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Ever since her mother left, Lilly Haswell has been waiting. Waiting for her to come back, waiting to get out of Bedsley Priors herself, waiting for the painful memories to blur—if only her sterling memory would allow it. She enjoys helping in her father’s apothecary shop, caring for her young brother . . . but isn’t there more to the world?

When the aunt and uncle she’s never met arrives in Bedsley Priors and offers her a chance at education and society, Lilly jumps at the chance. But two years in London haven’t won her a husband, and when she receives news that her father’s health is failing and she’s needed at home, she returns to her small town a changed woman. And she’s not the only thing that’s changed—her village has grown, there’s a rival apothecary down the street, and her father’s shop has fallen into disrepair. Though it’s against the law for a woman to be an apothecary, she steps in to fill the gap and try to restore Haswell’s reputation. But with old rivalries and new love interests to distract her, will Lilly be able to rebuild what has been lost . . . or will the truths that come to light tear her down too?

The Apothecary’s Daughter is another stunning read from Julie Klassen. Pulling the reader back into an aspect of the Regency that isn’t often explored in literature, the author creates a colorful, realistic world of historic medicinals and the unchanging souls of the people looking for something to make life a little better. It digs deep into the then-rising battle between traditional apothecaries and modern physicians and surgeons, providing a tension that pulls Lilly straight into its heart. Whether in London or a small rural town, Lilly is a heroine to be admired and loved, even as she falters and stubbornly clings to her own ideas.

One aspect I really appreciated about the story was the multiple love interests—and the fact that it was completely unclear which of them she’d choose in the end. Each of the men had something to recommend them, and I, along with Lilly, had difficulty sorting through my thoughts to decide who the “right” man was. This is something not often to be found in romances, but it added yet another  layer of realism to the story.

Lovers of regencies, historicals, and a really good romance will want to get their hands on this second novel of Julie Klassen’s! It’ll keep you enthralled, enraptured, and will educate you a little in the process.

Buy it now from our affiliate Bookstore CrossPurposesBooks.com

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