What do you think?
Rate this book
The Irish Midwives #1
The Irish Midwife
Peggy Cassidy is a milly, working in the Belfast linen mills alongside her family to just about get by. But Peggy has another job - a secret one. She also works alongside her beloved Aunt Bridget as a handywoman - an illegal midwife, tending to the women of her community in their time of need. When her Aunt Bridget is arrested while they are supporting a local woman giving birth, it sets off a chain of events that will change Peggy's life forever.
Leaving Belfast and her family for the first time, Peggy instead heads to Dublin, where she will train as a proper midwife. There, Peggy can't quite believe the luxuries of her new life - plenty of food, a fine uniform, new friends, and maybe even the chance to fall in love...
But Peggy must keep the truth about her family - and especially, her own past as a handywoman - secret at all times. And when the realities of her life in Belfast - the realities of who she really is - are revealed, will she lose everything she has worked towards?
And will she choose to protect her family, rather than let herself fall in love?
Leaving Belfast and her family for the first time, Peggy instead heads to Dublin, where she will train as a proper midwife. There, Peggy can't quite believe the luxuries of her new life - plenty of food, a fine uniform, new friends, and maybe even the chance to fall in love...
But Peggy must keep the truth about her family - and especially, her own past as a handywoman - secret at all times. And when the realities of her life in Belfast - the realities of who she really is - are revealed, will she lose everything she has worked towards?
And will she choose to protect her family, rather than let herself fall in love?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2025
460 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 17, 2025
1930’s, Belfast, Ireland. Peggy Cassidy is a part-time milly, her entire family work at the linen mills and they just manage to keep their heads above water and pay the rent. Peggy has another secret job, with her aunty Bridget, she’s learning to be a handywoman and an illegal midwife, tending to the women of her community as they can’t afford a doctor to deliver their babies nor did they want one and their preference is a home birth.
When Peggy is offered the chance to leave and receive formal midwifery training at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital, get her badge and certificate, her mam encourages her to grab the opportunity and it will be life changing.
Peggy makes friends with the other trainees who come from middle-class backgrounds and works alongside the doctors studying obstetrics, while she doesn’t know the Latin names or medical terms, she has experience with pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal care and she has to be careful not to reveal her knowledge too soon.
Daniel Sheridan is one of these doctors and comes from Belfast, the right side of the city and Peggy really likes Dan but they come from different worlds, and if anyone finds out about her past she will lose everything and her family have sacrificed so much for.
I received a copy of The Irish Midwife by Seána Tinley from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in a new historical romance series and it’s much more than that, while it does have romantic elements, it’s full of information about women, childbirth and life in Ireland during the 1930’s.
At the time only the rich ladies could afford to have their babies delivered in hospital, seventy percent of births were at home and these women used the services of handywomen, who had years of experience and knowledge and the babies came into this world in clean and safe environment and were caught by skilled and caring hands.
A narrative about change, prejudice, preconceived ideas on both sides, family, Ireland’s working class women and men in high places making decisions, being controlling and banning something that had been practiced for centuries and making it a crime.
Five stars from me, I loved everything about this book and the characters are wonderful and diverse, a must read for fans of Call the Midwife or anyone who has an interest in childbirth; women's rights and having a choice over their bodies and I can’t wait for the second novel The Irish Midwife at War due to be released in 2026.
When Peggy is offered the chance to leave and receive formal midwifery training at Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital, get her badge and certificate, her mam encourages her to grab the opportunity and it will be life changing.
Peggy makes friends with the other trainees who come from middle-class backgrounds and works alongside the doctors studying obstetrics, while she doesn’t know the Latin names or medical terms, she has experience with pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal care and she has to be careful not to reveal her knowledge too soon.
Daniel Sheridan is one of these doctors and comes from Belfast, the right side of the city and Peggy really likes Dan but they come from different worlds, and if anyone finds out about her past she will lose everything and her family have sacrificed so much for.
I received a copy of The Irish Midwife by Seána Tinley from NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in a new historical romance series and it’s much more than that, while it does have romantic elements, it’s full of information about women, childbirth and life in Ireland during the 1930’s.
At the time only the rich ladies could afford to have their babies delivered in hospital, seventy percent of births were at home and these women used the services of handywomen, who had years of experience and knowledge and the babies came into this world in clean and safe environment and were caught by skilled and caring hands.
A narrative about change, prejudice, preconceived ideas on both sides, family, Ireland’s working class women and men in high places making decisions, being controlling and banning something that had been practiced for centuries and making it a crime.
Five stars from me, I loved everything about this book and the characters are wonderful and diverse, a must read for fans of Call the Midwife or anyone who has an interest in childbirth; women's rights and having a choice over their bodies and I can’t wait for the second novel The Irish Midwife at War due to be released in 2026.
September 16, 2025
I enjoyed this novel, which is set in Belfast, very much.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
October 11, 2025
This is a wonderful easy read book. I could not put it down. Cannot wait for the next book The Irish Midwife at War being released in Spring 2026. A must read
August 24, 2025
I have always loved stories from the war years and thereabouts, so this was a no-brainer read for me.
I've never visited Ireland before, but I feel an affinity for it. I think many Indians do, as the Irish have many similarities to us in so many ways... plus, my uncle, who is a doctor, lives in Belfast. But I digress... on with the review!
Peggy is a young woman training to be a handywoman under the guidance of her very experienced aunt. Unfortunately, being a handywoman, which is akin to being an unqualified midwife, and much more, is illegal. Through a tragic twist of fate, Peggy's aunt passes away, leaving her with a small inheritance. Her aunt's wish is that she uses the funds to train as a proper midwife.
Peggy is from what many may call the wrong side of just about everything: a working-class family, known as a milly, as she works part-time in the mills, living in a small two-up, two-down with her large family, including her Catholic faith, and as a trainee handywoman.
But she finds herself at the prestigious Rotunda in Dublin to complete that training, and finds herself face to face with a handsome trainee doctor, who seems to have a hand in a tragic part of her past.
Dan Sheridan, or Daniel as his mother insists on calling him, is determined to do good as a medical man, like his own father, yet cannot get the midwifery student, Peggy, out of his head.
The details of childbirth, complications and celebrations, were so real, and sensitively written, and the settings were described with a depth that I could immerse myself completely in the story.
Both the main characters, Peggy and Dan, as well as the others, were written to perfection, giving the reader a genuine sense of emotion as they read the story, willing it to go one way and getting emotional when it doesn't quite unfold as planned.
A beautifully written story, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
I've never visited Ireland before, but I feel an affinity for it. I think many Indians do, as the Irish have many similarities to us in so many ways... plus, my uncle, who is a doctor, lives in Belfast. But I digress... on with the review!
Peggy is a young woman training to be a handywoman under the guidance of her very experienced aunt. Unfortunately, being a handywoman, which is akin to being an unqualified midwife, and much more, is illegal. Through a tragic twist of fate, Peggy's aunt passes away, leaving her with a small inheritance. Her aunt's wish is that she uses the funds to train as a proper midwife.
Peggy is from what many may call the wrong side of just about everything: a working-class family, known as a milly, as she works part-time in the mills, living in a small two-up, two-down with her large family, including her Catholic faith, and as a trainee handywoman.
But she finds herself at the prestigious Rotunda in Dublin to complete that training, and finds herself face to face with a handsome trainee doctor, who seems to have a hand in a tragic part of her past.
Dan Sheridan, or Daniel as his mother insists on calling him, is determined to do good as a medical man, like his own father, yet cannot get the midwifery student, Peggy, out of his head.
The details of childbirth, complications and celebrations, were so real, and sensitively written, and the settings were described with a depth that I could immerse myself completely in the story.
Both the main characters, Peggy and Dan, as well as the others, were written to perfection, giving the reader a genuine sense of emotion as they read the story, willing it to go one way and getting emotional when it doesn't quite unfold as planned.
A beautifully written story, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.
September 11, 2025
Stories about Ireland and Midwives are an instant draw for me. This is a historical fiction story set in the pre WWII era set in Belfast Ireland. It is also a lovely romance story that was easy to read and it held my interest throughout. I look forward to Book 2 in this series.
September 6, 2025
This was a completely new author to me - but I will definitely look out for book 2 in the series. I am so pleased there will be more.
As I trained as a midwife in 1981 ( a career sadly cut very short) I was intrigued by this book which I thoroughly enjoyed. However the author seemed to take every complication of pregnancy and childbirth from a textbook (would have been Margaret Myles in my day if you know you know!) and pop it before poor Peggy Cassidy when she would have probably not seen any one of them in an entire career.
There was one episode where I felt her research might’ve fallen short - to say more would be spoiler.
This was the story of Peggy - a part time milly and a part time handywoman - an untrained woman who dealt with births deaths and anything in between. They had been outlawed.
There was a lot about the politics of Ireland after 1916 differences between Catholics, Protestants and Unionists. This was relatively new to me but nevertheless a vital part of the story.
Peggy came from the poor side of Belfast, her beau Daniel Sheridan was the only child of GP - different sides of the track. Peggy allowed herself to be a reverse snob and to let the relationship blossoming between the 2 to be tortuous.
A difficult episode around the reporting of handywomen had led to the untimely death of an aunt whose life savings allowed her to go to Dublin and formally train as a midwife.
All in all the book was well written and kept me riveted - leading to a very late night as who could leave a book with 15mins left to read.
I look forward to finding out what book 2 will hold
As I trained as a midwife in 1981 ( a career sadly cut very short) I was intrigued by this book which I thoroughly enjoyed. However the author seemed to take every complication of pregnancy and childbirth from a textbook (would have been Margaret Myles in my day if you know you know!) and pop it before poor Peggy Cassidy when she would have probably not seen any one of them in an entire career.
There was one episode where I felt her research might’ve fallen short - to say more would be spoiler.
This was the story of Peggy - a part time milly and a part time handywoman - an untrained woman who dealt with births deaths and anything in between. They had been outlawed.
There was a lot about the politics of Ireland after 1916 differences between Catholics, Protestants and Unionists. This was relatively new to me but nevertheless a vital part of the story.
Peggy came from the poor side of Belfast, her beau Daniel Sheridan was the only child of GP - different sides of the track. Peggy allowed herself to be a reverse snob and to let the relationship blossoming between the 2 to be tortuous.
A difficult episode around the reporting of handywomen had led to the untimely death of an aunt whose life savings allowed her to go to Dublin and formally train as a midwife.
All in all the book was well written and kept me riveted - leading to a very late night as who could leave a book with 15mins left to read.
I look forward to finding out what book 2 will hold
September 9, 2025
I very much enjoyed this story of a young handywoman navigating her training as a midwife with a romance along the way. As well as some well-loved tropes such as class differences, forbidden romance, and a dark secret, there’s a whole load of fascinating social history about women’s lives and health care, and a bit of Irish history and politics thrown in.
Peggy Cassidy is disadvantaged by her class, by her sex, and by her religion - but she’s a worthy heroine with many fine qualities that make it easy to see why our hero falls in love with her. And he’s just perfect for her, except that of course the course of true love can’t possibly run smoothly. This was the only point which jarred slightly for me, as there were such frequent reminders of the list of obstacles between them that I wanted to roll my eyes. For me, the repetition through Peggy’s thoughts was unnecessary - hence I felt it was a 4.5 star read instead of 5 stars.
There were some truly lovely scenes in this story, and I genuinely rooted for both main characters. There was plenty at stake and I thoroughly enjoyed the satisfying conclusion as various threads came together. I’ll look forward to reading the next book in the series, as the looming of WW2 in this one added to the atmosphere in this one and made the historical context even more compelling.
A treat for readers of historical romance and saga. Any fan of Call the Midwife will take delight in this heartwarming story.
Peggy Cassidy is disadvantaged by her class, by her sex, and by her religion - but she’s a worthy heroine with many fine qualities that make it easy to see why our hero falls in love with her. And he’s just perfect for her, except that of course the course of true love can’t possibly run smoothly. This was the only point which jarred slightly for me, as there were such frequent reminders of the list of obstacles between them that I wanted to roll my eyes. For me, the repetition through Peggy’s thoughts was unnecessary - hence I felt it was a 4.5 star read instead of 5 stars.
There were some truly lovely scenes in this story, and I genuinely rooted for both main characters. There was plenty at stake and I thoroughly enjoyed the satisfying conclusion as various threads came together. I’ll look forward to reading the next book in the series, as the looming of WW2 in this one added to the atmosphere in this one and made the historical context even more compelling.
A treat for readers of historical romance and saga. Any fan of Call the Midwife will take delight in this heartwarming story.
August 18, 2025
The Irish Midwife by Seána Tinley (Hodder & Stoughton, September 2025) is a romantic, heartwarming, and well-written historical romance set just before World War II.
I liked Peggy Cassidy; she was smart, empathetic, and strong. I admired her dedication to her community, and her loyalty to and love for her family and neighbors, especially the women she served as a handywoman (an illegal midwife). Dan Sheridan was a wonderful hero; he was respectful, supportive, and never gave up on Peggy despite many complications.
The author did a wonderful job of bringing 1930s Ireland to life and in highlighting what medical care and childbirth were like for pregnant women at that time. I enjoyed the developing friendship/romance between Peggy and Dan. I appreciated the effort to include details of the political situation in Ireland during the time period of the story, but I found them a wee bit overwhelming and difficult to fully comprehend, especially in a relatively short length historical romance. I highly recommend The Irish Midwife, the first book in the author’s new The Irish Midwife series.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in eBook format from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Peggy Cassidy; she was smart, empathetic, and strong. I admired her dedication to her community, and her loyalty to and love for her family and neighbors, especially the women she served as a handywoman (an illegal midwife). Dan Sheridan was a wonderful hero; he was respectful, supportive, and never gave up on Peggy despite many complications.
The author did a wonderful job of bringing 1930s Ireland to life and in highlighting what medical care and childbirth were like for pregnant women at that time. I enjoyed the developing friendship/romance between Peggy and Dan. I appreciated the effort to include details of the political situation in Ireland during the time period of the story, but I found them a wee bit overwhelming and difficult to fully comprehend, especially in a relatively short length historical romance. I highly recommend The Irish Midwife, the first book in the author’s new The Irish Midwife series.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in eBook format from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
💚 Book Review for The Irish Midwife by Seána Tinney
The Irish Midwife follows Peggy Cassidy, a young woman working in the Belfast linen mills who secretly serves her community as an illegal midwife — a “handywoman” helping women in their most vulnerable moments. When she’s given the opportunity to train formally in Dublin, Peggy’s world opens up, but so do the risks. Surrounded by her respectable, middle-class colleagues, she must hide her past — and her heart — as she faces choices that could change her life forever. 🌿
I really enjoyed this story. It’s beautifully written, heartfelt, and rich in historical detail. Peggy is such a strong, compassionate character — flawed yet deeply human — and her journey from the mills of Belfast to the halls of Dublin’s medical world is both inspiring and emotional. The pacing flows naturally, the characters feel real, and the sense of place is wonderfully vivid.
⭐️ 5/5 stars
A moving historical novel that blends resilience, courage, and love. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife and anyone who enjoys stories about strong women breaking barriers in difficult times. 💫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this touching and beautifully crafted story in exchange for an honest review
The Irish Midwife follows Peggy Cassidy, a young woman working in the Belfast linen mills who secretly serves her community as an illegal midwife — a “handywoman” helping women in their most vulnerable moments. When she’s given the opportunity to train formally in Dublin, Peggy’s world opens up, but so do the risks. Surrounded by her respectable, middle-class colleagues, she must hide her past — and her heart — as she faces choices that could change her life forever. 🌿
I really enjoyed this story. It’s beautifully written, heartfelt, and rich in historical detail. Peggy is such a strong, compassionate character — flawed yet deeply human — and her journey from the mills of Belfast to the halls of Dublin’s medical world is both inspiring and emotional. The pacing flows naturally, the characters feel real, and the sense of place is wonderfully vivid.
⭐️ 5/5 stars
A moving historical novel that blends resilience, courage, and love. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife and anyone who enjoys stories about strong women breaking barriers in difficult times. 💫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this touching and beautifully crafted story in exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2025
Peggy works part-time at the linen mill and is an apprentice handywoman to her aunt. Handywomen delivered babies in working-class communities as they were skilled and provided a service for those who couldn't afford a midwife and or doctor to attend the birth. The authorities persecute the handywomen, and after a tragic loss, Peggy's community and family persuade her to train as a certified midwife in Dublin. It's an evocative historical fiction, capturing Ireland in the 1930s and the political struggles which complicate and define many people's lives. The midwifery information and the women the story introduces the reader to are believable, relatable characters, the historical detail brings the setting to life, and the conflicted, gentle romance is a mix of heartbreak and heartwarming. It's a compelling read. That immerses you in the lives of the women and the socio-political ethos in Ireland.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 4, 2025
A very good book and had me hooked from the start.
The book was so wonderfully written and very interesting to read. I thought the main character was good and enjoyed all the complications she had with keeping a secret and will this keep her for having true happiness. It was good to see how obstacles can be put in the way and how it could be sorted out.
I certainly could not put this book down.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book.
Would recommend it.
The book was so wonderfully written and very interesting to read. I thought the main character was good and enjoyed all the complications she had with keeping a secret and will this keep her for having true happiness. It was good to see how obstacles can be put in the way and how it could be sorted out.
I certainly could not put this book down.
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book.
Would recommend it.
October 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book.It was interesting and thought provoking.Id never heard about handywomen before until I read this book and it gave a very good insight into the lives of those brave ladies who carried out such important work in the community to help those who couldnt afford to pay qualified drs to treat them.I loved the characters and the ending was most satisfying.Well worth a read.I cant wait for the next book now.
December 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story that takes places during the 1930s in Northern Ireland. Peggy works as a handy woman alongside her Aunt Bridget. After Bridget's untimely death, Peggy is left money to pursue a midwifery career in Dublin. While there, Peggy meets medical student Dan who is also from Belfast. They fall for each other, but Peggy is reluctant because of some facts she thinks she knows about Dan's family.
August 23, 2025
A page turning historical fiction about midwifery which I find interesting. I was invested in the plot and the characters. I enjoyed the experience of bringing a baby into the world. It is a Irish setting which I haven't read much of so I feel it is unique. The characters are strong women with a hard work ethic.
September 12, 2025
If you have watched and enjoyed Call the Midwife, you may already be familiar with the activities that pre-dated the NHS. There was a time when medical interventions came at an often-unaffordable price, and possibly placed the welfare of both mother and baby in grave danger. The Irish Midwife introduces us to the Handywomen, a group of early midwives who were trained on the job and relied on instinct rather than formal medical knowledge. Although they provided an essential service, they were frowned upon and slowly outlawed in favour of trained midwives.
The Irish Midwife is centred around the experiences of Peggy Cassidy, a part-time ‘Milly’ or Mill worker and trainee Handywoman. Her aunt had been training Peggy until her sudden death, which left a bad taste in Peggy’s mouth and prompted her to distrust the doctors who were associated with the events leading up to her death.
After her Aunt’s death, Peggy receives the funding to travel to Dublin and enrol for Midwifery training, something that was only made possible due to her Aunt’s tragic demise. On arriving in Dublin, it soon became clear that her background should not be discussed for fear of any implications for her future. What would happen if she were discovered to have been a handywoman?
Of course, as you can imagine, there’s a love interest in the book, but not one that Peggy feels she can pursue, as he is the son of the doctor who practically wrote her Aunt’s death sentence. Despite this, they develop a friendship that evolves into strong feelings.
I loved this book and found myself turning the pages into the wee small hours. Seána kept my attention, and I was eager to discover how Peggy would handle the implications of her burgeoning romance and bridge the gap between their shared family values and their differing social status.
There’s a fabulous cast of characters who each contributed to this informative and compelling story, which created a window into the history of an essential part of life. Throughout this book, I was aware of a real sense of community, and I loved the details which brought the story to life.
Bravo! I’m already excited to learn more about Peggy’s future in Belfast.
The Irish Midwife is centred around the experiences of Peggy Cassidy, a part-time ‘Milly’ or Mill worker and trainee Handywoman. Her aunt had been training Peggy until her sudden death, which left a bad taste in Peggy’s mouth and prompted her to distrust the doctors who were associated with the events leading up to her death.
After her Aunt’s death, Peggy receives the funding to travel to Dublin and enrol for Midwifery training, something that was only made possible due to her Aunt’s tragic demise. On arriving in Dublin, it soon became clear that her background should not be discussed for fear of any implications for her future. What would happen if she were discovered to have been a handywoman?
Of course, as you can imagine, there’s a love interest in the book, but not one that Peggy feels she can pursue, as he is the son of the doctor who practically wrote her Aunt’s death sentence. Despite this, they develop a friendship that evolves into strong feelings.
I loved this book and found myself turning the pages into the wee small hours. Seána kept my attention, and I was eager to discover how Peggy would handle the implications of her burgeoning romance and bridge the gap between their shared family values and their differing social status.
There’s a fabulous cast of characters who each contributed to this informative and compelling story, which created a window into the history of an essential part of life. Throughout this book, I was aware of a real sense of community, and I loved the details which brought the story to life.
Bravo! I’m already excited to learn more about Peggy’s future in Belfast.
August 31, 2025
The Irish Midwife is a captivating and heartfelt read. Tinley brings pre WW2 Ireland to life with warmth and authenticity, blending the grit of mill life with the quiet heroism of women like Peggy Cassidy.
Peggy and Dan are just the best characters - compassionate, resilient, and easy to root for. The historical detail and tone give real 'Call the Midwife' vibes, while the romance adds just the right touch of tenderness!
Thank you so much to Seána for the ARC - the review given is my own :)
Peggy and Dan are just the best characters - compassionate, resilient, and easy to root for. The historical detail and tone give real 'Call the Midwife' vibes, while the romance adds just the right touch of tenderness!
Thank you so much to Seána for the ARC - the review given is my own :)
November 25, 2025
A grand Irish story showing the difference between classes.
I enjoyed the thoughts and fears of Peggy, how she perceived the future. She endured the feelings of being unworthy of an education and meeting a man she began to love. She showed how proud she was of her family and the struggles they endured. Well thought of characters. Would make a great book club study.
I enjoyed the thoughts and fears of Peggy, how she perceived the future. She endured the feelings of being unworthy of an education and meeting a man she began to love. She showed how proud she was of her family and the struggles they endured. Well thought of characters. Would make a great book club study.
October 19, 2025
A popular simmer of a storyline full of romance and Irish lyrical charm, touching on an area of midwifery less commonly written about. Two very loveable characters take the stage in a scenic winding romantic tale. An enjoyable read.
November 3, 2025
Learned so much while enjoying this story
Loved the historical context. Really felt connected to the characters and place. Many places in Dublin mentioned I've had the luck to visit. Can't wait to start the second book in the series.
Loved the historical context. Really felt connected to the characters and place. Many places in Dublin mentioned I've had the luck to visit. Can't wait to start the second book in the series.
August 25, 2025
Absolutely incredible!!! I found it so easy to dive in and devour this wonderful book, with such different characters and detailed backgrounds I really and truly loved it!!
September 11, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!!!!
November 23, 2025
So heart warming and interesting, this booked kept me hooked!
December 1, 2025
longing romance
A delightful tale of opposites coming together. The path isn’t easy but it is worth it. Very uplifting and descriptive. I feel like I’ve visited Irelands heart.
A delightful tale of opposites coming together. The path isn’t easy but it is worth it. Very uplifting and descriptive. I feel like I’ve visited Irelands heart.
December 3, 2025
The Irish Midwife
More of a romance between high society Dr and lower class midwife and not so much history. I still enjoyed the story line well worth reading.
More of a romance between high society Dr and lower class midwife and not so much history. I still enjoyed the story line well worth reading.
September 12, 2025
✅The Irish Midwife takes us into the life of what was known as “handywomen.” These women were considered illegal midwives. What they did was very much needed in their communities.
Peggy Cassidy has always helped her Aunt with the care of expecting mums. She feels this is what she is meant to do. When her Aunt is on her death bed, she makes Peggy promise to go to Dublin to the Midwifery training course. But, if Peggy does this, she cannot let anyone know she has been a handywomen.
Peggy meets Daniel Sheridan who is studying to be a doctor. They feel a connection to each other. But, he comes from a society Peggy is not welcome in.
The history aspect of what “lower class” women had to go through with childbirth compared to “rich” women was very compelling to read about.
The Irish Midwife is an emotional story….beautifully written by author Seana Tinley.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
Peggy Cassidy has always helped her Aunt with the care of expecting mums. She feels this is what she is meant to do. When her Aunt is on her death bed, she makes Peggy promise to go to Dublin to the Midwifery training course. But, if Peggy does this, she cannot let anyone know she has been a handywomen.
Peggy meets Daniel Sheridan who is studying to be a doctor. They feel a connection to each other. But, he comes from a society Peggy is not welcome in.
The history aspect of what “lower class” women had to go through with childbirth compared to “rich” women was very compelling to read about.
The Irish Midwife is an emotional story….beautifully written by author Seana Tinley.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
December 28, 2025
A medical romance seen through the lenses of Ireland, the 1930s, religion, and class.
July 2, 2025
Wonderfully heartwarming tale about Peggy Cassidy and her journey to become a fully qualified midwife and to find her soulmate. I loved all the period detail of 1930s Ireland, also the vivid depiction of what medical care and childbirth were like for pregnant women generations ago.
Definitely a book for fans of Call the Midwife.
Definitely a book for fans of Call the Midwife.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews