“A Lady in Attendance” by Rachel Fordham – Book Review

“A Lady in Attendance” by Rachel Fordham

Review copy from the publisher as apart of Revell Reads Blog Program

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

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?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.

My Thoughts:

This may only be my second read by this author, but I am quickly coming to find how truly sweet and wholesome her stories are! A Lady in Attendance was such a darling story, with strong and realistic characters. And I found it fun how the hero character had a unique occupation for fiction –  a dentist, with the heroine being his lady in attendance. I don’t think I’ve ever read a fiction title featuring this occupation in a historical setting, and I found that extremely interesting and enjoyable! Back to the characters, Hazel was such a strong character and all her trials only added to her strength. And her kindness. And Gilbert was such a gentleman, genuinely gentle, extremely kind, and a perfectý dashing hero. He was quiet (which I loved), and I loved seeing how both characters grew throughout the novel. There was mystery involved, sweet innocent romance, and such eloquent writing that it made for a delightful read. Definitely recommend!

The Sound the Sun Makes by Buck Storm ~Book Review

“The Sound the Sun Makes” by Buck Storm

Book Two in the Ballads of Paradise Series

My rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Detective Early Pines loves his southern Arizona desert, often thinking he could stare at it all day long. But now that he’s forced to do just that, the truth is the view from his back porch is getting old. He’s on mandatory leave from the police department, simply for punching a wife beater who had it coming. Early is in dire need of a distraction from his own loud thoughts. So when an old friend invites him to tag along to a rodeo down in Old Mex, it seems like just the ticket.

But if there’s one constant in the world, it’s that life always throws a guy curveballs. With a flat tire, a roadside bar, and a beautiful woman with trouble on her hands, Early’s distraction takes a hard right turn–straight to Los Angeles, six hundred miles west.

Hammott Lamont is waiting there in his own personal hunting ground. The reclusive filmmaker is a veritable cult leader to Hollywood stars–and he’s sure his latest project will redefine art history in his image. He’s got a plan for a brutal, modernized version of the Christ story, and he’s ready to trample anyone who stands in the way of his colossal vision. That is, until big, loud Early Pines hits the coast for a clash of two titans who never saw each other coming.

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting read. To be honest, it took me quite a while to become really engaged, and I didn’t really connect strongly with the characters. The plot was interesting though, and the villain character was possibly the most intriguing. I had nothing against main characters Early Pines or Calico Foster, but I just didn’t relate to them.Some parts were a little confusing, and it is definitely one of those books that, once you’ve finished, you’re left still processing what just happened.The faith strand was present, though I’m not sure I could quite pinpoint it, at least until the end.The best word I can think of to describe this book is interesting, really. It wasn’t really one I fell in love with, but it did keep me wondering what was going on.And the mind of the villain really was intense and complex. And disturbing in his zeal for control and masterminding everything. I’m impressed with the writing of his character, and the writing as a whole was lyrical.Thanks to the publishers for the chance to read this book.