I really tried but this book was hard for me to love, let alone appreciate.

I’ll keep this short as I don’t enjoy writing scathing reviews (and for effort and obvious enthusiasm I’ll still give this one 3 stars… or maybe just 2.5, I’ll see how I feel in the morning!).

This book was just so ridiculously contrived. The connections made were at times tedious and, even for a work of fiction, incredibly unrealistic. The characters, who all had such potential for interesting backstories and fascinating plot lines, were all reduced to two-dimensional figures with no depth when there could have been so much more. I mean empowered women taking back their agency in order to chip away at the patriarchy…Anyone for that one?! And yet…. Oh, and don’t get me started on some of the details because I could dismantle a lot of content in about 2.2 seconds (as any good copy editor should have). Anyhoo…

I LOVED the cover. What a beautiful design.

I was really intrigued but he sound of this book - the idea of a women's-only apothecary used for nefarious purposes sounded great! Unfortunately the book didn't pan out exactly how I thought or hoped it would, and I ended up finding myself just trying to get through the book by the end of it. I enjoyed the fact that 2 of the protagonists were older women, in their 30s and 40s rather than the newly-adult women I typically read about. However, I do think my main drawback of the novel was the fact that no connection of any sort was made between modern-day Caroline and Nella from the past until over halfway through the book. It made it read more like 2 books than one cohesive story, sadly. I also didn't think one of the main plot points of the story, the murder, warranted the time it took up in the book, and I have to say I preferred Caroline's relationship and new life in London instead. The book was quite predictable and not really what I had hoped for.

I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I definitely preferred Caroline's POV rather than the 1700's and the apothecary, which I found myself slim reading. I kind of just kept reading because I wanted to know the ending so it has that going for it. I kept waiting to get into it and never really did. The reason the apothecary was doing what she was doing wasn't enough for me. I was like... was that it?

I was a bit disappointed because I wanted to get pulled in and uncover the mysteries with Caroline, but everything came a little too easily and I was glad when I finished it. There were a lot of things that just "were" in the book that I didn't feel got addressed.

3/5
This book was okay, although was not particularly gripping for me. I enjoyed the multiple points of view, but I definitely preferred the sections from Caroline’s point of view compared to Nella’s and Eliza’s. I did feel a sense of mystery at times, and I do think this got better further into the book. I liked the links between Caroline’s present day accounts and Nella’s and Eliza’s historical ones, and the easy flow between them. This book was different to ones I normally read, but I did enjoy aspects of it.

I really enjoyed this book, it’s a great quick read. It’s a historical fiction told in the perspective of 3 women in 2 timelines, the late 1790s (Nella and Eliza) and present time of Caroline. I felt the 1790s storyline was a lot more interesting and enjoyable over Caroline’s, who’s story wasn’t that much of an impact. The book could even have worked just based on Nella and Eliza but I suppose having two timelines pulls the reader in more. This book cover is so beautiful ❤️ I was drawn to the book at first because of it. Would recommend for a light read.

The Lost Apothecary has languished on my shelf for far too long! In an attempt to catch up a bit I finally opened it! In the late 1700's women had little power or control. Nella, following in her mother's footsteps aims to redress the balance by providing potions exclusively for women- many of them designed to rid them of their abusive menfolk. Her small shop is well hidden & her clients know where to leave her notes. Caroline is an American who once dreamed of a life studying history but ended up getting married instead. Arriving in London alone on what was supposed to be a tenth wedding anniversary trip (she has caught her husband cheating) she wanders into a group 'mudlarking' beside the Thames. She finds a small apothecary bottle with a scratched picture of a bear & her historical instincts lead her to find answers.

The story is told across the timelines. I really loved the apothecary line, the present - not so much. Like many readers I found that some of the 18th century bits sounded 'out of time'. I also found Caroline a bit of a pain! That aside it was an enjoyable read & who could resist that lovely cover. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Unfortunately not for me. All the saddness at the star was more than I can deal with right now so unfortunately I put it down and never picked it up again

This book definitely got me in the mood for some more historical fiction.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, historical fiction set in London always seems to have a special draw for me. However this story had some really interesting characters to back up the interesting setting.

