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The Light Attendant: A Canadian Bluebird Novel
Abbigail will not break her promise-but she has no intention of keeping it.
Raised on her family's farm in the middle of the Saskatchewan prairies, Abbigail is desperate to escape her father's controlling ambitions and his plans for her. When war breaks out in July, 1914, Abbigail seizes the opportunity to enlist as a Canadian Nursing Sister, also known as a Bluebird, in an attempt to earn an income and her independence. Despite the dangers waiting for her there, Abbigail leaves for war-torn France against her father's wishes
The challenges of war nursing test Abbigail's resolve to buy her way out of the contract her father has signed, giving half the family farm to John, a man Abbigail despises. As Abbigail struggles under the hardships of war nursing, an unexpected complication threatens to undo all she has worked for.
When Abbigail meets the unprincipled Private Henry Ryzack, she is convinced he is just like the miscreant John. Abbigail's opinion of Henry begins to change, however, when she learns why Henry has enlisted and the true battle he is fighting. As her respect for Henry grows, Abbigail faces an impossible choice: fulfill her promise to marry John and keep the family farm, or stay with Henry and leave her family and farm behind.
Can Abbigail find a way out of her promise without destroying her honour and everything for which she has worked so hard?
Heartrending and captivating, The Light Attendant: A Canadian Bluebird Novel is a story of love, second chances, and redemption found amidst the horrors of war.
Part I of a three-part series.
Raised on her family's farm in the middle of the Saskatchewan prairies, Abbigail is desperate to escape her father's controlling ambitions and his plans for her. When war breaks out in July, 1914, Abbigail seizes the opportunity to enlist as a Canadian Nursing Sister, also known as a Bluebird, in an attempt to earn an income and her independence. Despite the dangers waiting for her there, Abbigail leaves for war-torn France against her father's wishes
The challenges of war nursing test Abbigail's resolve to buy her way out of the contract her father has signed, giving half the family farm to John, a man Abbigail despises. As Abbigail struggles under the hardships of war nursing, an unexpected complication threatens to undo all she has worked for.
When Abbigail meets the unprincipled Private Henry Ryzack, she is convinced he is just like the miscreant John. Abbigail's opinion of Henry begins to change, however, when she learns why Henry has enlisted and the true battle he is fighting. As her respect for Henry grows, Abbigail faces an impossible choice: fulfill her promise to marry John and keep the family farm, or stay with Henry and leave her family and farm behind.
Can Abbigail find a way out of her promise without destroying her honour and everything for which she has worked so hard?
Heartrending and captivating, The Light Attendant: A Canadian Bluebird Novel is a story of love, second chances, and redemption found amidst the horrors of war.
Part I of a three-part series.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2022
19 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 2, 2022
“John proposed to me today. It was the worst day of my life.”
“If I had known anything about the world and the path which I would have to take through it, I would never have had the audacity to write such self-involved melodrama.”
I loved this plucky Canadian heroine, Abbigail Grieves and her strength to stand up to her father in getting his approval for her nursing certificate. I was thankful for a front row seat to her growth. Fehr’s ability to get readers to connect to her characters resulted in me abhorring Abbigail’s fiancé, John, as much as she did! I appreciated the nods to our Canadian history with ‘soddies’ and the Canadian Expeditionary Force and liked learning new things, such as ‘puttees’ that I hadn’t picked up in history texts. It was good, too, to have insight into the crossings on the Canadian Pacific Railway steamships, the HMS Metagma and the SS Empress of Britain, both refreshingly new additions to WW1 historical fiction. Also important was the author’s ability to capture the language and societal expectations /conventions of the times; it felt true to the period she was writing about. The highlight was the author’s exploration into the work of the tireless nursing sisters who advanced and shaped the field of nursing. By writing to inform readers of the “lived experience of the people there,” rather than sharing “simply facts of the war’s happenings and the politics as told in history books,” Fehr has made sure that her writing appeals to historical fiction readers. I loved the little pieces of information that made the writing authentic; for example, Abbigail reminding Henry that she couldn’t tell him her full name.
Of minor significance, was the frustration caused due to the diary format. At one point (June 5, 1916), I stopped reading because I felt like I’d read about the nurse and soldier meeting before. Thinking I was having troubles with my e-reader, I soon discovered that it was the same even from different points of view. It interrupted my flow and focus. I knew what was going to transpire, so I found myself skimming - always a bad thing for a reader! I also noted that there were several characters mentioned, but not used to propel the plot forward. I wonder if they’ll turn up in the sequels? Although the narrative was well padded with superfluous conversation as well as facts about daily life, it didn’t take away from anything. Finally, there were sections that I felt could have done with better integration rather than an obvious information dump. Again, these are small personal issues and didn’t overly take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I look forward to part two in the trilogy.
