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Nora Beady #1
The Girl in His Shadow
The story of one woman who believed in scientific medicine before the world believed in her
Raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr. Horace Croft after losing her parents to a deadly pandemic, the orphan Nora Beady knows little about conventional life. While other young ladies were raised to busy themselves with needlework and watercolors, Nora was trained to perfect her suturing and anatomical illustrations of dissections.
Women face dire consequences if caught practicing medicine, but in Croft's private clinic Nora is his most trusted--and secret--assistant. That is until the new surgical resident Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives. Dr. Gibson has no idea that Horace's bright and quiet young ward is a surgeon more qualified and ingenuitive than even himself. In order to protect Dr. Croft and his practice from scandal and collapse Nora must learn to play a new and uncomfortable role--that of a proper young lady.
But pretense has its limits. Nora cannot turn away and ignore the suffering of patients even if it means giving Gibson the power to ruin everything she's worked for. And when she makes a discovery that could change the field forever, Nora faces an impossible choice. Remain invisible and let the men around her take credit for her work, or let the world see her for what she is--even if it means being destroyed by her own legacy.
Raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr. Horace Croft after losing her parents to a deadly pandemic, the orphan Nora Beady knows little about conventional life. While other young ladies were raised to busy themselves with needlework and watercolors, Nora was trained to perfect her suturing and anatomical illustrations of dissections.
Women face dire consequences if caught practicing medicine, but in Croft's private clinic Nora is his most trusted--and secret--assistant. That is until the new surgical resident Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives. Dr. Gibson has no idea that Horace's bright and quiet young ward is a surgeon more qualified and ingenuitive than even himself. In order to protect Dr. Croft and his practice from scandal and collapse Nora must learn to play a new and uncomfortable role--that of a proper young lady.
But pretense has its limits. Nora cannot turn away and ignore the suffering of patients even if it means giving Gibson the power to ruin everything she's worked for. And when she makes a discovery that could change the field forever, Nora faces an impossible choice. Remain invisible and let the men around her take credit for her work, or let the world see her for what she is--even if it means being destroyed by her own legacy.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,246 reviews
January 8, 2022
What a great read this is. Being a retired woman physician, the blurb of this one really pulled me in. The setting is Great Britain during the 1840s. Our main characters include a renowned physician and experimenter, Dr. Horace Croft; his loyal housekeeper, Mrs. Phipps; and Eleanor (Nora) Beady, a young woman whose life was saved by Dr. Croft during the cholera pandemic when Nora was nine years old. Nora was named a ward of Dr. Croft’s to please Mrs. Phipps who had always wanted a child to care for. Nora took a keen interest in medicine and became an outstanding assistant to Dr. Croft both in his charity clinic and his research. She also read science and medical articles voraciously. The story also involves a young doctor, Daniel Gibson, whom Dr. Croft has taken on to mentor and how that affects the relationship between Nora and Dr. Croft and Nora’s wish to stay involved in medicine. An even larger problem loomed for Nora, however, in that it was illegal at that time in Britain for a woman to practice medicine at all.
Reading about how medicine was practiced at that time and what the politics surrounding medical care were like was eye-opening. Egos abounded, grudges were held, and “the patient comes first” was not a motto. And the utter disrespect and refusal to allow women to practice was shameful. The book captured my attention right off the bat, and I watched my inbox pass 800 unopened emails as I totally ignored it for a few days—in my opinion this reflects a great book. Watching with respect as Nora, a better clinician than most of the all-male doctors working in the hospitals, worked her way through some very difficult issues was enthralling. So too were some of the surgical scenes. It’s amazing what the surgeons did to save lives 175 years ago. I also thought the touch of romance was very well done and believable.
I found this to be a wonderful book to start off the new year. It is captivating, inspirational, and educational. It has motivated me to look into the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, the British physician who was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States (mid 1800’s). The Woman in His Shadow is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about the history of medicine and the plight of women who dared to want to participate. Finally, be sure to read the Authors’ Notes and a Conversation with the Authors at the end. Audrey Blake is actually two authors, Jaima Fixsen from Alberta, Canada, and Regina Sirois from Kansas.
A special shoutout to my Goodreads friend Jennifer TarHeelReader whose review made it an easy decision to prioritize this read.
Reading about how medicine was practiced at that time and what the politics surrounding medical care were like was eye-opening. Egos abounded, grudges were held, and “the patient comes first” was not a motto. And the utter disrespect and refusal to allow women to practice was shameful. The book captured my attention right off the bat, and I watched my inbox pass 800 unopened emails as I totally ignored it for a few days—in my opinion this reflects a great book. Watching with respect as Nora, a better clinician than most of the all-male doctors working in the hospitals, worked her way through some very difficult issues was enthralling. So too were some of the surgical scenes. It’s amazing what the surgeons did to save lives 175 years ago. I also thought the touch of romance was very well done and believable.
I found this to be a wonderful book to start off the new year. It is captivating, inspirational, and educational. It has motivated me to look into the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, the British physician who was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States (mid 1800’s). The Woman in His Shadow is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about the history of medicine and the plight of women who dared to want to participate. Finally, be sure to read the Authors’ Notes and a Conversation with the Authors at the end. Audrey Blake is actually two authors, Jaima Fixsen from Alberta, Canada, and Regina Sirois from Kansas.
A special shoutout to my Goodreads friend Jennifer TarHeelReader whose review made it an easy decision to prioritize this read.
May 5, 2021
Historical fiction fans, I have a timely, well-written, and immersive story for you. Nora lost her parents during the pandemic and is raised by Dr. Horace Croft, a quirky surgeon. She is not raised traditionally. Instead, she is taught the skills of a doctor.
At the time it is a crime for women to practice medicine; however, Nora easily becomes Dr. Croft’s best assistant until a new resident arrives and threatens her role. It forces Nora to let go of some of her responsibility in the practice. Nothing stops her, though, and when she makes a landmark medical discovery, she has big choices to make between two lives.
From the prologue, I knew I was going to love this book. The writing is silky smooth and the descriptions, including all the medical terms, are all so fascinating. This book inspired me and made me want to act. The Girl in His Shadow is an exceptional read I could gush about all day. I give it five stars. My interest never waned.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
At the time it is a crime for women to practice medicine; however, Nora easily becomes Dr. Croft’s best assistant until a new resident arrives and threatens her role. It forces Nora to let go of some of her responsibility in the practice. Nothing stops her, though, and when she makes a landmark medical discovery, she has big choices to make between two lives.
From the prologue, I knew I was going to love this book. The writing is silky smooth and the descriptions, including all the medical terms, are all so fascinating. This book inspired me and made me want to act. The Girl in His Shadow is an exceptional read I could gush about all day. I give it five stars. My interest never waned.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 8, 2023
Absolutely stunning. This is actually two authors who worked together from different countries but published under one name. One of the female authors is a Canadian (like me!), the other gal is in the USA.
There is a lot of gory detail for surgery, but it’s all medically described and felt so real (especially the description of the rotting corpse--smell and all!). I appreciated that they didn't downplay the risks of the surgeries being performed for the time (especially when using the ether) but also the huge benefit of patients not enduring the pain directly. They didn't go into a lot of detail on the mental well-being of someone who has a bullet removed from their leg while conscious (for example); but it was certainly implied at times that the surgery might be more than a patient can bear (without the ether). We still loose people to anesthesia at alarming rates in today's medical system; but reading this I'll take that risk every single time over the option of just enduring pain (which can lead to permanent nerve damage and chronic pain).
The continued trials and walls put in place of our female lead are so frustrating. At times I wanted to take the book and whack some dead guy for his stupid theory about women being "too sensitive" or "too soft" to handle blood and trauma. Clearly these surgeons haven't seen who tends to the men brought in from a battlefield. There is absolutely no proof to show that one gender has more resilience to handle blood and gore than the other. Albeit we don't see a lot of female serial killers (although a small part of me likes to think it's because the women are too clever to get caught); I do not believe that is because women are adverse to gore. We have babies for goodness sake! What else is messier than having a baby?! (note: I have never, and will never give birth or carry I child I am going by what other women have told me) At any rate, there are a thousand scenarios that we could come up with to prove why women are not inferior surgeons or doctors. And while it's good to remember how far we've come in just over 100 years; at the same time I challenge people to remember this exact same sentiment stands for race and cultural background. Just because someone's English is a bit broken doesn't mean they aren't the absolute best surgeon or doctor.
Carrying on, I really loved the romance story (which is surprising); it felt like a nice add-on to the core novel. Now this is high praise from me as I tend to hate romance plunked into the middle of novels like this or that draw the attention away from the historical context. I didn't feel in any way like it was forced or took my attention away. The romance is firmly rational and it makes perfect sense given the lifestyle and close quarters of our lead gal and her love interest. Additionally; if you don't leave your home much or socialize you're likely to fall for someone in your immediate vicinity. (note: I do not consider this a spoiler as it is very obvious from the moment we meet said love interest what his likely role will be).
Overall I would say this is an excellent historical read. If you have any interest in women's fight to enter the medical profession, the controversial use of ether, the scientific 'race' to discover first, or just want a good historical read in this time period. I truly don't think many people will be disappointed by this novel. It is easy to recommend out (even if a bit gory at times, that's a simple heads up for any reader) and while many bad things happen in it; is ultimately a feel good read (which may seem odd for me to say but once you read it you'll understand why). As I don't do "beach reads" or contemporary romance (or not very often) this to me is a perfect casual summer or vacation read (for those that usually are immersed in intense historical war, sci-fi/fantasy, or horror novels). For those like me, I think you'll know if you are or not, then consider this a lighter read. Either way, it's a good solid read for almost anyone.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
There is a lot of gory detail for surgery, but it’s all medically described and felt so real (especially the description of the rotting corpse--smell and all!). I appreciated that they didn't downplay the risks of the surgeries being performed for the time (especially when using the ether) but also the huge benefit of patients not enduring the pain directly. They didn't go into a lot of detail on the mental well-being of someone who has a bullet removed from their leg while conscious (for example); but it was certainly implied at times that the surgery might be more than a patient can bear (without the ether). We still loose people to anesthesia at alarming rates in today's medical system; but reading this I'll take that risk every single time over the option of just enduring pain (which can lead to permanent nerve damage and chronic pain).
The continued trials and walls put in place of our female lead are so frustrating. At times I wanted to take the book and whack some dead guy for his stupid theory about women being "too sensitive" or "too soft" to handle blood and trauma. Clearly these surgeons haven't seen who tends to the men brought in from a battlefield. There is absolutely no proof to show that one gender has more resilience to handle blood and gore than the other. Albeit we don't see a lot of female serial killers (although a small part of me likes to think it's because the women are too clever to get caught); I do not believe that is because women are adverse to gore. We have babies for goodness sake! What else is messier than having a baby?! (note: I have never, and will never give birth or carry I child I am going by what other women have told me) At any rate, there are a thousand scenarios that we could come up with to prove why women are not inferior surgeons or doctors. And while it's good to remember how far we've come in just over 100 years; at the same time I challenge people to remember this exact same sentiment stands for race and cultural background. Just because someone's English is a bit broken doesn't mean they aren't the absolute best surgeon or doctor.
Carrying on, I really loved the romance story (which is surprising); it felt like a nice add-on to the core novel. Now this is high praise from me as I tend to hate romance plunked into the middle of novels like this or that draw the attention away from the historical context. I didn't feel in any way like it was forced or took my attention away. The romance is firmly rational and it makes perfect sense given the lifestyle and close quarters of our lead gal and her love interest. Additionally; if you don't leave your home much or socialize you're likely to fall for someone in your immediate vicinity. (note: I do not consider this a spoiler as it is very obvious from the moment we meet said love interest what his likely role will be).
Overall I would say this is an excellent historical read. If you have any interest in women's fight to enter the medical profession, the controversial use of ether, the scientific 'race' to discover first, or just want a good historical read in this time period. I truly don't think many people will be disappointed by this novel. It is easy to recommend out (even if a bit gory at times, that's a simple heads up for any reader) and while many bad things happen in it; is ultimately a feel good read (which may seem odd for me to say but once you read it you'll understand why). As I don't do "beach reads" or contemporary romance (or not very often) this to me is a perfect casual summer or vacation read (for those that usually are immersed in intense historical war, sci-fi/fantasy, or horror novels). For those like me, I think you'll know if you are or not, then consider this a lighter read. Either way, it's a good solid read for almost anyone.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
February 20, 2023
Update- Feb 2023: my mind has thought of this book recently as I am currently reading The Nurse’s Secret by Amanda Skenandore. We, as nurses have certainly come a long way baby!!
I didn’t even have this book on my radar - it was “The big library read” so I borrowed it to check it out.
It’s just my kind of story. Historical fiction, set in late 19th century London. Nora is a child who is the only survivor of the Cholera epidemic in her family. The doctor that came to the house took her home and raised her. She learned how to be a researcher, physician and a surgeon from him during a time when it wasn’t legal for a woman to have a medical license.
I won’t tell the whole story because it’s worth the read but I will warn you that it ends abruptly and there is a 2nd book that I absolutely must read now.
I didn’t even have this book on my radar - it was “The big library read” so I borrowed it to check it out.
It’s just my kind of story. Historical fiction, set in late 19th century London. Nora is a child who is the only survivor of the Cholera epidemic in her family. The doctor that came to the house took her home and raised her. She learned how to be a researcher, physician and a surgeon from him during a time when it wasn’t legal for a woman to have a medical license.
I won’t tell the whole story because it’s worth the read but I will warn you that it ends abruptly and there is a 2nd book that I absolutely must read now.
June 25, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a perfectly decent woman-ahead-of-her-time historical fiction novel. Lately I’ve moved away from historical fiction, finding it less convincing than I used to, and I find this particular type of story rather cookie-cutter, but it made an interesting complement to recent nonfiction reading about science and medicine in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Apparently 2021 is the year for books about pioneering 19th century female physicians, with The Doctors Blackwell and Women in White Coats also published this year. It’s also fun that the celebrated surgeon who mentors the heroine is based in part on John Hunter, whose biography, The Knife Man, is absolutely worth a read.
As for the plot, in 1840s London, Nora is a young woman raised by an eccentric surgeon and his housekeeper, and by dint of making herself useful has wound up informally apprenticing in the profession herself. But her practice is illegal and socially taboo, and she is challenged by the arrival of two attractive young male surgeons and a situation that pushes her into performing a groundbreaking surgery, risking public exposure.
The authors are good storytellers, and I found this book entertaining and enjoyable, although it never breaks the mold. The characters are sympathetic, though I found Nora a rather generic young-woman-interested-in-science-but-also-love. The other point-of-view character, Daniel, I found perhaps more endearing because his experiences of awkwardness and embarrassment and being over his head are so relatable. The eccentric Dr. Croft is plain fun, and I particularly enjoyed the gleeful joy and fellowship with which the characters conduct their wildly irregular scientific investigations (in typical form for their day).
The authors do a startlingly good job, especially for recent fiction, of making the male characters men of their time without making them villains. The men in Nora’s immediate circle support her and believe in her talents, but they also have doubts about her proper role and kind of want her to stay home and iron their shirts, and that conflict is handled with nuance. But in other ways it’s a bit frustrating that this book doesn’t feel more informed by the representation-related criticisms of the last decade. Nora is an Exceptional Woman, explicitly stated several times to be Not Like Other Women, if only by the accident of having been raised very differently. All other women in the book are portrayed as stultifyingly conventional, and in fact the only other woman in Nora’s life at all is the stern-but-motherly housekeeper, who has a secondary role. I know some women in male-dominated fields really do feel this isolated from other women, and the fact that this type of experience has been way overrepresented in fiction doesn’t mean authors should stop writing it altogether. But it’s not representative of the actual 19th century female medical pioneers (or I would guess the authors, since two women wrote this book together!). And it might feel a bit more believable and nuanced if Nora noticed her isolation from other women, which she doesn’t particularly.
Otherwise, there’s a lot of detail about medicine and surgery in the 1840s, which I found interesting and engaging; the authors have clearly done their research, down to reading actual medical journals from the time. It’s an interesting time for surgery, with anesthesia being conceived of for the first time (most of the surgeries in the book, however, are performed without it). The story flows well and kept me wanting to know what happens next; it doesn’t go too far down the love-triangle route, though it teases the idea; and the end at least feels satisfying to a modern reader, not sweeping institutionalized sexism or Nora’s own professional aspirations under the rug of romance. The romance is still perhaps a larger part of the book than it needs to be, but it’s written well enough and that is how this type of book tends to go.
Overall then, a good choice for those who enjoy woman-ahead-of-her-time historical fiction, or would like to see a slice of 1840s medicine come to life. It didn’t rock my world, but I enjoyed my time with it.
This is a perfectly decent woman-ahead-of-her-time historical fiction novel. Lately I’ve moved away from historical fiction, finding it less convincing than I used to, and I find this particular type of story rather cookie-cutter, but it made an interesting complement to recent nonfiction reading about science and medicine in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Apparently 2021 is the year for books about pioneering 19th century female physicians, with The Doctors Blackwell and Women in White Coats also published this year. It’s also fun that the celebrated surgeon who mentors the heroine is based in part on John Hunter, whose biography, The Knife Man, is absolutely worth a read.
As for the plot, in 1840s London, Nora is a young woman raised by an eccentric surgeon and his housekeeper, and by dint of making herself useful has wound up informally apprenticing in the profession herself. But her practice is illegal and socially taboo, and she is challenged by the arrival of two attractive young male surgeons and a situation that pushes her into performing a groundbreaking surgery, risking public exposure.
The authors are good storytellers, and I found this book entertaining and enjoyable, although it never breaks the mold. The characters are sympathetic, though I found Nora a rather generic young-woman-interested-in-science-but-also-love. The other point-of-view character, Daniel, I found perhaps more endearing because his experiences of awkwardness and embarrassment and being over his head are so relatable. The eccentric Dr. Croft is plain fun, and I particularly enjoyed the gleeful joy and fellowship with which the characters conduct their wildly irregular scientific investigations (in typical form for their day).
The authors do a startlingly good job, especially for recent fiction, of making the male characters men of their time without making them villains. The men in Nora’s immediate circle support her and believe in her talents, but they also have doubts about her proper role and kind of want her to stay home and iron their shirts, and that conflict is handled with nuance. But in other ways it’s a bit frustrating that this book doesn’t feel more informed by the representation-related criticisms of the last decade. Nora is an Exceptional Woman, explicitly stated several times to be Not Like Other Women, if only by the accident of having been raised very differently. All other women in the book are portrayed as stultifyingly conventional, and in fact the only other woman in Nora’s life at all is the stern-but-motherly housekeeper, who has a secondary role. I know some women in male-dominated fields really do feel this isolated from other women, and the fact that this type of experience has been way overrepresented in fiction doesn’t mean authors should stop writing it altogether. But it’s not representative of the actual 19th century female medical pioneers (or I would guess the authors, since two women wrote this book together!). And it might feel a bit more believable and nuanced if Nora noticed her isolation from other women, which she doesn’t particularly.
Otherwise, there’s a lot of detail about medicine and surgery in the 1840s, which I found interesting and engaging; the authors have clearly done their research, down to reading actual medical journals from the time. It’s an interesting time for surgery, with anesthesia being conceived of for the first time (most of the surgeries in the book, however, are performed without it). The story flows well and kept me wanting to know what happens next; it doesn’t go too far down the love-triangle route, though it teases the idea; and the end at least feels satisfying to a modern reader, not sweeping institutionalized sexism or Nora’s own professional aspirations under the rug of romance. The romance is still perhaps a larger part of the book than it needs to be, but it’s written well enough and that is how this type of book tends to go.
Overall then, a good choice for those who enjoy woman-ahead-of-her-time historical fiction, or would like to see a slice of 1840s medicine come to life. It didn’t rock my world, but I enjoyed my time with it.
December 17, 2023
Eleanor Beady’s family died during a cholera outbreak in London, Dr. Horace Croft took her home and his housekeeper Mrs. Phipps cared for her. Despite the terrible odds, eight year old Nora survives and continues to live with Dr. Croft as his ward.
Dr. Croft studies cadavers to try and to get a better understanding of anatomy and how to preform successful surgery. Despite not being qualified Nora helps him with his work, she runs his clinic and draws anatomical pictures of the doctor’s discoveries. Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives to be an under surgeon to Dr. Croft and it makes Nora feel anxious about her position.
Dr. Gibson discovers how talented Nora is, she knows more about surgery and anatomy than he does and at a time when women couldn’t study medicine. When a patient arrives at the clinic in terrible pain, Nora and Dr. Gibson save the man’s life and by doing so it draws unwanted attention.
They have been experimenting with ether, at a time when surgery was performed while the patient was conscious and they died from pain, blood loss, shock and infection. Both Dr. Croft and Dr. Gibson have made enemies at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, when it’s discovered that Dr.Gibson and Nora used the controversial drug to operate on a patient and Nora is ostracized and the two doctors ethical practices are questioned.
I received a copy of The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. It’s a story about Nora Beady, despite her scientific knowledge and skill she couldn’t study to be a doctor in England and was shunned by everyone. If you enjoy historical fiction about medicine and a revolutionary woman and I highly recommend reading this book. Nora has no choice but to travel to Italy, to study medicine in Bologna and I look forward to the continuation of her story in The Surgeon’s Daughter and five stars from me.
Dr. Croft studies cadavers to try and to get a better understanding of anatomy and how to preform successful surgery. Despite not being qualified Nora helps him with his work, she runs his clinic and draws anatomical pictures of the doctor’s discoveries. Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives to be an under surgeon to Dr. Croft and it makes Nora feel anxious about her position.
Dr. Gibson discovers how talented Nora is, she knows more about surgery and anatomy than he does and at a time when women couldn’t study medicine. When a patient arrives at the clinic in terrible pain, Nora and Dr. Gibson save the man’s life and by doing so it draws unwanted attention.
They have been experimenting with ether, at a time when surgery was performed while the patient was conscious and they died from pain, blood loss, shock and infection. Both Dr. Croft and Dr. Gibson have made enemies at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, when it’s discovered that Dr.Gibson and Nora used the controversial drug to operate on a patient and Nora is ostracized and the two doctors ethical practices are questioned.
I received a copy of The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. It’s a story about Nora Beady, despite her scientific knowledge and skill she couldn’t study to be a doctor in England and was shunned by everyone. If you enjoy historical fiction about medicine and a revolutionary woman and I highly recommend reading this book. Nora has no choice but to travel to Italy, to study medicine in Bologna and I look forward to the continuation of her story in The Surgeon’s Daughter and five stars from me.
May 30, 2022
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake was a very compelling book. I listened to the audiobook that was well performed by Susan Lyons. This book preceded The Surgeon’s Daughter. Unbeknownst to myself at the time, I read the second book by Audrey Blake before the first so I backtracked and listened to The Girl in His Shadow. It was a very well written book and again the research that was conducted in writing The Girl in His Shadow was impeccable.
It began by describing the Cholera pandemic that besieged all of England during the early 1800’s. During that pandemic, Dr. Horace Croft, a brilliant yet eccentric doctor, was able to save a young girl from dying of Cholera when the other members of her family had already died from it. The young girl was Nora Beady. Nora became Dr. Croft’s ward, with a little convincing from his housekeeper, Mrs. Fitz. Dr. Croft afforded Nora with an education and so much more. Nora proved to have a brilliant mind and so by the time Nora was fourteen, Dr. Croft’s medical theater located in his expansive home, became like a second home to Nora. Dr. Croft began to teach, encourage and count on Nora for her help in the surgeries and experiments he conducted. His medical practice was devoted to a charity clinic but he also had many wealthy clients as well. When Nora had been assisting Dr. Croft for some time and had grown into a young woman Dr. Croft hired a young, new doctor to help him in his practice. Dr. Croft totally forgot to mention this to Nora. One day the new doctor just appeared. Dr. Daniel Gibson was surprised to encounter Nora in the medical theater on several different occasions. Women during that time period were prohibited from practicing medicine or performing surgeries. Nora was a very unconventional women for her time. She preferred to assist Dr. Croft with his surgeries and experiments with the use of ether than to conform to the norms expected of women in those days. Dr. Gibson slowly realized and accepted Nora’s talent. When a vindictive doctor at the hospital heard about a questionable surgery Dr. Daniel Gibson had performed, Daniel’s, Dr. Croft’s and Nora’s reputations and careers were placed in jeopardy. Nora needed to find sanctuary away from Daniel and Dr. Croft for the time being. She had been offered a spot in a medical school in Italy and she decided to accept it.
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake was a most captivating book. It explored women’s roles, their status and opportunities or lack of opportunities during the 1800’s in London, England. The initial trials with the use of ether were explored. The characters were engaging and well developed. Having already read the second book about these characters, I look forward to the third book about them. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Girl in His Shadow and recommend it very highly.
It began by describing the Cholera pandemic that besieged all of England during the early 1800’s. During that pandemic, Dr. Horace Croft, a brilliant yet eccentric doctor, was able to save a young girl from dying of Cholera when the other members of her family had already died from it. The young girl was Nora Beady. Nora became Dr. Croft’s ward, with a little convincing from his housekeeper, Mrs. Fitz. Dr. Croft afforded Nora with an education and so much more. Nora proved to have a brilliant mind and so by the time Nora was fourteen, Dr. Croft’s medical theater located in his expansive home, became like a second home to Nora. Dr. Croft began to teach, encourage and count on Nora for her help in the surgeries and experiments he conducted. His medical practice was devoted to a charity clinic but he also had many wealthy clients as well. When Nora had been assisting Dr. Croft for some time and had grown into a young woman Dr. Croft hired a young, new doctor to help him in his practice. Dr. Croft totally forgot to mention this to Nora. One day the new doctor just appeared. Dr. Daniel Gibson was surprised to encounter Nora in the medical theater on several different occasions. Women during that time period were prohibited from practicing medicine or performing surgeries. Nora was a very unconventional women for her time. She preferred to assist Dr. Croft with his surgeries and experiments with the use of ether than to conform to the norms expected of women in those days. Dr. Gibson slowly realized and accepted Nora’s talent. When a vindictive doctor at the hospital heard about a questionable surgery Dr. Daniel Gibson had performed, Daniel’s, Dr. Croft’s and Nora’s reputations and careers were placed in jeopardy. Nora needed to find sanctuary away from Daniel and Dr. Croft for the time being. She had been offered a spot in a medical school in Italy and she decided to accept it.
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake was a most captivating book. It explored women’s roles, their status and opportunities or lack of opportunities during the 1800’s in London, England. The initial trials with the use of ether were explored. The characters were engaging and well developed. Having already read the second book about these characters, I look forward to the third book about them. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Girl in His Shadow and recommend it very highly.
July 27, 2022
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake wonderful wonderful wonderful! A well written, well developed historical fiction novel about physicians in Great Britain in the 1840s. During an era that women were not allowed to attend to medicine unless they were nurses. Make egos and arrogance challenged women to pursue medicine which was most definitely a man’s world. Politics surrounding medicine kept the drama going in this book. The hint of Romance kept the reader turning the page for more.
I am looking forward to Book 2: More about Nora…
I am looking forward to Book 2: More about Nora…
August 2, 2022
[3.8] Because of the generic "girl" title and the overused cover of a faceless woman, I had low expectations for The Girl in His Shadow. I was pleasantly surprised by this historical fiction novel about a young woman practicing medicine (illegally) in mid-19th century London. The characters were well developed, the writing smooth and it was easy to read - perfect for me during a time when my concentration is spotty. It is billed as Nora Beady #1. Yes, I will read #2!
June 17, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Set in 19th century England, The Girl in His Shadow, written by authors Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen is about a young woman, Nora Beady, who is raised by a physician, Horace Croft and develops an interest in a life in medicine. When the young physician, Dr. Daniel Gibson, arrives to work with Dr. Croft, Nora feels that she has met her match in and out of the surgical room.
It felt strange to read this novel when I have already read and reviewed its sequel The Surgeon's Daughter and I know what happens to all the characters. I guess it makes me a fortune teller in a way as I saw their future and am revisiting the past. My favorite historical fiction are the ones which feature a woman who is branching out to try things beyond society's expectations. I found Nora to be both stubborn and authentic, driven by the desire to help others even if there are people around her reminding her where society dictates her place to be.
Although there is a touch of romance, it never overtakes the story and the medical portions of the novel never bog down the story. I really enjoy work of these two authors.
Goodreads review published 16/06/22
Set in 19th century England, The Girl in His Shadow, written by authors Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen is about a young woman, Nora Beady, who is raised by a physician, Horace Croft and develops an interest in a life in medicine. When the young physician, Dr. Daniel Gibson, arrives to work with Dr. Croft, Nora feels that she has met her match in and out of the surgical room.
It felt strange to read this novel when I have already read and reviewed its sequel The Surgeon's Daughter and I know what happens to all the characters. I guess it makes me a fortune teller in a way as I saw their future and am revisiting the past. My favorite historical fiction are the ones which feature a woman who is branching out to try things beyond society's expectations. I found Nora to be both stubborn and authentic, driven by the desire to help others even if there are people around her reminding her where society dictates her place to be.
Although there is a touch of romance, it never overtakes the story and the medical portions of the novel never bog down the story. I really enjoy work of these two authors.
Goodreads review published 16/06/22
March 30, 2022
It’s hard to imagine a time when women did not practice medicine. It’s difficult to picture a time when women did not even serve as nurses. Reading the historical fiction novel, The Girl in His Shadow: A Novel, was an eye-opener.
Nora Beady is the only surviving member of her family during a deadly cholera epidemic and has been raised by Mrs. Phipps, the housekeeper of the doctor who saved her. The doctor, Horace Croft, is an unconventional practitioner whose methods and theories are scoffed at and frowned upon by the traditional medical establishment. What would they say if they knew that his ward Nora, has been watching, studying, and practicing at his side all these years?
Nora is extremely intelligent, curious, and competent. Unfortunately, in 1840s England, it is illegal for women to treat patients in any manner, much less perform surgery. Medicine was a good old boys’ club. Acknowledging that women could possibly have the interest, much less the intelligence, skill, or intestinal fortitude to practice medicine is unheard of - scandalous even. A “lady” could be severely punished, and Dr. Croft as well. Therefore, Nora is known as Croft’s office helper, not his “assistant.”
When Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives on the scene to serve as a surgical resident, he is shocked to discover Nora’s secret. Will he spill the beans and ruin everything? Then there is Dr. Harry Trimble. He also is taken aback, but he seems to have a friendlier interest in Nora. There is a villain in all this who seems gleeful about embarrassing the residents whenever possible. There is no love lost between Dr. Vickery and Dr. Croft, as the former seeks to discredit Croft. Should he get wind of Nora’s involvement with his surgeries, that could spell the end for Croft’s clinic as well.
But what about Nora? Doesn’t she deserve a chance to be who she is and to do what she loves, what she knows and what she is so very good at? This is so well written. I was quite surprised to learn that Audrey Blake is not one person, but two. Jaima Fixsen of Alberta, Canada, and Regina Sirois of Kansas put their minds, hearts, and pens together to collaborate on this novel.
Women have come a long way in medicine since the mid-1800s. I was surprised to learn, however, that the first female in the Infectious Disease Department at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic didn’t crash the glass ceiling until the 1980s. She is intelligent, diligent, and kind, and she happens to be someone near and dear to me. Today, women overwhelmingly make up a majority of healthcare workers, but as of 2019, 22% of surgeons in the US were women, with a similar number, 20% of surgeons being female in the UK the previous year. However, in medicals schools in America today, some 54% of students admitted are women. We owe a lot to Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female British physician, as well as Florence Nightingale, the famous nurse.
The Girl in His Shadow is filled with information about medical practices of the 1800s, including some medical knowledge that is applicable today. It might be a dull story were it not for the personalities of the characters, and their interactions, including, but not limited to the romantic interests involving Miss Beady, as well as the conflicts between Daniel and his family, and among the assorted personalities at the surgical facility. This book has it all – fascinating information, tension, romance, even a few bits of humor. Best of all, the characters are people you can like and root for.
4 stars
Nora Beady is the only surviving member of her family during a deadly cholera epidemic and has been raised by Mrs. Phipps, the housekeeper of the doctor who saved her. The doctor, Horace Croft, is an unconventional practitioner whose methods and theories are scoffed at and frowned upon by the traditional medical establishment. What would they say if they knew that his ward Nora, has been watching, studying, and practicing at his side all these years?
Nora is extremely intelligent, curious, and competent. Unfortunately, in 1840s England, it is illegal for women to treat patients in any manner, much less perform surgery. Medicine was a good old boys’ club. Acknowledging that women could possibly have the interest, much less the intelligence, skill, or intestinal fortitude to practice medicine is unheard of - scandalous even. A “lady” could be severely punished, and Dr. Croft as well. Therefore, Nora is known as Croft’s office helper, not his “assistant.”
When Dr. Daniel Gibson arrives on the scene to serve as a surgical resident, he is shocked to discover Nora’s secret. Will he spill the beans and ruin everything? Then there is Dr. Harry Trimble. He also is taken aback, but he seems to have a friendlier interest in Nora. There is a villain in all this who seems gleeful about embarrassing the residents whenever possible. There is no love lost between Dr. Vickery and Dr. Croft, as the former seeks to discredit Croft. Should he get wind of Nora’s involvement with his surgeries, that could spell the end for Croft’s clinic as well.
But what about Nora? Doesn’t she deserve a chance to be who she is and to do what she loves, what she knows and what she is so very good at? This is so well written. I was quite surprised to learn that Audrey Blake is not one person, but two. Jaima Fixsen of Alberta, Canada, and Regina Sirois of Kansas put their minds, hearts, and pens together to collaborate on this novel.
Women have come a long way in medicine since the mid-1800s. I was surprised to learn, however, that the first female in the Infectious Disease Department at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic didn’t crash the glass ceiling until the 1980s. She is intelligent, diligent, and kind, and she happens to be someone near and dear to me. Today, women overwhelmingly make up a majority of healthcare workers, but as of 2019, 22% of surgeons in the US were women, with a similar number, 20% of surgeons being female in the UK the previous year. However, in medicals schools in America today, some 54% of students admitted are women. We owe a lot to Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female British physician, as well as Florence Nightingale, the famous nurse.
The Girl in His Shadow is filled with information about medical practices of the 1800s, including some medical knowledge that is applicable today. It might be a dull story were it not for the personalities of the characters, and their interactions, including, but not limited to the romantic interests involving Miss Beady, as well as the conflicts between Daniel and his family, and among the assorted personalities at the surgical facility. This book has it all – fascinating information, tension, romance, even a few bits of humor. Best of all, the characters are people you can like and root for.
4 stars
May 7, 2022
The (seemingly historically accurate) medical details in this book make me endlessly grateful to live when and where modern-day medicine is available. It contains the death of children, unmedicated surgeries, animal testing, and more — but fortunately nothing is super graphic.
However, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional to me. Readers are constantly told how ~unique~ and ~not like other women~ Nora is, and yet she still didn’t feel like a strong female character at all. She also falls for the most dull and annoying man on Earth, which made the (ginormous) romance aspect seem even more predictable and forced.
Clearly a lot of research went into this book, and the writing felt perfectly coherent despite being written by a duo. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series (I believe there’ll be a sequel?) but I wouldn’t be against reading a different book by these authors.
However, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional to me. Readers are constantly told how ~unique~ and ~not like other women~ Nora is, and yet she still didn’t feel like a strong female character at all. She also falls for the most dull and annoying man on Earth, which made the (ginormous) romance aspect seem even more predictable and forced.
Clearly a lot of research went into this book, and the writing felt perfectly coherent despite being written by a duo. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series (I believe there’ll be a sequel?) but I wouldn’t be against reading a different book by these authors.
January 2, 2023
I started and stopped the book a few times and then I really just became captivated by Nora. The book describes a fictional woman ahead of her time involved in medical discoveries and surgery. The frustrations and fears that women are not allowed to practice medicine is a major theme throughout the book. The descriptions can be a bit graphic but not overly so. There is a minor romance but is very secondary. I think my main quibble with the book is that I am not left with a satisfactory end or resolution. I understand why and book 2 is already published. I rate the book a 3.75*
July 25, 2022
I picked this up because it was the Big Library Read selection. I'm so glad I did. What a charming story. I couldn't put it down. I was riveted. My go to genres are usually mystery/thriller/suspense and Sci-fi. I sometimes forget how much I enjoy a good historical fiction story, and I enjoyed this one very much. If you're a fan of historical fiction, I recommend picking this book up. It's worth reading.
December 4, 2022
This book was so good. I love reading historic fiction and how things were so different from now a days. How women were seen as incompetent and not good enough.
May 6, 2021
As soon as I read the synopsis I knew I was going to love this book. It immediately pulled me in.
Set in London in the 1840's. Nora Beady, a young girl who has lost her family to Cholera, is rescued and taken in by Dr. Horace Croft. Being raised in the home of a surgeon, Nora's interests are very much related to the world of medicine. As Nora grows and her interests remain the same, she is taught to be a medical assistant to Dr. Croft during surgeries and research experiments. Unfortunately, during this time in history a woman practicing medicine was unheard of and the consequences if caught were extreme.
When Dr. Daniel Gibson, a new surgical resident arrives, Nora is forced to hide her talents or risk being caught. But with suffering patients, that's easier said than done...
I truly adore Historical Fiction, and the fact this book was set in the 1800s was such a win. I really enjoy reading about that time period. The Girl in His Shadow is such a fascinating read. Very well written and captivating. I enjoyed the storyline so much and the main characters. Nora is such a strong female character and had to overcome so much. I really admired her.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my gifted copy!
Set in London in the 1840's. Nora Beady, a young girl who has lost her family to Cholera, is rescued and taken in by Dr. Horace Croft. Being raised in the home of a surgeon, Nora's interests are very much related to the world of medicine. As Nora grows and her interests remain the same, she is taught to be a medical assistant to Dr. Croft during surgeries and research experiments. Unfortunately, during this time in history a woman practicing medicine was unheard of and the consequences if caught were extreme.
When Dr. Daniel Gibson, a new surgical resident arrives, Nora is forced to hide her talents or risk being caught. But with suffering patients, that's easier said than done...
I truly adore Historical Fiction, and the fact this book was set in the 1800s was such a win. I really enjoy reading about that time period. The Girl in His Shadow is such a fascinating read. Very well written and captivating. I enjoyed the storyline so much and the main characters. Nora is such a strong female character and had to overcome so much. I really admired her.
Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my gifted copy!
September 25, 2021
This book started out really good, I couldn't put it down. Unfortunately, (for me anyway) it stated to fizzle out about a quarter of the way into it and reading it became a chore towards the halfway mark. It's not often that I don't finish a book, but this novel became painfully drawn out and unbelievable. According to my Kindle I made it to the 82% mark, and I just don't give a hoot about how it's going end
September 15, 2025
Delightfully immersive historical fiction novel, exploring the struggles of women in a male-dominated field (medicine in the case of this novel), set in Great Britian in Victorian-era culture.
Nora Beady becomes an orphan during a deadly pandemic (cholera) and is raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr Horace Croft. She becomes the most trusted (yet secret) assistant, as there are dire consequences if women are caught practicing medicine. When she makes a discovery that could change medicine forever, she is forced to make a choice -remain invisible and let the males take credit for her work, or let the world see her contribution and be destroyed by her own legacy.
Such well-researched, finely layered storytelling. This book has motivated me to seek out more novels by Audrey Blake.
4.5 Stars (rounded up)
Nora Beady becomes an orphan during a deadly pandemic (cholera) and is raised by the eccentric surgeon Dr Horace Croft. She becomes the most trusted (yet secret) assistant, as there are dire consequences if women are caught practicing medicine. When she makes a discovery that could change medicine forever, she is forced to make a choice -remain invisible and let the males take credit for her work, or let the world see her contribution and be destroyed by her own legacy.
Such well-researched, finely layered storytelling. This book has motivated me to seek out more novels by Audrey Blake.
4.5 Stars (rounded up)
May 2, 2021
Multilayered, alluring, and incredibly absorbing!
The Girl in His Shadow is a fascinating, immersive tale set in London in the mid-1840s at a time when women were still forbidden to practice medicine, reproduction and childbirth still had high mortality rates, studying the dead was an underground, backdoor activity, and contemplating open surgery on the stomach was not only frowned upon but considered a death wish.
There are three main memorable characters in this novel. Dr Horace Croft, a renowned, unconventional surgeon whose reputation precedes him, Dr Daniel Gibson, a newly trained assistant with a desire to learn and discover, and Miss. Nora Beady, a young woman who, after spending her formative years under the care of the eccentric doctor and his housekeeper, is secretly a skilled and talented illustrator and surgeon in her own right.
The prose is eloquent and rich. The characters are intelligent, strong, and independent. And the plot is an engrossing, suspenseful tale of life, loss, duty, friendship, family, romance, determination, courage, and the evolution and procedures of early medicine.
The Girl in His Shadow is an atmospheric, evocative, beautifully written novel by the writing duo known as Audrey Blake that grabs you from the very first page and does a remarkable job of blending historical facts with compelling fiction that’s both informative and wonderfully captivating.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl in His Shadow is a fascinating, immersive tale set in London in the mid-1840s at a time when women were still forbidden to practice medicine, reproduction and childbirth still had high mortality rates, studying the dead was an underground, backdoor activity, and contemplating open surgery on the stomach was not only frowned upon but considered a death wish.
There are three main memorable characters in this novel. Dr Horace Croft, a renowned, unconventional surgeon whose reputation precedes him, Dr Daniel Gibson, a newly trained assistant with a desire to learn and discover, and Miss. Nora Beady, a young woman who, after spending her formative years under the care of the eccentric doctor and his housekeeper, is secretly a skilled and talented illustrator and surgeon in her own right.
The prose is eloquent and rich. The characters are intelligent, strong, and independent. And the plot is an engrossing, suspenseful tale of life, loss, duty, friendship, family, romance, determination, courage, and the evolution and procedures of early medicine.
The Girl in His Shadow is an atmospheric, evocative, beautifully written novel by the writing duo known as Audrey Blake that grabs you from the very first page and does a remarkable job of blending historical facts with compelling fiction that’s both informative and wonderfully captivating.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2022
The Big Library Read. . .
This was a very worthy read. It revealed the very slow process, progress and backward steps of the rights of women to equal employment, education and economic participation. I nearly didn't read the book because of the romance tag, but am so glad I shut that snootery down in favor of reading.
The writing was accessible for someone like me that doesn't have a deep knowledge of medical terms and processes, and was fair-handed in giving credit to the men in Nora's life that helped her along - as there must have been in our past. Open-minded men who realized that the capabilities of the female human are as significant as those of male humans. It is uncomfortable to consider how recently it was that learning, rights and the liberty to pursue a career with the same expectation as males was denied our grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. This book draws a very compelling picture of the value women continued to contribute, even if all credit was sucked up by the acceptable participants of the medical profession. It is true that this is not confined to the medical professions - all professions. . .except a few barred the females. Their bravery in tearing down the barriers, suffering the consequences and humiliations, sacrificing huge strips of their lives and resources should never be forgotten.
So glad this book pulled this story out, for our consideration and remembrance. A very worthy read.
This was a very worthy read. It revealed the very slow process, progress and backward steps of the rights of women to equal employment, education and economic participation. I nearly didn't read the book because of the romance tag, but am so glad I shut that snootery down in favor of reading.
The writing was accessible for someone like me that doesn't have a deep knowledge of medical terms and processes, and was fair-handed in giving credit to the men in Nora's life that helped her along - as there must have been in our past. Open-minded men who realized that the capabilities of the female human are as significant as those of male humans. It is uncomfortable to consider how recently it was that learning, rights and the liberty to pursue a career with the same expectation as males was denied our grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. This book draws a very compelling picture of the value women continued to contribute, even if all credit was sucked up by the acceptable participants of the medical profession. It is true that this is not confined to the medical professions - all professions. . .except a few barred the females. Their bravery in tearing down the barriers, suffering the consequences and humiliations, sacrificing huge strips of their lives and resources should never be forgotten.
So glad this book pulled this story out, for our consideration and remembrance. A very worthy read.
December 21, 2025
4.25. Just my kind of historical fiction. A woman who could be tried for witchcraft if she is found performing any medical surgeries. Instead she is hidden performing medical procedures under the guidance of a renowned surgeon who has raised her. Such an interesting book at a time in history when women weren’t allowed to learn but instead were to be seen and not heard. Excellent. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
July 30, 2022
“The “Big Library Read” connects readers around the world with the same book at the same time.”
Not sure how often this happens but this notice jumped out at me when I went to my local library app and there it was. This was the current worldly read.
So the rest of the world and I, or at least those who chose to join in, were reading “The Girl in His Shadow” by Audrey Blake, which is really the pseudonym for Jaime Fixsen of Alberta, Canada and Regina Sirois of Kansas, USA, who met in a writing contest. And this is some exciting collaboration! These authors did some extensive research to make this historical fiction ring true. From the politics of the day, to the medical procedures of the time, to the cutting edge scientific experiments of the period, these authors pulled it all together to make for a riveting storyline.
This page turner provides detailed medical explanation to support the brilliant lead characters’ activities mixed together with personal relationships and charm to engage the reader’s interest. Descriptions of places, food, surgery, fellow students and professors brought the book to life in the 1840’s in England.
“Nora” Beady is stricken with cholera and orphaned at age eight when the local doctor, Horace Croft, takes her in to cure her and then just keeps her, saving her from the grips of a girls orphanage or a disingenuous foster family. Nora quickly soaks up medical knowledge not only from the doctor’s medical library but from assisting at the clinic run out of the house as well as the experiments conducted on corpses in the basement after hours. As licensing as a medical doctor is prohibited for women at this time, Nora must remain in the background of the doctor’s work.
Croft also works at the teaching hospital in town, where he often speaks of these experiments and experiences, revealing new and cutting edge methods and observations, making him a notable figure to be followed.
The author does a wonderful job of developing both the plot and the characters while holding the reader’s interest. It becomes somewhat of a mystery enticing page turner to learn what will become of Nora. Once the aging Croft takes on a young new doctor in his practice, the interactions between the three egos takes over.
This well written and pleasingly developed story is a very worthwhile read. The historical perspective really enhances the “reality” of this fictional piece. The ending leaves the story open for additional books to follow, and I look forward to reading the next one.
Not sure how often this happens but this notice jumped out at me when I went to my local library app and there it was. This was the current worldly read.
So the rest of the world and I, or at least those who chose to join in, were reading “The Girl in His Shadow” by Audrey Blake, which is really the pseudonym for Jaime Fixsen of Alberta, Canada and Regina Sirois of Kansas, USA, who met in a writing contest. And this is some exciting collaboration! These authors did some extensive research to make this historical fiction ring true. From the politics of the day, to the medical procedures of the time, to the cutting edge scientific experiments of the period, these authors pulled it all together to make for a riveting storyline.
This page turner provides detailed medical explanation to support the brilliant lead characters’ activities mixed together with personal relationships and charm to engage the reader’s interest. Descriptions of places, food, surgery, fellow students and professors brought the book to life in the 1840’s in England.
“Nora” Beady is stricken with cholera and orphaned at age eight when the local doctor, Horace Croft, takes her in to cure her and then just keeps her, saving her from the grips of a girls orphanage or a disingenuous foster family. Nora quickly soaks up medical knowledge not only from the doctor’s medical library but from assisting at the clinic run out of the house as well as the experiments conducted on corpses in the basement after hours. As licensing as a medical doctor is prohibited for women at this time, Nora must remain in the background of the doctor’s work.
Croft also works at the teaching hospital in town, where he often speaks of these experiments and experiences, revealing new and cutting edge methods and observations, making him a notable figure to be followed.
The author does a wonderful job of developing both the plot and the characters while holding the reader’s interest. It becomes somewhat of a mystery enticing page turner to learn what will become of Nora. Once the aging Croft takes on a young new doctor in his practice, the interactions between the three egos takes over.
This well written and pleasingly developed story is a very worthwhile read. The historical perspective really enhances the “reality” of this fictional piece. The ending leaves the story open for additional books to follow, and I look forward to reading the next one.
July 20, 2021
Nora Beady is raised by an absentminded but brilliant doctor after she is orphaned in a cholera epidemic. In a time when women are not permitted to do much more than nurse, Nora spends her days helping patients in the clinic, and spends her nights opening and working on cadavers.
It would seem that Nora would be a forward thinking, passionate, confident woman who takes life by the horns wouldn't it? Except she's not. Nora's character throughout the book is SO placid and cliche that her "passion for medicine" is rendered completely null. Rarely does she show any true personality and either comes off as the stereotypical emotional and hysterical woman or as completely submissive and dull. So dull.
Ultimately, I think this happens because there isn’t enough opposition placed against her. She’s surrounded by people who ENCOURAGE her work in medicine. There’s no internal or immediate struggle other than convention—which—again—if she was a strong character wouldn’t care much about.
Additionally, the dialogue is buried in heaps of "tell not show” description. We get to hear Nora’s thoughts and frustration but are denied the opportunity for Nora to show what she's worth in the every day moments. Life happens TO her, and though she's irritated at living in a man's world, she DOESN'T DO MUCH ABOUT IT.
The novel on a whole is extremely putdownable and filled with "misses":
-Character development is non-existent. Nora has no peculiarities or flaws that endear her and win you to her side.
-The risk at the climax of the novel falls flat without much buildup, tension or drama—again not enough opposition.
-The plot is predictable and bogged down with words words words. I had to resort to skipping around most of the time
-The romance is superficial and cliche. Nora falls for dull and fickle men with groan-worthy lines.
-The ending DRAGS. The last several chapters are spent arguing a single choice about Nora's future, that—AGAIN— if Nora was a strong heroine and protagonist, would have been resolved in a chapter or less.
In the end, we're left with a character who hasn't changed much at all since we first saw her at the beginning. Come on Nora! Shock us!
The whole book seemed like an in-between. I wish the story would have explored Nora's childhood in Dr. Croft's home as she discovered her love of medicine. There were a few references to her stint at a finishing school that would have been fun--maybe she was practicing sutures instead of embroidery? Or stealing the cook's pig to work on anatomy. I don't know. So much fun and humor could have been explored there giving Nora a PERSONALITY.
**SPOILER AHEAD**
Or, the story could have picked immediately after the end and followed Nora as she enters Italy as a medical student in a male dominated field. (It seems there may be a second book in the works but not sure). Think of the adventures she could have in Italy! Either choice in my opinion, would have been FAR more interesting and given her space to flesh out her character.
The good: It was a clean read and an interesting topic in theory.
It would seem that Nora would be a forward thinking, passionate, confident woman who takes life by the horns wouldn't it? Except she's not. Nora's character throughout the book is SO placid and cliche that her "passion for medicine" is rendered completely null. Rarely does she show any true personality and either comes off as the stereotypical emotional and hysterical woman or as completely submissive and dull. So dull.
Ultimately, I think this happens because there isn’t enough opposition placed against her. She’s surrounded by people who ENCOURAGE her work in medicine. There’s no internal or immediate struggle other than convention—which—again—if she was a strong character wouldn’t care much about.
Additionally, the dialogue is buried in heaps of "tell not show” description. We get to hear Nora’s thoughts and frustration but are denied the opportunity for Nora to show what she's worth in the every day moments. Life happens TO her, and though she's irritated at living in a man's world, she DOESN'T DO MUCH ABOUT IT.
The novel on a whole is extremely putdownable and filled with "misses":
-Character development is non-existent. Nora has no peculiarities or flaws that endear her and win you to her side.
-The risk at the climax of the novel falls flat without much buildup, tension or drama—again not enough opposition.
-The plot is predictable and bogged down with words words words. I had to resort to skipping around most of the time
-The romance is superficial and cliche. Nora falls for dull and fickle men with groan-worthy lines.
-The ending DRAGS. The last several chapters are spent arguing a single choice about Nora's future, that—AGAIN— if Nora was a strong heroine and protagonist, would have been resolved in a chapter or less.
In the end, we're left with a character who hasn't changed much at all since we first saw her at the beginning. Come on Nora! Shock us!
The whole book seemed like an in-between. I wish the story would have explored Nora's childhood in Dr. Croft's home as she discovered her love of medicine. There were a few references to her stint at a finishing school that would have been fun--maybe she was practicing sutures instead of embroidery? Or stealing the cook's pig to work on anatomy. I don't know. So much fun and humor could have been explored there giving Nora a PERSONALITY.
**SPOILER AHEAD**
Or, the story could have picked immediately after the end and followed Nora as she enters Italy as a medical student in a male dominated field. (It seems there may be a second book in the works but not sure). Think of the adventures she could have in Italy! Either choice in my opinion, would have been FAR more interesting and given her space to flesh out her character.
The good: It was a clean read and an interesting topic in theory.
May 10, 2022
London England 1832 & 1845. This was a whip-smart and
well-researched historical fiction book. 4 stars.
Surgeon Dr. Croft had a morning charity clinic, taught
at St. Bart's Hospital, did surgeries & served wealthy
patients too. He did experiments & autopsies on stolen
bodies which he bought. In 1832 a family of patients
died of cholera, & Croft brought the only survivor, 8 YO
Nora home w/ him. Over the years he taught Nora to
be his clinic mgr, to do sutures & more, as if she were
a trained physician & surgeon, which she was. She did
not have a diploma or a license, as women were
prohibited from training for this career. Her valuable
contribution to Dr. C's practice was illegal activity.
And men got the credit for her hard work.
Young surgeon Dr. Daniel Gibson wanted further
training & Dr. C agreed to mentor him and house him.
Dr. C wanted to advance medical procedures ie use
ether on the patient before surgery. Dr. C's Achilles'
heal was St. Bart's Chief of Surgery who preferred old
methods. They clashed.
The best aspect of the book was how Nora made her
medical deductions and how she outsmarted 'learned
men' at times on the correct diagnosis and remedy.
Could she train somewhere and be able to practice
medicine? That haunted her. Nora was attracted to
2 men. I look forward to the next book, if one is planned.
well-researched historical fiction book. 4 stars.
Surgeon Dr. Croft had a morning charity clinic, taught
at St. Bart's Hospital, did surgeries & served wealthy
patients too. He did experiments & autopsies on stolen
bodies which he bought. In 1832 a family of patients
died of cholera, & Croft brought the only survivor, 8 YO
Nora home w/ him. Over the years he taught Nora to
be his clinic mgr, to do sutures & more, as if she were
a trained physician & surgeon, which she was. She did
not have a diploma or a license, as women were
prohibited from training for this career. Her valuable
contribution to Dr. C's practice was illegal activity.
And men got the credit for her hard work.
Young surgeon Dr. Daniel Gibson wanted further
training & Dr. C agreed to mentor him and house him.
Dr. C wanted to advance medical procedures ie use
ether on the patient before surgery. Dr. C's Achilles'
heal was St. Bart's Chief of Surgery who preferred old
methods. They clashed.
The best aspect of the book was how Nora made her
medical deductions and how she outsmarted 'learned
men' at times on the correct diagnosis and remedy.
Could she train somewhere and be able to practice
medicine? That haunted her. Nora was attracted to
2 men. I look forward to the next book, if one is planned.
July 20, 2022
Jus okay. From prejudice against women to medical procedures, this books never took off for me.
August 26, 2021
A great historical fiction novel this was. I enjoyed this one immediately and flew through the pages. Very well written, engrossing story.
Taking place in London, in the 1840's. Nora's parents die during the Cholera pandemic. She is taken in and raised by Dr. Horace Croft. He teaches her much about medicine, and she becomes his most prized assistant, even though it is illegal for women to practice medicine in these times. Dr. Croft brings on a new resident Dr., Daniel Gibson, which forces Nora to take a step back. When a situation arises, and Nora needs to perform a surgery, she risks being exposed.
I found the medical info about that time really interesting and can definitely tell alot of research went into this book. I was intrigued by the characters and thought they were well developed. This is a treat for historical fiction fans!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own!
Taking place in London, in the 1840's. Nora's parents die during the Cholera pandemic. She is taken in and raised by Dr. Horace Croft. He teaches her much about medicine, and she becomes his most prized assistant, even though it is illegal for women to practice medicine in these times. Dr. Croft brings on a new resident Dr., Daniel Gibson, which forces Nora to take a step back. When a situation arises, and Nora needs to perform a surgery, she risks being exposed.
I found the medical info about that time really interesting and can definitely tell alot of research went into this book. I was intrigued by the characters and thought they were well developed. This is a treat for historical fiction fans!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own!
December 11, 2023
fuck male doctors from the 1800s all my homies hate male doctors from the 1800s.
November 26, 2020
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake (Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois Cover) is an amazing and wonderful historical fiction that brings the reader into the 1840s London, England medical landscape. This novel is truly breathtaking. It has it all: fiction, historic fact, suspense, amazing and intricate plot, stunning descriptions and research, complex and well-written characters, and a little romance splashed in for good measure.
I loved Nora (Eleanor) Beady. Her intelligence, fire, drive, unconventional personality (for that time specifically), strong moral compass, and compassion truly placed me in her corner. How she was able to thrive under the care of Dr. Horace Croft and Mrs. Phipps after such a tragic childhood into a vital part of their family and practice, all the while evolving and learning under the wings of a gifted surgeon when society said it should not be done by a woman, just tells of her fortitude and gumption. This book not only gives the reader an inside look at how the medical community existed during Victorian times, but also how this “man’s” world was yet another area where women were marginalized and prohibited from equal (or really any) participation. I loved the addition of Dr. Daniel Gibson. He fit into the narrative, unconventional family and practice, and into the world of Nora perfectly. Their chemistry was evident.
As a female Practitioner, I loved delving into the procedures and experiments as if I was first-assist. The research that was done to create such true to life procedures, medical treatments, experiments, and evolution was spot on. I loved the pace, plot, every one of the characters, and I LOVED the ending. I really think that there could easily be a followup book. I desperately want to see the next chapter in all of their lives.
I also loved the Author’s note to give context on fact, historical details, inspirations, and what was tweaked to make the narrative as stunning as it was.
Just perfect in every way! This is what novel of historical fiction should look like!
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/4/21.
I loved Nora (Eleanor) Beady. Her intelligence, fire, drive, unconventional personality (for that time specifically), strong moral compass, and compassion truly placed me in her corner. How she was able to thrive under the care of Dr. Horace Croft and Mrs. Phipps after such a tragic childhood into a vital part of their family and practice, all the while evolving and learning under the wings of a gifted surgeon when society said it should not be done by a woman, just tells of her fortitude and gumption. This book not only gives the reader an inside look at how the medical community existed during Victorian times, but also how this “man’s” world was yet another area where women were marginalized and prohibited from equal (or really any) participation. I loved the addition of Dr. Daniel Gibson. He fit into the narrative, unconventional family and practice, and into the world of Nora perfectly. Their chemistry was evident.
As a female Practitioner, I loved delving into the procedures and experiments as if I was first-assist. The research that was done to create such true to life procedures, medical treatments, experiments, and evolution was spot on. I loved the pace, plot, every one of the characters, and I LOVED the ending. I really think that there could easily be a followup book. I desperately want to see the next chapter in all of their lives.
I also loved the Author’s note to give context on fact, historical details, inspirations, and what was tweaked to make the narrative as stunning as it was.
Just perfect in every way! This is what novel of historical fiction should look like!
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/4/21.
February 8, 2022
3-1/2*
London, England 1800's
8-year old Nora, having lost her entire family in the cholera outbreak, is taken in by the esteemed and eccentric Dr. Horace Croft. Initially he wants to be able to ‘study’ her and determine how/why she was able to survive cholera, but as the years go by Nora becomes more than just his charge.
Thirteen years later (1845) she has become his valued ‘assistant’ showing an aptitude for research and the doctor’s medical practice, including surgery.
Since women are not allowed to practice medicine Nora’s assistance and involvement in Dr. Croft’s surgery must be kept strictly secret. Until Dr. Croft engages Dr. Daniel Gibson to join his surgery.
While Nora and Dr. Gibson did not start out on the best of terms he had to come to accept her knowledge and skill. Woman or not Nora was an asset to Dr. Croft and later to Daniel.
Eventually circumstances conspire that places Nora in an untenable position where she must reveal her true place in Dr. Croft’s surgery. This, of course, outrages the medical community and forces Nora to be ridiculed and shunned by all.
Even as Nora and Daniel have grown close it is painfully clear that Nora must be sent away to avoid the public disgrace of a woman claiming to be knowledgeable in the medical sciences.
Some of the medical experiments and treatments may appear gory but it is 1845 England when medical knowledge had a very long way to go.
London, England 1800's
8-year old Nora, having lost her entire family in the cholera outbreak, is taken in by the esteemed and eccentric Dr. Horace Croft. Initially he wants to be able to ‘study’ her and determine how/why she was able to survive cholera, but as the years go by Nora becomes more than just his charge.
Thirteen years later (1845) she has become his valued ‘assistant’ showing an aptitude for research and the doctor’s medical practice, including surgery.
Since women are not allowed to practice medicine Nora’s assistance and involvement in Dr. Croft’s surgery must be kept strictly secret. Until Dr. Croft engages Dr. Daniel Gibson to join his surgery.
While Nora and Dr. Gibson did not start out on the best of terms he had to come to accept her knowledge and skill. Woman or not Nora was an asset to Dr. Croft and later to Daniel.
Eventually circumstances conspire that places Nora in an untenable position where she must reveal her true place in Dr. Croft’s surgery. This, of course, outrages the medical community and forces Nora to be ridiculed and shunned by all.
Even as Nora and Daniel have grown close it is painfully clear that Nora must be sent away to avoid the public disgrace of a woman claiming to be knowledgeable in the medical sciences.
Some of the medical experiments and treatments may appear gory but it is 1845 England when medical knowledge had a very long way to go.
March 11, 2024
1832-ieji. Londone "prasinešusi" choleros epidemija nusinešė be galo daug gyvybių. Tarp jų ir Eleonoros Bidi šeimos. Dar visai mergaitę iš šios ligos gniaužtų išgelbėjo daktaras Horacijus Kroftas. Gyvendama jo namuose mergaitė susipažino su žaizdų siuvimu bei kitomis subtilybėmis. Tačiau tuo laikotarpiu, moterims buvo griežtai draudžiama užsiimti medicina. Vieną dieną netikėtai į jų namų duris pasibeldė naujasis chirurgo padėjėjas Danielius Gibsonas. Norai belieka du pasirinkimai.. Likti ir toliau nematomai bei leisti už savo darbą nuopelnus prisiimti vyrams, arba žengti į dienos šviesą ir prisistatyti medikams, kurie tikėtina, jog nebus sužavėti jos pasirodymu visuomenėje.
Audrey Blake - slapyvardžiu prisidengusios dvi rašytojos, kurioms su šia užduočia pavyko susidoroti tikrai puikiai. Istorija iš tiesų labai pagauli bei tikroviška. O knygos personažai labai "gyvi". Puikiai aprašytas tuometinis gyvenimas bei darbo sąlygos. Tiesa, šioje istorijoje įsipynė ir meilės linija, kuri čia tikrai puikiai derėjo. O pačios šios istorijos atomazga labai labai netikėta bei įdomi. Mačiau, jog leidykla ketina išleisti šios istorijos tęsinį, kuris vadinsis "Chirurgo duktė".
Labiausiai šioje knygoje mane sužavėjo Nora. Be galo drąsi, besilaikanti savo įsitikinimų jauna moteris. Tikrai puikus romanas. Nekantriai lauksiu tęsinio.
Audrey Blake - slapyvardžiu prisidengusios dvi rašytojos, kurioms su šia užduočia pavyko susidoroti tikrai puikiai. Istorija iš tiesų labai pagauli bei tikroviška. O knygos personažai labai "gyvi". Puikiai aprašytas tuometinis gyvenimas bei darbo sąlygos. Tiesa, šioje istorijoje įsipynė ir meilės linija, kuri čia tikrai puikiai derėjo. O pačios šios istorijos atomazga labai labai netikėta bei įdomi. Mačiau, jog leidykla ketina išleisti šios istorijos tęsinį, kuris vadinsis "Chirurgo duktė".
Labiausiai šioje knygoje mane sužavėjo Nora. Be galo drąsi, besilaikanti savo įsitikinimų jauna moteris. Tikrai puikus romanas. Nekantriai lauksiu tęsinio.
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