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About this item
Highlights
- Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name.
- About the Author: Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed.
- 352 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
After spending five years in a New York state reformatory serving an unjust sentence, all Hazel wants to do is secure a job so she can begin clearing her name. Assisting dentist Gilbert Watts offers her that chance--and more. But can her hopes for the future ever expunge the shame of her past?Book Synopsis
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.
From the Back Cover
"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***
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 and a hardened woman, as well the friends who 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.
"Fordham brings new depth to her signature charm as her characters grapple with questions of self-worth, accountability, and justice."--Booklist
About the Author
Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.Dimensions (Overall): 8.43 Inches (H) x 5.51 Inches (W) x .94 Inches (D)
Weight: .66 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Format: Paperback
Author: Rachel Fordham
Language: English
Street Date: June 1, 2021
TCIN: 82201357
UPC: 9780800739737
Item Number (DPCI): 247-30-1921
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.94 inches length x 5.51 inches width x 8.43 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.66 pounds
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4.7 out of 5 stars with 3 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars with 2 reviews
Loved the Book
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Deana - 4 years ago
One of the things I liked about this book was the unique profession of the two main characters. This is probably one of the few books that focuses on a dentist in 1898. I’m so glad we have technology today that makes going to a dentist less painful and easier to treat. Gilbert is a great character who is looking for someone to help him out at his office. Here is where I found the story interesting as the title had me thinking in a different direction. Hazel is a woman who needs to find work quickly and hopefully without many questions to answer about her past. I think her sincerity and poise helped convince Gilbert to be her assistant. Have you connected the title to Hazel yet? It seems her duties are referred to as “A Lady in Attendance.” These two characters seem to work well together and and times start to be more at ease with each other. The main plot of the story focuses on Hazel and her wanting to prove her innocence. I understand that it is important to have those charges against her removed but at times I could see that she didn’t quite trust God. She had moments of doubt and other times she drew others in to help her. The best part of the story is there among the pages where a lesson on forgiveness and trust awaits us. There is a mystery in the story that Hazel is a part of. Her wrongful conviction is slowly beginning to unravel. She always knew that someday she would find the truth that would set her free. I liked how Hazel has moments where she wished things had been different for her, but God always has a plan for us. The beauty in this book lays at the most simplest of truths. We are forgiven. That statement sets us free from our past and allows us to find joy in everything. Hazel’s journey from being behind bars to learning to let go and find happiness is a true example of trusting God. “Love the life you are given.” I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
unique premise
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
- 4 years ago
"When you've found someone to fill the quiet, you never feel so peaceful alone again. But that new noise you've found is a tune you'll be forever grateful for. There's nothing like the music of companionship." What an interesting book with a unique premise. I really enjoyed learning about the role of a "lady in attendance" for dentists in late 1890s that apparently gained some popularity. I also loved the hero of the book who is a quiet and gentle man, dedicated to the field of dentistry and to helping those in need. Gilbert really steals the show as his words and passion for life become unleashed after hiring and befriending Hazel. The existence and workings of a women's reformatory in the late 1890s was also quite fascinating to learn about. Hazel's resilience, spunk, and compassion make her a lovable heroine. Into this mix of history and sweet friendship/romance, a puzzling mystery is thrown in to add intrigue and suspense to the plot. The persistence Hazel's newfound friends show in finding the answers to rectify Hazel's blemished reputation is admirable and how this mystery plays out is somewhat unexpected. Anyone who enjoys historical romance will absolutely enjoy this book. I received the book from Revell via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.
story about second chances... i loved it!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
RachelKD - 4 years ago
This was such a fascinating historical fiction book set in the late 1890s. I have read other historical fiction books by this author and continue to be impressed with her characters and storylines. As I got to know the main character Hazel throughout, I was intrigued by her story, how and why she became incarcerated, and her big transformation. Unfortunately there are people from her past who keep appearing in this story who don’t believe she’s changed after 5 years. It was heartbreaking to read about her and her family’s trials and how one persons mistakes and having bad friends can change the future. Fortunately Hazel decided to turn her life around and I liked how she sought to make amends and to become independent with working and being an upstanding citizen. I liked reading about her interactions with the doctor and their patients. Dr. Gilbert was a great character and I loved how kind, non judgmental and forgiving he was. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read future books by this author. I don’t read alot of historical fiction because sometimes they can be a little boring, but NOT this one! I read it cover to cover within a day. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Amazing Historical Fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Connie Saunders - 4 years ago
A Lady in Attendance has everything that I love in a book: romance, faith, and characters who are flawed and fallible, but so eager to change. Hazel McDowell wants to make amends for her wrongdoings, and begin a new life, but her secret past may prevent this from happening. Who knew that a dentist could be so romantic? Gilbert Watts seems to be a man of few words, but when he speaks...oh, the beautiful sentiments that come out of his mouth! I enjoyed the historical details of this story that is set in 1893, and learning about the dental practices of that era. I smiled at Gilbert's concern about the propriety of having a female assistant in his office, and then, his relief that Hazel would be there to help him handle his very difficult patient, Alberta Robertham. This is a stunning story with an unlikely hero, a young woman who has suffered more than she deserves, a romance that will leave you wanting more, and a beautiful message of hope, faith, and forgiveness. Author Rachel Fordham has done it once again, and I highly recommend A Lady in Attendance to all who enjoy historical Christian romance! I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Not your typical hero/heroine
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Cindy D - 4 years ago
This book starts with a bang, with Hazel in a reformatory! Immediately it draws the reader in as we want to know what a lady would do in 1893 to be put in a reformatory! All questions are eventually answered and the book is a very quick read. "The coarse gray fabric of Hazel's newly donned uniform felt uncomfortable and foreign against her skin." I have never read anything by Rachel Fordham before (sadly) but will be reading more of her works. Her writing is engaging, her characters are well developed, the plot flows seamlessly, and the lessons on love and forgiveness will touch the reader's heart. I have never read a book quite like this one before. "Bury the past and cling to whatever future you have. Some things are best forgotten, left closed." A Lady in Attendance has it all: heartache, love, mystery, a bit of suspense, faithfulness, flawed characters, secrets, doses of humor, and an unlikely hero and heroine. After her time in the reformatory, Hazel fudges the truth a bit to land the lady in attendance position with Gilbert, the dentist. While working for him she is also working hard to clear up events of her past. She has made friends with a lady at the boarding house, Ina, but will Hazel ever trust her or Gilbert with the truth? "It wasn't a virtue she'd ever recognized before, but there was something dignified about a man who did not have to drag another man down or puff himself up to prove his own merit." Gilbert Watts is a very quiet, reserved dentist until he meets Hazel. Before long he finds himself engaging in long conversations and jumping in to save the lady in distress. He is the true hero of the story, the most changed character, and very swoon-worthy. He was just so romantic and sweet, in subtle ways. Hazel, Gilbert, Ina, Duncan, and even Eddie are characters that you will love and be rooting for. The only thing that I disliked was the ending...I was with Mathilda, I wanted all the details, what the dress looked like, who she danced with, LOL. No spoilers here, just not where I expected the book to end. I settled in to finish the book when I saw the (next page) next chapter was the discussion questions! I was sure I had a few more chapters to go and had put my bookmark in the wrong place. Nope. I had got interrupted when I had half a page to read and was just so disappointed it was over. That is the mark for an excellent book, not wanting to end. Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rachel Fordham Does it Again!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Mel Andres - 4 years ago
Oh My Goodness! I have been highly anticipating the release of this book since the announcement that it was coming. I have loved every one of Rachel Fordham's books, and this was no exception! I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the main characters' professions. Gilbert as a dentist and Hazel as a dental assistant, or lady in attendance, as they were called in that day. Hazel finds herself in a world of trouble after having spent the last 5 years in a reformatory for stealing, which she is adamant she is innocent of. In order to make money she lies about her name and doesn't tell Gilbert the truth of where she's been. But as their friendship grows so does Hazel's guilt over lying. So, she decides she's going to be honest about her past and tell Gilbert her entire story. Gil, as Hazel calls him, is absolutely scrumptious! As he begins to come out of his shell, we see his inner self and it was so genuine. He's quirky and shy and loyal and a wonderful friend! I absolutely fell in love with him! The relationship between these two was absolutely perfect! I loved how they took things slow and Hazel kept having to redraw lines. It's a slow burn type of friendship-to-more that was exceptionally well written. This story will leave you completely satisfied at the end...and leave you wanting more at the same time! I cannot wait to see what Rachel Fordham will deliver to us next! I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. all opinions expressed are my own.
Loved it!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
Sunnie Reviews - 4 years ago
This was the first book I have read from this author. She is great and tells a captivating story of a woman who has made mistakes in life that caused her to go to a reformatory and lose the family she loves. It is a very unique story and I haven't read one quite like it. Hazel wants to clean up her past and become a repentant person that her family will again want to be with and so takes a job as a dental "lady in attendance" or dental assistant while trying to find a way to show that the charges that had been made against her were false. It is a very interesting book and I enjoyed it very much. There is mystery, romance and a little action, as well. I love how she is working so hard to prove herself even when having to share her past with others, which is something she is fearful of doing and taking the chance of losing a good friend. She is a strong and admirable character and the book is fascinating and I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing. All thoughts are my own.
Must Read
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Thoughtsofareader - 4 years ago
I have read all three previous books by Rachel Fordham and I have enjoyed all of them so I had high hopes for this one. This book centers around Gilbert and Hazel. After Hazel gets out of reformatory or the prison as it is called today, she becomes what used to be known as a lady of attendance but today would be referred to as a dental assistant to Gilbert. In order to be able to get the job and not have her past keep her from it, she gives him a false last name. Gilbert is on the very shy side and comes across as all business but could he possibly have more to him than meets the eye. Rachel Fordham definitely does a good job of bringing the intrigue into this at first solely professional relationship. And even though this book is considered a historical romance, she still has some mystery weaved into it. I was not at all disappointed in this book. It was just as good as her others. Have to also mention that even though she is not a main character, I found Ina to be so endearing and I just wanted things to work out for her so much. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.