The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Midwife’s Tale Bethany House Publishers (June 2, 2015) by Delia Parr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Delia Parr is the author of sixteen historical and inspirational historical romance novels, including Hearts Awakening, Love's First Bloom, and Hidden Affections. The mother of three grown children, she was a long-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey before retiring to Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Martha Cade comes from a long line of midwives who have served the families of Trinity, Pennsylvania, for generations. A widow with two grown children, she's hopeful that her daughter will follow in her footsteps, but when Victoria runs off, Martha's world is shattered.

Worse, a new doctor has arrived in town, threatening her job, and she can't remember a time when her faith has been tested more. Still determined to do the work she knows God intended for her, Martha is unprepared for all that waits ahead. Whether it's trying to stop a town scandal, mending broken relationships, or feeling the first whispers of an unexpected romance, she faces every trial and every opportunity with hope and faith.







My Thoughts:

Martha Cade’s journey from telling God, “But I’ll manage on my own thank You very much,” to, “I can’t do this alone,” (p. 327) is quite extraordinary!  Delia Parr creates an immersion experience for her readers as she plunges into a small town in Western Pennsylvania in the year 1870.  Martha Cade is following the generations of women in her family who practiced midwifery, and her joy is deeply intertwined with the family’s she aides by guiding their children safely into the world.  Despite being widowed and a single parent, Martha’s life seems rather charmed.

But when things begin to fall apart in the wake of her youngest child’s decision to run away from home, Martha begins to rethink her life a bit.  When a scrappy young orphan steals her heart and she begins to help the boys on the farm at the outskirts of town, you think things might smooth out after all.  Of course you can’t forget the handsome widower and the new doctor in town!  And the two adorable pastry chefs! 

Delia Parr has created a host of wonderful, believable characters, anchored at the center by Martha Cade and her work as a midwife.  You are transported to another place and time, and I think I just fell in love with the entire town!!  BUT…Parr doesn’t forget to add some unexpected twists and turns, and toward the end, I have to admit I was a bit distraught. 

Parr teaches us all a great life lesson through Martha’s experiences.  She shows us what a strong, personal faith looks like, and how necessary it is to submit to The Father’s will.  I LOVE, LOVE LOVE this book and am so excited to know it is the first of a trilogy!!  Obviously, it is a book I happily recommend!

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Midwife’s Tale, go HERE.