1790s London, alternates with present day. An anniversary trip doesn’t go as planned, but the resulting adventure reveals lost secrets and suppressed desires. A good escape.

I generally don't like books that jump back and forth between past and present, but I feel like this book utilized the trope well. For some reason, all the elements I liked - the plot, characters, writing - still didn't add up to quite a great read. I enjoyed it, but for some reason I didn't love it, and I can't quite put my finger on why. Feelings like that generally indicate a "me" issue rather than an issue with the book or author, so I'm not taking anything away for that, but it's still worth noting that it didn't quite stick the landing in my eyes.

I am beyond excited to read the edited version of this! I will 100% be hand-selling this! I don't want to give anything away, but this will definitely be one of my top reads in 2021. It's such a fascinating subject and the story is so enchanting and gripping and exciting! Thank you for the early readers!!

This is a sad book, but it was very good. I enjoyed the historical part of fit. Nella had a hard life and in revenge of a terrible wrong someone did to her she turns her healing into murder with horrible consequences that she brings to herself. Meanwhile in the future, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell is struggling with her own terrible wrong and in the end discovers something that was lost to herself. This book is not about romance or healing between people, but healing of ourselves and what with do with what life has given us for better or worse. How do you pick up the pieces of your life if you don't know what they are? I enjoyed the recipes in the back of the book.I confess I had a hard time getting into it at first but then it got interesting.

I am so glad (Y-A-W-N) that I didn’t start this spellbinding novel (Y-A-W-N) on a work night; I could not turn the pages fast enough. Author Penner uses dueling timelines and three heroines in the novel of poisons, potions, revenge, intrigue, betrayal and discovery.

The first timeline is London, February 3-11, 1791. Nella continues her mother’s work in a hidden back alley apothecary shop. Her business is strictly word of mouth; the shop is hidden for one reason… to help women get rid of the men in their lives who have abused and/or betrayed them. As the novel opens, Nella is awaiting a new customer, the second heroine, Eliza to arrive. Eliza is on a mission of mercy from her employer. Eliza is captivated by Nella’s work and becomes her unwanted assistance.

The second timeline is London, present day. Caroline Parcewell has arrived in the city on her 10th anniversary trip, sans husband James. She is devastated by James’s infidelity and must decide what course her marriage will now take. The worst part is that Caroline and James had decided to try for a baby a few months earlier. Unwilling maintain the itinerary she had planned with James, she stumbles upon a group of mudlarkers about to embark on a new adventure. This group scours the muddy bank of the Thames, looking for items from long ago. A waylaid historian, Caroline joins the group and discovers a light blue vial with a single logo---that of a bear on all fours. The historian in Caroline’s heart bubbles to the surface and sends her on a journey that will lead her to her true self.

I highly recommend The Lost Apothecary, which receives 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

At first, I had this book confused with another due to its' title. However, I quickly realized just how unique the storyline was. Taking place in dual timelines, the reader follows Caroline Parcewell as she delves into history in London while trying to escape the betrayal of her husband. The history that she seeks is that of Nella, an apothecary in 18th-century London who has turned from the gentle kitchen arts practiced by her mother to a life of vengance on behalf of those who seek her assistance.
Enjoyable and satisfying.

Reminiscent of the real-life story surrounding Aqua Tofana, The Lost Apothecary finds itself distinctly found. With a writing style suitable to suc quick but engaging reads, this book will be a fantastic discussion point, and appealing to readers of multiple genres.

If this makes you think of books like <i>Possession</i>, that's fine: the trope of the modern person/researcher delving into the past, with flashbacks to the past that illuminate what's being uncovered is strong here. Set in London, Caroline is struggling to figure out who she is after learning her husband was cheating on her; turns out, he was a controlling type who kept her from realizing her potential. Also in London, but several hundred years earlier, Nella continues her mother's apothocarian work in a hidden shop that can - if you know what to do - provide potions that can kill. There's a neat crossover moment with James (the cheater/manipulator) being ill, but the story of Nella and Eliza could also have stood on their own. Perhaps because of the situation, none of the characters are particularly fleshed out, while giving us more of Caroline would have helped.

eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley.

I need more books like The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner, its suspenseful historical fiction that is so devious, compelling, and thrilling, I enjoyed every chapter.

I think I may have written about this book a while ago, it’s worth repeating! The Lost Apothecary reminds me of Aqua Tofana, the true story of a woman who made poisonous concoctions to end the lives of abusive men. I am just waiting for a talented author to write a fictional account of Giulia Tofana. Read her fascinating story here.

Synopsis:

One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose—selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardizes Nella’s world and threatens to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.

In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the river Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

This book is not to be missed! It comes out on March 2 and its definitely a must-read.

