The Lost Apothecary was a a compelling read for me. I plan to recommend it to library patrons as we have already purchased a copy!

When I picked up this book, I knew very little beyond the gorgeous eye-catching cover, and I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I am a sucker for a historical novel with present and past storylines that intertwine and converge. I loved the mystery element and the well drawn details about Georgian London. Nella, Eliza and Caroline all have interesting and complex stories to tell, but I do wish they were each given a bit more space to deepen their backstories and emotional worlds. The feminist bent to both the past and present plot lines adds an interesting angle to the novel. Overall, The Lost Apothecary is a wonderful debut and I look forward to seeing what Penner writes next. Lucky for us readers, I've heard she's quit her day job to write full time.

This book is like watching a freight train drive by, knowing without a doubt, that it's going to crash but not knowing how or when.

At the start of the book, I was far more interested in Nella and her apothecary shop, than the crises of the modern day woman found in Caroline's timeline. However, the telltale sign of a well written dual timeline is when you just wish you could read both simultaneously and I grew far more interested in both timelines as the story went on.

Both ladies stories presented moments of "Wait a minute! What is happening?!" Followed by, "Woop, there it is." And then a rapid montage of the clean up of said wreckage.

The Lost Apothecary was engaging and full of mystery, featuring lives being up-ended, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.

4/5 ⭐
So this was a very enjoyable read! I really loved the duo timelines! It added depth to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know how toe Apothecary started and what went on in the past.

I'm a sucker for books with multiple timelines, so that aspect worked for me right from the start. I definitely was a bit more invested in Nella's story, but both timelines were compelling. Plus, 18th century woman serial killer? Um, yes please.

I'll admit the whole Caroline and James plotline didn't totally grab me, especially the parts that were mostly just Caroline mulling the situation over in her head. It felt a bit repetitive and tedious, but I can forgive it because of where their whole element leads. There were definitely times that I wanted to just give Caroline a shake for behaving irrationally and not just, you know, communicating, but overall I liked her as a character.

This was a really fun mix of historical and contemporary mystery, and I sped through it because I just needed to know what happened next! If you're looking for a really entertaining but still quite serious mystery, I'd absolutely recommend this one.

Sarah Penner’s debut novel is one heck of a compelling read. I was sucked in from the first page. The subject matter and how it is woven into that particular time period lends itself to a spectacular historical fiction story. The fascinating life of an apothecary will leave you breathless. I like the way the stories of Caroline, Eliza and Nella are interwoven. The timelines are easy to follow . The characters are well developed and the author dangles her subject matter like a carrot. At a time in history where women had few resources I could see why some would seek action in this manner. Each character is given a rich background and with this knowledge the reader gains a perspective on the paths each woman took. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own. #NetGalley #TheLostApothecary

Poison is a woman's weapon.

It's often been said that those who use poison in murderous plots are women, and rightly so. Poison, the silent killer, is the perfect instrument for a woman seeking vengeance - it requires no strength to employ beyond the woman's will, and in the days before forensic science and modern medicine, was virtually untraceable. Yes, women often got away with murder by poison, and such is the secret enclosed in the pages of The Lost Apothecary, a debut novel and LibraryReads Favorite by author Sarah Penner. Written in a dual timeline, this novel tells the story of two women, one in the 1790s and one in present day, who become connected through a secret long thought buried and forgotten.

Caroline Parcewell is in London on what was supposed to be her 10th anniversary trip. There's just one problem - she recently found out that her husband has cheated on her. So she ventures off to London alone to take some time to think and figure out what she wants to do with her life and marriage. Little does she know that she is about to stumble upon an apothecary bottle that sends her on a journey through London's history, researching the past and attempting to discover the deadly secrets held within this little bottle.

Nella is a woman of secrets. She runs a covert back alley apothecary shop in 1790s London where women come to seek revenge on the men who have hurt them. To the ordinary eye, there's nothing deadly about Nella's concoctions, but one drink would prove otherwise. Nella is used to catering to women of her own age, so she is surprised when she receives a 12 year old girl named Eliza as a customer. Eliza seems innocent enough, but she will actually be Nella's undoing. A simple mistake is soon to change Nella and Eliza's lives forever, leaving behind a murder mystery that Caroline discovers over 200 years later and is determined to solve.

There's so much to love about The Lost Apothecary. I honestly was a little wary going into this novel because I worried that it would be overwritten and wrought with detail, but thankfully Penner proved me wrong. This delightful story sticks to the plot without straying too far off the main storyline, so if you are a reader like me who isn't a fan of subplots that go nowhere, then you won't be disappointed with The Lost Apothecary.

Furthermore, I was also a bit nervous about the dual timeline, which isn't my favorite plot device, but again, Penner delivers. What makes this novel so compelling is that there are parallels between the book's two main characters - Caroline and Nella. Both are women who have been wronged by the men in their life and are striking out on their own in hopes of following their heart and discovering their true purpose. Penner ties the two storylines together effectively, relating in alternating chapters what is happening in present day to what happened in the past. This novel did not leave me confused or with questions, which to me, is the mark of good storytelling. I hate to feel as if I missed something at the end of a book.

I also enjoyed the uniqueness of The Lost Apothecary's plot and the vibes the book gives off. I have never read a story such as this one that deals in herbs and potions used to poison men, and appreciated the fresh perspective this reading experience gave me. Furthermore, this plot is ominous and atmospheric, enveloping me in the perils and precariousness of the story. I love an author who can effectively build mood and tone as Penner did.

The Lost Apothecary has strong feminist vibes, but not in the tone of "in-your-face" politics. Rather it deals in the issues and choices that women have faced throughout time and are still scrabbling with today. The novel features strong women who aren't afraid to go against the status quo to be true to themselves. Furthermore, it develops the idea that we are stronger when we, as women, stand together as a united front, working towards our goals and offering a helping hand. While a book that is too feminist-driven can sometimes grate my nerves, The Lost Apothecary's subtle hints at "girl power" touched my soul and made me reflect on the female experience throughout time - on the ways it has changed, and on the ways it has remained the same.

I expected a little more from this book.
I found that I enjoyed the "current day" parts of the book better than the historical parts, which is odd for me as its usually the other way around with books written in this format.
I found the story to be a little rushed and while a fast and enjoyable enough read, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

This book moves back and forth between a female apothecary in the 18th century and a present day women searching for answers. You will become completely immersed in this story of betrayal, women, and murder! Poison give this story such an interesting aspect. Highly recommend!

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read! I absolutely LOVED it!

I finished this book over the course of 2 days. I couldn't put it down. The content and book settings were the 2 things that persuaded me to read the book. Loved the fact, that even though it was dual timelines, you always knew who was talking due to chapter headings, I can't wait to read another book by this author.

The Lost Apothecary brought two storylines about women living in different centuries together in a beautiful and believable way. I enjoyed reading about Nella as she battled against inner demons while providing poisons that were used against men. It was easier than I thought to sympathize with the serial killer because the characters were all given depth. I liked Nella's timeline and story better than Caroline's, but the mystery and research that she got involved in were right up my alley. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a history that comes alive through engaging characters sprinkled with suspense.

After finding out about her husband's infidelity, Caroline Parcewell flees to London on what was supposed to be their tenth anniversary trip. Feeling adrift, she decides to go mudlarking on a whim and discovers an old apothecary vial with the etching of a bear on it. The little vial reignites her dormant passion for history and leads her on a sinister search for a centuries-old serial killer.

Entwined with Caroline's story is that of Nella, the poison-dispensing apothecary in question. Spurned by a lover long ago, Nella now sells poisons to women for the purpose of dispatching the men that have wronged them. But when twelve-year-old Eliza arrives on her doorstep, it's the beginning of the end for Nella. Soon her business and the secrets of countless women are at risk - potentially to the ruin of all.

I really enjoyed the distinct voices brought to the narration by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin. I would definitely recommend the audiobook on this one.

This book was a fascinating and gripping tale of 18th Century London. The story was atmospheric and the women of this story were phenomenally written in their subversion. I loved the addition of present time as well. It was so well interwoven and really enhanced both storylines. As a fan of Deborah Harkness’ Discovery of Witches series, I would recommend this novel to any other fan of that series!!

This book grabbed my attention ASAP and I didn't want to put it down. The dueling timelines made the story even more intriguing in my eye. Plus I always love strong female leads.

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC of The Lost Apothecary. I absolutely loved this book. I read it all in one day! The mystery, suspense and action in this novel makes it a fantastic read. The interwoven stories of Nella, Eliza, and Caroline were perfectly told. The way Penner brings together their stories in the end to describe female relationships was also a nice touch.

Loved that the storylines were in tandem with each other. Would’ve been nice to see a little more into the future with Caroline.

Personally, this title moved slowly for me and I never quite connected with the characters. But readers will enjoy this aqua tofona inspired story with this multiple perspectives. I do recommend this book and am likely to pick up another by the author

I requested this book based solely on the cover, but it did not disappoint.
The Lost Apothecary is told through the point of view of three women. In present-day London, Caroline is spending her anniversary trip alone after discovering a secret about her husband. After finding a small apothecary bottle, she is desperate for more information about what was in the bottle and who owned it.
Nella works as an apothecary in London back alley in 1791 and is hiding a secret. In addition to her apothecary work, she supplies women with poisons to rid them of the men in their life.
Eliza goes to Nella on behalf of her mistress to purchase a poison. Eliza and Nella's lives become entangled after this meeting.
All of the stories in this book were amazing. Each character had a distinctive voice and I loved learning about their lives.

Unfolding in a dual timeline, present day and the years between 1791-1816, the narrators Nella, Eliza, and Caroline tell their stories. Caroline tries to piece together the life of Nella, the apothecary who operated a shop in a back alley two hundred years ago. At the shop, Nella conversed with twelve year old Eliza, who expressed an interest in becoming an apothecary apprentice. Nella explained that she never rested. "Something is always steaming, brewing, stewing, soaking at all hours of the night" and that this has taken a toll on her life. Eliza, a curious, observant, wide-eyed child proved to be a challenge to Nella as apothecary, a brewer of secrets, and a friend to all women.

"The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner was a fascinating melding of the secrets of a hidden apothecary shop and the reemergence of a talented researcher's quest and pursuit of higher education and her search to rediscover herself as well as hidden treasures from the past. The audiobook was exceptionally well done, adding another layer to the story. I highly recommend this historical fiction read.