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The Marquess and the Midwife
Once upon a time, the younger brother of a marquess fell in love with his sister's companion. He was sent off to war, and she was just sent off, and they both landed in very different worlds. Now Virgil Radcliffe has returned from his self-imposed exile on the Continent to take up his late brother's title and discover the whereabouts of the only woman he's ever loved. Abandoned by her lover and dismissed by her employer, Ameline Dawes has found a respectable identity as a Waterloo widow, a new life as a midwife, and a safe, secure home for her twin girls. Called to London at Christmas to attend her benefactress's lying-in, she finds herself confronted by an unexpected house guest--a man determined to woo her anew and win her again. But, is loving the new Marquess of Wallenford a mistake Ameline cannot afford to repeat?
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2016
51 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Alina K. Field
43 books312 followersAward winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and her spunky blonde rescued terrier.
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https://alinakfield.com/
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Visit her at:
https://alinakfield.com/
or sign up for occasional newsletters at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 17, 2018
A long time ago, Virgil fell in love with his sister's companion. When his sister died, they took solace in each other. Virgil was promptly sent off to war and after discovering she was with child, Ameline was kicked out of the home she grew to love. Virgil has returned and has searching for the only woman he's ever loved.
Ameline has worked hard all her life but it never mattered so much until she became a mother to twins. She trained as a midwife and had many well-known clients. Right before Christmas, she went to go assist a birth. While there, she runs into the man she gave her heart to all those years ago. But he's the Marquess now ... can she risk losing her girls and heart to Virgil?
A beautiful Regency romance filled with all the things you love: conflict, classism, second-chance love and Christmastime. In this story, though, you also experience how difficult and dangerous childbirth was. The history of midwifery is interwoven in this romance which made it such a captivating read. Highly recommend!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5+ stars
Ameline has worked hard all her life but it never mattered so much until she became a mother to twins. She trained as a midwife and had many well-known clients. Right before Christmas, she went to go assist a birth. While there, she runs into the man she gave her heart to all those years ago. But he's the Marquess now ... can she risk losing her girls and heart to Virgil?
A beautiful Regency romance filled with all the things you love: conflict, classism, second-chance love and Christmastime. In this story, though, you also experience how difficult and dangerous childbirth was. The history of midwifery is interwoven in this romance which made it such a captivating read. Highly recommend!
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 5+ stars
October 3, 2022
The Marquess and the Midwife, by Alina K. Field. I love it! I love this holiday romantic read. Virgil and Ameline are truly wonderful in this story filled with love, forgiveness and happiness. The beginning of the story was just a little filled with a lot of information and the naming of characters.
As I continued to read the story these details finally made said information become clearer to the reader. I have to give Ameline a hand for her character. Working as a midwife, while taking care of twin daughters during a time where women were not seen or respected in this field was one of the high points of the book. I believe that Virgil respected her all the more after his realization that she was at the Hackwells. I thought that it was clever and well played by the writer to have two good friends like the Hacwells as backup for the two main characters.
I absolutely adored all the kids being around the adults during the holidays. For me it made the book all the more special. The romance was very entertaining. Virgil was as charming and warm as a gentleman can be. Ameline tried to look beyond things of the past.
A lot of things were confusing her, could unknown alliances help her see clearer picture into her future. Again the story was entertaining. It’s a great page turner. I give this book two snaps and a, Caroline, your membership has been revoked. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
As I continued to read the story these details finally made said information become clearer to the reader. I have to give Ameline a hand for her character. Working as a midwife, while taking care of twin daughters during a time where women were not seen or respected in this field was one of the high points of the book. I believe that Virgil respected her all the more after his realization that she was at the Hackwells. I thought that it was clever and well played by the writer to have two good friends like the Hacwells as backup for the two main characters.
I absolutely adored all the kids being around the adults during the holidays. For me it made the book all the more special. The romance was very entertaining. Virgil was as charming and warm as a gentleman can be. Ameline tried to look beyond things of the past.
