Sometimes scanning the “new books” shelf can lead to stumbling upon a gem of a read. I am so glad that the spine of The Apothecary Diaries caught my eye—and that volumes 1-4 were at the ready! I was taken in by the word “apothecary” and held by the historical China inner palace intrigue. Maomao has cast a spell over me and I’m eager to see where her herbal talents take us.