**I received an audio copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley***

I did enjoy the overall story, however, I felt it slightly underwhelming. The writing did suck me in, especially with the dual narrative. We had a present day storyline running alongside London in the late 1700's. There was so much left on the table with these characters. I felt that as the story was building, we were going to be set up for an amazing climax to the characters lives, but each time, I felt like the author gave up too quickly. The twist at the end was nice but there was so much left unsaid and we are left wondering

From the synopsis:

"A forgotten history.

A secret network of women.

A legacy of poison and revenge.

Welcome to The Lost Apothecary."


The Lost Apothecary is a historical fiction novel told in a dual-narrative style.

In the past of late 18th-century London, we follow:

-Nella (narrated by Lorna Bennett), the unhappy and lonely owner/proprietor of a secret apothecary shop that caters to women seeking to poison their husbands or other men in their lives. The women that meet her in her secret shop tell of the mysterious Nella to other women in need via word of mouth and discretion.

-Eliza (narrated by Lauren Irwin), the spunky but naive 12-year-old girl that visits Nella's shop in search of poison for her mistress, who inadvertently sets off a chain of events that could spell the ruin for everyone involved.

In present-day London, we follow:

-Caroline (narrated by Lauren Anthony), who is in London on her tenth anniversary trip, alone, after discovering a terrible secret about her husband. She stumbles upon a mudlarking group, who search the River Thames for hidden treasures (a real thing!), and finds a small, blue vial. As she searches to discover the vial's origin, she slowly uncovers truths about the past and the fate of the apothecary's shop.

I liked the split timeline, which I thought was done very well. After the end of each narrator, right when I was ready to learn more, it switched to a different perspective; while this can be jarring to some, I found it lent well to the unfolding mystery of the story. It kept me intrigued to keep reading to see how their stories would ultimately coalesce.

I think the author did a good job giving a distinct voice to the three main narrators. The audiobook definitely helped with this, and I liked the utilization of the three narrators; it really brought each of these three characters - Nella, Eliza, Caroline - to life. I will say that the narrator who portrayed Nella had a cadence that was significantly slower than the other narrators, which was slightly jarring; however, I did like her narration style, as I did with each of the other narrators. Lorna Bennett brought an air of experience and a hint of regret to Nella; Lauren Irwin’s voice was young and brought a sense of innocence to Eliza; Lauren Anthony brought sadness yet hope to Caroline.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a pretty quick read with multi-faceted and interesting characters, a descent sense of tension, female relationships, and a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Lost Apothecary is a historical fiction book with chapters focusing on a modern character uncovering a historical mystery. Caroline is in London on vacation and is questioning her life choices in light of her marriage unraveling. She comes across a small bottle that leads her to explore an apothecary in London from the eighteenth century. The book alternates between her perspective and the perspective of Nella who runs the apothecary and a young girl who is a customer of the apothecary.

The idea behind this book is interesting, but I found it fell flat in many ways. For a reader who does not have a background in history/historical research this book may be just fine. I found this book fell into the trap of thinking a contemporary narrator made the story more interesting, but the story would have been fine centered around the character of Nella and eliminating the modern day plot altogether. Caroline was an unconvincing modern protagonist as she is an aspiring historian, but apparently has no concept of the methods and ethics of historical research. No historian would break into a historical site and take flash photography of old books. This is archival research 101, wash your hands before touching artifacts and don't take flash photography. She also googles the incredibly ordinary sounding name of the child in the story and it happens to be the first result on Google, which is completely unbelievable. She even applies to graduate studies at Cambridge at the end of the book, and her application is filled out, submitted, and accepted within a 24-48 hour period.

The story of Nella and the young girl is interesting, but also has its flaws. There is an attempt to give Nella an interesting backstory, but the basis of it is her lover forced her to miscarry her unborn child and that's her only motivation. She has no character development aside from this. It is also disturbing that for several chapters the reader is allowed to believe the young girl died by suicide in an attempt to save Nella.

If it wasn't for the impressive quality of the audiobook production I would give this book 2 stars on the basis of its quality and plot. The audiobook experience still made the read somewhat enjoyable, although I did find the story riddled with problems.

I was provided an audiobook arc via NetGalley.

This debut, historical fiction is for readers who enjoy feminist stories, witchy vibes, and dual timelines. While there are no actual witches in the book, there is a woman who sells poisonous elixirs to women to murder men, and what’s more witchy than potion making?

I loved the 1700s timeline where we follow Nella, the apothecary, and unravel the story behind her vengeance on men. Here, we also follow Eliza, a 12-year-old girl, who gets mixed up in the middle of a murder (or two). Following a mature, resentful woman and a naive, little girl was a great contrast of point-of-views to read from.

I also enjoyed the present-day timeline where we follow Caroline, who is spending 10 days of vacation in London after learning of her husband’s betrayal. While mudlarking on the River Thames, she finds a vial that leads her to the old mystery of the apothecary murders and things get complicated! I enjoyed reading Caroline’s self-discovery and development throughout the story.

Each timeline is atmospheric and well connected. I did enjoy the 1700s a bit more, however, things certainly get more interesting in the present day a bit further into the book. I appreciate the way the author connected the two stories. The ending gave me chills!

As for the audiobook, I liked that there were narrators for each point-of-view. It sounded a bit unfinished, but I assume it was because I was listening to the arc version. Nella’s voice was a little gruff, but I got used to it.

When I started this book, I did not know that by the end of it, I would have a feeling of hope and independence. I recommend this to those who enjoyed Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches.

TW: miscarriage, loss of a child, sexual assault, infidelity, murder

Lost Apothecary

Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Interesting premise, and I always appreciate a novel with strong female protagonists. I appreciated that Caroline didn’t just roll over and reconcile (no spoilers!) but found her strength in various ways. I really liked the blended stories between past and present, old and young, magic and realism. I HATED the last couple of sentences. I REALLY disliked 2/3 of the narrators. It was very slow at the beginning - I had a lot of trouble getting into it, and considered a DNF - probably because the narrator for Nella was horrible and far too melodramatic. This was sort of balanced by Caroline’s voice which was so monotonous and flat I kept falling asleep during her parts. It was an entertaining few hours and I’m glad I pushed through and kept listening.

I was given a copy of The Lost Apothecary by the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this audiobook. There were three voice actors lending their voices to the three protagonists and creating audio magic. This isn’t your grandma's audiobook, though she’d probably get a kick out of it too. Beautifully produced and a modern story that navigates between present day and the days of apothecaries. This reminded me of one of my favorite authors Beatriz Williams like Willams Penner is a master of weaving between past and present. I loved listening to this story unfold.

This book was an okay split-time book about two women - one past, one current. As with many books that use this device, the current-time woman (Caroline) is a historian who stumbles onto the mystery of the past-woman (Nella). I must say I was far more interested and invested in Nella's story and all that it contained, than in Caroline's, and I think I would have personally enjoyed it much more had the book been only about Nella and her world, her past, her interactions, and so on. I mean, a hidden apothecary who deals in poisons and tinctures by word-of-mouth to women in need? with a haunting past? whose mother died young? (Also a bit like "The Witchling's Girl" by Helena Coggen, but not as good, if I'm honest).

Current-time-Caroline just seemed a bit superficial as a character and I couldn't bring myself to care much about her and her terrible husband. Really, the only need for Caroline is to find out more about Nella and the past via her research discoveries. All told, again, an okay read for this kind of story. Ultimately, a story about women helping women, and women finding their places in their own lives (whether it's as a wife, a mother, a scholar, etc.) and figuring out whether they are settling or doing what they need for themselves.

The narration for this audiobook was good, dividing itself between British and American accents, which was actually quite useful as a device to notice when we were in current time with American Caroline or back in the 1700s with British Nella.

I listened to the audio version, and I must say that it sucked me in from the start. It was very well written, and I enjoyed the dual timeline. The narrators were fantastic and definitely added to the experience of this book. I would highly recommend listening to this book versus reading it. The ending fell a little flat for me, but overall I really enjoyed it.

OMG! This is a debut novel! I’m in awe! Following the author; along with 309 others and the release date is still 6 weeks out (02 March 2021). High Five to Sarah! So excited and happy for her! I was a little reluctant at first, skeptical of potions and magic as they really aren't in my comfort zone. But I gave the book a chance and really was hooked by the story.

The audio was fabulous; three narrators for each of the protagonists. The narrator for Nella did a perfect job in capturing the character.

The timeline alternates between present day and Caroline who booked a trip to London to celebrate her 10th anniversary with her husband; and just a couple days ago she discovered he had been having an affair with someone from work. And Nella and Eliza from 1791; Nella owns the Apothecary that was passed down from her mother and Eliza is a young customer who develops a friendship with Nella. I really fell in love with these three protagonists, as well as the librarian.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author/Sarah Penner and the publisher (Harper Audio/Harlequins Audio) for the opportunity to review this advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.

okay wow! Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. If it were not for receiving this through netgalley Im not sure when I would have gotten around to reading it and I would have missed out on a new favorite!

