A Lady in Attendance

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham was an incredibly sweet story of redemption. Hazel, a woman recently released from New York state reformatory, is looking for a second chance at life and finds a job as a small-town dentist’s lady of attendance. The friendship she forms with Dr. Gilbert Watts helps her to start a campaign to clear her name and allow her to return home. But the road to innocence is full of deception, corruption, and danger. Will Hazel ever find true freedom? I loved the characters in this story. Hazel is vibrant, tender, and wise. I loved her big laugh and the way she cared for others. But what I loved most about her is how she was able to awaken the true Gilbert from his monotonous, quiet life. He is a bit of an unlikely hero, being quiet and humble. But as Hazel brings fresh life to his days, his tongue is loosened, and I thoroughly enjoyed all their witty banter. They made me laugh again and again. I am a big fan of redemption stories, and Hazel’s was especially heart-wrenching as she struggled with proving her innocence while dealing with her guilt. And while her quest to find the truth led to a suspenseful, dangerous chase for justice, her spiritual journey included a painful look at her past mistakes. It was a joy to watch her trust God with both her earthly innocence and her spiritual freedom. The romance in this story is slow and sweet, but oh-so-satisfying. Hazel and Gilbert are perfectly matched in wit and compassion. I just loved them together. Fans of Christian historical fiction/romance will enjoy this story. I know I did! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This was the first book I have read from this author. She is great and tells a captivating story of a woman who has made mistakes in life that caused her to go to a reformatory and lose the family she loves. It is a very unique story and I haven't read one quite like it. Hazel wants to clean up her past and become a repentant person that her family will again want to be with and so takes a job as a dental "lady in attendance" or dental assistant while trying to find a way to show that the charges that had been made against her were false. It is a very interesting book and I enjoyed it very much. There is mystery, romance and a little action, as well. I love how she is working so hard to prove herself even when having to share her past with others, which is something she is fearful of doing and taking the chance of losing a good friend. She is a strong and admirable character and the book is fascinating and I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing. All thoughts are my own.

A LADY IN ATTENDANCE by Rachel Fordham Set in 1898, when proper ladies did not work for single men, Hazel finds that is her only choice. She has spent the past five years in a state reformatory for a crime that she did not commit has left her in desperate circumstances. She feels there is nothing else she can do but take an assumed name and seek employment. Her family does not wish for any contact, so she is on her own. She looks all around for a suitable job and finally finds one working for Doctor Gilbert Watts, as his Lady in Attendance, which is a secretary and dental assistant for his busy, successful dental office. Doctor Gilbert Watts is a timid man, with no social skills whatsoever especially in dealing with the opposite sex. He describes Hazel's duties to her and makes it plain that they are to have a working relationship only. Hazel isn't looking for romance, she simply wishes to earn enough money to live and to someday be able to clear her name. There is a mystery afoot. Original story. Delightful characters. Highly recommend. A million thanks to #netgalley for the complimentary copy of #aladyinattendance I was under no obligation to post a review.