🩺🦷 "A Lady in Attendance" (2021) 🦷🩺 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800739736
ISBN-13: 978-0800739737
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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?”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.
Despite seeing some of her books on Revell’s social media, this is the first introduction to the author’s work I’ve had – and what a stunning introduction it was! I’m definitely going to be looking into her other work. I almost have to as I have bookmarks for the books! She was kind enough to send a signed bookplate, a bookmark for this book, as well as bookmarks for her other books.
I requested this through Interviews & Reviews and was DELIGHTED that it also ended up being Revell’s Beyond the Book June read. For those that don’t know – the “Beyond the Book” page is a monthly read-along that connects readers as they read the book and provide their own insights. Sometimes the authors drop by for a chat, as Fordham is doing this month. And, the insights for this book are definitely interesting given what this is about.
The delightful and fancy cover is a work of art and drew me right to the book. But, as we all know – never judge a book by the cover.
The plot was fascinating, given the time the story is set in –> a girl being sent to a reform school because of a burglary. This was not only a romance, but a mystery as well that kept burning till nearly the very end. And, a very developed one at that. At times it was beautiful, humorous, emotional, heart-breaking. There will be a few places where readers might need tissues, I know I teared up at moments.
Fordham’s use of short chapters really kept me reading and the story going. Since it was part of the read-along, I was trying to stay within the “plan” (first nine chapters, around 85 pages). The first week was easy. But, the second week? At around 42% the story became so compelling I HAD to keep reading. I finished the remaining 230 pages in less than four hours. And, this type of book (large paperback) is easily a 1-2 day read for me. The pacing did not lag, and Fordham kept up the engaging pace all the way to the end.
Readers get not one, but TWO romances. The first is obviously Hazel/Gilbert’s “slow” romance, and then Hazel’s friend Ina and Duncan.
The characters were absolute perfection. From Hazel to Gilbert, to Gilbert’s brother Eddie, even supporting characters Ina and Duncan. Fordham crafted and connected these characters in such a realistic manner it was hard not to get attached to them (except for Eddie).
Told from Hazel and Gilbert’s POV – this enchanting tale begins (after the prologue) with Hazel seeking to put her criminal past behind her. The problem for her is that despite having served her time for burglary, she is still seen as a criminal, and other than proving her innocence, the only way forward is to lie about who she is. It’s even worse when her parents seemingly disown her. She has lost her inheritance and honor.
She finally gets a job as Dr. Gilbert Watts’ “lady in attendance” (equivalent to today’s dental assistant) – this is more for the female patients so they didn’t need a chaperone. Instantly there is a camaraderie between the two people. But, neither one is looking for a romance. Hazel then self-analyzes and wonders why it took so long for her to care about others. And, this is all still early in the book.
Hazel is still trying to prove her innocence with little luck. That came as no real surprise.
Gilbert offers to help Hazel, no matter what it is. Hazel is conflicted because of her past. Yet, the two grow closer and Gilbert begins to rethink if he is ready for love.
He then starts with the little things – offering his kitchen so Hazel can bake a pie and then brings up how he helped solve a crime. It is as if Fordham wrote him to have a sixth sense to segue into Hazel opening up. Though she doesn’t.
I had to laugh about Hazel wanting to see a disagreeable female patient getting a swat. That was perhaps the funniest moment in this story. But, Gilbert is obviously falling for Hazel. She has given him reason to hope.
How absolutely sweet is this book?
It is about 42% in when Hazel does tell Gilbert her past. His reaction is realistic and Fordham takes the reader through the range of his emotions from shock, dismay, disgust, to a sense of duty to help Hazel no matter what the future holds for them – if it holds anything.
But, it is clear – he doesn’t want her to go and his offer to help is sincere. It’s also because her situation is unfair.
Just as she wants to accept, Gilbert’s brother Eddie shows up and it is someone that Hazel knew. Of course, she tries to leave, but Gilbert’s compassion and forgiveness wear her down. Even the cross manager of the boarding house Hazel resides at is on Gilbert’s side.
It is clear that Eddie is bitter and Hazel’s case wasn’t handled properly. The heart of the story takes Gilbert, Hazel, Eddie, Ina, and Duncan back to where it began. Even wretched Eddie has his own doubts as to Hazel’s guilt.
The five soon begin digging and find Hazel was unwittingly drawn into a much bigger and deadlier treachery. And, to prove it, the five people have to rely on a family that Hazel can’t believe still supports her (hint: not her own).
Hazel has an unlikely supporter in her innocence that drags out to almost the end of the novel. The suspense certainly was. Fordham had me turning the pages on this one.
Except for Eddie constantly bringing up Hazel’s past, and her lies to start over – there is really nothing to dislike about this story. Even Hazel’s family’s treatment of her is completely understandable, dislikeable as it is, because of the standards of that time. Also, for those who might be upset about Hazel’s lies – her name and background – lying is never really okay, however she had no choice in order to go forward with her life. At best, providing for herself.
I admired Gilbert’s “sense of duty”, as well as Hazel taking some responsibility for her past behavior and connecting it to what happened.
I was left feeling frustrated, delighted, and there were times I cried. This was a beautiful story that can definitely be re-read over and over if not for an endless TBR list.
As this is distributed by Revell, a primarily Christian/faith-based publisher, it is a clean read with no foul language or intimate scenes. There are no real references to God, except for mention of prayer at the reformatory, and this is not essential to the plot.
Fans of the author and genre are sure to enjoy this book.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Further reading:
“A Lady in Attendance
All dental assistants were first known as "Ladies in Attendance" dating back to 1885, when a New Orleans dentist, Dr. C. Edmund Kells -- a pioneer in the profession of dentistry, specifically the use of x-rays and treating dental abscesses -- incorporated his wife into his dental practice to assist him when needed.
We must assume her duties were likely mixing materials of one kind or another but mostly cleaning up after procedures. As Dr. Kells' dental practice became more successful, the need for additional help prompted him to hire Malvina Cueria. Recognized as the first dental assistant in modern history, Malvina was only a teen when she began her career. Her presence in the dental office made it possible for women to have dental treatment done without their husbands' company in the operatory, an unrecognized triumph for women's rights.
Malvina Cueria served as an American Dental Assistants Association district trustee from 1953 to 1956. At the age of 87, she was honored by the professional organization and spoke of her experiences as a dental assistant in the beginnings of dentistry at a convention in New Orleans in 1980. Malvina passed away December 4, 1991 at the age of 98.”
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.
You can also find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelFordhamFans/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_fordham/
Website: https://rachelfordham.com/
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