The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

I'll be honest and state upfront that I read this book because it was a "Free Friday" selection from Barnes and Noble.  It is a historical romance set in England in the early 1800s, so I wasn't sure it would be to my liking.   But I'm thrifty and it IS a free book, you know!   I am happy to report that I liked it way more than I thought I would.  

I could very much relate to the main character Lilly and her struggle to balance all of the relationships in her life.  From working for her father in the family's apothecary shop, to mentoring an apprentice that she may or may not have feelings for, to steadfastly protecting her special needs brother, Lilly seeks to make it all work.   When tragedy strikes, Lilly is forced with a series of difficult decisions, all of which weave themselves into  the different relationships.   

The author also did a good job of including the historical significance of the practices and stigmas of apothecaries versus doctors during the time period.  I found it gave the story the credibility it needed in just the right places. 

I look forward to going back and reading the author's first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor,  to read more of Ms. Klassen's work.

Jacket Summary

While working in her father’s apothecary shop in the small village of Bedsley Priors, Lilly Haswell dreams of one day traveling the world, perhaps even finding her mother, who had left her family three years before and has never been heard from since. When the chance to live with her maternal aunt and uncle is unexpectedly offered to her, Lilly sees the opportunity for a new life. Once in London, she indulges in a bit of romantic flirtation with several different men while also learning more about her mother’s mysterious disappearance.
Then, when a crisis forces Lilly to return to Bedsley Priors, she faces the difficult challenge of giving up her fabulous independent life in order to help out the family she has always loved.