From the Bookshelf of 2025 Reading Challenge…

The Lost Apothecary

Sarah Penner

Start date: October 1, 2021

Finish date: October 31, 2021

Discussion: October 2025 Group Read

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Showing 2 of -3 topics — 105 comments total

October 2025 Group Read

Weyward: Pre-Reading Discussion
By Winter , Group Reads · 5 posts · 27 views

last updated 2 hours, 2 min ago

Weyward: Reviews by 2025 Reading Challengers
By Winter , Group Reads · 1 post · 18 views

last updated Sep 21, 2025 03:59AM

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What Members Thought

Apr 25, 2021 Jen Ciccotto rated it liked it

Shelves: 2021-reads

The premise of this book pulled me in, but unfortunately the story underdelivered for me. The idea was very unique, the execution fell a bit flat.

The dual timelines were interesting, but I found Caroline's story to be a bit weak and her motives for keeping secrets and doing certain things did not make sense. Nella and Eliza's stories were more interesting but there was still something lacking. The writing style was very bland. Even the exciting moments seemed dulled in a way.

Overall, it was a ...more

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Mar 18, 2021 Jasmine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: american, book-of-the-month, once-upon-a-bookclub

So I’ve noticed that I’m really enjoying all the books I’m reading now, but when I look at my old reviews I was very judgmental. This inconsistency shall remain and I will choose to continue to be happy and like things.

I also appear to have lost all ability to identify genre or they’ve gotten harder to identify. All the meaningful characters here are women, does that make this women’s fiction? That was true of the Southern Book Club which was written by a man. Surely that wasn’t women’s fiction So I’ve noticed that I’m really enjoying all the books I’m reading now, but when I look at my old reviews I was very judgmental. This inconsistency shall remain and I will choose to continue to be happy and like things.

I also appear to have lost all ability to identify genre or they’ve gotten harder to identify. All the meaningful characters here are women, does that make this women’s fiction? That was true of the Southern Book Club which was written by a man. Surely that wasn’t women’s fiction?

There is this American idea that England is a magical historical place. A place where you can wonder into a farie circle or stumble into untouched history. I doubt this is actually a thing people “can” do. But on the other hand, one of my main dreams is to sleep in a castle in Scotland because if there are any ghosts in the world that’s where they would be.

This book is about that magic. It’s also about the same thing as the Southern Book Club’s Guide to Vampire Slaying the ultimate lack of power in being female. From the history where woman were property, to the present day where they toil under the assumption that all sacrifices will be made by the woman for the man. That she will sacrifice for children, that his job is more important, that her dreams aren’t important unless she is done raising children. It’s statistically true that single women tend to be a bit more successful than single men. Married woman are much less successful than married men. Just a fun fact for you to enjoy.

I have not lived through a lot of this. Let’s just say a lot of why I’m single is because I didn’t want anything to do with that. That doesn’t mean I don’t identify with Caroline, Eliza and Nella. It doesn’t mean I don’t have moments where I wonder about magic and where all of this could have ended up if things were different.

I have told you very little about the plot here, but hopefully I’ve invoked the feeling of the book. The ambiance. Even just a little. Enough for you to pick it up and fully feel the resonance. ...more

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Jun 21, 2021 Susan rated it really liked it

A apothecary hidden in London dispenses poisons to avenge women who have been wronged. Nella has unwritten rules of her trade. One of which to not harm women. Her shop is hidden and well disguised shop. Notes are left in an old grain barrel. The door to her shop unlocked located in back alley. She meets a young woman named Eliza whom changes the course of her life as well as the young woman. All poisons given are recorded in ledger to keep women from being forgotten. Bella's Mother was also an a ...more

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Sep 06, 2021 Melissa rated it it was ok

Read Claire Smith’s review. I have never laughed so hard reading a review, but she is spot on!

At the risk of sounding pretentious, I had this book pegged on page 1 with her incorrect use of who/whom. The 2 star rating is a result of the premise exceeding expectations.

This author had a great idea, but failed to execute effectively. Don’t reveal a mystery with 1/3 of the book to go and have the protagonist spend the end “figuring out” the mystery.

Also, you don’t need to spend the final pages spel ...more

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Jul 07, 2021 Mary Pat Lambert rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-books-read

I enjoyed the story quite a bit. An old apothecary bottle is found in present day but the story is told not only from the present, but also from the woman who owns the apothecary in the 1700s and the young girl she befriends. Lots of secrets and a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. It's an entertaining read. ...more

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