The Irish Midwife at War

The Irish Midwives #2

by Seána Tinley

1939. Kathleen Gallagher is training to be a handywoman - an illegal midwife in West Belfast - when war is declared. As soon as a call goes out for volunteers to join the home front, she jumps at the chance to aid the ambulance service. She won't let her community down when they need her the most.

When Liam Flynn, the older brother of her best friend - and her very first kiss - also volunteers, the two of them are suddenly thrown together once more. Kathleen still dreams of the bells ringing in the New Year and the snow falling as their lips brushed, all those years ago. But she has a secret. And it's one that means they can never be together . . .

But with the Belfast Blitz raining chaos and destruction, and the volunteers pushed to their limits, the pair can't help but grow closer, the secrets of their past starting to feel insignificant against the backdrop of war.

In the middle of it all, can Kathleen overcome her worries, and finally let herself fall in love?

This historical romance feels like Call the Midwife, but set in Ireland. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Anna Jacobs, Rosie Goodwin and Mandy Robotham.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 26, 2026

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belfast, 1939. Kathleen Gallagher is training with Mrs. Clarke to be a handywoman or midwife, despite is being illegal, and they deliver babies and lay out the deceased and she still works part-time at the mill. When, World War Two starts in England they he call for volunteers on the home front, despite Ireland being neutral she and her older sister Bronagh sign up to help.

Three years ago Liam Flynn walked her home on New Year Eve, when he kissed her, she was only sixteen and he’s two years older and should have known better. He’s her best friend Therese's brother, Liam had to grow up fast, step into his father’s shoes at fourteen and support his widowed mother and siblings.

Liam joins the Air Raid Defense, to make sure people follow the blackout rules, know what to go if the German start bombing, he learns first aid and rescue skills. Women like Kathleen and Bronagh set up relief centres in town halls and just in case the worst happens?

Everyone is hopeful none of this preparation will be needed to be used and then Belfast Blitz begins, raining chaos and destruction, and all the volunteers witness terrible things, are pushed to their limits and they have to keep a cool head and stay strong in a time of crisis.

I received a copy of The Irish Midwife at War (The Irish Midwife #2) from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review. I found it fascinating reading about the highly skilled handywomen, not only did they deliver babies, they made sure the house was tidy, other children were fed and an in bed and supported the mother during labour and helped take care of the newborn.

Seána Tinley is a gifted writer, she cleverly weaves a story and makes you care about the great characters in her novel, what’s happening in their lives and gives you a history lesson at the same time. You will discover what transpires between Kathleen and Liam and a secret she uncovers.

Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Irish Midwife at War and as well the first novel in the series The Irish Midwife and I'm looking forward to book three.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into this book. At first I wasn’t sure about it, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. It gradually became an absolute corker, and a worthy sequel to The Irish Midwife. Kathleen is a terrific main character, mature beyond her years and usually calm and sensible, but she’s too real to be a paragon, and now and then she lets her emotions get the better of her. I loved her and Liam and Bronagh. In fact all the characters in this book were so well drawn it was easy to empathise with them.
Once it got going the story bowled along, and I’m sure if anyone had been able to see me read the last third they’d have wondered what on Earth was going on, with some truly dramatic scenes sending my heart into my throat.
The historical details were fascinating, and it was wonderful to learn more about the story of early twentieth century Belfast, especially the poorer Catholic communities. The author weaves these insights into the story with a deft touch.
I’ll definitely be at the head of the queue for Seana Tinley’s next book. Highly recommended for fans of saga and historical fiction.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, why did the book have to end?! From a confusing start for me wondering where the characters from the first book had gone to an end I didn't want to come! I loved the second book just as much as the first one; well written, great details and factual information wound into the storyline and again such likeable characters.

The story of the Belfast Blitz is something I knew nothing about and the help that came from neutral Southern Ireland. I guessed Kathleen's story early on in the book but there were plenty of twists and turns at the end of the book that I didn't see coming; amazingly thought out by the author!

I truly cannot wait for book three and would recommend the series to anyone who likes historical fiction with some family saga in. Five starts doesn't seem enough!

Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and author for allowing me to read and review this preview copy.

[Jayne Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read off WW11 in Belfast. So much happening in this story it keeps you on your toes. I didn’t want to put it down. Death, destruction, joy, love all come together in bad times. Secrets unfold causing anger and distrust only to firm an eventual understanding. A must read.

[Dawn Garthee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh coming of age novel. It’s nice to see true love winning despite being during the war. Truly covers family, definition of family, love and forgiveness. Beautifully written. Loved it.