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Romancing America
The Midwife's Legacy: Four in One Collection
An aged journal links the lives of four spirited women who battle outside elements, opposition, and all odds to aid new life into the world. Will the fight to find true love be just as hard?
Midwife and widow Adele Marley is content with an adopted daughter, a Wisconsin farm, and her role in the community. Is there room in her life for smitten banker Jerome Schmidt, a man used to getting what he wants?
On the wagon-train trail to Oregon, Polly Schultz finds confidence, comfort, and guidance in her own skills by reading her mother's journal. But can she overcome her rising temper and fear of abandonment long enough to establish a future with minister Gordon Baker?
Thanks to the wise words found in her ancestors' journal, Christiana is secure in her role of midwife. But how will she convince Noah Cafferty, a journalist who decries women working outside the home, that she is capable of being both a wife and a midwife?
Kendra Silverstone's confidence is shaken when a client loses a newborn. Will carpenter Steven Nichols and the discovery of a long-lost journal be enough to convince her of God's will for her life?
How will God work to make the dreams of these courageous women come true?
Midwife and widow Adele Marley is content with an adopted daughter, a Wisconsin farm, and her role in the community. Is there room in her life for smitten banker Jerome Schmidt, a man used to getting what he wants?
On the wagon-train trail to Oregon, Polly Schultz finds confidence, comfort, and guidance in her own skills by reading her mother's journal. But can she overcome her rising temper and fear of abandonment long enough to establish a future with minister Gordon Baker?
Thanks to the wise words found in her ancestors' journal, Christiana is secure in her role of midwife. But how will she convince Noah Cafferty, a journalist who decries women working outside the home, that she is capable of being both a wife and a midwife?
Kendra Silverstone's confidence is shaken when a client loses a newborn. Will carpenter Steven Nichols and the discovery of a long-lost journal be enough to convince her of God's will for her life?
How will God work to make the dreams of these courageous women come true?
350 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Gibson
85 books80 followersRhonda Gibson lives in New Mexico with her husband James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 13, 2012
Midwives have been around to assist birthing mothers for millenia, but their calling has come into the crossfire more than once during that time. Even now they’re not licensed to practice in many parts of North America.
The Midwife’s Legacy is the June release in the Romancing America novella collections released by Barbour, and follows a family tradition of midwifery through a handwritten journal handed down from one generation to the next. Not every generation is included in this anthology, as it begins in Wisconsin then follows the Oregon Trail to the Portland area, where the final story is a contemporary romance.
The journal is a wonderful motif that ties the stories together through interesting eras of American history. Each woman records not only the details of the births she’s assisted, but tips and hints on how best to ease the mother’s worries and labor. The journal takes on another dimension as the women record their personal feelings and introspection regarding what they feel is their personal and hereditary calling.
The first novella is called “A Mother’s Cry” and is written by Jane Kirkpatrick. It takes place in Wisconsin and is the story of farmer and midwife Adele Marley. Though once married and now widowed, Adele herself never gave birth but has raised Polly, the daughter of her best friend who died in childbirth. As the story opens the new banker in town asks Adele to aid his sister when she gives birth, but Adele is afraid because this woman, like Polly’s mother, is a bleeder. Jerome is determined not only to gain Adele’s assistance but her love.
The second novella in the book is “The Midwife’s Apprentice” by Rhonda Gibson. This follows the first novella directly, carrying on with Adele’s foster daughter, Polly Schultz, as she makes her way west along the Oregon Trail. She’s been Adele’s apprentice for several years (at the ripe old age of seventeen) and signs on with a family expecting a baby along the journey. She doesn’t intend to fall in love with minister Gordon Baker, but when both are captured by a roving Indian band, marriage to him seems her only option. If only he loved her as well, but it seems he doesn’t. Or does he?
“Birth of a Dream” is the third novella, this one by Pamela Griffin. Christiana is Polly’s granddaughter and learning to be a midwife from her own mother during a time when many were beginning to look down on midwifery for various reasons. Christiana’s father has helped set up the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, in 1905. He’s a forward thinking man in some ways, but isn’t ready to let his daughter grow up, especially if it means allowing reporter Noah Cafferty anywhere near. Christiana isn’t certain what she thinks of Noah, either. She’s attracted to him, sure, but he feels a woman’s place is in the home, and Christiana is certain she’s called to be a midwife. That’s definitely not a calling she can pursue from the comfort of her own home. What will it take to get Christiana and Noah on the same page?
