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The Secrets of Midwives

by Sally Hepworth

The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth X
The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth
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  • Published Dec 2015
    320 pages
    Genre: Literary Fiction

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There are currently 30 reader reviews for The Secrets of Midwives
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Cheryl S. (Wauchula, FL)

Definitely a women's story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It probably would be a very good candidate for a book club. It could lead to some very interesting discussions and varied opinions. Love, courage and persistence made for a very good story line.
Sherilyn R. (Bountiful, UT)

Simply Captivating
I loved this story about three generations of midwives. Each had their own secret and it was fascinating to see how Sally Hepworth, told each of their stories. Floss, Grace and Neva were each a midwife and their secrets and their views on being a midwife reflected the time in which they were born. A magical weaving of time, place, and attitudes. A very good read indeed.
Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)

Entertaining Historic Fiction
My great grandmother was a Midwife in Italy and the lower east side of Manhatan during the first quarter of the last century. My sons were delivered by a wonderful midwife. I love the British TV series CALL THE MIDWIVES. So...I was prepared to enjoy this novel...and I did. Told through the alternating viewpoints of 3 generations of midwives, the author gives multiple perspectives on the same relationships, personal issues and secrets. Enjoyable and highly recommended.
Christy D. (Dubuque, IA)

Secrets, Secrets, Secrets!
Sally Hepworth's novel, "The Secrets of Midwives" is a delightful read about three generations of women, each carrying their own secret. Neva, Grace, and Floss are midwives who display warmth and compassion to their clients. If you enjoy reading about babies and bringing new life into this world, I highly recommend this book! I was very surprised to have been chosen to receive this ARC of "The Secrets of Midwives." Sally Hepworth is now one of my favorite authors! I can't wait to read her next novel. If you enjoy the works of Heather Gudenkauf, you'll be comfortable curling up with this book.
Barbara B. (Holbrook, NY)

The secrets of midwives
Being one of four sisters, none of us a midwife, the family dynamics and relationships between mother and daughter and grandmother were in many ways very familiar. It is hard to describe in so many words about secrets and how they are played out between these females, but again knowing firsthand the impact it can have on trust issues struck a chord in me while reading this book. I flew through this book and it will stay with me for a very long time.
Colleen L. (Casco, ME)

Impressive Debut..
The Secrets of Midwives is a lovely debut book about the relationships between mothers and daughters. Each of the three women (Floss, Grace, Neva) are midwives. All three have secrets to keep and eventually those secrets unravel to a surprising & hopeful conclusion.

The language the author used in the book is moving and evocative. As a reader, you glimpsed why someone would dedicate their lives to being a midwife...to the joy and beauty of bringing life into the world. The author does a wonderful job describing the first moments when a mother greets her newborn child into the world. The picture she paints is one of exquisite beauty.

I loved the way the author chose to present each of the characters' lives. Each chapter was a glimpse into Floss, Grace and Neva's world. As the ending of Neva's pregnancy draws near, so do the secrets. And ultimately, just as Neva's new baby represents a new life, the unveiling of secrets ultimately represents new beginnings.

For readers who love woman's lit, this book is for you. The writing is smooth and fast paced. Be prepared to find a comfy chair and settle in for the full duration as you will not want to put the book down once you start it.

I thank Bookbrowse for the advance copy. It was an excellent book.
Power Reviewer
Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews

Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews
Three women, three generations, common interests, but mostly secrets.

Floss, Grace, and Neva are grandmother, mother, and daughter. They all are midwives, and they have secrets that they have held a short time, secrets they have held for their entire lives, and most importantly secrets that they do not want to have to reveal. The secrets are personal secrets and not secrets about midwifery. These secrets bring the characters close together but also far apart.

THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES is a wonderful book addressing family relationships and how the delivering of babies is something so personal and intimate that a midwife can't help but become involved with her patients.

You will love the wonderful mix of characters. All the characters are loveable and all are characters you will want to get to know better, characters you will admire, and characters you will miss once the book has ended.?

Women's fiction fans won't want to stop reading THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES for many reasons. The main reason being that you will find yourself bonding with every character and feeling as though you are sharing the pain and joy along with them.

If you are like me, you will have tears throughout the book as you become involved with the characters and enjoy the smooth, enjoyable, delightful writing style of Ms. Hepworth.

Don't miss reading THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES. 4/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Claudia K. (Raleigh, NC)

An Unexpected Treat
I enjoy reviewing a book before I've read others opinions. The Secrets of Midwives is a complex book yet written in a style that let's one easily follow the lives of three generations of midwives, grandmother, mother, and daughter. The fact that their stories are not told in a linear manner makes the novel all the more interesting. One feels genuine empathy for each woman and how her life has effected the other women. Candor is paramount among the women once the secrets are finally revealed.

Ms Hepworth develops her characters well, with special emphasis on the midwives. Their strengths as individuals enables them to be honest about their secrets. The men perhaps are there simply in supporting roles.

I think many book clubs would really enjoy this book. It offers a wide range of interesting issues to discuss, secrecy, intergenerational struggles, and the role of midwives in to today's medical world.

Bravo to Ms. Hepworth.

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