The premise originally drew me in because I was so curious to know more about an apothecary that helped women discreetly poison their abusers, whether it be husbands, masters or family, at a time when women had very little authority or independence. Let alone credibility.

My interest was more centred around Nella and Eliza in the historical time line as I found Caroline's character slightly annoying in how she dealt with her husband. Which is my own personal pet hates surrounding cheating so I didn't want it to impact on my review too much.

I wasn't expecting to read any kind of happy or hopeful ending, but without spoilers I found the ending really charming

This was a story of survival, intrigue, mystery and murder. A great concoction, the same as the potions made within the book.
A fantastic debut novel from this author. I can’t wait to see what her next one brings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing amazing book! I’ve really been getting in to this type of historical fiction reads and this particular one did not disappoint. The writing was beautifully done and I really felt swept up in the story.

I had high hopes for this one, as I like historical fiction.

This book splits into three different characters, in two different timelines. A dual view timeline back in the late 1700 and another one in the present day. The description of old London aligning with London nowadays it was well documented.

However, I found the historical one more interesting than the present-day one. I think there was a lot of potential to develop the characters a lot more, Eliza had a lot of potential. Nella seemed a bit superficial to me and she seemed super interesting at the beginning. In the present day, I found Caroline super annoying. I couldn't care less about her. I don't think her storyline was needed at all. That side could have been integrated into the historical one.

The plot for the book was very interesting, I just think that it wasn't developed properly.

What a wonderfully unique story. I was captivated right from the beginning. The Lost Apothecary has everything from mystery, suspense, crime and murder to unlikely friendships, broken hearts and self-discovery. This is a dual timeline novel that has one part of the story taking place in 1791 with our protagonists Nella and Eliza. Our other timeline takes place in the present with Caroline Parcewell. Mostly a historical fiction novel with a little dash of magical realism.

In present time Caroline is on a trip to London by herself. She should have been on a romantic 10th year anniversary trip with her husband however she discovers that he has been unfaithful to her and decides that she will go alone to London to get some much needed space to think things through. A spur of the moment decision to go on a mudlurking tour (sounds fascinating) on the banks of the Thames, Caroline finds an old vial with what looks like a small bear etched in it. Intrigued by the vial, she begins asking questions about it and this sets in motion a series of events that brings us to our tale in 1791 with Nella and Eliza. This part is fascinating as we hear through both Nella and Eliza the events that led Nella to shift her beloved mother’s apothecary for healing women to one where Nella begins to dispense mixtures of natural ingredients that could be used to kill. Only men though, no woman should be harmed by her mixtures. One day, a 12 year old Eliza walks into Nella’s shop and the two become unlikely adversaries. After a regretful meeting with a new client both Eliza and Nella find themselves in a situation that has quickly gotten out of control. This part had my heart beating faster and I just couldn’t put the book down until I knew what happened. It kept me intrigued right to the very end.

Before closing I need to mention how attractive the cover is. Love the colours, the flowers and the image of the vial.

Definitely one of my favourites for this year and one I will be thinking about for a long time to come. Truly a great read. Thank you to NetGalley and Legend Press for allowing me to read this ARC of Sarah Penner’s new novel.

I was completely swept away with this book! I loved that I could get lost in the story of both present day and the 1790s and was so satisfied with that ending.

The switching points of view kept me engaged all the way through as I couldn't wait to see what happened next in each time period. The suspense and little clues that were given in present day was a great way to keep the pace fast throughout the whole novel.

Looking forward to reading more by this author!

I am not going to deny it: the reason I wanted to read this book is absolutely because of its cover! This must be one of the most beautiful so far this year! Yet to find one with a beautiful edge… Anyone?

The three FEMALE characters are leading the narrative into a very smooth, yet pacing rhythm. I found it cruel while reading to have to wait for Nella’s chapter to come back after a big reveal. And I couldn’t wait to know what would happen to Caroline and her husband. So even though I found it cruel, it made me read faster !

