"The Midwife's Choice" by Delia Parr

The Midwife’s Choice (Dec. 1, 2015) by Delia Parr.*

It’s Trinity, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and there is never any shortage of gossip. Fortunately, town midwife Martha Cade is no gossipmonger, and she will tactfully take things with her to the grave that others will be none the wiser about. Besides, she has enough on her mind. While she has formed a rapport with, and even respect for, Dr. Benjamin McMillan – the university-educated town doctor – she is in a time when her time-honored ways are being questioned and even dismissed by the young faces fresh from medical school. Her seventeen-year-old daughter has also just returned to Trinity, with ideas of her own and a desire for independence. Unfortunately, what Victoria lacks in respect Martha lacks in anger management. Victoria doesn’t get why her mother doesn’t understand her wishes, and Martha is struggling with treating Victoria as an adult versus an obstinate child. Mayor Thomas Dillon is still in the picture, and she wrestles with her feelings for him. On top of that, Martha has had to temporarily relocate, and she has no idea where she’ll reside from there. And there are always the babies. The joy of twins and the devastation of the loss of a firstborn. From heartache to elation, emotions run the gamut in this book. Additionally, there is a new face that’s going to need lots of support. Will the sisterhood of women in Trinity – and the men, too – come together to help a newcomer in need?

            It was nice to return to Trinity in this second book in the At Home in Trinity series. The book says Trinity is home to “Friendship, Family, and Faith,” but it is more than that. It is a town of connection. The town’s bonds are stronger than the biggest antagonist. Parr has created female characters that assert their independence. The men, while mostly stereotypical for the time (they are the breadwinners, while the women run the households), are shown to have more character than that, especially when a new resident needs time away from someone who’s crossed lines in a major way. I still love how Parr has created Martha in an imperfect light, though she glorifies the Lord. It doesn’t matter that this story takes place in 1831, because being sinful, flawed human beings is something we can understand in any time, while also knowing that we are loved by Him. Fans of the first story will definitely want to read this one, but I’d encourage anyone to read this that enjoys historical Christian fiction.

            Book One: “The Midwife’s Tale”

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”