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Silver Linings Mysteries #3
The Apothecary
The sinking of the Brig Minerva results in many deaths, while for others, the future is suddenly brighter. But it’s not always easy to leave the past behind…
Annie Dresden is twenty-six years old, with no fortune, and nothing but a quick, practical mind to recommend her. Taken in by her apothecary uncle after her father’s death, she’s happy to be his assistant, but there’s no future for her as an apothecary. The only proper career for a woman is as a wife and mother, but for Annie, the possibility is dwindling.
When a long-forgotten suitor returns, it seems fate has given her another chance. A man turned away by her father years ago for lack of fortune is unexpectedly wealthy after his brother drowned aboard the Brig Minerva. For eight years, he’s dreamed of marrying Annie, and she’s not about to throw away her last opportunity for a family of her own. He loves her, and he’s a respectable man—that’s a strong enough foundation for marriage, isn’t it?
But Annie soon finds that her husband has his own ideas about marriage, making her new life unexpectedly difficult. And when disaster strikes, all her hopes of a happy future are thrown into turmoil, and she is left wondering who she can trust.
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 3 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
Annie Dresden is twenty-six years old, with no fortune, and nothing but a quick, practical mind to recommend her. Taken in by her apothecary uncle after her father’s death, she’s happy to be his assistant, but there’s no future for her as an apothecary. The only proper career for a woman is as a wife and mother, but for Annie, the possibility is dwindling.
When a long-forgotten suitor returns, it seems fate has given her another chance. A man turned away by her father years ago for lack of fortune is unexpectedly wealthy after his brother drowned aboard the Brig Minerva. For eight years, he’s dreamed of marrying Annie, and she’s not about to throw away her last opportunity for a family of her own. He loves her, and he’s a respectable man—that’s a strong enough foundation for marriage, isn’t it?
But Annie soon finds that her husband has his own ideas about marriage, making her new life unexpectedly difficult. And when disaster strikes, all her hopes of a happy future are thrown into turmoil, and she is left wondering who she can trust.
This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 3 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2019
722 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Mary Kingswood
68 books479 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.
NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 4, 2025
Annie and Adam - the name trend continues!
I was a little nervous at first because Annie’s husband was such a controlling beast. This romance first, mystery second was as satisfying as the others in this series.
I was a little nervous at first because Annie’s husband was such a controlling beast. This romance first, mystery second was as satisfying as the others in this series.
May 5, 2022
The title was misleading for although Annie may have been a very good assistant to her apothecary uncle and could have been a very competent, skilled and even scientific apothecary... but such a profession would not be allowed her because of her gender. Anyway, she did not become an apothecary, she became a regimented trophy wife instead, as well as the apotheosis of her husband's legacy and thus guarded (by Rupert himself) as the crown jewels. This is another story of as yet another unloved or 'overloved' wife (and in both cases obviously a form of abuse) and since I do not like stories about victimized women if I could help it, I gave it the rating that, for me, it deserved... Though I did like Annie's character... which, in this instance (again for me), was this book's saving grace.
December 13, 2019
A tale of families and secrets and love
I could not put this book down! I did read in one sitting which I rarely do unless novellas. I am not even sure how to describe this story other than there are many interesting happenings and I wasn't sure which way they would lead. I don't like giving spoilers. The characters are well drawn and the progression of events realistic. I felt immersed in the story, and I could not abandon the heroine and her hero until the end! Parts were really quite gripping! This story was a real treat, with much fun with the families but also danger and dirty secrets to unravel, and of course a wonderful love story, too. Excellent addition to the Silver Linings series. I feel sure I will reread them. A treat to get a glimpse of some characters from previous books in the series.
