A Lady in Attendance is a Christian Historical (with some mystery written in) story that is written by Rachel Fordham. I started this book poolside while my family was visiting and could not put it down. This book is set in New York in 1893. Hazel has gone to the reformatory for a crime of burglary. You do not find out the full story right away about her crime. Once she is released she is not welcome back at her home. She has to start fresh so she gives a false last name and lands a job as a lady in attendance for a dentist named Gilbert.

Gilbert makes it very clear to her that he wants their relationship to be a working one only. He is very clear that he has no interest in love or anything of that sorts. They settle into a working partnership. They work well together and Hazel brings a new ambiance to the office. Gilbert's patients seem to really like her. (With the exception of one - who loves to lecture them about the two of them working together).

Hazel performs well at her job. She makes friends easily at the boarding house. Her housemate, Ina is another good strong character. Hazel carries around her past. She knows she is innocent. She wants to clear her name. Once she begins to trust Ina and Gilbert she tells her story. They want to help her clear her name. This is where the mystery comes in. I had fun putting all the clues together and trying to figure out who would have accused Hazel of burglary.

The author has done a great job with her research. I had no idea what being a dentist was like back in the late 1800's. I love the town that she has created. The characters are well written and likeable. They are real feeling. I was sad when the book ended.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

Another great story by Rachel Fordham. I loved reading about Hazel and how she overcame the fact that she had spent time in a reformatory and was trying to make a new name for herself. She is seeking a new normal for herself and she is given a chance by Gilbert to work as a dental assistant, something that was not heard of at that time period.

I love how Rachel Fordham writes with such ease. She creates wonderful characters that just stay with you. This book also had some twists and turns that I was not expecting. Made it hard to put it down to do housework! As always she left me wanting more from the story and these characters.

Overall I thought this was another great story. I can't wait to read her next one whenever that may be! If you enjoy reading historical fiction with some romance you should definitely grab this one!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

Fordham paints a beautiful picture of mercy, grace and redemption in A Lady in Attendance. It’s refreshing to read such a wholesome story filled with reminders that no one is unredeemable and forgiveness is at the ready for those who seek it. Gil and Hazel’s relationship as they work alongside was heartwarming. I adored Hazel’s character and her ability to endure so much without bitterness in her heart.

"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.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham is a really excellent read. I love Fordham’s writing style. Every time I’ve read one of her novels I’ve been immediately captivated. A Lady in Attendance is no exception. This book caught my attention from page one and didn’t let go until the very last page. Actually, when I got to the last page I was confused momentarily. “What?! It’s over?!” is what I asked myself internally. This is a story I could have easily sat for another hundred pages or so.

So, what did I love so much about this book? Here is my list of likes:

Characters — Hazel and Gil and Ina are the BEST. Each character is unique, yet all are super relatable and endearing. Gil is an excellent hero because he is not your typical romance hero. In fact, most people wouldn’t even notice Gil. He’s quiet and introverted. He doesn’t say much. But then he meets Hazel and his life is changed. He grows into a fantastic Romance hero who very much saves the day. I love how Hazel is the catalyst to bringing Gil’s true nature out into the open. And, because Gil is allowed to come out of his shell, so to speak, he then becomes the catalyst for Hazel to grow into the confident woman he knows she can be. I very much love how Gil and Hazel become a strong team and help each other become better people. And then there is Ina. Ina becomes Hazel’s best friend and I love everything about her. My favorite aspect of her character is how good of a friend she is to Hazel. When Hazel needs support, Ina is there. When Hazel needs truth, Ina is there. When Hazel needs a shoulder to cry on, Ina is there. Ina is the kind of friend we would all be lucky to have. And, I love that Fordham gives Ina a happily ever after in this story, too!

Teamwork — This story is a great illustration of decent, like-minded, compassionate people coming together to help one another out. There are countless moments in this story where the main cast of characters come together as a team to help. This may seem like an insignificant or boring thing to notice in a novel, but I found it super refreshing to read about people standing by each and supporting each other no matter the consequences. It was so nice to “see” people working together to build something up rather than take things apart. I’m so spiritually and emotionally exhausted by the utter insanity and chaos that’s in my real world that reading A Lady in Attendance was balm to my very soul.

