bloodviolet

When I received this book I was under the impression it was a regency romance novel, and that might explain some of my disappointment with this book. I was also unaware that it fell into the category of Christian fiction. After reading it I would only consider this a historical novel with some romantic themes.

It does not satisfy as a romance novel, because of the many undeveloped male love interests. Generally a romance novel will have one well developed male lead and it will be obvious from the beginning that the two will end up together, you won't find that in this book. Vestiges of faith seemed to be added in as an afterthought, and no great feeling of revelation is found. Most of the story just centers around the apothecary shop, which I found moderately interesting.

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From the goodreads synopsis:

As Lilly toils in her father's apothecary shop, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother's disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond --- of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for --- the truth of the past and a love for the future?