The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

 I haven't been writing as much lately with the holidays and increasing personal and professional obligations.  I have been reading just as much though.  As I catch up on my reviews, I'm happy to spread the word about The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen.



The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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 worker and a generous heart all make her a lovable character. 

When her mother's relatives reach out to her family and offer to sponsor a London season and a chance to travel, Lilly must decide whether to go into the world or to stay at Bedsley Priors and help her father and brother through some tough times.

In London, Lilly blossoms.  When Lilly receives an offer from one a wealthy suitor, we wonder whether she will she take this chance to a whole new life.  When her father falls ill, Lilly returns home for a short visit and finds the apothecary in shambles.  As Lilly tries to help revive the apothecary business, she reconnects with old friends and finds that her father's old apprentice has grown up. 

Julie Klassen's The Apothecary's Daughter is such a wonderful read - lovable characters,  unexpected twists, and the charming town of Bedsley Priors.  If you enjoy historical fiction, you're sure to love The Apothecary's Daughter.

ISBN-10: 0764204807 - Paperback $14.99
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (January 1, 2009), 416 pages.
Review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

About the Author:
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She is a fiction editor and novelist. Her book, The Silent Governess, won a 2010 Christy Award and was also a finalist in the Minnesota Book Awards, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Awards, and Romance Writers of America's RITA Awards. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit www.julieklassen.com for more information.