This book was fabulous. I love books about strong female characters and this book has three! The descriptions of London make you feel like you're almost there (and I've never been!) and teach you a lot about what being a woman back in the 1700's was like. The three main characters were strong, independent and well-crafted, but I enjoyed even more the little side characters Penner added in. This book was simply so enjoyable, I can't wait to read more Penner books!

"The Last Apothecary" is a compelling and thought-provoking read, blending history, mystery, and a touch of magic. Penner's characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers into their worlds and making them emotionally invested in their journeys. The story goes between past and present while uncovering the mysteries of two women.

Moving back and forth between London in 1791 and London in the present, we are introduced to 18th-century Nella, the lost apothecary, and Caroline, her discoverer. Both have been betrayed by the men they love and thought they could trust. both learn they do not need a man to lead the way. An interesting and great read.

One of my favorite reads of 2021 and one I continually recommend. Great tale told in a duel timeline alternating between 1791 and the present day centering around an apothecary that connects two women and multiple murders.

This was one of my favorite reads from 2021. Wow. If you love rich fantastical historical stories you will adore this one!!! I was captivated by the dual timeline. Check it out

This was a lovely historical fiction that offered a pinch of magical realism. Perfectly dropping us into characters minds when they are holding two conflicting emotions. Beautifully feminine literature that describes our unique rage. I really enjoyed this book.
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When this book was released, I was able to attend the virtual book launch event with the author Sarah Penner. It was a great event since it made everyone in attendance want to read this book. I completely agree that there's such good suspense and great female characters in The Lost Apothecary. This is an amazing debut novel by Sarah Penner. I would highly recommend reading The Lost Apothecary to anyone.

Want a story that will stay with you awhile? Do you like multiple timelines and the tangled web that connects them? Have you ever been mudlarking?
This story focuses on choices. Not only our choice but the choices of others that influences our lives. I appreciated the descriptions of London both past and present. Very descriptive without being overly flowery!
It's a dark mystery shrouded in an intense feeling of being caught in the past while living in the present.

A unique story line that didn't quite live up to it's potential. Set in two timelines, told in the voices of three characters, there seems to be confusion on many levels. With a snapshot of a short period of time in each timeline, there's little continuity between thoughts, plans, actions and consequences. The base of the story was solid, but as it unwinds, the story just doesn't hold together. I did finish the book but it was sometimes a struggle not to jump pages.

I really liked the dual timeline aspect of this book and, while I don't generally like multiple POVs, I found myself appreciating the various views of situations. I liked most of the story, even though some of the actions and discoveries were a little too unbelievable. I also felt the ending was rushed and really wish the author had spent more time discussing how certain characters ended up as they did.

This is a 3.5 review. I rounded up since overall I enjoyed reading this book. The book is told by three different women in two different time periods. The book works as an historical novel. I did not like the modern story and the main character, Caroline. If her story was left out it would have been a better read.

***I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Historical fiction with a bit of a mystery, and not to mention poison??? I loved this! Life has been extremely complicated as of late, and I needed a book I could easily escape into, and following the path of apothecary Nella in 1791 and Caroline in the present day was the perfect anecdote. Compelling and page turning. There are recipes in the back (not poisonous). Penner is a great storyteller, and I‘ll definitely read her next book!

A beautifully written debut! While it took me some time to get into the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the world building and characters. I enjoyed the dual timelines and am looking forward to reading more from Penner.

This is an interesting historical novel set in both 18th century London and present day. The characters are sharp and the story is compelling. Recommended.

There is no way way I can suspend disbelief that much.

I also remember one storyline being better than the other.

I LOVED this book! I flash back to it from time to time. It was harrowing and heartbreaking and so beautiful. This was an excellent book that I have recommended over and over.

This book hits the mark for one of my favorite reading genres. A story with history, mystery and magic. I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading more by Sarah Penner. Thank you for the opportunity to read this magical book.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I expected to. It may be because I read some similar books around the same time, and I didn't really think back to this one. But I enjoy the history element, I like a book that feels like it's transporting me back in time, and this book did that. The story is solid, I just didn't really connect deeply with any of the characters.

I am a mood reader and have a physical copy of this one. When the mood strikes I will read it and update my review here.

This highly anticipated debut novel did not disappoint! The art and mystique of the apothecary Nella, both healer and poisoner, carry this story along as it intertwines with present-day historian Caroline. The reader is captivated by the slow unfolding of the events of the past and Sarah Penner does an admirable job keeping both narratives moving with clear distinct voices. Excellent book group title.