herself.

Doctor Gilbert Watt is a quiet and content dentist who decides to take a chance on Hazel and have her come be a lady in attendance (aka dental assistant) at his clinic. He quickly warms to her easy chatter and happy demeanor. While she may have less medical experience than she claimed, she proves very adapt at helping patients feel comfortable which is invaluable as he pulls teeth and tries to ease discomforts.

When Hazel seeks to uncover the truth of her imprisonment, she comes to depend on her friends as never before. I love the powerful messages of friendship, forgiveness, accountability and family found in this book. There is a real depth to all the characters and I was eager to join them in this story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance, mystery and stories with depth. I will definitely be reading more Rachel Fordham books!

I received a complementary ebook of this from Netgalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a review and all thoughts are my own.

I love Rachel Fordham's books. This story definitely did not disappoint! Hazel and Gilbert are so good together and I love feeling as if I'm experiencing everything they are. The story was very well written and drew me in until I had to finish it right away, I just could not put it down. What a sweet beautiful tale of faith, love and forgiveness. I appreciate that the author researches the time period to add little snippets that I feel really bring the story to life. 5 stars, you will not be disappointed by reading this.

Inspirational historical romance. Engaging characters. Interesting story line. A sweet read to enjoy on your back patio. Five stars.

A Lady in Attendance is another good read by Rachel Fordham. It was interesting to be taken back in time to the late nineteenth century New York. I found the story to be inspiring with the life lessons of hope, power of forgiveness and redeeming oneself. I loved watching how Hazel grow throughout the story. She has a lot of bravery and courage. Her interactions with Gilbert were so sweet. I wanted to continue to read on to find out what would happen next. There a few scenes that slowed down a little, but once I got past those, I did not want to put it down. What a wonderful tale.

A Lady in Attendance will be getting four and a half stars from me. I believe readers who love clean historical romance will no doubt enjoy this one.

Rachel Fordham’s A Lady in Attendance is another well written book by this author. While Doctor Gilbert Watts is a man that doesn't say that much, Hazel is a woman that because she is so fiery, she has made many mistakes in her life. So she is very happy when she gets a job with Dr. Watts as a Lady in Attendance. But soon more than just employer and employee grows. They become close friends of each other. Although Gilbert doesn't say much, he notices that Hazel is hiding something from him. Can he still believe her after she tells him everything? Is there any future for them?

I loved reading about Hazel’s secret. It was beautifully woven into the story. I have never read about a dentist hero. Even though he doesn’t speak that much, his loyalty to Hazel is very sweet. The christian content was very subtle. But overall this is a book that you don't want to stop reading.

This book is perfect for readers that loved reading The Joplin Chronicles from Regina Jennings or the books from Karen Witemeyer, Tracy Peterson and Lauraine Snelling. If you need a book with some adventure, mystery, suspense, love and characters that are not perfect, then this book is for you.

Rachel Fordham’s books are the very definition of sweet! They’re lovely tales filled with sweet romances, lovable characters and impactful God truths and A Lady in Attendance was no exception, it 100% met all my expectations! This book had a slightly different feel than her books as there was less focus on the small town that her other books have and there was a touch more mystery. Not many of us have happy memories of dentists, so it was nice to not only have a main character as one but also be a lovable one. I loved how this story bucked the trend and instead of a reformed bad boy, we had a reformed bad girl. I also really enjoyed a quiet and shy male lead, which is rare to see in fiction and requires a skilled author to successfully pull it off. Rachel Fordham absolutely nailed it, I loved Gilbert so much! He wasn’t your usual loud strapping hero and I think that is part of why he was so appealing. I loved seeing the personal growth in Hazel and knowing that that kind of change is possible when we have a loving God in our lives that can shape and change us for the better. This was definitely a slow burn romance but with lots of little teasers to keep you happy until that first kiss *sigh*. A Lady in Attendance is a sweet story about redemption and forgiveness, about true love and dentists.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance, then look no further than A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham. This was my first opportunity to read a book by Ms. Fordham, and it while I did not love it from cover to cover, her writing style was quite enjoyable and I definitely want to read more in the future.

What initially intrigued me to read this book was the hope to learn more of the history of dental assistants since I have previously worked in a couple of dental offices. I’m sorry to say that these portions were not nearly as interesting or informative as I’d hope they’d be, and the book focused more on Hazel’s stay and release from a reformatory and her subsequent attempts to clear her name.

