The Apothecary's Daughter

Excellent read (2010-07-23) : 4/5
To me a good story has strong characters and bits of history woven throughout. It becomes even better when I learn about healing properties of plants. As a result, this book is now one of my "must read again" novels. I can't wait to read more from this author.
An accidental purchase that turned out to be surprisingly great! (2010-07-19) : 4/5
I honestly have not read a historical romance for at least five years if not longer. My taste in books is more on the fantasy/sci-fi side of things so I typically would have never gone for this particular book - but I happened to accidentally purchase it a long time ago.

I considered deleting the book - but I decided that I should probably at least try reading it before I tossed it out so quickly. I started reading and couldn't stop!

Mind you, there were points in the book that were a little slower than others, but I was never bored of the book. The characters were so well developed and had genuine personality. I have a tendency to enjoy more eccentric characters in the books I read - but these characters were so real and well-rounded, I truly enjoyed spending time with them. The main character, Lilly, was warm at heart and I found myself able to relate with her even though we are living in completely different centuries. I was excited to choose a favorite suitor for her (considering she has many) and was pleased with how the story played out.

I haven't read a historical fiction book since I was very young and into the American Girl doll books to be completely honest. Of course there was Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, etc. in high school but I was never completely enthralled with them. This book opened up a new interest for me. I look forward to trying out some of the other Julie Klassen novels and I'm definitely going to try picking up some Jane Austen or something by the Bronte sisters again. This book certainly opened up new and different reading interests for me and I look forward to exploring them more thoroughly.
the apothecary's daughter (2010-07-06) : 5/5
truly excellent read. I could not puy it down. I especially enjoyed the time period in whicch it was set (early 1800's).
Outstanding (2010-07-03) : 5/5
I thought this was a beautiful and wholesome story! I felt like 85% of the book was regular, everyday goings-on in a small village (with typical good and bad relationships and events) which sounds boring, yet I could not put the book down! I loved the ending, which felt like the finale to a fireworks display... just when I thought there couldn't be something else to find out, BANG! there was! Lots going on in the last 30 pages!! Loved it! I would definitely recommend this one!
out of the ordinary romance novel (2010-06-30) : 4/5
The Apothecary's Daughter is good reading as a romance novel, but rises above many of its competitors due to its detailed description of what eventually became the pharmacy profession, of the fight between doctors and apothecaries for the right to treat with drugs, and with its story of how women were treated if they trespassed into male territory here. None of this plot takes anything away from the romance either. Good job.