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Nora Beady #3
All in Her Hands
From USA Today bestselling author Audrey Blake comes a story of love, hope, and perseverance, following one woman's fight against an invisible enemy.
One woman physician. A group of talented midwives. A deadly disease spreading.
1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she's finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.
But peace is hard to come by as a physician, and for one like Nora, it's almost impossible. When Nora takes up the fight to bring midwives into the medical field, her already fragile reputation comes under fire by colleagues and London society itself. And if the possibility of losing her rights to practice medicine wasn't enough, a dangerous enemy has made itself the deadliest cholera epidemic in over a century. It's a swift disease that wreaks havoc and tragedy across the city, especially amongst the working classes, and Nora will do anything she can to help. Soon, she finds herself on the frontlines of the disease, and as those around her begin to fall, she'll have to find the strength to stand alone and maintain her greatest to save lives. Whether she'll make it through, though, is up to fate.
One woman physician. A group of talented midwives. A deadly disease spreading.
1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she's finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.
But peace is hard to come by as a physician, and for one like Nora, it's almost impossible. When Nora takes up the fight to bring midwives into the medical field, her already fragile reputation comes under fire by colleagues and London society itself. And if the possibility of losing her rights to practice medicine wasn't enough, a dangerous enemy has made itself the deadliest cholera epidemic in over a century. It's a swift disease that wreaks havoc and tragedy across the city, especially amongst the working classes, and Nora will do anything she can to help. Soon, she finds herself on the frontlines of the disease, and as those around her begin to fall, she'll have to find the strength to stand alone and maintain her greatest to save lives. Whether she'll make it through, though, is up to fate.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2026
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February 22, 20264 ⭐
This is the fourth book I’ve read by this dynamic writing duo and the third in the Nora Beady series. All four books have been 4 or 5-star reads.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I guarantee you’ll want to know more about Nora and Horace and all the characters at 43 Great Queen Street and this will prompt you to source out the previous two in the series.
All In Her Hands is set in 1849 London and illuminates the 19th-century midwifery practices as well as the cholera epidemic.
While this made me a bit queasy in parts, I was absolutely fascinated by the attention to detail. It was a difficult book to set down. Nora continued to show courage and assertiveness in working towards her goal, amazing me with her tenacity in the face of adversity. The authors captured the essence of London at this time in history; it was indeed ripe with opportunities and challenges. Equally well captured is the socio-economic challenges and the disdain towards very capable females who wished to work in fields where males dominated, and the trauma and impact of the epidemic.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by this dynamic writing duo and the third in the Nora Beady series. All four books have been 4 or 5-star reads.
Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I guarantee you’ll want to know more about Nora and Horace and all the characters at 43 Great Queen Street and this will prompt you to source out the previous two in the series.
All In Her Hands is set in 1849 London and illuminates the 19th-century midwifery practices as well as the cholera epidemic.
While this made me a bit queasy in parts, I was absolutely fascinated by the attention to detail. It was a difficult book to set down. Nora continued to show courage and assertiveness in working towards her goal, amazing me with her tenacity in the face of adversity. The authors captured the essence of London at this time in history; it was indeed ripe with opportunities and challenges. Equally well captured is the socio-economic challenges and the disdain towards very capable females who wished to work in fields where males dominated, and the trauma and impact of the epidemic.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 22, 2026
All in Her Hands is a beautifully crafted and written story. The lyrical nature of Audrey Blake's writing and descriptions make the audiobook version an absolute delight to experience. My attention and imagination was captured immediately within the opening paragraph.
This is a piece of historical fiction that is worth the read because it shows the politics and tension between the midwives and the new presence of doctors. The book illustrates that the midwives are just as knowledgeable and skilled as doctors, if not more, but they were forced out of being primary caregivers and respected because of .... patriarchy. The belief that only a white man with a high enough social class to be able to afford formal medical training spread, and any midwives who objected would be defamed and fired. However, the book shows time and again that a female midwife knows the female body and how to treat it more than a male doctor.
Nora Gibson rejects the belief that rich male doctors are superior by earning her own doctorate and practicing as a medical doctor at Great Queen Street Hospital. She is positioned as the only one who could potentially save the town not only from growing sexism and medical politics, but from a cholera epidemic!
The only reason I didn't give the audiobook 5 Stars is because I found by the halfway point, the plot and conflicts became repetitive.
Thank you to RBMedia and Netgalley for the gifted ALC of the book in exchange for an honest review!
This is a piece of historical fiction that is worth the read because it shows the politics and tension between the midwives and the new presence of doctors. The book illustrates that the midwives are just as knowledgeable and skilled as doctors, if not more, but they were forced out of being primary caregivers and respected because of .... patriarchy. The belief that only a white man with a high enough social class to be able to afford formal medical training spread, and any midwives who objected would be defamed and fired. However, the book shows time and again that a female midwife knows the female body and how to treat it more than a male doctor.
Nora Gibson rejects the belief that rich male doctors are superior by earning her own doctorate and practicing as a medical doctor at Great Queen Street Hospital. She is positioned as the only one who could potentially save the town not only from growing sexism and medical politics, but from a cholera epidemic!
The only reason I didn't give the audiobook 5 Stars is because I found by the halfway point, the plot and conflicts became repetitive.
Thank you to RBMedia and Netgalley for the gifted ALC of the book in exchange for an honest review!
February 16, 2026
I absolutely loved All in Her Hands. If you’re drawn to stories about determined women who refuse to accept the limits placed on them, this novel will stay with you long after the final page.
At its core, this is a story about courage — the kind that shows up quietly but persistently. The courage to walk into lecture halls that don’t want you there. To stand in hospital wards where you’re underestimated. To keep going when self-doubt feels louder than support. The tension is not only institutional but deeply personal, and that emotional depth makes the story incredibly compelling.
