A remarkable new voice in American fiction enchants readers with a moving and uplifting novel that celebrates the miracle of life. In The Midwife of Hope River, first-time novelist Patricia Harmon transports us to poverty stricken Appalachia during the Great Depression years of the 1930s and introduces us to a truly unforgettable heroine. Patience Murphy, a midwife struggling against disease, … disease, poverty, and prejudice—and her own haunting past—is a strong and endearing character that fans of the books of Ami McKay and Diane Chamberlain will take into their hearts, as she courageously attempts to bring new light, and life, into an otherwise cruel world.
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A great realization regarding mid wife procedures during the early years. A sweet story that seems truthful about her feeling and her commitment to her values for the upcoming medical field. Big on compassion for women during child birth. Sweet stories of many different deliveries.
The book-on-tape kept me interested while driving. Good development of characters. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.
Another book that kept me up until it was finished. Absorbing characters, slowly revealed back story, and really interesting information about the births faced by the main character. Worth a read…and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Loved it! The characters are so authentic and varied. It was very realistic and created a real world that entertained and informed me.
a great read!
I’ve read all three and will eventually read the new fourth
Great read!
It was interesting reading about midwifery in a remote setting. The tie-in with life elsewhere gave it a fuller feel.
Gives great insights into the life and times of a woman working as a midwife in the hills of West Virginia nearly a hundred years ago. Thoroughly enjoyed each of the people to whom I was introduced in this story.
Interesting read about midwifery in coal country. Enjoyed this!
LOVED THIS BOOK. Put it on your “must read” list. It’s a historical fiction novel about the life of a midwife in rural West Virginia during the 1920’s-30’s. The character’s back story is believable. She violates the social mores of the period, but doesn’t advertise her past. She becomes the only midwife for miles around as the docs and …
A fantastic look into an area and era. Fascinating look into lives we know nothing about today.
Never suspected the end. Good read.
I absolutely loved this book. The characters were original and well developed.. the midwife was such a complex and endearing person. The plot was well thought out and historically interesting.
Wonderful! Couldn’t put it down.
My grandmother was a midwife back in the days when a neighborhood woman “birthed “ the neighbors’ babies. She had to stop when her youngest son contracted rheumatic fever and she needed to nurse him. This book so well describes the life and times of the hills and hollers of Appalachia and what life was like after the crash. The author’s birth …
Just a good easy keep you up at night read.
I enjoy historical fiction and stories of midwives especially
Great story telling!!
I enjoyed the tragic and real corners of her life and admired the strength and tenacity in a time of hardship.