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The Midwife
Since the day Rhoda Mummau was baptized into the Old Order Mennonite Church and became the head midwife of Hopen Haus, she's been torn between the needs of the unwed mothers under her care and her desire to conceal the secrets of her past. Contact with the outside world could provide medical advantages, but remaining secluded in the community gives her the anonymity she craves.
Graduate student Beth Winslow is on a path she never would have chosen. Heartbroken after surrendering a baby to adoption, she devotes herself to her studies until she becomes pregnant again, this time as a surrogate. But when early tests indicate possible abnormalities, Beth is unprepared for the parents' decision to end the pregnancy--and for the fierce love she feels for this unborn child. Desperate, she flees the city and seeks refuge at Hopen House.
Past and present collide when a young woman named Amelia arrives to the sweeping countryside bearing secrets of her own. As Amelia's due date draws near, Rhoda must face her past and those she thought she had left behind in order for the healing power of love and forgiveness to set them all free.
Graduate student Beth Winslow is on a path she never would have chosen. Heartbroken after surrendering a baby to adoption, she devotes herself to her studies until she becomes pregnant again, this time as a surrogate. But when early tests indicate possible abnormalities, Beth is unprepared for the parents' decision to end the pregnancy--and for the fierce love she feels for this unborn child. Desperate, she flees the city and seeks refuge at Hopen House.
Past and present collide when a young woman named Amelia arrives to the sweeping countryside bearing secrets of her own. As Amelia's due date draws near, Rhoda must face her past and those she thought she had left behind in order for the healing power of love and forgiveness to set them all free.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
374 people are currently reading
2113 people want to read
About the author
Jolina Petersheim
11 books563 followersJolina Petersheim is a best-selling author pursuing beauty and truth, one word at a time. Her five published novels have received wide critical acclaim as well as numerous accolades including wins and nominations for prestigious industry awards, starred reviews, spots on year-end “Best Of” and on seasonal “Top 10” lists. In addition, her non-fiction writing has been featured by many print and online outlets. Jolina and her husband share the same unique Amish and Mennonite heritage that originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, though they now hobby homestead in the mountains of Tennessee with their four young daughters. Visit her at ModernMarmee/Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
August 25, 2014
Everything Jolina Petersheim writes, she writes with so much heart it's impossible not to get pulled into the story and instantly care about the characters. I loved this about her first novel, The Outcast, and it's what made this second story ring true to me. In The Midwife, Petersheim explores the complexities of motherhood, what it means to be a mother, and the power of a mother's love. The story is at times heartbreaking, but Jolina has a beautiful gift for shedding light on hope in even unimaginable situations. Her main character, Beth, is one I'll think about often because of how delicately she balances strength and vulnerability, reminding me of my own mother and all the sacrifices she's made that I could never possibly repay.
January 2, 2015
As the dust from the dirt road settles, and you pull into the drive, you see it: Hopen Haus. A woman in plain clothing and a kapp steps out onto the porch. You walk up the steps and instead of judgment, you receive love; instead of ridicule, you find acceptance. The midwife’s strong, quiet voice says, “Come, my girl,” and your weary heart knows that you've come to a place of refuge, where hope is restored.
Beth Winslow has agreed to be a surrogate for her professor & his wife; she has given birth before, a son, who she gave up for adoption, and she needs funds to complete graduate school, so this seems to be the perfect option. What Beth doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels in love with the child in her womb, a daughter the biological parents decide they don’t want after early tests indicate abnormalities. She chooses to flee to Hopen Haus, and that choice colors the rest of her life with events she could never imagine.
The Midwife is a beautiful, heartbreaking story about motherhood, forgiveness and healing. Although at first I found the story to move more slowly, I came to appreciate the way in which it was told. Alternating between the past with Beth and present with Rhoda and Amelia, the scenes build the story, reaching a culmination that is tinged with both the bitter and the sweet that reconciliation can bring. I love entering a story after the choice has been made – the chips have fallen and maybe it’s not the way the character wanted things to turn out; it’s messy and discordant. Knowing the “what” of the story isn’t as important or compelling as knowing the why and how. In The Midwife, although the reader has some foreknowledge that the characters don’t have, how the characters choose to react to the path that their life has taken is beautiful and compelling.
