It’s every author’s dream to have their debut novel be an Instant NY Times bestseller and Sarah Penner has done it! THE LOST APOTHECARY not only captured the eye of bookish readers everywhere with its gorgeously beautiful cover design, but took the Lit world by storm with its top 10 release. With its dual timeline following Catherine in modern day London and Nella in Georgian period London, this historical fiction genre loaded with mystery and magick, draws the reader between two worlds as the connections between the two are revealed. Catherine, on her anniversary trip unexpectedly solo after she discovers her husband’s infidelity, starts to explore and be drawn back to her original career ambitions and failed overseas history studies. A spontaneous afternoon of mudlarking on the Thames leads to an unexpected rare discovery that will steer Catherine’s life path in an entirely different direction and launch her on a search for a 18th century apothecary serial killer. As Caroline returns to her historical study roots searching for the story behind her new find, she finds herself amidst an internal search of her own — trying to find her way back to her past ambitions and authentic self. Just as she unearthed a treasure dirty, buried, and stuck in muddy riverbanks; so she too uncovers and brings into the light her dreams of having a family and a passion for historical research that had been put on hold after years of marriage in which her husband’s career and their stability was prioritized.

Penner also draws parallels from Caroline to Nella, the apothecary, for their shared belief of immortalizing and holding a place in history for ordinary women who may have been forgotten and written out of the historical narrative otherwise. Nella keeps a register with all the names of the women who sought her services creating a lasting record in ink. Penner also explores a period in history where death by poison was at an all time high prior to the invention of today’s crime solving forensic toxicology technology. Even natural or herbal remedies commonly and widely used could in high quantities be instead used for harm. Thus an apothecary could modify tinctures and remedy recipes for either purpose, walking a precarious line between life and death that only the apothecary can prescribe the resulting outcome. The author also addresses another form of poison that’s self-inflicted by deeds versus a handmade potion or brew that occurs when one engages in treacherous behaviors that, in turn, poison the body from the inside out.

While we all can’t mudlark on the Thames in London for mysterious items of treasure that hold the stories of the past and people who came before us, we can seek out these hidden legacies and messages in historical fiction books penned by authors like Penner or with antique treasures of our own found in museums, exhibits, or our own neighborhoods and cities!

Hearing the voice of Nella, Eliza, and Caroline in the Audio version brought the story of the Lost Apothecary to life!

The story, if you haven't heard, is of a woman in today's London, discovering her voice through the discovery of the story of another woman, the "Apothecary Killer," who dispensed poison for women seeking vengeance on the men who have wronged them. Wrapped up in the atmospheric, historically detailed, and engrossing tale is so much of the weight women have had to bear throughout time. Each narrator (all 3 are fabulous!) expresses the heaviness of their individual burden. Each one finds their own voice and strength with the help of the others, despite the time gap, and I love the truth that we all are made to be in community to help and be helped.
I truly loved the realization that Nella's recording of each act of hers was not for any possible vindictive purpose, but to give the women a name, a voice.
An empowering story with all the fun twists and turns, multiple perspectives, and really...a hidden apothecary shop!

The narration of the audio book wasn't my favorite. I found Caroline's present day story compelling but the apothecary side didn't paint as good of visual as I was looking for to really love those characters. Slower start, but did start to grab interest towards the end!

I really like this book. I like that each character had a different narrator. I liked how the women's stories were intertwined across history. Definitely looking forward to more from this author.

The Lost Apothecary is a stunning tale of growth, acceptance, love, and confidence. Penner does an excellent job weaving the stories of young Eliza, apothecary Nella, and modern Caroline together in two separate, yet completely intertwined adventures.

It actually took me awhile to get into it and really hone in on the voices. They were so different that it took my mind a beat to adjust between each character. Once I got into it though I was hooked! Such a unique read and one I highly recommend.

I can’t believe this is a debut! What a great story, intricately tying three women together across centuries in a seamless web of mystery and intrigue. I really enjoyed listening to this novel. The audio was great! I found this book very engaging from beginning to end. Highly recommend!

SUMMARY:
This book switches from past to present day England and is told through the POV of three women. In the late 1700’s we meet Nella -- an apothecary who dispenses poison to women to use against men who have wronged them. Soon, Nella befriends Eliza, a 12-year old customer, and the two are met with a string of events that would not only change their lives but possibly the lives of the women they’re trying to help. Present day, we meet Caroline -- someone who has escaped to London after learning about her husband’s infidelity. As she embarks on a mud-larking tour, she uncovers an old apothecary vial that could possibly connect to a darker past.

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I finished this audiobook a while back and devoured it pretty quickly. The contrast between past and present day London and hearing the voices of Nella, Eliza, and Caroline was captivating -- I especially enjoyed hearing Nella's voice as she shared stories about her own mother working as an apothecary and how she later got into the business of selling poisons to other women. I don’t usually gravitate towards historical / fantasy-ish fiction but this was definitely intriguing!

Okay, the whole plotline about selling poisons to women who wanted to kill men in their lives is nothing but badass and I love some good women empowerment (even though it comes with a cost -- sorry guys!) I liked that Nella wanted to help women and give them a fighting chance against the disgusting men in their lives --aka cheaters, abusers, disrespectful scum, etc. Even when a new patron requests a poison to use on another woman, Nella stays true to her roots and declines (because why bat women against other women?).

With Eliza, it was interesting to hear her story and see her work along with Nella though I would’ve liked to see them form a stronger bond than they did. As for Caroline, I was proud of her for discovering and putting herself first as she explored the streets and secrets of London. Her husband on the other hand just looked like a fool 🤡 Everything he did made me go "seriously?" and I wanted to shake some sense into him! I was kind of hoping the plot would turn and we’d see Caroline concoct one of Nella’s recipes but sadly that wasn’t the case (still would’ve been badass and very illegal though!)

Overall, this is an enchanting read that will not only take you through the streets of London but show you the strength, resilience, and power women can have. This book isn’t meant to hate on men, but rather highlight issues women face in society as they are often seen as less than, cast aside, and/or put men before themselves. I think it also serves as a means to liberate, inspire, and show women they can fend for themselves or spark their own journey to self-discovery.

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Thanks, NetGalley and Harper Audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner takes the quote about "a woman scorned"to a whole new level. The audiobook added to the distinct personalities of the three leading females in this dual time historical fiction novel.

In present time we meet Caroline who while getting ready to go to London for her 10th wedding anniversary discovers her husband is having an affair. She decides to go alone to think things through and while there discovers a small vial with a bear etched on it. Further investigation leads to a hidden Apothecary shop that dispensed more than medicine.

In 1791 we meet Nella nearing the end of her life. Raised by her single mom who taught her about medicine she has trained herself to find creations that will end life but appear as natural causes for death. After being treated horribly by a man she loved she devotes her life to helping women get rid of their abusive men.

Everything changes for Nella when sweet innocent 12 year old Eliza enters her life. Eliza helps her mistress poison her lecherous husband and she believes he is now haunting her. Her curiosity and naiveté change the tone of this story from just vengeance to fantasy and made her my favorite character.

As Caroline learns more about the apothecary she begins to discover herself who she has lost in her marriage. Nella and Eliza forge an everlasting friendship that is jeopardized when their crimes become public. The author has written a story where we can't help but root for the murderers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some things were a little far fetched, like Caroline discovering the apothecary after no one had in over 200 years, but I didn't mind just going with the flow. I hope there is a sequel devoted to Eliza.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Fun book - my BOMC choice. Like most books with a modern story, and a historical storyline, I was most interested in the historical storyline. Nella sells poisons to desperate women in the 18th century in London - and her newest client is a twelve year old girl named Eliza that requests a poison on behalf of her lady.
In modern times, Caroline has fled to London on what should have been her 10 year anniversary trip with her husband. Having just found out that her husband has been having an affair, Caroline takes the trip alone to try and decide what direction her future should take. A first stop is "mudlarking" in the Thames, where she discovers a small glass blue bottle, with a bear etched on it. Caroline soon uncovers the mysteries of the secret Apothecary shop, and tries to figure out her own life.

A beautiful mix of past and future connecting thru the most unlikely of circumstances. While Caroline celebrates her tenth wedding anniversary alone she is bringing up many possible regrets for not following her dreams and path. She is rethinking everything she passed up when she married.

The past is dark as an apothecary women in the has practiced and kept her secret for years until a new customer, a 12 year old, breaks her secret. Thrilling and captivating at every turn.

The Lost Apothecary was my recent audiobook listen and I found myself plunged into the damp, dark alleyways of a London in centuries gone by. The local apothecary was a necessity of daily life, as it's remedies bettered the lives of many, Focusing on treatments for women, Nella's mother served herbs and salves to her customers that focused on helping ladies ailments. Nella continued her mothers work, but after some life events turned to also offering remedies to cure women of the men that ailed them. When a 12 year old girl enters her room on Back Alley, Nella knows this will be the end of her work. In the dual timeline we also meet present day Caroline who stumbles upon a mysterious vial as she attempt to distract herself from her imploding marriage and the anniversary trip she attends solo. Will Caroline uncover deep secrets of the city and its most notorious apothecary? I truly enjoyed the suspense and mystery in this book. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

The cover is a beauty and the synopsis for the book was something right my alley so I was excited to listen to the audiobook. I found the book as a whole enjoyable and the historical parts to be captivating. I did feel that the present day chapters weren't as engaging.

Loved-Loved-Loved. Interesting how the dual time frames intertwined with just a glass bottle. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to listen to this wonderful tale.

I love stories where I learn something new and this one taught me so much about apothecaries and potions. Both storylines were fascinating, filled with intrigue and deception, and kept my interest to the very end. I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheLostApothecary #NetGalley

The Lost Apothecary is a dual-timeline story told from three points of view. Nella and Eliza live in 1791. Eliza is sent by her mistress to pick up a potion from Nella, thus beginning their relationship that grows throughout the story and changes their lives. In the present day, Caroline is alone in England on what was supposed to be a trip to celebrate her tenth wedding anniversary. She has found our her husband has been unfaithful and is trying to figure out what she really wants from life. Her passion is literature and history, so when she finds a bottle while mudlarking, she begins a journey to find out more about her. What she finds out during this journey is fascinating.

The three women come from very different backgrounds, yet all are trying to find their way in a man's world, although Nella's situation is very different from Caroline's. The character development was very well done that I was invested in their lives from the start. I enjoyed the past story with it's idea of a hidden Apothecary Shop handing out poisons for vengeance and revenge. The journey Caroline takes and the resources she uses to unravel the mystery was interesting. There was a twist near the end of the book that had a bit of a parallel feel to it, and it allowed Caroline to really sort out what she needed and wanted out of her life. I enjoyed how each character’s story from both time periods were told, intertwined and all came together in the end.

This is a debut book from Sarah Penner and I will certainly look for her future works. This book has a lot that I liked, historical fiction, strong female characters, dual timelines and a mystery. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys these same things.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin. All narrators did a great job and provided the perfect voices for the characters. I was able to identify which of the three women were narrating by the voice. I always enjoy audiobooks with multiple narrators as they give it more of a performance feel. The narration added much to the story and I enjoyed it very much. If you are able to listen to the audiobook of this one, I definitely recommend you do.

The thing that initially drew me to this book was the cover, but I'm elated to say that the storytelling and the characters surpassed my expectations! I don't normally like historical fiction, but I gave this a shot because of how much more interested I am in women's (cis, trans and non-binary) stories than I am in (cis) men's. The way that Sarah Penner was able to weave in and out of the storylines while keeping up the mysteries was so well done. Being able to hear the distinct voices of each narrator (Eliza, Nella and Caroline) definitely helped me in keeping things straight. However, I don't think it was complicated to follow along and I found myself more interested in the past than the present. I didn't mind Caroline's storyline, I think it served as a fine agent of unravelling the secrets of the apothecary. I really enjoyed this book!

I like it when stories about women are a bit dark and vengeful. I like it when women put their needs and wants first. I like it when women find things in their lives that make them feel fulfilled, whatever it may be.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper & Harlequin Audio for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a creative plot! I loved that it was historical fiction, but also had a twist of mystery and an air of magic. The narrators did a wonderful job, although the pace was a bit slow and I sped it up to listen. I enjoyed the setting, and thought that the author did a good job describing the scenes without being verbose. I've also read several long books lately and I enjoyed the shorter novel that still felt like a complete story. The characters didn't completely draw me in, and I didn't fully connect to any of them. My love for this story definitely came from the plot and the setting. Overall, a wonderful book that I would highly recommend.

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Release date March 2, 2021.***

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"The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner was a very enjoyable book. I'm not usually a fan of multiple POV stories, but I feel it worked well in this case, especially with the audiobook format. For the re-read, I think I'd like to follow the "hard" copy with the audio version to see what I probably missed the first time around. :)

This immersive dual timeline story focuses on three women, Nella the apothecary and sometimes poisoner of vile men, and Eliza the young precocious maid together in 1791, and Caroline of the woeful marital troubles and horrid husband in the present day. Female friendship and women supporting other women were threads running through every aspect of both timelines. In a world that often demands the submission and compliance of women these three threw off the mantle of the expected and endeavored to find their own paths as independent women in a world that was, and still is, tailored to men.

As a huge historical fiction enthusiast, I admit that I was more absorbed in Nell and Eliza’s story than in Caroline’s. Whenever the timeline switched to Caroline, I was eager to get back to Nella. The attention to detail and descriptive imagery made me feel like I was in that dark, hidden room full of vials and poisons with the characters. I swear I could smell the herbs and taste the calming tea. Caroline’s life wasn’t completely uninteresting but a cheating husband and the pressure of family and societal expectations on a modern woman just didn’t have the same level of anxieties as Nella’s story, which was literally life and death. Nella’s story was chock-full of consequence and real danger and it made Caroline’s troubles look fairly trifling by comparison. I also really despised Caroline’s husband and her lingering feelings for him. I am sure I am not the only one who was hoping Caroline would use what she had learned about poisons to brew up something for her lying, cheating spouse!

The two timelines dance together but never truly touch until right at the end. The conclusion of Eliza and Nella’s story left me shattered and in tears and the end of Caroline’s story put some of the pieces of my heart back together. There is a lot to cry about in this book from miscarriages to sexual harassment, misogyny, and infidelity. A woman’s life has never been easy or free of tragedy. The stakes were much higher in the past and freedom and independence more elusive but even modern women struggle with some big issues. Thankfully, we have a lot more options than women in the past. It is no mistake that Nella’s story set in the 18th century ends with tears and Caroline’s story in modern days ends uplifting and hopeful. While I often think we have so far to go to achieve gender equality stories like this make me also consider how far we have come and the many women who bravely struggled to get us here.

I listened to the audiobook and I would highly recommend the format for this book. There were three female narrators, one for each main character and they were perfect for their roles. I especially liked Nella’s narrator as she brought to life the weariness and pain of her character in a gravely, hoarse voice. I also enjoyed Eliza's narrator as she portrayed young and perky with ease and the contrast between the two in the chapters set in the past left me in no doubt as to which character was speaking. Caroline’s narrator was also very good, but I feel like she had less personality and tragedy to play with.

Thank you Harper Audio/Harlequin Audio for providing an audiobook copy via NetGalley for review.

The Lost Apothecary tells the story of Caroline in the present day and Nella in the 1790s. Caroline is on what was to be an anniversary trip to London and stumbles upon an antique vile in the mud of the Thames. Nella is an apothecary owner helping to aid of the women of London from a hidden room on Back Alley. Sometimes history has a find a way of always uncovering itself...

I loved how well done this book was. I really enjoyed the character of Caroline and how relatable she is. She is the kind of character that reminds you of a friend. Nella was so fascinating to me. I loved her story and her trauma and everything in between. Eliza was one of those characters who is so naively perfect. The description in this book is top notch. It was so well done and so fascinating. This is a solid historical fiction novel that focuses on women's strength and resolve. Love this one so much!!