The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake is a fascinating, moving book about the medical community in 19th century London. Women weren't allowed to practice but Nora works in secret as an assistant to her guardian and benefactor Dr. Gibson....until a new surgical resident comes on scene and she must step back...but should she? She has a huge choice to make. I really enjoyed this book. I love stories about women who fight against the restrictions and prejudices of the times they live in.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In the mid-1800’s Nora Beady, an orphan, is raised by an eccentric doctor, who sees nothing wrong with her learning his craft. Nora doesn’t practice her needlework skills on samplers, she’s suturing human skin together. This was at a time when women did not practice medicine. The suffering of patients continually sets her down the wrong path of medicine. Historical fiction readers will enjoy this well-crafted book.

The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake is a captivating historical fiction that brings the reader into the 1840s London, England. A story full of suspense, an amazing and intricate plot, stunning descriptions and research, complex and well-written characters, and a little romance splashed in for good measure.

The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake transports the reader to mid-1800s London, into a doctor’s surgical office described in such detail, you can almost smell the blood! This is a terrific novel that is both atmospheric and full of suspense.

Take a look at the plot:

Raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr. Horace Croft after losing her parents to a deadly pandemic, the orphan Nora Beady knows little about conventional life. While other young ladies were raised to busy themselves with needlework and watercolors, Nora was trained to perfect her suturing and anatomical illustrations of dissections.

Women face dire consequences if caught practicing medicine, but in Croft’s private clinic Nora is his most trusted—and secret—assistant. That is until the new surgical resident Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives. Dr. Gibson has no idea that Horace’s bright and quiet young ward is a surgeon more qualified and ingenuitive than even himself. In order to protect Dr. Croft and his practice from scandal and collapse Nora must learn to play a new and uncomfortable role—that of a proper young lady.

But pretense has its limits. Nora cannot turn away and ignore the suffering of patients even if it means giving Gibson the power to ruin everything she’s worked for. And when she makes a discovery that could change the field forever, Nora faces an impossible choice. Remain invisible and let the men around her take credit for her work, or let the world see her for what she is—even if it means being destroyed by her own legacy.

A must-read for those who love historic novels or want an immersive read. Its really, really good and keeps you fully intrigued. I LOVED IT.

Out on May 4.

This is a truly fascinating story of a young orphan raised by a renowned surgeon in Victorian London, and how she has become a surgeon, albeit unlicensed, in her own right. The book is very heavy on the medical knowledge of the time period, but so to is time spent with Nora and how she attempts (and often fails) to go through life with an occupation she cannot practice merely because she is female. There’s just a touch of a love interest, and I would love to read a follow-up story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Nora Beady was saved by a surgeon when her entire family dies of cholera. She is raised watching, reading and helping him in his practice. She helps with dissection, patients, and draws the parts of the anatomy. She does everything a doctor does. The thing is she's not licensed to be a doctor. The other thing is, it's against the law for a women to practice medicine.
A story with heart and determination.
Excellent read!

I love historical fiction books, specially when the protagonist is woman, what I don't like, if when the characters feel modern and this was not the case.

Nora Beady had an unusual education; she was raised by an eccentric surgeon; he loves experiments and its something he taught to his pupil. She is a curious and intelligent, she will become his secret assistant. Also, she will learn and study, made her own theories and practice on discreet patients.

But we were in London in 1945, women are not allowed to practice the profession of surgeons, Nora understands her place in the world, but that does not mean that she agrees, she has the talent to be an important surgeon.

The novel was rich with details, especially in the customs and rules of the period, as well as in the clinical and medical aspects, various operations and their procedure were described. I love the care the author took to researching the time and making it more realistic.

If you love historical fiction, specially of the nineteenth-century London and are you interesting in medicine this will be great.

This was the perfect read for women day, Nora its an inspirational woman.



Review Dates: Goodreads and bookbub: 08 March.I Amazon, Barnes & Noble: 04 May

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel about a young woman Nora who wants to be a doctor in a time when women weren’t allowed to be doctors. I am a sucker for book about strong and determined young women especially historical fiction. Because to me this type of heroine tends to be missing from historical fiction.

This was a very different book than I am used to reading. I enjoy historical fiction but was not prepared for the attention to medical detail that the author included. The descriptions of the medical procedures shows extensive research into 19th century medicine.. Nora Beady was an orphan raised by unconventional Dr. Croft. She becomes a most trusted assistant to his practice. She had to be careful and remain behind the scenes, as woman were not allowed to be a part of the profession at the time. I found Nora to be a strong, confident, inspiring character, worthy of rooting for. The story has complex characters, and a fascinating suspenseful plot. I recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

This book was received as an ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Landmark in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just in time for Women's History Month, this was just the book I needed to read. During the time of the 19th century when medicine was developing and booming more than ever, I loved the passion and fire Nora had throughout the book demonstrating her skills and knowledge as a surgeon but politics were not on her side and women were not viewed as influential in the medicine field. I just can't imagine watching someone else take over your foster dad's business and destroy everything you have done which in Nora's case, put her patients at risk. But perseverance always prevails and Nora makes an incredible discovery that could change the world of medicine as we know it and Nora will finally be seen in the medical world and take back for what is rightfully hers. This book was so inspiring that many women across the world will be inspired to reach for their dreams.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Have you ever read the prologue of a book and known instantly that it was going to be a five-star read? That was this novel for me. Blake writes in a way that is rich and captivating. The attention to detail and vivid descriptions transport readers to the gritty and disease-ridden world of 19th century London, drawing them in with well-rounded characters and a plot that feels fresh and exciting. It is obvious that this is an immaculately researched story and while the subject nature could have been unsettling, it was instead, absolutely riveting. I simply could not put it down!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advance read. This has been my favourite read of the year, so far!

I truly enjoyed this peek into 19th century medicine through the eyes of a qualified, yet unlicensed female physician. Nora's character was so nuanced and well-developed, but I found myself drawn to even the most minor characters who seemed incredibly three-dimensional. I especially appreciated that Blake felt no need to "wrap up" the story so to speak -- Nora was given the narrative space to pursue her career and aspirations without a total cliffhanger.

I received a temporary digital advanced copy of The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake from NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author in exchange for an honest review.

After her family succumbs to a pandemic, Nora Beady is taken in by the doctor who treated her, Dr. Horace Croft, one of the best doctors in London. Raised in his home, surrounded by the study of medicine, Miss. Beady begins to assist the doctor and learns far more than ever anticipated. In a time where practicing medicine without a license, and as a female, she takes an extreme risk if anyone was to find out. Dr. Croft takes on an assistant despite Miss. Beady's hesitations and her secret could be revealed and with it, her love of medicine may be taken away from her forever.

A story unlike many in its time, The Girl in his Shadow is a terrific read filled with suspense. The characters were well developed and highly enjoyable. As a non-medical professional, its science and detailed procedures are comprehensible and interesting. The Girl in His Shadow is a must read for lovers of nineteenth-century London looking for a fresh perspective and to get out of the stuffy ballrooms of the Ton.