Where Ms. Fordham exceled was the dialogue between Hazel and Gilbert and their eventual romance. Hazel was a red-headed spitfire, and Gilbert and his quiet ways were no match for her charm.

This was a quick and sweet historical read, and while I wish some areas were more fleshed out, I did enjoy it as a whole. I can see why this author has a devoted fan following!

I am so glad that I didn't peek at the back of the book. I had no idea what the book was about. I won't give it away to you as I don't want to spoil it.

I read this quickly as I enjoyed the story that much. I would say that this book pulls on my heart strings during the good and bad times that Hazel goes through. Hazel was attempting to get to the truth. What really happened?

She met some wonderful friends along the way. Ina struggling and hoping her dreams will come true. And Gilbert. Wonderful, reliable Gilbert. His life changed dramatically when Hazel entered his life.

I loved the story. It shows how important it is to have faith and believing. Things will work out. GOD will make sure of that.

I received this ebook for free from Celebrate Lit to give a honest review.

Rachel Fordham’s “A Lady in Attendance” is a story about a quiet dentist named Gilbert and a lovely lady in attendance named Hazel that takes placed in the late 1800s. Hazel was wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to five years in a reformatory. She founds God during her time there and becomes a new woman. Because of her past, she wants to make amends with everyone including her family.

She tries to make a life for herself by getting a job as an assistant to a lone dentist and living in a boardinghouse for women. Hazel and Gilbert eventually become good friends as they work together and they both develop feelings for each other. Gilbert comes out of shell because of his friendship with her. But Hazel is reluctant because of everything going on in her life. The mystery was interesting, too. Gilbert, his brother and a few friends help to clear Hazel’s name for the crime she was accused of.

This is my first read from this author and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed reading this one. I liked that Gilbert and Hazel’s relationship wasn’t rushed. It was really sweet. I also liked the supporting characters as well such as Duncan, Ina, and even Eddie. Forgiveness was a big theme in this book. The book wasn’t overly preachy but the love of God and glorifying Him was blatant.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham is a must read if you love inspirational historical romances.
It is a story about love and support of friends, redemption, forgiveness and finding love with that very special person.
After serving five years in a New York reformatory Hazel finds a job as Doctor Gilbert Watt's lady in attendance and does so using an alias since she believes hers is tarnished from her past.
Gilbert gets used to his dental assistant, but he can't help having the feeling that she might be hiding something. Will she ever be able to open up and share her past with him or will it forever prevent her from the wonderful possibilities that her future might hold?
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more wonderful books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

A Lady in Attendance is a wonderful book. I thought it would be more romance and less suspense but switch them around! You still have romance but the suspense escalates towards the end of the book where you can’t put it down and can’t seem to read it fast enough!

I’ve read books about the reformatories before so that part wasn’t new to me. I enjoyed seeing that the author had done research about them and how they worked. It’s wonderful to have books where they take the time to make sure that the book is historically accurate.

Getting to know the characters was wonderful. I loved seeing Gilbert’s personality come through more and more as he opened up to Hazel. I felt so bad for Hazel that her family didn’t want her around so she couldn’t go home when she was released. And then she couldn’t tell people the truth about herself because of the judging that would have happened.

This was a wonderful book and I really enjoyed reading it. I’d love to see more of a sequel as well to see what happens to Hazel’s sister and friends as well. I loved seeing all the conflicts resolved and figuring out who the real bad guy was! A wonderful read that I highly recommend.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I enjoyed this book a lot and read it in one day. The story follows Hazel as she tries to rebuild her life after being accused of stealing. I really got caught up in the story and had to find out what was going to happen. It’s the first book I read about a dentist. It doesn’t go into great detail about the ins and outs of dentistry but it did hit on a few things that was common at the time. Such as creating dentures and pulling teeth without mentioning any pain or numbing treatment first. Makes me very thankful for modern dentistry.

Hazel starts a job helping the dentist Gilbert. I liked that she was called the Lady in Attendance. It sounds elegant. It was fun to watch them interact with each other. Each character was well developed and felt like real no people. Some I liked better then others.

I loved Hazel. She was strong, determined and changed. I could tell she regretted a lot but continued to try and so what is right.

