Starred review from January 15, 2024
Everett (A Love by Design) delights in her sharp and subversive Damsels of Discovery series launch. At 27, Lucinda Peterson is one of the only female apothecaries in 1843 London, having assumed responsibility for the shop her grandfather and father built, as well as for her two younger siblings and all of the less fortunate who fall ill in the city’s East End. After she puts her trust in the wrong man and he steals her revolutionary formula for sore throat drops, she’s at a loss. Desperate to recover at least some of the credit—and get revenge on her former beau—she hires an agent from Tierney & Co., which offers discreet private investigation services. Enter Jonathan Thorne, 32, a father of one, former prizefighter, recovering alcoholic, and estranged third son of a baron. When another of Lucinda’s formulas goes missing, Jonathan is drawn deeper into her secret world of women scientists fighting misogynists and providing reproductive healthcare when no one else will. Though he has sworn never to fall in love again after the death of his mistress, the more he gets to know brilliant, bighearted Lucinda, the more he can’t resist her. With sharp wit and a keen eye for matters of social justice, Everett brings the period to life while making clear just how far women’s rights have come—and how far they have left to go. This frank, flirty outing will have readers hooked. Agent: Ann Leslie Tuttle, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
May 31, 2024
Apothecary Lucy Peterson was betrayed when a spurious suitor stole her formula for throat lozenges. When a second formula goes missing, she is determined not to be bested again. Lucy hires Jonathan Thorne, a private detective who lives up to his surly surname, to find the thief and return her work. As their partnership blooms, however, Lucy sees beyond his thorns to the caring father with his daughter's best interests at heart, interests he believes are contradicted by Lucy's innovative ideas about women's health and happiness. Can they get past their differences to find the true remedy for their bruised egos and broken hearts? Everett (A Love by Design) presents an atmospheric and engaging historical romance. While this is the first in Everett's "Damsels of Discovery" series, listeners may recognize elements from the "Secret Scientists of London" series and narrator Elizabeth Jasicki, who returns for this spin-off series. Jasicki continues to be an excellent match to the witty women of Everett's richly detailed writing, capturing their intelligence and emotion. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a fast-paced Victorian romance full of intrepid and unconventional characters. Recommended for fans of Evie Dunmore, Sabrina Jeffries, and Sophie Irwin.--Lauren Hackert
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