A Lady in Attendance
by Rachel Fordham
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Revell
Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian/Romance
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
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Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s sweet, and a slower pace than a lot of historical romances I read, but I liked it even more for that, I think, having plenty of time to get to know Gilbert and Hazel through the snippets of their conversations in his surgery. The friendship developed in those smaller, stiller moments, and that felt genuine. There are many threads to the story, including a mystery as Hazel attempts to clear her name, early romance, friendship between Hazel and Ina, and so much more. Ina and Duncan especially were lovely secondary characters, who again, I warmed to at once, just as I had with Hazel and Gilbert.
Beyond excellent characterisation, the settings are beautifully-drawn, and you really do get drawn into the world. Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely look for more by the author.
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. You can also follow Rachel on Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, and Goodreads.
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, October 11
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 12
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Wednesday, October 13
Excerpt at I’m Into Books
Thursday, October 14
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read
Friday, October 15
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Saturday, October 16
Review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Monday, October 18
Review at Novels Alive
Tuesday, October 19
Excerpt at Heidi Reads
Wednesday, October 20
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Excerpt at Books and Benches
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Thursday, October 21
Interview at The Book Club Network
Friday, October 22
Review at Ms. Darcy Reads
Monday, October 25
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Tuesday, October 26
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy
Wednesday, October 27
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Thursday, October 28
Review at McCombs on Main
Friday, October 29
Excerpt at The Tea Queen
Monday, November 1
Review at Bookoholiccafe
Tuesday, November 2
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Excerpt at Lisa Everyday Reads
Wednesday, November 3
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Friday, November 5
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
Enter to win a copy of A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on November 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
A Lady in Attendance
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Jennifer C. Wilson 