God's Handmaiden

By: Gilbert Morris

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

A historical and romantic adventure woven around the story of Florence Nightingale.

Gervase Howard is in her mid-teens when her working-class mother dies and she must go to live with relatives in service to a wealthy, noble family, outside of London. While learning various jobs, she is drawn to the eldest son, Davis. Her fascination with him grows deeper, but more hopeless, since the two are separated not just by class, but also by Davis's love for Roberta.

When Davis announces his engagement, he asks Gervase to join them as Roberta's maid. But instead Gervase becomes a companion to Florence Nightingale and accompanies her when the Crimean War breaks out and she is asked to create a corps of nurses. On the field, Gervase crosses paths with Davis, who has become disillusioned in his marriage and is drawn to her warmth and care. Both know, however, there is nothing more for them than friendship.

Upon her return to England, Gervase receives word that Davis has been seriously injured in a fall and is asked to nurse him back to health. As he regains consciousness, he reveals shocking news that plunges them both into danger.

©2004 Gilbert Morris (P)2011 Zondervan

you will be blessed if you choose this book

wonderful story, characters well developed
narrarotor perfect for the setting...uplifting, not sappy, and based on scripture

great

I really loved it Great ending and overall spellbinder. I wish they were more like it.

Refreshing & very enjoyable historical story!

I enjoyed the history that is interwoven into the book. It is such a refreshing and heartwarming story that makes you wonder if the events are true since the history makes it so interesting!

A Story that will Leave You feeling Better

Reading how the main protagonist unwaveringly trusts that God’s plan will lead her to her greatest fulfillment- and it did!

Always enjoy Gilbert Morris-Great historical fict.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, It begins as a good story of a young girl in a very difficult situation. She gets a real chance for a better life, when she goes with her cat & her meager possesions to live at the estate where her aunt & uncle work. You see her grow & blossom.

Due to an impossible love, she feels she must move away, and finds a position with the family of a very famous historical person. This changes the course of her life, & leads her to the fields of the Crimean War, back to London, and eventually back to the estate of her teen years.

It shows a young woman who will not give in to her desires, but lives as God's Word teaches. It's so different from what we see modeled by almost everyone these days, from those who help lead our country, the hollywood crowd, the sports figures, to the next door neighbors. We may not always get what we want, but God honors our obedience, and knows what is best for us.

What was one of the most memorable moments of God's Handmaiden?

There were several times where you see God working out the details in His own time and way, which were a delightful surprise.

What does the narrator bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator did a good job. The narrator gave me the time to enjoy a really good book that I wouldn't have had time to sit down and read, and to enjoy it as a couple. My husband enjoyed it, too.

If you could take any character from God's Handmaiden out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The historical figure. I don't want to give away the surprise.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy good, clean, historical fiction you will really like this book.

Nice Story

Interesting, though more in the style of a 19th century novel. It shows the depth of Gilbert Morris as a writer, not needing to fill every story with hideous catastrophe or heart-wrenching romance, so typical of most Christian fiction authors. I enjoyed the historical references to the Crimean War.

such a beautiful story

I loved this story. Not only did it give me a curiosity about Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War but it told a beautiful story about faith, servanthood and redemption.