When I saw that this book Once a Midwife: A Hope River Novel was going to be released, I scrambled to put in a pre-order. The book is by Patricia Harman and she has impressed me with the previous Hope River books. I was sure I would like this book too.
![Once a Midwife: A Hope River Novel by [Harman, Patricia]](https://i0.wp.com/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51OBcXeruJL.jpg?w=500&ssl=1)
This book is set in coal country along the Appalachian Mountains area. As the story starts it’s just before WWII on the home front. Patience is a midwife there and faces so many things from the war, to racial tension, to terrible weather, to coming to terms with the beliefs of others. I wouldn’t recommend jumping into the series with this book. I really recommend reading the first book of the series first.
Here is what Amazon had to say:
“The women of Hope River trust midwife Patience Hester, whose skill in delivering babies is known for miles around. 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. enters the fray.
And while some are eager to join the fight, Patience’s husband, Daniel, is not. Daniel is a patriot—but he saw too much bloodshed during the First World War, and has vowed never to take up arms again.
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.
Patience must support their family and fight for her husband’s release despite her own misgivings. And with need greater than ever, she must also keep her practice running during this tumultuous time…relying on generous friends, like Bitsy, who has returned to Hope River, stalwart neighbors, and her own indomitable strength to see them all through.”
Amazon readers gave the book 4.6 stars. I would agree. When I recently made my list of favorite books, I somehow didn’t put this series on the list. I really should have as I love it.
If you’re looking for the book, you can find it HERE on Amazon.
If you are interested in starting the series, start with this book, The Midwife of Hope River. You can find it HERE on Amazon. Seriously, this is one of my favorite books.
If you are interested in giving Audible a try, you can find it HERE.
I’m reading book 3 in the series ‘The Runaway Midwife’. I have enjoyed them all even tho they can take a bit to get going. Thanks for sharing!
I have read the first two books and loved them. I think I need to borrow the Runaway Midwife and resume reading the series.