The Midwife

Salem Village #2

by Pegg Thomas

In the midst of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, two single women must navigate their own personal struggles while staying true to their beliefs and those who depend on them.

Hester Fuller, a Quaker midwife, is determined to maintain her home and provide safe childbirth for the women of Salem Village. But when a mysterious basket appears on her doorstep, Hester's fate hangs in the balance.

Meanwhile, Hannah Buffum, Jr., a Quaker woman, finds herself drawn to the Puritan Benjamin Buffington, despite their opposing beliefs. As their attraction grows, Hannah must grapple with staying true to her family and faith while also working together with Benjamin's family to help those in need.

Fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists will be captivated by this gripping tale of love and survival in the face of persecution.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Pegg Thomas lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. She creates American stories with real history and fictional characters inspired by her ancestors who immigrated here in the early 1600s.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1692 Massachusetts

This is a wonderful series. In The Midwife, there are two main female characters: Hannah Jr and Hester. Both are Quakers and unmarried. Hester is the town midwife. Initially, I was getting the two characters with "H" names confused, but quickly got them straight. I was equally engaged in their intersecting storylines. I think it was Benjamin who most captured my heart in his resilience and persistence in pursuing his heart's interest.

Readers get a glimpse of what it must have been like to live during these trying times. The historical details included were fascinating.

I can hardly wait for book three to release for the conclusion of the series.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction set in Massachusetts during the Salem Witch trial era. The author weaves fascinating history (including some of her own ancestors) into each compelling story, I could not stop turning pages of The Midwife.

Midwife Hester Fuller helps all women who need help birthing their babies. "Hester had never given birth herself, she'd assisted well over a hundred women between helping her physician father, and then becoming a midwife after the death of her intended." Her being an unmarried midwife caused a stir at first, but "her training has been exemplary. It hadn't taken long before she was accepted by both Friends and Puritans alike." Someone leaves a baby on her doorstep which adds danger to the current climate.

Themes of friendship, faith, fearful times, trying to do the right thing, trusting in God, and helping ones neighbors add so much to this heartwarming story.

I'm hooked, and I can't wait for the next one! The Salem Village can be read as standalone stories, but I highly recommend reading them in order. The reader will find themselves caring what happens Buffum family (Friends=Quakers) and their Puritan friends the Buffington family who carry over in each story.

I highly recommend The Midwife and all of the Salem Village stories. Historical fiction lovers won't be able to put them down!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Cindy Huff]

I am loving immersing myself in early Colonial America. Standing on the sidelines with the Quakers while Salem Puritan are whipped into a frenzy over witches. Not only am I learning so much about both cultures and the time, but Pegg has brought the characters to life. My heart goes out to those falsely accused. The romance that blooms in the background is lovely, and the theme of family shines through. Quaker midwife Hester Fuller is shocked to find a babe abandoned on her doorstep but is determined to mother the child. Keeping her safe and keeping a low profile from those who lead the witch hunt becomes more than a challenge. Hester knows how to deliver babes but not how to care for them beyond birth. Hannah Buffim Jr. teaches Hester and helps her understand the importance of family. While Hannah Jr. wrestles with her feeling for a Puritan boy. A forbidden love that could break their families. These two strong female characters had me turning pages and cheering them on. The carefully crafted ending has me eager to read the next book in the series. Pegg Thomas is truly one of my favorite authors.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Salem Village series, and once again, in this second full-length book of the series, Ms. Thomas continues to show her outstanding talent for writing a captivating fictional tale rich in history, based on and featuring actual historical events and people. The narrative is structured around dual intertwining storylines spotlighting two Quaker women, Hannah Buffam, Jr. and midwife Hester Fuller, navigating life and love in a time of fear and suspicion. Emotions run high in this story. Excellent storytelling and immersive writing aptly capture the atmosphere of 1692 Salem allowing me to not just read about but to feel the fear and uncertainty caused by the Salem witch hysteria and the hurt caused by the continuing Quaker/Puritan conflict. I value the prominent, impactful faith focus that is seamlessly integrated into the storytelling. I highly recommend this book and the series. NOTE: Even though the books in this series can be read as standalones, I recommend reading them in order for a richer reading experience.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[David Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Pegg Thomas has written another awesome book. Her characters seem like someone you could sit down and talk to. This era was such a difficult time in the history of our nation and Thomas portrays it so well. I look forward to her future books!

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book (Book 2), set during some of the worst days of our country’s history: The Salem Witch trials. This story tells of a Quaker Midwife, Hester, a middle aged woman whose fiancée died before she was married and she’d never found another man for her. So odd to be a midwife without any children of her own. Her heart hurt every time she delivered a newborn. The other Quaker woman, Hannah, Jr., is much younger and is very much in love with a Puritan young man. There’s talk of preachers, elderly people, Quakers, and Puritans being pointed at and hauled very cruelly off to prisons, awaiting their death. There’s a foundling baby, abandoned by a very fearful father, because the baby had a large red birthmark on her stomach, which he figured the people would say was “the devil’s mark”. I had a strawberry sized birthmark on my side that eventually faded away by the time I was around 16 years old. So, this story will touch everyone in some way or another. I HIGHLY recommend it! I was a part of the arc team and was not required to leave a positive review, but this is my honest opinion.

[Kimberly Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been anxious for Book 2 of the Salem Village Series and, I was sooo not disappointed.

These stories have fascinated me from the get-go because it’s an era I know nothing about. As always, this author creates from well-researched facts and incorporates them into fiction in a stellar way.

We pick up the story of the devout Quaker Buffum family and get to know their oldest daughter, Hannah Jr., who is drawn to an entirely unsuitable match that has the potential to tear her family apart.

She befriends Hester, a childless widow and midwife, who is allowed to provide birthing services to the Puritans. Through an unlikely chain of events that changes her life forever, Hester leans on Hannah, Jr. and together, they navigate the difficulties of living in the midst of the hysteria surrounding the Salem witch trials.

The Midwife is a story of love, lasting friendships during trials, and the importance of being God’s hands and feet in a crazy world.

You won’t be disappointed, either.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking place during the early Salem Witch trials, this is a very tense story. The characters realistically bring to life what it would have been like to have lived in that area at that time. To live under the pressure of constant accusations going on around you - people whom you know are completely innocent. And knowing the power it gives to those in the village who crave it. There is also the fact that both Quaker and Puritan families lived in this village, and they were wary of each other, yet many tried to get along and share their trades. A blossoming love story carries on the difficulties between them all when a Quaker girl and Puritan boy fall in love and when a midwife to all residents is caught up in her own dilemmas. Plenty to keep you engaged to the very end, and wanting a next one to see how it all pans out for everyone.

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheMidwife #SpinnerOfYarnsPublishingLLC @PeggThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well my first thought is that this book is very powerful. It is in no way "slow moving" but really keeps you on your toes! The storyline is gripping and you will have a hard time putting this book down. I have often heard of the Salem Witch Trials, but this book brought it out so that you could absolutely feel the fear these poor people had to deal with. This was definitely a terrible time in history. The story takes us to the 1600's when life had a completely different type of living and that is also shared in this book. The book is historically correct and full of adventure as the Midwife Hester, a Quaker, takes in a foundling infant. She finds a friend and confidant in Hannah Buffum, Jr. and together they forge through the hard times to come.
I highly recommend this very good and well researched book. I received an Arc of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it just the village, or was the whole world going mad?

Hestor Fuller, Friend, was the midwife for both the Puritans and the Friends living in the village among the Puritans. She delivered many perfect babies, all the while living with the fear that even the smallest birthmark would cause the label of witch to be used. When a foundling with a birthmark on her tummy is found on her doorstep Hestor rises to the occasion, takes her in and becomes a mother.

A number of hangings for witchcraft have occurred in Salem. The fear of others discovering her secret, leaves Hestor with only one person she can trust - Hannah Jr who is happy to help. But what will happen if anyone else finds out about the baby? Should they leave and go somewhere where the madness had not reached?

This second book in the Salem Village series was received through Spinner of Yarns Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second full novel in the Salem Village series. The Midwife focuses on how the witch trials and the hysteria surrounding them affected the women of the village. There were special fears they faced, and it was interesting to explore those with characters readers have already met in The Ragpicker (prequel novella) and The Carpenter (book 1). While The Midwife can be read as a stand-alone, I think readers will get more out of it if they read the series in order.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this historical fiction set so long ago when America was still young.
Each story has been well researched and informative as well as touching.
It is sad that people who came to this land in search of religious freedom could treat each other so harshly.
I hope you will check out all the books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Salem Village series (book 3 if you count the prequel). The Salem witch trials continue with more accusations. I could feel the tension and fear among the villagers. Everyone was wondering who would be accused next. Would it be them? I loved meeting the midwife, as well as visiting old friends like the Buffums and the Buffingtons. Midwife Hester works with Puritan women and well as the Quakers and worries if she will be accused if she helps with the delivery of a child who has a birthmark. I loved watching as people cross the Puritan/Quaker boundary to help those who are in need. There is one more book in this series and I am looking forward to reading it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and writing a review was not required.