The Lost Apothecary

 

This was such a fun and unexpected book!  It goes back and forth taking place in 1791 in an old apothecary—or basically “natural pharmacy” for women, and present day (London).  

In 1791 Nella runs this apothecary where she makes treatments for all of the ailments of women. Her mother actually started it. Since Nella has taken over, however, she has also been known, through the underground, to be able dish out some other recipes (poison) to help women with additional problems they may have (the men in their lives). Eliza is a young girl of 12 who gets tangled up in this apothecary at the time as well. 

Present day London —Caroline is supposed to be there on a 10 year anniversary trip with her husband, however—is there alone. She recently found out about her husbands affair.   So, scrapping her original itinerary, she ends up going “mud larking” by the Thames River after meeting a friendly, interesting older man who has group there doing the same. She finds an interesting old glass bottle with a bear etched into it.  This peeks her curiosity (she was a history major in college) enough to try to figure out how old it is, where it came from, the story behind it. During her history quest she uncovers the story of The Lost Apothecary,

Definitely recommend!  4.3/5. :)