping romance will please fans of Alice Hoffman. --Publishers Weekly Secrets of the Chocolate House has all the romance of the seventeenth century with a heroine that is every bit twenty-first: clever, fierce, and willing to put her own life on the line to rescue the man she loves. --Ruth Emmie Lang, author of Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance Enchanting --People Brackston wonderfully blends history with the time-travel elements and a touch of romance. This series debut is a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments. --Publishers Weekly Fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander collection will delight in Brackston's new series and eagerly await its second installment. A bewitching tale of love across centuries. --Kirkus Review, best science fiction and fantasy book in October 2018