Hidden in the depths of 18th century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women around the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nell who sells well-disguised poisons to women to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary's fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious 12 year old, makes a fatal mistake , sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries. Meanwhile in present day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London 200 years ago, her life collides with the apothecary's in a twist of fate and not everyone will survive.

Sweet little mystery, very Miss Marple-like. I had it all along, but it was still a nice read. Loved the relationship between grandmother and grandson.

Really enjoyed this one! Lots of adventure.

A reread for me that I was using for the July prompt. But what a masterpiece of a series

A mystery in reverse, a book written backwards, starting with the end of the story, and tracing the situation backwards. Layer by layer we understand how the couple got to the place they are today, and what has kept them bound them together, while tearing them apart. It was quite fascination learning how they their story started. An interesting read, once you get the pattern realizing that you are sort of reading backwards.

Great book! Nora and her sister Libby go on a reconnect vacation to Sunshine, N Carolina. While there, Libby makes a list of everything they must accomplish before vacation is over. While there Nora meets Charlie, her nemesis from NYC. As they spend more time together, Nora and Charlie become the romantic couple that can never be together… or can they? I recommend this quick, fun read.

I love the way Fiona Davis weaves her stories around historical buildings in NYC. This one is centered around the NY Public Library and a family that lives within the building.

This book was very difficult to get through. Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors. This one is very well written and realistic, however it is extremely sad. Corby Ledbetter is the father of twins, , a boy and a girl. They are 2 years old. He is depressed because he has lost his job as an artist and can't seem to find another. His wife Emily is a teacher, and he stays home with the children. He is very depressed, and ends up drinking too much and taking to much of the medication the doctor has prescribed. One day while getting them in the car to go to his mom's house, something terrible happens. He forgets Niko, is not in his car seat but behind the car.

Imagine being a teenage girl in the late 1960’s, unwed and pregnant. Your family sends you to a home for wayward girls where you are given a different name for anonymity and lied to by the doctor, nurse and governess of the home. Fern, Rose, Zinnia and Holly meet at this home for wayward girls and become caught up with a charismatic librarian who gives Fern a book about witchcraft. The girls pledge their loyalty to the coven and become witches. As their babies are born and the realization of returning to their “normal” lives near, will the girls escape their pledge to the coven? Can the girls just leave the coven and live a normal life? Will they stay in touch? Read and find out.

This was a complex read for me. Chosen by my book club, and I am in the end, so glad they did. I initially had a hard time adjusting to the language, and the pattern of writing. This for me require a slow contemplative read. I developed a deep respect for the author. Taught me much about the times, especially the plight of women. Behind this complicated soap opera are themes around issues of second chances, class issues, social mores, cultural aspects of the time, and integrity. I can’t say I loved it but I can say, it was a remarkable novel, and I am glad I read it. I am also glad I did not live during that time.