I just have to share my latest read with you all—The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED it. I was so engrossed while floating in the pool that I burnt my tummy! Totally worth it, though. This book is a real gem.
A Tale of Two Eras
What makes The Lost Apothecary so special is its dual timeline. The story is set in both 18th-century London and present-day, and it follows the lives of two amazing women—Nella, a secret apothecary with a dark twist, and Caroline, who’s dealing with her own life drama in the modern world.
Nella’s story takes us back to 1791, where she runs a hidden apothecary shop. But here’s the kicker—she’s not just helping with physical ailments. Her potions are often used to get justice for women who’ve been wronged by men. It’s dark but fascinating! Things get really interesting when a young girl named Eliza comes into her life, bringing a mix of joy and danger.
Fast forward to today, and we meet Caroline, who’s on what was supposed to be an anniversary trip to London. After finding out about her husband’s infidelity, she decides to go solo. She stumbles upon an old apothecary vial in the Thames, and boom—she’s on a mission to uncover the mystery behind it, leading her to some incredible discoveries about the past.
Characters You’ll Love
The characters in this book are so well-crafted. Nella is complex and intriguing—she’s got a dark side, but you can’t help but feel for her. Eliza is such a brave, sweet girl, and her relationship with Nella is really touching. Caroline’s journey is super relatable—she’s finding her strength and independence, and it’s really inspiring.
Penner’s writing brings 18th-century London to life with such vivid detail. You can almost smell the potions and feel the cobblestones underfoot. The way she switches between the past and present is seamless, keeping you hooked on both timelines.
A Nod to Kate Mosse
If you’re a fan of dual timeline novels like me, this one will remind you of some of Kate Mosse’s fantastic books. The way Penner blends history with a modern storyline is just brilliant. If you loved Labyrinth or Sepulchre, you’ll be all over The Lost Apothecary.
What’s Next for Sarah Penner?
Can you believe this is Penner’s debut novel? I’m already itching to see what she writes next. In fact, I found out she has a second book called The London Séance Society. I must get my hands on a copy of that one too! If it’s anything like her first, it’s bound to be another page-turner.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t picked up The Lost Apothecary yet, do yourself a favour and grab it. It’s perfect for a summer read (just don’t forget the sunscreen!). Whether you’re by the pool or curled up on the sofa, this book will keep you turning the pages.
Have you read The Lost Apothecary? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat about this wonderful book!
Happy reading, everyone!
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