The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman

I have enjoyed reading Patricia’s earlier books, which were memoirs of her life as a midwife and was excited to recieve a copy of her new book, a fictional novel about a midwife – Patience – in the Appalachian’s during the 1930′s.  What an honor to be a part of her book tour.  :)

The Midwife of Hope River is a novel that quickly grabs your attention, throwing your right into the action of a birth.  (I would like to add a warning to any of my pregnant moms who may be interested in the book – there are stories of loss in it, so do be aware.  The very first story  could be upsetting for a pregnant mom to read.)

Most of the birth stories are uplifting and celebrate the amazing joy that comes with birthing a baby.  The characters are full of life and I was really drawn to all of them.  I liked how throughout the novel you get glimpses into Patience’s past and how she became a midwife. You learn the secret she holds that haunts her and has caused her to run to this backwoods place.  I loved the look into the tight knit black community in the mountains who were also served by Patience as their midwife and friend.

There was a love story – how could there not be?  But I like that it evolved in a slow way and wasn’t the main point of the book.  There were many gripping birth stories.  I had to chuckle as she even worked a water birth into the book.   I wonder if things like that ever happened back then?

I really enjoyed reading The Midwife of Hope River and I think that it is a great choice if you are looking for something fun and inspiring to read.  (With the warning to expecting moms above)

Patricia is having a “real life” book tour as well, here is a link to that schedule.