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Hearts and Sails #2
No Job for a Woman
She sailed against the current.
Ella Parker’s male alias was a star pupil in medical school. But as a woman in 1810 England, Ella cannot find a job as a doctor’s assistant. In a life-or-death emergency with a mother in labor, she oversteps her boundaries and risks arrest. Determined to practice medicine, she decides to join her mentor on the Neptune, a warship heading for open waters.
Following an accident, she is quickly thrust into the role of ship surgeon, and her skills are put to the test. Hoping to fit in with the all-male crew and make friends, instead, Ella creates chaos and suspicion among the superstitious sailors. Lieutenant Jack Wyse, though charged by the captain with protecting Ella, is keen on making her leave.
After a fierce battle, Ella saves the handsome officer, Robert Weston. Her commitment to her profession is tested, however, when he asks for her hand in marriage. But are Weston’s intentions sincere, and would he allow her the freedom to pursue her calling?
Ella must decide where she belongs before her future sails away from her.
The second novel in the Hearts and Sails series, by award-winning author, Alina Rubin.
No Job for a Woman tells the courageous story of a woman surgeon saving lives and refusing to be put in her place. Perfect for book clubs!
Ella Parker’s male alias was a star pupil in medical school. But as a woman in 1810 England, Ella cannot find a job as a doctor’s assistant. In a life-or-death emergency with a mother in labor, she oversteps her boundaries and risks arrest. Determined to practice medicine, she decides to join her mentor on the Neptune, a warship heading for open waters.
Following an accident, she is quickly thrust into the role of ship surgeon, and her skills are put to the test. Hoping to fit in with the all-male crew and make friends, instead, Ella creates chaos and suspicion among the superstitious sailors. Lieutenant Jack Wyse, though charged by the captain with protecting Ella, is keen on making her leave.
After a fierce battle, Ella saves the handsome officer, Robert Weston. Her commitment to her profession is tested, however, when he asks for her hand in marriage. But are Weston’s intentions sincere, and would he allow her the freedom to pursue her calling?
Ella must decide where she belongs before her future sails away from her.
The second novel in the Hearts and Sails series, by award-winning author, Alina Rubin.
No Job for a Woman tells the courageous story of a woman surgeon saving lives and refusing to be put in her place. Perfect for book clubs!
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2013
250 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Alina Rubin
9 books62 followersAlina Rubin is a best-selling author who celebrates heroines with strong voices and able hands. Amidst the pandemic, she authored her debut novel while working in IT. Her characters took her on a journey beyond her wildest dreams. She’s an accomplished speaker and an owner of Hearts and Sails Author Services.
Her novel, A Girl with a Knife, has won the Illinois Soon to be Famous Author Competition. Her book series is set in the Regency England era, but her characters are more likely to suture wounds and climb rigging than dance at a ball.
Alina obtained a B.S. and M.S. degrees in Business and Information Technology from DePaul University. She lives near Chicago with her husband and daughter. She enjoys yoga, hiking, and traveling.
Download free prequel Hearts by the Sea: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ne4u00p6he
Email: alina@alinarubinauthor.com
Website and Blog: https://alinarubinauthor.com
Facebook: Alina Rubin Author
Instagram: Alina.Rubin.Author
Her novel, A Girl with a Knife, has won the Illinois Soon to be Famous Author Competition. Her book series is set in the Regency England era, but her characters are more likely to suture wounds and climb rigging than dance at a ball.
Alina obtained a B.S. and M.S. degrees in Business and Information Technology from DePaul University. She lives near Chicago with her husband and daughter. She enjoys yoga, hiking, and traveling.
Download free prequel Hearts by the Sea: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ne4u00p6he
Email: alina@alinarubinauthor.com
Website and Blog: https://alinarubinauthor.com
Facebook: Alina Rubin Author
Instagram: Alina.Rubin.Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Want to read
December 17, 2024This book a continuation of Ella Parker's journey to practice medicine. It picks up where Book 1, A Girl with a Knife, ends. Ella's mentor, Dr. Pesce, and his sister Matilda play an important part in this story. Many new side characters—sailors, officers, and ship boys—will be introduced, as Ella gets accustomed to the life aboard the warship. Enjoy the adventure and Ella's quest to belong.
