The Apothecary's Daughter

THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER: Julie Klassen: Bethany House Publications: Romance: 416 pgs.

I cringe at the thought of having to read a romance novel BUT if you are looking for a squeaky clean romance by all means read “The Apothecary’s Daughter. Delightfully set in Regency England when society’s rules allowed women little advancement of the mind or spirit, Lilly Haswell tries to balance two worlds. Lilly is a sensible, strong willed young woman who has had much responsibility set on her shoulders watching over her mentally challenged little brother and assisting her father run his apothecary after her mother walked out of their lives. Her wealthy aunt and uncle offer her “a dream come true” when they invite her to come live with them in London for a season or two in hopes she will find a “suitable” husband. Her life there is grand but still not quite what she envisioned, society demanding that she keep her place while her sensible self pushes the limits. She is suddenly called home when she receives word her father is very ill. She arrives to find her home, family and soon her life in array. Julie Klassen’s attention to detail describing the life and customs of the time and the apothecary’s world, along with the strong characters and great plot, make this an easy worthwhile read for anyone enjoying historical fiction or historical romance. There are even questions in the back of the book for a discussion. Wondering about the ROMANCE? No clues from me… READ and be surprised!!!!

mpb