The first-person narration is top-notch, and I hope that the author continues to use this style – I felt like I knew these characters as real people. I wanted to know them! Even the secondary characters a layered and come with descriptions that brought them to life. The scenes flow seamlessly one to the next, and although the subject matter is realistic and life-like, I read quickly because I couldn’t do otherwise – I was that engrossed in the story.
This is a story about being grateful for the time you have and instead of mourning lost time, rejoicing in what you have now. It’s about new life and re-birth and when you finally let go of bitterness, grasping the blessings that can still come from life’s messes, no matter how much time has passed, no matter how far out of reach that healing might seem. The ending was perfect – no, everything didn’t end perfectly, but it fit the story, bringing things to an end, yet also to a new beginning.
I can’t recommend Jolina Petersheim’s novels enough. The Midwife is another keeper on my shelf and one I will most likely read again, perhaps when I’m a mother myself and can even further appreciate it. If you want a story of the broken and flawed, yet healed and redeemed, you will find it in these pages. Highly recommended!
Beth Winslow has agreed to be a surrogate for her professor & his wife; she has given birth before, a son, who she gave up for adoption, and she needs funds to complete graduate school, so this seems to be the perfect option. What Beth doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels in love with the child in her womb, a daughter the biological parents decide they don’t want after early tests indicate abnormalities. She chooses to flee to Hopen Haus, and that choice colors the rest of her life with events she could never imagine.
The Midwife is a beautiful, heartbreaking story about motherhood, forgiveness and healing. Although at first I found the story to move more slowly, I came to appreciate the way in which it was told. Alternating between the past with Beth and present with Rhoda and Amelia, the scenes build the story, reaching a culmination that is tinged with both the bitter and the sweet that reconciliation can bring. I love entering a story after the choice has been made – the chips have fallen and maybe it’s not the way the character wanted things to turn out; it’s messy and discordant. Knowing the “what” of the story isn’t as important or compelling as knowing the why and how. In The Midwife, although the reader has some foreknowledge that the characters don’t have, how the characters choose to react to the path that their life has taken is beautiful and compelling.
The first-person narration is top-notch, and I hope that the author continues to use this style – I felt like I knew these characters as real people. I wanted to know them! Even the secondary characters a layered and come with descriptions that brought them to life. The scenes flow seamlessly one to the next, and although the subject matter is realistic and life-like, I read quickly because I couldn’t do otherwise – I was that engrossed in the story.
This is a story about being grateful for the time you have and instead of mourning lost time, rejoicing in what you have now. It’s about new life and re-birth and when you finally let go of bitterness, grasping the blessings that can still come from life’s messes, no matter how much time has passed, no matter how far out of reach that healing might seem. The ending was perfect – no, everything didn’t end perfectly, but it fit the story, bringing things to an end, yet also to a new beginning.
I can’t recommend Jolina Petersheim’s novels enough. The Midwife is another keeper on my shelf and one I will most likely read again, perhaps when I’m a mother myself and can even further appreciate it. If you want a story of the broken and flawed, yet healed and redeemed, you will find it in these pages. Highly recommended!
November 10, 2019
What an interesting and unique novel. I was pretty lost at the beginning but the story slowly began to unravel. The Midwife is largely about abandonment and motherhood.
November 15, 2019
This may sound weird coming from a guy, but...pregnancy has always fascinated me. The thought of one or more little human beings inside another human being has piqued my curiosity for years.
While I enjoyed this novel's touching story of triumph over tragedy, it made me feel really awkward while reading about surrogate motherhood, breech birth, water birth, and such. Unless you're a gynecologist, if you have a "Y" chromosome, this novel will likely have you squirming in your seat.
I recently purged my collection of what I call "girly" books. While I don't bother with trashy literature, a good part of my Christian fiction is likely intended for a female audience: paperback "inspirational" romances, Amish fiction, etc. Books like this are why; I'd be embarrassed for this to be read out loud in front of my friends, especially those of the same gender!
While I enjoyed this novel's touching story of triumph over tragedy, it made me feel really awkward while reading about surrogate motherhood, breech birth, water birth, and such. Unless you're a gynecologist, if you have a "Y" chromosome, this novel will likely have you squirming in your seat.
I recently purged my collection of what I call "girly" books. While I don't bother with trashy literature, a good part of my Christian fiction is likely intended for a female audience: paperback "inspirational" romances, Amish fiction, etc. Books like this are why; I'd be embarrassed for this to be read out loud in front of my friends, especially those of the same gender!
April 18, 2019
4.5 stars.
This is a beautifully, intricately woven story. I had seen really high reviews, but wasn't that impressed with the beginning (hence the 4.5), but once I got into Part Two, I has HOOKED. I couldn't put it down! The story became so much deeper than it seemed on the surface, at the beginning. Minor characters became MAJOR in my heart, and with Lydie, at the end...nearly BAWLED MY EYES OUT. The epilogue was just the sweetest, and left me with tears in my eyes as well.
If you like a story that is a character's internal journey as much as external, then this is the book for you.
This is a beautifully, intricately woven story. I had seen really high reviews, but wasn't that impressed with the beginning (hence the 4.5), but once I got into Part Two, I has HOOKED. I couldn't put it down! The story became so much deeper than it seemed on the surface, at the beginning. Minor characters became MAJOR in my heart, and with Lydie, at the end...nearly BAWLED MY EYES OUT. The epilogue was just the sweetest, and left me with tears in my eyes as well.
If you like a story that is a character's internal journey as much as external, then this is the book for you.
January 1, 2015
Beth Winslow is a graduate student who agrees to become a surrogate for her professor and his wife, but when early test indicate that the baby could be born with abnormalities, Beth is unprepared for the parents decision to terminate the pregnancy. Desperate to protect the unborn child, she flees and takes refuge at Hopen Haus, a home for unwed mothers in a Mennonite community.
Rhoda Mummau is the head midwife at Hopen Haus; she gives everything to the girls there but her heart, afraid of exposing the carefully concealed secret she has carried with her for years. When a young woman named Amelia shows up in need of help, Rhoda is forced to face her past, but will her heart finally heal?
I really enjoyed this very riveting story that also had hints of suspense. It had some very interesting plot twists, and one of the biggest surprises when I started reading this was how Beth and Rhoda's stories were tied together. I was only 2 chapters in when I thought, this is a book I can't wait to tell my friends about!
Rhoda Mummau is the head midwife at Hopen Haus; she gives everything to the girls there but her heart, afraid of exposing the carefully concealed secret she has carried with her for years. When a young woman named Amelia shows up in need of help, Rhoda is forced to face her past, but will her heart finally heal?
I really enjoyed this very riveting story that also had hints of suspense. It had some very interesting plot twists, and one of the biggest surprises when I started reading this was how Beth and Rhoda's stories were tied together. I was only 2 chapters in when I thought, this is a book I can't wait to tell my friends about!
May 16, 2024
Blown away by how good this book was! I love this author's writing style so much! Her ability to create well developed characters through the first person point of view just pulls me in every time! I loved how Rhoda was so introspective and serious without the fluff and frill of any lighthearted emotions, and then in comes Amelia, and the writing style completely changes! Amelias perspective opens up an entire new world of insight as to what's going on at the Hopen Haus, and the way she views everything is so much different than Rhoda.
I wont go into a lot of the details of the story...because I feel like with this book, every detail should be experienced as you're reading! The heartache and grief that Rhoda felt was so thick, it was like it seeped into my spirit from the pages and made me feel the depth of her pain with every word I read. The way the story wraps up.....I don't want to spoil it! But will just say, what a story of redemption. And a reminder that even when we don't think God sees us or cares, He's there all along, orchestrating things behind the scenes for our good in a way that we could never come close to even imagining. The message of this book was one I so appreciated in this season of my life. Powerful book with a powerful message. This book made it's way to one of my favorite top 5 books of all time.
I wont go into a lot of the details of the story...because I feel like with this book, every detail should be experienced as you're reading! The heartache and grief that Rhoda felt was so thick, it was like it seeped into my spirit from the pages and made me feel the depth of her pain with every word I read. The way the story wraps up.....I don't want to spoil it! But will just say, what a story of redemption. And a reminder that even when we don't think God sees us or cares, He's there all along, orchestrating things behind the scenes for our good in a way that we could never come close to even imagining. The message of this book was one I so appreciated in this season of my life. Powerful book with a powerful message. This book made it's way to one of my favorite top 5 books of all time.
April 5, 2016
I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for over a year and I wish I would have picked it up sooner. While I suppose it could be grouped into the "bonnet fiction" category, the plain way of life did not limit the characters and indeed enhanced the story.
I've volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center on and off for a number of years. The girls at Hope House reminded me of so many young mothers that I've encountered during that time. I like how Jolina emphasized how God is always present even in the midst of our trials. He knows our deepest longings and stands ready to fill the holes our poor choices carve from our hearts.
I found the fractured timeline easy to follow and compelling. While the story was fast-paced the development of each character's depth came over time, so it could be savored and pondered. With deft storytelling the author wove Beth and Amelia into my heart and their grief brought me to tears.
Due to the many ethical, social, and spiritual issues The Midwife would make an excellent book club selection.
I've volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center on and off for a number of years. The girls at Hope House reminded me of so many young mothers that I've encountered during that time. I like how Jolina emphasized how God is always present even in the midst of our trials. He knows our deepest longings and stands ready to fill the holes our poor choices carve from our hearts.
I found the fractured timeline easy to follow and compelling. While the story was fast-paced the development of each character's depth came over time, so it could be savored and pondered. With deft storytelling the author wove Beth and Amelia into my heart and their grief brought me to tears.
Due to the many ethical, social, and spiritual issues The Midwife would make an excellent book club selection.
June 2, 2014
The Midwife began as a story I had to simply throw myself into. The first several chapters are deliberately ambiguous, and I had to let go of my need to understand everything and simply trust that the author would make sense of all the little pieces in time. Which of course, she does.
In her Author’s Notes, Jolina writes: “I never thought I would write about my Mennonite heritage because I was just too close to view it objectively. It wasn’t until someone told me a true story about an affair that had rippling effects throughout an Old Order Mennonite community that I began to see a different spin on the quintessential ‘bonnet fiction’ genre.”
It’s this “different spin” that I find so intriguing about Jolina’s stories. As I’ve said before, I’m not drawn to so-called Amish fiction or “bonnet fiction,” despite its continuing massive popularity with many Christian readers. I am, however, drawn to masterful explorations of the fallibility of humankind, and the ways different cultures and sub-societies cope with relational tensions–especially when these are paired with redemptive, hopeful endings. This is what Jolina accomplishes so beautifully. The depth of her understanding of human nature astonishes me, and her gift of storytelling is unparalleled. She wraps her stories in layers of prose that borders on the poetic. And despite what the cover may imply, this story contains plenty of grit and enough real-life angst that the fact that some of the characters are “Plain” is completely irrelevant.
Though there was one thread that left me feeling slightly dissatisfied–I desired a weightier meting of justice upon one unsavory character–it was not an unrealistic ending, and the remaining conclusion was singularly sweet and filled with hope.
Thanks to Tyndale for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
In her Author’s Notes, Jolina writes: “I never thought I would write about my Mennonite heritage because I was just too close to view it objectively. It wasn’t until someone told me a true story about an affair that had rippling effects throughout an Old Order Mennonite community that I began to see a different spin on the quintessential ‘bonnet fiction’ genre.”
It’s this “different spin” that I find so intriguing about Jolina’s stories. As I’ve said before, I’m not drawn to so-called Amish fiction or “bonnet fiction,” despite its continuing massive popularity with many Christian readers. I am, however, drawn to masterful explorations of the fallibility of humankind, and the ways different cultures and sub-societies cope with relational tensions–especially when these are paired with redemptive, hopeful endings. This is what Jolina accomplishes so beautifully. The depth of her understanding of human nature astonishes me, and her gift of storytelling is unparalleled. She wraps her stories in layers of prose that borders on the poetic. And despite what the cover may imply, this story contains plenty of grit and enough real-life angst that the fact that some of the characters are “Plain” is completely irrelevant.
Though there was one thread that left me feeling slightly dissatisfied–I desired a weightier meting of justice upon one unsavory character–it was not an unrealistic ending, and the remaining conclusion was singularly sweet and filled with hope.
Thanks to Tyndale for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
June 4, 2014
A Riveting Read!
Masterful storyteller, Jolina Petersheim, has penned a riveting, emotive tale that vacillates between three women from different walks of life, but all having two things in common --- deep buried secrets and a desperate need for love.
Beth Winslow, a graduate student agrees to become a surrogate for her professor and his wife. Upon realizing that the child she is carrying may be abnormal and the parents want her to abort it, Beth flees the city and seeks refuge at Hopen Haus, a Mennonite home for unwed mothers. Rhoda, the head midwife at Hopen Haus gives everything to the girls who are incumbent upon her care...except her heart. Past hurts and secrets cause her to carefully guard her broken heart at all costs, especially when Looper, a lost love comes unexpectedly to her aid at Hopen Haus. When a young woman named Amelia arrives bearing secrets of her own, will Rhoda finally come to terms with her past and find healing for a barren midwife's soul?
The Midwife isn't your typical, light Mennonite/Amish book, and was born through a time of intense loss, heartbreak, and subsequent healing for the author, Jolina Petersheim. It is a heartrending story, but one of hope, healing, and redemption. A mesmerizing, unpredictable novel, filled with twists and turns, and an element of suspense -- you'll find yourself madly flipping those pages to see if happiness continues to elude Rhoda, the midwife. Jolina Petersheim is a fresh, unique voice in Christian fiction, who knows how to weave a compelling story that evokes powerful emotions in her readers from page one until the satisfying conclusion.
Masterful storyteller, Jolina Petersheim, has penned a riveting, emotive tale that vacillates between three women from different walks of life, but all having two things in common --- deep buried secrets and a desperate need for love.
Beth Winslow, a graduate student agrees to become a surrogate for her professor and his wife. Upon realizing that the child she is carrying may be abnormal and the parents want her to abort it, Beth flees the city and seeks refuge at Hopen Haus, a Mennonite home for unwed mothers. Rhoda, the head midwife at Hopen Haus gives everything to the girls who are incumbent upon her care...except her heart. Past hurts and secrets cause her to carefully guard her broken heart at all costs, especially when Looper, a lost love comes unexpectedly to her aid at Hopen Haus. When a young woman named Amelia arrives bearing secrets of her own, will Rhoda finally come to terms with her past and find healing for a barren midwife's soul?
The Midwife isn't your typical, light Mennonite/Amish book, and was born through a time of intense loss, heartbreak, and subsequent healing for the author, Jolina Petersheim. It is a heartrending story, but one of hope, healing, and redemption. A mesmerizing, unpredictable novel, filled with twists and turns, and an element of suspense -- you'll find yourself madly flipping those pages to see if happiness continues to elude Rhoda, the midwife. Jolina Petersheim is a fresh, unique voice in Christian fiction, who knows how to weave a compelling story that evokes powerful emotions in her readers from page one until the satisfying conclusion.
April 19, 2019
Ms. Petersheim just does not disappoint! I’m amazed at her ability with word pictures that few can match. I smiled so often throughout the book at phrases or descriptions that just tickled me. This woman can write!wit
I, unfortunately, didn't pay nearly enough attention to certain characters or even the prologue until the end when my eyes opened and I could see how things fell together to bring about the whole picture.
The reader gets pieces from the characters' stories from 1995 to 2014, going back and forth in time with each snippet, mostly in the voice of Beth, aka Rhoda. In 1995, because Beth needed money for her PhD expenses, she agreed to be a surrogate. But when there appears to be an abnormality in the fetus, a life altering decision was made, one Beth could not abide. This was when she ran to a Mennonite community to have the baby at a home for unwed mothers. Little did she know this home would play a huge part in her life.
Seldom do I do this, but I'm going to re-read it right now. There is so much I missed the first time that I want to go back, now that I know who fits where, so I can thoroughly re-enjoy this incredible book.
Oh, two more things:
1) The book was written about 2013, but in the version I just read, a 2019 epilogue was added. Ah, I loved, loved, loved it!!!
2) This was an audiobook. The narrator? One of the best I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Tavia Gilbert put such emotion into the dialog I honestly thought she was crying in parts where the character could barely get out her words through her tears. Wow! Seriously!
