This was a delightful, heart-warming read you will not soon forget. The author is a remarkable, insightful storyteller, who creates full-bodied characters whose dialogue rings true of her memorable characters. I enjoyed how this story took some surprising twists and turns. I liked how the author left readers wanting more. This is an entertaining read and one that would work well for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

I have read just a few books from Rachel Fordham in the past, but one thing has been abundantly clear with each one... she without a doubt knows how to craft a beautiful story and draw the reader back to a different place in time. A Lady in Attendance was no exception.

I have found that within the historical fiction genre, many of the characters tend to gravitate toward a handful of professions... while I certainly don't have any issues with this, I do always find it interesting when an author chooses something that we don't see as much about. This book centered around dentistry which I found to be unique for a story of its time... while I wouldn't say I would consider that an overly exciting topic, Rachel did a great job or creating a compelling story around it. The characters were well written and drew you right into the story and the romance. While the story did perhaps get off to a bit of a slower start, it definitely picked up and ended up being a very enjoyable story.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this is certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Loved this amazing story by Rachel Fordham! This is the first novel I’ve read by this author and I absolutely enjoyed it. This story has a little something for everyone. It’s got romance, mystery, suspense, unique characters, and an inspiring message of forgiveness. The historical aspects of the novel were well researched and I loved the description of the setting in Amherst, New York.

The story is very unique. At first, I thought it would be a simple story of a woman with a hidden past seeking a new life, but as I kept reading, it turned into so much more. Without giving much away, there is a compelling mystery that unfolds which completely changes the story. It was really hard to put down and I found myself reading late into the night.

All of the characters in the story including the side characters are interesting and well drawn. They were realistic and their struggles were well written. Gilbert is one of those heroes whom you just can’t help but fall in love with. He’s a handsome, shy dentist with a huge heart. Not many stories are written about early dentistry, and I enjoyed the way it was portrayed. Hazel is a former prisoner who is trying to find her way in the world. She was once the wealthy daughter of a New York business man, but was falsely accused of stealing and served several years in a reformatory prison. Where she was once cruel and heartless, she has now turned over a new leaf and is humble, kind, and desires nothing more than to clear her name.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Fordham, and Revell Publishing for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I have to admit that I felt conflicted about this book.

Hazel is a young woman who has spent 5 years in a reformatory for a crime that she didn't commit. I can sense her frustration coming off the pages in waves! I would feel the same. Gilbert is a dentist who employs her as his Lady in Attendance - a dental assistant. Both of these main characters are sweet and as the book goes on, Gilbert comes out of his shell and Hazel discovers what is really important in life.

The romance between Hazel and Gilbert is touching in parts but it seemed a bit forced. I found it very interesting reading about customs in the late 1800's, which are very different to now. I am very happy to be living right now and not then, that's for sure.

There are lots of lessons about forgiveness, redemption and doing what is right, throughout, which I liked very much. There are also some parts which made me hold my breath and I wondered how some characters were going to get through a particular situation!

All in all, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. And I felt downright sorry for Duncan who was described as having "a bald head and outdated clothes" at one point. Poor Duncan. It seemed as if Ina and Duncan were both not acceptable to society so they might as well be thrown together. It was a bit patronising, I thought.

3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, they felt real. I'm not sure if the plotline was truly believable but it was interesting. It was a new concept/storyline and I enjoyed it.

The story flowed well. The editing was well done. It is a Christian book and it showed. It is not preachy but shows how faith makes a difference.

I would recommend this book to my friends. I give it a solid 4 out of 5-star rating.

Rachel Fordham's latest release, A Lady in Attendance, follows main character Hazel through her time in a reformatory as a willful, but wrongly accused, young woman and also through her struggle to clear her name and be restored to her family. There is no small amount of personal growth involved in this process, which we walk through with Hazel, her dear friends, and the family who felt it necessary to distance themselves from her scandal.

Fordham writes with conviction on the topics of shame, justice, and restoration to give A Lady in Attendance value beyond the beginnings of a romance between Hazel and Gilbert, the dentist who has hired her as his attending lady. Gilbert and Hazel's friend Ina are able to encourage away her determination to wear her shame as a protective cloak and give one more effort to clear her name so she can reunite with her family. I appreciate the way Fordham balanced Hazel's personal growth with that of those who surround her.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

I loved this story and all the historical tidbits that were included in it! The characters were charming, I loved the hero and his honor. This story was well written and is a new favorite!

Wow. This book has been patiently waiting to be devoured the last several weeks, since I received it on Netgalley. With moving the last two weeks it made it so the only time I had to read were the 30 minutes every night while putting my kids down for bed and this was the sweet relief to my exhaustion. I am SO glad this was the book waiting to take away the stress of my day, y’all need to read this one. I may have received a free ebook of it, but I did purchase it because I loved it that much.