A lot of things were confusing her, could unknown alliances help her see clearer picture into her future. Again the story was entertaining. It’s a great page turner. I give this book two snaps and a, Caroline, your membership has been revoked. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
June 4, 2017
1.5 stars.
This could have been so much better. I enjoyed how relatively clean this was and the dual povs. I also appreciate an H who wasn't a rake and an h who made the best of a difficult situation. However, the whole premise of this story lent itself to some really great angst but there just wasn't much. And the little there was felt flat and bland. One star for a completely safe read and half a star for an H who was steadfast and loyal.
This could have been so much better. I enjoyed how relatively clean this was and the dual povs. I also appreciate an H who wasn't a rake and an h who made the best of a difficult situation. However, the whole premise of this story lent itself to some really great angst but there just wasn't much. And the little there was felt flat and bland. One star for a completely safe read and half a star for an H who was steadfast and loyal.
July 9, 2022
If you crave emotionally satisfying stories about grown up relationships that are sensual—but not excessively sizzling or explicit—this is the book for you. I can't say enough good things about it. Both Virgil and Amelineare well-rounded, well-developed believable characters who face their problems head on. The minor characters are well done as well, particularly the hero's mother and Ameline's mentor Mrs. Crawford. When I tell you that the authors research into childbearing and midwifery for the period plays out brilliantly, don't think I'm telling you she slips in information dumps. She doesn't, but her knowledge of the skills, issues, and practices adds depth and heart to the story. Well done Ms. Field!
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November 29, 2016An enjoyable read
This author knows her Regency vocabulary and it was easy to immerse myself in this historical romance. The heroine was a delight: she finds herself in a dire situation and must overcome some serious challenges. I was cheering for her from page one.
This author knows her Regency vocabulary and it was easy to immerse myself in this historical romance. The heroine was a delight: she finds herself in a dire situation and must overcome some serious challenges. I was cheering for her from page one.
August 4, 2019
Beautiful love story!!
I love was so I'm love with this story and the characters were amazing!! The story has so much love , passion ,warmth, and heart!!
I love was so I'm love with this story and the characters were amazing!! The story has so much love , passion ,warmth, and heart!!
November 15, 2016
Heart wrenching
This one is a keeper. Absolutely wonderful love story. This story has it all from heart break to Absolution. The author has done a wonderful job making this a constant page turner.
This one is a keeper. Absolutely wonderful love story. This story has it all from heart break to Absolution. The author has done a wonderful job making this a constant page turner.
November 29, 2016
a sweet story
Very predictable but a good, fast read. I did cringe, however, when the couple were found in bed and his mother didn't bat an eye.
Very predictable but a good, fast read. I did cringe, however, when the couple were found in bed and his mother didn't bat an eye.
December 16, 2016
A sweet novella very enjoyable
I loved reading this one about a midwife who comes to help a friend give birth. While there she finds a guest she has always loved.
I loved reading this one about a midwife who comes to help a friend give birth. While there she finds a guest she has always loved.
November 4, 2017
At one-hundred and thirty one pages, The Marquess and the Midwife captured my attention from the first page to the last and had a different premise than I expected. Set in Regency England, Ameline is quite a strong character and Virgil and his mother seem to have met their match or have they? I loved Ameline's daughters and how they were portrayed as well as Lord and Lady Hackwell and their wards whom had a playfulness about them.
There were secrets, laughter, tears, surprise, hurt, anger, fear, children, happiness, Christmas and lots of love. There were twists and turns to the story that added a layer of intrigue. There was nice closure with the epilogue and a happily-ever-after that I wasn't sure would come to fruition since many of the characters were talking in circles throughout the story.
Field is a new to me author and I look forward to reading many more of her books especially since she has a few others that are connected stories to this one. I liked that there were excerpts at the back of this book from some of her other books that only whet my appetite for more.
There were secrets, laughter, tears, surprise, hurt, anger, fear, children, happiness, Christmas and lots of love. There were twists and turns to the story that added a layer of intrigue. There was nice closure with the epilogue and a happily-ever-after that I wasn't sure would come to fruition since many of the characters were talking in circles throughout the story.
Field is a new to me author and I look forward to reading many more of her books especially since she has a few others that are connected stories to this one. I liked that there were excerpts at the back of this book from some of her other books that only whet my appetite for more.
June 2, 2018
A new favorite from a new favorite author!
This novel defines and deserves the subtitle of A Regency Romance. All the elements are there: a strong heroine and a determined Hero, an assortment of wonderful supporting characters, the required witch, plus two beautiful little girls who bring their own charm to this charming take. Our H & h are separated by a war, and even more by the machinations of a spiteful and jealous older brother. They are reunited years later by happy and unforeseen circumstances, eventually leading to a HEA , but that path is littered with several rocks in the road, and it is those rocks that make this an enjoyable journey for the reader. This particular h has a complex set of factors which have her holding back from giving up her Independence; fortunately, our H is just as determined to overcome all obstacles and reclaim his lost love. A clean read, this is one that shouldn't be missed.!
This novel defines and deserves the subtitle of A Regency Romance. All the elements are there: a strong heroine and a determined Hero, an assortment of wonderful supporting characters, the required witch, plus two beautiful little girls who bring their own charm to this charming take. Our H & h are separated by a war, and even more by the machinations of a spiteful and jealous older brother. They are reunited years later by happy and unforeseen circumstances, eventually leading to a HEA , but that path is littered with several rocks in the road, and it is those rocks that make this an enjoyable journey for the reader. This particular h has a complex set of factors which have her holding back from giving up her Independence; fortunately, our H is just as determined to overcome all obstacles and reclaim his lost love. A clean read, this is one that shouldn't be missed.!
November 23, 2017
One more read from my Christmas pile…. “The Marquess and the Midwife” was good. Amaline and Virgil were deeply in love until they were separated by a series of underhanded foils. A few years later Virgil comes back, looking for Ameline and they surprisingly run into each other. She is a midwife and also the widowed mother of twin girls. Virgil & Ameline’s meeting is an awkward and challenging surprise.
This was good as a novella as it eliminates a lot of misunderstandings drama that can plague a long story. I liked the main characters and liked how Virgil’s discovery of the kids in the nursery went. Probably won’t keep this one because I don’t really appreciate the explicit scene, but overall, I liked the story.
This was good as a novella as it eliminates a lot of misunderstandings drama that can plague a long story. I liked the main characters and liked how Virgil’s discovery of the kids in the nursery went. Probably won’t keep this one because I don’t really appreciate the explicit scene, but overall, I liked the story.
January 30, 2017
A young woman acting as a companion for mentally challenged daughter of a Marquess falls in love with the girls brother Virgil. They are intimate and she finds herself in a family way but not before he has been sent to fight Napoleon at Waterloo. His famiy shuns her but she finds her way and manages to create a life for her and her twin daughters. However one day Virgil shows up, he being the new Marquess since his brother has died. Can she tell him about his daughters? Can she trust him? A short story with an HEA.
May 9, 2020
Engaging Story
A well written and enjoyable story. Ameline and Virgil's story was very touching , with the couple being split up a number of years previously. Ameline had made the best of a desperate situation after Virgils brother had cast her off without reference or money . The couple meets again over Christmas when Ameline is called to offer her Midwifery services to her friend Lady Hackwell, Virgil had spent years searching for Ameline and their meeting was very touching. and the story endearing.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
A well written and enjoyable story. Ameline and Virgil's story was very touching , with the couple being split up a number of years previously. Ameline had made the best of a desperate situation after Virgils brother had cast her off without reference or money . The couple meets again over Christmas when Ameline is called to offer her Midwifery services to her friend Lady Hackwell, Virgil had spent years searching for Ameline and their meeting was very touching. and the story endearing.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
August 14, 2024
4.5 stars
This is an entertaining, fun, good read. Virgil and Ameline are interesting, wounded, complex, intriguing, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with. The secondary characters – especially the children – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
This is an entertaining, fun, good read. Virgil and Ameline are interesting, wounded, complex, intriguing, relatable, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with. The secondary characters – especially the children – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.
