Lessons in Chemistry is marketed as romance but perhaps is better categorized as contemporary/historical fiction. Driven by the misogyny of the era, this is the story of a determined woman who faces traumas and comes out the other side. 

Set in the 1950s and 60s, our MC is a woman fighting against terrible odds and discrimination to be a successful scientist. The novel begins in the sixties and then flashes back to the early fifties, gradually moving forward in time to explain the current situation. There is an emotional romance storyline, but this book brings so much more to the table. It’s a well rounded story of a woman defining success for herself in a time when women weren’t even allowed to define themselves. 

I have seen glowing and ho hum reviews. I am landing on the former. I personally enjoyed the perspective of the dog- but I can see how that’s a bridge too far for some readers. I’d also suggest that maybe this isn’t the tidy HEA many readers want, but I was satisfied with the ending. 

I’ve hardly touched on many of the endearing details of this story, but trust me- it has them in spades. Even if romance isn’t your genre of choice, I think this is well worth a try.