PAULA'S REVIEW:
“Forgive yourself. Take the forgiveness that is yours.”
Hazel is looking to God to repair the years that injustice has taken away. Gilbert is kind enough to give her a job attending him in his dental practice, a new concept.
This is a story of hope and making the best of a bad situation with God’s help. “Her father had called Hazel stubborn as a child, and that trait had stuck. She determined now was the time to make that weakness her strength.”
A great historical book.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*I give this 4 stars and a Strong faith thread.
WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Set in New York in the late 1890s, Rachel Fordham’s new book, A Lady in Attendance is a lovely story of redemption, forgiveness, and overcoming life’s obstacles. After spending time in a reformatory for a crime she didn’t commit, Hazel has almost given up finding a way to support herself when she is offered a job as a lady in attendance to a kind, quiet dentist named Gilbert. Determined to prove herself and make her own way in the world, she soon makes herself indispensable with her rapport with the dental patients. I enjoyed the amusing banter between Hazel and Gilbert, and the way Hazel draws him out. It was fun to see a more playful side to Gilbert and to see their relationship progress and grow.
I liked the way Hazel could look back and see that her former behavior contributed to the situation she found herself in, and she was could change and become a better person. Some of the story was rather predictable, although there were some twists and turns toward the end that added some suspense and intrigue. I also enjoyed the side story about Hazel’s friend Ina, and the insight into dental practices during this time period. This is a sweet, clean, and charming historical romance that is an engaging read. I’m looking forward to more stories from this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through LibraryThing. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"There was a time when Hazel felt irreplaceable and
important. But now she was merely a rent payment. A wayward soul with no
real place, and the reminder was humbling."
Sometimes life had a
way of dismantling one's sense of importance; thus Hazel McDowell had
been demoted into a life of humility through no fault, or even every
fault, of her own. Five years of reformatory had left her nearly
penniless and unable to return home dragging the heavy burden of a
tainted reputation. Thrilled to secure a position as a "lady in
attendance" to Doctor Gilbert Watts, a local dental physician in a small
New York town, Hazel never imagined that this particular employment
might provide the opportunity to re-discover herself, begin to atone for
her mistakes, and possibly discover love in the process.
"Women were a mystery, that was for certain. And Hazel was no exception. "
Gilbert
Watts was content with his life as a dentist, following in his beloved
father's footsteps, serving the citizens of Amherst. Now second guessing
his decision to hire a lady in attendance, he reluctantly supposed that
he could at least allow Hazel McDowell an opportunity to prove her
worth. The fact that she didn't bat her eyes at him all the time (like
some of the applicants) bode well, and she had readily accepted his terms
of firm profession boundaries without question. But before long, it
turned out to be Gilbert that actually looked forward to Hazel's lively
presence in his office, admiring how she managed difficult tasks with
efficiency and appreciating her ability to calm difficult patients with
ease. But she's hiding something, he's sure of it. He just had no idea
how big.
What a lovely story! With precision plot balance, the
author penned a picture of life after . . . navigating the results of
grave errors which most would agree could potentially breed anger,
resentment, and revenge but had produced humility, kindness, and
compassion instead. The blend of character traits in both hero and
heroine served them well, painting a picture of grace . . . lived
without and within, some very difficult circumstances. And of course the
combination of romance and intrigue added to the overall ambiance . . . repeat after me, "a red ear of corn".
*I received a copy of this book from the Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. 3.5 Stars
As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter
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.
Thanks for the reviews, it really is a beautifully written book, 5 stars! I read an early copy! Highly recommended!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reviews, it really is a beautifully written book, 5 stars! I read an early copy! Highly recommended!
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