"A Lady in Attendance"--by Rachel Fordham--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 (see my review)

 

A Lady in Attendance

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.

"A Lady in Attendance draws you in from the first page and leaves you captivated until the oh-so-romantic conclusion. A poignant and beautifully written story of faith, forgiveness, and the healing power of love."--Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

MY REVIEW:  Set in New York State in the late 1800's, "A Lady in Attendance", from author Rachel Fordham, is an inspirational historical romance filled with redemption, forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and the hope of a second chance. Once a daughter of privilege from a moneyed family, Hazel McDowell's high spirits and reckless nature left her vulnerable to blame when a theft occurred. Unjustly convicted and sentenced to five years in a reformatory, she served her time, only to face further rejection from her family upon her release. Determined to somehow clear her name and be welcomed back by her family in Buffalo, Hazel chooses to move forward and establish a new life for herself. Finding employment as a dental assistant--or "lady in attendance"--for Dr. Gilbert Watts in the small town of Amherst seems like a good place to start. Gilbert, a gentleman, and a gentle man, is somewhat shy compared to Hazel's more outgoing nature. However, the two of them soon realize that they make a good team, and a friendship grows between them. Hazel also makes friends with Ina, with whom she shares a room at the boarding house. Ina, a school teacher with a dreamer's heart, longs to find a man who will see beyond the prominent birthmark on her chin. She and Hazel find comfort in each other's company as they both wonder what life will offer in the days ahead. Hazel's lively nature not only helps in her dealings with patients, it brings out a more jovial side to Gilbert's personality--could their friendly working relationship bloom into something more? Issues of the past must be cleared away to make possible a bright and happy future--will the truth heal or hurt? Rachel Fordham is a remarkable storyteller. I have enjoyed each of her works, and I look forward to more wonderful upcoming reads from this talented author. 

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing

 

Rachel Fordham

 

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