The publisher’s blurb:
Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family’s stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life.
Michael soon discovers he’s met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly–but will they find common ground?
What I thought of the book:
In all honesty, I had mixed feelings about this book. The story itself was good. The characters were interesting and varied, and there was nothing glaringly incorrect for the time period. (I just hate when that happens!)
Julia Bernay is an orphan raised in an orphanage who has managed to overcome that societal flaw. She is determined to become a woman doctor, and join a mission in Africa, not only tending to the natives’ bodies but to their souls as well. Michael Stephenson is just as determined to regain the status of his family – mainly for his sister who places a great deal of importance on this. He is a barrister, but will soon see himself with a thriving practice of his own, especially if he is on the winning side of this current lawsuit.
The lawsuit just happens to be against the medical school Julia is set to attend next semester…
As I said, I really enjoyed the story, but what I found a bit grating was Julia’s near-constant espousing of her beliefs. (Kudos, though, that the author showed some others of her acquaintance ill at ease and at times a bit hostile towards this.) Maybe it’s because I wanted to step into the story myself and tell Julia to hush up a bit, that not everyone wants to listen to her claims of faith all the time. Show, don’t tell, Julia!
Still, that is part of Julia’s personality, so after a bit I found I couldn’t complain… too much.
I do recommend this book, though there is one before it which you might like to read first.
**I was sent this copy from Bethany House in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.**
Me, Take Three 