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7th out of 528 books
—
543 voters
The Apothecary's Daughter
by
Julie Klassen (Goodreads Author)
LILLY HASWELL REMEMBERS EVERYTHING --- WHETHER SHE WANTS TO, OR NOT ...
As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, 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 r...more
As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, 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 r...more
Hardcover, 415 pages
Published
January 1st 2009
by Bethany House Publishers
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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 element to...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 element to...more
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 her an...more
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 of period d...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 of period d...more
Aug 29, 2012
Diana
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who likes regency era books
Shelves:
chic-lit,
christian-lit,
fluffanutter,
foreign,
historical,
freefriday,
relational,
romance
This was a surprising delight and I'm glad I finally got around to trying it out. Once I started I struggled to ever put this book down.
The Apothecary's Daughter is set in the Regency era and takes a few cues from Jane Austen and others like her, but Klassen makes it all her own. For starters, the heroine is the daughter of an apothecary, considered a mere shopkeeper's daughter by society, who longs to find her mother after her mysterious departure and perhaps find the fulfillment in travelling...more
The Apothecary's Daughter is set in the Regency era and takes a few cues from Jane Austen and others like her, but Klassen makes it all her own. For starters, the heroine is the daughter of an apothecary, considered a mere shopkeeper's daughter by society, who longs to find her mother after her mysterious departure and perhaps find the fulfillment in travelling...more
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 favorit...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 favorit...more
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 shame of her mother'...more
It was just ok. It wasn't awfully compelling but the apothecary history was interesting. All of the characters were thinly developed, especially Lily's suitors. Why she would be interested in any of them is beyond me. The author wove several story threads and didn't end any of them satisfactory. The story of the disappearing mother was not well imagined nor did it have a good ending; the story of the Marlows abruptly ended with some crazy scene of the younger Marlow threatening the medical profe...more
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! :)
I have read several Julie Klassen books and have enjoyed most all of them. “Apothecary’s Daughter” was a disappointment. It was just ok – not even close to “Lady of Milkweed Manor”, “Girl in the Gatehouse” "Tutor's Daughter" and “Maid of Fairbourne Hall”
I was impressed with Klassen’s research on Regency English medicine and the importance of the apothecary to the public, however that part was far more developed and detailed than the actual characters. I kept waiting for the story to pick up and...more
I was impressed with Klassen’s research on Regency English medicine and the importance of the apothecary to the public, however that part was far more developed and detailed than the actual characters. I kept waiting for the story to pick up and...more
aaaah, i soooo needed this light read right now after so many downer dystopians. this book was a very fast and sweet read. although the author seemed to snatch bits and pieces right out of several jane austin novels, the story was nice.
now, the problems with this book, while not really "problems" per se, are the typical for this sort of book. the girl is average in looks, though every single guy who crosses her path falls madly in love with her. she is sweet and doesn't do anything wrong. even w...more
now, the problems with this book, while not really "problems" per se, are the typical for this sort of book. the girl is average in looks, though every single guy who crosses her path falls madly in love with her. she is sweet and doesn't do anything wrong. even w...more
Lillian Haswell, brilliant daughter of the local apothecary, yearns for more adventure and experience than life in her father's shop and their small village provides. She also longs to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance, which villagers whisper about but her father refuses to discuss. Opportunity comes when a distant aunt offers to educate her as a lady in London. Exposed to fashionable society and romance--as well as clues about her mother--Lilly is torn when she is summoned back...more
Oct 01, 2012
Mandi Ellsworth
added it
Lilly has one of those retentive memories, where she remembers everything. Her father’s an apothecary (see title of book) and her mother went AWOL. Her little brother is a bit slow (their description, not mine). Lilly holds the family together, and sometimes, the business. Then her mother’s brother comes and offers to adopt Lilly and give her a London season, or two. While there, Lilly meets several very nice men, and then comes home to meet some more. All her suitors are vying for her attention...more
Reviewed from a Man's Point of View.
This was the first book I read on my Kindle for PC app sometime in February, 2010 (I now have a Christmas Kindle *Brag*). Being that long ago, I don't remember minute details, but I'll hit some high points. I was captivated by "The Apothecary's Daughter"! Read it in two days. Very good read!
I've generally felt that historical romances tend to repeat the same story over and over, but The Apothecary's Daughter had a unique story line and the setting of an apothe...more
This was the first book I read on my Kindle for PC app sometime in February, 2010 (I now have a Christmas Kindle *Brag*). Being that long ago, I don't remember minute details, but I'll hit some high points. I was captivated by "The Apothecary's Daughter"! Read it in two days. Very good read!
I've generally felt that historical romances tend to repeat the same story over and over, but The Apothecary's Daughter had a unique story line and the setting of an apothe...more
The Apothecary's Daughter is the story of a kind and intelligent young woman named Lilly, who lives with her father (an apothecary, his apprentice Francis, and her younger brother in a small village. Her mother scandalously abandoned the family years ago in search of adventure and romance. Lilly helps her father in his shop and could become an apothecary herself if women were allowed to do so. When her aunt and uncle arrive from London, offering to take Lilly with them and resume her education a...more
This book was a take-along on a vacation, and it was perfect for that. It is not deep, and it won't change you or make you think over-much. However, it is pleasant and very easy to follow. The characters are pretty much all likable. There is a PLETHORA of love interests in this book, and until about twenty pages before the end, the heroine seems to have no preference. I know that this was the author's attempt to avoid the typical problem of most romance novels where it is obvious from the start...more
Who can complain about a free book. And the Apothecary's daughter was a great looking title too. Set at a time in England where medicine was more myth at times than science, the Apothecary's job as part herbalist and chemist with a dash of science mixed in for good measure.
The author paints a rich storyline with interesting characters, never letter her readers be quite sure just who the true hero is. There are three possibilities. The young physician who being Oxford trained can look down his n...more
The author paints a rich storyline with interesting characters, never letter her readers be quite sure just who the true hero is. There are three possibilities. The young physician who being Oxford trained can look down his n...more
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 learner, hard...more
Lilly isn't sad or helpless - she's gifted with an amazing memory and an even temperament. A quick learner, hard...more
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 many years ago of which still has never been figure...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 many years ago of which still has never been figure...more
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...more
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 her mother visit,...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 her mother visit,...more
Jul 31, 2011
Kiersten
added it
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 until t...more
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 of the...more
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.
That said, I often have...more
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.
That said, I often have...more
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....more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
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 notions what it was about (got it...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 notions what it was about (got it...more
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 nineteenth...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 nineteenth...more
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. They try to pa...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. They try to pa...more
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", and at times the message...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", and at times the message...more
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 because she...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 because she...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Fiction...: ❀Abbi and Melanie❀ The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen | 25 | 6 | Feb 21, 2013 09:28pm |
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She has been an advertising manager, fiction editor, and now works as a full-time novelist. Her 3rd book, The Silent Governess, won the Christy Award for Historical Romance, and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and the RITA Awards. Her latest books, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall...more
More about Julie Klassen...
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“The human heart, no matter what age, will only open to the heart that opens in return.”
—
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“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
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Jan 12, 2009 05:51pm