Main character is an herbalist/works at an apothecary/possibly a botanist
Hello!
I love a witchy-vibe book where the MC (can be either one) works with plants in a medicinal or potions-y manner.
My favorite of this is when it blends herbalism and botany with magic— so the MC makes tinctures, salves, potions, tonics, etc. and maybe runs a shop selling these items, or maybe works as a palace healer using these things, etc. It doesn’t ALL have to be medicinal— I would also love a story where they make all manner of potions.
But I REALLY want there to be some on-page discussion of which plants or herbs or items the MC is using and why (you know, lavender is associated with love so they use it in a love potion, etc.) I would love for this to be part of an in-world science. while I love magic, I also love to see the “mundane” part of potion crafting.
Bonus points for:
On page descriptions of foraging and/or gardening
On page descriptions of potion crafting, especially with herbalism techniques that actually exist like extraction, infusions, distillation, etc.
FINAL PART OF REQUEST!
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of what is currently called “romantasy”. I’m not a big fan of the dark, gritty, angsty vibes that tend to come with these world-ending plots. I much prefer medium to light reads, often called “cozy” or slice of life or honestly even just stand-alone, regular books not part of a 6 part romantasy series about overthrowing the corrupt emperor lol.
Thanks!