I adore Penner's writing style. It is cozy and mystical and enticing all in the same story.

I listened to the audio book and the narrators are incredible. Would recommend to all!

3.5 stars. The Lost Apothecary is an enticing debut about a well-respected healer turned poisoner of oppressive men. Nella will only provide poisons to women who will poison men who are causing harm to them. Following in her mother;'s footsteps, Nella only serves women but unlike her mother, she sells poisons to other women. Those poisons must never be used against another woman until Nella finds herself in a situation that forces her to do just that, create a poison that will harm a woman. It is this situation that entwines 3 lives together. The story switches between two time periods, the late 1700s in which Nella lived and the present-day life of an aspiring historian named Caroline. Caroline makes a discovery that draws her into researching an apothecary killer.

I think this is a strong debut because the author manages to entwine 3 POVs and two time-periods in such an interesting way. I found the story to be very engaging with the only drawback being Nella's narrator was extremely slow-spoken. I had to speed up the narration each time she was speaking. I do believe this style of speaking was intentional and supposed to be a reflection of Nella's character. I can imagine her behaving in a slow and precise manner since she worked with poisons. I would've liked to have seen a bit more fast-paced action in this book but that's just a matter of preference and not a flaw in the story.

The Lost Apothecary is a very solid debut novel from Sarah Penner. She uses the duel timelines well and the way that Eliza, Nella, and Caroline's experiences overlap and blend together creating a very intriguing story. I found myself relating a lot to all three characters (though less so to Eliza as she's only 12) and could find periods in my life where I have felt like all three women. The audio narration itself could be a bit plodding at times, though for Nella especially this is also a character trait, Overall I enjoyed the story and loved the imagery that Penner included.

The Lost Apothecary, by Sarah Penner, was my first experience listening to a fiction audiobook. I have listened to biographies narrated by the author, but never to a fiction novel.

With that being said, I find it only fair to say that listening to this much anticipated book, instead of actually reading it, for me,  was the wrong route to take.

I feel that listening to the descriptive text does not enhance the experience, it does not invigorate the imagination, and does not do the book justice.

At heart I am a book lover. I want printed text that I can hold in my hands. I want to smell the pages, feel the words and dream the story.

What I enjoyed most about the story was the triple narrative and the two time lines. However, there were times when I felt that the language was a bit juvenile and that the book was written for a younger audience.

In all I would say that The Lost Apothecary was a story about sacrifice and courage, and finding ones true self. And I would recommend this book as a YA fiction and give it a 3/5☆ rating.

"No matter the underlying betrayal, no woman would suffer at my hands... This shop is meant to help and heal women, not harm them.

Sarah Penner's debut novel, The Lost Apothecary, is a masterfully-woven tale, told in dual timelines and from varying perspectives, about a female apothecary who lived in the late 1700s, secretly dispensing both remedies that would heal women of various ailments, and poisons that would help rid them of the men in their lives who had wronged them.

"Killing and secret-keeping had done this to me. It had begun to rot me from the inside out."

In 1791, an unexpected partnership between Nella, the apothecary, and 12-year-old Eliza Fanning, a lady's maid in a nearby estate, has unintended consequences and threatens to reveal all of Nella's secrets. In the present-day timeline, Caroline Parcewell is reeling after learning of her husband's infidelity, when she makes the amazing discovery of "the lost apothecary." But she's not entirely prepared for the consequences of her discovery...

"I now stood at a crossroads, and I didn’t dare look back at the road behind me - the road littered with monotony, complacency, and other people’s expectations."

This was such a delightful read to get lost in! Packed with history, drama, and intrigue, I fell in love with The Lost Apothecary right away. Sarah Penner creates an immersive setting, especially in the 1700s timeline, weaving in just enough details to make you feel like you're there, without adding so much that it slows down the pacing. And she knows just when to jump to the next character's perspective - I felt like she ended nearly every section on a cliffhanger, building anticipation at every turn!

"The things a person most wanted to say were often the things they should keep tucked away inside."

Penner's debut work explores themes like loss, betrayal, women supporting women, and the need to take responsibility for our own healing. I had high hopes for this book, based on the stunning cover art and intriguing synopsis, and it did not disappoint.

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A huge thank-you to Sarah Penner, Harper/Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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Follow @letteredlibrary on Instagram!

Caroline Parcewell does not know what to do next. An American in London, she finds herself wandering the streets of the big city. This was supposed to have been a celebratory trip with her husband. They had planned to see all the sights they had always wanted to see in celebration of their ten-year anniversary. Caroline also hoped that their baby would be conceived here, during the celebration. However, since she found out her husband’s secret, she came alone, telling him that she needed space. That is when a mud larking tour guide invites her on an excursion, a search for treasures washed up by the Thames. With nothing better to do, Caroline accepts his invitation and finds a long-lost artifact that starts her life on a new path, reawakening within her a long-lost dream.

Narrated by three persons, this mystery unfolds enticingly for both the reader and for Caroline. This book is about how women support women through life’s trials. The characters are realistic and endearing. The settings are vivid and provide an enveloping background for the reader. This valuable book has a few awesome messages.

I was given the audio book for review by netgalley. The characters chosen for each part were perfect. They made the book really come alive!

I like the premise of the book. A young woman, a historian by education , who has recently discovered her husband's infidelity goes to London. On a mudlarking tour in the Thames, she discovers a relic and embarks on a quest to discover its history. So far, so good. This takes us to the alternate timeline where we follow Eliza, a young woman in the employ of an upper class couple, and Nella, an apothecary known for helping women with potions to stop, let's just call them, creepy men. Again, so far, so good. About halfway through the book I realized that other than Eliza, none of the characters are likeable. The story bogs down and becomes unbelievable on several points in the current day timeline.

The hardest part for me was the voice the narrator chose for the apothecary, Nella. It was so annoying that I had a hard time listening to it. It seemed to get worse as it went along. Not being mean, just honest. We finally get back to solving the mystery with the clue, object, etc. revealed only to have the explanation spoon-fed to the reader. Ugh. It did have some nice twists at the end. That is the only thing that saved the story for me. Caroline's character is one-dimensional and the conclusion to her story is not realistic.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Audio for the Advanced Listener's copy in exchange for my review.

#netgalley #harperaudio #bookstagram #thelostapothecary #sarahpenner

This was a duel timeline story set in the 1790s and present time. It was interesting how the two storylines twined together as the story progressed-different but also with similarities. The book was paced well and kept my interest. Although I did like this book, I thought it needed more connection between the past and present. I did like the author’s writing style and look forward to check out any future books.

This has the good stuff that makes me pick up a book... strange female murderers with a cause, dysfunctional families on vacation, creepy 18th century back alley London settings, mudlarking, recipes for noxious tinctures and a librarian.

The Lost Apothecary is a dual time story in London switching between the late 1700’s and our current time. In the 1700’s we spend time with Nella, the owner of a small apothecary whose main business is whipping up poisons for women to distribute to their male abusers. In the current time we hang out with Caroline, who is on her celebratory anniversary vacation (sans husband) and stumbles upon an old apothecary bottle. You can see the connection.

This is an entertaining story with some sweet historical action going on. It is a page turner! (I audiobooked it, so it’s a time turner). There were some places were I thought the characters seemed a bit too naive. Me: “Why are these complex women not seeing the obvious? Hello? No way are you going to do that. That was brainless. You just did it again!”

It was an enjoyable read. I am really looking forward to more by Sarah Penner.

Thank you so much Harper Audio, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#TheLostApothecary #NetGalley

The Lost Apothecary is quite a journey! A journey through modern and Georgian-era London, a journey through the life of a woman in the era of absolute patriarchy, and a journey through a rocky marriage.

The story is quite engaging, and moves quickly. The characters are generally likeable, except for the ones that aren't supposed to be. And underneath it all is the old and majestic city of London, as important a character as any in this tale.

Great narration moves the story along, and the journey is a pleasant one indeed.

This has been named one of the most anticipated books of 2021 and I can see why!

I listened to the audiobook and when I hit play and went about my grocery shopping I definitely didn't expect to be HOOKED while I was still in the produce section. Narrated by three different women, which I think is really engaging, they all do a fantastic job bringing their character to life.

Nella was especially superb, she's the woman behind the hidden apothecary who helps women deal with the men who wrong them. In the present-day storyline, Caroline is discovering the history of the apothecary in the midst of navigating her own personal crisis.

Sarah Penner does a fantastic job in her debut, creating a very female-forward historical fiction novel. She leaves you wanting more as you flip between timelines often, driving you to turn the page (or in my case, keep listening). There were even a few twists that I didn't see coming as well!

I could totally see this as Reese's Book Club or Book of the Month pick when this comes out March 2nd!

Special thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for an advanced reader copy of this audiobook!