I could not put this book down! I did read in one sitting which I rarely do unless novellas. I am not even sure how to describe this story other than there are many interesting happenings and I wasn't sure which way they would lead. I don't like giving spoilers. The characters are well drawn and the progression of events realistic. I felt immersed in the story, and I could not abandon the heroine and her hero until the end! Parts were really quite gripping! This story was a real treat, with much fun with the families but also danger and dirty secrets to unravel, and of course a wonderful love story, too. Excellent addition to the Silver Linings series. I feel sure I will reread them. A treat to get a glimpse of some characters from previous books in the series.
June 16, 2020
Since my last Regency romance by Mary Kingswood, I realize that she is simply writing better and better, but this one, The Apothecary, is unlike her previous one, not lighthearted and not funny at all since our heroine is married at the very beginning of the book and from then on things begin to go downhill. I realized right away what the plot of this book would be and although it was intelligent and mysterious, the story did not surprise me. So I finished reading and went on to the next one. This was a good read for a day. No more.
March 2, 2021
Interesting read.
Enjoyed this book very much. The subject matter of the days when women were really subject to the men in their lives. Having to play the role of the always meek and subservient daughter, wife etc.
There were times I became really impatient with the portrayal of a woman playing the part of weak, needy female always in need of reinenforment of a man's opines and presence.
Enjoyed this book very much. The subject matter of the days when women were really subject to the men in their lives. Having to play the role of the always meek and subservient daughter, wife etc.
There were times I became really impatient with the portrayal of a woman playing the part of weak, needy female always in need of reinenforment of a man's opines and presence.
October 7, 2023
This is my favorite of this series so far. The build up of the controlling relationship is masterfully done but ends early enough not to be too depressing, and the subsequent mystery is compelling and weaves well into the plot. The characters are dynamic and likable and the romance utterly satisfying. The mystery was solved a bit conveniently but there was more to work out so I wasn’t bothered. A wonderful read!
January 12, 2022
This was a little challenging; my loyalty to Kingswood got me through it.
Definitely a mystery, rather than a romance. And really an expose of the subjugation of women in this era (and pretty much any era).
So, not a fun read for me (a romance reader), but a good book with some very appealing characters, a lot of suspense and plot twists.
As always with Kingswood, the writing is excellent and the period faithfully rendered.
Definitely a mystery, rather than a romance. And really an expose of the subjugation of women in this era (and pretty much any era).
So, not a fun read for me (a romance reader), but a good book with some very appealing characters, a lot of suspense and plot twists.
As always with Kingswood, the writing is excellent and the period faithfully rendered.
December 10, 2020
Another really delightful story in the Silver Linings series. So far, each of the books in this series has been alike in that a woman is the main character and that she is in some way affected by the aftermath of a boat sinking on the way to England from Ireland. A person of the nobility was drowned in this accident as well as many less important people, but what is somewhat of a mystery is that a benefactor has decided to give 1000 pounds to the nearest of kin of each of the people who went down with the ship. No one knows who the benefactor is - not even the man whose task it is to make sure that the right people are given this money.
Each book is quite different in the circumstances in which each of the beneficiaries of the 1000 pounds find themselves.
I love how this author writes her characters. She makes it easy to picture them in your mind. And not just the main character, but also the side characters. I find these books to be very interesting and very much in keeping with what I know of the time period in which they take place. I think the pacing is very well done and the plotting quite good too. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Each book is quite different in the circumstances in which each of the beneficiaries of the 1000 pounds find themselves.
I love how this author writes her characters. She makes it easy to picture them in your mind. And not just the main character, but also the side characters. I find these books to be very interesting and very much in keeping with what I know of the time period in which they take place. I think the pacing is very well done and the plotting quite good too. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 14, 2021
Uncomfortable read
I read for fun. I read for escape. I usually prefer a happy tale. The last chapter and the epilogue were pleasant. The rest of the book was uncomfortable! Annie's husband is so controlling it gave me anxiety. He says she will be known as Ann because it is a better name. He tells her what time to rise, what books to read and what to drink in the morning. He never lets her out of his sight. Then when she is free of him you get the terrible investigator, Mr. "Fairbrother" exceedingly ironic name! He disbelieves everything she says and threatens her if she interferes (presents evidence). I found the book very frustrating and though I know the author was presenting problems to be solved, I didn't necessarily want to rush back to my reading. 3.5 stars. Well written and edited.
I read for fun. I read for escape. I usually prefer a happy tale. The last chapter and the epilogue were pleasant. The rest of the book was uncomfortable! Annie's husband is so controlling it gave me anxiety. He says she will be known as Ann because it is a better name. He tells her what time to rise, what books to read and what to drink in the morning. He never lets her out of his sight. Then when she is free of him you get the terrible investigator, Mr. "Fairbrother" exceedingly ironic name! He disbelieves everything she says and threatens her if she interferes (presents evidence). I found the book very frustrating and though I know the author was presenting problems to be solved, I didn't necessarily want to rush back to my reading. 3.5 stars. Well written and edited.
April 24, 2021
Family and second chances
I love all of Me Kingswood writes. Her heroines are strong women. Annie is so strong and also compassionate. It fascinates me how the men of this era demanded their women to be docile but they always seem to show the men that they're strong willed and the men finally do come around the murder of Rupert was a twist I didn't see coming but made for an interesting story line. I also appreciate reading with no missed spelled words or grammar errors. Also the importance of family was very strong in this story. I also enjoy Me Kingswood use of the way they speak and love looking up the definition of their use of language. Though I cannot find out what a ha-ha is.
I love all of Me Kingswood writes. Her heroines are strong women. Annie is so strong and also compassionate. It fascinates me how the men of this era demanded their women to be docile but they always seem to show the men that they're strong willed and the men finally do come around the murder of Rupert was a twist I didn't see coming but made for an interesting story line. I also appreciate reading with no missed spelled words or grammar errors. Also the importance of family was very strong in this story. I also enjoy Me Kingswood use of the way they speak and love looking up the definition of their use of language. Though I cannot find out what a ha-ha is.
December 6, 2023
4-4.25. I read a lot of bad reviews but I liked it. The ending of the mystery was a little undetailed and boring, but not disappointing. I wish we could have had a bit more insight into Rupert however and why he chose Annie and such. Strange. He gave me bad feelings from the beginning though so I was glad he was gone but I wanted to know more about him still. Captain edgerton has not impressed me this far, he never seems to do the actual solving of the mysteries he likes and always makes foolish decisions. But I enjoy his and Mr. Willerton-Forbes presence. Good story! Didn’t find out who Martha was who her mom called her.
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September 17, 2020A serious mix
A rather more serious read this book, if only because how aware it makes you of the restrictions placed on women in previous times . How much I disliked Rupert! Cherish your economic independence and voting rights ladies!
The writing and description is as good as ever and warrant 4 stars, in common with other books of the series there’s an underlying mystery and drama to add to the mix; my quibble would be with the timeline of events which didn’t quite tie up for me on occasions. I liked it but I didn’t love it.
A rather more serious read this book, if only because how aware it makes you of the restrictions placed on women in previous times . How much I disliked Rupert! Cherish your economic independence and voting rights ladies!
The writing and description is as good as ever and warrant 4 stars, in common with other books of the series there’s an underlying mystery and drama to add to the mix; my quibble would be with the timeline of events which didn’t quite tie up for me on occasions. I liked it but I didn’t love it.
December 13, 2020
Another enjoyable book from the author of the ‘Silver Linings Mysteries’ Annie is twenty six years old and unmarried, and helps her uncle in his apothecary’s shop. When a suitor turns up, Annie jumps at the chance of marriage and a family of her own, even though she hardly knows Mr Huntley. However, it turns out that several members of the Huntley family are hiding secrets, and when an unexpected death occurs, Annie starts to fear for her own safety. This story is an interesting take on the theme of coersive control in marriage which has been in the news recently.
May 28, 2021
A tangle of romances complicated by a murder
I truly admire Ms Kingswood's ability to manage a plot as intricate as this novel's. And to do so in a manner that keeps it comprehensible to the reader! Add to that a large cast of original, complex characters and we have a tour de force of fiction. Bravo!
I truly admire Ms Kingswood's ability to manage a plot as intricate as this novel's. And to do so in a manner that keeps it comprehensible to the reader! Add to that a large cast of original, complex characters and we have a tour de force of fiction. Bravo!
April 6, 2022
Ohhh I really liked this one. Anne was thrown into a life of doing what was expected of a wife of the times however, she immediately wanted to push back. She is smart and cleaver and wants to be her own person and not directed by the whims of her new husband. She is not a baby duck to be coddled. This book has murder, mystery, love all rolled in. Great read in the series! Ready for the next.
May 4, 2021
Fun, light and easy to read
If looking for something light and cheerful this is a really good series. Characters are well developed and as such it is easy to relate to some, and dislike others.
If looking for something light and cheerful this is a really good series. Characters are well developed and as such it is easy to relate to some, and dislike others.
September 1, 2021
Just another WOW
She is fast becoming my favorite new author. Jane Austin would love her books. On to The Painter next up. These are so complete in all the notable ways; plot, historical accuracy, dialog, love angle, clean and spiritually uplifting as well. 7# read…more ahead ✨🥳✨
She is fast becoming my favorite new author. Jane Austin would love her books. On to The Painter next up. These are so complete in all the notable ways; plot, historical accuracy, dialog, love angle, clean and spiritually uplifting as well. 7# read…more ahead ✨🥳✨
February 22, 2023
This series is so GOOD!!
I love all of Mary Kingswood's series but right now this is my favourite. Usually my favorite is the one that I'm reading at the time, but I really like Adam and Annie. The things they endure and overcome make for an excellent read. So many characters, old and new, made this book a joy to read. I'm now fixing to pull up the next book, thank goodness I bought the whole series, I'm too impatient to wait to start reading. Highly recommend this book and series.
I love all of Mary Kingswood's series but right now this is my favourite. Usually my favorite is the one that I'm reading at the time, but I really like Adam and Annie. The things they endure and overcome make for an excellent read. So many characters, old and new, made this book a joy to read. I'm now fixing to pull up the next book, thank goodness I bought the whole series, I'm too impatient to wait to start reading. Highly recommend this book and series.
September 29, 2021
Bored
In comparison to the previous book, I found this one boring. It falls into three parts and it is the middle section that is like trying to walk knee deep in mud! Skipping over several chapters to the final third of the book, I lost nothing with regards to understanding or following the plot.
So the first & final thirds are engaging & interesting, just miss out the boring middle.
In comparison to the previous book, I found this one boring. It falls into three parts and it is the middle section that is like trying to walk knee deep in mud! Skipping over several chapters to the final third of the book, I lost nothing with regards to understanding or following the plot.
So the first & final thirds are engaging & interesting, just miss out the boring middle.
February 20, 2023
Any one of Mary Kingswood's books could be an author's single work on which to rest his or her laurels, without ever writing another thing. She creates entire families, with complicated dynamics and unique personalities, each one a different world. But she has written many such books. How is she able to create so many different worlds, so complex that it requires a family tree to sort them out and remember who is who? The writing is superb. It's hard to put them down.
April 29, 2020
A Very Satisfying Page Turning Story
Mary Kingswood is such a gifted author. Her characters are so well developed that it's as if you've known them in real life. The intrigue and twists and turns were phenomenal. Such a unique plot thru and thru. Everything she writes is stupendous. She pulls you in immediately. Onto the next book, keep them coming!
Mary Kingswood is such a gifted author. Her characters are so well developed that it's as if you've known them in real life. The intrigue and twists and turns were phenomenal. Such a unique plot thru and thru. Everything she writes is stupendous. She pulls you in immediately. Onto the next book, keep them coming!
