What a joy to read the third in the series, All in her Hands, It did not disappoint in the depiction of Nora as a trailblazing, female physician beginning in 1849. I love the attention to detail in the medical field at the time, and the persistence in pushing for more equity. I could hardly put this one down and hope there will be a fourth to continue Nora’s story. #AllInHerHands #NetGalley #Bookstagram @AudreyBlake

This novel is a compelling blend of personal struggle and an intense public health crisis, as Nora battles both the rampant sexism of the medical field and a deadly cholera epidemic. The writing is superb, offering a vivid and atmospheric portrayal of Victorian London, and the characters are so richly drawn they feel like old friends. Nora's determination and fight to legitimize midwives and save lives against all odds is truly inspiring. The pacing is perfect, building tension and delivering a deeply emotional and satisfying conclusion that lingers long after the final page. I couldn't put it down and highly recommend this brilliant, heartfelt read!

Historical fiction and medicine? I’m in! All In Her Hands by Audrey Blake drops us into a mid-19th-century cholera outbreak in London, following Nora, an Italian-trained physician and surgeon trying to balance the expectations of her era, her marriage, and a rapidly spreading epidemic.

The state of medicine at the time is done well but I have to say - Blake really shines with her character work. Everyone feels fully realized. Nora, especially, stands out with her unending determination to practice and teach medicine, even when it means ruffling more than a few feathers. The main antagonist (besides cholera itself), Dr. Adams, is a wonderfully infuriating misogynist surgeon who opposes both Nora and midwifery at every turn. As the outbreak hits London, Nora’s entire circle - Horace, Daniel, Harry, and Julia - throws themselves into caring for patients regardless of ability to pay, and each of them has enough depth that their motivations feel clear and convincing. That’s not always a given in a story with a strong central protagonist, so it’s a welcome strength here.

I was surprised to learn in the Author’s Note that this is actually the third book in a series. It reads perfectly well as a standalone though as Blake weaves in enough background to keep everything coherent without ever info-dumping.

Thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for early digital access. All thoughts and opinions are my own.