The final novella, “Labor of Love” by Trish Perry is set in current times, also in Portland area, but a few generations further than Christiana. Kendra Silverstone is in the process of starting a clinic with a couple of other midwives. A friend of hers introduces her to genius carpenter Steven Nichols, who in turn introduces her to his sister, who’s pregnant and just become separated from her doctor husband due to his affair. Does Kendra dare take on the local medical community by offering Steven’s sister what she wants most, when she will likely be blackballed at the hospital for her efforts? But how can she say no to the carpenter, especially when he’s willing to restore the old desk that belonged to her ancestors?
I enjoyed all the novellas but must say, I really loved the contemporary one best. This isn’t the first story by Trish Perry I’ve read, and it won’t be last!
The Midwife’s Legacy is the June release in the Romancing America novella collections released by Barbour, and follows a family tradition of midwifery through a handwritten journal handed down from one generation to the next. Not every generation is included in this anthology, as it begins in Wisconsin then follows the Oregon Trail to the Portland area, where the final story is a contemporary romance.
The journal is a wonderful motif that ties the stories together through interesting eras of American history. Each woman records not only the details of the births she’s assisted, but tips and hints on how best to ease the mother’s worries and labor. The journal takes on another dimension as the women record their personal feelings and introspection regarding what they feel is their personal and hereditary calling.
The first novella is called “A Mother’s Cry” and is written by Jane Kirkpatrick. It takes place in Wisconsin and is the story of farmer and midwife Adele Marley. Though once married and now widowed, Adele herself never gave birth but has raised Polly, the daughter of her best friend who died in childbirth. As the story opens the new banker in town asks Adele to aid his sister when she gives birth, but Adele is afraid because this woman, like Polly’s mother, is a bleeder. Jerome is determined not only to gain Adele’s assistance but her love.
The second novella in the book is “The Midwife’s Apprentice” by Rhonda Gibson. This follows the first novella directly, carrying on with Adele’s foster daughter, Polly Schultz, as she makes her way west along the Oregon Trail. She’s been Adele’s apprentice for several years (at the ripe old age of seventeen) and signs on with a family expecting a baby along the journey. She doesn’t intend to fall in love with minister Gordon Baker, but when both are captured by a roving Indian band, marriage to him seems her only option. If only he loved her as well, but it seems he doesn’t. Or does he?
“Birth of a Dream” is the third novella, this one by Pamela Griffin. Christiana is Polly’s granddaughter and learning to be a midwife from her own mother during a time when many were beginning to look down on midwifery for various reasons. Christiana’s father has helped set up the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in Portland, Oregon, in 1905. He’s a forward thinking man in some ways, but isn’t ready to let his daughter grow up, especially if it means allowing reporter Noah Cafferty anywhere near. Christiana isn’t certain what she thinks of Noah, either. She’s attracted to him, sure, but he feels a woman’s place is in the home, and Christiana is certain she’s called to be a midwife. That’s definitely not a calling she can pursue from the comfort of her own home. What will it take to get Christiana and Noah on the same page?
The final novella, “Labor of Love” by Trish Perry is set in current times, also in Portland area, but a few generations further than Christiana. Kendra Silverstone is in the process of starting a clinic with a couple of other midwives. A friend of hers introduces her to genius carpenter Steven Nichols, who in turn introduces her to his sister, who’s pregnant and just become separated from her doctor husband due to his affair. Does Kendra dare take on the local medical community by offering Steven’s sister what she wants most, when she will likely be blackballed at the hospital for her efforts? But how can she say no to the carpenter, especially when he’s willing to restore the old desk that belonged to her ancestors?
I enjoyed all the novellas but must say, I really loved the contemporary one best. This isn’t the first story by Trish Perry I’ve read, and it won’t be last!
June 3, 2012
This is a book with four stories. They all are connected by a journal and all the stories center on being a midwife. I liked how the stories are set in a different time period yet they are all linked in some way. I thought each story was well written and could stand on its own.
One story, called A Mothers Cry, is about Adele Marley. She is a widow who keeps the baby of a mother who died during childbirth. I liked the town in Wisconsin that this was set in; it really made the story interesting.
The Midwife’s Apprentice is about Polly who decides to be the midwife on a wagon train that heads west. I liked the interaction of the main characters in this story. The connection between the minister with Polly is written well.
