Sea of Strangers by Amelia C. Adams
In 1870s New York, a young woman will find out if she has what it takes to become a nurse.
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Historical Fiction | Women’s Fiction | Novella
Sea of Strangers by Amelia C. Adams
Description
Jeanette leaves Phillip, her doctor fiancé, behind in Kansas and starts a six-month term of nursing school in 1870s New York. She’ll find out if she truly has what it takes to be a nurse and to one day assist Phillip with his patients.
My Thoughts
I picked up this novella for a quick helping of historical fiction. I appreciate how the read depicts some of the difficult realities of the medical field.
Some Vague Aspects but Clear Fascination
I found the heroine to be on the mousy side, but her fascination with medicine is clear. I didn’t get the best sense of a central, building conflict in the plot, so the climax felt much like an add-on to Jeanette’s inward journey instead of a key place she’d been trying to reach all along. I also think some vague areas of the backstory kept the connected climax from being as powerful as it might have been.
Continuing the Series?
This historical fiction fan found the story to be interesting overall. I’d say it’s got enough to whet one’s appetite for the Nurses of New York series, and I have indeed gone on to pick up the next book.
Content Note
The story includes some blood (but not much further graphic details) in relation to surgeries, and some serious medical issues resulting from violence. But the violence takes place off page.
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