18th century female apothecary Nella dispenses poisons to women so they may avenge the men who’ve wronged them. When twelve year old Eliza enters her hidden shop, it sets in motion a series of fateful events that to this day were a mystery.

Present day Caroline is spending what should have been her wedding anniversary in London, processing her husband’s infidelity, when she happens upon an old apothecary vial. Determined to uncover its story, Caroline’s chapters are filled with making detective-like discoveries about the past while figuring out what’s best for her future.

I love novels that flip back and forth between time (whether it’s ten years or hundreds of years) and weave together. I also appreciate various narrators when listening to an audiobook, and Nella’s voice was particularly captivating.

The Lost Apothecary is filled with secrets, twists and fateful decisions that generally kept my interest. With that said, I was left wanting more Nella and Eliza and less of Caroline (sorry Caroline!).

Overall, this was a strong debut by Penner but for me didn’t quite live up to the 5 star hype.

This was such a beautiful, mysterious novel! I really did not know what to expect from it. I loved seeing the connections between the women even though their stories were centuries apart. I have always been a big fan of women's fiction so this was right up my alley. It read as part mystery, part thriller, and part historical fiction. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view throughout the narrative.

The premise of this book is interesting and intriguing. The book starts well, but then is just goes downhill. There is some mystery in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a woman apothecary, who dispenses poisons, so other women can kill their cheating husbands or lovers, and a precocious child, perhaps too precocious. There also a modern storyline in the 21st century, a love story, which was not needed and did not add much. It could have been left out. It seemed a little gimmicky and at times annoying. The language used by the characters in previous centuries sounded very modern and lacked credibility. Georgian English did not sound like that. The ending was predictable and a bit preachy. The fours stars are for the use of multiple narrators, which was interesting, the fast pace, the funny parts, and the slivers of mystery. Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Like most books that go back and forth between multiple time periods, I tend to favor one more than the other. In this case, the story of Nella the apothecary and Eliza, her young "apprentice" was far more intriguing than Caroline's story present day. I did really enjoy the strong female characters and hidden alleyways and rooms of London. The plot was very quick and the story never seemed to lag. A good, not great, read.

QOTD: if you HAD to choose, would you say you are a dog or cat person and why?

I’m 💯 a cat person. I feel like they get me.

Rounding out the month with this DELIGHT of a book! I’m about 3/4 through The Lost Apothecary by @sarah_penner_author, and it’s the historical fiction for me, y’all 👏

There is a duel timeline (which I usually dig) between the 18th century and present day. The present day storyline is far less compelling and the character falling into the wormhole of the lost apothecary doesn’t really read like real life, but overall it’s been fun and interesting otherwise!

I’m flexing a bit between the physical book and a gifted copy of the audio from @netgalley and @harperaudio (THANK YOU 🤩). The audio is an A+ performance so far, and I love that there are multiple narrators

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I could not stop listening to this book! It was incredible! I loved the story and narration. The timelines between the past and present day were accomplished flawlessly.

I listened to the audiobook of "The Lost Apothocary". The audio version is excellent, with each character fully developed and I really enjoyed listening to the book.

The story is told from three points of view. The stories of Nella and Eliza were fascinating--18th century women relating their lives as a 12-year-old housemaid and an older apothecary who dispenses poisons to women to deal with the men who have betrayed them.

In present day in the book, Caroline is in London alone, having left her cheating' husband behind on what was to be their anniversary trip. While mudlarking she finds a glass vial and it interested to learn more about it and where it came from. She meets a contact at a library named Gaynor who tries to help her. As the story progresses, the story goes back and forth between the present and the past, and Caroline gets more clues as to where her glass vial came from, and what it was used for. My favorite part of the book were the stories of Nella and Eliza, which I thought were fascinating. I would definitely recommend this book to others who love historical fiction.

I listened to the audio version of this book. I expected to love it which I didn't but I did enjoy it enough to feel okay with recommending it. I liked both storylines and settings. I think what made this more of a "like" than a "love" was how it easy it was for Caroline to climb walls, break into centuries old buildings, and start a graduate program at Oxford (even though it had been years since she graduated with her BA).

*I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

(posted on Goodreads)

Narrator eas great! Author was great with her storyline and creativity! I loved every bit of that book and also listened to it.
I highly recommend this author to everyone! Read the book or listen to the audiobook. Ether way you will be truly entertained !

Such a great book! I needed a break from my normal genre, and this one hit it out of the park. I am still raving about this one to anyone that will listen.

In 1790’s London, a female apothecary concocts potions solely for women, either for their own ailments or perhaps one to kill a man. When she takes on a young apprentice, events are set in motion that threaten the careful life Nella has built crafting her poisons. In present day London, Caroline Parcewell is on a solo trip to think about the direction of her life. A secret exposed brings Caroline’s world crashing at her feet. With its dual timelines, THE LOST APOTHECARY tells the story of these 2 women, separated by centuries, whose lives eventually and magically intersect.

With its strong undercurrent of female empowerment, I adored this tale steeped in mystery. The audiobook was absolutely fantastic with its 3 narrators, though I have to say Nella stole the show. Her character, her voice, and her storyline were my favorite parts of this book. I loved her journey from healer to poison crafter, and her history was one that’s every bit as sad and tragic as you’d expect a healer-turned-murderess’ story to be. My only complaint, and one that prevents me from giving this beauty the full 5 stars it truly merits, was the ending. Seemingly rushed and wrapped much too neatly for my liking, I would have liked to see Caroline give her cheating spouse the harsh treatment he deserved. And I also found the job offer landed much too neatly (and unrealistically) in Caroline’s lap. Though much like the storylines that eventually intertwine, perhaps fate and unseen hands are at work.

Bottom line — magical and mysterious, Penner’s debut is definitely one of my favorites for this year, and I can’t wait to see what she brings next. 4.5 stars.

*audio arc received via NetGalley and the publisher.

This book had me from the get go. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the first time that I have read/listened to this author, but don't expect it to be my last. It does have dual time lines- present day & late 1700 early 1800's. It talks of a wife, who found out her husband had an affair. They were to take an anniversary trip to London. Anyway, she went mud larking one day and found a blue vial. So begins her looking into the past. Very good book!

Thank you to NetGalley (and Harlequin Audio) for this amazing debut written by Sarah Penner and narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, & Lauren Irwin!

This book was a solid 4.3-star audio-read for me as all three of these narrators captured the tone and personality of the three main characters so very well. The story itself, kept me interested, engaged, and intrigued me to research more on my own about the topic and time period. These are all characteristics that I particularly look for in great historical fiction.

This book has a dual timeline and while many of my most recent reads with this style have included the characters having some relation/connection, I have to say that I didn't see the exact way these two would come together in advance. I was very impressed by the way the author made the current day character's story converge with the life of an apothecary in the late 1700's. The research behind this and the skill in storytelling is especially impressive since this is Sarah Penner's debut novel. I will definitely be following her and looking forward to any future novels by her.

#TheLostApothecary #NetGalley #Harlequin Audio #Audiobook #StrongWomen

The Lost Apothecary is a wonderful historical fiction debut set in London in the 18th century with an additional storyline in the present. The audiobook, read by three different narrators, brings the complexities of being a women, a human, and a friend to life: complexities that exist regardless of one’s age or the time period. Along the way, rich historical details are disclosed and flashes between past and present reveal more and more. This is a compelling, beautifully written novel.

4.5/5 stars

I just finished the lost apothecary and I really enjoyed it! While it looks like a fantasy novel, it’s really closer to historical fiction. That being said, the lost apothecary itself has a bit of a magical air to it. In the first half of the book I thought it was predictable and maybe a bit cheesy. It did end up being a bit predictable, but I was pleasantly surprised by a few little twists. This is an easy, quick read so it’s enjoyable for a lighter escape. I also enjoyed the theme of women supporting women and surprise friendships throughout the book.

First things first, the cover for this book is gorgeous!!!! Nella and Eliza were the best part about the book. Nella parts were my favorite. I loved the story of Nella selling the poisons to help women and only women. Caroline was an annoying character. I can appreciate growth in a character, but it didn’t make her any less annoying. It was a predictable story, but overall I enjoyed the listen.

An Apothecary shop that caters to your every need...whether it be helping with an ailment or kill your husband? Ummm yes please! Sign me up for a read that promises to be dark and twisted.

This storyline alternates between 1791 and present day. I was gripped instantly as the story started to build. Flash back to the 1790's and a mere 13 year old girl pondering murder? Will the apothecary owner assist her with this? Nella has assisted many of women in her time, but a child this young? As this plan fell into place and Nella and Eliza formed a friendship...the story burned very, very slowly and I eventually started to lose interest.

Forward to modern down and we have Caroline who is dealing with her own "man" problems. After researching the apothecary of the past, her husband ends up having issues of his own...is Caroline to blame? As past and present clash together, it does tie in well...however it did not deliver the depth or suspense that I had anticipated. Perhaps I am the wrong audience for this book. I do read mainly thrillers and I was expecting more...

I wanted more excitement- I mean we have a shop that fully supports assisting in "offing" men that have behaved very badly...there was so much potential here for ALOT of scandal. I expected more gothic vibes...more..witchy wonderfulness...but no...so this is probably a case of "it is me not you." So many have absolutely loved this book, so I suggest giving it a try!

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is an amazing historical fiction book which features two interesting time periods in London, the 1790s and present day. This is Sarah Penner’s first book but she will quickly catapult into one to watch. This book is well researched and brings you into the life of a young woman, Caroline Parcewell, who is an aspiring historian on vacation in London. Caroline goes on a mudlarking excursion and discovers a little bottle which leads her into learning about two heroines, Nella and Eliza, who lived over 200 years ago,

I listened to the outstanding audio book version narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin. These fabulous narrators had impeccable accents and pacing to transport you directly into this long ago time period. The pronunciation used was old English which added a richness to the narration and made this book even more of a treat. It was time I treasured in a world of hidden secrets and uncovering those who have wronged them.

As mentioned, the book is well researched and you are silently cheering for all three heroines to find their way to enact revenge on those who have wronged them. All three have suffered but none will allow for these evil deeds to go unpunished. Unfortunately, these three women have little power and have been victimized due to cruel circumstances. The reckoning when it comes is swift and unexpected, but always well deserved.

I loved every minute of it, and did not want it to end. It is told in multiple voices with alternating timelines providing backstory and slowly reveals secrets to keep you intrigued. The description of the landscape and heritage of strong women apothecaries can also not be forgotten. This is a profession that I did not know much about. However, with the excellent introduction to this subject matter by Penner I feel that I might know enough to be dangerous.

This book has an outstanding cast of characters that you truly feel connected to. The struggle Caroline feels when trying to decide the fate of her marriage is heart wrenching. The tragedies that Nella has encountered and her resilience and determination to ensure women do not have to suffer is admirable. Despite her many challenges Nella found ways to defy the societal bounds to enact meaningful change. She was not looking for glory, just a chance to do something that was decent and worthwhile. Eliza also steals your heart with her bravery and empathy despite her young age. Eliza was forced to adapt to a life she has had no experience with and her successful transition will inspire you. The care in creating strong heroines is apparent on every page.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Harper Audio and Harlequin Audio in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

Men don’t fare too well in Sarah Penner’s unique historical novel about a 1791 apothecary hidden in a back London alley. There Nella, a strange woman with a disturbing past, concocts poisonous mixtures and sells them to women intending to kill unfaithful men in their lives. Nella’s secret work is in danger of being found out when twelve-year-old Eliza Fanning visits the shop for a potion to kill her employer’s husband. Can a twelve-year-old actually be trusted knowing about Nella’s deadly efforts? Shifting to present-day London, Penner introduces Caroline Parcewell who is taking a time-off vacation from her own unfaithful husband. Caroline happens upon a clue about the old apothecary and with help from a British librarian tries to re-form what exactly happened to Nella, Eliza and the old apothecary. Poison, murder, secrets, unfaithful men…what could go wrong?

I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced listener copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Since I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, I will begin by saying that all three of the readers did an excellent job. They had distinct voices which made it clear what storyline I was listening to. Also, given the book itself, it's definitely a book I would have preferred listening to.

This story evolves over two time-periods. As with most books that use this mode of story-telling, one time period was far more interesting than the other. I preferred the 1791 storyline with the apothecary herself, and whereas I understand the purpose of the modern-day storyline, I didn't care for it. Caroline was less interesting to me, and I couldn't stand James at all. He's a totally overdramatic fool. That self-poisoning grab for attention was a total eye-roller for me. I get his purpose as creating a parallel to the lives of the women that Nella, the apothecary, helped in the past, but I didn't think he was necessary. He was just a nuisance. I think Caroline and Nella could have been paralleled in different, more interesting ways.

Aside from James, the worst part of the book, I found the stories enjoyable. The 1791 storyline was really engaging, and I could have gone with far more Eliza and Nella.