Birth of A Dream is written by Pamela Griffin and the main character is Christiana. Will her wanting to work ruin any chance of a romance and becoming a bride? The decision she makes to work will impact the rest of her life.
Labor of Love is about Kendra. In this story the main character is also a midwife and she decides she wants to have a place for all local midwives to work from. Will her plans work out or will they all fall apart.
I enjoyed all the stories but found Labor of Love to be my favorite. I gave this book 5/5 stars because each story is worth reading!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
One story, called A Mothers Cry, is about Adele Marley. She is a widow who keeps the baby of a mother who died during childbirth. I liked the town in Wisconsin that this was set in; it really made the story interesting.
The Midwife’s Apprentice is about Polly who decides to be the midwife on a wagon train that heads west. I liked the interaction of the main characters in this story. The connection between the minister with Polly is written well.
Birth of A Dream is written by Pamela Griffin and the main character is Christiana. Will her wanting to work ruin any chance of a romance and becoming a bride? The decision she makes to work will impact the rest of her life.
Labor of Love is about Kendra. In this story the main character is also a midwife and she decides she wants to have a place for all local midwives to work from. Will her plans work out or will they all fall apart.
I enjoyed all the stories but found Labor of Love to be my favorite. I gave this book 5/5 stars because each story is worth reading!
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
June 30, 2012
Another great book in the Romancing America series. We start in the 1800’s and work our way to present day. The ladies in each story are midwifes and a special journal which is handed down to the next generation of midwifes is also a part of each story.
What I liked: This was a good book. I really liked how the stories where told. I found the subject of midwifery quite interesting. The romance was also good and left me wishing for more stories!
What I did not like: In the 2nd story about Polly I wish there had been a little more development when it came to her issues with her father abandoning her when she was a baby. Also in the last two stories I had a little trouble figuring how how the characters in the story before where related to the current character.
Over all this was a great book and I really enjoyed it! I felt each of the stories where good in there own right and how they all fit together with the journal was cool. I definitely recommend this book and the series as well.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
What I liked: This was a good book. I really liked how the stories where told. I found the subject of midwifery quite interesting. The romance was also good and left me wishing for more stories!
What I did not like: In the 2nd story about Polly I wish there had been a little more development when it came to her issues with her father abandoning her when she was a baby. Also in the last two stories I had a little trouble figuring how how the characters in the story before where related to the current character.
Over all this was a great book and I really enjoyed it! I felt each of the stories where good in there own right and how they all fit together with the journal was cool. I definitely recommend this book and the series as well.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...
September 30, 2014
What a sweet collection of short stories! I love how the midwifery journal Adele began got passed down through the generations and was featured in each woman's story, giving the whole collection a cohesiveness that's sometimes hard to find in such a book.
I loved how Adele, Polly, Christiana, and Kendra each, in turn, learned to trust God's leading completely as they were performing their calling of being midwives. I loved learning that the term 'midwife' actually means 'with woman', and thinking about how that incorporates itself into the entire work of the midwife.
If I had to choose a favourite of the 4 stories, I think I'd choose Christiana's story. She was so spunky! But, really, all 4 were lovely! :)
I loved how Adele, Polly, Christiana, and Kendra each, in turn, learned to trust God's leading completely as they were performing their calling of being midwives. I loved learning that the term 'midwife' actually means 'with woman', and thinking about how that incorporates itself into the entire work of the midwife.
If I had to choose a favourite of the 4 stories, I think I'd choose Christiana's story. She was so spunky! But, really, all 4 were lovely! :)
October 15, 2012
This was my first e-book purchase at a bargain of $2.99. Still on until Oct. 30. This was a great read about 4 generations of women in one family who all have a calling to midwifery. These authors weave their stories together of women who were strong, had integrity, and sought to do their very best in serving women through their pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Pioneers in midwifery and wanting to pass on what they had learned to the next generation. I love to sit back and relax reading books like this one. Reflect on what it might have been to live during this time in history.
April 16, 2013
This ia a book with 4 stories, first one by Jane Kirkpatrick, "The Midwife's Legacy"
Other writers were Rhonda Gibson, Pamela Griffin, Trish Perry..
The very first midwife starts a journal and it is handed down through the generations telling of the work "with women" that was done, the errors - the mystery- the happiness of a child being born..
Definition of Midwife means "With Woman" which certainly makes sense.
Adele helped a young woman with her first child and something went terribly wrong and the mother died losing too much blood, later she thought she might have been a "Bleeder". The father was devastated and told Adele to take the child away, he didn't want it.
This little girl whom the mama had named "Polly" stayed with Adele and she planned on letting the papa take her when he was over his grief but this never happened and she ended up raising the child.
Polly was the 2nd midwife when she traveled on a wagon train heading west, she helped several women along with an indian woman when the indians kidnapped her and the reverend from the train, they wanted her help for a woman in labor where the child was turned wrong. Polly knew what to do and the mother and child were fine.
Christiana is a granddaughter who gets the calling and does just fine though she is only 17 yrs of age when she begins her midwife journey.
these women had to think completely of the woman having the child and less of themselves. They were committed young ladies and did not shirk their duty.
Kendra seemed to always know she would be a midwife and in a more modern time many think midwifes are a danger and women should use doctors. Kendra must ignore the people that have such narrow minds and stick to what she believes. She feels God wants her to do this for women and she gives it her best, she is amazed when getting an old desk restored they find the journal of the first midwife and she finds all the history of what they had done, it restores her will to start a clinic and stay with midwifery.
I enjoyed this book and the generational stories...
Other writers were Rhonda Gibson, Pamela Griffin, Trish Perry..
The very first midwife starts a journal and it is handed down through the generations telling of the work "with women" that was done, the errors - the mystery- the happiness of a child being born..
Definition of Midwife means "With Woman" which certainly makes sense.
Adele helped a young woman with her first child and something went terribly wrong and the mother died losing too much blood, later she thought she might have been a "Bleeder". The father was devastated and told Adele to take the child away, he didn't want it.
This little girl whom the mama had named "Polly" stayed with Adele and she planned on letting the papa take her when he was over his grief but this never happened and she ended up raising the child.
Polly was the 2nd midwife when she traveled on a wagon train heading west, she helped several women along with an indian woman when the indians kidnapped her and the reverend from the train, they wanted her help for a woman in labor where the child was turned wrong. Polly knew what to do and the mother and child were fine.
Christiana is a granddaughter who gets the calling and does just fine though she is only 17 yrs of age when she begins her midwife journey.
these women had to think completely of the woman having the child and less of themselves. They were committed young ladies and did not shirk their duty.
Kendra seemed to always know she would be a midwife and in a more modern time many think midwifes are a danger and women should use doctors. Kendra must ignore the people that have such narrow minds and stick to what she believes. She feels God wants her to do this for women and she gives it her best, she is amazed when getting an old desk restored they find the journal of the first midwife and she finds all the history of what they had done, it restores her will to start a clinic and stay with midwifery.
I enjoyed this book and the generational stories...
April 24, 2012
This is an anthology that includes four stories of women of different generations connected by family, vocation, and a journal in which they record observations and insights. “A Mother’s Cry” by Jane Kirkpatrick is the story of Adele Marley, a midwife and widow in the 1840s in Wisconsin Territory, who rears one of the babies she delivers as her own daughter after the mother dies and the father abandons the child. “The Midwife’s Apprentice” by Rhonda Gibson is the story of that child, Polly, who leaves Adele and Adele’s new husband behind to serve as midwife to the women in a wagon train headed for the Northwest Territory. Polly survives the dangerous journey and finds true love in a cowboy preacher. The third story, “Birth of a Dream” by Pamela Griffin, skips a generation as Adele’s great-granddaughter Christiana Leonard begins her career as a midwife against the backdrop of the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition of 1905. Her first delivery also introduces Christiana to a young journalist who opposes women working outside the home, a conflict that must be resolved if he is to play the role he hopes to play in Christiana’s life. The final story, “Labor of Love” by Trish Perry, is a contemporary account of Kendra Silverstone, an Oregon midwife who dreams of opening her own clinic with two other midwives, but still struggles with some of the same prejudices her foremothers faced even as she anticipated an HEA with Steven, the “genius carpenter.”
The four women, although separated by chronology, all feel that God has called them to be midwives. Each in her turn also must confront prejudice against midwives, sometimes in the men most important in their lives and sometimes in the larger community in which they practice. Although I thought Kirkpatrick’s and Griffin’s stories were stronger, all four stories are worth reading with likeable characters, a real sense of period, and an emphasis on a life of faith without sermonizing.
The four women, although separated by chronology, all feel that God has called them to be midwives. Each in her turn also must confront prejudice against midwives, sometimes in the men most important in their lives and sometimes in the larger community in which they practice. Although I thought Kirkpatrick’s and Griffin’s stories were stronger, all four stories are worth reading with likeable characters, a real sense of period, and an emphasis on a life of faith without sermonizing.
September 18, 2012
Part of the Romancing America Series, this one is based in Oregon, written by Rhonda Gibson, Pamela Griffin, Jane Kirkpatrick & Trish Perry
One journal unites four generations.
Am aged journal links the lives of four spirited women who battle outside elements, opposition, and all odds to aid new life in the world. Will the fight to find true love be just as hard?
Midwife and widow Adele Marley is content with an adopted daughter, a Wisconsin farm, and her role in the community. Is there room in her life for smitten banker Jerome Schmidt, a man used to getting what he wants?
On the wagon trail to Oregon, Polly Schultz finds confidence, comfort and guidance in her own skills by reading her mother's journal. But can she overcome her rising temper and fear of abandonment long enough to establish a future with minister Gordon Baker?
Thanks to the wise words found in her ancestors' journal, Christiana is secure in her role of midwife. But how will she convince Noah Cafferty, a journalist who decries women working outside the home, that she is capable of being both a wife and a midwife?
Kendra Silverstone's confidence is shaken when a client loses a newborn. Will carpenter Steven Nichols and the discovery of a long-lost journal be enough to convince her of God's will for her life?
How will God work to make the dreams of these courageous women come true?
I loved the whole book! I couldn't put it down I read it Saturday & Sunday and finished the last 3 chapters yesterday. Awesome collection of stories, they're well written and capture the reader's attention from the very beginning and leave you wanting more.
One journal unites four generations.
Am aged journal links the lives of four spirited women who battle outside elements, opposition, and all odds to aid new life in the world. Will the fight to find true love be just as hard?
Midwife and widow Adele Marley is content with an adopted daughter, a Wisconsin farm, and her role in the community. Is there room in her life for smitten banker Jerome Schmidt, a man used to getting what he wants?
On the wagon trail to Oregon, Polly Schultz finds confidence, comfort and guidance in her own skills by reading her mother's journal. But can she overcome her rising temper and fear of abandonment long enough to establish a future with minister Gordon Baker?
Thanks to the wise words found in her ancestors' journal, Christiana is secure in her role of midwife. But how will she convince Noah Cafferty, a journalist who decries women working outside the home, that she is capable of being both a wife and a midwife?
Kendra Silverstone's confidence is shaken when a client loses a newborn. Will carpenter Steven Nichols and the discovery of a long-lost journal be enough to convince her of God's will for her life?
How will God work to make the dreams of these courageous women come true?
I loved the whole book! I couldn't put it down I read it Saturday & Sunday and finished the last 3 chapters yesterday. Awesome collection of stories, they're well written and capture the reader's attention from the very beginning and leave you wanting more.
July 15, 2012
A lovely collection of novellas, with a midwife theme.
This collection as the cover and title implies is about midwives in the west, mid-1800's. Each story is a about a strong woman, with a certain grit about her, and a will to persevere.
Novellas are fun because you can pick them up, and read 'em in one sitting, and this set is no different. I really enjoyed how this set used snippets of a journal so that we could get a peek into what was going on in the main character's head.
As with other novellas, I wished that the stories had been longer, and that some of the characters had been fleshed out. I really liked the first story because it was different in that the heroine was a little older than most. Yet she got another chance at love with a sweet man.
I also liked getting a peek into what it might have been like for midwives of that time period. Well researched!
Overall, if you are a fan of novellas you will like this collection. I will be honest and say that I am not the hugest novella reader, but that they are very nice every one and a while :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
This collection as the cover and title implies is about midwives in the west, mid-1800's. Each story is a about a strong woman, with a certain grit about her, and a will to persevere.
Novellas are fun because you can pick them up, and read 'em in one sitting, and this set is no different. I really enjoyed how this set used snippets of a journal so that we could get a peek into what was going on in the main character's head.
As with other novellas, I wished that the stories had been longer, and that some of the characters had been fleshed out. I really liked the first story because it was different in that the heroine was a little older than most. Yet she got another chance at love with a sweet man.
I also liked getting a peek into what it might have been like for midwives of that time period. Well researched!
Overall, if you are a fan of novellas you will like this collection. I will be honest and say that I am not the hugest novella reader, but that they are very nice every one and a while :)
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
September 14, 2012
"The Midwife's Legacy" by Rhonda Gibson, Pamela Griffin, Jane Kirkpatrick and Trish Perry is four novellas in one wonderful book. Midwifery is not an occupation I would want to make a career, though I have used the services of several and loved every minute of their devotion to me, their patient.
I wanted to read this book because of that devotion. Each novella tells the story of one midwife as she struggles with difficulties, stress, and unreasonable expectations placed on women of her time period. Each author, in my opinion, portrayed their lives in an accurate manner--including the loss of life, which was sadly a common occurrence before modern medicine.
The journal allows these women to spell out their fears and victories as they live their lives.
I would highly recommend "The Midwife's Legacy" to all my readers, young and old alike.
***I received this book free for purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
I wanted to read this book because of that devotion. Each novella tells the story of one midwife as she struggles with difficulties, stress, and unreasonable expectations placed on women of her time period. Each author, in my opinion, portrayed their lives in an accurate manner--including the loss of life, which was sadly a common occurrence before modern medicine.
The journal allows these women to spell out their fears and victories as they live their lives.
I would highly recommend "The Midwife's Legacy" to all my readers, young and old alike.
***I received this book free for purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.***
December 14, 2013
I adored this book. The first short story drew me into the characters, and I was not surprised as I am a Jane Kirkpatrick fan. I was disappointed when the story ended because I was not yet ready to say goodbye to the spirited characters. You can imagine my delight when each subsequent author progressed from the short story before and introduced me to a generational midwife's legacy as the title suggested. The progression to modern age from 1843 made this a fun, quick read that affirmed my respect for birthing mothers and their midwives.
May 31, 2013
This is the second in the Christian Historical Romance series "Romancing America" that I have read, and much like the furst, they are gently entertaining fast reads that draw you into four generations of midwives. The first story "births" the second as the daughter moves towards Ameruca's new frontier. The third a few generations removed find the midwifery lineage still strong as women are struggling for the vote. The last is about her great grandaughter, standing up to the powers that be to keep the role alive. Very sweet, you might need tissues. Will look for more in this series
January 30, 2013
Four novellas by four authors in one book depicting multiple generations of midwives. The weakest story was "Birth of a Dream" by Pamela Griffin. The author seemed too concerned with showing her knowledge of the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition instead of telling a tale that unfolded more organically. The dialogue was stilted and did not ring completely true to the period. The other stories were good, albeit somewhat predictable and a little rushed.
August 1, 2012
I ordered this book from Jane Kirkpatrick because I like her work--in fact, I had just finished her book about Hulda Klager and her lilacs. The book is written by four Christian women; Kirkpatrick's piece is the only one I really liked. The other authors were far below her in skill and interest. Let me just say that I would not purchase books by any of the other authors.
January 6, 2013
I really, really enjoyed this anthology! i especially loved the continuum from one generation to the next. A lovely story (or really 4 lovely stories) from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book for a quick, gentle read that will leave you smiling and content with the world when you are finished. :-)
~Hope
I highly recommend this book for a quick, gentle read that will leave you smiling and content with the world when you are finished. :-)
~Hope
October 5, 2012
I really, really enjoyed this anthology! i especially loved the continuum from one generation to the next. A lovely story (or really 4 lovely stories) from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book for a quick, gentle read that will leave you smiling and content with the world when you are finished. :-)
~Hope
I highly recommend this book for a quick, gentle read that will leave you smiling and content with the world when you are finished. :-)
~Hope
July 22, 2013
A pleasant read about four generations of women (a couple of generations are skipped so it can go from the Westward migration to the present) - all midwives - and their journal. Sweet love stories and lots of birth stories and babies.
I do get frustrated that Christian fiction appears to always have stilted dialogue, large print, and low-quality paper.
I do get frustrated that Christian fiction appears to always have stilted dialogue, large print, and low-quality paper.
June 22, 2017
The Midwife's Legacy
This is series of stories about the women of one family through the generations, that were Midwife's. Each story built on the previous generations experience. I loved how these stories were melded together. They were seamless and felt as if it was one story. Great read, I loved it!
This is series of stories about the women of one family through the generations, that were Midwife's. Each story built on the previous generations experience. I loved how these stories were melded together. They were seamless and felt as if it was one story. Great read, I loved it!
April 20, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up . Stay tuned for the review to be posted on Booked Up's goodreads account and the Blog
March 5, 2013
I picked up this book because Jane Kirkpatrick wrote one of the novella's in this book. The book has four different sections to it - all by different authors. Each section jumps forward a generation or two. Overall the book was enjoyable, but not super. I enjoyed Kirkpatrick's part the best.
March 26, 2014
This is 4 short stories in one book. The 4th story was pretty much an open & shut one, but the other 3 had a bit more depth to them. It is really about the strength of women as much as it is a romance. I liked that all 4 stories were related yet very different from each other.
September 8, 2012
As usual Jane Kirkpatrick did am excellent job making history interesting. Will certainly continue to read her books.
July 23, 2012
These are beautiful short stories of four varies generations of midwives from same family. It is inspiring, encouraging and just pleasure to read.
July 15, 2012
I loved the thread spun through generations of women in this family.
January 24, 2013
Four short stories about one families draw to midwifery from the 1800s to modern times. Very interesting.
August 26, 2014
It was okay, there were some things that were a little unrealistic, but it was a novella set, so nice for that!
April 3, 2015
this was boring. romances developed way to quick and there wasn't any depth
January 12, 2016
Interesting stories. Some held my attention more than others. Some were better authors than others.
June 14, 2017
Great book. Like all the others in the "Romancing America" series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. :-)
May 13, 2020
Christian Historical Romance
A Mother’s Cry by Jane Kirkpatrick
April 26, 2020
5 stars
An event that was both incredibly wonderful and yet devastating began this story, while an equally emotional event ends it! Jane writes about the everyday lives of a couple of midwives with all the joy and heartbreak, love and loss! Just brilliant!
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Rhonda Gibson
April 28, 2020
5 stars
This story continues where A Mother's Cry by Jane Kirkpatrick, leaves off. God has a plan even though young Polly feels homesick and alone after leaving Mamadele. Can she trust Him during this time or will fear of the unknown lead her forward? I'm really loving this collection!!
Birth of a Dream by Pamela Griffin
May 5, 2020
5 stars
I know I've read this story before, but I can't figure out what collection it was in, and it's not listed as a single with this title! But as much as I don't like to reread books, I made the exception, since these stories build on each other and I didn't remember all the details!
It's another remarkable tale, now set in Oregon around 1905 at the time of the Lewis and Clark Centennial American Pacific Expedition and Oriental Fair. Christiana is the granddaughter of Polly from book two in this series. Her young man is a reporter. The highlight of this book, is them each trying to change the other person's views. I laughed out loud several times while reading!
Labor of Love by Trish Perry
May 12, 2020
5 stars
Genius! I love these two! I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but this one connected to the previous stories of the wonen in her family! Christiana from the last book is Kendra's grandmother! Steven is a wonderful character, that I could easily fall for! The perfect way to finish this collection! Just perfect!
A Mother’s Cry by Jane Kirkpatrick
April 26, 2020
5 stars
An event that was both incredibly wonderful and yet devastating began this story, while an equally emotional event ends it! Jane writes about the everyday lives of a couple of midwives with all the joy and heartbreak, love and loss! Just brilliant!
The Midwife’s Apprentice by Rhonda Gibson
April 28, 2020
5 stars
This story continues where A Mother's Cry by Jane Kirkpatrick, leaves off. God has a plan even though young Polly feels homesick and alone after leaving Mamadele. Can she trust Him during this time or will fear of the unknown lead her forward? I'm really loving this collection!!
Birth of a Dream by Pamela Griffin
May 5, 2020
5 stars
I know I've read this story before, but I can't figure out what collection it was in, and it's not listed as a single with this title! But as much as I don't like to reread books, I made the exception, since these stories build on each other and I didn't remember all the details!
It's another remarkable tale, now set in Oregon around 1905 at the time of the Lewis and Clark Centennial American Pacific Expedition and Oriental Fair. Christiana is the granddaughter of Polly from book two in this series. Her young man is a reporter. The highlight of this book, is them each trying to change the other person's views. I laughed out loud several times while reading!
Labor of Love by Trish Perry
May 12, 2020
5 stars
Genius! I love these two! I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but this one connected to the previous stories of the wonen in her family! Christiana from the last book is Kendra's grandmother! Steven is a wonderful character, that I could easily fall for! The perfect way to finish this collection! Just perfect!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews