Sarah Penner's historical fiction novel takes us through centuries worth of bravery and betrayal to bring us a story of 3 powerful women. The Lost Apothecary ties women together through their experiences with untrustworthy men, making this a read you won't soon forget. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Amazon Book Description

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.

Review

This book took me a little longer to get through because I didn't get a lot of chances to read this week, but when I did get the opportunity, I found myself gliding through the pages. The tone of the story is very soft, making it very relaxing to read, unlike my normal speed of gruesome murders and crime hunters. Penner ends chapters in a way that makes you want to hurry and get to the next one, making the book hard to put down. Her characters are charming and original with a touch of sinister. This was an excellent read.

Right off the bat, I was compelled by the language and names of herbs and potions. This made me want to read more, find out more, and learn more from Nella. So many intriguing things unfold in the first few chapters. The characters hold so much mystery in their words that I just couldn't read them fast enough.

This story has unlocked a new favorite book trope for me- historical research. Characters conducting research in libraries reminds me of spending long hours studying in my college library. There's just something about walking into a library with all of the worlds in books just waiting to be discovered that makes me feel warm inside. Reading a character doing fun research makes me feel excited and a little jealous. Caroline makes me want to go look for old treasures in the dirt of the ocean just for the excuse of doing research in the library.

Caroline's discovery begins the interlacing of these women between history. Her research reveals the apothecary's story in admiration to her ability to keep secrets and bury the truth. I think it is important to note here that while some women bought poison from Nella were seeking revenge, some were seeking safe haven. The apothecary existed for one reason, to help women, but there seemed to be many reasons why women needed help. Caroline's quest begins to heal her in ways she didn't know she needed, and lays the women from centuries before to rest.

This book showcases not only the influence of feminism, but the historical changes of it. The 3 characters are all at different stages of the female reproductive cycle. Little Eliza gets her first period, marking her transition into womanhood, which coincides with her entering a very adult female covenant. Caroline is in the process of trying to get pregnant, although when she is a few days late, she starts to second think if this is the right time to have a baby. Nella loved and lost a pregnancy, a tragedy you never fully heal from. Lady Clarence was willing to kill in order to have a baby. Of course, her abuse of power made Nella's years of pledging to help women unravel, shining a light on the power of the sisterhood she had fostered all of those years.

Modern day, you can get away from these men. You can start a a new life, or continue the life you stopped in order to marry him. In the past, there only option was to kill them. I don't think Eliza and Mrs. Amwell didn't want revenge, they just wanted the problem to stop. They couldn't just have him thrown in jail for domestic crimes; killing him was the only option they could see. Caroline's story shows the breakthrough in female society.

Eliza's innocence shines through when her immaturity gets the best of her, but she is given the most opportunity to grow into a strong woman. Nella seems to be at the end of her rope, but all 3 women seek the power of the female bond, and use it to help each other survive. This story makes you see your fellow female neighbors differently. That we are all truly sisters, and there is power in unity.

These women are strong. All with their own story and own paths, yet they are intertwined and so alike. The magick of the earth and sisterhood has brought them together. No witchcraft needed. 

Get your copy here.