December 27, 2017
Delightfully different.
I have only recently discovered Alina' s books but find them refreshing and different. The hero's are delightful and the heroines are no shrinking violets., they are well able to take care of themselves ( and others!)
I will certainly be reading more of her books
I have only recently discovered Alina' s books but find them refreshing and different. The hero's are delightful and the heroines are no shrinking violets., they are well able to take care of themselves ( and others!)
I will certainly be reading more of her books
January 18, 2021
Very enjoyable book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the story line was different dealing with child birth in regency times.
The romance between Ameline & Virgil did not go as well as he hoped he had to work for it as she had been badly hurt by many false words but they got their in the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book the story line was different dealing with child birth in regency times.
The romance between Ameline & Virgil did not go as well as he hoped he had to work for it as she had been badly hurt by many false words but they got their in the end.
January 5, 2017
This is my first book by Ms. Field and I LOVED it! Very well-written and the plotting, pacing, and dialogue were awesome. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and was sad to see it end. Though a novella I thought the story was told completely and at just the right speed. No loose ends. Very well done!
December 11, 2017
A decent second-chance story, if a little superficial. I loved the twins and wish we'd seen a little more of them.
June 4, 2023
Wonderful
February 24, 2025
I liked the story and I liked the H. I'm not a big fan of a reluctant h but I can see why she had reservations. Total rating=4.5 stars
March 13, 2017
4 stars! A fantastic Regency read!
It was a dreary grey day in London, as Ameline Dawes stepped from the coach that dropped her in front of the home of the Earl of Hackwell. There was nothing that could draw Ameline from her quiet cottage and obscure existence on the grounds of the Longview children’s home where she resided as teacher and midwife but a request made by her benefactress; the gracious and charitable Lady Hackwell. The latest express by Lord Hackwell advised that the time was soon at hand, as Lady Hackwell preferred Ameline attend her as midwife in the birthing of their child. The days so close to Christmas notwithstanding, here she was. Ameline owed everything she’d known these past three years to Lady Hackwell’s generosity, as not so long ago, she herself was in need of a mid-wife, alone and discharged from duty and with no husband, her life truly changed thanks to Annabelle Beauverde. Clasping the hands of her soon-to-be three year old twin daughters they made their way to the door.
One step from being mortally wounded in the battle against Napoleon, although for the most part recovered from his wounds, the scars both hidden and visible, including the slight limp he tried to disguise, the hesitant to accept the title thrust upon him as new Marquess of Wallenford, Virgil Radcliffe stands at the door of his old commander Steven Beauverde. A new mission is at hand and Virgil is hoping the Major can help him find the only woman who could make this new life bearable.
It was a dreary grey day in London, as Ameline Dawes stepped from the coach that dropped her in front of the home of the Earl of Hackwell. There was nothing that could draw Ameline from her quiet cottage and obscure existence on the grounds of the Longview children’s home where she resided as teacher and midwife but a request made by her benefactress; the gracious and charitable Lady Hackwell. The latest express by Lord Hackwell advised that the time was soon at hand, as Lady Hackwell preferred Ameline attend her as midwife in the birthing of their child. The days so close to Christmas notwithstanding, here she was. Ameline owed everything she’d known these past three years to Lady Hackwell’s generosity, as not so long ago, she herself was in need of a mid-wife, alone and discharged from duty and with no husband, her life truly changed thanks to Annabelle Beauverde. Clasping the hands of her soon-to-be three year old twin daughters they made their way to the door.
One step from being mortally wounded in the battle against Napoleon, although for the most part recovered from his wounds, the scars both hidden and visible, including the slight limp he tried to disguise, the hesitant to accept the title thrust upon him as new Marquess of Wallenford, Virgil Radcliffe stands at the door of his old commander Steven Beauverde. A new mission is at hand and Virgil is hoping the Major can help him find the only woman who could make this new life bearable.
March 4, 2017
4.5/5.0
The story is a romantic cat and mouse game between star-crossed lovers.
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The story is a romantic cat and mouse game between star-crossed lovers.
Read full review in the 2017 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 2, 2016
The Marquess and the Midwife is a delightfully romantic love story. It takes you back to a time when the snobbiness of title, wealth, and aristocratic society ruled all, including love. Each in their own way, Ameline and Virgil bore the brunt of this society and suffered greatly. The storyline moved at an even pace. The characters were likable, even the few that were meant to be annoying. I found myself sighing, grumbling, and cheering throughout the story. Be assured, a happy ending awaits. This story is a treat!
December 17, 2016
I'm not a big fan of novellas, but being in two Christmas shows this holiday season has left me with precious little free time; thus, I thought I'd give some a go. I'd never read Field, but I'm glad I did, as this is one of the better short stories I've attempted. There were points near the end where it began to get repetitive - and the ending seemed very unlikely for real life (but we read this genre for escape, no?) - but the character development was good and I liked the concept of the story. I'll likely try the author again. Overall, 3.5 stars, with a generous holiday rounding to 4.
December 28, 2016
I really liked this book. It kept me guessing as to how the ending would be. I wish the author would have included an epilogue. I do like to know how events play out for the future. The grandmother Wallingford turned out to have a soft heart, and welcomed Ameline and the twins with open arms. I would read it again. Karen
I would read this again. Ameline gets to keep her work and be a marchioness. Virgil finally finds her after his family abandons her and leaves her with nothing but lies.
I would read this again. Ameline gets to keep her work and be a marchioness. Virgil finally finds her after his family abandons her and leaves her with nothing but lies.
November 23, 2016
What a great story.
This kind of story is one of my favorites situations. Ameline and Virgil have a really rough time till they meet again. Madeline has twin daughters that are his, but she had been run off by his family. He in turn has been badly wounded in the war and knows nothing of what happened while he has been gone. But they get their happy ever after..
This kind of story is one of my favorites situations. Ameline and Virgil have a really rough time till they meet again. Madeline has twin daughters that are his, but she had been run off by his family. He in turn has been badly wounded in the war and knows nothing of what happened while he has been gone. But they get their happy ever after..
November 28, 2016
Good read.
I liked the characters and the story. Definitely a different take on the regency romance. Good historical detail on the midwifery. Characters could be a little more fleshed out, but it moved quickly.
I liked the characters and the story. Definitely a different take on the regency romance. Good historical detail on the midwifery. Characters could be a little more fleshed out, but it moved quickly.
December 31, 2020
Left destitute after finding out she is pregnant, Ameline finds help in a children's home. Now home from the army and assuming the title after his brother's death, Virgil's first quest is to find the woman he cannot forget from three years ago. Very nice romance. Interesting info on midwifery.
April 12, 2017
Pleasant Regency Romp
A dishonorable noble, a younger son, sneaky fiance to the late Marque planning to marry the new heir, twins born out of wedlock, a heroine that puts her life back together working as a midwife, teacher and fixer of children's scrapes. A chance meeting of a lost love concludes with a HEA. This author is worth following.
A dishonorable noble, a younger son, sneaky fiance to the late Marque planning to marry the new heir, twins born out of wedlock, a heroine that puts her life back together working as a midwife, teacher and fixer of children's scrapes. A chance meeting of a lost love concludes with a HEA. This author is worth following.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews