The Lost Apothecary: A Novel

pleasantly surprised! I found this book on a whim at Walmart, the cover caught my eye. it's normally not a book that I would go for but I thought why not. What I did love was that it was a novel told between three women in a dual timeline. it wasn't a nail biting book the whole way through, however I did enjoy the ending for the modern timeline. I wish there had been more to the ending of the old England timeline. did it leave me with unanswered questions at the end, oh yes! Just as the author had intended.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a dual-timeline novel told from the point-of-view of three women. I found this to be an engaging historical novel. I was transported back to London in 1791 where Nella has a small hidden apothecary shop. Nella catered to women who needed a certain man in their life removed. She only catered to women who wished to harm men. Eliza Fanning arrives one day on behalf of her mistress who needs help taking care of her husband. Eliza is fascinated by Nella’s workshop and asks dozens of questions. A friendship of sorts develops between the pair. Caroline Parcewell is in London on what was supposed to be her tenth anniversary trip. The night before departure, Caroline discovered her husband has been cheating on her. She takes the trip to give herself time to think away from home and her husband. Caroline goes mudlarking on her first day and discovers an old blue apothecary bottle in the Thames. Caroline sets out to find out more information on the bottle and where it came from. It was fascinating learning more about an apothecary shop and what it contained. A small amount of an item can be helpful, while a large amount can be deadly. I admit that I enjoyed the historical time-period more than the modern storyline. Personally, the book could have excluded Caroline’s story and been even better (less repetition too). However, I did like how the three storylines tied together. The Lost Apothecary is a well-written, developed story with great characters and a fabulous, dark atmosphere. It has a spooky quality that I loved. The Lost Apothecary is a dark, mysterious tale that captured my attention and imagination. Sarah Penner created an intriguing debut novel and I look forward to reading Sarah Penner’s next creation.

This is author Sarah Penner's debut novel and it's a very fun read. Part historical fiction, part suspenseful mystery. Like many novels published these days, there are two stories in different time periods. But unlike many writers who use this technique, Penner doesn't wait for the end to tie the two stories together. Instead, they unfold in a clever and complementary fashion through three narrators: 1. Caroline: Living in Ohio where she works a safe but boring bookkeeping job, Caroline is in London on what was supposed to be an extravagant 10th anniversary celebration with her husband. Until circumstances forced her to take the trip alone. 2. Nella: A single woman with a tragic past now maintains a small, hidden apothecary her mother began. Only Nella uses what she knows to help desperate women escape from untenable situations. 3. Eliza: Just 12 years old, Eliza is already working as a servant in the home of a wealthy patron, and facing difficult situations of her own. In 1791, Eliza is asked to deliver a secret message from her mistress to Nella's shop. Immediately, the Eliza and Nella form an unexpected connection. One that eventually threatens both their lives. In the present day, Caroline, suffering from jet lag, wanders London and serendipitously joins a walk along the Thames River where tourists sample mudlarking (looking for treasures in mud). With a lifelong passion for history, Caroline's discovery leads her on a research adventure that changes her life. These three strong women (or two women and a girl) run into bigger themes as well. Including the privilege inherent in the British class system, the dynamics of marriage, the nature of revenge, and how each individual needs to find their own fulfillment and happiness. The writing is direct and concise and there's plenty of action! Don't miss this quick and enjoyable read!