Themes — this lovely story brings up such great talking points on topics such as forgiveness, redemption, Society and how it judges based on looks rather than heart, second chances, the ability to control how we act in situations, relying on God to see us through tough times, real romance vs. fictionalized romance, and true friendship. I believe this novel would make an exceptional book club read. Of the many things discussed in this book, my favorite topic is in regards to our self-worth and how others see us. All too often, the world sees us as nothing — as sinners, losers, mistake-makers, etc. — and it is very unforgiving. Today, it’s insane how poorly Society treats humans: did you make a mistake and post something dumb on SM ten years ago when you were 15? Did someone resurface that old social media post to show the world how dumb you used to be? Are you sorry you posted that? It doesn’t matter, you made a mistake one time and the world doesn’t forgive. Now, you are banned from Society cause Twitter or Instagram or Facebook says so. What’s really rough is that most people care deeply about what Society thinks about them. When they feel the harshness of Society’s inability to forgive and forget, they begin to internalize all the meanness hurled at them and believe they truly are worthless. In our day, Social Media rules with a heavy fist, but in Hazel’s day it was her uppity, wealthy, super-judgmental social class that deemed her unfit and worthless. It’s not until she is trapped in a reformatory, and later when she makes really good relationships with regular working-class people, that Hazel comes to realize what really matters and who she really is. The best lesson this story teaches is that we need to choose the right voices to listen to.

There is so much more good to say about A Lady in Attendance as it’s a really superior story. But, I don’t want this review to go on and on and on. Instead, I’d rather you just go buy a copy of this excellent story and experience for yourself what a great read this Historical Romance truly is.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Rachel Fordham, via Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham is the story of a young woman named Hazel who, after being wrongly accused of a crime and spending 5 years in a reformatory in Upstate NY, must now seek employment. Because her past is hindering her job search, she uses a false identity and finds a position as a Lady in Attendance (dental assistant) in Dr. Gilbert West’s office. There she finds a friend, and also the hope that there may be a future for her after all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a gentle story that starts slowly but builds to a very satisfying conclusion. There is some mystery and some suspense, along with a very sweet love story. Fordham deals with opium trafficking in the 19th century, along with themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption. This is Christian historical fiction at its best.

I received a copy from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for my opinion.

Rachel Fordham never disappoints when I read one of her masterfully crafted novels. She is an expert wordsmith and storyteller. I appreciate the time she puts into researching the history and material because I always glean some new information while reading her exquisite tales.

A Lady in Attendance was another brilliantly written story. I was intrigued by the prologue and invested before the first chapter ended. This 326 page book is the story of Hazel McDowell. After serving a short sentence in prison for a crime she did not commit, she is released and seeks work as a dental assistant or what is know as A Lady in Attendance in the late 1800s. Young dentist Gilbert Watts has heard about these assistants and wants to hire one for his practice. The problem is that all of the girls are more interested in him than the job. That is until Hazel.

This is such a unique story. The characters are realistic and believable. I loved how their romance started slowly with an intellectual, caring attraction first. Author Fordham is an expert at romance stories. Hers are absolutely swoon worthy. Each novel contains at least one inspirational and one timeless life lesson. In this tale I found a beautiful illustration of forgiveness and redemption.

There is something for every reader in this riveting read. Whether you enjoy romance, history, mystery, intrigue, humor or inspiration, you will be pleased with A Lady in Attendance. It would be a fabulous choice for a book club. There is much to discuss. I highly recommend it. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

"A Lady in Attendance" Rachel Fordham kept this reader reading till the end! I had to find out if she found something to help her clear her name and prove her innocence. I loved the teasing banter between Dr. Watts and Hazel. The Character's are real and there are quotes that both Gilbert( Dr Watts) and Hazel make that are really inspirational and inspiring. I would share the quotes but it seems lately that is all I have been doing with my reviews so I will just say I encourage you to get a copy of this book and read it and discover these quotes for yourself.

I really was surprised when I started reading this book because of the tile. I though I would be reading about a young girl whom was a companion to an older lady but not the case at all. This book is about a lady that gets a job as a helper to a dentist. It is 1898.

I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own

I LOVED this story! I love that Gilbert is a dentist. I enjoyed the story of redemption and the journey all of the characters took together and the friendships formed. I can't wait for the next book by Rachel Fordham!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I love a good beta hero, and Rachel Fordham writes an unforgettable one in A Lady in Attendance.
Gilbert is quiet and intelligent, focused on his work as a dentist, but when Hazel enters his life, he’s drawn to her. And the corn shucking scene? You do not want to miss it.

Hazel is dealing with the repercussions of an unfounded accusation and determined to clear her name. Her time in the reformatory shaped her faith and she’s become a much better person than she was in the past, but the people who knew her before aren’t giving her the chance to prove she’s changed.