This is a sweet redemption, second chance novel. Not a second chance between two people, but with life, happiness, and forgiveness. Taking place in New York, 1898, Hazel was wrongly accused of stealing jewels she never possessed. She lies her way into getting a job as a lady in attendance (the start of dental hygienists) by giving a false name and saying she’s had experience in a doctors office. Although Gilbert, our sweet and quiet dentist, makes it clear that he doesn’t want any attachments, he soon discovers that the feisty red head is a lot more alluring and harder to resist than he anticipated.
What I love about this story is that Hazel had to learn to forgive herself of her past wrongs. “No one is unredeemable” is a line that struck me and I think it really resonated with Hazel, I don’t believe she believed it of herself until she was ready to see it in others.

You’ll want to make sure you get a copy of this one, it’s one that should have a special spot on your shelf.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Rachel Fordham brings readers a unique story of finding love and redemption when it seemed all hope of them was lost.

I've really been loving the way that Rachel makes her books stand out from others with her deeper plots and out-of-the-box characters. She choses favorite "tropes" but doesn't make them feel like any book you've ever read. This is definitely true with this story. Hazel had everything in her well-ordered and spoiled life taken away from her on a fateful night just over nearly six years ago. A forced marriage came of it and then was followed by the death of her husband and her arrest after she is falsely accused of theft. Hoping to make a new start, she has applied to be a Lady in Attendance to Dr Gilbert Watts, a town dentist. While not always the most fun work, Hazel is determined to make this job successful and perhaps give her the standing she needs to confront her past. But her efforts to find someone willing to take on her case fall on deaf ears until she's brave enough to tell Gilbert of her troubles. He has several good ideas about clearing her name and offers his help in whatever way she needs. Hazel has never had a friend so kind, other than Ina, and she is surprised at Gilbert's acceptance of her sordid past. If they can only find others who are as willing to listen to Hazel's story, they might have a chance to clear her name, once and for all. And, they might have a chance to move past friendship into a much closer relationship - if they are brave enough to try. I really did enjoy this wonderful story. It was complex and yet it flowed well from one chapter to the next. The characters were truly likeable and the themes of the story were given good voice. I loved the way that Hazel's past allowed her to feel compassion for others in a way she hadn't before her time in the reformatory. And her kindness to Gilbert's brother Edward was a beautiful picture of active forgiveness. I will certainly be sharing about this lovely book with others and hope that they will find it as enjoyable as I did.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I so enjoyed this book! I live in Rochester, NY so the setting was very familiar to me.

How many of us can relate to Hazel? A mistake from our past (perhaps not entirely our fault) holds us back and holds us down in guilt. It was ultimately a joy to see Hazel's journey through accepting her role in her past, as well as forgiving those who had caused major problems for her. While she was going through her internal debate, I struggled along with her, but at times I wanted to shout to her "That's in the past! If you don't move on, no one else will!" There are some things others just can't do for us.

Gilbert was a wonderful character. I am so glad I read this book! What a gentleman, and how sweet to see his transformation as he gained confidence in himself, and found his voice. I love the way he knew God was in the midst of it all, orchestrating events, and using things we think are reproachful, to bring an expected end. Gilbert was a rock, and a real hero for Hazel.

I also loved the side story of Ina. I, too, have a birthmark that is very visible on my face. I can only imagine back then how she was overlooked and passed by because of it. How lovely to see a man who recognized her for herself, and didn't judge by appearances.

I will definitely read more books by this author, and more if this became a series. Thank you Revell for the advance copy!

Rachel Fordham's fourth Historical Christian Romance, A Lady in Attendance, is an absolute delight to read.

From the day he hires his first female assistant, or Lady in Attendance, mild-mannered and soft spoken dentist Gilbert Watts makes it clear that there will be no chance of anything but a professional relationship. This suits Hazel, as she is desperate for a respectable job. So desperate that she hides her true identity and the five years she served in a reformatory.

As Gilbert and Hazel work together a friendship grows, and a person from the past triggers revelations as Hazel's pursuit of justice leads to discoveries, dangers, and reunions. As tensions mount, the admiration between them grows, but the secrets of the past continue to challenge Hazel and Gilbert in different ways.

I so enjoyed this slow burning romance, as well as the secondary romance thread, along with the friendships, the interwoven faith element, the unexpected revelations, and most particularly the wonderful characters. I found myself contemplating authorial choices after finishing A Lady in Attendance and appreciating so many of the ones that were made in this book - from the corn shucking to the unconventional romantic leads and the unexpected villain. Highly recommended.

This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own honest opinions.

This novel begins as a typical historical. It’s set in 1898 Amherst and portrays a betrayed woman seeking work and what happens in her life after that. Hazel, estranged from her wealthy family, finds a position as an attendant in Dr. Gilbert Watts’s dentist practice. Her troubled past unfolds as well as her uncertain future, which opens the door to the suspense portion, and the book turns into a mystery with intrigue and attempts to solve crimes. Hazel and her new friends try to discover the truth and clear her name, leading to an exciting tale. The characters’ personalities and growth come across as true to life and make the reader care about their lives, which seem so very real. Of course, she resists the attraction to her employer because of the uncertainties in her life. The author brought me right into the story so I felt like I experienced the events along with them. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Lady in Attendance is everything a book should be. It had adventure, love, friendship goals, imperfect characters- characters from different walks of life that are brought together so they can learn from each other, laugh with each other... cry and love with each other.🥺💓

It’s a story about how your past doesn’t define you and how God can use the most unexpected circumstances to fufill his perfect plan for your life.😭💔💕

@rachel_fordham , thank you for writing such beautiful stories. You have no idea how encouraging and touching they are.

