The Apothecary's Daughter
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The Apothecary's Daughter

The Apothecary's Daughter

by Julie Klassen

Overview

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 to her ailing father's bedside. Women are forbidden to work as apothecaries, so to save the family legacy, Lilly will have to make it appear as if her father is still making all the diagnoses and decisions. But the suspicious eyes of a scholarly physician and a competing apothecary are upon her. As they vie for village prominence, three men also vie for Lilly's heart.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780764204807
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 01/01/2009
Edition description: Original
Pages: 416
Sales rank: 130,140
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Julie Klassen is a fiction editor and novelist who has worked in Christian publishing for many years. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has a background in advertising. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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The Apothecary's Daughter 3.9 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 2648 reviews.
Writers_Block More than 1 year ago
I admit, I downloaded this book for my Nook with low expectations. Just another Regency Era romance, I thought. I happily admit I was wrong, wrong, wrong! First of all, the attention to detail is staggering, as is the hours of research the author put into this story. If you have any interest in herbology, medicine or the Regency Era in general this book is well worth the read. The charactors are well devoloped and very human in their flaws, which makes you appreciate them even more. It's easy to get caught up in Lilly's struggle not only as a lady living in the restrictive world of Regency England, where a women's worth was measured by the value of her husband, but as a person attempting to balance her family with her own desires and dreams.
NRobbins More than 1 year ago
You may feel as if you've heard this story before, but this one is different. I started out "cheering on" a particular character only to later be repulsed by him. this book delves deep into character developement. You learn to know each person throughout the book and what seems to be perfect on the surface soon reveals the true self inside. It was a great historical look at "dating" for a young woman in England in the 1800's. Throughly enjoyable and a great read!
MichelleSutton More than 1 year ago
Finally got a chance to read this book and it was wonderful, as expected. I enjoyed the fact that there were so many subplots to keep my attention. And I loved that the author had me guessing for a good portion of the book in regards to the young woman's future. The title of this book fits the story perfectly. It has a bittersweet meaning that only someone who is really "into" the story would understand. I almost felt like I was watching a movie play out on the big screen because the details were so vivid. Some were so vivid, in fact, that they made me shudder. It was a bad idea for me to read that leaching scene right before I went to bed. You can imagine why. I didn't envy the decisions the heroine needed to make. I also found the peculiarities regarding her brother's behavior intriguing. Since I have clients with similar diagnoses, I thought the author did a great job portraying the particulars of someone with his limited abilities. It was good to see an accurate portrayal of two people with special needs that were not immediately tucked away in asylums as was the trend back in that era. Fans of Regency romances should really enjoy this book.
Avid___Reader More than 1 year ago
This novel was filled with believable plots and twists. I found myself unable to put the book down, wanting to see what would happen to each of the characters and then being surprised at little things along the way. It was insightful on human nature and didn't get caught up in today's "pop psychology".
angeleyesAS More than 1 year ago
Set in England in the 1800's, Lilly is smart and the go-get-um daughter of the town's apothercary. She helps her dad in his shop, growing herbs, making pills, and making deliveries. Her mother left them and her mental deficient son to fend for themselves as they wait for her return someday. There are lots of clever twists and turns in the plot and the characters are real and likable. The author did a lot of worthy research to create such an interesting setting. I recommend!
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
I love romance books, however so many of them have no plot behind them and do not involve any other characters. Not so with this book! It was well researched and packed full of interesting tidbits. Great read!
sgrigs More than 1 year ago
This is Julie Klassen's second novel. I found the first one "Lady of Milkweed Manor" and thoroughly enjoyed it. A great historical read. So when I saw "The Apothecary's Daughter" I bought it right away and was not disappointed. This surpassed my expectations. It has great characters, great settings, and challenging situations. I highly recommend this author and this book.
mom2blondies More than 1 year ago
I love books by this author already, but this was my absolute favorite book. It kept me engaged and I didn't want to put it down. I especially liked that I could not guess who Lily would end up with romantically, it kept me guessing and usually I have that figured out right away.
TaterFink More than 1 year ago
A little sentimental, and romantic. A little informative in regard to the history of the apothecary. I read for entertainment and enjoyment. This book filled the bill!
Kristen Kelleher More than 1 year ago
loved it
Nerdgirljenn More than 1 year ago
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 feel intrusive and forced, not really adding anything to the story. It was not...in fact it was much in line with the writing traditions of that period and integrated well into the plot. I would highly recommend this book to any and all. It is great for rainy days, sunny days, or nights when you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea or hot chocolate. You will feel transported to a world of sight, sound and smells...a pleasant world the Apothecary shop, a young girls worries, sorrows, and joys.
deborah54 More than 1 year ago
I'm not a big fan of historical novels, but this is one I couldn't put down. You won't be disappointed if you read this book.
Booky_McBookerson More than 1 year ago
I really enjoyed this book. The author did an excellent job keeping the reader on his or her toes, it was quite unpredictable. I was rooting for different suitors for Lilly throughout the book, and I was surprised on several occasions. I was sad that the book was over when I finished, as I wanted to know what else was in store for Lilly Haswell. There were several turns of events in which I was completely shocked, yet they all made sense. I also really enjoyed how the author described the characters. I really felt that I understood each character, their feelings, and what they looked like. I would highly recommend this book.
cherryblossommj More than 1 year ago
Another incredible piece of historical fiction with strong characters from second published author Julie Klassen. Without a doubt, Klassen is on my favorite author's list. Both Lady of Milkweed Manor (her first book) 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 the way her story is told. This book is divided up into sections that works quite well. It is a long book and fabulously so, I did not want it to end.



The one qualm that I did have, is that the last section is very dark to me. Everything that can go wrong is going wrong and it was a little much to experience all at once, when the rest of the book was much more light heart-ed. I feel kinda like if there was so more happiness in there with the dark toward the end that it would have worked better. Then it ends abruptly exactly as a perfect ending as it could be. My opinion would have been to draw it out with more details and more "happy" within the dark cloud, rather than having everything fixed in a last chapter and epilogue. But then we readers cannot get everything we want when fabulous authors are limited to just 400 pages or so.



Good points and bad, my overall opinion is that the story is fabulous. My favorite portion of all is where the name for the book came from. It makes me teary eyed. And you will just have to go read it to find out why.



Once again a winner from Julie in my opinion, and I desperately cannot wait for more books from her in the future!
grnpickle on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
Being an apothecary's daughter myself, I could totally relate to this book. I loved it!!! I especially enjoyed Julie Klassen's writing style which sucks the reader into the characters. I laughed out loud and cried big tears. I can't wait to read more from Julie. I was hoping she would continue the Lilly story...hint...hint., Ms. Klassen.
khiemstra631 on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
Another book that I listened to rather than read. This Christian novel takes place in England in the early 1800's. It involves an apothecary's daughter, Lillian Haswell, who helps her father run his shop after her mother leaves them. She has a younger brother who was brain-damaged at birth. Eventually, she goes to London to live with her aunt and uncle to try to make a match. Called home due to her father's illness, she finds the shop near failure and must do all that she can to save it. Two potential suitors emerge, and the rest of the work deals with her choice of a mate. A fun read!
srfbluemama on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
I adored this book, I think partly because it was so reminiscent of Jane Austen, whose books I love. I was in complete suspense trying to figure out which man Lilly would ultimately end up with. It was a lovely read, and I'm so glad I picked it up.
judyg54 on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
First off, I loved the cover of this book and could picture Lilly Haswell looking like the lady on the cover. Lilly Haswell finds herself growing up working for her father in his apothecary shop and always looking for her mother to come back home to them. Her mother's disappearance has always had the villagers whispering. Lilly longs for travel and adventure, so when her relatives offer her a chance to come to London with them and enter into society and suitors Lilly decides to go. She later has to return to her village to help her father who has become sick and let the apothecary shop get run down. That is the main theme of the story, but there is also the men in the book; Francis, the young boy who learns the apothecary business with the help of Lilly and her Dad, who grows up into quite the handsome gentleman, Dr. Adam Graves, who Lilly meets in London, and Roderick Marlow the wealthy recluse of the town Lilly grew up in. All 3 men play an important part in the life of Lilly and all 3 have a chance to win her heart.What I especially liked about the book was the character Lilly first and foremost, but I got to know so many more people in this story. The author did a great job of letting you experice life in Bedsley Priors. I also appreciated reading a story and not knowing how it will end until I am practically through with the book. There were aspects of each gentleman in this story that I liked and could have seen Lilly end up with, but as the book neared the end, it was obvious who the true gentleman was that would be deserving of Lilly. You will have to read the book I find out who the lucky man is!
cjsteiner on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
I picked this up not knowing that it was Christian fiction but I was pleasantly surprised. There is a fair amount of reference to prayer but the plot and events don't make you feel like you are watching an after school special on religion. The characters are well developed and storyline is intriguing. I recommend this book to CF fans as well as fans of historical fiction or romantic themes. The main character is a bit of a prude but it is to be expected I suppose.
rsstick on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
The Apothecary's Daughter is an exceptionally well-written Regency novel. The female protagonist, Lilly Haswell, at 18 years is filled with longing for her mother who deserted the family, and for escape from the drudgery of her life in a small village apothecary shop. She has the opportunity to realize some of her dreams for a time, but then must return when her father's health fails.The characters grow and develop in the course of the story. There are several romantic prospects for Lilly, but the reader is kept guessing who "the one" is until the very end. The plot keeps moving with many unexpected twists and turns. The book was entertaining, but also emotionally-moving.
jeffersonsambrosia on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this book is wow. The imagery set forth is beautiful and the prose is profound. Julie Klassen weaves a story of emotion, and beauty. Of a young woman just trying to find her way in the world. When we first come upon Lillian Haswell (Lilly) she is a daughter who wishes to do what most daughters do at some time in their life, flee home. But as the daughter of an Apothecary she isn¿t sure how she will be able to do so. Enter the brother of her long missing mother Rosamond.Lilly is given the chance to go to London and experience a season by her aunt and uncle. They will sponsor her and dress her, and al of the other wonderful things of a fine lady in London. The offer she was waiting for! Lilly takes it and spends two happy years in London, she is flirted with, courted and almost makes several matches. Until that is of course the men find out what her father does. At the end of two years however Lilly is called home to tend to her ill father.We find a great many up¿s and downs in the story of Lillian and her family. Her father Charles is a kind hearted man with some secrets in his passed, who is ailing and desperately trying to be well enough so he can continue the business. Her brother Charlie is such a loveable character, he is a bit simple, but loving and he tries hard. He finds his love in gardening.While the story has many tender moments that will make you cry I also enjoy some of the funnier. Lily has so many suitors she doesn¿t know what to do with them. Roger Bromley from London, the next baronet of her town, Roderick Marlow, Mr. Shuttelsworth, Dr.Graves and her father¿s old apprentice Francis Baylor OH MY! You will not be left bored when reading this book. If you¿re a woman you will feel Lilly¿s plight, living in a world where she knows the knowledge, enjoys the work and is good at it. But because she is a woman she is not allowed to practice openly. Because she is a woman she is supposed to rely on men, but they are all leaning on her!The Apothecary¿s daughter is a coming of age story. You will follow the stories of everyone in the book, but mostly you stay with Lillian. She has heart ache, and confusion and happy moments too. This is a real story, and it sucks you in. You care about the characters, you love them. You begin to wish Lilly could go back to London, or should she stay home? You never know which would be better, not until the very end.
running501 on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
This novel is like an easy-read-Jane Austen - as the reader follows Lillian Haswell as she enters society, attends dances and parties, and meets suitors. The story also includes much about the medical world at the time and follows her as she helps her father, an apothecary in a growing village.There are a few small twists in the story, and Lilly's suitors kept me guessing until the book neared the end.This was a very easy read that I didn't want to put down. It is interesting to note the many differences in gender roles between the men and women in this book, as well as the ladies of that time versus the modern day woman.
mjbrownie on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
Ok, first things first. Let me start off by saying that I was VERY excited to read this book. Earlier this year, one of my best friends recommended "The Lady of Milkweed Manor" (another novel by Julie Klassen) to me, and I loved it. So when I saw this book in the "free eBook" section of the Barnes & Noble website, I downloaded it onto my NookColor immediately, barely restraining my squeals of joy. But I was disappointed. The story itself was very interesting, and I was hooked from the begining. But about halfway through it, I started getting really annoyed. The plot takes some really weird turns, the major characters do some very uncharacteristic things, and Lilly Haswell (the main character) seeems to change her mind every other second. It was very frustrating. *Spoiler alert*And I HATED the ending. What the heck happens to Dr. Graves? Does he just drop off the face of the earth? How come Lilly all of a sudden stopped liking him? He follows her all the way out to her town, (which should have made her happy, considering how much she seemed to like him in London) and then when he gets there, she suddenly falls in love with that stupid apprentice that's a year younger than her. SO annoying. It made me want to write an angry letter to the author.Also, the spelling and grammatical errors in this book were atrocious. Somebody needs a new editor, if you ask me.
BionerdAZ on LibraryThing More than 1 year ago
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 feel intrusive and forced, not really adding anything to the story. It was not...in fact it was much in line with the writing traditions of that period and integrated well into the plot.I would highly recommend this book to any and all, that tend to like Auten and Bronte styles. This book is appropriate for young adults as well as those (like me) who are a bit older. It is great for rainy days, sunny days, or nights when you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea or hot chocolate. You will feel transported to a world of sight, sound and smells...a pleasant world the Apothecary shop, a young girls worries, sorrows, and joys. (This review is from my B&N review)
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
You will, no doubt, learn many new words reading this novel. It kept my attention all the way through and was difficult to put down.