The Midwife of Hope River: A Novel of an American Midwife by Patricia Harman

From Amazon - Midwife Patience Murphy has a gift: a talent for escorting mothers through the challenges of bringing children into the world. Working in the hardscrabble conditions of Appalachia during the Depression, Patience takes the jobs that no one else wants, helping those most in need—and least likely to pay. She knows a successful midwifery practice must be built on a foundation of openness and trust—but the secrets Patience is keeping are far too intimate and fragile for her to ever let anyone in.

Patience Murphy is running from her past - from her childhood, the loss of her husband and her child.  She's changed her name and winds up in Hope River, a desolute town in the Applachians in the Nineteen Thirties.  The only person who knows who Patience really is, is Mrs. Kelly.  But when her friend passes away, it becomes Patience's job to midwife.

She struggles with her confidence as a midwife.  She brings children into the world who have poor parents and wealthy.  She struggles with the depression, the racial segregation, and she worries that her past will catch up with her, upsetting the tenacious balance she has carved out for herself.

The Midwife of Hope River is a resplendent novel, ensconced with different values and presumptions.  Patience is a memorable character, and Harman does an impeccable job of showcasing Patience's past, alongside her current events.  The stories of the births were so appealing; I found myself waiting with bated breath on how Patience would handle it and how the baby would be.  Just precious.  There are hard times and sad times as well, but the story of Patience and the births took forefront.  A wonderful book that I highly recommend, that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.