Illinois Authors

Alina Rubin 2022

Women could not be surgeons. She did it anyway. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother and a cruel attack by her drunken father, Ella Parker decides that dishonesty is fine when it serves her needs. At a time when wealthy young ladies do little more than embroidery, Ella escapes her luxurious but lonely life, and meets an eccentric ship surgeon who—once she impresses him with her quick-thinking and empathy—allows her to assist him during a surgery. Compelled by Ella’s intelligence and interest in medicine, the doctor prepares her for a medical career, but there’s a catch: in early 19th century England, women are not accepted into universities. To fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, Ella must disguise herself as a young man with aspirations of becoming a doctor. After changing her look and name, Ella finds her footing as she performs dissections, conducts experiments, and cares for patients. She also tutors Oli, a kind but struggling fellow student, but she must take caution. Even in her loneliest moment, she cannot trust anyone or make friends. As Ella continues to excel in her studies, brilliantly saving the life of a patient, she becomes a top contender for the apprenticeship with a famed professor. Dogged by fear of discovery, she must choose between truth and lies, and distinguish between real and false friends, before her pretense is uncovered.

Alina Rubin 2024

When your world is out of tune, can music heal you? Cast out from her home after her mother’s death, orphan Abigail Jones wanders around her English town on Christmas Eve of 1809. Desperately trying to suppress her cough—the same that killed her mother—Abigail begs for coins on the freezing cold streets. With the help of the medical student, Oli Higgins, she recovers and avoids being sent to the cruel orphanage. Oli then reveals his secret: he is hiding his Jewish identity and his birth name, David Fridman, to pursue his chosen profession. He brings her into his devout, loving Jewish home. Over time, she embraces her found family and discovers her talent for music. When she grows up, Abigail is caught between two worlds; not Christian enough for the Gentiles, but as a non-Jew, she has no hope of marrying David, the man she dreams of. While she is recovering from a deadly illness, David’s brother Moishe inspires her with music to rise from her sickbed and to begin her journey of converting to Judaism. Her attempt to capture David’s heart fails when his true love appears in town. Heartbroken, Abigail hastily accepts another man’s marriage proposal and plans a double wedding with David’s bride. On the big day, guilt and misery drive her to take drastic actions. Can the powers of faith, family, and music help her survive and find her purpose? Perfect for book clubs! Fans of A Girl with a Knife will recognize familiar characters and meet new ones.

Alina Rubin 2023

An innocent game brings unforeseen consequences The prequel to the award-winning A Girl with a Knife and No Job for a Woman In the idyllic setting of the English coast in 1800s, Jamie Flowers experiences his first infatuation when he meets Ella Parker, a mysterious girl with a troubled past. As the two rehearse Romeo and Juliet together, they decide to sneak out for a midnight swim. But their plans are abruptly halted by a shocking revelation, and Ella is soon gone. Left with a broken heart, Jamie searches for her... and himself. With unexpected twists and turns, Hearts by the Sea is a story of first love and self-discovery. "Alina Rubin is an up-and-coming star in the realm of historical fiction. She is a determined and talented writer who knows how to bring history to life through her courageous main characters." — Colin Mustful, author, historian, editor, and founder of History Through Fiction.

Alina RubinAlina Rubin 2023

She sailed against the current. Ella Parker’s male alias was a star pupil in medical school. But as a woman in 1810 England, Ella cannot find a job as a doctor’s assistant. In a life-or-death emergency with a mother in labor, she oversteps her boundaries and risks arrest. Determined to practice medicine, she decides to join her mentor on the Neptune, a warship heading for open waters. Following an accident, she is quickly thrust into the role of ship surgeon, and her skills are put to the test. Hoping to fit in with the all-male crew and make friends, instead, Ella creates chaos and suspicion among the superstitious sailors. Lieutenant Jack Wyse, though charged by the captain with protecting Ella, is keen on making her leave. After a fierce battle, Ella saves the handsome officer, Robert Weston. Her commitment to her profession is tested, however, when he asks for her hand in marriage. But are Weston’s intentions sincere, and would he allow her the freedom to pursue her calling? Ella must decide where she belongs before her future sails away from her. The second novel in the Hearts and Sails series, by award-winning author, Alina Rubin. Gripping storytelling based on extensive research, archival ship logs, as well as inspiring medical workers in history. No Job for a Woman tells the courageous story of a woman surgeon saving lives and refusing to be put in her place. Perfect for book clubs! "Alina Rubin is an up-and-coming star in the realm of historical fiction. She is a determined and talented writer who knows how to bring history to life through her courageous main characters." — Colin Mustful, author, historian, editor, and founder of History Through Fiction.