Maybe we CAN judge a book by its cover, because the inside of Letters from the Last Apothecary is just as beautiful as its outside. LfLA is full of lush prose, atmospheric writing, and a cast that you can sink into. The buildup of Reid and Josie's relationship is slow and delicious, the unfolding mystery hitting a sweet spot of not being so complicated you need to keep notes but just enticing enough that it keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the character development throughout was masterful. Behzadi is in the eye of the cozy fantasy storm currently taking over the reading world, and I for one am excited for whatever she decides to come out with next.

You’ve Got Mail, Emily Wilde, and Divine Rivals???? UH YEAH I’m in😂 just those 3 titles made me click on this and request (thank you net galley😘)

It was very good! It was cute, it was heartwarming, the magic system was something I’ve never read about before (in a good way!), and the romance was sweet💛😋 It didn’t give me 5 star feelings, but I still loved it nonetheless. I really enjoyed the world it was set in and I really loved both characters! They were both relatable and understandable their progression from rival coworkers to friends to lovers (even though the letters😉) was seamless! Definitely plan on buying this for my shelves once it comes out! Please read this in’s beautiful spring day and enjoy every moment of it!

Letters from the Last Apothecary was a mix of some of my favourite pieces of literature: You’ve got Mail is my feel good favourite film and I absolutely adored reading Divine Rivals. I really enjoyed reading the letters between Reid and Josie before, during and after the events and knowing who they truly were to each other and seeing their relationship evolve through different ways. It did take me a little bit to get into the flow of the story and learning about the magic system but the more I read the more it made sense and flowed within the story. Overall this was really enjoyable and I had a fun time reading.

This book was such a cute read and reminded me a lot of Divine Rivals where the main character Josephine who is fired from her job only to stumble upon a magical shop that’s about to be closed down but she sees as an opportunity to fix. All while she is in a rival's relationship with the MMC Aufidius who has it out for her. The two become rivals when she enters university and somehow is in his path but when mysterious letters are exchanged between them, the heated rivalry, Josephine’s fixation on being the best while achieving greatness in the magical apothecary, sparks fly and they begin to develop more than competition towards outdoing one another. All while the shop possesses a kind of destruction neither had seen coming but must defeat together.

This book reminded me a lot of divine rivals and even the relationship with them with hints of their own! I truly loved how cozy the writing was and how beautiful yet poetic it felt at times. It was exactly what I needed for a little bedtime reading. If you are a fan of the divine rivals trilogy, anything dark academia coded, this is IT!

this book found me at the perfect time. i needed a cozy hug which came to me from the pages of this book.

i fell in love with this warm story filled with magic, love and comfort. i thought this book was most reminiscent of «the spell shop». because it contains magic, adventure, challenges and, of course, love.

i was currently in a reading slump, but I read this book in one day! i just couldn't, no, i didn't even want to tear myself away from this story.

the characters' correspondence was truly reminiscent of Rebecca Ross's books, but at the same time the oridinality of this particular story was not lost.

i was able to read this book as an arc thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher! and now i'm waiting for the story to come out so I can buy myself a copy for my shelf.

The book has a strong concept and an interesting historical setup, especially with the use of letters to piece together the apothecary’s past. The idea of preserving knowledge and legacy through written words is compelling, and the apothecary elements are clearly well thought out.

That said, the pacing can feel slow at times, and the reflective tone sometimes drags, especially if you’re looking for a more plot-driven story. The emotional weight is there, but it doesn’t always land as strongly as it could, and some sections feel repetitive. Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of atmospheric historical fiction, but it may not work for readers who prefer faster pacing or higher stakes.

Letters from the Lost Apothecary is a gentle, whimsical story that feels like a handwritten letter tucked into an old book—soft, thoughtful, and meant to be savored rather than rushed. The writing leans into atmosphere and emotion, favoring quiet moments and reflection over high drama, and once I settled into its rhythm, it became a comforting and immersive experience.
The prose is tender and deliberate, with a dreamlike quality that suits the historical setting beautifully. There’s an intentional softness to the language, as though the story itself is inviting you to slow down and listen. Rather than pushing the plot forward at a rapid pace, the writing lingers—on feelings, on memories, on the small but meaningful connections between people. It creates a sense of warmth that makes the story feel like a cozy retreat.
Josie and Reid are especially charming, both intelligent and stubborn in ways that make their dynamic feel alive and playful. Josie’s fierceness and curiosity balance beautifully with Reid’s quieter, more reserved nature, and watching them interact—both in person and through their correspondence—is a joy. Their letters are the heart of the book, filled with wit, sincerity, and a growing tenderness that feels intimate and genuine. There’s something undeniably magical about the way they connect on the page, long before they truly understand one another.
The writing also weaves in themes of intuition, magic, and the preservation of knowledge with a light, whimsical touch. The apothecary elements and the blending of magic with a changing, industrial world add a sense of wonder, making the story feel timeless and quietly enchanting. It’s less about spectacle and more about feeling—about curiosity, trust, and the courage to hold onto what matters.
This book found me at exactly the right time. It was a cozy hug of a read, full of warmth, magic, and gentle romance. While it’s not an intense or fast-paced story, it doesn’t need to be. It’s meant to be enjoyed slowly, like a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.
Thank you to Hay House, NetGalley, and Bita Behzadi for the opportunity to read and review this ARC

This was a wonderful read!

I hadn’t heard much about this book until recently, when I saw the author post about it on twitter. I decided to give it a chance because I was intrigued by the comps, and it sounded like something I would enjoy.

I’m so pleased to say that I enjoyed this book a lot!

I will say that the story took a couple chapters to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. The coziness, the sweetness, and the curiosity-filled pages were everything I was hoping for. And the letters were such a delight.

The characters were also easy to root for, and I was so invested in seeing how Josie and Reid’s stories ended.

The only bit that I was confused about was the magic system, as I’m still not entirely sure how that works, even after finishing the book. But the concept of intuition vs science was an interesting topic to explore for sure.

Thank you so much to Hay House and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bita Behzadi, and Hay House LLC for the e-ARC of this book.

Total Rating: 4.5 Stars
Multi-POV, 3rd Person

I initially picked up the book because it was compared to Divine Rivals. I love letter writing and watching characters develop through it. This book did not disappoint.

Our story follows Josie Pinova and Aufidius Reid as they attempt to navigate working together in a financially struggling apothecary in the fantastical city of Tressport (modeled after 1900s Chicago). The main conflict of the book centers on their hostility towards each other in person (unknowingly falling in love with their letter personas) while they try to save the Apothecary.

Tressport made for a great setting. As mentioned before, it was modeled after 1900s Chicago. The rapid industrialization and the rising anti-magic sentiment were compelling, especially seeing how it interacted with the Apothecary and how each character viewed magic. I would have loved to see the author delve more into this, particularly the mechanics of the second-sense wards.

The characters are what really shine in this book. They are flawed and feel like real people, which makes it easy to empathize and care about them. Josie and Reid's relationship felt strikingly real, and watching it develop from initial dislike to something more felt both natural and exciting.

One thing I really enjoyed was how the past letters between Josie and Reid were sprinkled throughout the chapters, as it showed how their aliases bonded.

My one issue was that the plot hook started too late. Things really started moving nearly halfway through the story, adding unexpected but well-executed tension; however, it meant the beginning was a bit slow for me.

Overall, this was a wonderful read. When this book officially publishes on June 9, 2026, I will be first in line to pick it up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi is a thoughtful, atmospheric read that really drew me in with its mood and writing style. The prose is smooth and reflective without feeling overly dense, and the apothecary backdrop adds a unique, cozy-but-melancholic vibe that sets it apart from similar books.

I especially liked how the story focuses on human connection and emotion in a subtle, understated way. It’s not a fast-paced book, but that slower rhythm works well for the tone and gives you space to sit with the ideas. A few parts felt a bit drawn out, which is why it’s a four-star instead of five, but overall it’s a meaningful and well-written novel. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven stories and a slightly literary feel without needing big twists or drama.

I thought it was simply wonderful. It was cozy but with just enough mystery to keep you hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down. A really nice suprise.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The beautiful cover of this book and the description of Letters from the Last Apothecary immediately drew me in to want to read this.

I am usually hooked within the first few pages of a book, however this story had a bit of a slower start than I expected, and I began questioning if I would enjoy this as much as I initially thought. However this did change for me around the half way mark when the pace began to pick up and I wasn’t able to put the book down until I finished reading. I really loved the magic system, though I did find it quite confusing and would have loved more of an explanation surrounding it so I could enjoy it more.

Overall this is a cozy little read and if you don’t mind a slower build, I highly recommend!

Thank you to Hay House LLC and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

⋆. 𐙚 ˚ 𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

The story takes place in a magical city where 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚, a spirited young woman freshly fired from her job, stumbles into the last surviving apothecary in 𝓣𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓽. There she meets 𝐀𝐮𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐝, a grumpy, meticulous apothecarist whose shop is fading under the weight of anti-magic sentiment.

⊹ ࣪ ˖
𝕰𝖒𝖎𝖑𝖞 𝖂𝖎𝖑𝖉𝖊 𝖝 𝕯𝖎𝖛𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝕽𝖎𝖛𝖆𝖑𝖘


𓂃✍︎ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: I ADORED the beautiful confessional tone in which this was written. The letters allowed the characters to reveal their flaws, fears and hopes in ways they could not face aloud. The melancholy, the ache of longing- it becomes the beating heart of the story. I loved how the intimacy of written words, the vulnerability of confessions and the thrill of discovering someone’s soul through ink was flawlessly captured here.

ꫂ❁ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭: I loved how Josie’s whirlwind energy collided beautifully with Aufidius’s stoic reserve. Their dynamic was so touching that it showed how 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝑔𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝑜𝓅𝓅𝑜𝓈𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓈.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
.✦ ݁˖ anonymous pen pals × reluctant coworkers
.✦ ݁˖ grumpy × sunshine
.✦ ݁˖ cozy fantasy

And OMG!! I screamed so bad in the end. I love how Reid (mmc) put Josie's(fmc) surname as his surname. AHHHHHHHH!

𓍯𓂃𓏧♡ Unlike many romantic fantasies, this one here does not rely on grand battles or quests. It's just a matter of small gestures- a letter slipped under a door, a potion brewed with care, a shop saved against the odds...
𝐀 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻

╰───◤✦𝕮𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖞:✦◥───╯
update #6:
@82.0%- the yearning finally ends and they kiss.
Why am I screaming and giggling so bad?

update #5:
I love how "womanly time of the month" is mentioned here.

update #4:
The yearning >>>>

update #3:
This is so Divine Rivals coded.
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.
​an aspiring mage who lands a job at a failing magical apothecary in the city of Tressport × the "grumpy" owner of the shop who is struggling to keep his business afloat amidst rising anti-magic sentiment and industrialization

update #2:
I love how vividly descriptive this is. And the writing style is so amazing. Perfectly articulated.
"Chamomile rays of sparse morning light filtered through..."- ahh

update #1:
new word learnt: ostentatious
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿
The cover is absolutely gorgeous!
My first NetGalley read<3

Thankyou to NetGalley and Hay House LLC for providing me with this arc.

This book is everything. Just EVERYTHING. So very well-written. The language feels neither juvenile nor academic nor pretentious. As a reader, I feel fully immersed in this world that Bita Behzadi has crafted, on the cusp of industrialization. The tension between the "old ways" of a magical world slowly eroding with the early onset of industrialization, and the will of magic to persevere is beautifully conveyed in this novel. I'm a fan of Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals, and even own a typewriter myself --- so when I say I love books that rely on epistolary, typewritten narratives, believe me. I have no clue how Bita came up with these characters' names either, and they're so well done --- Aufidius Reid and Josephine Pinova? AH! That's perfect for them! And the nod to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire from 1911?? Immaculate!

This book feels like what a cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa tastes like during a long winter. At first, I was doubtful of how Josie and Reid would click, but the scene where she tells him "you break my heart"?? I FELT THAT. I felt that to my very bones and the pang in my heart, to know that it's clear she cares for him more than she lets on. UGH. And how he felt like a total jerk after? UGH. And how he had a come-to-jesus moment and really turned things around with how he treated her after some deep self-reflection? AH. A refreshing and utterly cozy read.

4 stars because I'd have loved to see more of Reid and Josie's chemistry develop just a teensy bit more beyond their letters. But Bita Behzadi, you are on my radar! I will be awaiting more books from you <3

tldr; I WILL be buying this book for my bookshelf once it comes out. Thank you to Bita Behzadi and NetGalley for making this review possible, and the utter privilege of being excited about this book's release.

Bita Behzadi has crafted a complex, layered world full of clever characters and a story that smoothly balances between cozy charm and real stakes. Steeped in magic and heartfelt romance, you don't have to be a mage to sense that Letters from the Last Apothecary will hold readers under its spell!

I love epistolary narratives, much more when they're used in such a grounded world. Amazing writing, wonderful characters and character relationships, and a fun plot twist that makes this book impossible to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and Bita Behzadi for the Advanced Reader Copy!

Let us first take a moment for the beautiful cover. I’ll admit: I 100% judged this book by its cover. The cover is absolutely stunning and immediately caught my eye among all the others on NetGalley. When I then read the description - “Emily Wilde meets Divine Rivals” and “You’ve Got Mail with a magical twist” - I knew this book was for me.

That said, it did take me a little while to really get into the story. The beginning felt a bit slow for me, and some of the magical terminology took a bit of getting used to. Certain terms, like metallochamy, weren’t always immediately clear to me and occasionally disrupted the reading flow.

The romance between Reid and Josie is a very slow burn. Personally, I would’ve loved the pacing to be a bit quicker, but I still really enjoyed their relationship and the gentle way it developed over time.

Bita Behzadi’s writing shines in her descriptions; she clearly masters the art of show, don’t tell. Combined with cozy magic and a touch of mystery, this made Letters from the Last Apothecary such a comforting and immersive read, perfect to curl up with.

Since this was an ARC, there were a few awkwardly phrased sentences and minor spelling mistakes. I trust these will be polished in the final version.

Overall, a cozy and magical read with a beautiful atmosphere, rated 3.75 stars.

Apparently my brain read “apothecary” and inserted “apocalypse” I assumed this would be about magicians at the end of the world. I need to learn to read at some point I guess. That’d be a cool book though.

Fortunately this definitely not post apocalyptic book was equally as fun.

Letters from the Last Apothe(lypse)cary follows two magical graduate programme hopefuls, Reid and Josephine. When they both want to check out the same book from the library they’re sent on a back and forth journey of sending letter and learning about each other and their perspectives of the world, both under an alias. Which means when they become coworkers at the local, titular “last apothecary” they don’t recognise one another. And in fact collide with a good amount of heat to begin with.

While not the highest stakes read of the year, this had enough to chew on and wonder about. There’s a good mix of both action and introspection to keep the pacing at a nice flow to it. It’s a short read so I hadn’t expected a tonne from the worldbuilding and magic systems but what we got was really fun. The magic is interesting and had some cool facets like how it’s feared, sold and used. The book’s setting is very early 1900s and the writing style matches that brilliantly. A lot of this book is spent in the apothecary but the sneakpeaks of the wider world we got, especially the expo and the institute were some of my favourite bits.

I especially liked the dynamics at play. We have Reid, the stoic, quiet, a bit haunted scholar against Josie, a whirlwind, silver-tongued magical hopeful in the shadow cast by her sister. While opposing they don’t clash and really monetise working off each other rather than hating each other (well they do but damn they’ll make bank while by its which by itself is fun. The fatherly dynamic between the boss and Reid then eventually Josie is really sweet with lots of sweet smaller moments.

My main issues come with the length of the book and how the author chose to spend those pages.

Aside from the core “Apothecary Cast” meaning Reid, Josie, their coworkers and boss, the rest of LFTLA are forgettable. Little more than pawns to the plot and you can easily imagine them frozen from the point the plot leaves them to be plucked back up again when convenient. Josie has a younger sister and older brother that are mentioned offhandedly once and brought back up only when convenient. The POWO and the Scontillis (read Mafia) function almost identically yet references to the latter come belatedly but significant in their importance.

I totally accept this book is intended to occupy a very specific niche of “cosy fantasy” an it does a great job of that. And a side effect of the genre is often shortened page counts. However, I fear the impact of both the plot and the ensemble cast could have been tenfold if the cast were halved and the plot simplified. The random mafia plot could have easily been swallowed by the nefarious rich family plot or vice versa (hells it would almost be common sense to.) Similar with Reid’s roommates and some of the less notable apothecary staffing.

It’s not that I wanted less or more of the book it’s that I wanted what we had to be dealt with more consciously.

I really enjoyed this cozy little romcom esque book. The world building was enjoyful to read and kept me engaged. I will be recommending this to my friends who enjoy the fantasy romance genre, I just know they’d enjoy.

This was a cute, almost cozy-ish historicalish romantasy. It's not set in the real world (as I initially thought), but rather a fantasy world that is very reminiscent of the Victorian era, except magic is commonplace and most people have some magical ability, though few train it.

The two main characters Josie and Reid both want to attend university for magic for different reasons, and they bond through letters over both studying for the entrance exam, neither of them knowing who the other is.

In the mean time, Josie is fired from her job, and needs something else to be able to afford tuition if she is ultimately accepted. She accidentally stumbles into a new job at the apothecary where Reid works due to her knowledge on the matter, but she and Reid are immediately at each other's throats.

Their dislike of each other is largely due to misunderstanding, but also both act in aloof manners so it was absolutely believable to me that they didn't like each other. Reid feels like Josie is always acting like she's so much smarter than he is, and immediately dislikes her, whereas Josie is annoyed by his cold, distant demeanor. Neither have any clue that they are secretly exchanging letters.

At the center of the plot is the apothecary where they both work, which is in significant financial trouble and has only a couple months to turn things around before they go bankrupt. This plot gets more tense at times, with murder and the maffia being involved, and Josie and Reid have little choice but to work together to figure out how to save the apothecary.

The romance in this was a bit of a slow burn, though they are already in love through their letters at the start, and I thought it was very cute. It's kind of blink or you miss it, but both characters are implied to be bisexual.

I thought the magic system was quite interesting, with both a intuitive system that is more encouraged in women and a more academic system. Both characters excel in a different type, and with neither it is the magic that is expected of them, and I found this dichotomy quite interesting.

Would recommend this book to fans of the anonymous pen pals trope such as in Divine Rivals

✉️ Letters from the Last Apothecary ✉️

📘 Bookish Thoughts
I will be posting my full review closer to publication date.

📅 Pub Date: June 9, 2026

📝 Thank you to Hay House LLC and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Two applicants for entrance to a magical higher education institute begin a correspondence when one of them has a book from the library that the other is waiting for access to. Never discloing their real names, they write back and forth to each other for months until, on the day that acceptance letters from the institute are sent out, they are due to meet and it turns out they already have...

I really enjoyed this book - it's a mix of You've Got Mail if it was set in the early 1900s and everybody has access to magic. The main characters both had a lot of baggage - emotionally and societally through their different ethnic backgrounds in comparison to the majority of inhabitants of Tressport, the city to which they currently reside, alongside the gender inequality that Josie faces in wanting to evolve her magical practice and not quite fitting the expected mould of a female practitioner.

The side characters were interesting and I'm wondering if the next book in the series will focus more on somebody that we've already been introduced to? A nice cosy magical romance, with a murder-mystery twist in the middle that somehow works really well!

Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi is a charming and cozy romantic fantasy that blends magical intrigue with heartfelt emotion. The epistolary elements add a delightful layer of intimacy, making the slow-burn romance feel especially tender and personal. Set against a richly imagined world of fading magic and industrial change, the story balances whimsy, stakes, and character growth beautifully. Readers who enjoy warm, character-driven romantasy will find this enchanting tale both comforting and deeply satisfying.

Applied for this purely because of a one-sided competition with a friend.

It wasn’t what I expected, it was better. I was hooked. Loved the leads, the letters, everything.

And when it turned into a murder mystery halfway through?? I was seated.

The tropes delivered. Not really like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, but I’d definitely recommend this to any Divine Rivals fan.

I enjoyed this book enormously. It read easily and the world building was really on point. I loved the letter writing aspect and how those letters were woven into the story. This has been a magical read for me.

Something that did feel off a bit for me was the pacing so now and then, I would have liked to have goten a bit more development of Josie’s and Reid’s relationship and the murder mystery came a bit out of nowhere (but it was nicely tied up).

