Letters From The Last Apothecary

3 Stars!

To begin, thank you NetGalley & Hay House LLC for this ARC.

Letters From the Last Apothecary is an enchanting historical fantasy that blends a little bit of everything—magic, medicine, mystery, romance, and, of course, plenty of drama. The story is beautifully crafted, with a rich atmosphere and compelling characters. I especially enjoyed Josie’s perspective; her spirited determination and resilience made her easy to root for. The slow-burn romance was thoughtfully developed, allowing the relationship to unfold naturally over time. Aufidius' gruff and brooding personality was another highlight for me, though I struggled with his audiobook narration. This is entirely a matter of personal preference, but I found the voice performance a bit overpowering and distracting from the character himself. The anonymous pen-pal storyline was charming and added an extra layer of intrigue, even if it occasionally felt predictable or reminiscent of a familiar trope. Still, it works well within the context of the novel and contributes to its overall appeal.

One area where the book occasionally falters is in its identity. It begins as a cozy historical tale centered around an apothecary, then shifts into a murder mystery before evolving into a romance. While I appreciated the ambition of combining so many genres, the transitions can feel somewhat abrupt, making the plot seem a little scattered. I found myself needing to pay close attention to keep pace with the changing narrative threads. As an audiobook listener, I also found some of the letters difficult to follow, though that is often my experience with epistolary elements in audio format, particularly when they are used to establish timelines or provide important context.

I am not typically drawn to stories with strong magical elements, but I thoroughly enjoyed the magical aspects of this novel. In fact, I found myself wishing there had been even more exploration of that world and its lore. The forbidden romance was another aspect I enjoyed. Its development unfolded in ways I didn't anticipate, though I did find the swift progression toward marriage once the relationship blossomed a bit difficult to fully embrace.

Overall, Letters From the Last Apothecary is a delightful and entertaining read. I particularly enjoyed the way the author weaves together multiple beloved tropes while creating a whimsical, magical world that feels vivid and alive. Despite a few pacing and structural challenges, it is a captivating story filled with heart, intrigue, and charm.