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Women of Lancaster County #1
The Amish Midwife
A dusty carved box containing two locks of hair and a century-old letter regarding property in Switzerland, and a burning desire to learn about her biological family lead nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. There she meets Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who desperately needs help after an Amish client and her baby die.
Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load even as she continues the search for her birth family, and from her patients she learns the true meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut, which means “to let be” as she changes from a woman who wants to control everything to a woman who depends on God.
A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.
Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load even as she continues the search for her birth family, and from her patients she learns the true meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut, which means “to let be” as she changes from a woman who wants to control everything to a woman who depends on God.
A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2011
436 people are currently reading
3307 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Starns Clark
56 books630 followersMindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 30 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and has received numerous literary honors, including two Christy Awards and RT Book Review Magazine’s 2012 Career Achievement Award. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
August 15, 2021
In a word: riveting. A brilliant collaboration. The authors have created a tense, complex story that will leave you gasping in surprise right through to the very end. I lost myself in Lexie's world. Felt her pain and confusion, her desperate need to discover the truth in a community embroiled in secrets.
And Lexie isn't the only character I could identify with. Every one is crafted skillfully with careful detail -- all with opposing viewpoints and varying goals that build tension and suspense.
But Lexie's journey is much more then discovering her biological family. Hers is a spiritual journey -- a clearing of the mind and opening of the heart. She is on a quest to find peace.
At one point she is asked if she has ever experienced sorrow. When Lexie replies that she has, she is then presented with this profound question: "And did it make you trust Jesus more?" I got goosebumps when I read that...and immediately stopped and asked myself the same question which led some soul-searching of my own.
The Amish Midwife is definitely a book for your keeper shelf...and one you will want to return to again and again.
And Lexie isn't the only character I could identify with. Every one is crafted skillfully with careful detail -- all with opposing viewpoints and varying goals that build tension and suspense.
But Lexie's journey is much more then discovering her biological family. Hers is a spiritual journey -- a clearing of the mind and opening of the heart. She is on a quest to find peace.
At one point she is asked if she has ever experienced sorrow. When Lexie replies that she has, she is then presented with this profound question: "And did it make you trust Jesus more?" I got goosebumps when I read that...and immediately stopped and asked myself the same question which led some soul-searching of my own.
The Amish Midwife is definitely a book for your keeper shelf...and one you will want to return to again and again.
August 23, 2024
Op zijn sterfbed vertelt Lexi's vader zijn geadopteerde dochter dat er een kistje is met meer informatie over haar afkomst. Lexi komt te weten dat ze naar Lancaster County moet als ze de vragen wil beantwoord zien, die haar al vele jaren bezig houden.
Ze is een verloskundige, en door haar vriendin Sophie krijgt ze de kans om daar een zelfstandige vroedvrouw te gaan helpen, die dringend iemand zoekt om haar bij te staan. Het is in een Amish omgeving.
Lexi ontdekt dat deze vrouw, Marta, op een of andere manier familie van haar is, maar Marta wil niets loslaten en zegt dat ze het verleden moet laten rusten. Lexi geeft echter niet op, en langzaam maar zeker, als ze de rest van de familie en de Amish gemeenschap leert kennen, beginnen stukjes van de puzzel te voorschijn te komen. Na heel wat speculatie, ook verkeerde, krijgt Lexi op het einde van het boek het hele verhaal te horen.
Ik vond dit een ongelooflijk mooi boek. Het beschrijft niet alleen Alexandra's zoektocht, maar ook het interne leven van de Amish families, en hoe ze allemaal op één of andere manier met elkaar verbonden zijn.
Ze is een verloskundige, en door haar vriendin Sophie krijgt ze de kans om daar een zelfstandige vroedvrouw te gaan helpen, die dringend iemand zoekt om haar bij te staan. Het is in een Amish omgeving.
Lexi ontdekt dat deze vrouw, Marta, op een of andere manier familie van haar is, maar Marta wil niets loslaten en zegt dat ze het verleden moet laten rusten. Lexi geeft echter niet op, en langzaam maar zeker, als ze de rest van de familie en de Amish gemeenschap leert kennen, beginnen stukjes van de puzzel te voorschijn te komen. Na heel wat speculatie, ook verkeerde, krijgt Lexi op het einde van het boek het hele verhaal te horen.
Ik vond dit een ongelooflijk mooi boek. Het beschrijft niet alleen Alexandra's zoektocht, maar ook het interne leven van de Amish families, en hoe ze allemaal op één of andere manier met elkaar verbonden zijn.
February 1, 2013
This book is neither about the Amish nor midwives. That is just background to support the main story of a woman searching for her identity. I can only assume the author wanted to cash-in on the current popularity of Amish romance-type novels by using the setting as the title.
Lexie is a conniving woman who despite having been raised by loving parents, is desperate to find her birth mother after her father dies. Nothing wrong with that of course, but she goes about it like a storm-trooper.
Even though she is told not to come, she shows up on her cousin's doorstep demanding information. Her cousin, Marta, has some good reasons why this is not the perfect time to start spilling family secrets and refuses to tell Lexie what she wants to know. She is under investigation because a mother and baby died under her watch and Lexie, a nurse midwife, ostensibly came to help out with the practice until Marta's suspension is lifted. Lexie is miffed because she can't bulldoze her cousin so she says she will trade help for information (and of course pay...you didn't think she would help her cousin for free did you?) Even though she feels a little squeamish about using Marta's children behind her back, she enlists them into into helping her find out about the secrets Marta is keeping. She even goes so far as to wonder whether Marta deserves her children's loyalty.
Though she was engaged before she came to Lancaster, PA, she told her fiance she wanted to "take a break" from the relationship. She keeps calling him for moral support, however, when the pain of not knowing who she is gets too much for her. In the meantime she's dating an obstetrician she met shortly after she arrived. She reflects that "it's so nice to date someone who doesn't have to worry about every penny."
Her former fiance, who has been working toward becoming a counselor, saves the day by coming from Oregon to stage a session where everyone in the family gets to tell their part of the secret story about Lexie's life and everyone makes nice....la de da. I can understand frustration on Lexie's part when the information is not forthcoming, but she comes off as borderline and way too entitled.
I guess I have to say that the book was interesting, if only in that I kept hoping for Lexie to redeem herself and start acting human. Since that didn't really happen I have to wonder; does the author feel that behavior is normal?
Lexie is a conniving woman who despite having been raised by loving parents, is desperate to find her birth mother after her father dies. Nothing wrong with that of course, but she goes about it like a storm-trooper.
Even though she is told not to come, she shows up on her cousin's doorstep demanding information. Her cousin, Marta, has some good reasons why this is not the perfect time to start spilling family secrets and refuses to tell Lexie what she wants to know. She is under investigation because a mother and baby died under her watch and Lexie, a nurse midwife, ostensibly came to help out with the practice until Marta's suspension is lifted. Lexie is miffed because she can't bulldoze her cousin so she says she will trade help for information (and of course pay...you didn't think she would help her cousin for free did you?) Even though she feels a little squeamish about using Marta's children behind her back, she enlists them into into helping her find out about the secrets Marta is keeping. She even goes so far as to wonder whether Marta deserves her children's loyalty.
Though she was engaged before she came to Lancaster, PA, she told her fiance she wanted to "take a break" from the relationship. She keeps calling him for moral support, however, when the pain of not knowing who she is gets too much for her. In the meantime she's dating an obstetrician she met shortly after she arrived. She reflects that "it's so nice to date someone who doesn't have to worry about every penny."
Her former fiance, who has been working toward becoming a counselor, saves the day by coming from Oregon to stage a session where everyone in the family gets to tell their part of the secret story about Lexie's life and everyone makes nice....la de da. I can understand frustration on Lexie's part when the information is not forthcoming, but she comes off as borderline and way too entitled.
I guess I have to say that the book was interesting, if only in that I kept hoping for Lexie to redeem herself and start acting human. Since that didn't really happen I have to wonder; does the author feel that behavior is normal?