Add in a second sweet romance with Ina and Duncan and the mystery behind Hazel’s conviction, and Fordham has given readers her best book yet.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The unique storyline of this one caught my attention!
How many historical fiction novels have you read about a heroine that spent time in a reformatory?
Well, I sure haven't read many!
This gal is a sweet one, and I loved reading about and getting to know her.
Hazel has to start a new life in a strange town. It's the only way she can think about going on with life and a semblance of normal.
She takes a job as a dentist's assistant (which was very rare back in the day) to the quiet but handsome Dr. Gilbert.
This is a sweet story with romance and a hint of mystery mixed in.
If you enjoy historical novels, be sure and read this one soon!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham takes place in Amherst, NY in the 1890’s. Hazel is a young woman who is trying to start a new life and takes a job working as an assistant to a young dentist.
I really enjoyed this story. It shows the deep faith Hazel has as well as her love for others. She has lost so much yet she puts others feeling before her own and does all she can to make others feel better. This is a great story of second chances, deep faith and love for others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.

A Lady in Attendance, by Rachel Fordham, is a wonderful historic romance. Fordham is a master at weaving little-known historical tidbits into her novels. The tradition of red ears of corn and the information regarding reformatory institutions and dental assistants or ladies in attendance as they were known in the late 1890s added so much interest to the story. The characters are vibrant, portrayed with realistic strengths and weaknesses, and poignant histories. Several wow-I-didn't-see-that-coming moments in the story kept my pages quickly turning. I loved this story and read it in pretty much one day. I enjoyed watching Hazel and Gilbert's relationship change from the initial "remain unattached" to being linked forever. Their journey to a happy ever after was a test of their friendship, lead to forgiveness, and finding freedom in the truth. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of mystery, and a sweet and gentle romance will not want to miss A Lady in Attendance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I was captivated by it from the very first page. And I loved the main character so much!

Hazel is looking to make a new life and name for herself as she takes a job with Dr. Watts. As they become more aquatinted , he realizes that there is more to her than meets the eye and gets to know her better. What he does not know is that she has a past that that could make him look at her differently. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how they worked out what they were willing to share and how forgiveness and society norms played into the story. I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

This novel has interesting characters that create a lovely plot! I really liked Gilbert. He may consider himself awkward, but he is better at romance than he gives himself credit for! I also liked reading about Hazel’s growth in the novel. I thought the romance was sweet and charming. There is a plot twist that I did not see coming in the story that held my attention. At times, I wanted just a bit more depth into the character’s themselves, but overall, I thought the plot was creative and the novel was an enjoyable read. I think the book is a pleasant romance and I recommend it to those who like historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Hazel has just get out of New York state Reformatory and find a job as a lady in attendance for Doctor Gilbert Watt’s. She’s afraid to tell him her story. She’s a good
employee and become friend with Gilbert.
Hazel has not seen her familly since her arrestation and her desire is to clear her name to be able to rekindle their relationship and she’s looking for help.
When the relationship between Hazel and Gilbert take a step forward from professional to sentimental Hazel choose to tell him the truth about her past…

I found it hard to connect with Hazel but I understood her pain. At the beggining she was against marriage but I think through her relationship with Gilbert she was able to see that there is nothing that God can’t redeem.
The story is well written but I prefered the author’s previous book.

'Regret once again swept over her, churning inside until she feared she would be sick. Life outside the reformatory walls was supposed to be fresh and new, but already she'd soiled it with a falsehood.'

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 ever it happening. I absolutely loved Hazel and I longed for her to be reconciled with her family once again!

"I love the woman you are today and who you'll be tomorrow. That woman is born from who you were yesterday. I want it all."

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. And it's all because of a red-haired dental assistant, with sparkling eyes and a flawless wit, who helps him discover what has been missing in his life!
I enjoyed the historical details of this story that is set in 1898, and learning about the dental practices of that era. I smiled at Gilbert's concern about the propriety of having a female assistant, 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.

I had never heard the term Lady in Attendance before reading this book. This story was full of laughter and some tears. I would have hated to go to a dentist in the late 1800’s. I enjoyed reading a little about the womans reformatory and how that worked also. I loved Hazel and Gilbert. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Do you like ”soft stories”? That what I thought A Lady in Attendance would be; but it’s much deeper than that! I don’t want to give much away, but from the cover and blurb on the back, this story was suppose to be a sweet romance about a dentist and new girl in town. (Which I love that this is a about a dentist. It reminds me of my uncle who was a dentist for 30+ years. And Gilbert could be the younger version of my uncle in many ways) But Rachel put a murder mystery into this story, and that’s all I’m saying.

You need to read this sweet, mystery, romance. Put it to the top of your TBR list! And if you can’t read it, get the audiobook! That’s how I listened to it and the narrator did a fabulous job bringing each character to life!

My favorite quote: “He’s not what I used to dream of, but he’s all I dream of now.” Isn’t it a wonderful depiction of how our dreams can change, and that maybe what we dreamed of is not as great as what God actually has planned for us?