A Lady in Attendance

 

Back Cover

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 Watt'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 look between them ever be answered? Or will the deed 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 as 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.

Review

This is the first book I've read of Rachel Fordham's, but it won't be my last! She has penned a tender tale of redemption and love in the lives of the out-going Hazel and shy Gilbert. What really struck me the most about their relationship was how very respectful they acted towards one another - something that I find sorely lacking in society. It was refreshing reading their interactions and how they always strove to put the other ahead of themselves. 

The other surprising element for me was the suspense and intrigue! I thought this was going to be a sweet historical romance, but it is so much more. For a large chunk of the back end of the book, it is quite the wild ride of danger and mystery that really spiced up the story in a fantastic way.

Finishing the story made me want more, so you can be sure I'll be checking out other published works by Ms. Fordham!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.