I absolutely loved how different the three women are in age or even era, but how linked they all were, proving that the bond of blood isn’t the only bond that creates a family.

And don’t get me started on the men!

I was really glad about the ending. And it just showed the strength of them all, what they are ready to do to be happy. I won’t say more not to spoil.

In the late 18th century, there exists a hidden apothecary for women seeking to dispense of their abusive, filandering or otherwise controlling husbands. Once a repected healer, Nella sets out to help liberate women during a time when women have little recourse under the law. However, one particular customer does not take enough care and it ends in an investigation that could lead right back to the apothecary and certain arrest. Fast forward to the present day, an American tourist and amateur historian Caroline is in London, "celebrating" her anniversary alone and contemplating the fate of her marriage. A chance meeting with a mudlarking group in a pub, leads her to join them. Upon discovering a glass vial in the Thames, Caroline is determined to find its origin during which she uncovers the mysteries of the lost apothecary. This story starts off really well, it is intriguing and is a great concept. However, somewhere in the middle the story falls flat. As with many dual timeline books, I find myself not really caring about the "present" day narrative or protagonist, who seems to find herself in increasingly unlikely situations. The historical timeline is more interesting and engrossing, however the story begins to arc to present day begins it unravels to an implausible and disappointing end. Such a shame, I thought that had so much potential . It initially reminded me of Perfume by Patrick Süskind. Unfortunately, I could not get past the critical premise that, the reason the 21st centruy Caroline was able find the "secret", lost apothecary, was because it was dispensing poisons in vials with an easily identifiable and traceable hallmark stamped on the bottle. It’s a wonder how 18th century Nella wasn’t caught sooner. Doh!

when i heard about this book i was so exited and rightfully so this was an amazing book unlike nothing I've ever read before with beautiful writing and amazing characters we get to meet and the plot of the book was just fantastic. I would never have though that this has a debut novel .Highly recommend to anyone looking to read this.

This book had a lot of really great ingredients - female led story, dual storyline of 'then' and 'now', first person narrative from the female leads, history, a mystery and a dash of magic.
The stories of 18th Century Apothecary Nella and modern day Caroline cross over when Caroline travels to London mere days after finding out her marriage is essentially over. An ancient vial which Caroline finds while out mud larking on the Thames brings us back to Nella, who runs a secret Apothecary for Women's needs - and who has developed a speciality of natural poisons due to tragedy in her own life. Sprinkle in a bit of 12 year old Eliza helping out Nella in her secret Apothecary, and the story develops into a race against time for Caroline to figure out what happened in the past while Nella and Eliza try to outwit impending doom in their future.
I really enjoyed how both stories interlinked and came together, and how the troubles and worries of each woman are.explored to some degree. An enjoyable read

Super amazing premise that kind of fell flat for me, I didn't really engage with this as I hoped I would. The book is very very slow in my opinion and most of it just bored me. I think someone out there would really enjoy this but it wasn't for me sadly.

A wonderful book that draws you in told in 2 era's. In the modern world Caroline finds her life falling apart and after discovering her husbands infidelity she goes alone on their anniversary trip to London. Whilst being drawn to a mudlarking tour she finds a small blue vial which leads her to the story of the lost apothecary. Nella back in the 1700s is an apothecary dedicated to helping women with all their ailments including removing the men in their lives with poison. When she encounters Eliza in the course of this work both of their lives are changed forever. The tales of these women beautifully intertwine through the ages and the story that is woven is gripping and I was drawn to read it all night rather than put it down.

When I was younger I used to love digging over on the old railway line opposite our house, the old Doctors surgery used to back onto it & we'd always be unearthing old bottles & jars.

Loved this. Want to go find my own lost apothecary now!

𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚 #1: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣.

Beautifully written, loved the plotline & the idea of mudlarking. Told in dual timelines in past & present format. I adore anything that's classed as historical fiction, so a definite winner for me. Totally captivating from beginning to end. Another debut novel masterpiece!

𝙍𝙪𝙡𝙚 #2: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙢 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙮’𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧.

'A female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course'

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