What do you think?
Rate this book
Quaker Midwife Mystery #4
Charity's Burden
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll seeks the true cause of a young mother's death
The winter of 1889 is harsh in Amesbury, Massachusetts, but it doesn't stop Quaker midwife Rose Carroll from making the rounds to her pregnant and postpartum mothers. When Charity Skells dies from an apparent early miscarriage, Rose wonders about the symptoms that don't match the diagnosis. She learns that Charity's husband may be up to no good with a young woman whose mother appears to offer illegal abortions. A disgraced physician in town does the same, and Charity's cousin seems to have a nefarious agenda. With several suspects emerging, each with their own possible motives, Rose and police detective Kevin Donovan race against time to solve the case before another innocent life is taken.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2019
25 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Edith Maxwell
47 books582 followersEdith Maxwell is an Agatha-winning mystery author who writes the Local Foods Foods Mysteries as well as the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries, featuring a Quaker midwife sleuth in 1888.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
As Maddie Day, she writes the Country Store Mysteries set in southern Indiana, and the Cozy
Capers Book Group Mysteries.
Her short stories have appeared in twenty juried anthologies and magazines. She is active in Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Edith, a fourth-generation Californian, has two grown sons and lives in an antique house north of Boston with her beau, their energizer kitten, a small organic garden, and some impressive garden statuary. She worked as a software technical writer for almost two decades but now writes fiction full time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 19, 2018
Be ready to go back to 1889 and Amesbury Massachusetts, and with our Quaker/Detective/Midwife Rose Carroll, now this is the fourth in this series and I have read them all, but there is enough information give that you can read this one alone.
When are all the facts are reveled here it all goes back to greed, only so many are hurt by this person’s acts. Surprises happens and I felt I knew who the culprit was, but I kept changing my mind.
Poor Rose, bodies seem to follow her and she is innocent and just goes about helping woman, and newborns. Also, will she and David ever be able to marry, life goes on, but so do what at time seem to be insurmountable problems.
Another mystery and a glimpse into the life of a Quaker.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Midnight Ink, and was not required to give a positive review.
When are all the facts are reveled here it all goes back to greed, only so many are hurt by this person’s acts. Surprises happens and I felt I knew who the culprit was, but I kept changing my mind.
Poor Rose, bodies seem to follow her and she is innocent and just goes about helping woman, and newborns. Also, will she and David ever be able to marry, life goes on, but so do what at time seem to be insurmountable problems.
Another mystery and a glimpse into the life of a Quaker.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Midnight Ink, and was not required to give a positive review.
July 22, 2019
As much as the central themes of a midwife, a woman bleeding to death and the wish of desperately poor women to control the spacing of babies, with a look at what was legal and illegal at the time, I noticed and admired the weather. Yes, the weather; a bitterly cold Massachusetts is depicted during the 1800s when work was often done by hand, water was often cold, and so were houses. The wintry conditions interplay with the action, slowing down or preventing travel.
I had not read earlier books in this series but the author is clearly well into her stride. You could pick up with this book, but to get a real feel for the characters I'd suggest starting earlier. Our midwife heroine is engaged; I didn't know the gentleman and spent some time trying to get a sense of him and his attitudes. As they come from a religious community they are going to wait for approval from the Quaker faith before marrying.
Due to the subject matter I recommend this complex crime story for adults or mature teen readers.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
I had not read earlier books in this series but the author is clearly well into her stride. You could pick up with this book, but to get a real feel for the characters I'd suggest starting earlier. Our midwife heroine is engaged; I didn't know the gentleman and spent some time trying to get a sense of him and his attitudes. As they come from a religious community they are going to wait for approval from the Quaker faith before marrying.
Due to the subject matter I recommend this complex crime story for adults or mature teen readers.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
February 23, 2019
NetGalley:
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll seeks the true cause of a young mother's death
The winter of 1889 is harsh in Amesbury, Massachusetts, but it doesn't stop Quaker midwife Rose Carroll from making the rounds to her pregnant and postpartum mothers. When Charity Skells dies from an apparent early miscarriage, Rose wonders about the symptoms that don't match the diagnosis. She learns that Charity's husband may be up to no good with a young woman whose mother appears to offer illegal abortions. A disgraced physician in town does the same, and Charity's cousin seems to have a nefarious agenda. With several suspects emerging, each with their own possible motives, Rose and police detective Kevin Donovan race against time to solve the case before another innocent life is taken.
My review:
Charity's Burden is not your typical cozy mystery or Christian Quaker read. It has a definite bite. Where should I start? I'll start with this is not be viewed as a Christian fiction or cozy mystery. Yes, it centers around the Quakers in Massachusettes in 1889 but there are no mentions of bible verses or faith-based sermons you usually find in a Christian book. There is one romance scene that while it does not go into detail you understand there are inappropriate relations between two unmarried characters, one of them being the Quaker midwife.
This book discusses in detail the pros and cons of different abortion and safe sex practices in 1889. I found it very educational for the curious researcher in me. If you are fiercely against abortion I would say this is not the book for you. As I was reading I did not feel as if this was a political platform, it just shared how such things were thought of during the time. The Comstock laws were mentioned several times during the book and I would suggest you take a moment to look those up if you are unfamiliar with them.
