Customer Reviews

God's Handmaiden

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Young Gervase Howard is a sheltered girl when she enters the Wingate household and meets Davis Wingate. After Davis marries the selfish Roberta, Gervase leaves the Wingate household and goes to work for Florence Nightingale and Gervase follows her to the Crimean where Gervase meets Davis again. But following an accident Gervase is once back to Wingate Hall to take care of Davis.
I enjoyed this book, I really liked the parts about Florence Nightingale, This was really good book that should not be missed.

This has to be the best book I have ever read! I could not put this book down and read it in two days. I wish I could give this book 10 stars. This is the first book I've read of Gilbert Morris and will definately not be the last.

After her mother dies, 15 year old Gervase is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle who are servants at a large English house for the Wingate family. There she takes a position helping her aunt in the kitchen, and eventually moves up to higher positions in the household. After a couple years a situation arises that causes her to want a change in life, so she answers an employment ad that seeks a maid and companion for Miss Florence Nightingale. (Yes, THE Florence Nightingale!) Under Miss Nightingale, Gervase ends up acquiring nursing skills and works right alongside Florence in treating soldiers wounded in the Crimean War. After the war, Gervase's skills are needed when someone from her past needs care, forcing her to face the Wingate family and the life she ran from years before. I could easily go further with a summary because there is so much more that happens, but I'll stop here as I don't want to reveal any more....

Gervase is a very likeable character, and her attachment to her cat, Mr. Bob, endeared her to me even more as it's something I can completely identify with. Human-animal bonds aren't featured enough in most fiction, so I really appreciated Gervase's attachment to Mr. Bob. I was also really drawn to the character of Davis Wingate, I immediately liked him. He was so sweet to Gervase from the moment she arrived at the house, even though she was only a servant. His character seemed so real and was portrayed so excellently that I was actually saddened as he went through difficulties in his life.

Gilbert Morris really has a knack for writing for female characters; the emotions and thoughts that Gervase has are completely genuine. If I didn't know better, I'd say Gervase's character had been written by a female, she is that authentic! Being a female, I can't judge the male characters quite as well, however they too seemed very authentic. (Most of the books I read have female authors, but somehow I always feel that male characters are more authentic when written by a man.) It's not very common to find an author that can write with such authenticity for BOTH genders, but Gilbert Morris definitely has an excellent and impressive handle on both.

I very much enjoyed God's Handmaiden, and I was sorry when I finished it and had to move on to a different book. (I'm actually quite shocked that it doesn't have more reviews here, because it is just so good.) I completely recommend it; it's truly an excellent story. Check it out, you won't be sorry!

My first Morris book and I am captivated by his style, and well developed characters. Everything was great, from plot to great dialogue. However, it would be nice, Mr Morris, since we waited so long for the happy ending, that there were a little more to it : ) Can't wait to read his other books!

If you're interested in historical fiction, romance, or nursing, this novel is for you. It's full of plot twists and is surprisingly exciting.

This is a wonderful book with a SURPRISE! ending. Anyone will enjoy this book about a young woman who nurses soldiers in the Crimean War.

This is the most interesting historical fiction romance type story I've ever read. I couldn't put it down. I checked it out from the library but half way through the book I decided that I would buy it so I can read it again. And again. And again. I highly recommend it!

I got this book because some of the story centered on experiences with Florence Nightengale. Since I am a former nurse, I thought that would be interesting. The book is readable and has a fairly good story. But for me it was a bit sappy - reminded me of a Hallmark movie.