One thing that stood out is how Rachel Fordham weaves forgiveness, hope and second chances throughout the story. I think the reader can learn valuable truths right with the characters.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

Once again, Rachel Fordham has written a beautiful novel filled with characters who are real enough to walk into our world. I loved Hazel. She's witty and smart, with a past that haunts her, and a drive to not only see herself forgiven but to be returned to her family. I found a bit of a prodigal son storyline in Hazel, and I loved it. And Gil. Who wouldn't love the quiet doctor who sees more in Hazel than she sees in herself? He's the perfect counterpart and accomplice in Hazel's plan. Through the twists and turns of emotion wrought by A Lady in Attendance, you'll find yourself spellbound. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

One of the things I liked about this book was the unique profession of the two main characters. This is probably one of the few books that focuses on a dentist in 1898. I’m so glad we have technology today that makes going to a dentist less painful and easier to treat. Gilbert is a great character who is looking for someone to help him out at his office. Here is where I found the story interesting as the title had me thinking in a different direction.

Hazel is a woman who needs to find work quickly and hopefully without many questions to answer about her past. I think her sincerity and poise helped convince Gilbert to be her assistant. Have you connected the title to Hazel yet? It seems her duties are referred to as “A Lady in Attendance.” These two characters seem to work well together and and times start to be more at ease with each other.

The main plot of the story focuses on Hazel and her wanting to prove her innocence. I understand that it is important to have those charges against her removed but at times I could see that she didn’t quite trust God. She had moments of doubt and other times she drew others in to help her. The best part of the story is there among the pages where a lesson on forgiveness and trust awaits us.

There is a mystery in the story that Hazel is a part of. Her wrongful conviction is slowly beginning to unravel. She always knew that someday she would find the truth that would set her free. I liked how Hazel has moments where she wished things had been different for her, but God always has a plan for us. The beauty in this book lays at the most simplest of truths. We are forgiven. That statement sets us free from our past and allows us to find joy in everything. Hazel’s journey from being behind bars to learning to let go and find happiness is a true example of trusting God.

“Love the life you are given.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

When I first started this book, I didn’t realize what ‘A Lady in Attendance’ was all about. This is a fun, interesting historical read that I hated to see end. I kept going back re-reading parts just to prolong the story. Hazel was in a bit of trouble, and spent several years in a New York state reformatory, but she was innocent. But aside from this, she had to make her way in the world and find a job. She nailed one with a dentist, being his assistant, but not before she changed her name to cover her past issues. Will her past meet up with her before she can come clean and clear her name once and for all?

I loved this historical fiction. Author Rachel Fordham does and excellent job of creating beautiful characters that I grew to love. Hazel was a beautiful character inside and out and everyone loved her, and her personality made a nice change in the dentist office. And her name is adorable, but I could be bias since this is my new granddaughters name. It was difficult for Hazel to trust anyone, but finally she was able to trust a few people and tell her story and find help. Fordham does an amazing job with this story, the historical details show the deep research she does before writing the story and her writing is phenomenal. I can’t wait to read what Rachel Fordham has next for us, her readers. If you love historical fiction, with a bit of whodunit mystery, you will love this story. This one is a Five Star all the way for me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

As a dental assistant myself, I knew I had to read this book once I read that it featured someone who shared my profession. This book is part sweet romance and another part compelling mystery as Hazel fights to clear her name with faithful friends by her side.

I loved that this book featured relatable situations with difficult patients that brought a smile to my face. Gilbert is a dashingly earnest hero, he is more reserved, always respectful, thoughtful, but says what he means. He is endearingly a rule follower, I liked his slow to speak demeanor and his easy relationship with Hazel. Hazel is hardworking, and a faithful friend to Ina. I adored Ina and Duncan's story, they are both wonderful friends to Hazel and Gilbert, standing by them through it all.

Overall, this was an compelling, tender romance, and redemption story. I loved the interaction between Gil and Hazel, as well as the mysterious backstory woven in as we delve into Hazel's past. Gilbert has got to be one of my favorite heroes, because he takes time to take in the details, thinking through things for solutions rather than reactions, as well as his loyalty as a friend. A captivating read from beginning to end, with charmingly well crafted characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Her sentence might always mar her record, but was there a way to escape the fear, to live free and honestly?”