I am definitely interested in reading the first three books in the series and have in fact already requested the first book from my local library.
Please do not use this review for ANY POLITICAL platform as this is not the place for them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Midnight Ink through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
PS: Edith Maxwell is also Maddie Day of the Country Store series.
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll seeks the true cause of a young mother's death
The winter of 1889 is harsh in Amesbury, Massachusetts, but it doesn't stop Quaker midwife Rose Carroll from making the rounds to her pregnant and postpartum mothers. When Charity Skells dies from an apparent early miscarriage, Rose wonders about the symptoms that don't match the diagnosis. She learns that Charity's husband may be up to no good with a young woman whose mother appears to offer illegal abortions. A disgraced physician in town does the same, and Charity's cousin seems to have a nefarious agenda. With several suspects emerging, each with their own possible motives, Rose and police detective Kevin Donovan race against time to solve the case before another innocent life is taken.
My review:
Charity's Burden is not your typical cozy mystery or Christian Quaker read. It has a definite bite. Where should I start? I'll start with this is not be viewed as a Christian fiction or cozy mystery. Yes, it centers around the Quakers in Massachusettes in 1889 but there are no mentions of bible verses or faith-based sermons you usually find in a Christian book. There is one romance scene that while it does not go into detail you understand there are inappropriate relations between two unmarried characters, one of them being the Quaker midwife.
This book discusses in detail the pros and cons of different abortion and safe sex practices in 1889. I found it very educational for the curious researcher in me. If you are fiercely against abortion I would say this is not the book for you. As I was reading I did not feel as if this was a political platform, it just shared how such things were thought of during the time. The Comstock laws were mentioned several times during the book and I would suggest you take a moment to look those up if you are unfamiliar with them.
I am definitely interested in reading the first three books in the series and have in fact already requested the first book from my local library.
Please do not use this review for ANY POLITICAL platform as this is not the place for them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Midnight Ink through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
PS: Edith Maxwell is also Maddie Day of the Country Store series.
August 24, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was such a powerful story! 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts and Quaker midwife Rose Carol is caught up in a hot political issue. As a midwife, she feels part of her job is to help with family planning but with The Comstock Law that is on the same level as performing an abortion. Let me be clear, Rose does not perform “mechanical” abortions but someone in town does and it may have cost one of her patients their lives.
Charity Skells is dead after losing too much blood, more blood that would have been caused by a miscarriage. Rose believes Charity may have had an abortion. When she visits the husband’s work to inform him of his wife’s death the receptionist is a little overprotective regarding who can talk to the man. A woman whose mother provides prohibited procedures. Rose also finds another doctor in town that could have hurt her patient. She soon realizes she needs to the help of her friend, Detective Kevin Donovan, but they have to get a little creative with their communications because the new police chief has banned her from the station and any case she may want to get involved in.
On Rose’s homefront, she is still waiting for approval to marry her non-Quaker beau David both from his mother and the Amesbury Friends. Her niece Faith has been given permission to wed her betrothed Zeb and the marriage will take place soon. Her brother-in-law Frederick introduces his new companion Winnie. Everyone is happy because he had been struggling greatly following his wife’s death.
Ms. Maxwell weaves such a wonderful story of the life of women in 1889. I had a “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” moment think of our world in 2019.
Rose’s life is complicated as she tries to determine how her patient died, but she is also dealing with her other pregnant patients and helping raise her sister’s children. Rose is so brave, stubborn, and independent, even when her own life is threatened. She and her Friends are comfortable in their faith and their place in the town. The author strikes a nice balance between the main mystery plot and the daily life subplots. I loved that history moves on with a telephone in Rose’s home and that she helps with an unusual birth,
Two ceremonial events, a funeral, and a wedding take place in this story. I was so intrigued by these happenings in the Quaker tradition. Even a Catholic in attendance comments on the differences. The Quakers have such a calm way about them in happy times and in sad and are very open to allowing non-Friends to express themselves as well. I was moved by both events.
Characters that are genuine with true dialogues including the “thee”s and “thou”s, are involved in a very compelling story. Scenes are described in such rich detail, I forced myself to slow down so I could breathe in every word.
I am so excited. The next book in this series Judge Thee Not will be released in just a few weeks, September 10.
As always, I recommend reading this series in order for maximum enjoyment.
This was such a powerful story! 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts and Quaker midwife Rose Carol is caught up in a hot political issue. As a midwife, she feels part of her job is to help with family planning but with The Comstock Law that is on the same level as performing an abortion. Let me be clear, Rose does not perform “mechanical” abortions but someone in town does and it may have cost one of her patients their lives.
Charity Skells is dead after losing too much blood, more blood that would have been caused by a miscarriage. Rose believes Charity may have had an abortion. When she visits the husband’s work to inform him of his wife’s death the receptionist is a little overprotective regarding who can talk to the man. A woman whose mother provides prohibited procedures. Rose also finds another doctor in town that could have hurt her patient. She soon realizes she needs to the help of her friend, Detective Kevin Donovan, but they have to get a little creative with their communications because the new police chief has banned her from the station and any case she may want to get involved in.
On Rose’s homefront, she is still waiting for approval to marry her non-Quaker beau David both from his mother and the Amesbury Friends. Her niece Faith has been given permission to wed her betrothed Zeb and the marriage will take place soon. Her brother-in-law Frederick introduces his new companion Winnie. Everyone is happy because he had been struggling greatly following his wife’s death.
