The Apothecary's Daughter

  Greetings to the ladies at Curves, who bought so many books, and to Sarah, the pharmacy technician who first brought the apothecaries’ system of weights to my attention. I appreciate all the readers who have taken time to visit my Web site and send kind e-mails about my first novel, Lady of Milkweed Manor. Your encouraging words have helped me through many late nights of writing.

  Heartfelt thanks to Carlisa, first reader and dear sister-friend, as well as friends Teresa, Berit, Gina, Suzy, Betsey, Patty, Lori, and Mary, who have given me such support—and a great book party!

  Finally, thanks again to my husband and sons, who have given me the time and quiet (usually!) to write. I thank God for you.

  READING GROUP

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. What does the opening quotation, “Providence has made the most useful things most common, and for that reason we neglect them,” mean to you?

  2. When is it easy for you to neglect “the most useful things” in life? What distracts you from your priorities?

  3. What surprised you about apothecaries in the early 1800s? How are apothecaries similar to and different from today’s physicians, pharmacists, and herbalists?

  4. Did you grow up “missing” someone in your life (mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, etc.)? Did you find ways to fill this void?

  5. Mary suffered from epilepsy. Do you know anything about epilepsy or anyone afflicted with it? How has public opinion about this condition changed since the 1800s?

  6. Charles Haswell was too proud to ask for help. Do you ever struggle to reach out in times of need?

  7. Did you want to know more about what happened to Lilly’s mother, or were you satisfied?

  8. Have you ever been guilty of wanting something (or someone) only when you cannot have it (or him or her)? Have you ever had to lose something before you appreciated its worth?

  9. If you had a memory like Lilly’s, what would you want to memorize or remember?

  10. Which of Lilly’s suitors did you most like? Did she choose as you would have?

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  JULIE KLASSEN is a fiction editor with a background in advertising. She has worked in Christian publishing for more than twelve years, in both marketing and editorial capacities. This is her second novel.

  Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She enjoys travel, research, books, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends.

  She and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

  For more information about Julie, The Apothecary’s Daughter, Lady of Milkweed Manor, and her upcoming books, visit www.julieklassen.com.