March 26, 2016
Normally I love Mindy Starns Clark and was excited to see another book by her. Wow, what a disappointment. The start was achingly slow and gave me absolutely nothing to inspire me to keep reading. It is incredibly rare for me to not finish a book, that I couldn't finish one by an author I typically love says a lot.
I will also admit that I hate seeing a good author sell out to the Amish fiction genre. Maybe I tire of it because I grew up around the Amish so to me they aren't quaint and fantastical characters whose lives I want to peer into. I suppose I can see the draw for those dreaming of a 'simpler' way of life; real life experience means it doesn't hold the same mysterious appeal for me.
In my opinion MSC needs to go back to what she does best and leave the already cluttered Amish genre alone. Unfortunately I guess she will have 2 more books to grind out in this series before we have any hopes of that.
I will also admit that I hate seeing a good author sell out to the Amish fiction genre. Maybe I tire of it because I grew up around the Amish so to me they aren't quaint and fantastical characters whose lives I want to peer into. I suppose I can see the draw for those dreaming of a 'simpler' way of life; real life experience means it doesn't hold the same mysterious appeal for me.
In my opinion MSC needs to go back to what she does best and leave the already cluttered Amish genre alone. Unfortunately I guess she will have 2 more books to grind out in this series before we have any hopes of that.
July 6, 2019
Both of Alexandra's adoptive parents had passed away leaving her alone at 26. She found a beautiful wood carved box in her late father's closet when going through his things. Inside was an old letter written in German, and two locks of hair. Wanting to find out more about her biological parents and why they gave her up so many years ago Alexandra decides make a trip from her home in Portland Oregon to Lancaster Pennsylvania to see what she can find out about her roots .
Alexandra is a Nurse Midwife and she hears about an Amish midwife who is in need of some help in her practice. She gets a tip from a family friend that this woman in Pennsylvania may in some way be related to her.
I absolutely loved this story. We go along to Lancaster County Pennsylvania with Alexandra or Lexie as she is sometimes called. It isn't easy to get people to talk with her about her biological parents. She is not made to feel welcome at all in the beginning but she isn't easily discouraged and she is determined to locate her real parents and get answers to her many questions.
The authors , Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark made the search seem so real . Readers learn from this story how frustrating and hard it can be for adopted children to find their biological parents. The story held my attention to the end and I thought it was very well written and researched.
All readers of Amish Fiction will enjoy this book. There are five books to this series, The women of Lancaster County. I plan to read them all and I highly recommend book one The Amish Midwife to you.
I downloaded a copy of this book from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions shared here are my own.
Alexandra is a Nurse Midwife and she hears about an Amish midwife who is in need of some help in her practice. She gets a tip from a family friend that this woman in Pennsylvania may in some way be related to her.
I absolutely loved this story. We go along to Lancaster County Pennsylvania with Alexandra or Lexie as she is sometimes called. It isn't easy to get people to talk with her about her biological parents. She is not made to feel welcome at all in the beginning but she isn't easily discouraged and she is determined to locate her real parents and get answers to her many questions.
The authors , Leslie Gould and Mindy Starns Clark made the search seem so real . Readers learn from this story how frustrating and hard it can be for adopted children to find their biological parents. The story held my attention to the end and I thought it was very well written and researched.
All readers of Amish Fiction will enjoy this book. There are five books to this series, The women of Lancaster County. I plan to read them all and I highly recommend book one The Amish Midwife to you.
I downloaded a copy of this book from the digital library. A review was not requested. All opinions shared here are my own.
February 6, 2012
3.5 stars
There was something about this book that wouldn't let me set it down. The setting wasn't anything unusual for the genre. The plot wasn't that unique. But I couldn't stop reading. For once, I wasn't able to predict the ending from the very beginning, a nice change from the vast majority of Christian fiction.
My one complaint with the novel involves the main character. I couldn't figure out why she was so incredibly stubborn about finding out who her birth parents were. Multiple people had told her that the past was past, that she was stirring up trouble, and that they wished she would leave the subject alone. People were getting upset about it and yet Lexie insisted that her quest for the truth was more important than seriously disrupting people's lives. I thought her persistence and disregard for others was over the top, too much to be believable. That's the only thing that kept this from being a 4 star read.
There was something about this book that wouldn't let me set it down. The setting wasn't anything unusual for the genre. The plot wasn't that unique. But I couldn't stop reading. For once, I wasn't able to predict the ending from the very beginning, a nice change from the vast majority of Christian fiction.
My one complaint with the novel involves the main character. I couldn't figure out why she was so incredibly stubborn about finding out who her birth parents were. Multiple people had told her that the past was past, that she was stirring up trouble, and that they wished she would leave the subject alone. People were getting upset about it and yet Lexie insisted that her quest for the truth was more important than seriously disrupting people's lives. I thought her persistence and disregard for others was over the top, too much to be believable. That's the only thing that kept this from being a 4 star read.
December 11, 2024
'De vroedvrouw van de Amish' is niet een heel interessant boek om te lezen. Het is wat saai, maar toch bleef ik er in lezen, vandaar mijn drie sterren.
January 16, 2011
A deathbed confession... a dust carved box containing two locks of hair... a century-old letter about property in Switzerland...
Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger’s encounter with all three rekindles a burning desire to meet her biological family. Propelled on a personal journey of discovery, Lexie’s search for the truth takes her from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country.
There she finds Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who may hold the key to Lexie’s past. But Marta isn’t talking, especially now that she has troubles of her own following the death of an Amish patient during childbirth. As Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load and continues the search for her birth family, a handsome local doctor proves to be a welcome distraction. But will he also distract her from James, the man back home who lovingly awaits her return?
From her Amish patients, Lexie learns the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut: “to let be.” Will this woman who wants to control everything ever learn to depend totally on God? Or will her stubborn determination to unearth the secrets of the past at all costs only serve to tear her newfound family apart?T
This book was filled with secrets that were hurting everyone. A great insight into Amish culture. I had a hard time putting it down. I felt as if they had all become my family and I want to go and spend time with them!
The next book in the series The Amish Nanny will be released in July 2011...can't wait!
There is a Family Tree available to read...it does contain spoilers so be aware! http://www.lesliegould.com/amish_fami...
Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger’s encounter with all three rekindles a burning desire to meet her biological family. Propelled on a personal journey of discovery, Lexie’s search for the truth takes her from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country.
There she finds Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who may hold the key to Lexie’s past. But Marta isn’t talking, especially now that she has troubles of her own following the death of an Amish patient during childbirth. As Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load and continues the search for her birth family, a handsome local doctor proves to be a welcome distraction. But will he also distract her from James, the man back home who lovingly awaits her return?
From her Amish patients, Lexie learns the meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word demut: “to let be.” Will this woman who wants to control everything ever learn to depend totally on God? Or will her stubborn determination to unearth the secrets of the past at all costs only serve to tear her newfound family apart?T
This book was filled with secrets that were hurting everyone. A great insight into Amish culture. I had a hard time putting it down. I felt as if they had all become my family and I want to go and spend time with them!
The next book in the series The Amish Nanny will be released in July 2011...can't wait!
There is a Family Tree available to read...it does contain spoilers so be aware! http://www.lesliegould.com/amish_fami...
September 22, 2013
I love the Amish, I love midwifery. I should have loved this book, right? Instead I found myself plodding through it, rolling my eyes at the constant reference to Lexie's Coach bag (who cares?) and astounded by her selfish, oftentimes cruel behavior. The story line had great promise which is why I continued on despite these things, sometimes skipping sentences and even paragraphs that were bogged down with too much description of some things (see above) and not enough of others (births). In the end, I was glad I stuck it out since I did enjoy the ending and story overall, just think it would have benefited by more editing.
October 31, 2020
Excellent Suspense Amish Book
Loved that the book was like a mystery and not just a love story. The main character was searching for her biological family. She had recently lost her father and was now technically an orphan unless she could discover her family history in Lancaster.
Loved that the book was like a mystery and not just a love story. The main character was searching for her biological family. She had recently lost her father and was now technically an orphan unless she could discover her family history in Lancaster.
December 12, 2021
Sometimes I need to learn not to read the reviews before actually picking up a book. As sometimes the reviews turn me off and lead me into a story with low expectations. And this was one of those books. And I ended up coming out and very much enjoying this book and can't wait to start the next book in the series. And see what happens with the rest of the women in Lancaster county.
April 9, 2025
I was disappointed in this book. I did finish it, but I did not love it. Lexie was difficult to like. There was a ton of telling instead of showing, and I struggled with it. I am not even sure why I finished it, but I was curious for Lexie to learn her story, even if I disagreed with the methods she was using to get it. She was very entitled.
February 24, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Such a surprise ending, and so sweet. Love.
June 12, 2024
Picked this up at a used bookshop. Big page turner energy and gave me more respect / little knowledge about midwives, the Amish, and Mennonites.
June 30, 2024
I've avoided this book for a long time, even though I love this author, because I'm absolutely not a fan of the Amish genre. However, the main character isn't Amish, and the information about plain churches is well researched and fairly accurate. The midwifery details are ok, even though she clearly had no firsthand sources of information about direct entry midwifery.
But the story, the layers of mystery, the heartache and beautiful healing... It was captivating and well done and I read the whole book in a day.
Trying to decide if I read the rest of the series now.
But the story, the layers of mystery, the heartache and beautiful healing... It was captivating and well done and I read the whole book in a day.
Trying to decide if I read the rest of the series now.
July 21, 2025
Nothing better than Amish propaganda on vacation
April 7, 2021
This was an okay book. The story was predictable and not original. I do love reading about Amish culture though.
January 18, 2020
Quick, light read with twists at the end.
3/5
3/5
November 14, 2016
Alexandra “Lexie” is a nursing mid-wife in Oregon when she gets the dreaded phonecall at work. Her father, who has cancer, doesn’t have long for this world. She takes a leave of absence and rushes to his side. On his death bed, he tells her about a box in the closet for her, one he never opened but one that might bring her closer to finding her birth parents. After his death, she looks into the box that has a letter about property in Switzerland, 2 swatches of hair and not much else. Her dear friend Sophie makes some enquiries, and finds that a mid-wife in Pennsylvania needs some help and it might do Lexie good to take a break and to also look for her birth parents.
When she arrives at Marta’s house, against Marta’s wishes, things go awry. No one wants to give her information about her birth, and no one wants her help. Marta is going through some legal battles at the moment and when pushes against the wall, realizes she needs Lexie’s help with her Amish patients and the babies soon to come.
Along the way, Lexie meets a doctor who she starts having meals with, even though she left her fiancé James back in Oregon, telling him they were on a break. She also pokes her nose into everyone’s business to get the information she is seeking. She won’t take no for an answer, even though the Amish prefer to leave the past in the past and not discuss it.
Things eventually come to a head, with the help of someone close to Lexie and all is revealed. However, it isn’t quite what Lexie was looking for. She needs to look to God for the peace and comfort of the answers she is given. I liked most of the characters in this novel, and I found it interesting to see how different Amish settlements lived. I did not care for Lexie. While I felt for her plight, she didn’t care if she hurt people in her path to her goals. She was actually a pretty flat character except when she was angry. Then she became a full dimensional person who had some life and fire in her.
I look forward to reading the next installment in the Lancaster series. I thought the settings were great and would love to delve into some of the secondary characters’ lives. I just hope Lexie is better behaved if she makes any cameo appearances. All in all, a great story if you love reading about the Amish, prefer your fiction clean and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages long into the night.
When she arrives at Marta’s house, against Marta’s wishes, things go awry. No one wants to give her information about her birth, and no one wants her help. Marta is going through some legal battles at the moment and when pushes against the wall, realizes she needs Lexie’s help with her Amish patients and the babies soon to come.
Along the way, Lexie meets a doctor who she starts having meals with, even though she left her fiancé James back in Oregon, telling him they were on a break. She also pokes her nose into everyone’s business to get the information she is seeking. She won’t take no for an answer, even though the Amish prefer to leave the past in the past and not discuss it.
Things eventually come to a head, with the help of someone close to Lexie and all is revealed. However, it isn’t quite what Lexie was looking for. She needs to look to God for the peace and comfort of the answers she is given. I liked most of the characters in this novel, and I found it interesting to see how different Amish settlements lived. I did not care for Lexie. While I felt for her plight, she didn’t care if she hurt people in her path to her goals. She was actually a pretty flat character except when she was angry. Then she became a full dimensional person who had some life and fire in her.
I look forward to reading the next installment in the Lancaster series. I thought the settings were great and would love to delve into some of the secondary characters’ lives. I just hope Lexie is better behaved if she makes any cameo appearances. All in all, a great story if you love reading about the Amish, prefer your fiction clean and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages long into the night.
February 4, 2012
My first to read story by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould called "The Amish Midwife" in The Women of Lancaster County books.
I really liked the mystery involved in this story, Alexandra knew she had been adopted but never learned the story behind it until she was grown and her adoptive parents were both deceased and she was told of a beautiful carved box with papers and 2 locks of hair inside upon her dads deathbed. The paperwork involved property in Switzerland. "Lexie" has always had thoughts of finding her biological parents and family so she embarks on this journey after her dads death.
Folks in Pennsylvania were not happy to see her and didn't want to answer any of her questions. You will like the folks that Lexie meets and becomes close to as she fights for every little crumb about her past. As this story unfolds there are many secrets that come to life. Marta is an Amish Midwife and comes under suspicion of wrong doing when one of her patients and child dies unexpectedly. Alexandra tells her she will help her if she is forthcoming with some answers about her past. Reluctantly she accepts her help.
This is a little different type story of the amish country but one you will be glad you picked up to read, I know I was.
I really liked the mystery involved in this story, Alexandra knew she had been adopted but never learned the story behind it until she was grown and her adoptive parents were both deceased and she was told of a beautiful carved box with papers and 2 locks of hair inside upon her dads deathbed. The paperwork involved property in Switzerland. "Lexie" has always had thoughts of finding her biological parents and family so she embarks on this journey after her dads death.
Folks in Pennsylvania were not happy to see her and didn't want to answer any of her questions. You will like the folks that Lexie meets and becomes close to as she fights for every little crumb about her past. As this story unfolds there are many secrets that come to life. Marta is an Amish Midwife and comes under suspicion of wrong doing when one of her patients and child dies unexpectedly. Alexandra tells her she will help her if she is forthcoming with some answers about her past. Reluctantly she accepts her help.
This is a little different type story of the amish country but one you will be glad you picked up to read, I know I was.
February 4, 2016
Billed as Amish fiction, it's really just more of a backdrop for an adoption drama. It was still good, but not what I was expecting.
Lexie was adopted by Mennonite parents in Oregon, but she has broken from the church and works as a modern midwife in a hospital. She lost her mother at a young age and when her father dies, she finds a mysterious carved box containing clues to her birth mother's identity. This leads her to Pennsylvania, where she assists as a midwife to the Amish. Confused yet? Don't be. The real drama is about Lexie, discovering who she is and who she thinks she should be, and some needless plot twisting.
Lexie is annoying and shallow. She dates a doctor and makes several comments about his apparent wealth. She's childish and pretty unlikeable. Enough that I was tempted to take away a star, because I have to like my main character to enjoy a book. However, the complications and side plots kept me interested, and in the end I gave it a solid three stars.
Lexie was adopted by Mennonite parents in Oregon, but she has broken from the church and works as a modern midwife in a hospital. She lost her mother at a young age and when her father dies, she finds a mysterious carved box containing clues to her birth mother's identity. This leads her to Pennsylvania, where she assists as a midwife to the Amish. Confused yet? Don't be. The real drama is about Lexie, discovering who she is and who she thinks she should be, and some needless plot twisting.
Lexie is annoying and shallow. She dates a doctor and makes several comments about his apparent wealth. She's childish and pretty unlikeable. Enough that I was tempted to take away a star, because I have to like my main character to enjoy a book. However, the complications and side plots kept me interested, and in the end I gave it a solid three stars.
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January 4, 2025
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Reread January 4, 2025
After her adopted dad dies, Lexie goes on this journey to find her birth mom and find family. I absolutely loved the midwife aspect and loved seeing each and every precious baby! Midwifery is something that has always fascinated me! I also really enjoy reading stories about adoption and finding your birth family! Marta is a remarkable and beautiful character! Wow, just everything she had been through. I enjoyed following Lexie’s story to find her family! This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and finding family with so many twists and turns! This does deal with some heavy topics, but it was handled well. The ending was beautiful and perfect! I do wish it had ended a bit differently with her birth mom. But I love how you could see God’s hand throughout this whole story!
Quote:
👶🏼 "I know this is difficult for you, Lex, but can't you see how God was in all of this? Just like with Joseph, He wrought good from bad."
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Reread January 4, 2025
After her adopted dad dies, Lexie goes on this journey to find her birth mom and find family. I absolutely loved the midwife aspect and loved seeing each and every precious baby! Midwifery is something that has always fascinated me! I also really enjoy reading stories about adoption and finding your birth family! Marta is a remarkable and beautiful character! Wow, just everything she had been through. I enjoyed following Lexie’s story to find her family! This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and finding family with so many twists and turns! This does deal with some heavy topics, but it was handled well. The ending was beautiful and perfect! I do wish it had ended a bit differently with her birth mom. But I love how you could see God’s hand throughout this whole story!
Quote:
👶🏼 "I know this is difficult for you, Lex, but can't you see how God was in all of this? Just like with Joseph, He wrought good from bad."
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October 16, 2011
Loved this story. At first I was put off by the title, because it seems "Amish" is becoming over-used. But this was a great book.
Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger had always knows she was adopted, but her world rocks when on his deathbed her father gives her a carved box containing fragments of her history before her adoption.
With both of her adoptive parents dead, Lexie is spurred to seek her birth family. She leaves her Oregon home to travel to Amish country in Pennsylvania. What follows in The Amish Midwife is a gripping drama about intertwined secrets between generations. Lexie’s stubborn quest for the truth puts her at odds with the very people who hold the keys to her past.
The Amish Midwife is a compelling read, written with authenticity by both Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould. I appreciated the geographical details each author contributed to the story.
I couldn’t put this book down until I’d read every page. I know you’ll feel the same way.
Nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger had always knows she was adopted, but her world rocks when on his deathbed her father gives her a carved box containing fragments of her history before her adoption.
With both of her adoptive parents dead, Lexie is spurred to seek her birth family. She leaves her Oregon home to travel to Amish country in Pennsylvania. What follows in The Amish Midwife is a gripping drama about intertwined secrets between generations. Lexie’s stubborn quest for the truth puts her at odds with the very people who hold the keys to her past.
The Amish Midwife is a compelling read, written with authenticity by both Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould. I appreciated the geographical details each author contributed to the story.
I couldn’t put this book down until I’d read every page. I know you’ll feel the same way.
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September 18, 2014I was NOT impressed with this book. Unless I had really wanted to know how it ended, I would've lain it down, never to pick up again(except to turn it in at the library.) Too many unnecessary details, too much "telling" instead of showing. And too many things that became part of the end of the story...I would NOT recommend this book.
June 10, 2019
Fantastic Story
I've always enjoyed reading books about the Amish but this one was a step above the rest I've read. There was so much to learn about this family and their friends with so many twists and turns. Such an interesting and captivating story. Can't wait to read book 2 in this series.
I've always enjoyed reading books about the Amish but this one was a step above the rest I've read. There was so much to learn about this family and their friends with so many twists and turns. Such an interesting and captivating story. Can't wait to read book 2 in this series.
February 18, 2013
This got too detailed oriented for me. I found myself skipping paragraphs at one time because I was just too bogged down with the details. I expected there to be more about being a midwife and more "drama" in that direction, however the story line was good.
June 2, 2011
good book. surprised at the conclusion. Kept my interest.
April 5, 2013
Loved this book. I will definitely continue reading more books in this series.
September 3, 2015
The main character ended up a little on the annoying side for me. Wasn't a great book that I'd highly recommend, but I didn't hate it either.
October 5, 2015
This was a fun book with a couple of unexpected turns.
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