As someone working in medicine, this book felt especially meaningful and relevant to my own career. The portrayal of the barriers facing women in medicine — the gatekeeping, the scrutiny, the isolation — resonated deeply. The authors don’t just highlight systemic obstacles; they capture the internal struggle to prove your worth in spaces not built for you. That nuance made the story feel authentic and powerful.
The medical details are immersive without being overwhelming, and the historical setting adds richness and urgency. I appreciated how the novel balances professional ambition with personal sacrifice, showing that progress is rarely neat or easy. The small victories feel monumental, and the setbacks feel painfully real.
Above all, this book is a tribute to the women who insisted they belonged in medicine long before the profession was ready to accept them. It’s inspiring without being preachy and empowering without feeling heavy-handed.
I closed the book feeling grateful — for how far women in medicine have come, and for the boldness of those who made that progress possible.
Highly recommend, especially for readers who love historical fiction with heart, ambition, and a strong feminist core.
Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy. I am grateful and better for having read this book.
At its core, this is a story about courage — the kind that shows up quietly but persistently. The courage to walk into lecture halls that don’t want you there. To stand in hospital wards where you’re underestimated. To keep going when self-doubt feels louder than support. The tension is not only institutional but deeply personal, and that emotional depth makes the story incredibly compelling.
As someone working in medicine, this book felt especially meaningful and relevant to my own career. The portrayal of the barriers facing women in medicine — the gatekeeping, the scrutiny, the isolation — resonated deeply. The authors don’t just highlight systemic obstacles; they capture the internal struggle to prove your worth in spaces not built for you. That nuance made the story feel authentic and powerful.
The medical details are immersive without being overwhelming, and the historical setting adds richness and urgency. I appreciated how the novel balances professional ambition with personal sacrifice, showing that progress is rarely neat or easy. The small victories feel monumental, and the setbacks feel painfully real.
Above all, this book is a tribute to the women who insisted they belonged in medicine long before the profession was ready to accept them. It’s inspiring without being preachy and empowering without feeling heavy-handed.
I closed the book feeling grateful — for how far women in medicine have come, and for the boldness of those who made that progress possible.
Highly recommend, especially for readers who love historical fiction with heart, ambition, and a strong feminist core.
Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced reader copy. I am grateful and better for having read this book.
February 14, 2026
Loved the science, lukewarm on the story.
April 20, 2026
If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know a historical fiction with a medical storyline is bookish catnip to me!
Dr. Nora Gibson is the lone female surgeon in London, 1849. As a deadly disease rears its ugly head again, Nora is fighting for midwives to be trained and seen for their true value. But she’s fighting an uphill battle against the good old boys who want the medical community to remain what it’s always been, male.
My main qualm with a lot of historical fiction with medical storylines is that I always want more medical /anatomy/ feet on the ground watching the work take place. I can’t complain about this one! There was so much of it! Specifically in the world of obstetrics and the Cholera disease.
There were some great heart racing scenes and I really enjoyed this one overall!
Dr. Nora Gibson is the lone female surgeon in London, 1849. As a deadly disease rears its ugly head again, Nora is fighting for midwives to be trained and seen for their true value. But she’s fighting an uphill battle against the good old boys who want the medical community to remain what it’s always been, male.
My main qualm with a lot of historical fiction with medical storylines is that I always want more medical /anatomy/ feet on the ground watching the work take place. I can’t complain about this one! There was so much of it! Specifically in the world of obstetrics and the Cholera disease.
There were some great heart racing scenes and I really enjoyed this one overall!
March 11, 2026
Historical fiction at its best, made even better by an audiobook narrator who sounds like Mrs Crawley from Downton Abbey.
A pioneering woman doctor and her charming and quirky friends/housemates push back on beliefs and practices in medicine - both in terms of what proper care looks like and who’s allowed to provide it - as a cholera epidemic overtakes London.
This book kept my rapt attention from start to finish- I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction or just a well-told, immersive, suspenseful story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
A pioneering woman doctor and her charming and quirky friends/housemates push back on beliefs and practices in medicine - both in terms of what proper care looks like and who’s allowed to provide it - as a cholera epidemic overtakes London.
This book kept my rapt attention from start to finish- I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction or just a well-told, immersive, suspenseful story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2026
All in Her Hands, set during London’s 1849 cholera epidemic, follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in the city, as she battles not just a deadly disease but a medical establishment determined to undermine her at every turn. Between the misogyny of her colleagues, the precarious finances of her family’s practice, and the sheer devastation of the epidemic, the stakes feel relentlessly high—and that tension is what makes this book so compelling. This was full of grime, urgency, and about as much pressure as you would expect from this type of book.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how grounded it feels in real history without becoming dry or overly academic. The authors weave in the era’s shifting medical theories in a way that feels organic to the story, raising the ethical and scientific questions doctors truly faced at the time. The cholera epidemic itself acts as the central antagonist, indiscriminate and terrifying, cutting across class lines and forcing characters into moments of reckoning. Nora’s advocacy for midwives and women’s medical education adds another layer, making her fight feel both deeply personal and broadly political.
That said, this is a quieter, more methodical read rather than a fast-paced, twist-heavy one. The pacing occasionally lingers, especially in the first half of the book, and some conflicts resolve more neatly than expected. Still, Nora is a strong, intelligent, and admirably stubborn heroine—one whose courage feels earned rather than idealized. Overall, All in Her Hands is a thoughtful, immersive historical novel about resilience, sacrifice, and what it means to hold fast to your oath when the world seems determined to take everything from you. A solid four-star read, especially for fans of medical history and feminist historical fiction. Historical fiction centered around women and the medical field has slowly but surely become one of my favorite niche genres recently. I loved this!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this eARC!
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how grounded it feels in real history without becoming dry or overly academic. The authors weave in the era’s shifting medical theories in a way that feels organic to the story, raising the ethical and scientific questions doctors truly faced at the time. The cholera epidemic itself acts as the central antagonist, indiscriminate and terrifying, cutting across class lines and forcing characters into moments of reckoning. Nora’s advocacy for midwives and women’s medical education adds another layer, making her fight feel both deeply personal and broadly political.
That said, this is a quieter, more methodical read rather than a fast-paced, twist-heavy one. The pacing occasionally lingers, especially in the first half of the book, and some conflicts resolve more neatly than expected. Still, Nora is a strong, intelligent, and admirably stubborn heroine—one whose courage feels earned rather than idealized. Overall, All in Her Hands is a thoughtful, immersive historical novel about resilience, sacrifice, and what it means to hold fast to your oath when the world seems determined to take everything from you. A solid four-star read, especially for fans of medical history and feminist historical fiction. Historical fiction centered around women and the medical field has slowly but surely become one of my favorite niche genres recently. I loved this!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this eARC!
June 1, 2026
This was just ok for me - the story was ok, the narrator was super boring.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC/ALC review
Thank you Librofm for the gifted audiobook and Raincoast books for the gifted paperback arc 🫶
💭: This book follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in London in 1849, who is trying to advocate to bring midwives into the medical field during a cholera epidemic. This book is pretty heavily focused on the medicine, but I enjoyed that aspect as a physician myself. It explored the difficulties that women had trying to prove their knowledge/worth in medicine, which sadly has not fully gone away even today. It also discussed the evolving medical theories and treatments of the time, which I found interesting. Nora is a strong and practical FMC who was unafraid to forge her own path. I also really enjoyed her eccentric father who has a pet wombat! There are some character driven plot lines in this as well that are woven into the medical storyline.
Now, this is technically book 3 in a series, but the story definitely stands on its own as I have not read the other two books.
🎧: this was narrated by Susan Lyons. I thought the narration was well done and the English accent and “no nonsense” tone felt very fitting for the story.
Thank you Librofm for the gifted audiobook and Raincoast books for the gifted paperback arc 🫶
💭: This book follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in London in 1849, who is trying to advocate to bring midwives into the medical field during a cholera epidemic. This book is pretty heavily focused on the medicine, but I enjoyed that aspect as a physician myself. It explored the difficulties that women had trying to prove their knowledge/worth in medicine, which sadly has not fully gone away even today. It also discussed the evolving medical theories and treatments of the time, which I found interesting. Nora is a strong and practical FMC who was unafraid to forge her own path. I also really enjoyed her eccentric father who has a pet wombat! There are some character driven plot lines in this as well that are woven into the medical storyline.
Now, this is technically book 3 in a series, but the story definitely stands on its own as I have not read the other two books.
🎧: this was narrated by Susan Lyons. I thought the narration was well done and the English accent and “no nonsense” tone felt very fitting for the story.
June 26, 2026
Ook dit deel krijgt van mij de volle 5 sterren .
De 2 schrijfsters hebben grondig onderzoek gedaan en dat merk je gewoon ! Er worden medische termen gebruikt maar die worden zodanig aan iemand anders in het verhaal uitgelegd dat het voor de lezer ook begrijpelijk is en tegelijk niet storend voor het verhaal .
Ik hoop dat er nog meer delen volgen .
De 2 schrijfsters hebben grondig onderzoek gedaan en dat merk je gewoon ! Er worden medische termen gebruikt maar die worden zodanig aan iemand anders in het verhaal uitgelegd dat het voor de lezer ook begrijpelijk is en tegelijk niet storend voor het verhaal .
Ik hoop dat er nog meer delen volgen .
June 28, 2026
I have always enjoyed discovering new authors, particularly those who push intriguing and unique topics in fiction writing. Audrey Blake—a collaboration between two authors working under a pseudonym—returns with a third novel that complements the previous two books in the series. Now a registered doctor and surgeon, Dr. Nora Gibson (née Beady) has made her mark helping women and their female plights, from births to uterine masses. While she is trying to train midwives to hone their skills, a deadly disease is spreading across England, which could cause medical chaos.
It's 1849 and Dr. Nora Gibson is trying to balance her new role as wife while remaining the only female surgeon in London (and England, if truth be told). Earning her medical degree and overcoming the hurdles of the English medical community, she is now climbing the ranks at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her husband and adoptive father, Dr. Horace Croft. As she fights to bring midwives into the medical community,Nora faces new battles amongst her colleagues, but refuses to stand down. While some would seek to strip her of her medical license for these antics, it is the most powerful cholera epidemic in a century that soon becomes her greatest enemy. The disease knows no limits or social hierarchy, as it sweeps across London and leaves Nora scrambling to protect her patients. While other doctors begin to fall, Nora remains on the frontlines, trying to find new ways to slay a long deceptive enemy. Whether she will live long enough to celebrate her newest bit of pleasant news remains uncertain. Blake finds ways to offer up a wonderful piece that ticks all the boxes.
Audrey Blake has never shied away from controversy in this series, with this third book pushing pre-defined borders for the reader. The story continues from the last chapter of the previous novel and adds new direction from the opening pages. A narrative that is driven with new revelations and ongoing challenges, it soon finds its own with short chapters that beg the reader to keep pace with the momentum thrust. The story bares all and provides education and historical limitations to enrich the reading experience. Blake ensures tense moments are layered with formidable actions to reveal medical advancements in Victorian England.