Ms. Maxwell weaves such a wonderful story of the life of women in 1889. I had a “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” moment think of our world in 2019.
Rose’s life is complicated as she tries to determine how her patient died, but she is also dealing with her other pregnant patients and helping raise her sister’s children. Rose is so brave, stubborn, and independent, even when her own life is threatened. She and her Friends are comfortable in their faith and their place in the town. The author strikes a nice balance between the main mystery plot and the daily life subplots. I loved that history moves on with a telephone in Rose’s home and that she helps with an unusual birth,
Two ceremonial events, a funeral, and a wedding take place in this story. I was so intrigued by these happenings in the Quaker tradition. Even a Catholic in attendance comments on the differences. The Quakers have such a calm way about them in happy times and in sad and are very open to allowing non-Friends to express themselves as well. I was moved by both events.
Characters that are genuine with true dialogues including the “thee”s and “thou”s, are involved in a very compelling story. Scenes are described in such rich detail, I forced myself to slow down so I could breathe in every word.
I am so excited. The next book in this series Judge Thee Not will be released in just a few weeks, September 10.
As always, I recommend reading this series in order for maximum enjoyment.
December 21, 2018
Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in the late 1800s in Massachusetts. When one of her patients bleeds to death, Rose suspects it was more than a miscarriage. But was it an illegal abortion, or was the young mother murdered? Rose suspects the latter and finds that there are quite a few suspects and motives too.
While Rose tries to stick to her calling, she can’t help but find out more details without even trying at times. But when her buggy is hit one evening, Rose realizes she may be getting too close to the truth and her own safety is at risk.
With a police detective as an ally, a doctor as a fiancé, and the town post mistress as a confidant, Rose is unlike any other Quaker you may be familiar with. The mystery is well laid out and you get a glimpse into the quaker life. An enjoyable cozy mystery.
While Rose tries to stick to her calling, she can’t help but find out more details without even trying at times. But when her buggy is hit one evening, Rose realizes she may be getting too close to the truth and her own safety is at risk.
With a police detective as an ally, a doctor as a fiancé, and the town post mistress as a confidant, Rose is unlike any other Quaker you may be familiar with. The mystery is well laid out and you get a glimpse into the quaker life. An enjoyable cozy mystery.
February 17, 2019
Frightening parallels to today’s fight for women’s reproductive rights. Midwife Rose Carroll tries to help women plan their children and space them out a little. It is not always easy and Rose is called to help deliver those babies. When one of her clients dies from what looks to be murder through a botched mechanical abortion, Rose tries to find the killer. Another engaging book In the Quaker Midwife series
June 29, 2023
This book really contains two things: a mystery story and also a subplot concerning women and abortion issues. It is important to understand that the story takes place in the 1800s when abortions were both illegal and frowned upon. The mystery part of the book was excellent! There was a murder with multiple suspects. It was entertaining to discover which character was the murderer and which ones were just troublesome characters. Truthfully, I could not determine the identity of the murderer until the end of the book. The subplot about abortions was very eye opening to me. It was a lot to process! I admit that some of what was written about was new to me. It did not change my personal stance against abortion, but wow! It opened my eyes to what other women go through.
June 18, 2019
The never-ending debate of abortion is handle very well in the fourth volume of the Quaker Midwife mysteries. Abortion is illegal in the state of Massachusetts even talking or sharing information is a crime in1889.
It looks like someone is doing abortions and Rose Carroll is detriment to find the guilty party and put a stopped to killing of full-term babies. Life goes on for her family. David's Mother no longer is against the marriage but has plans for a number of wedding parties. Faith is married to Zeb and the Quaker method to wed is described.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
It looks like someone is doing abortions and Rose Carroll is detriment to find the guilty party and put a stopped to killing of full-term babies. Life goes on for her family. David's Mother no longer is against the marriage but has plans for a number of wedding parties. Faith is married to Zeb and the Quaker method to wed is described.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
March 22, 2019
Charity's Burden
Edith Maxwell's CHARITY'S BURDEN was so satisfying that I held the book and contemplated it for a few minutes when I finished. I had read all afternoon and evening until sleepiness overtook me, and a description of Rose's weariness confirmed that we both needed rest, so I "slept on it" and read to stunning resolution at dawn. The death of a patient from excessive bleeding marked the beginning of a very twisted mystery, leading to discussions of “family spacing,” “regulating” women’s monthlies, and the Comstock Laws making even gentle remedies illegal. Rose Carroll resolves to be careful and stay out of police matters, but is drawn in by curiosity and a sense of duty, and the need to clear her own reputation of the poison of gossips. There is also a wedding to plan, and a twinge of sadness at the delay of her own, but it will happen “as Way opens.” What a marvelous way to think of difficulties!
Births, equine as well as human, are dramatic, sometimes difficult, and joyous! Mothers are heroic! The day to day tasks inspire in a smaller, but still crucial way, as life goes on. Rose, wrapped for the cold, pauses to plan dinner, starting dough for bread and then re-wrapping herself to face the cold. The bread-making reminded me of my grandma’s baking, no recipe, but the best ever, and the cinnamon sugar to make cookies from left-over pie dough was a fun bonus in my mom’s kitchen as well.