Direct Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRQVZPZP/
Available formats: ebook (Amazon only), paperback, audiobook
Author website: alinarubinauthor.com - sign up for my newsletter!
Check out stories on my blog, A Girl on Adventure: alinarubinauthor.com/blog/
Email: alina@alinarubinauthor.com
Facebook: Alina Rubin Author
Instagram: Alina.Rubin.Author
I highly appreciate all reviews!
Direct Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRQVZPZP/
Available formats: ebook (Amazon only), paperback, audiobook
Author website: alinarubinauthor.com - sign up for my newsletter!
Check out stories on my blog, A Girl on Adventure: alinarubinauthor.com/blog/
Email: alina@alinarubinauthor.com
Facebook: Alina Rubin Author
Instagram: Alina.Rubin.Author
I highly appreciate all reviews!
March 25, 2023
Ella is a woman after my own heart. She follows her passion for medicine regardless of how other people receive her decision. I was encouraged by her grit and determination. Living in the time she did, however, presented problems in how she could actually live out her dream of being a surgeon who actually helped people. Her abilities forced people to work through their own prejudices and reconsider their positions. She persevered and turned things around when others tried to sabotage her to put her in her place.
Honestly, I couldn't help but relate closely with Ella. Women have such challenges even today that it was really nice to see her find ways to remain truly herself while attaining her highest goals. Ella is someone with whom I would gladly share a beer.
This was a really nice read. The characters were well-developed and fun to follow. The story flowed well. It was hard to believe this author only has two books out! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I received an advance copy of this book to read and review.
Honestly, I couldn't help but relate closely with Ella. Women have such challenges even today that it was really nice to see her find ways to remain truly herself while attaining her highest goals. Ella is someone with whom I would gladly share a beer.
This was a really nice read. The characters were well-developed and fun to follow. The story flowed well. It was hard to believe this author only has two books out! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I received an advance copy of this book to read and review.
March 18, 2025
The greatness continued. Just love this series.
June 27, 2023
For me, this book was not very good compared to the first one in the series. I wish there had been a lot more medicine. I’m disappointed.
March 18, 2024
Just like the first, cute but not an intellectual read. Less a statement on women capacity and more a statement on male gaze than the first. still a fun read!
April 22, 2023
‘No Job for a Woman’ is a worthy sequel to Alina Rubin’s first novel, ‘A Girl with a Knife’. In it our heroine, Ella Parker, determined to prove that a woman can be a successful and accepted surgeon by the notoriously conservative medical profession, tries her luck at sea. Here she finds herself in a completely alien world and discovers that seamen are even more conservative than many people ashore, believing that not only do women bring bad luck aboard ship but that she is a witch. The hostility towards her comes not only come from the crew, for the negativity extends even to the officers and the captains of the ships she meets.
Gradually however and over a period of time, her actions in tending the wounded and the saving of lives in battle win the men over, but not before they have played many pranks, made lewd advances and at one point, almost having had her drown. Somewhat disillusioned with the life of a ship’s surgeon, Ella leaves the ship having been persuaded to travel to a monastery where she can practice her medical skills, seemingly in a calmer environment. The ships’ first lieutenant, Jack Wyse, who had initially taken against her like the men, discovers that this is a ruse by the Mother Superior and the ship’s chaplain to deprive her of her secret fortune. He sets off with others to rescue her and eventually all turns out well, with the addition of a surprising twist from her past. Ella decides to return to the ship and a forgiving crew to resume the life of a ship’s surgeon, but is this the life she really wants? Only time will tell.
‘No Job for a Woman’ is well written and seamlessly continues the ongoing story line from the first novel. The author advances her in depth knowledge of surgical procedures, such that it makes one feel as though you are looking over her shoulder… although perhaps not too closely! Despite having one or two reservations as to the depiction of shipboard life and some of Ella’s own actions, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, which is part two in the ‘Hearts and Sails’ series. I look forward to seeing where Miss Parker takes us next!
