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Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife
Can she overcome her past to find love again?
Belfast, 1939.
When World War Two is declared, Maisie Canavan is working as a newly-qualified midwife in Belfast's Royal Maternity Hospital, helping women and babies across the community - no matter what their families' background is. She's just moved back home from London after having her heart broken, but focusing on helping new life enter the world is enough to distract her thoughts, and she's determined not to let herself fall for someone again.
But as she works more and more with Dr Alex Lowe, Maisie is pulled in by his kind grey eyes and gentle heart. Maisie and Alex find themselves drawn together - but they come from opposite sides of the Irish political divide, and the world around them isn't ready to accept love between a Catholic and a Protestant. They have no choice but to keep their feelings a secret . . .
As bombs begin to rain on Belfast, and she sees Alex risking his life to care for the whole community, Maisie can't help but wonder why two people in love should be kept apart.
Can she find the strength to go against her own community for love - or will the dangers of war mean her heart is broken for a second time . . .
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.
Readers have fallen in love with Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife:
'Wow, I was glued to this book... I loved it. It made me laugh and cry in equal measures.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I loved this book from the start to the end.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Five stars from me, a powerful historical fiction story... I highly recommend.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Outstanding... so many twists and turns... had me gasping out loud!... now I've finished it I'm distraught I won't have it to keep reading at bedtime tonight!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fantastic read. I love the setting, the history and the characters are wonderfully written. I honestly didn't want it to end.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Belfast, 1939.
When World War Two is declared, Maisie Canavan is working as a newly-qualified midwife in Belfast's Royal Maternity Hospital, helping women and babies across the community - no matter what their families' background is. She's just moved back home from London after having her heart broken, but focusing on helping new life enter the world is enough to distract her thoughts, and she's determined not to let herself fall for someone again.
But as she works more and more with Dr Alex Lowe, Maisie is pulled in by his kind grey eyes and gentle heart. Maisie and Alex find themselves drawn together - but they come from opposite sides of the Irish political divide, and the world around them isn't ready to accept love between a Catholic and a Protestant. They have no choice but to keep their feelings a secret . . .
As bombs begin to rain on Belfast, and she sees Alex risking his life to care for the whole community, Maisie can't help but wonder why two people in love should be kept apart.
Can she find the strength to go against her own community for love - or will the dangers of war mean her heart is broken for a second time . . .
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.
Readers have fallen in love with Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife:
'Wow, I was glued to this book... I loved it. It made me laugh and cry in equal measures.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I loved this book from the start to the end.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Five stars from me, a powerful historical fiction story... I highly recommend.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Outstanding... so many twists and turns... had me gasping out loud!... now I've finished it I'm distraught I won't have it to keep reading at bedtime tonight!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fantastic read. I love the setting, the history and the characters are wonderfully written. I honestly didn't want it to end.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Published September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 3, 2026
A very enjoyable romance set in the early days of WW2. Catholic newly qualified midwife Maisie falls for Protestant obstetrician Alex, and we follow them as they navigate their new roles as well as their blossoming forbidden romance. They make a sweet couple, and it’s easy to like them and root for them. The Belfast setting and culture is richly depicted, along with the sectarian divisions, giving this story added interest. Recommended for fans of WW2 fiction, historical romance and saga.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Belfast, 1939. Maisie Canavan has returned home after training to be a midwife in London, she’s happy to be reunited with her family, her younger siblings will have better prospects, and after a bad experience Maisie's vowed to stay single.
Dr Alexander Lowe has been studying in Scotland, he starts at the Royal Maternity Hospital on the same day as Maisie, she can’t help but notice he’s handsome and looks like a movie star. Here women from all walks of life are treated, it has a pre-natal clinic, delivery rooms, nursery and operating theatre. Maisie note’s Alex is wonderful at his job, kind, caring, explains things to patients and unlike some of the doctors.
Two characters from the first novel The Irish Midwives Peggy and Daniel are part of the narrative, all work together, become friends and confidantes. Despite wanting to stay single Maisie is attracted to Alex, but they come from very different backgrounds, she’s Catholic and Alex is Protestant, and it's hard to not see each other socially as they go to work functions and dances.
The Belfast Blitz begins and Maisie and Alex both wonder why two adults in love should be kept apart due to their religious and political beliefs, and in dangerous and unpredictable times.
I received a copy of Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife (The Irish Midwives #3) by Seána Tinley from Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an unbiased review. I was excited to read the next book in the series and it really makes you think about all women were supposed to be treated equally, but there was a class divide and prejudice in Ireland.
How mixed marriages were frowned upon, and people were shunned, ostracized and it’s hard to believe falling in love could have such harsh and life changing consequences.
I really admired Maisie, she was strong, kind, caring and highly skilled and so was Alex, and another two influential characters were Father MacLaverty a Catholic priest and Alex's wise Granda.
Five stars from me, a powerful historical fiction story, I won’t forget what happened in Belfast, to Maisie and Alexander and a big secret is uncovered. Women went into labour and babies were born during the Second World War and the Blitz, my dad is one of them and reading this novel really made me consider how scared my grandmother must have been, and I'm lucky to be here.
I highly recommend, I can't wait for the next instalment and bring on book four.
Dr Alexander Lowe has been studying in Scotland, he starts at the Royal Maternity Hospital on the same day as Maisie, she can’t help but notice he’s handsome and looks like a movie star. Here women from all walks of life are treated, it has a pre-natal clinic, delivery rooms, nursery and operating theatre. Maisie note’s Alex is wonderful at his job, kind, caring, explains things to patients and unlike some of the doctors.
Two characters from the first novel The Irish Midwives Peggy and Daniel are part of the narrative, all work together, become friends and confidantes. Despite wanting to stay single Maisie is attracted to Alex, but they come from very different backgrounds, she’s Catholic and Alex is Protestant, and it's hard to not see each other socially as they go to work functions and dances.
The Belfast Blitz begins and Maisie and Alex both wonder why two adults in love should be kept apart due to their religious and political beliefs, and in dangerous and unpredictable times.
I received a copy of Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife (The Irish Midwives #3) by Seána Tinley from Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an unbiased review. I was excited to read the next book in the series and it really makes you think about all women were supposed to be treated equally, but there was a class divide and prejudice in Ireland.
How mixed marriages were frowned upon, and people were shunned, ostracized and it’s hard to believe falling in love could have such harsh and life changing consequences.
I really admired Maisie, she was strong, kind, caring and highly skilled and so was Alex, and another two influential characters were Father MacLaverty a Catholic priest and Alex's wise Granda.
Five stars from me, a powerful historical fiction story, I won’t forget what happened in Belfast, to Maisie and Alexander and a big secret is uncovered. Women went into labour and babies were born during the Second World War and the Blitz, my dad is one of them and reading this novel really made me consider how scared my grandmother must have been, and I'm lucky to be here.
I highly recommend, I can't wait for the next instalment and bring on book four.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was looking forward to episode 3 for the Irish Midwives and I wasn’t disappointed so I’m thrilled to see that episode 4 and 5 will come in 2027.
This book centres around Maisie - a Catholic from Belfast who was lucky enough to be trained as a midwife at Kings College Hospital in London. We also meet Dr Alex Lowe - a Presbyterian Belfast lad who did part of his training in Edinburgh. But they meet and begin a tentative relationship knowing that they shouldn’t and neither would be accepted by the others parents,
But Alex’s Granda - 96 years young is harbouring secrets from the Great Famine of the 1840s.
The books are well written and researched - in some ways too well researched and sometimes as a midwife who trained in the early 1908’s - I was a pupil midwife - some parts felt like Seana Tinley had got hold of a copy of the textbook we used ‘Margaret Myles’ and taken the most gruesome bits. There was one condition of pregnancy I was waiting for and again I wasn’t disappointed.
There needs sometimes to be some arrogant consultants - I imagine we have all met at least one - but this one’s views had tragic consequences - and termination of pregnancy and deep despair rear their heads.
Personally I would’ve liked a short synopsis at the beginning of the book. We meet characters from the first 2 books and I see the 4th will follow one from this book Aine , and it would be helpful to just have a recap of where these characters fit in from the previous tales and their history within their own midwifery. Many were handy women before their professional training.
The book ends with The Blitz over Belfast in March 1941 - where many lost their lives and their homes. There is also mention of the tragedy at Greenbank Hospital in Plymouth - later part of Freedom Fields Hospital - the relevance? That’s where this young State Registered nurse became a State Certified Midwife.
This book centres around Maisie - a Catholic from Belfast who was lucky enough to be trained as a midwife at Kings College Hospital in London. We also meet Dr Alex Lowe - a Presbyterian Belfast lad who did part of his training in Edinburgh. But they meet and begin a tentative relationship knowing that they shouldn’t and neither would be accepted by the others parents,
But Alex’s Granda - 96 years young is harbouring secrets from the Great Famine of the 1840s.
The books are well written and researched - in some ways too well researched and sometimes as a midwife who trained in the early 1908’s - I was a pupil midwife - some parts felt like Seana Tinley had got hold of a copy of the textbook we used ‘Margaret Myles’ and taken the most gruesome bits. There was one condition of pregnancy I was waiting for and again I wasn’t disappointed.
There needs sometimes to be some arrogant consultants - I imagine we have all met at least one - but this one’s views had tragic consequences - and termination of pregnancy and deep despair rear their heads.
Personally I would’ve liked a short synopsis at the beginning of the book. We meet characters from the first 2 books and I see the 4th will follow one from this book Aine , and it would be helpful to just have a recap of where these characters fit in from the previous tales and their history within their own midwifery. Many were handy women before their professional training.
The book ends with The Blitz over Belfast in March 1941 - where many lost their lives and their homes. There is also mention of the tragedy at Greenbank Hospital in Plymouth - later part of Freedom Fields Hospital - the relevance? That’s where this young State Registered nurse became a State Certified Midwife.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
TW: Miscarriage, Abortion, Loss, Suicide
I'll be honest. I already knew I would love this before reading it, because I'm so enamoured with the previous two books.
Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife nearly broke my heart at different points!
This story follows the relationship between Maisie, a newly qualified Catholic midwife, and Alex, a recently qualified obstetrician from a Protestant family.
Religion featured heavily in this story, namely the religion's guilt piled upon people of certain faiths and beliefs, causing heartbreak and negative views of themselves.
I loved Maggie and Alex's romance, and how slowly they fell into a relationship, both respectful and illicit at the same time. The journey of having to admit their feelings to their families, and whether their love would be accepted, was a beautifully painful tale.
Pregnancy and childbirth are never easy, and it was so much harder in years gone by. The portrayal of how women were treated during their precious months was equally heartwarming and devastating, depending on who they were and who was treating them.
There is a lot to absorb in this story, and Seána Tinley approaches it with empathy and care, making the reader care keenly for all the characters in the book, not just the two main characters, for whom we only want the best.
I'll be honest. I already knew I would love this before reading it, because I'm so enamoured with the previous two books.
Heartbreak for the Irish Midwife nearly broke my heart at different points!
This story follows the relationship between Maisie, a newly qualified Catholic midwife, and Alex, a recently qualified obstetrician from a Protestant family.
Religion featured heavily in this story, namely the religion's guilt piled upon people of certain faiths and beliefs, causing heartbreak and negative views of themselves.
I loved Maggie and Alex's romance, and how slowly they fell into a relationship, both respectful and illicit at the same time. The journey of having to admit their feelings to their families, and whether their love would be accepted, was a beautifully painful tale.
Pregnancy and childbirth are never easy, and it was so much harder in years gone by. The portrayal of how women were treated during their precious months was equally heartwarming and devastating, depending on who they were and who was treating them.
There is a lot to absorb in this story, and Seána Tinley approaches it with empathy and care, making the reader care keenly for all the characters in the book, not just the two main characters, for whom we only want the best.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As soon as I saw this was available I couldn't wait to get started and now I've finished it I'm waiting for the next book in the series! Another outstanding novel with so many twists and turns some of which I didn't see coming at all and had me gasping out loud! As always with this series I have learnt so much. I find it tragic that religion can create so many obstacles both in daily society and for the people of the time. I will forever be grateful that the division between Protestants and Catholics is not so important today having myself a mixed religion marriage. The book addresses so many important pieces of history going right back into the 1800s and up to WW2 when the book is set. The main characters were all so likeable; Alex sounded a true gentleman with a heart of gold and Maisie such a hard working and kind hearted soul. I was in the catch 22 situation of wanting to finish the book to see what happened but now I've finished it I'm distraught I won't have it to keep reading at bedtime tonight!
I'd highly recommend the whole series and thank the author for writing such amazing books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and of course the author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
I'd highly recommend the whole series and thank the author for writing such amazing books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and of course the author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
September 10, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this - although it's the third in a series, it can be read as a standalone. (I would however recommend the entire series as an excellent read.)
Catholic Maisie trains as a midwife in London, and Presbyterian Alex Lowe trains as a doctor in Edinburgh. When they meet while starting work in a Belfast hospital, they know the differences between them means neither family will accept their friendship, let alone anything more. Yet they can't resist each other and fall in love. They help each other with patients (the medical side of it is spot on) and the bombing raids. Their friends accept them for who they are, but how can they convince their parents?
Enter the local priest and Alex's elderly grandfather... and I can't say any more because spoilers :)
Lovely characterisation, and a vivid backdrop of the 1941 bombing raids and culture clashes. Thoroughly recommended.
Catholic Maisie trains as a midwife in London, and Presbyterian Alex Lowe trains as a doctor in Edinburgh. When they meet while starting work in a Belfast hospital, they know the differences between them means neither family will accept their friendship, let alone anything more. Yet they can't resist each other and fall in love. They help each other with patients (the medical side of it is spot on) and the bombing raids. Their friends accept them for who they are, but how can they convince their parents?
Enter the local priest and Alex's elderly grandfather... and I can't say any more because spoilers :)
Lovely characterisation, and a vivid backdrop of the 1941 bombing raids and culture clashes. Thoroughly recommended.
September 10, 2026
Another great read about the midwives of Nothern Ireland.This one is the story of Maisie Canavan who has just returned to Belfast after studying in London to be a midwife.Maisie had been going out with Gerald in London but wouldn’t stay there and moved back to Belfast and her family.Her she meets Dr. Alex Lowe and straight away is attracted too him the only problem being she is Catholic and he is Protestant,neither family is able too accept this.Will Maisie and Alex be able to over come their differences in their religion’s.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in the series; and another fantastic read. I love the setting, the history and the characters are wonderfully written. I honestly didn't want it to end.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews