| Title | : | The Apothecary's Daughter |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 230 |
| Publication | : | First published December 22, 2010 |
The Apothecary's Daughter Reviews
-
Great story - if it were written by a 6th grader.
The Bad: Ridiculous, contrived, childish and completely pointless.
The Good: Cute and short. Like what your friends tell you after a bad haircut.
Again, if I find out the author is under 15, then yay! Good job! Otherwise, Oh Noes. -
If you like sappy unreality, plots that never seem to coincide or go anywhere, unresolved daddy issues, and a book pieced together by tropes and plot devices, then this is the book for you.
NOTE: Do not throw your kindle. Read a paperback so you can punch the book. And carry Tums just in case you end up vomiting into your mouth. -
“The Apothecary” by Samantha Jillian Bayarr
Claire’s mother, who was an orphan, passed away. At her mother’s funeral, she finds out from a very attractive attorney, that her mother had left her a huge inheritance. Meeting with this attorney one quick time, she does learn her inheritance is an Orphanage, the same orphanage that raised her mother, an Estate, which is a huge mansion, (supposedly haunted), complete with a Garden House in the back, and on a lake. She was shocked and very skeptical about the whole matter and runs out of the attorney’s office.
Claire and her mother had lived in poverty her whole life, yet there was this huge inheritance that her mother had received, yet never taken advantage of, and now it would be Claire’s? Her mother had never told her about this and why? “If” this were true, why then did they live the way they did? Her mother was very happy working at a local diner as a waitress for years, but why didn’t she take advantage of this inheritance instead and never have to worry about money again?
Claire does all kinds of research on the internet, looking into newspaper articles and more about this Estate. She finds out three children were murdered in this mansion shortly after their mother had passed away. The children’s father was blamed for the murder of the children. He happened to be a traveling salesman for the medicines he makes in his lab, The Apothecary, inside this mansion.
Claire also finds out there have been sightings of ghosts in the windows of the mansion, many sightings, which is what has given this mansion it’s reputation. She feels as if something does exist there, and is apprehensive about ever stepping foot inside that mansion, much less take the place.
Does Claire really want to inherit this place? Does she want anything to do with this place? Yes.
And, now, the story begins.
The Author, Samantha Jillian Bayarr writes an excellent story full of the Paranormal and Suspense. Her words flow as she writes this remarkably interesting and can’t-put-down story. While talking to her, she told me she had a lot of fun writing this story, and it was once of the most enjoyable stories she has written.
When an author says that about her own work, that she really enjoyed writing it, you can be assured this story is more than great! I really enjoyed reading this story. It flowed very nicely, the description of the events were vivid and clear, and it also felt as if you were the main character. You could feel what Claire felt as this story went on. I was sorry to see it end.
This was a book I chose to read, personally, purchasing this on my own after reading “A Secret In the Attic” written by this same Author, which I thoroughly enjoyed. At the end of the book, the author, Samantha Jillian Bayarr, gives us two chapters of ‘this’ book to read. I was HOOKED! I had to go to Amazon and buy this book! -
I accepted this because of the blurb, and the quite professional looking cover. I was expecting a nice paranormal-historical mix with a bit of romance to bind the thing together. What I got was a mix that needed a lot more stirring.
When Claire discovers that she is the heiress of a big property, she finds out the girl from her dreams used to live here once. Is she going crazy, or is there more going on here?
I really liked Claire's voice, and her friendship with best friend Emily. The spooky-little-girl-in-your-dreams concept might not be very new any more, but I still enjoy a good ghost story. Unluckily, this story didn't get its cold-shivers moments from the ghost plot, but of the crazily irresponsible choices Claire makes.
I'm going to rant & spoil a little bit in this part. I've warned you.
End of little rant. Completely organised thoughts coming up.
I think this book would have been a lot better if Ms Bayarr had picked up her story, thrown it in a mixer, and let it whirr for a long, long time. It has great elements, but it has such a clear structure that in the whole middle part of the book, there isn't even talk about the ghost. It goes a bit like this: introduction with the spooky ones, romance, romance, romance, put spooky ones to rest. I would have liked the romance spread out over the entire story a lot better. Now romance is the focus point of the whole middle part, taking the speed out of the ghost story. And don't get me started on the so-called "romance" again. I've been there already.
The Apothecary has everything a story needs, it has a likeable narrator (when she's not off doing something irresponsible), it has some cozy mystery. It took Claire a little while to understand what really happened at the manor, but I liked how everything was wrapped up. If you have nothing to read on a rainy day, I would certainly recommend this, just with a slight warning. -
This one is a little too hard to summarize without giving spoilers. Here is all I can say, it is a ghost story.
There were more cons to this then pros. Good things about this book were the story did move at a nice pace. Even during parts that could have dragged it did not really go on long enough to make me roll my eyes. The characters emotions didn’t sway back and forth so that was refreshing. It seems to be popular in romance to go back and forth ad nauseam. Especially with the two extremely impulsive moves the characters make in this book. The author kept the couple happy and that was a nice change. She saved the drama for the plot of the story.
Cons were plenty. First off with the impulsive moves made and the unrealistic time frame that things happen it felt like that fantasy everyone has for themselves, you know “what would I do if I inherited a huge house or money…”. I know writing is not supposed to be realistic all the time (I am a girl who likes her vampires) but situations should be relatable. The characters found themselves in a lot of situations that no one could really relate to. A lot of the story line that was written to be spontaneous should have been a back story, and one that fit the main characters personality more. It was too impulsive for a character who was not supposed to have a sense of adventure. One that note, who creates a character that is supposed to solve a mystery with no sense of adventure! The best friend was the inquisitive one pushing the main character along. There were a lot of things brought up (such as a hidden floor door, and the father) that were never touched on again or they were hardly touched on. It felt that the author really didn’t have a solid story plan and started things but due to book length or time frames couldn’t finish the idea. There were a lot of things that should have been taken out of this story.
While that does sound like a long laundry list of bad things, the story itself was pretty good. I did finish the book and didn’t have that feeling of time wasted after. I think the author is a good story teller but does need to polish up the delivery method a bit. -
The book starts off with Clair struggling with her mother’s recent death as well as haunting dreams of Amelia. The plot starts to thicken as she learns of her mother’s secret last wishes.
I’ve been fortunate and have not lost anyone close to me. I think this may have prevented me from fully identifying with Claire in the beginning. Even though I couldn’t identify with her loss, I have to admit that I loved her impulsiveness. I think most people may be the opposite of me and be able to relate to her loss and possibly not enjoy her impulsive nature.
I don’t want to reveal too much but this is a mystery as much as it's a ghost story. It’s not scary but it is a little spooky. I was reading on my galaxy tab this evening and in the middle of a ghostly part I realized it was dark and I didn’t have any lights on. Well, let’s just say I changed that pretty quick.
This book brought back memories of when I was a teenager. My family lived in a historic house that was said to be part of the underground railroad. My mom and other members of my family swear it was haunted. Even to this day my mom says that, along with other experiences, she saw a figure at the end of her bed one night. My only experience in that house was a touch lamp that would turn on by itself in the middle of the night. Faulty wiring? Ghosts? Who knows. I chose to not believe in ghosts yet not discount the possibility. In other words, if ghosts are out there I am much happier not knowing and not experiencing anything ‘otherworldly’.
I enjoyed this book and in the end I was attached to all of the characters. I also wonder if there will be another ghostly adventure in Claire’s future... -
I will never pull a (DNF=Did Not Finish) and then try to write a review. I respect authors far too much for that, being one myself.
With that said~
I read this book, all the way through, but I couldn't give it more than 2 stars.
While I liked the characters, for themselves, they weren't believeable together.
**SPOILER ALERT
In this story, a young woman inherits an orphanage, a huge haunted mansion and land. She grew up poor, so she's resentful for not having had the riches or the knowledge of them.
She meets the lawyer handling her mother's estate and they immediately decide to marry & adopt a child. And, I mean in less than a chapter's length. It was neither credible, nor possible.
I feel this author could go along way if she learned to show, and not tell her story. And, if she took the time to make the characters' crisis' more original and acceptable to popular society.
My biggest complaint overall, would be that I was told what was happening, over and over. In explicit detail. As if I wouldn't be capable of following along.
That was very condescending on the writer's part.
It felt as if the author wasn't certain that she could convery herself in one sentence about an action or sequence of events. So, she told and re-told, often several times.
However, that said, I hope this author continues to story build.
Everyone has to start somewhere.
Much luck.
Aloha~ -
About the Book:
Claire Mayfield loses her mother and becomes entangled in a paranormal mystery that becomes stranger and stranger as the days go by. The rumors she had always heard about the strange mansion and the death and murder of all family members was well known in the community and suddenly it all fell in Claire's lap. With the help of her new husband, Ben and his family and her best friend, Emily she tries to solve this 100y year old mystery with the assistance of a few not so real relatives.
My take:-
A very light ghost story of sorts. It was a entertaining paranormal that flew really quickly. I loved the whole story line, even the fact that two virtual strangers get married so fast it makes a head spin. All love stories have to start somewhere! I do wish there could have been more character development. We never really got to know any character besides Claire and even that was a bit shortsighted. I think it could have been a bit longer than it's almost 200 pages and things would have came together more. I did figure out what was happening pretty early on, but Ms. Bayarr still came up with things that held my interest, although not always answered! However, if you are in the mood for a light read with a little paranormal activity I'd say pick it up. -
I enjoyed this book. It is a quick read and perhaps because it is a quick read some things did have a rushed feel. However that did not take away from my enjoyment. We open with Claire dealing with her mother's death. We find out her mother was raised in an orphanage and basically raised Claire by herself. Claire meets a young man at her mother's funeral and he informs her he is a lawyer who needs to speak with her about her mother's estate. And so begins Claire's mystery of who her mother was.The property Claire inherits is haunted. Claire is determined to help the ghost left behind in the house. The part that felt a bit rushed was the romance which takes up much of the middle of the book. Claire and the lawyer have what can be described as a rushed relationship that concludes in a rapid marriage and instant family. However as I said it really did not deter my enjoyment of the book. I think those who enjoy paranormal romances with a bit of history will enjoy this.
* I reviewed this by author request. No compensation was offered or received. No promise of a good review was given. The opinion expressed is my honest feelings regarding this book.* -
Product Description
When Claire Mayfield suddenly finds herself the new heir of a property that has lain vacant for over one hundred years, she becomes leery of the rumors of the hauntings from the three young children who were said to have been murdered there. As Claire explores the manor, she discovers her great uncle's apothecary and traveling medicine show from the late 1800's, and even stumbles upon clues that could help her solve her ancestor's one hundred-year-old murder-mystery; all with a little help from a mischievous young girl who has been dead for over one hundred years.
I love anything by Samantha Bayarr. Claire can handle herself with any ghost. I also liked the romance between her and Ben. A fast paced story worth reading. I wish the author had spent more time developing other characters. We never had the opportunity to really get to know anyone except Claire. All in all, a fun story. -
I'm not the right age or able to suspend enough disbelief. This actually had the makings of a really good gothic suspense novel but there wasn't enough menance. Claire inherits a house and estate from her mother, something she knew nothing about. On the heels of her grief, she deals with a run-down estate with a sordid reputation because of the murders committed there and the addition of a new family.
The book is nicely written and the ghost story is sad and could be compelling. The main character is nice. However some of the plot stretches credulity to the breaking point and the end of the story is very abrupt. Unfortunate since the prose does want to pull you in, until the plot pushes into disbelief. -
Well, this novel was certainly different from what I was expecting. I figured out the endgame long before the end, but I found its unraveling interesting enough to keep reading. I think that it had potential but it was overshadowed by the strangeness of the "romance."
-
Really I'd give this 3 1/2 stars. The story was suspenseful and creepy. Claire's mother dies and she finds out she has inherited this huge estate they her mother kept hidden from her. The place is supposed to be haunted. The lawyer who handled everything is instantly attracted to Claire. The proptery she's getting also has an orphanage on it. She ends up adopting a little girl from there and gets married to the lawyer all in an afternoon. This part was sweet but a tad bit too far fetched. Although they are happy and it works for them. After all this Claire must discover why there are ghosts and lay them to rest.
-
This was a Kindle cheap read that I really wanted to like more. The premise, cover (it seemed more effort was made on a cool cover than what was in the book), beginning of the story and main character Claire were good, but it went downhill from there. Too much "romance" that didn't seem very realistic and not enough ghost time and plot. In the end it was like a not-so-developed Harlequin Romance with a paranormal story thrown in. The mystery was easily figured out early and there was no twist, but it was a very quick read and I did stick with it to end to see what happened. Meh.
-
This was a simple short story that seemed to have a couple of story lines that weren't quite developed. All the characters fell into place very neatly, too neatly, and quickly in the beginning of the story. That seemed to bode something was going to come of the rashness of the main characters action. Then we have the ne'er do well deadbeat dad that makes a brief appearance but nothing comes of that.
Although I enjoyed the story, it could have had a bit more development. -
The storyline of the haunted manor was great. The whirlwind romance(5 hours, sorry to have spoiled it), was not so great. I guess those who believe in love at first sight would really enjoy that part. However, it felt too rushed for me. But other than that, it was a great, quick read. All in all, it was a good way to spend a few hours
-
This was a nice story. It was not complex. A simple story of a girl inheriting a mysterious house and the adventures she encounters.
While some reviewers have said that you must suspend belief to read this story. I liked that part. It was a like riding a roller-coaster, a kiddie one but I still had a good time. -
I did NOT like this book. I felt like the writing was elementary,
the characters contrived, and the plot rushed. I will say, that I did want
to know the ending, which is why I kept reading. So, for generating some
curiousity, I gave it two stars. -
I found this to be a light story all-around in regards to romance, mystery and ghosts.
The ghosts here are not the scary kind. -
Sort of like a 1960's gothic romance
-
The ghost parts were pretty good but everything else like romance seemed rushed.
-
great book wonderful ghost story. the only thing unbelievable was marrying afterknowing someone for five hours.. but whatever.
-
Nothing to write home about here. -
Totally fell apart at the end. Disappointed nothing more about the house or apothecary. -
I like this book. It was an easy and fast read. It was also enjoyable because I am a college student and my summer has just started so I need an enjoyable destresser!
-
I loved this book. I think it may be my favorite book from Samantha Jillian Bayarr, a close second would be her Wild Flowers Series which I am patiently waiting for her to complete.
-
Cute story, really easy read.
-
fast moving,would have like a little more depth of characters
-
Good story
Up enjoyed the story. The title is a bit misleading though. The actual apothecary in the story is only a secondary character.