I was gifted this copy by Wendy Fehr, ShiftersPress, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“If I had known anything about the world and the path which I would have to take through it, I would never have had the audacity to write such self-involved melodrama.”
I loved this plucky Canadian heroine, Abbigail Grieves and her strength to stand up to her father in getting his approval for her nursing certificate. I was thankful for a front row seat to her growth. Fehr’s ability to get readers to connect to her characters resulted in me abhorring Abbigail’s fiancé, John, as much as she did! I appreciated the nods to our Canadian history with ‘soddies’ and the Canadian Expeditionary Force and liked learning new things, such as ‘puttees’ that I hadn’t picked up in history texts. It was good, too, to have insight into the crossings on the Canadian Pacific Railway steamships, the HMS Metagma and the SS Empress of Britain, both refreshingly new additions to WW1 historical fiction. Also important was the author’s ability to capture the language and societal expectations /conventions of the times; it felt true to the period she was writing about. The highlight was the author’s exploration into the work of the tireless nursing sisters who advanced and shaped the field of nursing. By writing to inform readers of the “lived experience of the people there,” rather than sharing “simply facts of the war’s happenings and the politics as told in history books,” Fehr has made sure that her writing appeals to historical fiction readers. I loved the little pieces of information that made the writing authentic; for example, Abbigail reminding Henry that she couldn’t tell him her full name.
Of minor significance, was the frustration caused due to the diary format. At one point (June 5, 1916), I stopped reading because I felt like I’d read about the nurse and soldier meeting before. Thinking I was having troubles with my e-reader, I soon discovered that it was the same even from different points of view. It interrupted my flow and focus. I knew what was going to transpire, so I found myself skimming - always a bad thing for a reader! I also noted that there were several characters mentioned, but not used to propel the plot forward. I wonder if they’ll turn up in the sequels? Although the narrative was well padded with superfluous conversation as well as facts about daily life, it didn’t take away from anything. Finally, there were sections that I felt could have done with better integration rather than an obvious information dump. Again, these are small personal issues and didn’t overly take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I look forward to part two in the trilogy.
I was gifted this copy by Wendy Fehr, ShiftersPress, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
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February 26, 2022As a Nurse Practitioner, I have always been fascinated with Nursing in the first world war-work which helped advance and shape the field of nursing as we know it today. I wrote this book to explore that period of time, along with the events of the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. I came away inspired and in awe of the nurses and soldiers who withstood such harrowing events. I am hopeful this book might inspire others to recognize the work of those who have gone before us. - Wendy
June 11, 2022
I loved both of the main characters in this book. I loved reading about Abbigail’s journey to prove herself as a Nurse, and Henry’s journey as a soldier and becoming a man. The story was often difficult with the description of the conditions the soldiers were living in on the front lines. It’s hard to imagine how soldier’s fighting for our freedom are not taken better care of. I do wish the author had labeled the beginning of Abbigail’s sections the way she labeled Henry’s as it was often confusing who was speaking. I look forward to reading Part 2 of this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and ShiftersPress for this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Thank you to NetGalley and ShiftersPress for this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
February 21, 2022
The Light Attendant tells the story of two young Saskatchewan people who are compelled to enlist in World War I. The descriptions of daily life on the front line are gripping and the ending leaves me eager for Part 2. I recommend this book, I couldn’t put it down!
July 18, 2022
I love this story! I have several reasons why I love it.
1. This story is what I had been looking for several months ago when I began to read a couple of other books about this historical event. I wanted to read about medical care for the injured during World War I. In one of the books, it seemed more focused on the extra activities of the medical personnel and the soldiers, rather than on their roles in the war. The other book gave me more knowledge about the physicians who operated on the injured. The Light Attendant shares the gritty details of what they actually did-on a daily basis, and during specific missions.
2. One of the reasons I love this story is that even though romance is a theme, it does not take away or distract from the events and personal experiences of war. What I mean is often when I read a book about two people who care for one another and they are both directly involved in the war effort, the romantic aspect totally shifts the story and can even hijack the overall story. The war then becomes a background, and this is never the reality during a time of war.
3. War is horrific, violent, lengthy, and damaging. People who are in a war, whether they are in combat or in direct contact with caring for the injured are changed. They cannot go back to the people they were before. This is never said in the story, but I can tell by the behaviors and developments of the characters.
4. Some things I’d never thought about that a soldier did. He learned to care for his own needs. For example, mend a torn shirt. This is a task their mother or wife or sister did. Now, they must do this type of thing. This is a personal but important example to share about the soldiers.
5. I learned that injuries and death is not always on the battlefield but is a result of accidents or negligence on the part of the soldier or another soldier.
6. I love that Abbi demonstrates that nursing is a skill, but it is also showing compassion, patience, and care to the injured.