Blake keeps impressing readers with characters who complement the story and add depths not seen in the past two books. An already well-developed Nora Beady becomes the relatively popular Dr. Nora Gibson, who has a patient list filled with women who seek new ways to bring babies into the world and be healthy enough to care for them. There is so much happening to ensure the reader sees new angles to Nora's ongoing backstory and further development. Tense realisations around the revelations Nora makes with much difficulty serve to enrich the story yet again. Some key supporting characters accentuate the struggles and successes that await London doctors, while offering a form of reader education that Audrey Blake has made the norm in this series. While the series has made many advancements with its characters, there is much more I hope to see with the ongoing publications I hope Blake has in store.
Plot points keep tense moments in the spotlight for this series. Expectations are balanced with surprises that create a sense of curious hopefulness for the series fan. The world of medical advances and societal limitations create an awkward mix for the attentive reader to synthesise. Surprises keep peppering this piece and leave the reader to wonder what the story's resolution might bring, as well as how it will pave the way for future issues this series might address when Audrey Blake next pens a novel.
Kudos, Madam Blake, for keeping me engaged until the final page turn.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
It's 1849 and Dr. Nora Gibson is trying to balance her new role as wife while remaining the only female surgeon in London (and England, if truth be told). Earning her medical degree and overcoming the hurdles of the English medical community, she is now climbing the ranks at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her husband and adoptive father, Dr. Horace Croft. As she fights to bring midwives into the medical community,Nora faces new battles amongst her colleagues, but refuses to stand down. While some would seek to strip her of her medical license for these antics, it is the most powerful cholera epidemic in a century that soon becomes her greatest enemy. The disease knows no limits or social hierarchy, as it sweeps across London and leaves Nora scrambling to protect her patients. While other doctors begin to fall, Nora remains on the frontlines, trying to find new ways to slay a long deceptive enemy. Whether she will live long enough to celebrate her newest bit of pleasant news remains uncertain. Blake finds ways to offer up a wonderful piece that ticks all the boxes.
Audrey Blake has never shied away from controversy in this series, with this third book pushing pre-defined borders for the reader. The story continues from the last chapter of the previous novel and adds new direction from the opening pages. A narrative that is driven with new revelations and ongoing challenges, it soon finds its own with short chapters that beg the reader to keep pace with the momentum thrust. The story bares all and provides education and historical limitations to enrich the reading experience. Blake ensures tense moments are layered with formidable actions to reveal medical advancements in Victorian England.
Blake keeps impressing readers with characters who complement the story and add depths not seen in the past two books. An already well-developed Nora Beady becomes the relatively popular Dr. Nora Gibson, who has a patient list filled with women who seek new ways to bring babies into the world and be healthy enough to care for them. There is so much happening to ensure the reader sees new angles to Nora's ongoing backstory and further development. Tense realisations around the revelations Nora makes with much difficulty serve to enrich the story yet again. Some key supporting characters accentuate the struggles and successes that await London doctors, while offering a form of reader education that Audrey Blake has made the norm in this series. While the series has made many advancements with its characters, there is much more I hope to see with the ongoing publications I hope Blake has in store.
Plot points keep tense moments in the spotlight for this series. Expectations are balanced with surprises that create a sense of curious hopefulness for the series fan. The world of medical advances and societal limitations create an awkward mix for the attentive reader to synthesise. Surprises keep peppering this piece and leave the reader to wonder what the story's resolution might bring, as well as how it will pave the way for future issues this series might address when Audrey Blake next pens a novel.
Kudos, Madam Blake, for keeping me engaged until the final page turn.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 14, 2026
Extremely solid conclusion to a series I never thought I’d end up liking this much. This installment somehow felt a bit less depressing than the previous two. Not that there weren’t sad moments, because there definitely were, but overall there was a slightly more hopeful tone. Well, as hopeful as 19th century medicine can get.
In this book Nora is already a licensed surgeon in London and struggles to find her place in the field while also trying to bring more women into medicine by training midwives despite the prejudice from male doctors. There’s also another enemy lurking in the background: cholera, the same disease that took all of Nora’s family. Those cholera deaths were easily the saddest part of the book for me.
The ending was surprisingly positive, though I couldn’t fully shake the feeling that maybe it was a little too positive. We don’t really get to see how Nora handles the huge challenges still ahead of her.
I think this installment could theoretically work as a standalone, definitely more than the previous book. Still, I’d recommend reading the series in order.
In this book Nora is already a licensed surgeon in London and struggles to find her place in the field while also trying to bring more women into medicine by training midwives despite the prejudice from male doctors. There’s also another enemy lurking in the background: cholera, the same disease that took all of Nora’s family. Those cholera deaths were easily the saddest part of the book for me.
The ending was surprisingly positive, though I couldn’t fully shake the feeling that maybe it was a little too positive. We don’t really get to see how Nora handles the huge challenges still ahead of her.
I think this installment could theoretically work as a standalone, definitely more than the previous book. Still, I’d recommend reading the series in order.
April 28, 2026
In een Londen waar ziekte sneller om zich heen grijpt dan de waarheid, staat één vrouw alleen in de strijd. Nora Beady heeft zich tegen alle verwachtingen in opgewerkt tot de enige vrouwelijke arts van Engeland. Maar haar grootste beproeving moet nog komen. Wanneer een dodelijk virus de stad in zijn greep krijgt, veranderen ziekenhuizen in slagvelden en telt elke beslissing op leven of dood. Terwijl de angst groeit, nemen ook de aanvallen op Nora toe. Haar vooruitstrevende ideeën en haar pleidooi voor de erkenning van vroedvrouwen maken haar tot mikpunt van felle tegenstand, van collega’s én van het systeem waar ze zo hard voor heeft gevochten.
Vastberaden en onverschrokken weigert Nora zich te laten breken. Maar hoe ver kan ze gaan om levens te redden, zonder zichzelf te verliezen?
Mijn ervaring:
Wederom een meeslepende, indringende en prachtige historische roman, waarin medische vooruitgang, maatschappelijke strijd en persoonlijke keuzes op indrukwekkende wijze samenkomen. Opnieuw word je meegenomen naar het Londen van 1849, waar Audrey Blake het tijdsbeeld, historische gebeurtenissen en gelaagde personages knap verweeft tot een sterke verhaallijn.
Audrey Blake schrijft toegankelijk en beeldend, met een fijne balans tussen historische details en vlot leesbare scènes. Complexe medische situaties worden helder uitgelegd zonder dat het verhaal aan tempo of kracht verliest. Tegelijk weet ze een dreigende en urgente sfeer neer te zetten die perfect past bij de cholera-epidemie die om zich heen grijpt.
Nora Beady vormt opnieuw het hart van het verhaal. Ze is sterk en vastberaden, maar ook kwetsbaar en menselijk. Juist die combinatie maakt haar geloofwaardig en ze zit inmiddels echt in mijn hart. De bijpersonages, zoals haar echtgenoot, familie en collega’s, zorgen voor extra diepgang doordat ze niet alleen steun bieden, maar ook weerstand en innerlijke conflicten oproepen, zeker omdat Nora haar tijd ver vooruit is.
De opbouw is prettig, met een goede afwisseling tussen snellere en rustigere momenten, terwijl de spanning en dreiging constant voelbaar blijven. De cholera-uitbraak drijft het verhaal vooruit en dwingt de personages tot groei en moeilijke keuzes.
Daarnaast verwerkt Audrey Blake actuele en herkenbare thema’s, zoals genderongelijkheid en de strijd voor erkenning van vrouwen in de medische wereld. Tijdens het lezen voelde ik me sterk betrokken en leefde ik intens mee met Nora. Haar doorzettingsvermogen en morele keuzes maakten diepe indruk op me. Het voelt als een bijzonder eerbetoon aan vrouwen die hun plek moesten bevechten in een gesloten wereld.
De kliniek voor grote dromen is een krachtige, indrukwekkende en sterke historische roman. Het verhaal is beeldend, toegankelijk en prettig geschreven, waarbij het tijdsbeeld van Londen in 1849, de gelaagde hoofdpersoon Nora, en de combinatie van medische vooruitgang, maatschappelijke strijd en persoonlijke keuzes prachtig samenkomen. Een verhaal dat, mede door de historische feiten en gebeurtenissen, een blijvende indruk achterlaat.
Vastberaden en onverschrokken weigert Nora zich te laten breken. Maar hoe ver kan ze gaan om levens te redden, zonder zichzelf te verliezen?
Mijn ervaring:
Wederom een meeslepende, indringende en prachtige historische roman, waarin medische vooruitgang, maatschappelijke strijd en persoonlijke keuzes op indrukwekkende wijze samenkomen. Opnieuw word je meegenomen naar het Londen van 1849, waar Audrey Blake het tijdsbeeld, historische gebeurtenissen en gelaagde personages knap verweeft tot een sterke verhaallijn.
Audrey Blake schrijft toegankelijk en beeldend, met een fijne balans tussen historische details en vlot leesbare scènes. Complexe medische situaties worden helder uitgelegd zonder dat het verhaal aan tempo of kracht verliest. Tegelijk weet ze een dreigende en urgente sfeer neer te zetten die perfect past bij de cholera-epidemie die om zich heen grijpt.
Nora Beady vormt opnieuw het hart van het verhaal. Ze is sterk en vastberaden, maar ook kwetsbaar en menselijk. Juist die combinatie maakt haar geloofwaardig en ze zit inmiddels echt in mijn hart. De bijpersonages, zoals haar echtgenoot, familie en collega’s, zorgen voor extra diepgang doordat ze niet alleen steun bieden, maar ook weerstand en innerlijke conflicten oproepen, zeker omdat Nora haar tijd ver vooruit is.
De opbouw is prettig, met een goede afwisseling tussen snellere en rustigere momenten, terwijl de spanning en dreiging constant voelbaar blijven. De cholera-uitbraak drijft het verhaal vooruit en dwingt de personages tot groei en moeilijke keuzes.
Daarnaast verwerkt Audrey Blake actuele en herkenbare thema’s, zoals genderongelijkheid en de strijd voor erkenning van vrouwen in de medische wereld. Tijdens het lezen voelde ik me sterk betrokken en leefde ik intens mee met Nora. Haar doorzettingsvermogen en morele keuzes maakten diepe indruk op me. Het voelt als een bijzonder eerbetoon aan vrouwen die hun plek moesten bevechten in een gesloten wereld.
De kliniek voor grote dromen is een krachtige, indrukwekkende en sterke historische roman. Het verhaal is beeldend, toegankelijk en prettig geschreven, waarbij het tijdsbeeld van Londen in 1849, de gelaagde hoofdpersoon Nora, en de combinatie van medische vooruitgang, maatschappelijke strijd en persoonlijke keuzes prachtig samenkomen. Een verhaal dat, mede door de historische feiten en gebeurtenissen, een blijvende indruk achterlaat.
December 3, 2025
All in Her Hands is a great read, especially if you enjoy historical fiction. I didn't realize that it was a part of a series but it was written well enough to be a standalone. I really enjoyed diving into 19th century England and the taboo of women in medicine. Having been born in the late 1900's..🥴 it is hard to truly grasp the misogyny in early medicine. I couldn't imagine being Nora, surrounded by men who think women incapable of practicing medicine. I am thankful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed the read and was fascinated by the history within. It started a little slow at first but it quickly picked up pace and was certainly keeping my attention. The characters are well written and show growth throughout. I do think that it ended kind of abruptly but it was a sweet ending nonetheless. I would absolutely recommend this book for historical fiction fans and those that love a strong female character who will not bow to others.
February 16, 2026
OBSESSED with this book. Call the Midwife meets The Artful Dodger (great show if you’re not familiar). A medical historical fiction set in Victorian England. I have not read the other books in the Nora Beady series but this worked perfectly well as a stand alone book AND has me wanting to go back and read the others! As a nurse practitioner who advocates for respect from my MD coworkers I might be uniquely the exact audience for this book, but I think its appeal will be universal. Themes of giving up your career dreams for motherhood, navigating multiple roles of self, classism, and women supporting women are plentiful.
Thank you RBmedia and NetGalley for an ARC to read (listen to) and review.
Thank you RBmedia and NetGalley for an ARC to read (listen to) and review.
March 11, 2026
This was a deeply heartfelt and resonant story about a determined woman fighting to prove that women belong in medicine.
Meticulously researched and unflinching in its portrayal of the sexism and prejudice of the time, Audrey Blake crafts an exceptionally inspiring heroine in Nora. As she advocates for the legitimacy of women in medicine and champions the vital role of midwives, Nora faces relentless resistance from male doctors who refuse to respect her, making her a controversial figure within the medical community.
Yet even while battling professional hostility, Nora displays remarkable courage as she works on the front lines during a devastating cholera epidemic, risking everything to care for her patients during a public health crisis.
A beautifully written work of historical fiction. Although this is technically the third book in the Nora Beady series, it reads effortlessly as a standalone, something I discovered firsthand after accidentally diving in without reading the first two.
Meticulously researched and unflinching in its portrayal of the sexism and prejudice of the time, Audrey Blake crafts an exceptionally inspiring heroine in Nora. As she advocates for the legitimacy of women in medicine and champions the vital role of midwives, Nora faces relentless resistance from male doctors who refuse to respect her, making her a controversial figure within the medical community.
Yet even while battling professional hostility, Nora displays remarkable courage as she works on the front lines during a devastating cholera epidemic, risking everything to care for her patients during a public health crisis.
A beautifully written work of historical fiction. Although this is technically the third book in the Nora Beady series, it reads effortlessly as a standalone, something I discovered firsthand after accidentally diving in without reading the first two.
July 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ • I love this series, this was probably the my favourite of the three books so far.
September 1, 2026
I’ve really enjoyed this series. Historic fiction isn’t my usual go to but this series is a great read for anyone who loves a good feminist plot!
February 17, 2026
All in Her Hands, set during London's 1849 cholera epidemic, follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in the city, as she battles not just a deadly disease but a medical establishment determined to undermine her at every turn.
Nora is one of my favourite characters. She’s strong, brilliant, and fascinating. I loved this third book of the series. All In Her Hands was highly anticipated by this reader and the author did not disappoint.
Massive thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for this audiobook.
Nora is one of my favourite characters. She’s strong, brilliant, and fascinating. I loved this third book of the series. All In Her Hands was highly anticipated by this reader and the author did not disappoint.
Massive thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for this audiobook.
October 3, 2025
Great read.
I won this from Goodreads & was not aware that it is the last in a series. The great thing is, you can read it as a stand alone. The only reason I found it it was a series was the author's note at the end of the story.
Easy read that dives into the medical drama of dr's vs midwives in the 19th century.
I won this from Goodreads & was not aware that it is the last in a series. The great thing is, you can read it as a stand alone. The only reason I found it it was a series was the author's note at the end of the story.
Easy read that dives into the medical drama of dr's vs midwives in the 19th century.
March 2, 2026
Do you ever finish a book, close the last page, let out a sigh and feel better because you read it?
That’s the kind of book they (and I say they about @audreyblakebooks because, would you believe it, it’s two authors writing together to tell a story this seamless) write. Hopeful. Wholesome. Real.
I have loved the first two books in the series. I’ve loved the characters, the era and the look at the medical practices of the day, the critical look at women’s roles at the time, particularly in the world of medicine and how Nora and her friends work together to face difficulty and opposition in the medical community and beyond.
I’ve been told you don’t need to read the other two to read this one - it can be read as a stand alone - but I do think you’ll love it more if you start at the beginning of Nora’s story.
In this one, Nora has returned from Italy, is now Mrs. Gibson to her Daniel and finding her place in the London medical community again. The medical focus of this one is two fold; the roles of doctors and midwives in obstetrics and women’s health and a raging cholera epidemic.
I specifically loved the questions raised by the midwifery dilemma. We were cared for by midwives for all three of my pregnancies and think THE WORLD of them and their expertise. I understood some of the conversation about how midwives, as mothers themselves, bring a specific skill set to motherly care that not all doctors (at that time primarily men) might have. I also felt, even today, a shadow of the division between doctor and midwife, perhaps even some professional arrogance from some of the medical community, that this story shines a light on. All that to say, that part of the story was really relateable to me.
@audreyblakebooks has created such good characters in Nora and her band of medical misfits. I felt like they grew in this book and that the cholera epidemic portion of the story played a role in not only the individual characters sorry but some of the deep relationships being built. Like Aunt Wilcox. #iykyk
Anyway, I could rave about this story for a while but instead of reading me talk about it, just go read it 😉
That’s the kind of book they (and I say they about @audreyblakebooks because, would you believe it, it’s two authors writing together to tell a story this seamless) write. Hopeful. Wholesome. Real.
I have loved the first two books in the series. I’ve loved the characters, the era and the look at the medical practices of the day, the critical look at women’s roles at the time, particularly in the world of medicine and how Nora and her friends work together to face difficulty and opposition in the medical community and beyond.
I’ve been told you don’t need to read the other two to read this one - it can be read as a stand alone - but I do think you’ll love it more if you start at the beginning of Nora’s story.
In this one, Nora has returned from Italy, is now Mrs. Gibson to her Daniel and finding her place in the London medical community again. The medical focus of this one is two fold; the roles of doctors and midwives in obstetrics and women’s health and a raging cholera epidemic.
I specifically loved the questions raised by the midwifery dilemma. We were cared for by midwives for all three of my pregnancies and think THE WORLD of them and their expertise. I understood some of the conversation about how midwives, as mothers themselves, bring a specific skill set to motherly care that not all doctors (at that time primarily men) might have. I also felt, even today, a shadow of the division between doctor and midwife, perhaps even some professional arrogance from some of the medical community, that this story shines a light on. All that to say, that part of the story was really relateable to me.
@audreyblakebooks has created such good characters in Nora and her band of medical misfits. I felt like they grew in this book and that the cholera epidemic portion of the story played a role in not only the individual characters sorry but some of the deep relationships being built. Like Aunt Wilcox. #iykyk
Anyway, I could rave about this story for a while but instead of reading me talk about it, just go read it 😉
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All in Her Hands is part of a series, but it works perfectly as a standalone because the author provides plenty of context regarding the earlier stories. Set in the late 19th century during the cholera epidemic, the novel follows Nora, a female doctor who is breaking barriers and championing other women restricted by society.
I had a wonderful time reading this. While not a textbook, it was incredibly informative about the birth procedures of the era. Inspired by real historical figures, Nora and the midwives are powerful characters. In a time when women were confined to rigid roles, Nora challenged the medical establishment while fighting for her own and others' rights. This is a great pick if you love historical fiction centered on women's empowerment.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy.
I had a wonderful time reading this. While not a textbook, it was incredibly informative about the birth procedures of the era. Inspired by real historical figures, Nora and the midwives are powerful characters. In a time when women were confined to rigid roles, Nora challenged the medical establishment while fighting for her own and others' rights. This is a great pick if you love historical fiction centered on women's empowerment.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy.
April 19, 2026
Ik heb weer genoten van dit derde deel over Nora Beady. Zo interessant om te lezen over de geneeskunde halverwege de 19e eeuw. Ik vond de dialogen af en toe wat langdradig, maar dat belemmerde me zeker niet om dit boek uit te lezen.
May 7, 2026
DNF @ 50%
I really enjoyed both of the other books in this series, but this one felt forced and full of unnecessary drama.
I really enjoyed both of the other books in this series, but this one felt forced and full of unnecessary drama.
June 17, 2026
Mooie roman over het leven van een vrouwelijke arts in Londen. Het verhaal speelt zich af tijdens de cholera epidemie. Hoofdpersoon Nora en haar collega's zetten alles op alles om mensen te helpen.
February 23, 2026
Very interesting take on female medical doctors in the mid to late 1800’s!
Nora is the FIRST female MD in London. She has recently graduated from a school in Italy. She has also recently gotten married. She is the first female to practice in the hospital in London… much to the chagrin of many of the male doctors…
Additionally, she is one who believes in teaching, and does so freely. Even with the midwives who have helped her on many occasions. And, by doing this, she has ruffled even more feathers with her male cohorts…
When she is discreetly called to check on an aristocratic woman who is 7 months pregnant… with regular contractions… she brings her friend, a midwife along, and they deliver the full-term baby in an unusual way…. Once again bringing much attention (and shame) to herself! 🤔😮🤔. Although Mother and baby are doing very well!!!!
As I’m reading this, I am appalled that she had to endure this! I’m so happy I was not living in those times! I probably would’ve ended up in jail…
In any case, during this same time period, Collura was becoming prevalent… and deadly, in the area.
Very interesting descriptions of how people were treated… especially woman, who were expected to just bring children into the world, but live in a quiet place in the background without making much noise…
Loved Nora! Loved her friends! And, loved her husband… at least most of the time! Also appreciated the relationship between her and her mentor/adopted Father!
4 solid, scary, medical, beautiful stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Also, please note this is book #3 in the series! Didn’t realize that until just now!
#AllInHerHands by @AudreyBlake and narrated nicely by @SusanLyons.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RecordedBooks and @RBMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
**** This one has NOT been released yet! **** Look 👀 for it in a few days! Starting on 2/24/26!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Nora is the FIRST female MD in London. She has recently graduated from a school in Italy. She has also recently gotten married. She is the first female to practice in the hospital in London… much to the chagrin of many of the male doctors…
Additionally, she is one who believes in teaching, and does so freely. Even with the midwives who have helped her on many occasions. And, by doing this, she has ruffled even more feathers with her male cohorts…
When she is discreetly called to check on an aristocratic woman who is 7 months pregnant… with regular contractions… she brings her friend, a midwife along, and they deliver the full-term baby in an unusual way…. Once again bringing much attention (and shame) to herself! 🤔😮🤔. Although Mother and baby are doing very well!!!!
As I’m reading this, I am appalled that she had to endure this! I’m so happy I was not living in those times! I probably would’ve ended up in jail…
In any case, during this same time period, Collura was becoming prevalent… and deadly, in the area.
Very interesting descriptions of how people were treated… especially woman, who were expected to just bring children into the world, but live in a quiet place in the background without making much noise…
Loved Nora! Loved her friends! And, loved her husband… at least most of the time! Also appreciated the relationship between her and her mentor/adopted Father!
4 solid, scary, medical, beautiful stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Also, please note this is book #3 in the series! Didn’t realize that until just now!
#AllInHerHands by @AudreyBlake and narrated nicely by @SusanLyons.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RecordedBooks and @RBMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
**** This one has NOT been released yet! **** Look 👀 for it in a few days! Starting on 2/24/26!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
May 10, 2026
My rating 4.0
Even though I didn't enjoy the book as much as the first two in the series, this was still a good read. It was interesting to learn about women in medicine in the 19th century and treatments for diseases that are now nearly eradicated. It sometimes makes me so sad that so many died simply for lack of the knowledge that we have now. My great grandfather and his father, my great-great grandfather were doctors in the 1800's and I have heard stores of their lives and even seen the doctor bag of my great-grandfather.
Summary:
One woman physician. A group of talented midwives. A deadly disease spreading.
1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she's finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.
But peace is hard to come by as a physician, and for one like Nora, it's almost impossible. When Nora takes up the fight to bring midwives into the medical field, her already fragile reputation comes under fire by colleagues and London society itself. And if the possibility of losing her rights to practice medicine wasn't enough, a dangerous enemy has made itself known: the deadliest cholera epidemic in over a century. It's a swift disease that wreaks havoc and tragedy across the city, especially amongst the working classes, and Nora will do anything she can to help. Soon, she finds herself on the frontlines of the disease, and as those around her begin to fall, she'll have to find the strength to stand alone and maintain her greatest oath: to save lives. Whether she'll make it through, though, is up to fate.
Even though I didn't enjoy the book as much as the first two in the series, this was still a good read. It was interesting to learn about women in medicine in the 19th century and treatments for diseases that are now nearly eradicated. It sometimes makes me so sad that so many died simply for lack of the knowledge that we have now. My great grandfather and his father, my great-great grandfather were doctors in the 1800's and I have heard stores of their lives and even seen the doctor bag of my great-grandfather.
Summary:
One woman physician. A group of talented midwives. A deadly disease spreading.
1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she's finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.
But peace is hard to come by as a physician, and for one like Nora, it's almost impossible. When Nora takes up the fight to bring midwives into the medical field, her already fragile reputation comes under fire by colleagues and London society itself. And if the possibility of losing her rights to practice medicine wasn't enough, a dangerous enemy has made itself known: the deadliest cholera epidemic in over a century. It's a swift disease that wreaks havoc and tragedy across the city, especially amongst the working classes, and Nora will do anything she can to help. Soon, she finds herself on the frontlines of the disease, and as those around her begin to fall, she'll have to find the strength to stand alone and maintain her greatest oath: to save lives. Whether she'll make it through, though, is up to fate.
February 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Audrey Blake and RBMedia for the advanced listener copy.
Susan Lyons did an alright job as the narrator. I felt the story was missing a bit of much needed emotional inflection at times which distracted me from the story at times.
I really enjoyed the science aspects of the story, and the way that Nora fought for the midwives to be able to have a respectable career! She is such a strong advocate for women in the medical field, while explaining the terms so the reader understands (for those unfamiliar with some of the terminology like myself). The medical aspect of the story was a major highlight for me.
Aunt Wilcox’s change in character arc is one I should have seen coming but didn’t. Her strength makes for an incredible adversary. Though I very much disliked her in the beginning.
Daniel. He should have stood up for Nora from the very beginning. Gah!
Seeing that this is book three, I would say that this story could be read on its own without losing your place. I haven’t read the others in the series and didn’t notice any references that would have required me to read the other books first.
Giving this a 3.5, I am rounding up to a 4 because I enjoyed it more than a 3.
Susan Lyons did an alright job as the narrator. I felt the story was missing a bit of much needed emotional inflection at times which distracted me from the story at times.
I really enjoyed the science aspects of the story, and the way that Nora fought for the midwives to be able to have a respectable career! She is such a strong advocate for women in the medical field, while explaining the terms so the reader understands (for those unfamiliar with some of the terminology like myself). The medical aspect of the story was a major highlight for me.
Aunt Wilcox’s change in character arc is one I should have seen coming but didn’t. Her strength makes for an incredible adversary. Though I very much disliked her in the beginning.
Daniel. He should have stood up for Nora from the very beginning. Gah!
Seeing that this is book three, I would say that this story could be read on its own without losing your place. I haven’t read the others in the series and didn’t notice any references that would have required me to read the other books first.
Giving this a 3.5, I am rounding up to a 4 because I enjoyed it more than a 3.
November 5, 2025
I have enjoyed this novel very much! I read the first two books as well which I also loved. However, one can read this one as a standalone. I found this novel very interesting (as are the other books!): I loved reading about midwifery, the cultural and ethical fight with medical doctors who disapprove of women medical doctors and midwives... Incredible to think about this time for women who did not just want to be wives and mothers! Incredible to experience how they were considered by men (who most probably were scared to lose their power...). I liked the characters very much (Horace and aunt Abbott particularly!). The novel takes place at a time when cholera broke out. The authors described the medical situation showing good historical knowledge. It is a shame there will not be more novels in the series, but I was very satisfied with the conclusion!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1849. Dr. Nora Gibson is the only female surgeon in London. In all of England, even. After earning her medical degree and overcoming the prejudice of those who wished to see her fail, she's finally earned her place at the Great Queen Street Hospital alongside her newlywed husband and her eccentric but ailing adoptive father, the great Dr. Horace Croft.
Beautifully written historical fiction. Audrey Blake definitely did her research. I loved this novel. I found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading. I will be reading more from this author . Thank goodness for the strong women that fought to be seen and heard.
Susan Lyons audible performance was brilliant! Her narration elevated the listening experience.
This book is the third in a series. But was great as a standalone book.
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.. Expected release date February 24 2026.
Beautifully written historical fiction. Audrey Blake definitely did her research. I loved this novel. I found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading. I will be reading more from this author . Thank goodness for the strong women that fought to be seen and heard.
Susan Lyons audible performance was brilliant! Her narration elevated the listening experience.
This book is the third in a series. But was great as a standalone book.
Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.. Expected release date February 24 2026.
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