Book Review: The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen
The Apothecary's Daughterby Julie Klassen
Copyright 2008
Bethany House Publishers
416 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0480-7
Historical Fiction
From the publisher:
Lilly Haswell remembers everything—whether she wants to, or not....
As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond—of travel and adventure and romance.
When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for—the truth of the past and a love for the future?
Blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail, The Apothecary's Daughter is a novel to savor and share.
My Review:
After reading Julie Klassen's latest release, The Silent Governess (my review HERE), I was thrilled to be able to get my hands on a copy of last years book, The Apothecary's Daughter. Let me say if you are a fan of Regency fiction you will really enjoy this! Julie Klassen is such a wonderful writer.
Ms. Klassen knows how to take you back to 19th century London and the surrounding countryside of Bedsley Priors. The sites, smells, and surroundings of the apothecary shops and the coffee shop made me feel as if I were there myself. The character descriptions are just as good. I felt like I knew Lilly, her friends and her charming little brother, Charlie. I also learned to like her Aunt and Uncle despite their seeming unkindness towards Lilly's brother because of his disability, they really cared for Lilly and wanted to make a good life for her.
The story itself flowed nicely, however I was a little confused as to what part Lilly's mothers disappearance had to do with the book as a whole. There were some twists and turns at the end that I was not expecting in the least and at one point I was on the verge of tears. Really The Apothecary's Daughter was an all around good story and I can't wait to see what comes next from the pen of Julie Klassen!
For more information on Julie and her books visit:
Her WEBSITE
*I received this book through Bookmooch, a book swapping site.*
Glad you enjoyed this one. Aren't her covers gorgeous?
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Renee!! I'm glad to hear this one is good, I've heard a lot about it!
ReplyDeleteYet another books in my overflowing TBR piles. I didn't remember that it was Regency though...not my favorite, but I did enjoy the Ruth Axtell Morren book you recommended, so I'll definitely be giving this one a chance.
ReplyDeleteYou...on the verge of tears?? Really?? WOW! It must be really good then. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
{{hugs}}
I enjoyed this book too. :) Great review...as usual. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting review, Renee. It sounds like a book I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteShe did manage to throw in some surprises didn't she? I really liked this book. I looked for more from her after I read this one too.
ReplyDeleteThis is yet another book I have waiting for me on my shelf. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteHey Renee,
ReplyDeleteAwesome review! I loved The Apothcary's Daughter, too. I totally did not expect that twist at the end. And whole thing with Mary, had me crying through the rest of the book;~)LOL
But this is one of my favorite books. I'm glad you liked Renee!
Love Ya,
Ashley
I kinda figured out the surprise halfway through the book. :D It was funny to see I was right as things played out. I think we finished this around the same time! I kinda have a sixth sense when it comes to plot twists for some reason.
ReplyDelete