The Heart of the Midwife: 4 Historical Stories 

Paperback – ebook, audio

October 1, 2020

by Darlene Franklin  (Author), Patty Smith Hall (Author), Cynthia Hickey  (Author), Marilyn Turk  (Author)

• Paperback : 448 pages
• ISBN-13 : 978-1643526652
• Publisher : Barbour Books 

Four Women Fight for the Right to Life and Love
 
Love Charm by Cynthia Hickey
Ozark Mountains, 1868
Bound by a common bond of wanting to help the Missouri hill people they’ve grown to love, Phoebe Hudson, socialite-turned-midwife, and Luke Morris, the schoolteacher, find themselves mediators in a family feud.
 
Love’s Rebirth by Darlene Franklin
Denver, 1871
Dr. Vaughan Strahan, a war veteran, wants to work with expectant mothers so others don’t die like his wife and child, but there is already a midwife working in the old mining district whose approval he is determined to win.
 
If Not For Grace by Patty Smith Hall
New York City, 1889
After her friend’s death in childbirth, Grace Sullivan converts her family home into a haven for immigrant families preparing for the birth of a child. But when the city threatens to close her down, her only hope is to ask for help from an unlikely source—her former fiancé, Patrick O’Leary.
 
Between Two Worlds by Marilyn Turk
New Orleans, 1890
Camille Duval confronts Madam Lafleur, the local voodoo queen, when she attends one of her first births since moving to New Orleans. How can Camille convince the young mother to trust her instead of voodoo for the health of her baby? Can Camille enlist the support of the young family physician, Julian Charbonnet who doesn’t seem interested in “women’s affairs”?
 

Marilyn's thoughts:    This anthology with four tales set in the late 1800’s gives a glimpse of early midwives and their desire to care for women and children who were often overlooked because of their social economic status. Each heroine faced challenges from prejudices, peril, superstitions and threats on their lives.

 

Phoebe Hudson in Love Charm knew the life of luxury and being a socialite but had a burning desire to assist the women in the Ozarks. The challenges with mountain folk, superstitions and two families in a feud gave way to delightful tale.

 

Love’s Rebirth midwife Maia cared for the women in a mining camp despite their status. Dr.Strahan came to find a new start to the camp. Their interaction and faith made this a story showing the power of God’s love for all.

 

If Not for Grace explored the sacrifices Grace made working in the low tenements of New York. Patrick was a blessing in disguise when he reconnected with Grace after years of separation.

 

Midwife Camille in Between Two Worlds gave way to one strong and determined young lady who had flexibility and tenacity to work in the French Quarter in New Orleans. She faced a lot of rebuttal from some residents and especially the Queen of superstitions. Camille’s faith and persistence gave way to a touching story.

 

This historical collection should appeal to women who enjoy history of women making a difference for others.

 

I received a complimentary ARC e-copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to write a review. I have given my own opinion.