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The Irish Midwives #2
The Irish Midwife at War
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.
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.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2026
Seána’s done it again, another fabulous novel!
April 1, 2026
Midwives at war
Both of these books have been amazing. Thank you Seana for every wonderful page. I could stop reading once I started. Fabulous stories ❤❤❤
Both of these books have been amazing. Thank you Seana for every wonderful page. I could stop reading once I started. Fabulous stories ❤❤❤
March 26, 2026
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.
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.
April 2, 2026
Another enjoyable read, this one set at the beginning of WWIi.
March 26, 2026
I loved the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to returning to the streets of Belfast. This is a new story and can be read as a standalone; although there are references made to characters from the first book, there’s no disadvantage to not having read it.
As the synopsis explains, this book is set at the very start of the Second World War and provides a timeline of historical events I was somewhat unaware of. However, that’s one of the joys that comes with reading thoroughly researched historical fiction. Seána Tinley has clearly dug deep into Belfast’s wartime events, herself discovering details that were news to her. This is covered in her acknowledgements.
When we first meet Kathleen Gallagher, she is sixteen and excited to attend a local dance with her best friend, Therese Flynn. Events that night set the stage for Kathleen’s future mindset and introduced us to Liam, Therese’s older brother. I immediately took to Kathleen. She had been raised in a rather strict household. Her parents were millworkers, and despite having raised a large family, only Kathleen and her older sister Bronagh, who had never married, lived at home. As a family, they were hard workers, tightly knit and ruled by the mother’s iron will. As Kathleen took up the training as a Handy Woman, the story really took off. Again, Seána’s extensive research came to the fore, and I was fully invested.
Liam was a terrific character. His love and dedication to his family were incredible. Having taken on the mantle of ‘man of the house’ when aged fourteen, he was set to work after his father died at a young age. This gave him an air of seriousness, but that proved invaluable as the war effort gathered pace. Despite appearing to be staid and quiet, the saying about still waters running deep is never truer than when Liam discovered a reason to be passionate and protective of his loved ones.
Although this story captured my heart, I have to mention that I was completely ignorant of the Easter Raid on Belfast. The descriptions of the effects, casualties, victims, and overall devastation gripped me, and I needed to reflect on the story once finished. The friction between the Catholics and Protestants extended much farther than I had imagined, and the wait for support from more firefighters was eye-opening.
This is a fantastic piece from one of my favourite historical fiction authors. She blends fact and fiction flawlessly and maintains a firm grip on the truth without embellishing the already dramatic events. Heartbreaking and uplifting may seem like clashing descriptions, but they sum up The Irish Midwife at War perfectly.
As the synopsis explains, this book is set at the very start of the Second World War and provides a timeline of historical events I was somewhat unaware of. However, that’s one of the joys that comes with reading thoroughly researched historical fiction. Seána Tinley has clearly dug deep into Belfast’s wartime events, herself discovering details that were news to her. This is covered in her acknowledgements.
When we first meet Kathleen Gallagher, she is sixteen and excited to attend a local dance with her best friend, Therese Flynn. Events that night set the stage for Kathleen’s future mindset and introduced us to Liam, Therese’s older brother. I immediately took to Kathleen. She had been raised in a rather strict household. Her parents were millworkers, and despite having raised a large family, only Kathleen and her older sister Bronagh, who had never married, lived at home. As a family, they were hard workers, tightly knit and ruled by the mother’s iron will. As Kathleen took up the training as a Handy Woman, the story really took off. Again, Seána’s extensive research came to the fore, and I was fully invested.
Liam was a terrific character. His love and dedication to his family were incredible. Having taken on the mantle of ‘man of the house’ when aged fourteen, he was set to work after his father died at a young age. This gave him an air of seriousness, but that proved invaluable as the war effort gathered pace. Despite appearing to be staid and quiet, the saying about still waters running deep is never truer than when Liam discovered a reason to be passionate and protective of his loved ones.
Although this story captured my heart, I have to mention that I was completely ignorant of the Easter Raid on Belfast. The descriptions of the effects, casualties, victims, and overall devastation gripped me, and I needed to reflect on the story once finished. The friction between the Catholics and Protestants extended much farther than I had imagined, and the wait for support from more firefighters was eye-opening.
This is a fantastic piece from one of my favourite historical fiction authors. She blends fact and fiction flawlessly and maintains a firm grip on the truth without embellishing the already dramatic events. Heartbreaking and uplifting may seem like clashing descriptions, but they sum up The Irish Midwife at War perfectly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had read the first book in the series, so it took a long while to realise that this wasn’t a follow-on but included some of the characters from the first book and added to the stories of others. I refer to Peggy, a handywoman who went into grin as a qualified midwife and Kathleen Gallagher - a mill worker who was chosen to train as a handywoman as well. This was in spite of that role being declared illegal.
Seems an odd decisions to me - even villages and hamlets in England had the woman that did the ‘birthings and the laying out”
This book then enters the Second World War where Northern Ireland was unsure of the role expected of it while Southern Ireland felt safe because of their neutrality. Their vulnerability became apparent when neutral countries in Europe were overcome by the Nazis.
This book goes by at whirlwind speed with such a lot happening culminating in the bombing of Belfast where Kathleen and her beau Liam and Bronagh who respectively have become a first-aider, an air raid warden and an ambulance driver come to their best in terrible circumstances. The sights they see and the experiences they deal with are heartbreaking and harrowing. All the while The Catholics and Protestants of `Belfast have memories of Partition of Ireland between the wars in their minds sometimes not knowing which side of the divide their colleagues stand.
Bronagh and Kathleen who are sisters have their own history to deal with. The sense of community though is shown to be paramount.
As expected there are births to be dealt with and deaths - this is done with empathy and compassion within the writing.
All in all a great read - I just wish there had been a synopsis at the beginning to remind the reader of the previous book so that the confusion I experienced doesn’t happen. I feel this with a lot of books though - I read a lot of books by different authors and it’s often difficult to remember the timelines when reading a series.
Seems an odd decisions to me - even villages and hamlets in England had the woman that did the ‘birthings and the laying out”
This book then enters the Second World War where Northern Ireland was unsure of the role expected of it while Southern Ireland felt safe because of their neutrality. Their vulnerability became apparent when neutral countries in Europe were overcome by the Nazis.
This book goes by at whirlwind speed with such a lot happening culminating in the bombing of Belfast where Kathleen and her beau Liam and Bronagh who respectively have become a first-aider, an air raid warden and an ambulance driver come to their best in terrible circumstances. The sights they see and the experiences they deal with are heartbreaking and harrowing. All the while The Catholics and Protestants of `Belfast have memories of Partition of Ireland between the wars in their minds sometimes not knowing which side of the divide their colleagues stand.
Bronagh and Kathleen who are sisters have their own history to deal with. The sense of community though is shown to be paramount.
As expected there are births to be dealt with and deaths - this is done with empathy and compassion within the writing.
All in all a great read - I just wish there had been a synopsis at the beginning to remind the reader of the previous book so that the confusion I experienced doesn’t happen. I feel this with a lot of books though - I read a lot of books by different authors and it’s often difficult to remember the timelines when reading a series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
March 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC! I found the writing in the beginning of the book to be a little dry and struggled to feel invested until the 37% mark. I really admired the amount of research and detail put into the setting and the roles that characters took on during the war. I loved the slow burn romance, the tension, and drama. I also loved the dual POV structure. Kathleen was a very relatable and admirable character. I loved Liam as an MMC! It felt so refreshing to read his POV. He was so wholesome, unassuming, and was a real class act throughout the book. I also loved Bronagh and her storyline. I was not a fan of the third act conflict between Kathleen and Liam. However, I still really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend to those interested in Irish Historical Fiction or those who love stories about family secrets.
May 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely beautiful and emotional historical read. This story completely pulled me in from the very beginning with its mix of heartbreak, resilience, hope, and courage during such a devastating time in history.
I loved following the journey of the midwife and seeing the strength, compassion, and determination she carried through the horrors of war. The historical details felt vivid and immersive without overwhelming the emotional side of the story, and the characters were so well written that I became deeply attached to them.
This book made me smile, broke my heart more than once, and left me thinking about it long after I finished. A truly moving story about love, sacrifice, friendship, and survival. Highly recommend for fans of emotional historical fiction with strong female character
An absolutely beautiful and emotional historical read. This story completely pulled me in from the very beginning with its mix of heartbreak, resilience, hope, and courage during such a devastating time in history.
I loved following the journey of the midwife and seeing the strength, compassion, and determination she carried through the horrors of war. The historical details felt vivid and immersive without overwhelming the emotional side of the story, and the characters were so well written that I became deeply attached to them.
This book made me smile, broke my heart more than once, and left me thinking about it long after I finished. A truly moving story about love, sacrifice, friendship, and survival. Highly recommend for fans of emotional historical fiction with strong female character
March 27, 2026
I loved the first in this series, and I ADORED The Irish Midwife at War!
Seana Tinley has written another highly emotive, beautiful story about the handywomen in Belfast. This time, we follow the story of Kathleen, who is introduced to the art of being a handywoman at the tender age of 16, and explore her life as she faces the routine experiences of a young woman until the world is embroiled in World War 2. She steps up and is recognised in more ways than just being a good handywoman,
The exploration of her romantic life, as well as long-hidden secrets coming to the surface, makes this a real page-turner, and I couldn't stop reading one day, but I was so sad that it had finished. I eagerly await another story in the same vein.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
Seana Tinley has written another highly emotive, beautiful story about the handywomen in Belfast. This time, we follow the story of Kathleen, who is introduced to the art of being a handywoman at the tender age of 16, and explore her life as she faces the routine experiences of a young woman until the world is embroiled in World War 2. She steps up and is recognised in more ways than just being a good handywoman,
The exploration of her romantic life, as well as long-hidden secrets coming to the surface, makes this a real page-turner, and I couldn't stop reading one day, but I was so sad that it had finished. I eagerly await another story in the same vein.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
April 22, 2026
Unsurprisingly another great read
I have to say Seana is one of my favourite authors, with the novels being based in Belfast and the midwife /handywoman aspects of the book as it relates so much to my personal life
Loved the characters in this book and I especially enjoyed bronaghs storyline Liam and Kathleen were so destined to be together so I am happy with the ending although it ended too soon yet again
I really enjoyed the mentions of Peggy and Dan in this book too and I hope with her next book coming out in September that we will here of more from all these characters
I also enjoyed the Belfast blitz chapters as I didn’t really know much about it just heard of it and I liked the multiple povs within the same chapter
Can’t wait for the next book
I have to say Seana is one of my favourite authors, with the novels being based in Belfast and the midwife /handywoman aspects of the book as it relates so much to my personal life
Loved the characters in this book and I especially enjoyed bronaghs storyline Liam and Kathleen were so destined to be together so I am happy with the ending although it ended too soon yet again
I really enjoyed the mentions of Peggy and Dan in this book too and I hope with her next book coming out in September that we will here of more from all these characters
I also enjoyed the Belfast blitz chapters as I didn’t really know much about it just heard of it and I liked the multiple povs within the same chapter
Can’t wait for the next book
May 3, 2026
This story begins in 1937 when Belfast resident, Kathleen, is sixteen and begins training as a handywoman which is an unlicensed midwife. Kathleen is seriously enamored with eighteen-year-old Liam who is the older brother of her best friend. As the years pass, Kathleen continues her training and her crush even though Liam has a girlfriend. Then war comes to Belfast and the world is whirling with air raids and family secrets.
May 21, 2026
What a remarkable book that was enjoyable from the start.
It tells the story of the handy woman where they were not seen as professionals. Also the story is interesting about the Belfast Blitz where so many lives were lost. I enjoyed the way the romance went and how things worked out in the end. I liked the family secrets as well.
The book was well written and certainly it was sad in places. The book was well researched and made it more interesting.
Would recommend this book.
It tells the story of the handy woman where they were not seen as professionals. Also the story is interesting about the Belfast Blitz where so many lives were lost. I enjoyed the way the romance went and how things worked out in the end. I liked the family secrets as well.
The book was well written and certainly it was sad in places. The book was well researched and made it more interesting.
Would recommend this book.
June 3, 2026
The Irish Midwife at WAR: A pages turning and heartwarming WWII historical novel (The Irish Miceive
I loved, loved this book. I could hardly wait to see how the war affected the people in Ireland and how they handled women going into child birth in the midst of a war. Interesting as well as heartfelt reading.
I loved, loved this book. I could hardly wait to see how the war affected the people in Ireland and how they handled women going into child birth in the midst of a war. Interesting as well as heartfelt reading.
June 12, 2026
A great story!
The Irish Midwife at War is an intriguing story from World War II. It is based in Northern Ireland primarily and is a captivating story about Ireland, midwifery, the war, and hidden family relationships. It is both happy and sad, heart rending and beautiful. It is a great story and one I heartily can recommend.
The Irish Midwife at War is an intriguing story from World War II. It is based in Northern Ireland primarily and is a captivating story about Ireland, midwifery, the war, and hidden family relationships. It is both happy and sad, heart rending and beautiful. It is a great story and one I heartily can recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
March 29, 2026
Pageturner
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It captures your whole being and makes you feel like you're in the thick of it. A must read for every woman, community spirit is vital.
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down. It captures your whole being and makes you feel like you're in the thick of it. A must read for every woman, community spirit is vital.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
March 29, 2026
Wonderful read
Beautiful follow on from An Irish Midwide. I loved both books and couldn't put them down once I started. I am looking forward to the next book from Seána.
Beautiful follow on from An Irish Midwide. I loved both books and couldn't put them down once I started. I am looking forward to the next book from Seána.
May 7, 2026
Absolutely beautiful story read in two days easy to follow and just a heart warming tale
June 7, 2026
An enjoyable read.
June 3, 2026
For a book called the Irish midwife at war there wasn't an awful lot of war or babies being born to be honest, it was a fairly easy read and I enjoyed the time period that it was set in but for me personally I think the name of the book wasn't really shown through the plot.
May 24, 2026
An enjoyable story of a young girl during the Belfast blitz which I was not previously aware of. Her caring role, family, friends and neighbourhood are told in an easy reading tale. It also touches on the Protestant/catholic tensions at that time. Education in a novel - great!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Any historical fiction novel that features Ireland and WWII are usually of interest to me. The Irish Midwife At War contains both themes . This story is also a sweet and predictable romance novel that was an easy and entertaining read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley This is my own opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley This is my own opinion.
April 7, 2026
This was a lovely book, cant wait for book 3.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews