The Apothecary's Daughter

By: Charlotte Betts

Narrated by: Anne Dover

1665: Susannah Leyton has grown up behind the counter of her father's apothecary shop in bustling Fleet Street. A skilled student - the resinous scents of lavender, rosemary, liquorice, and turpentine run in her blood - her father has granted her the freedom to pursue her considerable talents. But Susannah is dealt a shocking blow when her widowed father marries again, and her new stepmother seems determined to remove her from the apothecary shop for good.

A proposal of marriage from the charming Henry Savage seems to offer Susannah an escape. But as the plague sweeps through London, tragedy strikes, and dark secrets from her husband's past begin to unfold. It will take all of Susannah's courage and passion to save herself from tragedy.

2011, Romance Reader Award, Short-listed

2011, Romantic Novel of the Year, Winner

2013, Romantic Novelists' Association Awards, Winner

©2011 Charlotte Betts (P)2012 Soundings

Critic reviews

"Romantic, engaging, and hugely satisfying. This is one of those novels that makes you feel like you've travelled back in time" (Katie Fforde)

"A vivid tale of love in a time of fire, plague and prejudice" (Katherine Webb, best-selling author of The Legacy)

A delightful surprise

This story has a very Moll Flanders feel. The many trials and tribulation of the main character will keep you on the edge of your seat. This was a wonderful surprise at a time when I was looking for something fresh. If you love history and a bit of romance combined with a story that could have easily been true, look no further. This story will transport you to a unique time in history and you won't regret it.

enjoyable

I enjoyed this book a good deal. The characters are well fleshed out and the research well done and thorough. The plot did seem a bit contrived but of course it's a romance novel so it wasn't the end of the world, and it was reasonably believable.

Really liked it.

The story is slow at times and I was baffled at how dense Suzanne could be at times. That being said, I liked the overall story of heartache, struggles, pain and love.

So precious

I was having a hard time putting this down so I could sleep! The whole book was good, never a dull moment. I’m going to read as many of her books as I can.

It was enjoyable

Not exactly War and Peace but it was an enjoyable read. I like the era it was set in