Gradually however and over a period of time, her actions in tending the wounded and the saving of lives in battle win the men over, but not before they have played many pranks, made lewd advances and at one point, almost having had her drown. Somewhat disillusioned with the life of a ship’s surgeon, Ella leaves the ship having been persuaded to travel to a monastery where she can practice her medical skills, seemingly in a calmer environment. The ships’ first lieutenant, Jack Wyse, who had initially taken against her like the men, discovers that this is a ruse by the Mother Superior and the ship’s chaplain to deprive her of her secret fortune. He sets off with others to rescue her and eventually all turns out well, with the addition of a surprising twist from her past. Ella decides to return to the ship and a forgiving crew to resume the life of a ship’s surgeon, but is this the life she really wants? Only time will tell.
‘No Job for a Woman’ is well written and seamlessly continues the ongoing story line from the first novel. The author advances her in depth knowledge of surgical procedures, such that it makes one feel as though you are looking over her shoulder… although perhaps not too closely! Despite having one or two reservations as to the depiction of shipboard life and some of Ella’s own actions, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, which is part two in the ‘Hearts and Sails’ series. I look forward to seeing where Miss Parker takes us next!
March 23, 2023
Reading this novel reminded me of why I love reading historical fiction. I learn something about a different time and place, and I can follow the challenges of someone who had a different set of circumstances to deal with. For me, that's especially true when the protagonist is a woman. In "No Job for a Woman," Ella functions as a surgeon on a British naval ship in 1810. Not only does she have to deal with all of the restrictions on women of the time, including that she could not get a certificate, even though she had studied medicine, but she also faces the superstitions and animosity of many of the crew. Rubin shows us a brave young woman who perseveres through adversity.
Rubin has clearly done her homework, and she immerses us in the life of the ship, with its routines, its physical space, and its dangers. This was a very satisfying novel!
Rubin has clearly done her homework, and she immerses us in the life of the ship, with its routines, its physical space, and its dangers. This was a very satisfying novel!
March 30, 2023
I was honored to be a beta reader of this book, and as such, I had the pleasure of watching Ella grow as a character. Pay special attention to the shark scene, one of my my favorites in the book. Alina has a great talent for writing prose, and her sentences move along at such an easy and gentle pace that it's hard to stop reading. Ella's journey is one of struggle and success against odds greater than any person should have to face in order fulfill their dream.
This is an unequivocal great read. Alina Rubin's sure hand depicts the life on the ship where Ella struggles in a completely realistic manner. The historical details bring to life the technologies, practices, beliefs, and prejudices that permeate every action of Ella and her fellow shipmates. This is a sure fire winner of a book and a joy from page one through the end.
This is an unequivocal great read. Alina Rubin's sure hand depicts the life on the ship where Ella struggles in a completely realistic manner. The historical details bring to life the technologies, practices, beliefs, and prejudices that permeate every action of Ella and her fellow shipmates. This is a sure fire winner of a book and a joy from page one through the end.
May 26, 2023
Book 2 exceeds expectations that are set high after reading book 1.
Everything I said about book 1 "A Girl with a Knife" can be repeated
for book 2. It is convincing, captivating, and inspiring story.
The narrative is fast paced, packed with events and
has many twists and turns that are hard to guess.
It can easily be made into a movie.
It is very well written, with careful attention to many historically accurate details.
I could not stop reading it until I finished the book.
It has everything, and more, that a picky reader would desire:
new life, death, love, friendship, betrayal, intrigue, drama, humor,
great hopes, despair, guilt and redemption.
I am not giving away any spoilers, but the last sentence of the book is its best.
Alina is maturing as a writer and I am certainly looking forward
to a book #3 by her.
Everything I said about book 1 "A Girl with a Knife" can be repeated
for book 2. It is convincing, captivating, and inspiring story.
The narrative is fast paced, packed with events and
has many twists and turns that are hard to guess.
It can easily be made into a movie.
It is very well written, with careful attention to many historically accurate details.
I could not stop reading it until I finished the book.
It has everything, and more, that a picky reader would desire:
new life, death, love, friendship, betrayal, intrigue, drama, humor,
great hopes, despair, guilt and redemption.
I am not giving away any spoilers, but the last sentence of the book is its best.
Alina is maturing as a writer and I am certainly looking forward
to a book #3 by her.
June 5, 2023
5 stars for a fantastic keeper!
What a fun way to be transported to the early 1800s on England's high seas! The first book was remarkable in both entertainment and historical value. The second book is no less engaging. How much can one person endure? Heartbreak, loneliness, maiming and death of patients and those close to you, deception and loss of freedom - when does the tide turn for the better?
Because surgical procedures are described a little bit, younger readers may be bothered but most teens and above can handle the fascinating telling of life on King George III's Naval ships! I highly recommend this book. It can stand alone well but reading Rubin's "Girl with a Knife" book really sets the stand perfectly.
What a fun way to be transported to the early 1800s on England's high seas! The first book was remarkable in both entertainment and historical value. The second book is no less engaging. How much can one person endure? Heartbreak, loneliness, maiming and death of patients and those close to you, deception and loss of freedom - when does the tide turn for the better?
Because surgical procedures are described a little bit, younger readers may be bothered but most teens and above can handle the fascinating telling of life on King George III's Naval ships! I highly recommend this book. It can stand alone well but reading Rubin's "Girl with a Knife" book really sets the stand perfectly.
March 21, 2023
If you finished the first book desperate to find out what happens to Ella Parker, this book will not disappoint. If you haven't read the first book yet, this one is still an amazing story of a woman's determination to practice medicine in an age where only men could be licensed to do so. You will cheer for Ella when events go her way and tear up when they don't. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I was pleased with the ending, which didn't end in a traditional happy ending but was nonetheless satisfying. This is a well-researched novel with a compelling main character will keep you turning the pages.
February 20, 2023
I received an advanced copy from the author and really enjoyed this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what came next on Ella’s adventure! There were parts in the book I shed a tear, and parts in the book I was cheering out loud! This book had a bit of a different theme than book 1, focusing around belonging, acceptance and appreciation for what one contributes which can be so relatable! We still got to see the empowered, strong and determined Ella we loved from book 1.
Great read!
Great read!
April 26, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!
I work in the construction field and I can’t tell you how many times people (mostly men) ask me to tell the “guy” who is coming out to do the estimate......
I say, “Well, there won’t be a guy, just me.”
And they’re always like, “oh really? You come out in the field?”
Really???
That’s why I love this book so much. I could relate 100% to Ella. Men never think you can do the job as good as them. Well she sure showed them!!
Well written, funny at times, and sad too. But all in all a truly inspiring book!
I work in the construction field and I can’t tell you how many times people (mostly men) ask me to tell the “guy” who is coming out to do the estimate......
I say, “Well, there won’t be a guy, just me.”
And they’re always like, “oh really? You come out in the field?”
Really???
That’s why I love this book so much. I could relate 100% to Ella. Men never think you can do the job as good as them. Well she sure showed them!!
Well written, funny at times, and sad too. But all in all a truly inspiring book!
June 30, 2023
I fell in love with spunky, full-speed-ahead Ella Parker in A Girl with a Knife, and this sequel did not disappoint.
Ella can get in her own way from time to time, which makes her such a relatable character. She holds fast to her convictions and clings loyally to her friends. I enjoyed the adventure at sea in No Job for a Woman and appreciated the historical details of the ship boys, the battles, the food, the medical practices and the cultural norms of the time. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope Tobby will be included in book three.
Ella can get in her own way from time to time, which makes her such a relatable character. She holds fast to her convictions and clings loyally to her friends. I enjoyed the adventure at sea in No Job for a Woman and appreciated the historical details of the ship boys, the battles, the food, the medical practices and the cultural norms of the time. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope Tobby will be included in book three.
September 15, 2023
This was the sequel to Girl With a Knife, following Dr Ella Parker. After being unable to practice as a doctor because she was a woman, in the mid 1800's she goes to work on a ship during the war. She starts to assist her old mentor but after he's injured, she takes over as ship's surgeon. The men want nothing to do with her, some saying she's a witch. This is her story.
I enjoyed this book very much.
I enjoyed this book very much.
September 6, 2024
I enjoyed continuing in Ella's adventures through the audiobook. While this storyline varied from the feel of the first book in this series, I enjoyed the variation so much. Ella's new adventures were true adventures on the high seas with practical and real problems. I also appreciate seeing a strong woman during this time, one who won't bow to societal pressures. This was an excellent book in so many ways!
December 31, 2024
Not what I expected or wanted
I like books about strong, intelligent, driven women. 2\3 through the book I find the protagonist wants to give away her fortune and career to marry a mysoginist. When her "sweetheart" drops her like a poopy diaper after she says she doesn't have a fortune, she is easily convinced to become a nun. I hated the last part of the book and will never read anything from this Author again.
I like books about strong, intelligent, driven women. 2\3 through the book I find the protagonist wants to give away her fortune and career to marry a mysoginist. When her "sweetheart" drops her like a poopy diaper after she says she doesn't have a fortune, she is easily convinced to become a nun. I hated the last part of the book and will never read anything from this Author again.
May 15, 2023
Rubin does an excellent job building the character of Ella Parker, rich girl with an abusive father, who impersonates a man to get a medical degree, and become a ship's doctor. The crew knows her secret, and doesn't approve - yet there are men who want her as a wife. How will Ella choose, and can she avoid being sent home? Set sail with Rubin for an enjoyable yarn.
June 2, 2023
Wonderful read.
I loved the 1st book...I've been involved with medicine all my life. The descriptions of early procedures, treatment and gradual changes that occurred are real...as is the disparagement for women in the profession as well. Even in the 1960's this was true. The superstitions about women on board ships as well.
I loved the 1st book...I've been involved with medicine all my life. The descriptions of early procedures, treatment and gradual changes that occurred are real...as is the disparagement for women in the profession as well. Even in the 1960's this was true. The superstitions about women on board ships as well.
June 19, 2023
SOOOO GOOD!! I enjoy Ella’s character so, so much!! I really came to like Jack Wyse, also. Tobby is such a sweetheart!! I just love these books! Extremely excited for the third book to come out!! Please never stop writing! This isn’t even a genre I usually entertain but I can’t get enough of this story!
July 23, 2024
Beautiful story about courageous woman who wanted more out of life than home/church/children!! This woman persevered in gaining medical qualifications despite narrow-minded men insisting she can't work on warship! Very interesting for reading, well researched, and well written. Enjoyed reading second book in sequence the same as firs book.
September 16, 2025
Too many language anachronisms for my taste, and some rather ludicrous misrepresentation of convent life and relationships among social classes at the time (1810). I'm not sure why this has so many glowing reviews except that the appeal of the triumph of a woman's desire for her own dream is strong above other considerations.
May 3, 2023
I predict (hope) there will be a third book in this series!
Emma's adventures continue... fighting to be called "doctor" in a time that refuses to recognise or acknowledge a woman's worth. Hoping for another book!
Emma's adventures continue... fighting to be called "doctor" in a time that refuses to recognise or acknowledge a woman's worth. Hoping for another book!
June 5, 2023
This is a nice sequel about a girl who has to find her way in the world, a world where women have many restrictions. She stands her ground and tries to take the high road but there are challenges and in the end is she must find out who her true friends are.
June 5, 2023
Memorable, Heart-Tugging, Enjoyable, Fictional History!
If only our school books were written to be as exciting and enjoyable as novels by author Alien Rubin, most students would retain vivid memories of the way it was!
If only our school books were written to be as exciting and enjoyable as novels by author Alien Rubin, most students would retain vivid memories of the way it was!
June 13, 2023
A delightful read, a continuation of the story of Ella Parker (although this could be read as a standalone) getting to live out her dream of being a doctor before this was a profession open to women. Add that to actually doing it in a man's world, aboard a warship. What could go wrong?
August 25, 2023
Yes for strong women
This was a wonderful story of how cultural and physical barriers can be overcome by strong. Full of excitement and adventure. Readers won't be able to wait for the story to reach the final page.
This was a wonderful story of how cultural and physical barriers can be overcome by strong. Full of excitement and adventure. Readers won't be able to wait for the story to reach the final page.
July 5, 2024
Book 2 of this series and it was good. There wasn’t as much medical stuff as the first book. This book was more about the ship, shipmates and a little romance. It was still good and flowed well. I’m looking forward to book 3.
January 25, 2025
I enjoy these books about a woman practicing medicine in a time when women weren't meant to do anything but embroider, do housework, and bear children. She overcomes many obstacles to fulfill her own passion in life.
June 30, 2023
I really enjoyed the sequel. Don’t mind how long it took to read. I worked 8 days in a row. Follow Ella on the high seas in her next adventure. So good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews