Helpful Score: 7
Very enjoyable, much more than I expected, and very well written. The author was a midwife in West Virginia where the novel takes place, and the story occurs right after the crash of 1929. Set against a background of true historical events such as mine disasters and the fight to have labor unions, there is a lot more to this book than just "birthin babies".
Helpful Score: 4
If the description of this book looks good to you, you will like it. The story keeps moving and the characters are interesting in that you will care about what happens to them. We'll written, easy, relaxing read.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 2
Absolutely beautiful story. I feel humbled & extremely blessed after reading this. The author Patricia Harman,in real life was a midwife. Her story is of Patience Murphy who takes a job as a midwife with none to little training. While in the hills of the Appalachian mountains during the depression Patience learns how to live with nothing and with everything she needs at the same time. It was hard to put this book down. By the time I got to the middle I wanted the pages of delicate & harsh life to be real so I could visit with Patience anytime I wanted. This is a beautiful story you'll want to read more than once. The author writes as if she is sitting across from you telling you a story about friends she's known and loves. She is amazing.
Wendy H. (donkeycheese) -
Helpful Score: 1
Patience Murphy is running from her past - from her childhood, the loss of her husband and her child. She's changed her name and winds up in Hope River, a desolate town in the Appalachians in the Nineteen Thirties. The only person who knows who Patience really is, is Mrs. Kelly. But when her friend passes away, it becomes Patience's job to midwife.
She struggles with her confidence as a midwife. She brings children into the world who have poor parents and wealthy. She struggles with the depression, the racial segregation, and she worries that her past will catch up with her, upsetting the tenacious balance she has carved out for herself.
The Midwife of Hope River is a resplendent novel, ensconced with different values and presumptions. Patience is a memorable character, and Harman does an impeccable job of showcasing Patience's past, alongside her current events. The stories of the births were so appealing; I found myself waiting with bated breath on how Patience would handle it and how the baby would be. Just precious. There are hard times and sad times as well, but the story of Patience and the births took forefront. A wonderful book that I highly recommend, that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned!
She struggles with her confidence as a midwife. She brings children into the world who have poor parents and wealthy. She struggles with the depression, the racial segregation, and she worries that her past will catch up with her, upsetting the tenacious balance she has carved out for herself.
The Midwife of Hope River is a resplendent novel, ensconced with different values and presumptions. Patience is a memorable character, and Harman does an impeccable job of showcasing Patience's past, alongside her current events. The stories of the births were so appealing; I found myself waiting with bated breath on how Patience would handle it and how the baby would be. Just precious. There are hard times and sad times as well, but the story of Patience and the births took forefront. A wonderful book that I highly recommend, that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned!
Bonnie S. (Bonnie) -
The stories were engrossing, movie between now and then. If you love the series Call the Midwife, you will love this book. Harman is a great writer, and she brings the characters to life with great skill.
Patricia W. (trishann72) reviewed The Midwife of Hope River (Hope River, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
I loved this book and the characters. Hope to read more of this author.
Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed The Midwife of Hope River (Hope River, Bk 1) on + 989 more book reviews
Very engrossing, fascinating story of a midwife in depression era West Virginia. Patience Murphy is a midwife, delivering babies and being paid in coal, wood, whatever the parents have. I found it fascinating and heart breaking. Well written.
Kathy N. (addicated-to-reading) reviewed The Midwife of Hope River (Hope River, Bk 1) on + 152 more book reviews
A look at life during the Depression in coal country. The midwife comes into this area after having lived in bigger cities all of her life and has to make adjustments in her outlook and way of thinking about things. The characters were very well drawn and the story developed over a year. Liked it very much and want to read the next installment.
Really good book. Spoke with the author and this is going to be part of a trilogy. Highly recommend it. However, she autographed this copy for my daughter, a future nurse midwife. It wouldn't be available for trading.
Maggie P. (deerhorn3) reviewed The Midwife of Hope River (Hope River, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Reading this now...will meet the author at bookgroup this coming Tuesday in Frostburg, MD...not far from Morgantown WV. She will be with us for our review!
