A Lady in Attendance

by Rachel Fordham

Book Overview

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0800739736
• ISBN13: 9780800739737
• Release Date: June 2021
• Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

unique premise

"When you've found someone to fill the quiet, you never feel so peaceful alone again. But that new noise you've found is a tune you'll be forever grateful for. There's nothing like the music of companionship." What an interesting book with a unique premise. I really enjoyed learning about the role of a "lady in attendance" for dentists in late 1890s that apparently gained some popularity. I also loved the hero of the book who is a quiet and gentle man, dedicated to the field of dentistry and to helping those in need. Gilbert really steals the show as his words and passion for life become unleashed after hiring and befriending Hazel. The existence and workings of a women's reformatory in the late 1890s was also quite fascinating to learn about. Hazel's resilience, spunk, and compassion make her a lovable heroine. Into this mix of history and sweet friendship/romance, a puzzling mystery is thrown in to add intrigue and suspense to the plot. The persistence Hazel's newfound friends show in finding the answers to rectify Hazel's blemished reputation is admirable and how this mystery plays out is somewhat unexpected. Anyone who enjoys historical romance will absolutely enjoy this book. I received the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

Wonderful historical romance

A Lady in Attendance, by Rachel Fordham, is a wonderful historic romance. Fordham is a master at weaving little-known historical tidbits into her novels. The tradition of red ears of corn and the information regarding reformatory institutions and dental assistants or ladies in attendance as they were known in the late 1890s added so much interest to the story. The characters are vibrant, portrayed with realistic strengths and weaknesses, and poignant histories. Several wow-I-didn't-see-that-coming moments in the story kept my pages quickly turning. I loved this story and read it in pretty much one day. I enjoyed watching Hazel and Gilbert's relationship change from the initial "remain unattached" to being linked forever. Their journey to a happy ever after was a test of their friendship, lead to forgiveness, and finding freedom in the truth. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of mystery, and a sweet and gentle romance will not want to miss A Lady in Attendance. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.