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The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth

The Secrets of Midwives

by Sally Hepworth

  • Critics' Consensus (3):
  • Published:
  • Dec 2015, 320 pages
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There are currently 26 member reviews
for The Secrets of Midwives
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  • Barbara P. (Hixson, TN)
    Hated to see this book end!
    A combination of mystery, family relationships, romance and character study, this novel is one of the best I've read in a long time. As a nurse, I found the medical story line accurate. The characters were both real and likable. The grandmother, mother, and daughter are all midwives and watching their story unfold was a truly delightful experience.
  • Barbara B. (Alta Loma, CA)
    Are Keeping Secrets Best?
    The title of this novel caught my attention immediately, as I am an OB nurse. I felt as though Ms. Hepworth was very well informed & medically knew what she was writing. In my experience, it is true that the hospital & staff may look down on Midwives & I wasn't surprised a doctor made a complaint, however , I had to agree with her nursing judgement.

    What I liked most about this novel, was that for Neva, secrets weren't going to be a part of her life or her child's.

    I also enjoyed the flashbacks of Floss' earlier life. This novel would be a great read for book clubs.
  • Mary F. (Goodyear, AZ)
    Fun, quick read.
    I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick read, and I found that I did not want to put it down. I feel like I really got to know the characters of the book. I would have liked to be a member of their family! I was cheering for them all as I read the book.

    This book appealed to me as a person in the medical field It was interesting to learn about the practice of a nurse midwife.

    This book would make a good book club selection. A book club could spend hours talking about family secrets and the complexity of relationships within a family, especially motherly love. As an adoptive mother, I could relate to Floss's instant bonding with Neva as her child. As I write this review on my son's 13th birthday, I reflect on the relationship that we have. I can't imagine it could be any stronger if I have given birth to him myself.
  • Deborah P. (Dunnellon, FL)
    The Secrets of Midwives
    A good book for me captivates and transports me to another time and place of the authors choosing. Sally Hepworth , in her debut novel met these criteria and held me captive until the end. Hepworth seamlessly tells the stories of three generations of women each with a unique perspective on being a Midwife and secrets that, if disclosed, could be life changing The Author's character development and seamless transition between each women's story was so smooth I found that I was not disappointed at the end of a chapter as so often happens. I carried the book with me so as not to miss a moment of reading time.

    As an avid reader I rarely find that I am captivated by all of the characters. This novel not only held my attention from beginning to end but also left me with a longing for a sequel. I highly recommend the novel and I am adding Sally Hepworth to my Author "A" list.
  • Vicki O. (Boston, MA)
    Secrets, Secrets
    I really enjoyed this poignant novel about three generations of midwives, each of whom carries a secret that is revealed during the course of the narrative, told through the eyes of each character. I found that structure quite effective as it helped to paint a picture of not only the character, but also the relationship between them The story is well told and perfectly paced with enough tension and suspense to keep you reading. Pick up this book if you are looking for a story with heart.
  • 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.

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