July 16, 2020
E anche questo si è rivelato al livello degli altri della stessa serie: una buona storia, con qualche suggestione degna di Mary Stewart, ben raccontata e perfettamente ambientata. Non è strano che la stessa autrice abbia dato vita a romanzi improbabili come (ad esempio) quelli che trattano i 'Misteri delle sorelle di Woodside'?
Aspetto con ansia l'ultimo della serie, 'The Duke'.
Aspetto con ansia l'ultimo della serie, 'The Duke'.
September 2, 2020
Clearly Dashed Off Formula Novel
Note to author: PRONE means lying face down. SUPINE means lying on one's back.
Horrible story without one believable chapter. Too many irrelevant side stories. Construction poor, plotline stupid. Boring and ridiculous. It angers me, as a reader, to be presented with such intellectually insulting garbage.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
Note to author: PRONE means lying face down. SUPINE means lying on one's back.
Horrible story without one believable chapter. Too many irrelevant side stories. Construction poor, plotline stupid. Boring and ridiculous. It angers me, as a reader, to be presented with such intellectually insulting garbage.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
June 3, 2021
This is the first book of Mary Kingswood that I almost DNF. Neither the heroine, nor the hero were appealing to me. Annie is so very dull and I couldn't connect with her emotionally. The romance was such a dull affair it gave me no satisfaction whatsoever to see them finally betrothed.
There are so many good books of Mary Kingswood, but sadly the Apothecary is not one of them.
There are so many good books of Mary Kingswood, but sadly the Apothecary is not one of them.
June 30, 2021
Nice story
The writing is very good as is the character development. There are about 100 pages of filler so unnecessary though. Finding the will was so crazy. It just went on and on to no purpose. No spoiler but I can say the hypothesizing that went on and on about the situation with her husband was another place were it just went on and on. Not a keeper but not all bad.
The writing is very good as is the character development. There are about 100 pages of filler so unnecessary though. Finding the will was so crazy. It just went on and on to no purpose. No spoiler but I can say the hypothesizing that went on and on about the situation with her husband was another place were it just went on and on. Not a keeper but not all bad.
December 20, 2022
My least favorite of the first three. Premise is amazing and I was hopeful but the main character disappointed me. Yes, she is probably a better representation of the times but I believe 'milktoast' is an apt description. And don't get me started on the husband...he got what he deserved, I don't care what time period they are living in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2021
Odd little note that I liked
Whether to keep true to the era or not, Ms. Kingswood refers to "the instrument" and lets the reader decide if it's a pianoforte, harpsichord or Dracula is pipe organ. These tiny notes keep the book from becoming another dreary template romance.
Whether to keep true to the era or not, Ms. Kingswood refers to "the instrument" and lets the reader decide if it's a pianoforte, harpsichord or Dracula is pipe organ. These tiny notes keep the book from becoming another dreary template romance.
August 28, 2021
Fantastic Read!
This mystery was so well written I had no idea who did the deed. I was shocked at the treatment Annie received from her husband Rupert. Again the author populated her novel with interesting characters. I give it my highest recommendation.
This mystery was so well written I had no idea who did the deed. I was shocked at the treatment Annie received from her husband Rupert. Again the author populated her novel with interesting characters. I give it my highest recommendation.
March 4, 2022
Another wonderful Mary Kingswood book!
A delightful story but I kept expecting Annie to be given the thousand! I adored all the characters and was very happy at the fate of the villainous husband😁
A delightful story but I kept expecting Annie to be given the thousand! I adored all the characters and was very happy at the fate of the villainous husband😁
February 27, 2023
Fascinating plots!
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I love Mary Kingswood’s writing, her interesting plot twits, and careful attention to historic detail. As a fellow author, I am in awe and very happy to have stumbled onto her books.
This is the second time I’ve read this book. I love Mary Kingswood’s writing, her interesting plot twits, and careful attention to historic detail. As a fellow author, I am in awe and very happy to have stumbled onto her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews