Lillian Haswell, brilliant daughter of the local apothecary, yearns for more adventure and experience than life in her father's shop and their smal...
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reviews
Jul 12, 2010
Margaret
rated it: 
Another incredible piece of historical fiction with strong characters from second published authorJulie Klassen. Without a doubt, Klassen is on my favorite author's list. Both Lady of Milkweed Manor and The Apothecary's Daughter were so enjoyable.
Each chapter starts with a quote of various pharmaceutical and apothecary means as well as a few others and it really sets the scene. It is something she also used in her first book, and I truly believe that it adds an incredible important More...
Each chapter starts with a quote of various pharmaceutical and apothecary means as well as a few others and it really sets the scene. It is something she also used in her first book, and I truly believe that it adds an incredible important More...
Mar 30, 2011
Meredith (Austenesque Reviews)
rated it: 
Lilly Haswell, the daughter of a small village apothecary, yearns for a life filled with love and adventure that will take her away from her hometown of Bedsley Priors. She spends her days assisting in her father's apothecary shop with his apprentice, Francis Baylor, and she has an excellent talent for remembering and preparing remedies. Lilly's mother left her family three years ago without a word, and Lilly still looks for her return. When Lilly's fashionable and wealthy relations offer he
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Apr 06, 2009
Virginia
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The daughter of an apothecary in a small English village must assist her father and slow-minded brother after her mother runs off. Readers get to experience village life, London society, snobbery, kindness and the intriguing developing medical profession as though we walked those streets ourselves.
An unexpectedly captivating story that drew me into Regency England. I say 'unexpected' because I don't typically read historical fiction. But Julie Klassen's writing style is rich and full More...
An unexpectedly captivating story that drew me into Regency England. I say 'unexpected' because I don't typically read historical fiction. But Julie Klassen's writing style is rich and full More...
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Jul 23, 2011
Staci
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My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book about the role apothecaries had in Regency England during the mid 1800's. It was also very enlightening to know that women weren't allowed to dispense medicine. I loved Lilly, the main character. The reader gets to see her grow from a young teen to a woman. She has worked in her father's shop since she can remember and knows the mixtures without ever having to look anything up. She's resourceful and smart, probably why I liked her so much. One of my fa More...
I really enjoyed this book about the role apothecaries had in Regency England during the mid 1800's. It was also very enlightening to know that women weren't allowed to dispense medicine. I loved Lilly, the main character. The reader gets to see her grow from a young teen to a woman. She has worked in her father's shop since she can remember and knows the mixtures without ever having to look anything up. She's resourceful and smart, probably why I liked her so much. One of my fa More...
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Jul 25, 2011
Lina
rated it: 
The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen isn't exactly my sort of historical fiction novel. The writing itself was pleasant enough, I was very happy that Klassen did attempt to imitate 1900th century prose, which is always irritating for me since it is rarely used properly. Lillian "Lilly" is the daughter of the local apothecary who is "brilliant" (writer's words not mine), but like all girls in that time is striving for something more. In addition, she is dealing with the
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Mar 31, 2009
Jessica
rated it: 
Very unpredictable- I was so pleased! I had absolutely no clue as to what would happen, where she would end up or who she would end up with. Very well written and entertaining! :)
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Dec 29, 2011
Gaby
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In the fictional village near London called Bedsley Priors, young Lilly is struggling to keep her family and their business together. Her mother disappeared without a word, her disabled brother needs looking after, and helping out at her father's apothecary shop. Lilly's spare time is usually spent with her neighbor Mary and looking out for the ship that her mother may have sailed on.
Lilly isn't sad or helpless - she's gifted with an amazing memory and an even temperament. A quick More...
Lilly isn't sad or helpless - she's gifted with an amazing memory and an even temperament. A quick More...
Oct 01, 2011
Yas
rated it:
Kindle edition: 380 pages
Genre: Christian, Romance, Historical,
Rating *****
Synopsis:
Set in historical times when apothecary's weren't a thing of the past, the story revolves around protaganist Lily Haswell who works as an assistant in her father's apothecary business..
It initially begins after introduction of her character by going into the first sub plot of many which is that of her mother's random disappearance from her and her father's lives man More...
Genre: Christian, Romance, Historical,
Rating *****
Synopsis:
Set in historical times when apothecary's weren't a thing of the past, the story revolves around protaganist Lily Haswell who works as an assistant in her father's apothecary business..
It initially begins after introduction of her character by going into the first sub plot of many which is that of her mother's random disappearance from her and her father's lives man More...
Aug 11, 2011
Emily
rated it:
Pleasant, well written historical fiction set in regency England and featuring the daughter of an apothecary. Unable to inherit her father's business or even help with it too much due to her gender, she ends up going to live with some wealthier relatives in London for a few years in hopes of finding an eligible husband (really the only option for women of the era). I enjoyed that the book was unpredictable - I really had no idea which of the four potential husbands she would end up with - and th
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Aug 07, 2011
Grace
rated it:
Author: Julie Klassen
Title: The Apothecary’s Daughter
As we meet Lilly, the apothecary’s daughter, she stands on a bridge, wistfully looking for her mother, who deserted the family several years earlier. Meanwhile, the apprentice apothecary her father recently acquired moves in but has difficulty learning the trade. Lilly’s life revolves around the shop, her family, including her mentally disabled brother, and her best friend, Mary, who suffers from epilepsy. When relatives of h More...
Title: The Apothecary’s Daughter
As we meet Lilly, the apothecary’s daughter, she stands on a bridge, wistfully looking for her mother, who deserted the family several years earlier. Meanwhile, the apprentice apothecary her father recently acquired moves in but has difficulty learning the trade. Lilly’s life revolves around the shop, her family, including her mentally disabled brother, and her best friend, Mary, who suffers from epilepsy. When relatives of h More...
Jul 31, 2011
Surprisingly engaging and suspenseful. The plot proved fairly original and unpredictable, strewn wide with endearing and developed characters and unexpected twists. I found the setting - a small English town rife with rivalries between multiple different medical practitioners - more interesting than I'd expected, and other subplots like Mary's and Charlie's handicaps also added to the novel's depth. And as for the closure of all the off-and-on romances - Klassen keeps the reader guessing unti
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Jul 23, 2011
Cecilia
rated it: 
Towards the beginning of this novel, I wrote that it reminded me, a bit, of a Jane Austen novel. It still does. But, not in the bad sense. Here, we have a strong independent woman who is trying to find her way in the world. The conflict? Does one seek a new life in the city or try to find happiness near the hearth? What makes this novel enjoyable, is that both options are appealing and would serve our heroine well. There are also many suitors that would work well for Lilly; it's a matter
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Jul 14, 2011
Nan
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This is the first book I've read that was marketed as "Christian fiction" in some time.
To give that remark some context, I should explain that I don't consider myself a Christian as I don't practice any faith. I tend to avoid Christian fiction because I'm not that fond of the evangelical movement; the best label for me is agnostic, and most evangelicals I've met dislike my ideas almost as much they dislike atheists. I don't consider myself hostile to Christianity, however.
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To give that remark some context, I should explain that I don't consider myself a Christian as I don't practice any faith. I tend to avoid Christian fiction because I'm not that fond of the evangelical movement; the best label for me is agnostic, and most evangelicals I've met dislike my ideas almost as much they dislike atheists. I don't consider myself hostile to Christianity, however.
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Jul 01, 2011
Julia
rated it:
Sometimes reading Christian fiction feels like hearing the same song over and over. I love this genre, but it often feels like a struggle to find substantial, non-fluffy Christian fiction (I have loved many of Francine Rivers Christian fiction novels, highly recommend them, and find them to be more substantial, weighty reads...we need more books like that!). This book was good, fun and cute. For better or worse, many (most) Christian fiction novels follow that same recipe: good, fun, cute reads.
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Jun 23, 2011
Kathryn
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 25, 2011
Christy
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I didn't realize this book was categorized as "Christian Fiction" until I read some of the reviews here when getting ready to post my own. It was a decent book with a definite "feel-good" quality but I felt it was a bit drawn out for the story being presented.
I gave this book 3 stars for two reasons: first, I felt that the author didn't really convey a Christian message in the story - I felt it was mislabeled, and this going into the story with no preconceived noti More...
I gave this book 3 stars for two reasons: first, I felt that the author didn't really convey a Christian message in the story - I felt it was mislabeled, and this going into the story with no preconceived noti More...
Mar 21, 2011
Suzanne
rated it:
I am neither a fan of Regency romance nor Christian books (not because they're Christian, but because many of them preach), however, after reading wonderful comments about Julie Klassen's The Apothecary's Daughter, I decided to give this one a try. I was most delightfully surprised.
Ms. Klassen writes remarkably well; her characters envelop you and take you one a memorable journey through time. I loved the verses so appropriate to each chapter and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the n More...
Ms. Klassen writes remarkably well; her characters envelop you and take you one a memorable journey through time. I loved the verses so appropriate to each chapter and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the n More...
Mar 04, 2011
Carlie
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. I felt it had the romance, lifestyle and correctly fit the genre of famous Austen novels, but without so much old language. It is a story about a strong woman in a time where she is not allowed to be indepedent. She works very hard to take care of her father, his business, and her younger brother with special needs.
Her rich Aunt and Uncle (brother to her missing mother) convince her to leave her small town and come to London to be part of high society. Th More...
Her rich Aunt and Uncle (brother to her missing mother) convince her to leave her small town and come to London to be part of high society. Th More...
Mar 04, 2011
Becomingme
rated it:
From my B&N review:
I love the detail in this book. The plot was very well thought out and keeps you guessing the entire book. I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire book. It reminded me of the best of the Bronte sisters and Ms Austen's work, but in a language more reachable by more people of this time period without losing the essence of that time.
I was a bit leery about it's message being too intrusive and preachy, as I've read other "Christian Literature", a More...
I love the detail in this book. The plot was very well thought out and keeps you guessing the entire book. I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire book. It reminded me of the best of the Bronte sisters and Ms Austen's work, but in a language more reachable by more people of this time period without losing the essence of that time.
I was a bit leery about it's message being too intrusive and preachy, as I've read other "Christian Literature", a More...
Feb 21, 2011
Linda
rated it:
This book centers on Lilly Haswell whose father is an apothecary in their small English village. Lilly’s mother had long ago left the family. Lilly spent her early life helping her father in his trade, helping to take care of Charlie, her special needs brother and wanting to find her mother.
The story is set in 1800's England and so Lilly’s choices for her future are limited. She knows as much about herbs and medicinal mixtures as her father, yet she cannot aspire to be an apothecary More...
The story is set in 1800's England and so Lilly’s choices for her future are limited. She knows as much about herbs and medicinal mixtures as her father, yet she cannot aspire to be an apothecary More...
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Jan 26, 2011
jennsquared
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 14, 2011
Shari
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In this novel set in the early 1800's of England, Lilly Haswell longs to leave her father's apothecary shop in their small town and see more of the world. When her aunt and uncle invite her to live in London with them, she accepts, leaving behind her lonely father, handicapped brother, and her friends.
But in London, she has her troubles there too, when she captures the attentions of a few suitors, but her humble background may ruin her chances of making a good match. She also tries to More...
But in London, she has her troubles there too, when she captures the attentions of a few suitors, but her humble background may ruin her chances of making a good match. She also tries to More...
Nov 01, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
I normally don't read Christian fiction but this book was free for the Kindle and sounded intriguing so I thought I'd give it a try. (Incidentally, this was the first book I've read entirely on my new cell phone. It was fine in short doses - any longer than a half hour and my eyes would start to hurt from the backlight.)
The Apothecary's Daughter is the story of Lilly Haswell, a young lady growing up in a small English village at the turn of the 18th century. Her mother has abandoned th More...
The Apothecary's Daughter is the story of Lilly Haswell, a young lady growing up in a small English village at the turn of the 18th century. Her mother has abandoned th More...
Apr 08, 2011
Courtney
rated it:
I love Julie Klassen's books! I just can't seem to get enough!! The Apothecary's Daughter was such a wonderful story, so unpredictable! The Apothecary's Daughter, Lilly, was a young girl who often wondered why her mother left her and her father and brother. She assisted her father with his apothecary and helped take care of her slow-minded brother. When the opportunity presented itself for her to go to London to spend time with her mother's family, her aunt and uncle, she couldn't pass it up.
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Feb 07, 2011
Kat
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 16, 2011
K. A.
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Just finished this book. I like the setting and background, it feels very real. I gave it 4 stars, which is VERY high for me.
This is a 'traditional' romance, very Victorian in content and plot. It is going to be too slow for some people and not 'steamy' enough for others. I found it a great read for the end of the day, when I wanted to unwind.
The story follows a woman's journey from a small village in England, to London's marriage markets, then back to the village. Utter More...
This is a 'traditional' romance, very Victorian in content and plot. It is going to be too slow for some people and not 'steamy' enough for others. I found it a great read for the end of the day, when I wanted to unwind.
The story follows a woman's journey from a small village in England, to London's marriage markets, then back to the village. Utter More...
May 12, 2010
Treasa
rated it:
Lilly Haswell has spent her whole life helping her father with his apothecary shop. Now in her teens, she knows more about the trade than her father's apprentice, Francis. Given the chance to go to London with her aunt and uncle, Lilly at the opportunity and spends two years living the life of luxury in the big city. But she can't seem to escape her origins as an apothecary's daughter. When there are troubles at home, Lilly quickly returns to her small village and takes on great responsibilities
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Jul 10, 2011
Sarah
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Spoiler alert!
This book had me torn. A little. Don't get me wrong, I really really liked it. But it was like the author in some instances was trying to sound "Old world" if you will... but mostly didn't get it done. A lot of the expressions and things that she used were expressions of today not then. She either needed to go all or nothing. That being said...
I spent the first half of the book wondering, "Where are we going with all of this?" Which of More...
This book had me torn. A little. Don't get me wrong, I really really liked it. But it was like the author in some instances was trying to sound "Old world" if you will... but mostly didn't get it done. A lot of the expressions and things that she used were expressions of today not then. She either needed to go all or nothing. That being said...
I spent the first half of the book wondering, "Where are we going with all of this?" Which of More...
Mar 07, 2011
Jane
rated it:
I really liked this book, although I found Lillian's motives to be frequently lacking and/or obscure. The atmosphere of the story is very well done and the author manages to capture elusive feelings quite well. The characters are occasionally flimsy, though, and both the interactions and the conversations sometimes feel stilted in scenes where they should be flowing. While most of the book is written from a third person omniscient perspective, seemingly hovering over Lilly (the main character
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Jan 09, 2011
Janelle
rated it:
This is a feel good book. A book that is sweet, charming, moving, romantic...its a book to feel good about reading!
Lilly Haswell, as the title states, is an apothecary's daughter dealing with a mother who has abandoned her family. Lilly must help raise her challenged brother and help in her fathers shop. But an opportunity arises for Lilly to live in London to further her education and perhaps find a suitor!
Lilly knows her background will likely become an issue for a well More...
Lilly Haswell, as the title states, is an apothecary's daughter dealing with a mother who has abandoned her family. Lilly must help raise her challenged brother and help in her fathers shop. But an opportunity arises for Lilly to live in London to further her education and perhaps find a suitor!
Lilly knows her background will likely become an issue for a well More...
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