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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
319 people are currently reading
12197 people want to read
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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 29, 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 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 14, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!! 📚⭐️
March 3, 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 😉
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.
Did Not Finish
March 26, 2026I appreciate what the author was going for here. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t work for me.
The experience was like reading dry, nonfiction accounts of childbirth in the 1800s. We’re given an immense amount of detail that does nothing to advance the story. The characters were flat and I just didn’t feel anything.
DNF
*Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
The experience was like reading dry, nonfiction accounts of childbirth in the 1800s. We’re given an immense amount of detail that does nothing to advance the story. The characters were flat and I just didn’t feel anything.
DNF
*Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
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.
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.
March 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
All in Her Hands is a fascinating account of 19th century medicine during the cholera epidemic in London. I really enjoyed this book as we watch Nora fight for her place in medicine and advocate for other female dominated medical practitioners. If you like medical dramas, historical fiction and strong female leads, this is your book!
All in Her Hands is a fascinating account of 19th century medicine during the cholera epidemic in London. I really enjoyed this book as we watch Nora fight for her place in medicine and advocate for other female dominated medical practitioners. If you like medical dramas, historical fiction and strong female leads, this is your book!
March 15, 2026
wow! Strong women and men fought hard against tough times.
May 2, 2026
I went into this novel not realizing it was the third in a series, however it read just fine as a standalone. I also liked this novel well enough to add the first two novels to my TBR.
All in Her Hands is a historical fiction novel set amidst the 1849 cholera epidemic in London and features the first female surgeon in all of England. I enjoyed the author's note at the end which does state that though Nora Gibson is a work of fiction, her fictionalized life is derived heavily from the life of Elizabeth Blackwell, London's first female physician and surgeon. I decided to read this one because I recently read and loved The Frozen River which was an early American historical fiction featuring a midwife and I found that I enjoyed that subject matter immensely. Though Nora is a surgeon and not a midwife, she specializes mostly in obstetrics and works very closely with unlicensed midwives in midcentury London. Set nearly 60 years apart, I really enjoyed reading these two books so close together to see how history has unfolded in the profession. As a nurse myself, I loved reading historical accounts of those in the medical profession.
This book was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with it but not quite as much as I enjoyed The Frozen River. The latter provided a much richer story and characters which is where I found this one lacking. I ate up the historical, medical, and scientific aspects of this novel, but as for the plot, the story, and the characters, I found this kind of resembled a Lifetime or Hallmark movie: predictable, tidy, and characters that were only one or two note. I also found a lot of manufactured drama between Nora and her husband which wasn't my forte. My favorite parts were when Nora was in the middle of a complicated birth or when the authors were describing new treatments for cholera patients. I liked the characters well enough; Nora's adoptive father Horace, a notable and famous surgeon, her husband Daniel (also a surgeon), and their surgeon colleague Harry and his wife Julia, as well as the housekeeper Mrs. Phipps were all lovely, I just wished they had been developed a little further and that the plot was not so predictable. The fault could also have been mine as I also didn't read the first two books.
Overall a very enjoyable historical fiction, one that definitely has an audience (my mother would love it). And I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the first two installments and for anything this duo writes in the future.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
All in Her Hands is a historical fiction novel set amidst the 1849 cholera epidemic in London and features the first female surgeon in all of England. I enjoyed the author's note at the end which does state that though Nora Gibson is a work of fiction, her fictionalized life is derived heavily from the life of Elizabeth Blackwell, London's first female physician and surgeon. I decided to read this one because I recently read and loved The Frozen River which was an early American historical fiction featuring a midwife and I found that I enjoyed that subject matter immensely. Though Nora is a surgeon and not a midwife, she specializes mostly in obstetrics and works very closely with unlicensed midwives in midcentury London. Set nearly 60 years apart, I really enjoyed reading these two books so close together to see how history has unfolded in the profession. As a nurse myself, I loved reading historical accounts of those in the medical profession.
This book was no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with it but not quite as much as I enjoyed The Frozen River. The latter provided a much richer story and characters which is where I found this one lacking. I ate up the historical, medical, and scientific aspects of this novel, but as for the plot, the story, and the characters, I found this kind of resembled a Lifetime or Hallmark movie: predictable, tidy, and characters that were only one or two note. I also found a lot of manufactured drama between Nora and her husband which wasn't my forte. My favorite parts were when Nora was in the middle of a complicated birth or when the authors were describing new treatments for cholera patients. I liked the characters well enough; Nora's adoptive father Horace, a notable and famous surgeon, her husband Daniel (also a surgeon), and their surgeon colleague Harry and his wife Julia, as well as the housekeeper Mrs. Phipps were all lovely, I just wished they had been developed a little further and that the plot was not so predictable. The fault could also have been mine as I also didn't read the first two books.
Overall a very enjoyable historical fiction, one that definitely has an audience (my mother would love it). And I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for the first two installments and for anything this duo writes in the future.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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