It’s 1791 London and a mysterious woman named Nella operates her secret business in the hidden section of her mother’s former apothecary shop where she learned the healing natures of herbs and plants. Her mother is gone and after Nella suffered a betrayal at the hands of a cheating lover, she shifts those skills to concoct potions that will be the undoing of men like him. She’s an underground secret that only women know about and protect her identity. When she allows a young girl who expresses an interest in learning more about her craft to help her, it sets up a series of events that spans forward into the future. Enter Caroline Parcewell in the present day whose marriage is falling apart and she’s in London on what was supposed to be a tenth anniversary celebration. She’s alone and when she finds a vial on the shores of the Thames, it has historic and life changing implications.
This is a tale of two shifting timelines, which I like when it’s done well as it is here. I thought I’d be more invested in Caroline’s story but it was Nella’s that captured most of my attention. She’s a complicated character living in an era where women’s fates were in the hands of men, often those behaving badly. On the surface, Nella’s answer might seem a dark form of justice but it takes a toll on her soul. When Caroline finds that vial, she sets off to research its history and origin, filling a hole in her own soul she didn’t even recognize was there. She has a degree in history but toils away at home in Cincinnati working as a glorified bookkeeper in her family’s business. This mission reawakens her in a way that provides clarity in her own life.
I’m not sure I would have ever selected this to read if not for my book club, which is another endorsement for participating in diverse reading groups where you can broaden your scope. I had a tough time pausing this story, especially because of the timeline transitions. How that vial ended up on the shores of the Thames two hundred years later is the heart of the story and the journey getting there was full of intrigue, suspense and excitement. I listened to the story and separate narrators were used for Nella, Caroline and young Eliza, which really added flavor to the performance. I especially loved Nella’s voice as she captured every emotion that character embodied. It was masterful and contributed to a wonderful listening experience of a really good story.
Book Info
- Release Date: March 2, 2021
- Narrators: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony & Lauren Irwin
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 18 minutes
- Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Great review Jonetta. I heard mixed reviews about this book so haven’t got it yet
Thanks, Shalini💜 I was reluctant to read this one, too, so I am thrilled that it turned out to be such a wonderful story.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one too, Jonetta. It was one of my favourites for all the reasons you stated. Nella was at the heart of the story for me too, and was left wanting more.
Thanks, Alexandra💜 Nella was one of the most interesting characters. Were you unsure of her fate at the end?
Such an interesting plot and timeline, and I learned something new, mudlarking! Wonderful review and I am so anxious to discuss it.
Thank you, Marialyce💜 If I recall correctly, you were the one to recommend this to the book club. Thank you, thank you, thank you! There’s so much to discuss and who knew about mudlarking????
Excellent review, Jonetta. It was the cover that grabbed me first for this one, and most of my GR friends have enjoyed it. I’m glad it turned out good for you too. Sometimes I think diverse reading is the only thing that keeps me going. 😉
Thank you, Mischenko💜 I’m an eclectic reader and,open to suggestions from people I trust. That’s made my reading so richer and this one is a great example. Nothing about this appealed to me on the surface and I would have missed out on a special story.
At first I thought she had died, but then, in that final chapter, it was revealed what happened, which I was happy to find out, as I really liked Nella and Eliza.
Okay, then I got it right! I wasn’t sure.
Yeah, the explanation was a little rushed at the end there, but all was well. (without giving spoilers!) 😀
I almost got this book but decided my plate was was way too full. I think I’m going to have to pick it up when my reading load lessens soon. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Tessa💜 If not for my book club, I would have passed on this one. What a nice surprise!
This sounds very intriguing, one to check out, I think 🙂
It really is, Cathy. I learned something new, too…mudlarking on the Thames!
Ah yes, mudlarking. I have read about that before. Amazing what people used to have to do!
Excellent review! It sounds amazing and that cover is gorgeous.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne💜 That really is a beautiful cover.
Great review, Jonetta! For some reason, I always find the past more interesting than the present in these dual timelines stories. Maybe, it’s because the past tends to form the main story, whereas the role of the present character is to discover the past (and then the author weaves in a story around her for good measure)? Anyway, this sounds like a good one!
Thank you, Stargazer💜 You make a great point and, you’re right. The past framed the whole story.
As is common for us, you make me wish I had listened to the audio! I really enjoyed this one, too, but that audio experience sounds- wow! Terrific review, Jonetta!
Thank you, Jennifer💜 Listening to Nella tell her story was just a special experience. The narrator embodied that character fully.
Wonderful review, Jonetta! I love how book clubs can help us discover pearls in the sea of books we have access to. Glad you enjoyed this one in the end. 😀
Thank you, Lashaan💜 We had the richest discussion about this one.
Wonderful review! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your time with this story as well.
Thank you, Yvo💜
This was my Book of the Month pick last month but I haven’t read it yet. I’m thinking now that I may wait for the audio version to be available at my library though after reading your review. It sounds like that’s the perfect way to experience such a special story.
The story begins with Nella so if you like the sample, that should give you a good sense of the performance. She (the narrator) really got this character.
Wonderful review Jo. I really enjoyed the audiobook as well, the narrators did a great job. I think this is one dual timeline story where I liked both of them equally.
Thank you, Carla💜 Same for me!