I, unfortunately, didn't pay nearly enough attention to certain characters or even the prologue until the end when my eyes opened and I could see how things fell together to bring about the whole picture.
The reader gets pieces from the characters' stories from 1995 to 2014, going back and forth in time with each snippet, mostly in the voice of Beth, aka Rhoda. In 1995, because Beth needed money for her PhD expenses, she agreed to be a surrogate. But when there appears to be an abnormality in the fetus, a life altering decision was made, one Beth could not abide. This was when she ran to a Mennonite community to have the baby at a home for unwed mothers. Little did she know this home would play a huge part in her life.
Seldom do I do this, but I'm going to re-read it right now. There is so much I missed the first time that I want to go back, now that I know who fits where, so I can thoroughly re-enjoy this incredible book.
Oh, two more things:
1) The book was written about 2013, but in the version I just read, a 2019 epilogue was added. Ah, I loved, loved, loved it!!!
2) This was an audiobook. The narrator? One of the best I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Tavia Gilbert put such emotion into the dialog I honestly thought she was crying in parts where the character could barely get out her words through her tears. Wow! Seriously!
May 28, 2015
What a book. The story has its up and downs. It is a really good read. Well-written. The characters are strong. Liked it. Story of girl who has had many traumatic events in her life. The experiences that she feels are
strongly emotional. Love is what keeps her going. Loved this quote, From the book “The Midwife”
“Why do you love me after I’ve been so cruel?” I asked. The old midwife looked up and smiled sadly, cupping my cheek. “Because, Liebe, that’s what a mother does.” It's story of motherhood and unconditional love and the lack thereof.
strongly emotional. Love is what keeps her going. Loved this quote, From the book “The Midwife”
“Why do you love me after I’ve been so cruel?” I asked. The old midwife looked up and smiled sadly, cupping my cheek. “Because, Liebe, that’s what a mother does.” It's story of motherhood and unconditional love and the lack thereof.
June 4, 2014
This is an emotional roller coaster of a story which contains so many layers. It's just an amazing book!!!
August 1, 2022
Jolina Petersheim is a genius. Both books I’ve read by her have been so unique and perfectly woven together.
November 30, 2022
A heartwarming story about love, loss, and how connection is more than just blood relation. I loved the ending (no spoilers, don’t worry! :)), and the peek into the Mennonite community through the author’s own personal experiences of it.
July 19, 2024
Let me start with, I adore any books about midwives. I think they are incredible & because each birth is unique, the story is too. I was pretty into this story until about 1/3 of the way in when things just started to not jive & I became very confused as to why this is titled The Midwife when there is almost no talk about midwifery of birth stories. Anyways, Here are my gripes which resulted in a 1 start rating. :(
My biggest annoyance is this: Beth (Rhoda) agrees to be a surrogate for Tom & Margaret. Tom should have seen the red flag that Beth wasn’t going to handle this well because her freakin thesis is about surrogate rights to a child…Hello?!? Beth loves Hope SO INCREDIBLY much that she kidnaps her in the womb & escapes to Hopen House. Throughout the next 18 years, Beth never gets over not being able to raise Hope as her child & continually mourns “the day my child was taken from me.” This entire book is about a baby, of ZERO blood relation to her & her feelings of loss when all I can think is…hold up…Beth had her first child, a boy, while a teen, and gives him up for adoption….why in the heck is Beth so obsessed with Hope when she has a biological son she literally never mentions?!?! Where the heck is the son she gave up? Guess he’s not too important.
Also, there were too many convenient coincidences: Long lost love finding her, her mom being the nanny to Hope (WTF?), Hopes son being adopted by Beth…?! It was just too unrealistic.
Lastly, when Tom tells Hope (Amelia) to go to Hopen House he tells her to lie about her name, age, and where she came from because she’s “underage” based on the years in the book, Hope is 18 ish when she gets pregnant, that’s an adult.
I will say though, while overly descriptive, the author paints a beautiful picture of emotions throughout the book. I did enjoy some parts of this book but unfortunately the last half was really frustrating, confusing, and unrealistic.
My biggest annoyance is this: Beth (Rhoda) agrees to be a surrogate for Tom & Margaret. Tom should have seen the red flag that Beth wasn’t going to handle this well because her freakin thesis is about surrogate rights to a child…Hello?!? Beth loves Hope SO INCREDIBLY much that she kidnaps her in the womb & escapes to Hopen House. Throughout the next 18 years, Beth never gets over not being able to raise Hope as her child & continually mourns “the day my child was taken from me.” This entire book is about a baby, of ZERO blood relation to her & her feelings of loss when all I can think is…hold up…Beth had her first child, a boy, while a teen, and gives him up for adoption….why in the heck is Beth so obsessed with Hope when she has a biological son she literally never mentions?!?! Where the heck is the son she gave up? Guess he’s not too important.
Also, there were too many convenient coincidences: Long lost love finding her, her mom being the nanny to Hope (WTF?), Hopes son being adopted by Beth…?! It was just too unrealistic.
Lastly, when Tom tells Hope (Amelia) to go to Hopen House he tells her to lie about her name, age, and where she came from because she’s “underage” based on the years in the book, Hope is 18 ish when she gets pregnant, that’s an adult.
I will say though, while overly descriptive, the author paints a beautiful picture of emotions throughout the book. I did enjoy some parts of this book but unfortunately the last half was really frustrating, confusing, and unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2014
The Midwife is one riveting read, a real page-turner, and you really never see what is coming. This is one where I can usually figure out the ending in my mind, not this one.
As we travel down on journey of life, it is probably a very good thing that we cannot see what is around the next corner. We travel with Beth, really beginning with her consensual decision to be a surrogate, having already experienced the pain of giving up a child to adoption. How she thought that it would be easier the second time is beyond me, although genetically the child wasn’t related to her.
Funny how God places people in our path that and that appears to be just what happens in Rhoda/Beth’s case. Of course there is evil present, and it is hard to believe the form it takes, and yet even this has some good in it.
Although we are in a Mennonite Community, you basically will see no difference here than in an Amish Community, this one is really Old Order. No electricity, or cars, and we are mainly in a home for unwed mothers, from all backgrounds. For some this must be a really rude awakening!
As we travel in Beth’s shoes, I wholly agreed with her decisions, and loved how she becomes the person she does, and how all things work out. A really great read.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
As we travel down on journey of life, it is probably a very good thing that we cannot see what is around the next corner. We travel with Beth, really beginning with her consensual decision to be a surrogate, having already experienced the pain of giving up a child to adoption. How she thought that it would be easier the second time is beyond me, although genetically the child wasn’t related to her.
Funny how God places people in our path that and that appears to be just what happens in Rhoda/Beth’s case. Of course there is evil present, and it is hard to believe the form it takes, and yet even this has some good in it.
Although we are in a Mennonite Community, you basically will see no difference here than in an Amish Community, this one is really Old Order. No electricity, or cars, and we are mainly in a home for unwed mothers, from all backgrounds. For some this must be a really rude awakening!
As we travel in Beth’s shoes, I wholly agreed with her decisions, and loved how she becomes the person she does, and how all things work out. A really great read.
I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers through Net Galley, and was not required to give a positive review.
December 4, 2015
This is not a sweet little Amish romance; in fact, romance has little to do with it. It is, however, an emotionally-engaging, intricately plotted story of the real nitty-gritty of life, birth, and motherhood. The novel follows three alternating storylines: a young grad student who opts to be a surrogate for a childless couple, a young girl who becomes pregnant while trying to find the acceptance and belonging she craves in boyfriends, and the head midwife at a home for unwed mothers who protects herself from hurt by preventing herself from feeling. The plot is full of loneliness, poor choices, loss and pain, emotional isolation, and crippling guilt. Each character has built a wall around her heart to keep out any meaningful relationships, including one with God.
In the magic of the literary world of fiction, these three characters intertwine and connect in surprising ways. When the climax of the story brings resolution to all the puzzling questions about their lives, the grace of God brings beauty from ashes and abundant love and fulfillment in place of cold emptiness. Rhoda, like a prodigal daughter, finds the real source for comfort and belonging and peace in trusting the God that had her life and the life of the other characters in His capable hands all along. Very poignant story.
In the magic of the literary world of fiction, these three characters intertwine and connect in surprising ways. When the climax of the story brings resolution to all the puzzling questions about their lives, the grace of God brings beauty from ashes and abundant love and fulfillment in place of cold emptiness. Rhoda, like a prodigal daughter, finds the real source for comfort and belonging and peace in trusting the God that had her life and the life of the other characters in His capable hands all along. Very poignant story.
March 23, 2014
Heartbreaking and heart warming are the two words that would best describe this novel. Jolina's puts together the powerful story of Beth, who becomes Rhoda after being baptized into the Mennonite community. Throughout the book my heart clenched for Rhoda to find relief and closure to her painful past.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters who made up this story. When Ameila arrives, she shakes things up a bit at the Hopen Haus- a girl who has many choices comes to the one place where many women think Hopen Haus is their last. As the story unfolds we see how Rhoda's past and Amelia are linked. Though very unrealistic, it did make the story interesting and unforgettable.
This was my first time ever reading a book in an Amish setting and I find myself wanting to read another! A powerful story of loss, love, and second chances. Wonderful characters and setting. This book reminds us that even if we have a past, there is always hope in the future.
I enjoyed getting to know all the characters who made up this story. When Ameila arrives, she shakes things up a bit at the Hopen Haus- a girl who has many choices comes to the one place where many women think Hopen Haus is their last. As the story unfolds we see how Rhoda's past and Amelia are linked. Though very unrealistic, it did make the story interesting and unforgettable.
This was my first time ever reading a book in an Amish setting and I find myself wanting to read another! A powerful story of loss, love, and second chances. Wonderful characters and setting. This book reminds us that even if we have a past, there is always hope in the future.
August 30, 2014
Not one to turn down a book to read I finally finished this book. When I first came across this book in the giveaway section I was interested by the description and could not wait to read it. How once I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads and started reading The Midwife I became leery. While I think the story would be good, I could not really keep up with the writing style. To me it was on the way to having full blown reading whiplash. While most of the changes from the past and present were shown some of the flashbacks were not. This made it harder keep the story straight.
Maybe one day I'll be able to read the book again and have a better time reading it. At such time I will change my review on here.
Maybe one day I'll be able to read the book again and have a better time reading it. At such time I will change my review on here.
August 29, 2014
The Midwife is a truly amazing book written by a extremely talented author. After reading the first book by Jolina I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I wasn't disappointed at all. I only have good things to say about this book. I don't think I could find anything negative to say about The Midwife even if I wanted to (which I don't!). If your looking for a great read then look no further!
June 1, 2014
The Midwife is beautifully written, engrossing and heartwarming. Checkout the full review here:
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February 1, 2022
I hated the nod to pro-life parading morality. Unrealistic.
May 16, 2024
Not sure how I feel about this book. It was a hard (emotionally) read but a beautiful redemptive story. I am not overly fond of books that jump around in time so it was hard to get into in the beginning. I had a hard time relating to the characters because they made choices that were just so far from how I think I would have (but then again, who knows, since I've never been through anything close to the experiences described in this book). Then again, that is the beauty of books as they broaden our horizons and help us to better understand those different from us. Anyway. Glad I read it.
December 29, 2019
This book covers so many subjects: surrogacy, Mennonite and Amish lifestyles, abandonment, adoption, infertility, and more. The one thing I had a hard time with was one character was not turned over to the police for his horrible actions. The Amish might not want that, but there were “Englishers” involved also. A very good read.
January 20, 2026
Reading this made me feel like Beth caused some of the problems.
Her father told her he would be supportive, but she made a different choice. How many times have we inflicted unnecessary pain on ourselves?
Wilbur needs to face the law for what he did.
Her father told her he would be supportive, but she made a different choice. How many times have we inflicted unnecessary pain on ourselves?
Wilbur needs to face the law for what he did.
May 15, 2019
I love this book! First off, it was clean, no sex scenes or swearing. I love that it was about a midwife, but it also had some suspense, and lots of page turning drama.
July 13, 2019
An intriguing, beautifully written and thought-provoking novel. I can see myself reading and enjoying more of Jolina's books.
October 29, 2019
Twists and turns along the way. Good pacing.
November 17, 2021
Loved listening to this book! Covered so many topics and delved into feelings from multiple perspectives, which I love! Great listen but would also be an excellent read!
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