The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman

And with need greater than ever, she must also keep her practice running during this tumultuous time. Patience must support their family and fight for her husband's release despite her own misgivings. His stance leaves Patience and their four children vulnerable-to the neighbors who might judge them, and to the government, who imprison Daniel for his beliefs.

Daniel is a patriot-but he saw too much bloodshed during the First World War, and has vowed never to take up arms again. And while some are eager to join the fight, Patience's husband, Daniel, is not. Patricia Harman Anne Wittmann - As a midwife working in rural poverty during the Depression, Patience Murphy's only solace is her gift: the chance to escort mothers through the challenges of childbirth. But though the Great Depression is behind them, troubles are not, for Europe is at war.and it can only be a matter of time before the U.S. 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. If you loved Patricia Harman's Midwife of Hope River you'll love Once a Midwife! Named Best Midwife Book of the Year from the American College of Nurse Midwives The women of Hope River trust midwife Patience Hester, whose skill in delivering babies is known for miles around. Overall, 'The Midwife of Hope River' was a gentle, touching story of community, courage, hope and love.Summary: It's 'Call the Midwife' set in the U.S. Patience found it difficult to survive, often not receiving payment for her work, but I enjoyed learning about how she coped on her property without electricity and other mod cons, her reliance on the seasons, her garden and animals for food, and her battles with social injustice.The growing friendship between Patience and Bitsy, a young Negro woman, was heartwarming as was the blossoming romance between her and Hester, the local vet. The various birthing stories, whether good or bad were, for me, the highlights of this book.I also enjoyed the depiction of life during the Great Depression, especially for a single woman on her own.

It didn't matter if the women were rich or poor, black or white, she helped them all, but also knew when to step back and allow the mothers-to-be to labour in the way they wanted to, despite conventions. Patience Murphy was an interesting character and I felt I was there at each birth she attended - the author certainly went into realistic detail! Patience's life was not an easy one as she struggled to bring babies into the world without the help of a doctor or modern technology.

Although rather slow in places, I quite enjoyed 'The Midwife of Hope River'.

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman