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In 1845 London, Dr. Horace Croft takes in Nora, an eight-year-old girl who has lost her parents in the Cholera epidemic. Growing up in an unconventional household with Dr. Croft and his kindhearted housekeeper, Nora is immersed in the world of medicine, and becomes Dr. Croft's most trusted and knowledgeable assistant. She also discovers her own gifts for healing. But women are forbidden from practicing medicine, and when Dr. Croft welcomes a young medical student into the practice, Nora must assume an unfamiliar, and unwelcome role; that of a proper young lady. To follow her destiny she must risk not only her future, but also Dr. Croft's.

The Library Journal calls The Girl In His Shadow, "a compelling story, set in a gritty, sometimes brutal 1840s London that is mostly white.  With its strong woman protagonist and authentic period detail, this is the best kind of historical fiction, transporting readers to a place and time peopled with memorable characters. Readers who enjoy medical drama will gravitate to this book."

Between July 13 and 27, The Girl In His Shadow is  available from our Libby digital collection with no holds, no waiting. Just download the Libby app, borrow the book and start reading! Share your thoughts on social media using #biglibraryread and be entered into a drawing to win a Big Library Read giveaway bag.

After reading, check out the discussion questions and share your thoughts on the Big Library Read discussion board. Register to join the Profession Book Nerds podcasters for a free live Q&A with Audrey Blake on July 26, at 1 p.m.