7. I love the comparison stories of Henry and Abbi. He will share his story and then in the next chapter the same scene is shared but it is through Abbi’s eyes and thoughts.
8. I love reading how triage is handled by Abbi. She is thrust into this task without having done this before. And triage is probably not a word used at this point in history, but it is still an act that must be implemented.
9. I love stories that will give me a panoramic sweeping view of what is happening. In a war, during a battle, the story can take a reader up close, and it can shift away for the reader to see the larger scene taking place. The same can be said of a hospital tent or the injured laying on the grounds in front of a hospital. To me this is such an important structure for a story! It brings the scene to life in my mind.
I love this book so much I bought the 2nd part of Henry and Abbi’s story.
Format: Kindle e-book.
Source: I received a complimentary NetGalley Kindle e-book. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Readers of war stories, World War I, and romance.
June 14, 2022
This is the story of Private Henry Ryzak and Abbigail Grieves Lieutenant and Nursing sister during the First World War.
The book begins with their background living on farms in Canada and how their life progresses, leading up to enlisting. They meet very briefly and both think about that time during turbulent and dangerous times. Will they meet again?
The story is told in diary form from Henry and Abbigail, both in the first person but in Abbigail’s case also with amendments made later in life. This, I found sometimes a little confusing.
I loved the story which was describing how Henry and Abbigail experienced the war, not glamours or pretty but brutal with the occasional ‘normality’ thrown in.
Wendy Weir’s description of the nursing care and war situations was excellent. I can’t wait to read the next book
The book begins with their background living on farms in Canada and how their life progresses, leading up to enlisting. They meet very briefly and both think about that time during turbulent and dangerous times. Will they meet again?
The story is told in diary form from Henry and Abbigail, both in the first person but in Abbigail’s case also with amendments made later in life. This, I found sometimes a little confusing.
I loved the story which was describing how Henry and Abbigail experienced the war, not glamours or pretty but brutal with the occasional ‘normality’ thrown in.
Wendy Weir’s description of the nursing care and war situations was excellent. I can’t wait to read the next book
April 13, 2022
I adored this book!
Beautiful character development, relatable family dynamics and historical elements that were written with poetic ease and fluidity. Each time I am given the opportunity to read a Canadian author, I will take that gift every time. This was absolutely a beautifully-written book by a very talented author. I will anxiously await the next chapter of this thoughtful story and look forward to many more to come.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for this advanced digital copy! Well done!
Beautiful character development, relatable family dynamics and historical elements that were written with poetic ease and fluidity. Each time I am given the opportunity to read a Canadian author, I will take that gift every time. This was absolutely a beautifully-written book by a very talented author. I will anxiously await the next chapter of this thoughtful story and look forward to many more to come.
Many thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for this advanced digital copy! Well done!
May 29, 2022
This is the first World War I novel I have read based on events as told from a nurses prospective. I found it a very fast read and a page turner. I learned a lot about what nurses faced during the Spanish influenza pandemic. The historical facts were well researched and portrayed clearly and accurately.
I read this book in one sitting as I could not put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinion.
Recomend.
I read this book in one sitting as I could not put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for granting me an advance copy in return for my honest opinion.
Recomend.
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, It was a quick and easy read that i finished in one setting. It was well written with a compelling plot and well developed characters that I really came to be invested in, especially Abbigail. I loved reading about her journey as a Bluebird Nurse and I loved the romantic elements of this book. It was heartrenching and emotive at times and full of hope in others . I couldn't put it down.
April 24, 2022
A magnificent work of historical fiction. I couldn’t stop reading this book and couldn’t wait to find out what happens between Private Ryazan and Lieutenant Grieves. As a nurse myself, I loved learning about nursing in the war. I would highly recommend this book! This story is heartbreaking, yet beautiful and kept me captivated until the very last page.
April 28, 2022
I enjoyed reading this historical fiction book written by a local author. The historical elements of the First World War from the perspectives of both soldiers and those providing medical care were well done and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
May 18, 2022
I got this as a e book for my i pad from Net Galley. I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author. It was a well written book.
March 5, 2022
Interesting read
It was definitely an entertaining read. Henry and Abbigail were easy to like. I’m looking forward to the next book!
It was definitely an entertaining read. Henry and Abbigail were easy to like. I’m looking forward to the next book!
October 27, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A good novel. Highly recommend. Love the cover.
March 11, 2022
book ending
I hated the book ending! It feels like the author quit halfway through! Too bad because the book was good until then!
I hated the book ending! It feels like the author quit halfway through! Too bad because the book was good until then!
June 17, 2022
I loved it it is a beautifully written book with a lovely story. My only issue with it is that it reads as if it should have all been one larger book and not two separate books. normally in series each book feels like it ends but leaves us coming back. In this book it doesn't end as much as run out of pages. But it is a really good story so I am still giving it 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews