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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
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.
February 14, 2026
Loved the science, lukewarm on the story.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
February 24, 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!! 📚⭐️
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 6, 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.
February 19, 2026
It’s 1849 and Dr Nora Gibson is the sole female surgeon in London; and she faces two huge challenges:
Fierce societal prejudice and an urgent, deadly cholera epidemic.
Can any good come from these dire circumstances?
Nora is a courageous and resilient advocate. Midwives are scorned by the male scientific community as uneducated nuisances, useful only for poor patients who can’t afford real physicians.
Nora paves the way and opens doors. Protecting and training midwives becomes her cause, her future.
“Women are not just capable of this work, but meant for it.”
An informative reflection of the history surrounding women in the medical profession, combined with compelling characters who display the utmost care and perseverance. All in Her Hands speaks of female ambition and dedication in spite of what male doctors and the wider society deem to be acceptable.
Fierce societal prejudice and an urgent, deadly cholera epidemic.
Can any good come from these dire circumstances?
Nora is a courageous and resilient advocate. Midwives are scorned by the male scientific community as uneducated nuisances, useful only for poor patients who can’t afford real physicians.
Nora paves the way and opens doors. Protecting and training midwives becomes her cause, her future.
“Women are not just capable of this work, but meant for it.”
An informative reflection of the history surrounding women in the medical profession, combined with compelling characters who display the utmost care and perseverance. All in Her Hands speaks of female ambition and dedication in spite of what male doctors and the wider society deem to be acceptable.
February 16, 2026
Set during London's cholera epidemic, Nora finds herself being questioned harshly by her trying to lobby for women in the medical field. This follows the previous two books on Nora's life very well. I have loved these books. They are full of medical stories, and thrills as well as the lay of London. The story isn't boring by no means!
Thank you to Audrey Blake, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy.
Thank you to Audrey Blake, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy.
November 15, 2025
thank you to netgalley for an early copy of this book!
i enjoyed the second half of this book immensely. the first half took a bit of time to get stuck into but once i did, i really enjoyed it. i enjoyed the nuances of all the female characters which isn’t something that you get very often
i enjoyed the second half of this book immensely. the first half took a bit of time to get stuck into but once i did, i really enjoyed it. i enjoyed the nuances of all the female characters which isn’t something that you get very often
December 31, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this one. I went in blind not knowing it was technically book 3, so I quickly placed holds at my library for the others! I really enjoyed this piece of history I didn’t know about. I will definitely read more Audrey Blake books.
January 10, 2026
I loved visiting with Nora again. I think I might have missed the last book in this series but honestly I was able to pick up easily. This book deals with a lot of themes women are still dealing with today such as straddling work, marriage and motherhood. A nice ,slow and easy read.
February 20, 2026
A Victorian call the midwife! While the plot wasn’t surprising- the vibes were great. This is such a fascinating time in medical history with the introduction of the medical profession as an institution. The book focuses on how the physicians attempted to undermine and delegitimize midwives- and therefore “professionalizing” women’s healthcare opposed to it being lay knowledge. Blake does a great job introducing complex- and sometimes gruesome- medical information in with a cozy narrative.
Thanks for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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.
February 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC. This is the third in the Nora Beady series. Great medical series set in England. The writing is done so well that you can picture it playing out in your head. I think this series would be great for a TV series. It’s amazing to see how far the world has come through the years.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this early copy.
All in Her Hands is a really compelling mix of medical history, resilience, and a woman trying to make her place in a world that keeps pushing her back. The 1849 London setting feels vivid, and the cholera outbreak adds real tension. I liked following her fight to be taken seriously and the emotional stakes that came with every choice she had to make.
Some parts moved a little slowly for me, but the story still held my interest and I liked how grounded and human it felt. Overall, a solid and thoughtful read with a strong main character.
All in Her Hands is a really compelling mix of medical history, resilience, and a woman trying to make her place in a world that keeps pushing her back. The 1849 London setting feels vivid, and the cholera outbreak adds real tension. I liked following her fight to be taken seriously and the emotional stakes that came with every choice she had to make.
Some parts moved a little slowly for me, but the story still held my interest and I liked how grounded and human it felt. Overall, a solid and thoughtful read with a strong main character.
January 4, 2026
ALL IN HER HANDS is the third novel in a wonderful historical fiction series about Dr. Nora Beady Gibson, a fictitious character representing the few determined women who fought to break down male-only barriers in the practice of medicine, particularly obstetrics. But, as Dr. Gibson finds out, becoming a doctor is not the end of the battles she must wage. Awarded four stars on Goodreads, but I might go as high as 4.5. Because ALL IN HER HANDS combines two of my particular interests: early medical practices and women struggling for recognition of their abilities.
It's summer in London, 1849. After completing medical school in Bologna, Italy (where training women as physicians is a bit more common), Nora has now returned to London, is married to her much loved physician-husband Daniel, and is applying her considerable skills treating patients in the small hospital built by her famous foster father/physician (Horace). Here's what is on her plate:
• Most men will not even consider seeing a woman physician, essentially limiting Nora's practice to women.
• Nora's male colleagues do not believe they can learn anything from her, even though Nora is one of the only doctors at this time who has successfully performed a Caesarian delivery.
• Horace has had a series of strokes and is having a difficult adjustment to not being able to perform as the brilliant doctor he once was.
• Nora's new in-laws (whom Daniel deeply loves) are scandalized that she is continuing to perform surgery, which they consider un-ladylike, and they are appalled that Nora plans to continue practicing even after she has children.
• • With an deep passion for improving the lives of women, Nora believes that physicians and midwives should work together to share knowledge and improve obstetrical care. Even though midwives usually deliver babies among the British lower classes while physicians handle upper class pregnancies. Not surprisingly, male physicians, who look down on midwives and worry about losing fees, want to prevent any cooperation.
• A few cases of cholera have been identified in the city, stirring up fear among those who witnessed a previous outbreak (1826-37), a pandemic where Nora lost her entire family. Remember, this is long before cholera vaccines and widespread understanding of germ theory.
So, you can see there's plenty of drama to go around. It turns out the few isolated cases of cholera mark the beginning of a third cholera pandemic (1846-60), that eventually kills tens of thousands of people in Great Britain. If you know any medical history, you may remember this is the very same pandemic where English physician Dr. John Snow (1813-58) identified contaminated water as the means of transmitting cholera.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. The author certainly understands how to keep a story moving and successfully communicates their (pronoun explained below) own personal fascination with medical procedures. Nora is a wonderful heroine who manages to be fully human, often getting angry and even making some bad choices.
The author, Audrey Blake is not a real person. She is a pseudonym used by two authors (Canadian Jaime Fixsen and American Regina Sirois) who have been writing this series together over a dozen years. It appears from their website that ALL IN HER HANDS is the final book in Nora's story. So, don't miss it.
It's summer in London, 1849. After completing medical school in Bologna, Italy (where training women as physicians is a bit more common), Nora has now returned to London, is married to her much loved physician-husband Daniel, and is applying her considerable skills treating patients in the small hospital built by her famous foster father/physician (Horace). Here's what is on her plate:
• Most men will not even consider seeing a woman physician, essentially limiting Nora's practice to women.
• Nora's male colleagues do not believe they can learn anything from her, even though Nora is one of the only doctors at this time who has successfully performed a Caesarian delivery.
• Horace has had a series of strokes and is having a difficult adjustment to not being able to perform as the brilliant doctor he once was.
• Nora's new in-laws (whom Daniel deeply loves) are scandalized that she is continuing to perform surgery, which they consider un-ladylike, and they are appalled that Nora plans to continue practicing even after she has children.
• • With an deep passion for improving the lives of women, Nora believes that physicians and midwives should work together to share knowledge and improve obstetrical care. Even though midwives usually deliver babies among the British lower classes while physicians handle upper class pregnancies. Not surprisingly, male physicians, who look down on midwives and worry about losing fees, want to prevent any cooperation.
• A few cases of cholera have been identified in the city, stirring up fear among those who witnessed a previous outbreak (1826-37), a pandemic where Nora lost her entire family. Remember, this is long before cholera vaccines and widespread understanding of germ theory.
So, you can see there's plenty of drama to go around. It turns out the few isolated cases of cholera mark the beginning of a third cholera pandemic (1846-60), that eventually kills tens of thousands of people in Great Britain. If you know any medical history, you may remember this is the very same pandemic where English physician Dr. John Snow (1813-58) identified contaminated water as the means of transmitting cholera.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. The author certainly understands how to keep a story moving and successfully communicates their (pronoun explained below) own personal fascination with medical procedures. Nora is a wonderful heroine who manages to be fully human, often getting angry and even making some bad choices.
The author, Audrey Blake is not a real person. She is a pseudonym used by two authors (Canadian Jaime Fixsen and American Regina Sirois) who have been writing this series together over a dozen years. It appears from their website that ALL IN HER HANDS is the final book in Nora's story. So, don't miss it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In 1849 London, the medical profession remained a predominantly male field, one that often disparaged female practitioners. Despite such opposition, the Italian-educated Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in the city, works alongside a talented group of doctors at the Great Queen Street Hospital. In the novel All in Her Hands by Audrey Blake - the pen name for the writing duo of Regina Sirois and Jaima Fixsen - Nora tries to balance her career, her marriage, and a devastating virulent cholera epidemic the likes of which London has not seen before. Whether her life, love, or profession remain fully intact, however, is up to fate.
Newly married and returned from Europe, Nora and her husband Daniel work and reside in the private practice of Dr. Horace Croft, Nora’s adopted father and mentor. The practice caters to poor families, and as a result, money is tight. Her status as a female surgeon bars Nora from many opportunities. In spite of the misogyny, prejudice, and ridicule she faces, Nora admirably persists, particularly in advocating for medical education for midwives.
When a cholera epidemic sweeps through the city, indiscriminately killing the poor and rich alike, Nora and her colleagues are on the front line. Resources stretch thin, and danger looms over them all. Amidst this, Nora remains brave and true to her oath to help as many people as possible, even at the risk to her own life.
All in Her Hands stands as a true testament to a woman's courage in the face of danger and adversity. Nora faces odds stacked against her with resilience, tenacity, and patience, sometimes with a stubbornness bordering on obstinacy. In an age when women rarely held non-domestic jobs, Nora up-ends traditional expectations, leading a crusade to change perceptions of women in the medical profession.
The authors’ intentional historical backdrop of the 1849 cholera epidemic offers rich societal, cultural, and scientific context from which they can draw. Of particular relevance was the 19th-century paradigm shift from the humorism and miasmic medical theories which pervaded ancient, medieval, and early modern societies to germ theory. English physician John Snow championed germ theory during the 1854 Broad Street epidemic in London, shortly after the novel’s time period. Such a forward-thinking physician inspired the creation of Dr. Croft, and the authors note other historical figures who influenced their characters. This close attention to history makes for more engrossing reading, fully-realized characters, and compelling plots.
The novel positions the cholera epidemic as the central antagonist, especially in its sobering equalizing nature, bypassing any cultural, geographic, social, political, and economic barriers. The disease surges through London’s labyrinthine warrens, at first targeting the poor in their tightly-packed, dingy tenements. But even the rich suffered. And it’s when cholera strikes one of Daniel’s wealthy, traditional relatives where Nora finds herself on equal footing with someone who treated her as inferior. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition that introduces the novel’s climax but also finds Nora at her strongest.
All in Her Hands offers readers a tight plot with fleshed-out, compelling characters; immersive but approachable interwoven history; a nuanced commentary on women in the medical profession and shifting medical theories; and a forward-thinking, intelligent, and tenacious heroine. Finally, All in Her Hands is the third novel in a series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the authors and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital copy of this novel via NetGalley for review consideration.
Newly married and returned from Europe, Nora and her husband Daniel work and reside in the private practice of Dr. Horace Croft, Nora’s adopted father and mentor. The practice caters to poor families, and as a result, money is tight. Her status as a female surgeon bars Nora from many opportunities. In spite of the misogyny, prejudice, and ridicule she faces, Nora admirably persists, particularly in advocating for medical education for midwives.
When a cholera epidemic sweeps through the city, indiscriminately killing the poor and rich alike, Nora and her colleagues are on the front line. Resources stretch thin, and danger looms over them all. Amidst this, Nora remains brave and true to her oath to help as many people as possible, even at the risk to her own life.
All in Her Hands stands as a true testament to a woman's courage in the face of danger and adversity. Nora faces odds stacked against her with resilience, tenacity, and patience, sometimes with a stubbornness bordering on obstinacy. In an age when women rarely held non-domestic jobs, Nora up-ends traditional expectations, leading a crusade to change perceptions of women in the medical profession.
The authors’ intentional historical backdrop of the 1849 cholera epidemic offers rich societal, cultural, and scientific context from which they can draw. Of particular relevance was the 19th-century paradigm shift from the humorism and miasmic medical theories which pervaded ancient, medieval, and early modern societies to germ theory. English physician John Snow championed germ theory during the 1854 Broad Street epidemic in London, shortly after the novel’s time period. Such a forward-thinking physician inspired the creation of Dr. Croft, and the authors note other historical figures who influenced their characters. This close attention to history makes for more engrossing reading, fully-realized characters, and compelling plots.
The novel positions the cholera epidemic as the central antagonist, especially in its sobering equalizing nature, bypassing any cultural, geographic, social, political, and economic barriers. The disease surges through London’s labyrinthine warrens, at first targeting the poor in their tightly-packed, dingy tenements. But even the rich suffered. And it’s when cholera strikes one of Daniel’s wealthy, traditional relatives where Nora finds herself on equal footing with someone who treated her as inferior. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition that introduces the novel’s climax but also finds Nora at her strongest.
All in Her Hands offers readers a tight plot with fleshed-out, compelling characters; immersive but approachable interwoven history; a nuanced commentary on women in the medical profession and shifting medical theories; and a forward-thinking, intelligent, and tenacious heroine. Finally, All in Her Hands is the third novel in a series but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the authors and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital copy of this novel via NetGalley for review consideration.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Stirring New Chapter for Historical Fiction Fans
Audrey Blake’s All in Her Hands unfolds the story of a determined woman waging battle against a quietly devastating force, all inside a world defined by the harsh realities of historical medicine. It’s a novel about grit, hope, and defying odds stacked high by both fate and society. The journey is full of heart, built around challenges that reveal just how much a person can endure when the world insists she cannot succeed.
The strength of this story lies with its cast, people who practically leap from the page and settle in, comfortably, as if you’ve known them for years. While the heroine’s name might ring a bell for fans of Blake’s earlier works, her struggles and triumphs stand on their own: a testament to how hard it can be to carve out a space in a world determined to keep you on the sidelines. Kindness, generosity, and the search for true belonging run through the novel’s core, marking it as more than just another tale of adversity.
Blake, actually the writing duo of Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois, brings signature depth and warmth to the world she builds. The prose is as inviting as a well-worn armchair, with dialogue and historical detail woven together so naturally you barely notice the research carried inside every scene. The intimacy of the storytelling and the lifelike pulse behind the book’s conversations and conflicts is amazing.
Where All in Her Hands shines brightest is in its emotional honesty and vividly-realized relationships. Every victory, every quiet act of rebellion, lands with weight you feel in your chest. If historical fiction is at its best when it reveals untold stories with empathy and insight, this book more than delivers. As for flaws, some may wish for more external action; the novel tilts toward reflective moments and the inner storms of its heroine, a style that suits fans of richly drawn, character-centric narratives.
Though All in Her Hands isn’t officially on shelves just yet, anticipation is already humming. This novel promises to continue Audrey Blake’s tradition of writing women who dare to reach for more, wrapped in a world alive with detail, struggle, and hard-won victories. For anyone craving a moving story driven by courage, connection, and the will to be seen, this book is ready to sweep you away.
Rating: 3.5/5
Audrey Blake’s All in Her Hands unfolds the story of a determined woman waging battle against a quietly devastating force, all inside a world defined by the harsh realities of historical medicine. It’s a novel about grit, hope, and defying odds stacked high by both fate and society. The journey is full of heart, built around challenges that reveal just how much a person can endure when the world insists she cannot succeed.
The strength of this story lies with its cast, people who practically leap from the page and settle in, comfortably, as if you’ve known them for years. While the heroine’s name might ring a bell for fans of Blake’s earlier works, her struggles and triumphs stand on their own: a testament to how hard it can be to carve out a space in a world determined to keep you on the sidelines. Kindness, generosity, and the search for true belonging run through the novel’s core, marking it as more than just another tale of adversity.
Blake, actually the writing duo of Jaima Fixsen and Regina Sirois, brings signature depth and warmth to the world she builds. The prose is as inviting as a well-worn armchair, with dialogue and historical detail woven together so naturally you barely notice the research carried inside every scene. The intimacy of the storytelling and the lifelike pulse behind the book’s conversations and conflicts is amazing.
Where All in Her Hands shines brightest is in its emotional honesty and vividly-realized relationships. Every victory, every quiet act of rebellion, lands with weight you feel in your chest. If historical fiction is at its best when it reveals untold stories with empathy and insight, this book more than delivers. As for flaws, some may wish for more external action; the novel tilts toward reflective moments and the inner storms of its heroine, a style that suits fans of richly drawn, character-centric narratives.
Though All in Her Hands isn’t officially on shelves just yet, anticipation is already humming. This novel promises to continue Audrey Blake’s tradition of writing women who dare to reach for more, wrapped in a world alive with detail, struggle, and hard-won victories. For anyone craving a moving story driven by courage, connection, and the will to be seen, this book is ready to sweep you away.
Rating: 3.5/5
February 20, 2026
Thank you to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book!
All in Her Hands is another powerful addition to Nora Beady’s story, and Audrey Blake once again delivers a blend of medical history, emotionality, and character‑driven story that kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
From the opening chapters, I was reminded why Nora is one of my favorite historical‑fiction protagonists. She is brilliant, determined, compassionate, and constantly fighting battles she should never have had to fight. The fury I felt on her behalf was immediate and unrelenting. Every moment of condescension, dismissal, and outright sabotage from the men around her only makes me root for her harder. Nora’s resilience is the beating heart of this book, and watching her push forward in the face of all that man nonsense was both inspiring and emotionally exhausting.
The stakes in this installment feel especially high. The cholera epidemic is running rampant bringing up trauma and personal risk for Nora. The shift toward obstetrics felt like a natural, meaningful evolution for her, and I loved seeing her step into a role that aligns so beautifully with her skills and her heart.
Daniel’s arc is more complicated here, and while his choices frustrated me deeply at times, the tension in their marriage felt honest for the era and for the pressures they’re under. His growth is imperfect but present, and by the end I found myself forgiving him for the frustrations he cause me and Nora. The storylines with Daniel’s family were well done.
Horace, as always, remains a character I care about fiercely, and his storyline brought both tenderness and anxiety as he healed. Julia’s (and Harry by extension) arc in this book is heartbreaking but so good.
The audiobook narration by Susan Lyons is, once again, exceptional. Her voice has become inseparable from Nora’s journey for me. It’s warm, steady, expressive, and perfectly suited to the tone of the story.
Overall, All in Her Hands is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and deeply engaging continuation of Nora’s life. I learned so much, felt so much, and loved watching her grow as a physician, a wife, and now a mother. Aside from a few moments where I felt like Nora and Daniel would have had certain conversations earlier, this was an easy five‑star read for me. I will happily follow Nora’s story wherever it goes next. 🥰
All in Her Hands is another powerful addition to Nora Beady’s story, and Audrey Blake once again delivers a blend of medical history, emotionality, and character‑driven story that kept me fully invested from beginning to end.
From the opening chapters, I was reminded why Nora is one of my favorite historical‑fiction protagonists. She is brilliant, determined, compassionate, and constantly fighting battles she should never have had to fight. The fury I felt on her behalf was immediate and unrelenting. Every moment of condescension, dismissal, and outright sabotage from the men around her only makes me root for her harder. Nora’s resilience is the beating heart of this book, and watching her push forward in the face of all that man nonsense was both inspiring and emotionally exhausting.
The stakes in this installment feel especially high. The cholera epidemic is running rampant bringing up trauma and personal risk for Nora. The shift toward obstetrics felt like a natural, meaningful evolution for her, and I loved seeing her step into a role that aligns so beautifully with her skills and her heart.
Daniel’s arc is more complicated here, and while his choices frustrated me deeply at times, the tension in their marriage felt honest for the era and for the pressures they’re under. His growth is imperfect but present, and by the end I found myself forgiving him for the frustrations he cause me and Nora. The storylines with Daniel’s family were well done.
Horace, as always, remains a character I care about fiercely, and his storyline brought both tenderness and anxiety as he healed. Julia’s (and Harry by extension) arc in this book is heartbreaking but so good.
The audiobook narration by Susan Lyons is, once again, exceptional. Her voice has become inseparable from Nora’s journey for me. It’s warm, steady, expressive, and perfectly suited to the tone of the story.
Overall, All in Her Hands is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and deeply engaging continuation of Nora’s life. I learned so much, felt so much, and loved watching her grow as a physician, a wife, and now a mother. Aside from a few moments where I felt like Nora and Daniel would have had certain conversations earlier, this was an easy five‑star read for me. I will happily follow Nora’s story wherever it goes next. 🥰
February 27, 2026
Huge thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital ARC!
4.5 stars
This one made me cry. And it made me angry — the slow, simmering kind that sits in your chest long after you’ve put the book down.
All in Her Hands follows a woman determined to be a doctor in a world that insists she doesn’t belong in medicine at all. Watching her fight for her education, her patients, and even the basic right to practice was both infuriating and deeply moving. Every step forward felt hard-earned. Every setback felt unfair in a way that was almost unbearable.
Audrey Blake writes with a quiet intensity that pulls you in without ever feeling dramatic for the sake of it. The hospital scenes, the resistance from male colleagues, the constant scrutiny — it all feels painfully real. There’s a line that says, “But if a man had pretended to be a doctor and killed a patient, we would not attempt to ban the entire profession outright.” And that hit. Because the double standard isn’t subtle. It’s systemic. It’s suffocating.
What really got to me was how the novel doesn’t just show ambition — it shows the cost of it. The isolation. The doubt. The exhaustion of having to prove yourself over and over again. There’s another moment that reads, “They’d been watching for an epidemic, but it had already come, sneaking up behind them, out of sight until now.” And in many ways, that line feels bigger than the literal meaning. The “epidemic” isn’t just illness — it’s prejudice, fear, and the quiet ways injustice spreads when no one is willing to confront it.
I found myself so emotionally invested in her journey — not just as a doctor, but as a woman trying to claim space in a profession designed to keep her out. I was rooting for her constantly. I felt her frustration, her small triumphs, her moments of doubt. Some parts moved a bit slower for me, but the emotional weight of the story more than made up for it.
This isn’t just a historical novel about medicine. It’s about resilience, about refusing to shrink, about demanding to be seen as capable in a world that benefits from underestimating you.
It hurt. It inspired me. It made me furious. And I loved it for that.
4.5 stars
This one made me cry. And it made me angry — the slow, simmering kind that sits in your chest long after you’ve put the book down.
All in Her Hands follows a woman determined to be a doctor in a world that insists she doesn’t belong in medicine at all. Watching her fight for her education, her patients, and even the basic right to practice was both infuriating and deeply moving. Every step forward felt hard-earned. Every setback felt unfair in a way that was almost unbearable.
Audrey Blake writes with a quiet intensity that pulls you in without ever feeling dramatic for the sake of it. The hospital scenes, the resistance from male colleagues, the constant scrutiny — it all feels painfully real. There’s a line that says, “But if a man had pretended to be a doctor and killed a patient, we would not attempt to ban the entire profession outright.” And that hit. Because the double standard isn’t subtle. It’s systemic. It’s suffocating.
What really got to me was how the novel doesn’t just show ambition — it shows the cost of it. The isolation. The doubt. The exhaustion of having to prove yourself over and over again. There’s another moment that reads, “They’d been watching for an epidemic, but it had already come, sneaking up behind them, out of sight until now.” And in many ways, that line feels bigger than the literal meaning. The “epidemic” isn’t just illness — it’s prejudice, fear, and the quiet ways injustice spreads when no one is willing to confront it.
I found myself so emotionally invested in her journey — not just as a doctor, but as a woman trying to claim space in a profession designed to keep her out. I was rooting for her constantly. I felt her frustration, her small triumphs, her moments of doubt. Some parts moved a bit slower for me, but the emotional weight of the story more than made up for it.
This isn’t just a historical novel about medicine. It’s about resilience, about refusing to shrink, about demanding to be seen as capable in a world that benefits from underestimating you.
It hurt. It inspired me. It made me furious. And I loved it for that.
February 26, 2026
"You never dismiss a good idea, no matter where it comes from —"
Never have I gotten so angry while reading a book that I enjoyed. All of the bs that Nora had to deal with this time frustrated me beyond measure. She was already facing backlash for loopholing her way into a doctor's license, to then fighting for the rights of women, midwifery, and obstetrics. Even further having to deal with her new in-laws' judgements on top of society's, and sometimes even her husbands. Then we add the return of cholera to the mix? Oooh, boy.
In terms of Daniel, I lost a lot of respect for him until everything at his aunt's house. I won't delve into specifics to avoid spoilers, though. I do believe his intentions were honorable in his eyes, but his only viewpoint was that of a man raised in society and used to specific ways of doing things. He was "trying to protect Nora" but he was also refusing to see the situations (and life in general) from her point-of-view. That's not to say Nora isn't without her faults either. Most of their issues could and would have been easily resolved had they just talked to each other. I wanted to reach through the book and bash their heads together, then force them to sit in a room together and talk.
Just as I was about to read this eARC, I learned it is the third book in a series, and I hadn't read the other two. Since I had the time, and my library had copies available, I ended up reading them so I'd have the full scope. I think it helped me be invested in the characters more, but otherwise, it wasn't entirely necessary. This could almost be a standalone with how often it referred back to events in books one and two. While good for those who haven't read them back-to-back-to-back like I just did, if someone were to read them all in a row, it could make someone lose interest early on because of how heavily recapped those moments were.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was heavy at times, especially with the recurrence of cholera and the loss of life, but the character arcs gone through this time were much more compelling to me.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this eARC.
Never have I gotten so angry while reading a book that I enjoyed. All of the bs that Nora had to deal with this time frustrated me beyond measure. She was already facing backlash for loopholing her way into a doctor's license, to then fighting for the rights of women, midwifery, and obstetrics. Even further having to deal with her new in-laws' judgements on top of society's, and sometimes even her husbands. Then we add the return of cholera to the mix? Oooh, boy.
In terms of Daniel, I lost a lot of respect for him until everything at his aunt's house. I won't delve into specifics to avoid spoilers, though. I do believe his intentions were honorable in his eyes, but his only viewpoint was that of a man raised in society and used to specific ways of doing things. He was "trying to protect Nora" but he was also refusing to see the situations (and life in general) from her point-of-view. That's not to say Nora isn't without her faults either. Most of their issues could and would have been easily resolved had they just talked to each other. I wanted to reach through the book and bash their heads together, then force them to sit in a room together and talk.
Just as I was about to read this eARC, I learned it is the third book in a series, and I hadn't read the other two. Since I had the time, and my library had copies available, I ended up reading them so I'd have the full scope. I think it helped me be invested in the characters more, but otherwise, it wasn't entirely necessary. This could almost be a standalone with how often it referred back to events in books one and two. While good for those who haven't read them back-to-back-to-back like I just did, if someone were to read them all in a row, it could make someone lose interest early on because of how heavily recapped those moments were.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was heavy at times, especially with the recurrence of cholera and the loss of life, but the character arcs gone through this time were much more compelling to me.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for allowing me to read this eARC.
February 10, 2026
Nora Beady is back, once again pushing boundaries as a physician in 19th-century London. Armed with her medical training from Italy—and her own harrowing experience surviving cholera—she is better prepared than most when a deadly disease begins spreading through the city.
With society, and particularly one determined male doctor, intent on keeping her in her place, Nora fights for space in the field of obstetrics. Most male physicians lack both patience and true understanding of the specialty, while the midwives—though highly skilled—are not trained to perform the complex surgeries sometimes required when labor goes dangerously wrong. Obstetrics offers Nora a rare opportunity to apply her surgical expertise while also filling a desperate need for female physicians. Even her new husband and his formidable aunt occasionally struggle to fully support her progressive ideas, and relying on her eccentric guardian, Dr. Horace Croft, is rarely wise.
As Nora crusades for the rights of midwives and her own professional and personal autonomy, she also faces an epidemic spreading across London that no one seems able to contain. It will take every ounce of her resolve and skill to see this crisis through.
Once again, Nora proves to be an inspiring and compelling protagonist. Audrey Blake’s attention to historical detail is evident throughout, but this installment in Dr. Beady’s story felt slightly tedious to me. Without being macabre, I would have welcomed grittier details of the pandemic to better underscore the desperation Nora describes. That said, the exploration of the fight for midwives’ recognition and respect was particularly well done. Readers with an interest in medical history and historical fiction will find much to appreciate here.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and author Audrey Blake for the advanced copy of the audiobook. All in Her Hands is out on February 24th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
With society, and particularly one determined male doctor, intent on keeping her in her place, Nora fights for space in the field of obstetrics. Most male physicians lack both patience and true understanding of the specialty, while the midwives—though highly skilled—are not trained to perform the complex surgeries sometimes required when labor goes dangerously wrong. Obstetrics offers Nora a rare opportunity to apply her surgical expertise while also filling a desperate need for female physicians. Even her new husband and his formidable aunt occasionally struggle to fully support her progressive ideas, and relying on her eccentric guardian, Dr. Horace Croft, is rarely wise.
As Nora crusades for the rights of midwives and her own professional and personal autonomy, she also faces an epidemic spreading across London that no one seems able to contain. It will take every ounce of her resolve and skill to see this crisis through.
Once again, Nora proves to be an inspiring and compelling protagonist. Audrey Blake’s attention to historical detail is evident throughout, but this installment in Dr. Beady’s story felt slightly tedious to me. Without being macabre, I would have welcomed grittier details of the pandemic to better underscore the desperation Nora describes. That said, the exploration of the fight for midwives’ recognition and respect was particularly well done. Readers with an interest in medical history and historical fiction will find much to appreciate here.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and author Audrey Blake for the advanced copy of the audiobook. All in Her Hands is out on February 24th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this one. Historical fiction about medicine, midwives, and a woman pushing against the system in the mid-1800s should have been right in my wheelhouse. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t land for me.
All in Her Hands follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in London, working alongside her husband and adoptive father at Queen Street Hospital while trying to bring midwives into the medical field during a devastating cholera epidemic. On paper, it sounds fascinating, and I was genuinely interested in the themes and the history behind it.
But for me, the story felt very slow and never really pulled me in. It just kind of stayed flat. I never connected with the characters, including Nora, and I kept waiting for something to click emotionally that never quite did.
A big part of my experience was the audiobook narration. I was given an advance audio copy, and while the narrator sounded appropriate for the character, her delivery stayed very monotone throughout. Even in moments that were clearly written with tension or strong emotion, the tone never shifted. After a while, that started to feel really fatiguing. I remember being only about 14% in when I realized I was already struggling to stay engaged.
I also had a hard time fully buying into how easily Nora seemed to make certain advancements given the time period. I know historical fiction sometimes stretches reality a bit, but this one pushed past what felt believable for me.
That said, I do think this might have worked better for me in print. The subject matter itself is interesting, and readers who enjoy slower, more detail-focused historical fiction about early medicine might connect with it more than I did.
For me, this ended up being about a 2.5-star listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the complimentary audiobook copy in advance of publication. All opinions are my own.
All in Her Hands follows Dr. Nora Gibson, the only female surgeon in London, working alongside her husband and adoptive father at Queen Street Hospital while trying to bring midwives into the medical field during a devastating cholera epidemic. On paper, it sounds fascinating, and I was genuinely interested in the themes and the history behind it.
But for me, the story felt very slow and never really pulled me in. It just kind of stayed flat. I never connected with the characters, including Nora, and I kept waiting for something to click emotionally that never quite did.
A big part of my experience was the audiobook narration. I was given an advance audio copy, and while the narrator sounded appropriate for the character, her delivery stayed very monotone throughout. Even in moments that were clearly written with tension or strong emotion, the tone never shifted. After a while, that started to feel really fatiguing. I remember being only about 14% in when I realized I was already struggling to stay engaged.
I also had a hard time fully buying into how easily Nora seemed to make certain advancements given the time period. I know historical fiction sometimes stretches reality a bit, but this one pushed past what felt believable for me.
That said, I do think this might have worked better for me in print. The subject matter itself is interesting, and readers who enjoy slower, more detail-focused historical fiction about early medicine might connect with it more than I did.
For me, this ended up being about a 2.5-star listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the complimentary audiobook copy in advance of publication. All opinions are my own.
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