While I prefer divine rivals I definitely see the similarities and I feel the recomendation fits.

Truly lovely and enchanting, this was an immensely enjoyable read! My one small gripe with it is that the author can be a little verbose at times, but the story is well-woven, the characters are charming and fully fleshed out, and the story is the perfect balance of intrigue and resolution. I think the murder mystery plot was clever but felt a little rushed to me. Overall, really enjoyed this and would recommend! 4.25 stars.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

This book masterfully combines some of my favorite things. If you're also a fan of a magic meets industrial revolution setting, a murder mystery, slow burn romance, and a well built world then this book is for you.

Its opening is reminiscent of period dramas like "Cable Girls" or "The Paradise", but quickly delves into a complex and interesting magical backdrop. I really enjoyed intuitive vs scholarly magical skills and how that would play into a society undergoing an industrial revolution.

Josie and Reid are interesting characters who understandably have friction between them (or so they think.) The letters between them build a believable romance, especially once they figure out who they e really been corresponding with. You can genuinely see these two characters having respect and attraction for each other.

The murder sub-plot was interesting, and I'll never complain about a well placed mafia entanglement. Overall, I am happy to have given this a read. It really was a delight from beginning to end, and I would definitely read more from this author in this world.

Review posted to Storygraph, Goodreads, Pagebound, Bookmory, Hardcover, and Fable. Will be included in monthly TikTok wrap up.

3.5 stars

It was very interesting and different from what I am used to reading.

I plan on reading more from this author

I ended up reading this one slowly, just enjoying the writing and making little notes as I went. Behzadi’s prose is polished and slightly formal, but in a way that feels warm rather than stiff, like stepping into a quieter, older world. I’ve always loved epistolary storytelling, and it adds a lovely sense of closeness here. I appreciated how the letters didn’t just develop the relationship but also deepened my understanding of each character — flaws and all. I can see why Divine Rivals is mentioned in the description, though Letters from the Last Apothecary has a more classic, refined tone of its own.

I liked how emotionally attuned the character work felt. The not‑friends‑to‑lovers arc between Josie and Reid unfolds with a patience that I really appreciated. There’s no forced banter or dramatic inner spirals — just two people shaped by pride, misinterpretation, and the hope of being seen clearly. Their irritation with each other still leaves space for something softer, and the shift happens in such a natural way. I liked that their feelings aren’t spelled out. Their relationship is endearing, earned, and grounded in who these characters are rather than who the plot needs them to be. Their dynamic felt honest enough that I actually leaned in instead of doing my automatic romance‑Grinch eye‑roll. I wish I weren’t so quick to do it, but here we are.

The worldbuilding has the same gentle feel. I love it when magic systems feel like you’re learning alongside the characters, and that’s exactly what I experienced here. I really enjoyed discovering how it works — not just the mechanics, but how the characters understand it, what’s instinctive versus learned, and how much it resembles real‑world skills. It made magic feel completely ordinary in the best way, like something woven into daily life. I caught myself getting excited about the different disciplines of magic in the same way I do with university‑style learning, with the libraries and the books and the quiet thrill of figuring out how things fit together.

The first half of the book lays the emotional and relational groundwork; the second half leans more fully into the mystery. I thought the blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery was well balanced. It felt like I was witnessing a story between two people at a particularly eventful moment in their lives. It was never too self‑gratifying on romance, and it was never too heavy on impressive magic, though the way magic worked remained interesting and memorable. I found myself wishing for a little more of the mystery because my sleuthing‑self was intrigued, but even so, the resolution felt satisfying and not wholly predictable.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy character‑driven fantasy with a touch of mystery and a classic, refined narrative voice. It’s not difficult to follow, but it doesn’t rely on contemporary casual language either. The prose has a quiet, secure elegance that I found deeply satisfying. It matches the “dress code” of the time, which helped anchor me in the when and where just as much as the who, what, and why. This book read like a standalone to me, but I see it’s the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more. I’m already pre‑ordering a physical copy of Letters from the Last Apothecary from my local bookshop — as much as I enjoyed the e‑book, I think experiencing the story with book‑in‑hand will be especially wonderful.

4.5 ⭐ rounding up to 5

Thank you to Hay House (Hay House LLC) and NetGalley for the advance reading copy of Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi.

—
Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well‑written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn’t quite land
⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for

A quiet but powerful cosy fantasy. I always believe you can address hard topics and darker theme and not losing the fantastical aspect, and this book hit that delicate balance!

This really reminded me of why I love historical romance fantasy!!

The first chapter immediately sold me on Josephine: strong, ambitious, yet warm at the core. She felt very human and likeable right away! Then when I realised the book was dual POV and we met Reid, I knew we were in for a fun, romantic and banter-filled ride between these two rivals and secret letter writers.

Letters from the Last Apothecary is a richly atmospheric historical novel that blends mystery, grief, and quiet resilience into a deeply immersive reading experience.
Told through layered correspondence and narrative threads, the story unfolds with a gentle but persistent tension. The epistolary elements add intimacy, allowing readers to feel closely connected to the characters’ inner lives — their regrets, secrets, and unspoken hopes. The apothecary setting itself is beautifully rendered, with careful attention to herbal lore, remedies, and the fragile line between healing and harm.
At its heart, this novel explores legacy — what we inherit, what we choose to carry, and what we leave behind. The protagonist’s journey feels grounded and emotionally authentic, particularly as past and present begin to intertwine. The pacing is measured rather than fast, favoring atmosphere and character development over dramatic twists.
While readers looking for high-action drama may find it quiet, those who appreciate reflective historical fiction with strong thematic depth will likely find it rewarding. The sensory details and thoughtful exploration of loss and redemption linger long after the final chapter.
Overall, Letters from the Last Apothecary is a tender, evocative story about memory, healing, and the enduring power of words.

Historical fantasies with magic baked into their worlds are my bread and butter!!! The strongest aspect of this book is how much it feels very firmly set in the early 1900s while still introducing magic as a very present, almost scientific ability.

While I really liked Reid and Josie and the idea of their relationship, I don't think it was handled very well. Don't get me wrong, I love them and I was rooting for them the whole way through, but I don't think the story spend enough time with (or even explored) their rivalry or their love. And even the majority of the apothecary shop plotline felt underdeveloped. Like I said, I still enjoyed it, but I feel like some parts of the story were exceptionally slow, and then important development was tucked behind a time skip.

Still, I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out for more work from Behzadi because this was overall a pleasant book.

Great start to a new series I will definitely be recommending it the plot setting and characters are wonderful

Cozy, charming, and delightfully magical—this debut weaves a world where intuitive chaos meets methodical precision, and where rivals-turned-lovers fall in love one secret letter at a time. Josie and Reid are perfectly imperfect, their slow-burn romance grounded in shared passion, frustration, and mutual respect. The magic system is clever, the atmosphere enchanting, and the whole story is like curling up with a warm cup of tea on a spring morning—sweet, comforting, and impossible to put down.

If you loved Divine Rivals - you will love this.

It's incredibly atmospheric, set in the 1900's with the main focus on saving the last living Apothecary.

Potions, remedies, elixirs, magic with found family leads us into a cosy vibe as everyone works to keep the Apothecary afloat, against all perils....at all costs....

Very light on spice here ladies - more YA in my opinion.
I'm personally struggling to get into this genre with potions and elixirs being forefront with a less fiesty but more cunning FMC but still enjoyed this book. Things really got moving after the 70% mark but I did catch 'who did it' without any surprise factor.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Letters from the Last Apothecary is the love story you didn’t know you needed to read. Set in the magical city of Tressport, the story follows Josie Pinova, a spirited young woman who, after losing her job, stumbles into the last surviving magical apothecary—run by the very grumpy and meticulous Aufidius Reid.

Josie’s chaotic sunshine energy collides with Reid’s quiet, serious nature, creating the perfect mix of tension, awkward moments, and eventually something sweeter. One of the most charming elements of the story is the letters they exchange, revealing their fears, hopes, and feelings in ways they can’t say out loud.

The writing is immersive, warm, and sometimes beautifully poetic, and the magic system centered around the apothecary feels refreshing and unique. Instead of epic battles, the story focuses on small, meaningful moments—letters, potions, and two people slowly falling in love.

Overall, it’s a cozy romantic fantasy that unfolds at a gentle pace, with lovable characters, soft magic, and a comforting atmosphere that makes the journey feel both warm and memorable.

The perfect blend of fantasy and romance, mixed with humor, this book gives us cozy vibes and a wonderful read.

⭐️ 4.5 stars

I went into Letters from the Last Apothecary with extremely high expectations. Divine Rivals is my favorite YA book of all time, and You’ve Got Mail is my favorite romcom ever, so when I saw this described as “Emily Wilde meets Divine Rivals” with a You’ve Got Mail–style magical twist… I was immediately sold. Thankfully, this book absolutely did not disappoint.

What drew me in first was the atmosphere. The idea of a tiny magical apothecary tucked between looming steel skyscrapers, struggling to survive in a rapidly industrializing city that’s turning against magic, is such a wonderful setting. It feels cozy but also a little bittersweet, like you’re watching the last flicker of an older, gentler kind of magic trying to hold its ground.

Josie was incredibly easy to root for. She’s determined, optimistic, and stubborn in the best way, especially as she pushes against the limitations placed on women studying magic. Her determination to save the apothecary—even when the odds are stacked against her—gave the story so much heart.

And Reid… I am always weak for a grumpy, prickly academic type. At first he seems impossibly rigid and difficult, which makes his dynamic with Josie genuinely entertaining. Their constant bickering at the shop had me smiling more than once. But what really made the romance shine was the letter writing. Watching them slowly fall for each other through anonymous letters while simultaneously driving each other crazy in person was such a fun and satisfying trope. Knowing the truth while they remained oblivious made every interaction feel charged in the best way.

The cozy fantasy elements worked beautifully with the romantic storyline. The apothecary, the experimental elixirs, the quiet magic of the shop itself—all of it created such a warm atmosphere that I genuinely didn’t want to leave. At the same time, the growing threat to the shop added enough tension to keep the plot moving and raise the stakes.

The only reason this isn’t quite a full five stars for me is that there were a few moments where I wished certain plot threads had been explored just a little deeper. But overall, the characters, the romance, and the cozy magical setting completely won me over.

If you love letter-based romances, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, cozy fantasy worlds, and stories about preserving magic in a changing world, I would absolutely recommend this one.

And thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Loved this so much!!! Josie and Reid are absolutely everything and I could not put the book down. I'm a sucker for a You've Got Mail dynamic but this expanded on it in ways I didn't think possible in the best way. The magic system is so cool and fully realized, give me one million more of these please!

Letters to the Last Apothecary was such a fun cozy read I am appalled it’s a debut novel. The story just pulls you in and keeps you captivated from the get go. I personally love the letter trope, I could not get enough of the story and the characters. I can see the comparison with divine rivals with the anonymous letter writing but I do believe this story held its own. I loved how it was a magical academia setting, I was not the biggest fans of the characters but it’s still very promising for a debut.

This book provided me a light cozy comfort for February. The world and magic system was interesting and the mysterious pen pal letter writing had me hooked. I love a good mystery romance prospect and this book did not disappoint. This book stuck with me for weeks to come in the back of my mind. The pink and gold cover is very Valentines Day themed which was a bonus for me.

Pub date: 9 June 2026
Outlets review was published on: Goodreads, Fable (will review on Amazon too when book is released) - see below for links
Date of reviews uploaded: 14 March 2026

'Letters from the Last Apothecary' by Bita Behzadi is a lovely, cozy read that focuses on the last apothecary shop in Tressport. This story is about our FMC, Josephine, and our MMC, Reid and how they come to meet and how they make their dreams and passions come to fruition. The story is perfect for those who love cozy fantasies with an element of murder mystery to it. This story also reminded me of a fantasy version of 'You've got mail' at times, which I absolutely loved!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hay House and Bita Behzadi for an eARC of 'Letters from the Last Apothecary' in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 9 June 2026

The first half of this book is a slow pace that although sets up the world and characters. It does however at times drag as you wait for what does actually become the main plot to start, which doesn't kick in until about the 50% mark.

The strongest aspect of this book for me was the emphasis on the community around the apothecary. How they give people other options that aren't just the traditional medicine that sometimes just suppress symptoms rather than treat them. Things like that helped show why we should care about if the shop closes or not beyond well the characters care so we have to care. What else I thought was well done was showing how in Tressport being from a different background puts people like Josie and Reid at a disadvantage from things like getting employment or applying to university; but then also small ways like Sam trying to make an appointment with a tailor. I know some readers will find this heavy-handed buti ready liked it and found it realistic because in every situation they will still be people of colour in a different social class in a predominantly white city.

What didn't work for me was how it felt like Josie and Reid's relationship was most based on their letters and their real life one didn't have as much development. I would have liked to see them grow together more before either discovered their other identity because once they do it does feel like some of the things they had said to each other (mostly Reid) were swept under the rug despite being, kind of jerks. I did enjoy Josies relationship with her family. I think it did nail that dynamic where she can feel othered in her own family, but they all still love each other and have a close bond.

Letters from the last apothecary is a good debut which a stronger second half I think romance readers who enjoy more low stakes in a cozy fantasy setting would enjoy this and I would recommend it to fans of other books like divine rivals with the letter writing aspect. I will be looking out for what Bita Behzadi writes next and look forward to it.

3.75 stars!

thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the arc!!

in this book we are following two rival coworkers who are also anonymous lovers over letters!! i liked josie and reid’s characters individually but i feel like their romance could’ve been more developed if that makes sense! overall a fun read and i enjoyed it!! i think it was pretty easy to read and while a little predictable still a fun time!! i think this is a standalone but if there is ever any more books in this world (with felipe, sam, juniper…) i would 100% tune in!!

Letters from the Last Apothecary is an enchanting and atmospheric start to the Tressport Magic series, weaving together mystery, herbal magic, and heartfelt storytelling in a way that feels both intimate and adventurous. Bita Behzadi has crafted a world that brims with charm—one where apothecary arts, old magic, and personal secrets intertwine beautifully.

Told through letters, journal entries, and quiet moments of discovery, the novel draws readers into the life of its apothecary protagonist, who must navigate the blurred lines between duty, intuition, and the hidden histories of Tressport. The epistolary style adds a rich sense of immediacy and introspection, making the magic feel grounded and personal rather than flashy or overwhelming.

Behzadi excels at world‑building through sensory detail: the smell of dried herbs, the soft glow of lanternlight in a cluttered apothecary shop, the hush of magic that lingers beneath everyday life. These elements create a cozy, immersive experience—perfect for readers who love gentle fantasy with emotional depth.

The supporting cast adds warmth and texture, offering moments of companionship, tension, and delightful eccentricity. As the protagonist unravels the secrets contained in the mysterious letters, the story steadily builds toward a meaningful and satisfying conclusion.
If there is one slight drawback, it’s that the pacing occasionally lingers, especially in the early chapters. But once the narrative settles into its rhythm, it becomes a deeply engaging journey filled with heart.

Overall, Letters from the Last Apothecary is a beautifully written, quietly magical tale that sets the stage for an intriguing new series. Its blend of herbal lore, mystery, and emotional resonance makes it a standout debut in cozy, character‑driven fantasy.

First of all, I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I must begin by saying that the strongest point of the story is the beautiful writing. Both in the letters and in the narration, the enormous care taken in the construction of sentences and the choice of words is undeniable. It was as if, the whole time, I was friends with Josie and Reid, and I could see the complexity in their distinct personalities, as well as the commonalities they seemed to refuse to acknowledge.

However, I need to point out that my biggest problems were with the way the story was conducted and the way the characters' antipathy was created. In many places, it seemed like just a mutual dislike, especially on Reid's part. The way the hatred began doesn't seem very believable, and it gave me the impression that it was mainly a plot device to keep the story going that way. Unfortunately, it seemed quite forced, and this hindered all the other interactions between the characters. Since this is a book with more romance than fantasy, it was very important to me that the couple be well-developed, and I felt there was little development in that regard.

Furthermore, I would definitely read another book by this author and recommend this one to anyone who loves cozy fantasy, especially if the reader's focus is romance.

Thank you Hay House and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

I really liked the letters that the main characters send to each other, it really gave You’ve got mail vibes. The book was a nice read, but you can see that it is a debut. Overall a nice book to read.

What a joy it was to read this story! Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi is a lush, beautiful story of love and aspiration in a society that refuses to accept you. Josie and Reid's romance was so tender and comforting, and I found myself falling in love alongside them as the story progressed. Reid particularly is a compelling male lead, which I find is sometimes hard to accomplish. The prose is beautiful, the story is engaging, and this truly stands up to the current popular titles in the light fantasy genre. Excited to see what other pieces Behzadi has in the works.

Arc Review
Letters from the Last Apothecary (Tressport Magic, Book 1)
A Novel
by Bita Behzadi
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Hay House | Hay House LLC for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, it was such a good read and the way the writing just seemed to flow so naturally just added to the effect. I loved that the MC's wrote letters to each other and fell in love that way. It's not written about very often but it's so romantic.
#LettersfromtheLastApothecary #NetGalley

A great book but not for me. All the best to the author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-Arc!

I really enjoyed the premise and the magic system of this book. I can't wait to read more in this series!

I absolutely loved this magical realism, dual-timeline, dual-POV mystery romance. A diverse cast and setting (loved that the mmc is indigenous to the fictional city of Tressport - a Victorian-era-inspired city), both mcs are aspiring graduate students adept at magic (both intuitive and as a craft - although it's swapped from the usual gender roles, in that the mmc is an intuitive magic user and the fmc is the craft-speller), and connect via the library (that is, via her sending him a request to return an overdue book she wanted to study). Her letter inspires one of his own in return, and they begin one timeline wherein they exchange letters and get to know each other, developing an emotional intimacy that deepens into love (although semi-anonymously, as they both use pseudonyms in their letters).

In the other timeline, their present, Reid is working at the city's last apothecary (a business running on fumes as the early 20th century city industrializes and magic is cast aside), and Josie is fired from yet another position, and upon inquiring about ingredients she needs at the apothecary, is hired right away to help improve the shop's sales. They wrestle with their emotional walls in person, their complementary yet different approaches to magic, and their dissatisfaction with how their adult lives are feeling stuck, as well as uncertain futures. They have an undeniable connection, and eventually the two timelines coexisted together and Josie and Reid have to decide how to proceed when the person they fell in love with by letter is indeed a full and robust person outside of the written word.

The lyrical prose and Victorian setting (and colorful cast of family and found family characters), is a slow-burn up until the last third of the book, when their boss (and Reid's adoptive father figure) is murdered and they have to solve the murder and save the apothecary - and figure out what to do about grad school.

I loved the slow burn and dual timeline, because it gave us a chance to really know the characters and develop a full world to exist in - I feel like I could map out the apothecary and it's plants and remedies. I would absolutely recommend this to those who like Divine Rivals, and appreciate the second-person voice. Magical realism is quick-becoming one of my favorite genres, and books like this are why! I'm also excited that this is book 1, and we'll get to return to Tressport soon!

*Opinions are my own, and I am grateful to Hay House publisher via NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

I haven't delved into cozy fantasy books much but when I saw on Netgalley that this was for fans of Divine Rivals, I had to request it! and I'm so grateful that I was able to read this one early.

Letters from the Last Apothecary is such a whimsical, fun and cute novel, and a cozy version of Divine Rivals. The atmosphere was so lush yet a bit spooky at times, and was so different from anything I have read before. The writing is lyrical and easy to read, and complemented the plot so well.

I was also on my toes for the plot the entire time - I didnt know where we were going! At times, it did feel a bit slow, but it was not boring and it kept me interested and intrigued the whole time. The magic system was also so unique and it kind of confused me at times, so I would have loved a bit more explanation on it - perhaps in book 2!!! It also surprisingly turned into a murder mystery half way through which I enjoyed and reminded me a bit of The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le.

The main characters were so fun (very much grumpy + sunshine duo) and had amazing banter! they also had a lot of depth and I loved diving into their background and motivations. However, I felt the side characters fell a bit flat and I wanted to learn more about them (again maybe in book 2?!). I also ADORED the aspect of the letters and how Josie and Reid eventually found each other - i think i will never get tired of this book trope! It was so adorable and made me feel giddy, and there were so many good quotes about love that I was smiling so hard.

overall giving it a 3.5 stars - not sure if cozy fantasy is for me but I loved the main elements of the story, but had some minor irks with the plot and side characters!

This was a weird one (in a good way) because I went into it expecting one thing and got something that was a little more than was the publisher is advertising it as (which I don't think will work for some people who are going into it expecting only one thing). I'm trying to be as vague as possible for the sake of spoilers, though I don't know how successful I was.

I think the writing shows a lot of promise, particularly from a debut author. There were some very vivid imagery and beautiful passages. The characters are imperfect and, honestly flawed in certain aspects, but in a very real and interesting way. I'm truly a sucker for epistolary novels and, if I'm honest, I wish we got a bit more letters between the two leads (though I did like that we got to see them outside of pen and page--it plays well into one of the larger themes of how multi-faceted people are and you only really fully know what people deign to show you).

I will say my two biggest criticisms are that there is a LOT going on--both plot-wise and thematically. I think, maybe a little too much, at times? I think if the novel were only focused on Aufidius and Josie's relationship in and outside of letters, some of those themes could have been explored in a bit more of a nuanced way. The way things shape out in the book currently, some of those themes felt a little heavy-handed or shoe-horned in. That, and I feel like there was a bit of a mild pacing issue at points, but nothing too egregious.

Overall, this was honestly a surprisingly delightful debut. I'm eager to read further from this author in the future!

I LOVE FALLING IN LOVE THROUGH LETTERS!!!! One of my favorite tropes is epistolary romance, and it was soooooo well done in this book! I devoured this book, it really reminded me of one of my favorite books ever, Divine Rivals.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the arc to review.

I love a good novel told in letter format so I knew this book would be right up my alley!

Josie Pinova stumbles into a job at the (failing) last apothecary in the city of Tressport. The job is a dream for Josie, but her coworker Reid is not. To Josie, Reid is uptight and rigid. To Reid, Josie is an overly opinionated know-it-all. Behind closed doors however, Josie and Reid are both waiting to hear if they’ve been accepted to Tressport’s institute of magic, and falling in love through letters in the meantime. When the apothecary’s decline looms closer than ever, Josie and Reid have to work together to save the apothecary, and then only sense of security either of them has ever known. Will the two of them be able to work together to save the shop? Or will their constant butting of heads be the downfall of it all?

This book was compared to divine rivals and Emily Wilde and I think that was accurate. The characterization of Josie as a woman fighting for a chance to prove herself in academia and Reid struggling with his magic and his emotions was well done. They both kept me hooked. The setting was beautiful, the romance was sweet, and the side characters were just as charming as the mains.

I did feel at points like this book struggled to find its footing. It maintains a cozy fantasy tone throughout, but the addition of the mob, the guns, industrialism and a murder mystery made the book feel like it didn’t know what it wanted to say. Additionally I wished we could’ve seen more of the softness and vulnerability of the letters within the characters day to day interactions before they immediately were in love.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will read the sequel, I just felt like this book had a lot of mismatched parts for a cozy fantasy.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to four

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really enjoyable book! I loved seeing both Josie and Reid’s POVs as they offered such unique perspectives of what was happening and each had their own internal struggles going on throughout the book.

I truly think that the fact that both of them felt so flawed and human with all the worries and insecurities that come with being a human is what endeared me to this book.

This book had a bit of a Pride and Prejudice feel with the romance, as Reid and Josie are not fans of each other to start, but they also have a lovely relationship through their letters. The letters are what allowed them to be themselves to discuss their flaws and worries so they could build that relationship because they were anonymous.

Throw in a little murder mystery, a slow-burn romance and no third act break-up and I’m in!

I took my time reading Letters from the Last Apothecary because I wanted to savour the magic, the whimsy and the comfort that this book provides. Bita Behzadi’s prose was utterly gorgeous and just flowed from the page. There was a lyrical and poetic quality to her writing that had me captivated from the get-go. I felt like I was being wrapped in a warm hug as I read through this story. I see why it has been comped to Divine Rivals and Emily Wilde because it reminded me so much of the vibes and the stakes of those two books.

I can see why this was comped to Divine Rivals and Emily Wilde because it reminded me so much of the vibes and stakes of those two books; there’s comfort and coziness, but life-changing events are about to happen. To me, the world-building felt almost steampunk-y, with magic and industrialization/technology woven together and clashing at the same time. It was super interesting and seeing how Josie and Reid used it, both in their own ways, was so much fun to read about.

This is probably one of the best character-driven fantasy books I’ve ever read. It centres both Josie and Reid, intertwining their narratives in unexpected but beautiful ways and highlighting their lives, without one overshadowing the other. The letters that these two exchange are the highlight of the book, showcasing who these two are and revealing their deepest, darkest secrets and fears. They’re both on very different paths when we first meet them, and locked in a rivalry as they (reluctantly) work together in the apothecary. But as we experience more of their letters, which were so beautiful btw, you could tell that these two were slowly but surely falling for each other, both through their words and in real life.

The first half of the book is about Josie and Reid’s story, and them slowly learning to work together in the apothecary. In the second half, the stakes and the danger are all ramped up. There’s a mystery aspect in play, and the way it blends into the fantasy and romance is done so well. The action isn’t super heavy, but given the overall plot and stakes, it seems just perfect for the story. The mystery is solved quicker than one might think, but I found that to be quite satisfying. There were certain things predictable and certain things not, making for a quite pleasant fantasy read.

Overall, I had a blast reading Letters from the Last Apothecary and I cannot wait to read more of what Bita Behzadi writes. (Also feel like there’s room to tell so many more stories in this world too!)

The book is good beginning to end, but it REALLY picks up in the second half. I was all giggly and swooning as soon as Reid started letting his guard down. Great read!

This gorgeous book turned out to be a combination of all the things I loved most! You get a cozy fantasy, some romance, and then mystery intertwined. I really enjoyed it! I LOVE the letters, that was so fun. Josephine and Reid were such a fun dynamic. They can’t stand each other, even though they’ve been writing back and forth and don’t know it. It’s so fun! Also-what a gorgeous cover!

Thank you to Net Galley, Hay House, and Bita Behzadi for allowing me to read the ARC of Letters from the Last Apothecary.

I will say for me personally, while the book was enjoyable, it was a tough for me to grasp onto until I got to 13%. I did enjoy the beginning of the book starting out with “Miss Pinova’s” character, it was just when I got to the part about Mr. Reid it sort of lagged. I tend to read at night and it took me weeks to surpass 11% - I just kept falling asleep and not remembering anything I’d read previously. Once I got past this part, I thought that the story picked finally started to pick up.

Overall, I think the book’s description is a perfect description of the interactions between Reid and Josephine. They truly are like two people who almost can not stand each other, yet something pulls at their spidey sense when they are around each other. I enjoyed the back and forth arguments. I think if you are looking for a light romance, this is the book for you. For me, because of the sluggish parts, I’d rate it a 3. If you’re looking for spicy material, this is not quite it, but it’s sweet and fun.

I enjoyed this cozy little fantasy, although it took me a little while to really feel like I understood what was going on. Once it really got into the swing of things, I had a great time. The characters were great, in that they were flawed in a believable way and yet still likable.

Letters of the Last Apothecary gave me strong Pride and Prejudice vibes in the dynamic between Reid and Josie, and I adored that this was a story built around falling in love through letters. If “letter‑writing romance” is a trope, then it’s officially my favourite.

From the very first page, I was hooked. Josie’s personality shines immediately as she refuses to be fired and cleverly uses magic to uncover a thief, such a brilliant introduction. The magic system fascinated me, especially the second‑sense wards. I loved how the world felt like an industrial era where magic was becoming taboo; it made the setting feel original and layered.

The twists and turns kept me engaged throughout, and the world‑building was both inventive and immersive. I could easily imagine a sequel, especially one that explores Reid’s interactions with his found family within hers. That thread of connection and belonging added so much heart to the story.

A captivating blend of romance, clever magic, and rich world‑building, this book is one I’ll be recommending.

This was such a cozy read. I read this for the vibes but stayed for the characters. I adored the way the letters were written between the characters. We got to see them slowly fall in love through letters but loathe each other in person.

The audiobook was excellent. E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi were great narrators. It was such a great listen. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bita Behzadi, and Hay House LLC for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

letters from the last apothecary is a perfect read for all the historical fantasy lovers! splendid prose and magical world through the lens of two people that fall in love through letters but dislike eachother in real life, it is very much the type of book you could enjoy easily.

Oh, epistolary romance, how much I adore you! This was another great example of why I do.

Following Reid and Josie, two people aspiring to get into the Institute of Magic and to finally fulfill their passions, the story unfolds as they anonymously exchange letters, starting with them bonding as university hopefuls and eventually developing feelings for each other.

Let me just say: this was so cute! I am not the biggest dual POV fan, but because the book is interspersed with the main characters' own letters to each other, I thought their different viewpoints enhanced the story very well.

Josie and Reid are two characters who immediately make a bad impression on each other when they meet for the first time, with Reid being annoyed and slightly intimidated by Josie’s expertise and by how well she gets along with his boss, who he’s always felt a little distant from, and Josie being put off by his stand-offish behavior around her. The story did a perfect job of illustrating why these two would never suspect that they're each other’s secret letter writer.

As a heroine, Josie was solidly written, and I liked how this book incorporated her struggles as a woman in a historically inspired world that is very misogynistic, as well as the scrutiny she faces because of an ethnic background that makes her place in society even more precarious.

The book explores a similar theme with Reid, who himself is of a mixed heritage and also has to deal with the otherness and classism of the academic spaces he wants to belong to.

While I did think the book’s slice of life vibes and the day-to-day apothecary happenings were quite fun to follow in the beginning, I also thought the book suffered from feeling a little stretched out and slow until the mystery plot in the latter half unfolded, which reawakened my excitement and interest. Coupled with an ending that felt like it wrapped the story up in a neat way, this really did work for me!




Thank you to Hay House for the ARC..

Josie is a woman in a man's world; yearning to study and practice magic but having prejudices against her background and gender blocking the way.

She seeks solace in the mysterious Mr Clarke, a man with whom she's never met but has been exchanging letters and slowly falling in love with

When she is offered a job at the last remaining apothecary in the city she jumps at the chance, despite her surly and judgemental co-worker, Reid.

Little does she know Reid and Mr Clarke are one and the same.

This book had some excellent worldbuilding and a really interesting magic system.

With religion, cultures and prejudices that mirror the real world it was easy to relate to the characters and their struggles.

Letters from the Last Apothecary is a character-driven historical fantasy romance - light on the fantasy and heavy on the romance in a really sweet way. It's comped to Divine Rivals which I totally felt!! Josephine and Reid are unknowingly falling in love through a series of letters, all while working together in a struggling apothecary. I wouldn't class it as rivals or enemies to lovers, but they simply don't mesh well in the real world. Throw in a possible murder and and a rising tide of anti-magic sentiment and you've got something for everyone.

Josephine and Reid are very different people but they have the same kind of heart and I love how the partly-epistolary format of the story allows the reader to get to know two versions of each character; who they are to the world and who they are when they think no one they know is watching. Background characters are really just there to push the story along and they don't lay a huge active role in the plot but there was nothing I specifically disliked about any of them/the way they were written. I am normally not a romance reader and prefer it to be a minor subplot but I found these characters so charming and well-developed as individuals that I didn't mind at all!

I wasn't expecting it to go in a murder mystery direction but I think the author did a great job of blurring the lines between genres a little bit without the romance being overshadowed. Most fantasy/fantasy romances are about world-changing/ending stakes and epic battles between good and evil and I loved that this book takes a different route and the risks in this book are very personal to the characters as it gives them room to depend on and support one another. There were a couple of great twists and reveals which is always a bonus!

I think one thing that let it down a little bit was a lack of grounding in the historical setting. The story takes place in 1906 and if it weren't for the dates on the letters I would've assumed it was a contemporary urban fantasy world. I didn't feel transported or a nostalgic quality that I expect from historical fantasy and I think the author relied on explicit dates to bridge the gap for the reader. It is also described as cozy but I probably wouldn't class it as one and I was actually surprised going back to read the blurb after reading the book that they chose that word.

This is a debut and I think the author has a fantastic knack for writing characters and chemistry so I'm very much looking forward to what they come up with next!

Letters from the Last Apothecary is a story of two people who fall in love through letters, not knowing that they know each other in real life. Reid and Julia live in a world of magic, both want to go to University to study and become mages, both end up working at the last live apothecary or magical remedy store. They appear to be rivals, but they are also writing to each other, baring their souls while thinking that they are writing to someone else. It is a magical The Shop Around the Corner or You've Got Mail. The book is engaging and fun. The romance is closed door, but mature. The book is perfect for anyone who likes a little magic with their sweet romance.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Okay I just finished Letters from the Last Apothecary and I need to talk about it 😭✨

This book has such a cozy, slightly mysterious vibe but also hits you emotionally in a way I wasn’t fully prepared for. The whole apothecary/magic/letters concept?? I loved it. It felt really unique and kind of comforting, like you’re slowly uncovering pieces of something deeper with every page.

The writing is beautiful without being over the top, and I got so attached to the characters. There’s this quiet kind of magic to it—not super flashy, but more meaningful and emotional, which honestly made it even better for me.

Also the way everything unfolds through letters?? I’m a sucker for that. It makes it feel more personal, like you’re right there discovering everything alongside them.

If you like cozy fantasy with a little bit of mystery and heart, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s one of those books that just sticks with you after you finish 🤍📖

Letters from the Last Apothecary is a sweet, cosy story set in a world in the 1900s, where everyone has magic, but certain magics are taboo and studying at the magical Institute is normally only for men. The story is written in dual POV as we follow Josie and Reid, two people who fall in love over exchanged letters and their shared passion for learning. Little do they know that while their letters are anonymous, they already know each other in person and actually can’t stand each other, clashing over everything. But when the apothecary is slated to close, and tragedy hits, they have no choice but to try to work together.

I loved all the characters in this book; they all have a history that has led them to settle in the town of Tressport and the apothecary. Josie has some strong points of view, which, along with her calm, sassy nature, I absolutely loved. Reid comes across as stoic and uncaring, but as you get to know him, you realise that this is not who he truly is.

The apothecary itself felt like its own living, breathing character, with all kinds of plants that need specialised care. However, I would have loved more time in the apothecary, discovering more of its treasures and some small explanations of what certain plants are. They all have unique fantastical names, and it is hard to envision them without a bit more description. I look forward to visiting this world again in the next book.

Thank you, Bita Behzadi, Hay House and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Letters from the Last Apothecary (Tressport Magic, Book 1) by Bita Behzadi

Thank you to Hay House, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC/ALC 💌

Okay… I am so weak for epistolary romance and this book knew it.

This is one of those stories that feels like opening a stack of letters you were never supposed to read—except you absolutely should be reading them because the slow descent from academic rivalry to anonymous yearning??? Obsessed.

Reid and Josie start off on the absolute wrong foot in real life. Like, genuine irritation, misunderstanding, and that delicious “why are you like this?” energy. And then, unknowingly, they start writing to each other… and suddenly it’s soft feelings, vulnerability, and emotional chaos in letter form. I love a situation where they are enemies in person but absolute disaster romantics on paper.

The dual POV worked so well here, especially because of the letters woven throughout. It added so much intimacy and contrast—you get to see how differently they interpret the same world, and it makes the eventual connection feel even more inevitable (and painful, in the best way).

I also really appreciated how much depth both characters had beyond the romance. Josie navigating misogyny and prejudice in a magical academic space felt so grounded and real, and Reid’s struggle with class and belonging added another layer that made both of them feel fully formed rather than just romance archetypes.

The beginning is a bit slower and more slice-of-life in the apothecary setting, but honestly I didn’t mind it—it made everything feel cozy and lived-in. And once the mystery and emotional stakes started unfolding more, I was completely locked in.

And I have to talk about the audiobook—because WOW. The narration elevated this so much for me. The letters being read aloud by the characters made everything feel so intimate and immersive, like I was actually receiving them. I found myself putting this on during walks just to stay in their world a little longer, and that’s always a sign of a five-star listening experience for me.

If you love:
💌 epistolary romance
💌 rivals-to-lovers via anonymous letters
💌 cozy fantasy academia vibes
💌 emotional slow-burn tension
💌 Emily Wilde / Divine Rivals energy

…this is absolutely one to pick up.

Overall, this was cozy, magical, and quietly heartbreaking in the best way, and I’m already looking forward to more in this world.

Huge thank you again to the author, Hay House, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC/ALC 💛

⁀જ➣ ❝ This may read as daft, but I am glad I can write to you, because I do not have to wonder if some secret of mine will eventually put you off. I do not have to hold my breath in anticipation that you will recognize something terrible in me. ❞

Release Date : June 9, 2026 ⟢

⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ 1900s Chicago
⌗ Anonymous Pen Pals
⌗ Magical Apothecary
⌗ Office Romance

What a delightful debut by Bita Behzadi! For those who know me, I'm a fan of "Divine Rivals" and the Emily Wilde series. When I learned that this book was compared to those, I became very excited and curious about the similarities. Behzadi's writing is straightforward and easy to understand, yet thoughtful, providing just the right amount of description and information. The world she creates feels similar to our modern environment, with a touch of magic woven throughout.

Now that I've read it, I can see that the overall atmosphere and anonymous letters definitely remind me of Divine Rivals, while our female lead's thoughts and attitude toward academia remind me of Emily Wilde.

୭˚ ❝ Truthfully, I do not know where my future leads. If any of the immovable pillars of my identity, my gender, or my race are what triggered my rejection, then there is nowhere I can climb. ❞

𓏲⋆💌.* Josephine 'Josie' Pinova: I admire a strong, independent woman. She knows what she wants and does her best to prove herself. If that doesn't work, she'll do her best to talk her way into getting it.

❝ You have cut into my center in a way so few have. You are so complete in my mind, so fully formed, and I can only hope that you see me just as completely. ❞ ་࿐

𓏲⋆✨.* Aufidius Reid: I have mixed feelings about this man. He was pretty stuck-up for most of the book and clearly needs therapy for his anger issues. Just when I think he's an okay guy, he does something that makes me dislike him again. I don't blame Josephine for the strong dislike at the start because I see it too. By the end, I guess he was okay.

❝ Truthfully, I do not know where my future leads. If any of the immovable pillars of my identity, my gender, or my race are what triggered my rejection, then there is nowhere I can climb. This is where I am competent, and it did not matter. I have spent my entire life fighting to be seen, and I am not sure if I can continue much longer without anything to show for it. ❞

The romance didn't develop immediately, which I loved, and I admired how they took the time to get to know each other and learned to respect one another during the months they've worked together in the apothecary. There were also themes surrounding prejudice based on ethnic backgrounds, and since there is a growing anti-magic sentiment in the city, people's perception of those with magic is scrutinized.

Another thing that threw me off was when the mafia act comes in. I enjoyed the slow pace and day-to-day work in the apothecary, but when the action and high stakes kicked in, the vibe changed completely for me, unfortunately.

The audiobook version is such a delight to listen to with the e-arc. I absolutely loved Samara Naeymi's portrayal of Josephine. I loved her enunciation, and her voice was such a treat to listen to. I wouldn't mind if she narrated the whole book because, unfortunately, Reid's narration was lacking and sometimes doesn't do the scene justice.

Overall, I was pleased with the story and can't wait for Book 2 of the Tressport Magic series. Hopefully, we follow Josephine's sister, Juniper, since I loved her character so much, and her clairvoyance magic is such an intriguing aspect to see.

❝ When you live with someone, you say hello, you give them a little kiss, every day. You don’t think about it. But when you are drawn apart, letters are the only way to touch. They are proof, a reminder, that you think of one another. Every one is a window into your heart. ❞

Thank you to Hay House, LLC and, of course, Bita Behzadi for providing an advance copy of this ebook and audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑

Set in a gaslamp fantasy city where industrialization threatens to eclipse intuitive magic, Letters from the Last Apothecary explores a world divided by gender and class. Here, structured university magic is the domain of men, while "pagan" practices are dismissed as feminine and inferior.

The narrative follows Josie and Reid, two strangers who fall in love through a correspondence that begins with academic hopes and deepens into intimacy. Their romance takes a bittersweet turn when they finally meet as reluctant colleagues in the last surviving apothecary, failing to recognize the person behind the ink. Josie, a fiercely independent woman of lower status, clashes and connects with Reid, a stoic apothecary of similar humble birth.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional stakes and the tension of their dual identities to breathe. The result is a charming, poignant dance between two characters that balances humor with genuine heart. While the story stands perfectly well on its own, its classification as a series opener leaves one wondering what lies beyond this self-contained tale. Ultimately, it is a delightful read that makes you eager for more from the author.

This was SO FUN!!! I love the magic system and these characters are so organic and the relationship pacing SO GOOD!! I love the tension of the letters create especially when they meet. The greater plot beginning at the halfway point was actually very well executed, i didn’t feel like the first half was slow but like the foundational pillars of the relationship and magic were being set down to allow for a complex plot to happen! Really impressed by this!! I can’t wait for the next book!!

"Emily Wilde meets Divine Rivals in this debut cozy historical romantic fantasy about a grumpy apothecarist, the whirlwind woman who comes to save his shop, and the letters that secretly unite them. You've Got Mail with a magical twist!

Nestled between steel skyscrapers lies a small shop stocked with old magic and experimental elixirs. This cozy historical romantic fantasy debut is a tale of mistaken identity, reluctant partnership, and the quiet, transformative magic of being truly seen - on and off the page.

Josephine Pinova doesn't believe in fate. Yet, it must be fate when she walks into one of the last magical apothecaries in the city and they offer her a job after she's just been fired.

Struggling against a tide of anti-magic sentiment amidst the city's rapid industrialization, the shop is slated to close in six short months unless Josie can save it. Luckily, she's no stranger to impossible odds - she's applying to study magic at the local university, something women are typically excluded from - even as the shop's prickly apothecarist, Aufidius Reid, seems determined to dislike her.

Reid finds her unbearably insistent. She finds him infuriatingly uptight - nothing like the sensitive scholar Josie has been exchanging anonymous letters with as they study together for entrance to a graduate magic program. A scholar who just so happens to be Reid himself, unbeknownst to either of them.

Letter by letter, they fall in love. But at work, Josie and Reid clash constantly about the direction of the business. As pressure rises, they discover the threat to the shop is more dangerous than they could have ever imagined, and working together to save it might be their only chance at true purpose, and at each other."

I'd say more The Shop Around the Corner than You've Got Mail, even if one is a reimagining of the other.

One of the first few times I came across this book, I saw it being pitched as "Divine Rivals" X "Emily Wilde" and having read the book now, I have to say that pitch was spot on!

This book has the cute letter-writing romance in it, with a headstrong main character who does remind me of Emily Wilde while still retaining her own personality. I loved how this book had some stakes so it wasn't wholly cozy, but it is still light hearted and always comes back to that feeling despite balancing the nuance of characters having lost family members, losing their livelihoods, or not fitting into a White-centric society.

While I figured out the twists and antagonist reveal in this book quite early on, it didn't detract from my reading experience. I fully enjoyed the revelation of how the characters discovering who was actually behind their letters, as well as rhe emphasis and work put into family, both found and biological. The book balances that while also solving a crime that occurs and seamlessly helps our characters fall in love beyond the writing personas they hide behind.

I enjoyed how cute and light this book read despite the heavy themes it tackles. It's very refreshing and a good form of escapism, especially at a time when things can feel heavy.

Many thanks to Hay House/Penguin and NetGalley for the eARC!

I loved how the epistolary and linear narrative timelines slowly converged. The magic system was decently explained, though I feel there are small gaps but none that make the magic confusing. I really enjoyed the blend of magic and Industrial Revolution and how the two affected one another. I wish there was a bit more world building regarding the different countries and immigration; it was very much a mirroring of our own world but lacked depth. The romance development was sweet. The overarching plot was a bit flat at times, lacking intrigue and intensity. I am curious how this is supposedly the first book in the Tressport Magic series when nothing was left open-ended. Overall though, this was simply a nice, low-stakes, easy read. And one I enjoyed much more than Divine Rivals.

*Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Bita Behzadi for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

This was incredible. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The way Bita Behzadi structured and wove this story together was so impressive, everything felt intentional and interconnected. This is one of those books that made me wish I annotated, because there were so many layers and details I wanted to hold onto.

The emotional turmoil this book put me through was something I wasn’t expecting. I didn’t think I’d be crying over academic or workplace struggles, but because of how deeply I connected to the story, I absolutely did.

The romance in this book is grounded in effort, perseverance, and choosing each other even when circumstances aren’t ideal. It’s about navigating challenges and deciding that something is still worth fighting for, which made it feel especially meaningful.

I also loved how this story blended elements of murder mystery with love letters, it created such a unique and compelling reading experience.

Thank you again to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Bita Behzadi for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of this book!

Thanks, @bitabehz, @netgalley for the copies.

1905. Tressport. Meet Josephine Pinova, a university scholar hopeful, bored to tears in her work as a typist while she prepares for the postgraduate application process in the study of Magic. She desperately needs a book that has been checked out forever by a 'Mr Clarke'. She writes him a letter and that sets of an early 1900s 'You've Got Mail".  When she loses her job at the insurance company, the Fates intervene and she is hired at the local (and one of the last apothecaries), where broody and dismissive Aufidius Reed also works. When she crosses that door, she has no idea that he is Mr. Clarke. And he has no idea that the annoying Josie is actually the lovely 'Miss Davis'. 

As days go by and they have to deal with numerous threats and hardships at the apothecary, they start to see a kinship and form a reluctant partnership, while Mr. Clarke and Miss Davis fall in love through the exchange of letters. 

This book is sort of hard to categorize genre wise. It's a cozy fantasy, witchy, paranormal, historical, closed door romance. It will definitely hook those looking for fantasy and those looking for a sweet, slow burn, delicate romance. There's a lot of world building as is expected in a first in a fantasy series. 

What you get: secret identities, a sort of epistolary romance, whimsical and magical elements, a 'historical romance', a little dislike to love and a dash of mystery. 

Content notes (including but not limited to): mentions of loss of parents, complicated family dynamics, misogyny, betrayal, murder, fire

had the chance to read the advance copy of Letters From the Lost Apothecary by Bita Behzadi immersively with the ebook from NetGalley and audio from Libro.fm narrated by E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi.

𝙈𝛄 2 ¢𝓮𝞰𝒕𝐬: such a fun book!
🎧 the dual audio narration was fantastic and I especially enjoyed the voice of Aufidius Reid! Both narrators had perfect tonal shifts for the written letters versus regular narration. I recommend the audiobook! On the other hand, without the text there are a lot of words and names that would be hard to spell, and a few times I wanted to flip back to check plot connections across chapters. Immersive was the way to go!

I fell for the characters immediately and really liked the epistolatory part of the narrative. It was interesting to see the characters on a surface level in their public life along with a deeper peek at their souls through the letters. Seeing them grow as their external lives and internal hopes and dreams drew closer together was lovely.

The secondary characters were also entertaining and I especially love both Willie and Juniper.

The world building was fun, with immersive scenes inside the apothecary and rich descriptions of clubs and other spaces.

I recommend this one for anyone who loves historical settings and magical realism!

This is my first book by this author, but the synopsis made it sound like something right up my alley, so I requested it, and I ended up quite enjoying it. It's definitely inspired by or a retelling of You've got mail, which is a trope I enjoy, so I liked it. I expected it to have more of a typical fantasy plot or to have more of the world or politics in it, but it is more of a romance set in a fantasy world. I liked the characters and the story, the way the magic was written about, and the simplicity of the setting and story, and the differences and similarities between the main characters. and I am curious as to what the next book in this series will be about.

When Josie is fired from her typewriting job, she is crestfallen. She hoped to make a new life in Tressport with her sister, who is a clairvoyant. Josie doesn't have magic intuition like her sister but she learned magic and she is a witch. Her skills seem to be wasted in Tressport, a place where new technologies and magic coexist. Josie is also in Tressport because she wants to attend the city's Institute of magic, which is hard to get into, especially as a woman at the beginning of the XX's century.

Reid has powerful magic of which he's a bit ashamed of because he can't control it perfectly. He shares Josie's goal of getting into the Institute, from where he's already been rejected several times. He works as an apothecary in the oldest and barely surviving shop of the city. Time is running out because the owner of the shop isn't sure they can stay open for more than a few months, since many people have started to disregard the herbal and natural aids that they sell, believing what is now produced en masse by the factories is safer and better because it's more 'advanced'.

Unbeknownst to them, Josie and Reid have been quietly supporting each other in their endeavor and studies to get into the Institute. They exchange correspondence after one of them is looking for a book the other still hasn't returned to the library. They help each other understanding things that they need for their entrance exam and even if they've never met, they start liking each other because they are able to vent their worries to each other and find understanding.

I like Epistolary novels a lot so I went into this hoping I would like it too. From the blurb, it looked like it might be entirely made of letters but we have a letter at the bottom of every chapter, so that we see how Josie and Reid's story progresses in their writing and in person.

We have both character's povs, which was nice. What pulled me into this book was the mc's dynamic. Josie was a bit haughty and a know-it-all, and Reid was shy and a did a lot of things by the book. They were sort of enemies for much of the book but they couldn't help seeing that they could help each other with some of their vulnerabilities, just like they did in their letters.

The story was of the right length and pace. It was a cozy fantasy story so some of the plot twists were predictable to me, but still managed to keep my attention until the end, which is rare these days.

The story is set in 1906 but the world is fictional, which I appreciated. The Emily Wilde and Divine Rivals vibe is definitely there, but the author was able to create her own world, even if I still didn't get some of the magic. Since this is a series, most likely, I hope they are explained in future installments (which I believe will be about characters who were secondary in this book).

If you enjoyed the aforementioned titles, I think you'd have no problems liking this one. I had fun!

Thank you netgalley for the early audio and book of Letter from the Last Apothecary. Bita took us on a magical journey to the city of Tressport, where we follow Josie and Reid working at the last remaining apothecary, as they navigate coming into their own, finding love in the most surprising places. This debut novel is a historical romantic fantasy taking place in the early 1900’s, where letters set the scene and a romance unfolds. This was both a beautifully written and narrated novel and I look forward to Book 2 in Tressport!

Thank you netgalley and Bita Behzadiifor allowing me the pleasure of enjoying Letters from the Apothecary.

This story was cozy and cute and romantic. I loved the setting, I enjoyed the magic system. The story was written in such an elegant way. It gave just enough of back and forth between our two love interested.

It was interested to watch them be opposites in a lot of ways, yet balanced each other out by the end. When the apothecary was described in such detail, I could see all jars and plants and greenhouse in such beautiful detail. I personally think this book was refreshing and light hearted in the best way. Once again, I'm so thankful I got to enjoy this novel to it's fullest. My overall rating is going to be a 4 out of 5.

An enjoyable debut from Bita Behzadi. This is set in 1906 in a parallel magical world.

The use of letters to provide flash backs to before our couple met is very well done and engaging.

Behzadi has created such a detailed world and I appreciated her engineer’s eye when talking about structures and mechanics.

I really enjoyed the parallels with actual history including referencing a factory fire similar to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York, which had similar impacts on changes to society. It also had interesting themes, including the impact of the rise of industry on traditional skills - in this case magic, gender roles and race.

Series Info/Source: This is the 1st book in the Tressport Magic series. I got this on ebook for review through NetGalley.

Thoughts: This is the first book in the Tressport Magic series. I really love how much detail and thought the author puts into developing the magic system here. However, this is incredibly slow for the first 50% of the book, to the point where I almost set it aside. Luckily, the pace really picks up mid-book, and I ended up being very happy I stuck with the story and finished it.

The story switches POV between Josie and Reid. Our main heroine, Josie, practices the more structured form of magic (which is frowned on for women) and is determined to go to the magical university to advance her studies. However, she needs a job over the summer while she waits to find out if she's been admitted. She ends up with a job at an apothecary to make ends meet. Reid is also trying to get into the same magical university but is stuck helping to run a nearly bankrupt apothecary shop while he waits for his admission response. Josie is a disruption to Reid's summer that he was neither prepared for nor wanted.

This is set in a sort of generic Victorian city, but a city where magic is real. There are a couple types of magic, a more intuitive magic and a more structured magic.

Between each chapter, there are letters between Josie and a man that she met via correspondence. These alternate with intervals between chapters in which we read letters between Reid and a woman he met via correspondence. This was a unique way to format the book and enables us to get to know Josie's and Reid's internal thoughts much more quickly. Unfortunately, this is part of why the book was so slow. Some of these letters feel very drawn out, and it slows the story down. As you might guess, this gives the story a similar feel to Rebecca Ross's "Letters of Enchantment" series. This book would have felt a lot more unique if I hadn't already read "Letters of Enchantment," which uses a similar mechanic of secret letters.

After the first half, I ended up enjoying this book and finished it very quickly. It took me four days to read the first 50% and one day to finish the rest. There are a lot of themes here I like; a woman pursuing research studies in the face of adversity, a tight family, and a sort of enemies to lovers relationship that grows from daily work and understanding. I liked the magic in here and found this to be an interesting world as well.

My Summary (4/5): Overall the first half of this book was painfully slow, but the second half made up for that. I enjoyed the magic system and world-building here. I also liked the idea of getting to know our characters' inner thoughts through letters, but the way this was done was so similar to Ross's "Letter of Enchantment" series that it felt copied. Reid and Josie were fun characters to read about and I look forward to spending more time with both them and this intriguing magical world in the next book in this series. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy a sort of magical alternate history Victorian setting, like a scholarly theme to their stories, and enjoy a good enemies to lovers sort of romance.

ARC-Review: Thank you, netgalley and Bita Behzadi for the ARC.

Letters from the last apothecary is a nice romance book with a murder mystery subplot.

Josie and Reid are both hoping to be allowed into the university to study magic more - Her because she is driven to understand more; Him because he wishes to gain more control over his own responsive magic. Josie writes an anonymous letter to the one that holds the book she needs - which is Reid, and gets a reply back. Their letters, keeping their identity veiled for now, become deeply personal and they connect over the ink and paper.
But then Josie loses her job and finds by coincidence a new one in the last apothecary in the city. Not knowing that the man that knows her so well through the letters, is the cool man that is now her co-worker. But the Apothecary is struggling financially, and even though Josie and Reid can not stand each other, they try to do their best to safe it. Facing bigger obstacles and then the universities replies come. Would both be accepted and would they meet in the halls of science as equal students and recognize the other from the letters? And on top of it tragedy strikes again in Reid's life. Nothing is quite going as either of them wants.

I enjoyed the reading a lot though it took me some time to get used to the slower pacing. But it fit the story like a glove. I especially enjoyed that the love story happens at the first half of the book through the letters where they both are open and understanding of each other, and their shared interest to understand magic even when coming from different places. It made me smile fondly at the book more than once.

The worldbuilding is as such rather simple with the two main ways to use magic but the structural is more complex. So at the start there is a some repetition of the same information to ensure that there is a basic information that is understood and more clear. It did irritate me a bit but it stopped after the first few chapters, so it really is just there to ensure the introduction is set more firmly.

I did struggle to like Josie at the start as I always tend to struggle to like competitive characters with what I would call a "superiority complex" or acknowledgement aggression that don't consider that they might be hurting the other people around them in the way they hate themselves so much to be treated as. But the further I got along the more I found understanding with Josie and how she evolves. It did made me re-think of how I put some more pressure to my expectations on female characters than just generally characters. I still do not like it and probably will never love a character that has that but I can like them now a lot more, which I am grateful for!
Reid is a character I could understand very quickly and only struggled with a bit at the 80% mark when he was being a bit stupid, as men tend to be.
The side-characters are nice but only a few come across as fully fleshed out but also maybe we only do get to see what is needed and makes sense. More might have been disruptive to the story.

As I said further up the plot and the pacing are rather slow but also very steady. I never was fully surprised by anything and could follow along comfortably to a plot I found to be a nice enjoyable classic. So it was a great comfort when I picked it up to read more about these two and their journey to safe the Last Magical Apothecary, Reid's home.

The story does touch onto sexism and the gap from women in the workplace, how women are perceived and how we have to do more to be given the recognition a man would get. I am not sure how deep it goes into the topic, especially the complexity of it all. But it does made me think about how far we have gotten in some parts and where we are still socially fighting for equality and recognition.

"Obviously, she was knowledgeable, but he did not know why it was her life's mission to make him feel less so."

"According to the church, women committed the original sin, but we must act as saints while men are blessed with the forgiveness to commit every sin since."

🍄 Charming Gaslamp Romantasy
✉️ Semi-Epistolary
🌿 Found Family
✨️ Women in STEM (m=magic)
🍄 Rival Coworkers to Lovers
💌 Pen Pals
🌿 Grumpy × Sunshine
✨️ You've Got Mail ... with a Magical twist
🍄 Unstoppable Force FMC, Immovable Object MMC

I keep saying I'm not a slow burn girlie and then I keep falling in love with slow burns.

I requested an ARC of this (thank you NetGalley), almost on a whim, after seeing a recommendation from a fellow bookstagramer and I'm so happy that I did and was lucky enough to receive one!

I could've easily read this in one sitting and only didn't because I couldn't stay up late. This book was everything and has consumed my every thought. The pacing, the character development, the magic system, the semi-epistolary style, the murder mystery subplot ... everything perfect and came together so well. I can't wait to experience the rest of this series!

An absolute powerhouse of a writer tackling the best cozy read I’ve devoured this year. So sweet and smart. For fans of Emily Wilde and epistolaries.

4.25 ★
Letters from the Last Apothecary is a cozy and emotional fantasy read. The pacing is soft and lighthearted, even through some genuinely sad moments. The writing style is also very lovely.

It has a really interesting twist on the magic system. In this world, everyone is born with magic, but most people suppress it with wards because it’s considered dangerous and uncontrollable. I only wish there were more worldbuilding or a better explanation, as it was confusing at the time.

I loved the anonymous letters between Josie and Reid.
In person, they are coworkers who constantly clash, but through the letters they understand each other better than anyone else. Their romance was genuinely sweet, though both of them are far too stubborn and prideful for their own good. I did sometimes wonder why they disliked each other so strongly in person, and I’m not sure they fully knew either.
Still, their connection through the letters was lovely to watch develop.

I wasn’t expecting the murder mystery element, but it added an interesting layer to the otherwise low-stakes fantasy with romance. And Charlie…I knew I had a right feeling about him from the beginning.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the atmosphere, but I occasionally felt like something was missing that kept me from fully loving it. Still, it was a charming, emotional read with a unique magical setting.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book had such a fun and charming concept. Falling in love through anonymous correspondence for months, while somehow not realizing the person you’ve been pouring your heart out to is also the coworker you can barely stand? SIGN ME UP 👀

I really loved the tension between them and watching their relationship slowly evolve through the letters. The emotional connection felt genuine, and I found myself getting attached to Josie so quickly.

What hit me the hardest though was the FMC’s journey. She worked SO hard for her career and independence that my female rage was fighting for her the entire time 😭 I just wanted her to have everything she had worked for and still get the love story too.

My only complaint is honestly that the ending felt a little rushed for me. Once everything was revealed, I needed more time with them together because I was not ready to let them go yet 🖤

I adore Letters from the Last Apothecary so much! It combines a romance with a murder mystery in the best way.
The Letters from the Last Apothecary follows Josie Pinova and Aufidius Reid as they send romantic letters to each other as they await their acceptance from the magical university. Despite these letters, when they do finally meet face to face as coworkers of a struggling apothecary they don’t immediately recognise each other. There comes a double vision. Loathing each other as coworkers but loving each other in their letters, Josie and Aufidius trying to keep their apothecary afloat all whilst anti-magic sentiments grow rampant.
Bita’s writing style is gorgeous. She manages to capture so much in a small amount of words. That includes how we first get to know the main characters before they actually crossed paths, learning about the people around them and also having the world that they inhabit carefully and entertainingly laid out for the reader.
The first half of the novel really lets you get to know the characters, what’s at stake for them and how they interact with each other. The second half uses the build up of the first towards solving a murder. The two halves fit together really well and it didn’t feel as if there was a disconnect or a shift in the writing. They just really naturally followed on from each other.
Josie was my favourite character. It was so great seeing a protagonist who was clever and bold who also felt so human with her flaws. Her thoughts were nuanced and I could relate with her feelings of being an ethnic minority and a young woman in a misogynistic world. I felt so much anger on her behalf.
Letters from the Last Apothecary had some really thought-provoking conversations about being a marginalised individual in a capitalist society, wrapped up in a romance that built up slowly. I loved this novel so so much and I’d really love to read about the other characters in Aufidius and Josie’s squad.
Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.