The wonderful world of Charlotte Betts' books Part II

The Apothecary's Daughter

Having read and enjoyed “The Painter's Apprentice” I was keen

to read the story which preceded this wonderful book.

The Apothecary's Daughter tells the story of Beth's mother

Susannah, who grew up in Fleet Street, London at her father's

apothecary shop. Beth had grown up learning her craft from

her father of herbal rememdies and cures and enjoyed working in her

father's apothecary shop.

However, there were changes in the air, not always

for the best for Susannah at first glance, though she eventually

finds her place in the world. Susannah's father, a widow, had

decided to marry again which turned Susannah's world upside

down.

This book is magnificent in detail with great descriptive writing.

However, as this book is set twenty years previously to “The Painter's

Apprentice” it brings the reader to the grim realities of London during

the plague years of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666.

This book is emotional and sentimental with wonderful depictions of

life as it was in London during these troubled times of the seventeenth

century.

This story is also a beautiful romance which appeals though I tend to enjoy “The Painter's

Apprentice” for the beauty of the romance. Many of the settings of London

were quite beautiful with golden sunsets, day trips and boat rides on the river Thames.

The romance is between Susannah and one of her father's customers at the apothecary shop,

Doctor William Ambrose, a fairly sombre professional man who works hard in London tending

his many patients. This romance evolves during the story.

There is some wonderful writing by Charlotte Betts describing the horror

and fear in London.

There are also beautiful descriptions given in the

writing of the sunsets, the River Thames, London streets and alleys

and also of beautiful Merryfields, the place

where Susannah eventually leaves London to live.

Strong writing and character make this book wonderful to read.

The wonderful world of Charlotte Betts' books:

I am constantly impressed by the talent and creativity

of contemporary authors of today.

I have recently read two books by Charlotte Betts which are

set in the seventeenth century.

I enjoyed reading both of these books.

The Painter's Apprentice is a wonderful descriptive story of London

set during the time of James II and depicts life as it was during

those fascinating times in London. Horses and carriages, an elegant style of living and the manners and mores of the times are evident in the writing.

The settings of London and its surrounds are quite fascinating and

the characters of the story are endearing.

I loved the romance of the story of Beth who falls in love with a

a budding and ambitious architect from the New World

who assists Sir Christopher Wren with many

of the new works including a church which are flourishing in London at this time.

Beth visits London to assist the Bishop at Fulham Palace with drawing and depicting the flowers and plants of his botanical gardens.

Beth has come from an unusual but loving home whereby her parents

helped and assisted unfortunate people of society who did not have

anywhere else to go to and would have been sent to the Bedlam Asylum

if not for the repose offered at Beth's home of Merryfields.

It was here

that Beth gained her invaluable skills as an apprentice painter to one of the

long term residents. This aspect of the story is quite fascinating with

variable descriptions of previous events in history which may have affected

some of the residents.

The story also gives an indication of the times and the way of life of seventeenth

century London. The mood of the times, the populace of London and

aspects of the reign of James II are also described.

The story gives descriptions of the events which eventually

lead to the Glorious Revolution and Princess Mary, daughter of James II and her

husband, William of Orange, succeeding to the throne of England.

The romance and sense of adventure, the fascinating portrayal of members of Beth's

family and the enduring beauty of many of the scenes with descriptive and expressive

writing give credence to this wonderful story.