The USA Today bestselling author of The Midwife of Hope River returns with a heartfelt sequel, a novel teeming with life and full of humor and warmth, one that celebrates the human spirit.
The Great Depression has hit West Virginia hard. Men are out of work; women struggle to feed hungry children. Luckily, Nurse Becky Myers has returned to care for them. While she can handle most situations, … handle most situations, Becky is still uneasy helping women deliver their babies. For these mothers-to-be, she relies on an experienced midwife, her dear friend Patience Murphy.
Though she is happy to be back in Hope River, time and experience have tempered Becky’s cheerfulness-as tragedy has destroyed the vibrant spirit of her former employer Dr Isaac Blum, who has accompanied her. Patience too has changed. Married and expecting a baby herself, she is relying on Becky to keep the mothers of Hope River safe.
But becoming a midwife and ushering precious new life into the world is not Becky’s only challenge. Her skills and courage will be tested when a calamitous forest fire blazes through a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. And she must find a way to bring Isaac back to life and rediscover the hope they both need to go on.
Full of humor and compassion, The Reluctant Midwife is a moving tribute to the power of optimism and love to overcome the most trying circumstances and times, and is sure to please fans of the poignant Call the Midwife series.
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This is an amazing story that combines both historical events in a very human setting. You don’t read this book; you move into it and are stunned when is ends and you return to present day.
I first read The Midwife of Hope River and absolutely loved it, the richness of the story and characters, the stunning development of beauty from tragedy. Patricia Harman delivers the same depth of expertise in her second novel. You’ll enjoy every bit!
Love the whole series of 3 books. This takes place during WWII. You will enjoy it more if you read the 2 prior books, but it is not requires to understand what is happening, just gives you a better understanding of characters motivations.
This novel fleshed out some of the realities of the Great Depression. The poverty in grinding with little hope for improvement. Our heroine is a reluctant participant in meeting the challenges of Hope River. This is a fine read to inform younger generations about a most difficult reality for great great relatives.
A good read, w it believable, earthy characters, just enough tense situations to entertain but with good and unpredictable outcomes.
I knew right away that this writer knew all about birth. I found the story to be an easy, feel good read.
I was surprised when I started reading and kinda disappointed as I was expecting something else entirely. I am so glad that I kept going back to it. The characters were well thought out and very real. It told a story that left me glad I did not have to find out what I was made of if I was the main character. Informative, real, inspiring and a lot …
Wonderful book full of characters I would love to know! Didn’t want it to end!
Down to earth. Reality
I enjoyed this book because midwifery is near and dear to my heart, but I think she could have been a little more careful of allowing her modern sensibilities and morals to show through. Historical fiction with a modern twist always seems like, the author is trying to change history to their liking.
I love the time period and the setting. The characters are great too.
Lov this story set in Appalachian Mountains. Realistic to period and setting. Laughed and cried.
I couldn’t get into it.
This novel portrays beautiful human beings giving enormously of themselves during a very difficult time historically for the United States to ease each others’ difficulties. It shows sacrificial generousity from the President down through all of society.
Very enjoyable
Great book really made you see her perspective. Her sense of responsibility held so true to me!
Absolutely loved this book and recommended it to several friends.
I love stories of women persevering no matter what. And women supporting each other.
I feel this book gave a realistic look at what the people of Appalachia went through during the depression years.
This was one of the best novels I have read this year. Wonderfully funny, heartwarming , nostalgic, and sad. You will love this story. Very well written.