I loved this book so much! I'll absolutely be buying a couple of copies for the library because our patrons are going to adore it. Thank you so much for allowing me to read early!

WOW! I just loved everything about “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner. I highly recommend this amazing novel which is so wickedly entertaining, captivating, intriguing and intense. The genres for this novel are magical realism, some historical fiction, women’s friendship and fiction. There are two timelines for this story, 1791 and the present. The author goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. Both timelines eventually connect like pieces of a puzzle. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. They are also motivated, and have a sense of purpose.

In 1791, Nella waits in her hidden apothecary store for her customers. Nella inherited this store of magical and special potents from her mother, who treated sick people with herbs and specially made medicines. Nella has found a different way of helping other women who have been hurt. She keeps a special book and records all her information. Nella has a way of revenge, where she can make potents and potions that can harm the men who have hurt women. Her only rule is that no woman ever be hurt.

A young new woman, Ella seeking a special medicine for her mistress befriends Nella, and wants to learn from her. Little does she know how her contributions will alter the change of many things.

In the present, a historian, Caroline is obsessed with the apothecary from past years. This is a novel that is difficult to put down. There are twists and turns, and highs and lows, betrayals, danger and death. I suggest that you put this novel on your reading list.

My Thoughts
I love 18th and 19th Century mysteries (gothic) and particularly ones that take place in London and prominently involve women. This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. Here are my pros and cons for The Lost Apothecary:

Pros
1. I was drawn in immediately and completely hooked. The story is fast-paced and richly descriptive.
2. The book alternates between present day (Caroline) and past (Nella, the apothecary). The transitions between periods were smooth and effective. The story never lagged or got boring at all.
3. Even if it seemed a bit like some serious beginner’s luck, I loved how the author connected the present to the past with the mudlarking discovery. I thought that was creative and hopefully more people will learn what mudlarking is now!
4. Strong, smart, and unforgettable female leads, both present and past. Caroline, Nella, and young Eliza are very well-developed.
5. Caroline’s husband infuriated me, particularly with what he pulls at the end of the book. I will leave it at that.
6. Atmospheric to the max. The apothecary was superbly described! I felt like I was there! There was a strong gothic feel to the novel.
7. What I wouldn’t give to read that register!
8. The ending is perfect.

Cons
1. I have a pet peeve. In the book, it clearly states that Caroline (present day) graduated with a degree in British history, but that she preferred to pursue knowledge about the lives of the regular people in history rather than the dry facts and figures of prominent people and events. So, it surprised me that she had absolutely no clue what mudlarking was. I don’t study history, but even I know what mudlarking is from the period fiction I’ve read. Surely someone who studied British history with a specific interest in the common folk would have come across that at some point!
2. There were a few too many convenient situations in the story (i.e., the exact historical information necessary to solve the mystery seemed to be too readily available). While this convenience was necessary for the story to reach a conclusion, I’m sure historians who read this book will wish information was so readily available and puzzle pieces would fit together as nicely and as quickly for their research!

Summary
I really liked this book. Yes, there are some convenient situations that helped move the story along. Yes, it bothers me that Caroline didn’t know what mudlarking was. But overall, I savored this story! It is well-developed with strong female characters, completely engrossing, and it had an amazingly mysterious gothic feel to it. This is a wonderful debut novel! I will keep my eye out for this author in the future!

Thank you NetGalley and Park Row Books for providing an ebook, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. The story was very engrossing and I couldn't wait to go back to reading it. At first I thought going back and forth between two timelines was a little striking and got me out of the story at first, but I really grew to like both storylines and how they intertwined. I will highly recommend this to the library I work at, as well as the Mystery Book Club that I host. I think they will really like this, especially a hardcore or one who likes light mysteries can get into the Lost Apothecary. Thanks to Netgally for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After learning of her husband’s affair, Caroline travels to London where she hopes to spend time alone and decide what she will do as she moves forward with her life.

Once there, a series of unexpected events draw her into researching “the lost apothecary”. The mysterious apothecary existed two hundred years ago, and the details surrounding the murders and disappearance were never fully exposed. As Caroline begins to delve into the circumstances related to the apothecary, she soon realizes that she may be the only person who can solve the mystery.

Alternating between the past and the present, this is a story of secrets, revenge, betrayal, poisons and potions, and a network of women who are determined to control their fates. This is a fast paced debut novel rich in historical detail with unforgettable characters that will keep you turning the pages until the final chapter!

Thank you to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and author Sarah Penner for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this novel.

The Lost Apothecary was an amazing dual timeline narrative that will take you deep into the past then jump back to the present. Fantasy has slowly and surely worked its way into mainstream fiction. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy-light: time travel, magic, ghosts, time-looping, etc. Lately, more and more books have a touch or even a spoonful of these fantastical aspects. I really hope this will be trending into a norm.

In the 1700s, Nella inherited her mother’s apothecary that holds a secret room where women can find tinctures to help them with all issues regarding their love interests, husbands, lovers, etc. This hidden room is behind a false wall that women only learn about by word of mouth. Nella is surprised that a young girl, Eliza, visits the shop as a representative for her mistress. Surprisingly, an odd and beautiful relationship ensues between the two.

Fast forward to the present and we meet Caroline, a woman traveling solo in England. She should be with her husband, so to pass the time she goes on a mudlarking adventure. While on this excursion, she finds part of a vial that once held these elixirs. In order to avoid thinking about her relationship issues, she sets out to discover the history of this artifact.

The book portrayed three strong feminine characters in the book and each grew into women who defied their own emotional and/or physical limits. I could’ve stayed in the 1700s for the whole book, but Caroline’s findings were the window into Nella’s story.

I highly recommend this debut author’s novel. For more on mudlarking check out the author’s informative website.

Quotes I liked:
(From an ARC, and may be altered in finished copy.)

The world is not kinds to us…There are few places for a woman to leave an indelible mark.”

“Vengeance is its own medicine.”

“How had I only just learned that happiness and fulfillment were entirely distinct things?”

I absolutely love this book! The author has a way with words that will quickly have you hooked. This story is beautifully told over two separate timelines and so well done I found myself hooked on each character instead of hoping to get back to one of them. Caroline is in modern day London and will inadvertently find herself very curious about an apothecary who lived in that city very long ago. Nella, that apothecary, has lived her life in her own way but that is about to change when she meets young Eliza. The POV will go back and forth between these women who can more than hold their own but it is Eliza who steals the pages in my opinion. While in part historical fiction the pacing is fast and the mysteries in this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. At times I found Caroline’s thoughts on her life grating as wallowing annoys me but it is brief. I preferred Nella’s inner thoughts as they were more of an explanation and less rooted in modern frivolity. This is a book you will not be able to put down but be warned it really wraps up even more towards the end so make sure you have time for it because you will not want to stop until you see how it ends! I still had questions and found myself wanting more of this novel and my favorite characters but the author did an excellent job on her unique wrap up to the story. I cannot wait to read whatever the author writes next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Told through the lens of three different women - two from the past and one from today's world - this book spins the tale of three strong women, all of whom are facing difficult decisions in their own lives. Caroline Pearce is visiting present-day London after finding out her husband has been unfaithful when she happens upon an old apothecary bottle with a mysterious carving of a bear. We cut to Nella, an apothecary from 18th century London, who sells disguised poisons to women to use on men who have wronged them. When young Eliza first enters the apothecary on behalf of her mistress she is immediately intrigued but finds herself trapped once a fatal mistake has been made. While the book starts off a little slow, the stories are woven and come together in a way that had me turning the pages as fast as I could towards the end!

Excellent historical fiction book with suspense mixed in. I kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen. Interesting characters and great portrayal of the time period. Highly recommended.

Synopsis: In 18th century London, hidden off a storeroom lies an apothecary shop. Nella, the owner, has developed quite a reputation as an apothecary, not only for her healing tinctures but for her carefully crafted and disguised poisons. Nella allows women to gain their freedom from the men in their lives that have done them wrong.
In the present-day, Caroline is anticipating her England adventure with her husband to celebrate their tenth anniversary. Right before their planned trip, Caroline discovers her husband has been having an affair. Rather than cancel the trip of a lifetime, Caroline decides to make the journey alone. On her first day in England, Caroline encounters a local guide that takes people down to the river banks to go mudlarking. At first, Caroline refuses the invitation but then decides it could be an interesting adventure. While searching the banks, Caroline comes across a small vial with a bear engraved on it. This discovery sends Caroline on a path to solving the two-hundred-year-old mystery surrounding the apothecary murders.

My Evaluation of the Book: An intricately plotted submersive novel where 'mudlarking' leads to a small discovery with a grand story. Mudlarking can be an adventure in itself. You never know where the objects you find can lead you. I have spent hours mudlarking on a beach in Key West, where it is known that a ship carrying porcelain items sank offshore. I have found numerous fascinating pieces, including a partial face to a small porcelain doll. So I can fully understand Caroline's need to find out more about the vial she found on the banks of the Thames.
The strong female characters are likable and build an inspirational vibe relating to female friendships, the importance of women supporting women, and never giving up on your dreams just because life gets in the way. It is evident that Penner fully researched the intricacies of her novel, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Absolutely loved this book and I would not call it women's fiction. I agree with the historical fiction and also somewhat of a mystery. Fantastic cover. Intriguing and original story too. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Penner and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 3/2/21