Set primarily in Amherst, New York in 1898, “A Lady in Attendance” is the latest standalone novel by Rachel Fordham. I would say that it’s my favorite, but to my embarrassment, it’s the only one that I’ve had a chance to read so far, although her other three novels are on my to-read list, and I can definitely say that I’ve been missing out! A woman with a past, a mystery, a sweet romance or two…this story is both unique and familiar, and it is one that you will not want to put down until the last page is turned.

To begin with, the subject matter itself is intriguing. “A Lady in Attendance” being a foreign term to me, I learned something new right from the start; in 1885, ladies in attendance began to be employed in order for women to see dentists unaccompanied without the risk of tarnishing their reputations. Hazel Bradshaw, using the pseudonym McDowell due to her former criminal status, takes the only job she can find, as a lady in attendance to dentist Gilbert Watts, who quickly became my favorite character. His shy innocence and goodness endeared him to me, and I love how Fordham connects dentistry with art, which is an entirely new concept to me. Gilbert tells Hazel that “Every day I get to build dentures and bridges. Tiny sculptures that may never be appreciated, but I know they make life better and easier for the receiver…I consider myself quite blessed to use my hands to make such important art.” Finding such purpose in our work is an important aspect of using our skills to glorify God.

As the past continues to haunt Hazel, Fordham skillfully constructs a narrative that demonstrates the power of faith and forgiveness while establishing the truth that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Spending five years in a reformatory “had taught [Hazel] to persevere, to keep going when she wanted to quit, and above all else, to find solace in prayer.” Now, with the possibility of having an opportunity to set the record straight, Hazel realizes that hope may yet have a fighting chance. As Gilbert reminds her, “I told you once that I was a Christian man who believed it my duty to help. I even offered to help you if you were ever in need, and I see no reason to take that offer back. Either I am a man of my word or I am a fraud. I don’t believe any verse of Scripture says to help only those who are perfect when none of us are.” Forgiveness may not be as clear-cut, particularly when facing the past means confronting those who have been hurt the most and perhaps even some who set into motion the events of two long-ago fateful nights with echoing repercussions.

For anyone who enjoys a heartfelt redemption story, proving that “No one is unredeemable,” and for those who believe in the power of love and second chances, Rachel Fordham’s “A Lady in Attendance” is a match made in heaven!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I have not ever read a story about a dentist and his attendant. And not one in the year 1898. This was a sweet, and slow building romance between two people who decided a long time ago that they would remain alone. Gilbert due to his shyness and Hazel due to her past. What happens is a friendship that develops between two people who see past the others' flaws and begin to love.

The romance was really good as I watched Gilbert change and even though he is shy he has a lot of passion built up along with his sense of humor that always made Hazel smile.

Hazel is a woman who has learned from her past mistakes, yet she still carries them around like a heavy burden. She is like the prodigal who has come to herself and so wants to reconcile with her family. She also would like to have a future with Gilbert. But as what a lot of times happens, we have a hard time forgiving ourselves, even when others are willing to help. Not only that, sometimes the culture will define a person by their past. Thank the good Lord that he is so much more forgiving then our fellow man.

Many secrets come to light as Hazel and Gilbert strive to make a future for themselves.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

In all the historical fiction I've read, I don't recall ever reading about a hero who is a dentist or a Lady in Attendance. What a refreshing treat this was!

A Lady in Attendance is now my fourth story by Rachel Fordham and she is on my shortlist of authors to watch for. I love the depth of emotion she conveys and the beautiful depictions of her characters. And the historical tidbits I learn as I read are fascinating. I was not at all disappointed!

Captivated from the very start, I was dying to know why Hazel was in the reformatory. It was evident that she had a humble and correctable attitude. The author slowly revealed her secrets, which drove me crazy and yet was completely appropriate. When I learned about her dilemma, my heart ached for her. I understood her pain and fear well.

Gilbert was adorable with his quiet ways and insecurities. I appreciated how honest he was about his feelings at Hazel's revelation and yet how he didn't make any rash decisions based on that reaction.

There was a mystery wrapped up in the pages of this lovely story with a hint of danger. But it was mostly about forgiveness and changed lives.

I highly recommend A Lady in Attendance for all readers who enjoy Christian historical fiction.

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.