A Lady in Attendance

A Lady in Attendance By Rachel Fordham We are introduced to Hazel as she is introduced to life at the House of Refuge - a prison that she is sentenced to spend the next 5 years calling home. Once a convict always a convict she has been told. Life outside is much worse because even though you've been "reformed" you could commit the crime again. Trust is lost. Not a hopeful prospect for someone who had had a life of ease and wealth. Five years pass with no more glimpses of Hazel's life within the prison. She has been released but she no longer has a home and her family has pushed her away to save the reputations of her younger siblings. In need of employment she applies to be a lady in attendance for Doctor Gilbert Watts, who is a dentist in Amherst. Soon Hazel has a life that she is content with. She enjoys her work for the most part - though occasionally some mouths are less than pleasant to be around. Gilbert has lived a solitary life and Hazel's presence in his office has brought something new into his life - something he never knew he was missing. But there are certain lines that can't be crossed and Gilbert is a man of honor. And if he knew the secrets she carried Hazel is sure that she would yet again be in search of a new home and employment. Determined to clear her name, Hazel finds herself with noone to listen to her story. She isn't innocent but she never committed the crimes that changed her life forever. Can she trust those who she now calls friends to help her or will she be forever separated from the family she never fully appreciated until they were lost to her forever? A Lady is Attendance does not take the reader to Azure Springs (or the surrounding area) as the author's previous books (from Revell) have, so this book is most definitely as standalone title. I really enjoyed getting to know Hazel, Gilbert, Duncan, and Ina. This is classified as a historical romance which it most definitely is but it is so much more too. It is a study of human nature and how an indivdual responds to injustice, forgiveness, and trust. It is a study of injustice and the lack of weight given to a woman's voice at this time. Justice when properly applied is to be admired but when subverted it is a tool of the corrupt. I have to admit if the author ever decided to revisit these characters or some of the surrorting characters I would not be disappointed and would love to pay another visit to Amherst, New York, of the late 1890s. If you are looking for a lovely historical fiction with a bit of mystery, suspense, and romance you have to add A Lady in Attendance to your summer tbr list. If you are familiar with Rachel Fordham's you won't be disappointed and if you have never read her before this is the perfect introduction to her literary skills. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed 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.

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.