You can pre order it from @baker_book_house with 30% off right now!!!😍😍😍😍 Go snag a copy of this beautiful book! 🥰

I loved the characters. This is such a wonderful story of starting over and new beginnings. I love the friendships that formed and forgiveness of old acquaintances. The building romance that sacrifices and gives grows stronger due to looking for the truth. Unraveling an age old crime that could set so many lives to forgiveness and freedom pulls the reader in sets them on a journey. Well written story that will pull your emotions into the story and keep you fully engrossed. Danger comes with finding clues to reopen a cold case, the way it all ties together is fabulous. This is definitely a book that is hard to put down!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

A Lady in Attendance, by Rachel Fordham, is a very interesting tale. After serving five years in the New York State penitentiary, for a crime she never committed, Hazel has acquired a job as a lady in attendance for a dentist. In the year, 1898, this is not a pretty job. However, Dr. Gilbert Watts proves to be a generous man. After being rejected by her own family, Hazel is surprised to find his kindness!

When Gilbert finally learns the details of Hazel's past, you wonder if he will still be able to accept her!

Hold on to see a picture of true acceptance and forgiveness, when you see Gilbert help Hazel discover the truth about why she was falsely sent to prison!

I fell absolutely in love with this book from the first page. Gilbert is a dentist and Hazel has become his lady in Attendance which is also known today as a dental assistant. I love to read a lot of historical fiction but I have never read a story with a historical dentist. Gilbert truly loves his work and Hazel comes to love it as much as he does. Their friendship easily blossoms into love while caring for the teeth of the townspeople. Before they can create a life together, Hazel has to clear her name. I found myself unable to put this book down at so many places. I can't wait to read more from this author and truly hope these characters will make an appearance again. Not only is this story wrought with romance but it is also packed with mystery and intrigue.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

In 1893 Hazel was in a reformatory in Hudson, New York. She had been convicted of a crime she said she did not commit. No matter. Her sentence was five years. During her time there she learned a great deal and once released she needed to make her own way, because her wealthy family asked her not to come home. Finding employment with a criminal record proved to be impossible, so she chose to simply omit this part of her history when she applied for a position in Gilbert's dental office. He hired her even though she had no medical experience. Could this work?
The author has crafted two well defined characters. Hazel has a checkered past, but she is lively, fun and kind. She speaks her mind freely, but keeps her secrets close. Gilbert is used to being alone and doesn't say much. This is what he wants. Hazel is an enigma to him and the more time he spends with her he is not so sure he is content with the life he has been leading. Hazel knows that if she is to have a future with Gilbert she will have to reveal her secrets. Once she does, surprises and danger follow.
The author combines just the right mixture of romance, mystery and wit. The narrative showcases the power of forgiveness, compassion and new beginnings. This book is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham starts out with Hazel in a reformatory school/prison for a crime she claims she didn't commit. Once her five years are over she tries to find work to support herself because her family abandons her for the sake of their other kids. Hazel resorts to lying about her past to finally find a job as a lady in attendance for a quiet dentist. She works to clear her name and with the help of the dentist and others she uncovers a crime ring much larger than expected. I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end! There were some twists that I didn't see coming so it kept my interest until the end. I recommend this book for anyone who likes historical fiction with a bit of clean romance.

A false accusation of theft in the aftermath of her husband's death put Hazel in a reformatory for five years and made getting a job afterwards difficult. When she finds a job as an attending lady in a dentist's office, she hopes to put the past behind her - until an attraction grows up between her and Gilbert and she feels compelled to tell him her history. Things are complicated further by the discovery that his family is linked to her past. Must her life be ruined forever by her foolishness, or can there be forgiveness? And can she discover the story behind the false accusation?

This may be silly, but one of the things I particularly liked about this book was that she actually told him her past - not tried to tell him but kept on getting interrupted until he found out some other way, not hid it until it was too late, but actually told him! In fact, I don't recall a single problem caused by a misunderstanding. Despite being so straightforward in those ways, though, there is still the mystery to unfold of why she was in the predicament in the first place, and that was handled well too. I also appreciated the way Hazel is presented as having changed from her initial character, and her regret for her previous behaviour. All in all, a satisfying and well-written story, with a good mix of romance, mystery and actually getting to know the characters and setting. The secondary couple was a nice touch too. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

4.5* This tale of reformation and forgiveness had so many layers.  The layer of suspense and whodunnit, the layer of romance, the layer of reconciliation with God, the layers of forgiving others and oneself.  I enjoyed the story - it pulled me in and kept me interested to the last page! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are completely my own.