A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 

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 his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

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About The Author

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com

 

My Review

 

 I have loved all of Rachel Fordham's books, and this is no exception, it was a wonderful gift.

A young woman who made a lot of wrong choices, and she paid dearly for them. She ended up in a Reformatory, and lost her family. Now what? She was framed, but why? Answers are forthcoming, and we are along for the ride.

After leaving her confinement she moves to Amhurst NY and takes a job as a dental assistant, only this is the 1890's and having a woman work in the dental office is new and they are called a Lady in Attendance. What she doesn't expect is begin caring about the dentist, Gilbert. You are going to love the banter between the two, and the big heart Hazel has and how she helps her friend Inz, wonderful..

This read just kept getting better and better, and the pages flew, you never see what was coming! Surprises abound, and it is beautifully written!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.