There was sad irony that Charity was reluctant to accept charity, did so for her children’s sake, but underfed herself. The economy made charity necessary. “What was a chandler to do when the world had turned to gas lighting instead of candles?”
A nurse warns, regarding a husband’s refusal to use a ‘safe,’ “A man who disregards his wife’s health isn’t worth her affections.” Men of intemperate habits can create harm beyond themselves, reminding me of Elizabeth Proctor’s warning to John in THE CRUCIBLE, “There is a promise made” even in what was intended as a meaningless coupling.
Fortunate are the women who partner with good men, who do (thank goodness) outnumber the others and enrich lives with love and comfort, wisdom and expertise. There is promise of more happiness . . . book five will come in the fall. One doesn’t have to read the series in order, but you might want to. There’s time . . . <3
Edith Maxwell's CHARITY'S BURDEN was so satisfying that I held the book and contemplated it for a few minutes when I finished. I had read all afternoon and evening until sleepiness overtook me, and a description of Rose's weariness confirmed that we both needed rest, so I "slept on it" and read to stunning resolution at dawn. The death of a patient from excessive bleeding marked the beginning of a very twisted mystery, leading to discussions of “family spacing,” “regulating” women’s monthlies, and the Comstock Laws making even gentle remedies illegal. Rose Carroll resolves to be careful and stay out of police matters, but is drawn in by curiosity and a sense of duty, and the need to clear her own reputation of the poison of gossips. There is also a wedding to plan, and a twinge of sadness at the delay of her own, but it will happen “as Way opens.” What a marvelous way to think of difficulties!
Births, equine as well as human, are dramatic, sometimes difficult, and joyous! Mothers are heroic! The day to day tasks inspire in a smaller, but still crucial way, as life goes on. Rose, wrapped for the cold, pauses to plan dinner, starting dough for bread and then re-wrapping herself to face the cold. The bread-making reminded me of my grandma’s baking, no recipe, but the best ever, and the cinnamon sugar to make cookies from left-over pie dough was a fun bonus in my mom’s kitchen as well.
There was sad irony that Charity was reluctant to accept charity, did so for her children’s sake, but underfed herself. The economy made charity necessary. “What was a chandler to do when the world had turned to gas lighting instead of candles?”
A nurse warns, regarding a husband’s refusal to use a ‘safe,’ “A man who disregards his wife’s health isn’t worth her affections.” Men of intemperate habits can create harm beyond themselves, reminding me of Elizabeth Proctor’s warning to John in THE CRUCIBLE, “There is a promise made” even in what was intended as a meaningless coupling.
Fortunate are the women who partner with good men, who do (thank goodness) outnumber the others and enrich lives with love and comfort, wisdom and expertise. There is promise of more happiness . . . book five will come in the fall. One doesn’t have to read the series in order, but you might want to. There’s time . . . <3
April 5, 2019
Great historical fiction with a mystery. Rose, a Quaker midwife, has stumbled on a bigger problem in her town and environs when she attends Charity Skills, who dies from a miscarriage. Working with Keith Donovan, a very open minded detective, she uncovers a real issue. My fondness for this series is based in part on the fascinating relationships between Rose and others, notably her fiancé David, wo is not a Quaker. It's well written and educational about a culture and a time period. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier ones, this is fine as a standalone and a very good read.
March 25, 2019
It's February 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Quaker midwife Rose Carroll gets a call from Charity Skells but she is not able to save the mother of 5 from bleeding out and dying from an apparent early miscarriage. Rose is suspicious about Charity's death and requests an autopsy which reveals the woman's uterus had been perforated a number of times. Did Charity get an illegal abortion? There are several possible suspects in Charity's murder. Charity's husband Ransom may have been having relations with Delia Davies, the receptionist at his shipbuilding workplace. Delia's mother, the mysterious Savoire offered services to women but did that also include abortions? Disgraced physician Wallace Buckham also performed similar services. Rose continues her sleuthing despite getting threatened to stop. With a new police chief in town, Rose has to hide her aiding her friend detective Kevin Donovan in the investigation..
The marriage of Rose's niece Faith ends the story and provides a hint to the next stage in her relationship with her fiance David.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
The marriage of Rose's niece Faith ends the story and provides a hint to the next stage in her relationship with her fiance David.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Midnight Ink with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
October 14, 2019
The book is set in 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts and features Rose Carroll, a Quaker midwife, as the main character. The subject matter, abortions, and the people who perform them is still as timely today as it was in 1889. Rose loses a patient, Charity, to massive bleeding which was caused by a botched abortion and Rose needs to find the person who killed her patient. The book was a quick easy read.
June 23, 2020
Powerful story about issues that are equally relevant today. The Agatha Award was well deserved.
June 15, 2019
A fascinating historical mystery series featuring a Quaker midwife, her family, and her patients.
A trigger warning, abortion and birth control become an integral part of the story in this one.
A trigger warning, abortion and birth control become an integral part of the story in this one.
February 10, 2019
I like this series and I liked this installment.
It was an entertaining and engaging read.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters and read about the evolution in their life.
The mystery was great and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this ARC
It was an entertaining and engaging read.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters and read about the evolution in their life.
The mystery was great and it kept me guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for this ARC
February 7, 2019
Interesting story about the death of a young mother, a patient of a midwife. The midwife can't seem to help herself from trying to solve the case. Lots of twists that keeps you jumping frim one character to another.
March 2, 2021
Once again Rose Carroll , Quaker midwife has stumbled into another murder. This time a young mother of five, will Rose be able to piece together the clues and find the what led to the death of Charity?
The options are many as to what happened to Charity, was it simply an early miscarriage or was it a botched abortion? This historical fiction leads us through the past when women did not have access to contraceptives to the extent of modern women. I felt as if Rose even though a Quaker and midwife leaned toward abortion as a viable choice for too many pregnancies in a short span. I had trouble reconciling that with her Quaker lifestyle. I know that many midwives leaned toward helping with herbal remedies as a way to prevent or terminate early pregnancies.
The thread of romance between Rose and David continues the hopefully there will be an additional book to “wrap things up.”
I really enjoyed the previous book that I read in this series but this one had so many formatting errors that it greatly distracted my enjoyment of the book. I know the final product will be perfect, but it affected my speed at reading this ARC. That being said thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this e-copy opinions are my own.
April 2, 2019
Charity’s Burden is 4th in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series, filled with intense suspense, intrigue, and family joy. Historical events are well-researched. The characters are very mature for their ages and sufficiently defined. The mystery is stimulating. At the same time, the mystery results in thought-provoking conversations about something that is still a hot-button subject today.
It is the winter of 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in her late 20’s. She is a diligent, caring professional who loves what she does. Since her sister Harriet’s death, she lives in and offices out of the home of her brother-in-law to help with her five nieces and nephews. Rose’s fiancé, David, is a physician; their wedding date is pending due to objections from the local Meeting (as he is not Quaker) and David’s mother. We get to join Rose and her family as they prepare for the marriage of Faith, her oldest niece, and Zeb, who she has been seeing for a while.
Rose is called to go to the home of Charity Skells, a young mother of five who lost her last child, born prematurely. The Skells have had financial problems. Charity’s husband Ransom has recently gone back to work, but during her last pregnancy, she often went without food to feed their children. When Rose arrives at the Skells’ apartment, Charity seems to be having a miscarriage, but there is far too much bleeding for a first-trimester pregnancy. Rose rushes her to nearby Methodist Hospital, but it is too late to save her. She requests an autopsy to be performed, but it must be either requested by the police or approved by her husband.
Rose successfully gets the autopsy to go forward through the police detective and friend, Kevin, who she has given information to in the past about murders. Charity’s mother, Virtue, had given her money to get herbs that could take care of her situation as she was still weak from her last pregnancy. Rose’s concern for the women in her care coupled with autopsy results and information she begins to hear from other clients indicate that someone is illegally performing “mechanical” (as opposed to herbal) abortions and give her some clues. There are several suspects, including Charity’s husband, suspected of having an affair with a co-worker. When an attempt is made on Rose’s life, she knows she is getting too close to the killer and must decide if she should leave it to the police to find who the killer is, and whether it was on purpose or very badly botched.
This is a challenging, multi-faceted mystery that brings more women’s history to the forefront. I was surprised at the stringency of the Comstock Laws that made it illegal to even discuss family planning or birth control, much less give herbal preparations or use mechanical means for an abortion. I appreciate the frustrations of women in obtaining any kind of birth control and their medical providers who must keep silent. This is a challenging read, however, for anyone who is pro-life. I appreciated seeing a marriage and funeral conducted in the Quaker tradition along with how Rose practices her faith. I was somewhat surprised at the final events, including confirmation of who the murderer was. This is a well-written, thought-provoking novel, and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates historical mysteries.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of the eArc of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
It is the winter of 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in her late 20’s. She is a diligent, caring professional who loves what she does. Since her sister Harriet’s death, she lives in and offices out of the home of her brother-in-law to help with her five nieces and nephews. Rose’s fiancé, David, is a physician; their wedding date is pending due to objections from the local Meeting (as he is not Quaker) and David’s mother. We get to join Rose and her family as they prepare for the marriage of Faith, her oldest niece, and Zeb, who she has been seeing for a while.
Rose is called to go to the home of Charity Skells, a young mother of five who lost her last child, born prematurely. The Skells have had financial problems. Charity’s husband Ransom has recently gone back to work, but during her last pregnancy, she often went without food to feed their children. When Rose arrives at the Skells’ apartment, Charity seems to be having a miscarriage, but there is far too much bleeding for a first-trimester pregnancy. Rose rushes her to nearby Methodist Hospital, but it is too late to save her. She requests an autopsy to be performed, but it must be either requested by the police or approved by her husband.
Rose successfully gets the autopsy to go forward through the police detective and friend, Kevin, who she has given information to in the past about murders. Charity’s mother, Virtue, had given her money to get herbs that could take care of her situation as she was still weak from her last pregnancy. Rose’s concern for the women in her care coupled with autopsy results and information she begins to hear from other clients indicate that someone is illegally performing “mechanical” (as opposed to herbal) abortions and give her some clues. There are several suspects, including Charity’s husband, suspected of having an affair with a co-worker. When an attempt is made on Rose’s life, she knows she is getting too close to the killer and must decide if she should leave it to the police to find who the killer is, and whether it was on purpose or very badly botched.
This is a challenging, multi-faceted mystery that brings more women’s history to the forefront. I was surprised at the stringency of the Comstock Laws that made it illegal to even discuss family planning or birth control, much less give herbal preparations or use mechanical means for an abortion. I appreciate the frustrations of women in obtaining any kind of birth control and their medical providers who must keep silent. This is a challenging read, however, for anyone who is pro-life. I appreciated seeing a marriage and funeral conducted in the Quaker tradition along with how Rose practices her faith. I was somewhat surprised at the final events, including confirmation of who the murderer was. This is a well-written, thought-provoking novel, and I recommend it to anyone who appreciates historical mysteries.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of the eArc of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.
May 19, 2019
CHARITY’S BURDEN by Edith Maxwell is the fourth book in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series. It’s the wonderfully written story of Quaker midwife Rose Carroll as she tries to solve the murder case of one of her patients, Charity Skells. It all takes place during the harsh winter months of 1889 in Amesbury, Massachusetts.
While making her rounds, Rose finds Charity in great pain and bleeding much more profusely than from a standard miscarriage and insists on taking her to the hospital. After she succumbs to the loss of blood, things just don’t add up. Rose makes a trip to see her friend, police detective Kevin Donovan, and request that her death be looked into further.
Things take on murderous turn when the autopsy confirms what Rose believed – that she had died from an ill-fated abortion. Never one to turn her head on seeing a wrong being righted, Rose knows that she must once again seek out clues as to who had done this dastardly deed. It becomes difficult when the new police chief does not approve of her amateur sleuthing and puts her friend’s job on the line if she communicates with him through normal channels. It makes it difficult and more time consuming, but not impossible as she works around that by using Kevin’s wife to relay messages.
It seems there are more than one suspect to be considered with greed being the main reason when a will of Charity’s relative shows she was to inherit a great deal of money followed closely by infidelity when it surfaces that her husband was having an affair with Miss Davies.
With several attempts on Rose’s life, she weighs her options and decides to continue her investigation moving cautiously and with dedication to finding justice for Charity.
All the while, she is helping to maintain her deceased sister’s household and is joyous over the announcement of the union of marriage of her niece, Faith, and her beau, Zeb, and all the wedding plans. A small part of her is jealous that it’s not her wedding to her love David, but that day will come when it’s time.
Can Rose find the answers to the puzzle on how Charity had died? Who was behind the acts that killed her? Was the person that killed her doing it on their own part or had they been hired to do it? Is money really the root of all evil? Will the person threatening Rose succeed in their threats before she can find the answers?
CHARITY’S BURDEN is a well written story that is true to the time frame showing the dedication to detail and accuracy on the part of the author. She shows how women virtually had no rights and no control – even over their own bodies - during this era. Edith Maxwell tackled a very delicate subject showing all sides and the difficult decisions that woman had to make during that time – including risking their own lives. She managed to make you feel just about every emotion in this book from the fear when Rose is run off the road, the sympathy for the young child who must grow up way too fast by becoming woman of the house after the death of her mother, the joy of a wedding and promised love, the anger at the useless loss of life, to laughter at the naivety of a soon to be bride on sexual matters. I’ve loved every book in this series and this one was no exception. Although part of a series, CHARITY’S BURDEN can definitely be read as a standalone. Can’t wait for the next installment which I hope has another marriage in it of our own Miss Rose. I would definitely recommend this book and have.
While making her rounds, Rose finds Charity in great pain and bleeding much more profusely than from a standard miscarriage and insists on taking her to the hospital. After she succumbs to the loss of blood, things just don’t add up. Rose makes a trip to see her friend, police detective Kevin Donovan, and request that her death be looked into further.
Things take on murderous turn when the autopsy confirms what Rose believed – that she had died from an ill-fated abortion. Never one to turn her head on seeing a wrong being righted, Rose knows that she must once again seek out clues as to who had done this dastardly deed. It becomes difficult when the new police chief does not approve of her amateur sleuthing and puts her friend’s job on the line if she communicates with him through normal channels. It makes it difficult and more time consuming, but not impossible as she works around that by using Kevin’s wife to relay messages.
It seems there are more than one suspect to be considered with greed being the main reason when a will of Charity’s relative shows she was to inherit a great deal of money followed closely by infidelity when it surfaces that her husband was having an affair with Miss Davies.
With several attempts on Rose’s life, she weighs her options and decides to continue her investigation moving cautiously and with dedication to finding justice for Charity.
All the while, she is helping to maintain her deceased sister’s household and is joyous over the announcement of the union of marriage of her niece, Faith, and her beau, Zeb, and all the wedding plans. A small part of her is jealous that it’s not her wedding to her love David, but that day will come when it’s time.
Can Rose find the answers to the puzzle on how Charity had died? Who was behind the acts that killed her? Was the person that killed her doing it on their own part or had they been hired to do it? Is money really the root of all evil? Will the person threatening Rose succeed in their threats before she can find the answers?
CHARITY’S BURDEN is a well written story that is true to the time frame showing the dedication to detail and accuracy on the part of the author. She shows how women virtually had no rights and no control – even over their own bodies - during this era. Edith Maxwell tackled a very delicate subject showing all sides and the difficult decisions that woman had to make during that time – including risking their own lives. She managed to make you feel just about every emotion in this book from the fear when Rose is run off the road, the sympathy for the young child who must grow up way too fast by becoming woman of the house after the death of her mother, the joy of a wedding and promised love, the anger at the useless loss of life, to laughter at the naivety of a soon to be bride on sexual matters. I’ve loved every book in this series and this one was no exception. Although part of a series, CHARITY’S BURDEN can definitely be read as a standalone. Can’t wait for the next installment which I hope has another marriage in it of our own Miss Rose. I would definitely recommend this book and have.
May 2, 2019
I have had the pleasure of reading all the books in Edith Maxwell's Quaker Midwife Mystery series and I am in love with Rose Carroll !! The books are written and set in the late 1800's and it is amazing to read and imagine how things were in those times. Yes things were very, very different....and then some things are still quite the same.
To a reader the 1800's may look to be an easier time .... with there being no modern technology to consume people, transportation was extremely different, families were extremely devoted to each other and in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series, they were extremely devoted to their religion.
In Charity's Burden, the latest in this series, Maxwell takes the reader into a very judgemental and serious look at childbearing. With Rose being a midwife and helping mothers give birth and bring healthy babies into the world, abortion is not something that she approves of. Rose is willing to help mothers with family spacing (giving mothers herbs to help prevent them from getting pregnant) and when one of her patients comes to her with excessive bleeding and passes shortly after, Rose knows that she did not die from natural causes. Rose is again determined to find out the truth of Charity's death and find the guilty party and bring Charity's family some justice.
While Rose is doing her investigating, she is always in touch with her friend and local police detective, Kevin Donovan. Unfortunately Rose is banned from going to the police station by the new Police Chief so she must go to Kevin's home and leave him messages with his wife....which back in the 1800's isn't very easy especially in the cold winter months. But determined Rose will do what it takes and luckily Kevin's wife is well aware of Rose's past involvements with helping Kevin so Rose is very welcome at their home.
In Charity's Burden there are happy things going on as well. Faith, Rose's eldest niece is getting married !!! Even though Rose and her fiance David have been engaged for a while, they have some obstacles to deal with before thier happy day can occur so they set their sad feelings aside to enjoy Faith and Zeb's Worship for Marriage.
Luckily Rose was able to solve Charity's murder just in time to get to the Meetinghouse to witness the marriage. (If you've read any of these books, you know that Rose does seem to like to cut things close....another reason to love her)
When reading the Quaker Midwife Mystery series books, you cannot help but wonder at all the research that Maxwell puts into these stories. It always amazes me that the author's put so much work into writting some stories. The reader tends to get carried away reading the story and doesn't really think about how the words actually made it to print. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Maxwell and I have learned that the Quaker Midwife Mystery series has a lot of her heart in them. She thrives on researching and truly loves writing and sharing Rose's stories. I personally think that she has a time machine and travels back in time and spends time in the 1800's so that she can be sure to get everything exactly as it is. When you are reading these books, you FEEL like you yourself are there !! And that is what makes these books a treasure to read and enjoy !!!!
To a reader the 1800's may look to be an easier time .... with there being no modern technology to consume people, transportation was extremely different, families were extremely devoted to each other and in the Quaker Midwife Mystery series, they were extremely devoted to their religion.
In Charity's Burden, the latest in this series, Maxwell takes the reader into a very judgemental and serious look at childbearing. With Rose being a midwife and helping mothers give birth and bring healthy babies into the world, abortion is not something that she approves of. Rose is willing to help mothers with family spacing (giving mothers herbs to help prevent them from getting pregnant) and when one of her patients comes to her with excessive bleeding and passes shortly after, Rose knows that she did not die from natural causes. Rose is again determined to find out the truth of Charity's death and find the guilty party and bring Charity's family some justice.
While Rose is doing her investigating, she is always in touch with her friend and local police detective, Kevin Donovan. Unfortunately Rose is banned from going to the police station by the new Police Chief so she must go to Kevin's home and leave him messages with his wife....which back in the 1800's isn't very easy especially in the cold winter months. But determined Rose will do what it takes and luckily Kevin's wife is well aware of Rose's past involvements with helping Kevin so Rose is very welcome at their home.
In Charity's Burden there are happy things going on as well. Faith, Rose's eldest niece is getting married !!! Even though Rose and her fiance David have been engaged for a while, they have some obstacles to deal with before thier happy day can occur so they set their sad feelings aside to enjoy Faith and Zeb's Worship for Marriage.
Luckily Rose was able to solve Charity's murder just in time to get to the Meetinghouse to witness the marriage. (If you've read any of these books, you know that Rose does seem to like to cut things close....another reason to love her)
When reading the Quaker Midwife Mystery series books, you cannot help but wonder at all the research that Maxwell puts into these stories. It always amazes me that the author's put so much work into writting some stories. The reader tends to get carried away reading the story and doesn't really think about how the words actually made it to print. I have had the pleasure of getting to know Maxwell and I have learned that the Quaker Midwife Mystery series has a lot of her heart in them. She thrives on researching and truly loves writing and sharing Rose's stories. I personally think that she has a time machine and travels back in time and spends time in the 1800's so that she can be sure to get everything exactly as it is. When you are reading these books, you FEEL like you yourself are there !! And that is what makes these books a treasure to read and enjoy !!!!
January 29, 2022
1889, when Quaker midwife Rose Carroll is called to care for a poor young woman hemorrhaging ( possibly after a botched mechanical abortion), she ends up helping the police figure out what happened in Charity’s last hours and who might have wanted her dead. Rose wrestles with the need for family spacing, Comstock laws, unprofessional practitioners and her own beliefs.
+ deals with the need for family planning & how women suffer when professionals cannot give them factual information and treatment due to laws written by men who never knew them or their needs. The struggle to maintain their own health with the demands of frequent childbearing and thin resources to feed the children they already have.
74 I learned over the years to pay attention to that still small voice within, as friends call it. No matter if it was seemingly gods voice telling me an action was wrong, were the one nagging at me when I left home telling me I had forgotten to bring some thing I needed. It always behoove me to listen.
90 Her feet seem lighter than now. And mine? I did not feel lighter for prescribing a method to expel the tiny but growing fetus from her body. But it was her body and her choice. My mission was to help my mothers. That was all I could do.
105 if I let angry men stop me from doing my work, I’ve given up long ago.
210 I folded my hands in my lap and close my eyes. I help charities released soul in the light and pray for her children that they might find peace in their newly motherless life.
We are gathered here today to remember that too short life of our sister, charity Swift skills, his soul was released to God this week. For those of you not familiar with the ways of friends, we sit in silence expectation waiting for a message from God. We have no sermon, no hymns, and no single minister, as we believe we all minister to one another. Today we ask you to also remain quiet until you are so moved to share a message about charity. Please stand and do so in love and clear voice so all they hear. It is a custom to then leave a period of silence before the next message. Maturity rest well and God‘s light.
212 hospital nurse: I had the privilege of sitting with Miss skills as her soul passed from this earthly plane I don’t know her except in her last hours, but I want to express my appreciation for allowing me to help ease her final journey. May the good Lord bless her and keep her, and her family, too, in their hour of need.
What a lovely thing to say. It was, indeed, a privilege to sit with someone who was dying. It was as much a privilege as that of watching life come into this world of ours, which of course I did much more frequently.
+ deals with the need for family planning & how women suffer when professionals cannot give them factual information and treatment due to laws written by men who never knew them or their needs. The struggle to maintain their own health with the demands of frequent childbearing and thin resources to feed the children they already have.
74 I learned over the years to pay attention to that still small voice within, as friends call it. No matter if it was seemingly gods voice telling me an action was wrong, were the one nagging at me when I left home telling me I had forgotten to bring some thing I needed. It always behoove me to listen.
90 Her feet seem lighter than now. And mine? I did not feel lighter for prescribing a method to expel the tiny but growing fetus from her body. But it was her body and her choice. My mission was to help my mothers. That was all I could do.
105 if I let angry men stop me from doing my work, I’ve given up long ago.
210 I folded my hands in my lap and close my eyes. I help charities released soul in the light and pray for her children that they might find peace in their newly motherless life.
We are gathered here today to remember that too short life of our sister, charity Swift skills, his soul was released to God this week. For those of you not familiar with the ways of friends, we sit in silence expectation waiting for a message from God. We have no sermon, no hymns, and no single minister, as we believe we all minister to one another. Today we ask you to also remain quiet until you are so moved to share a message about charity. Please stand and do so in love and clear voice so all they hear. It is a custom to then leave a period of silence before the next message. Maturity rest well and God‘s light.
212 hospital nurse: I had the privilege of sitting with Miss skills as her soul passed from this earthly plane I don’t know her except in her last hours, but I want to express my appreciation for allowing me to help ease her final journey. May the good Lord bless her and keep her, and her family, too, in their hour of need.
What a lovely thing to say. It was, indeed, a privilege to sit with someone who was dying. It was as much a privilege as that of watching life come into this world of ours, which of course I did much more frequently.
May 18, 2020
Just finished reading "Charity's Burden" by Edith Maxwell, the fourth in her "Quaker Midwife Mystery" series, and found it very soothing during this time of ever-present political crises and Covid-19. I know practically nothing about Quakers in the 1800's, so I can't attest to its historical accuracy, but I liked the protagonist, a young midwife, who had I suppose you can say, rather progressive ideas (for the time) on birth control -- she'd seen what not spacing out children can do to a woman's health -- and even on certain kinds of abortion (for rape, a woman's bad health, or just not being able to feed another child).
I found the protagonist's problems with male superiority to be very realistic for the period, and liked her desire to solve the murder of one of her clients. The protagonist also had her own problems to conquer: being engaged to a non-Quaker (which was frowned upon), and a prospective mother-in-law who refused to sanction the marriage. I liked her patience in wanting to wait until she had her in-laws-to-be support.
The mystery itself was fairly straightforward, so if you're looking for a good, hard, thought-exercise, you might not want to read it.
I found my immersion in "a simpler time" (no, not really, but that's what it always looks like looking backwards) and the strength of the protagonist's strong, yet simple faith to be very soothing in this day and age. I'm not quite sure what a "cozy" mystery is, but this might be one.
Since birth-control and sexual relations are mentioned, I wouldn't recommend it for pre-teens. Even for teenagers, it should come with a strong warning that some of the birth control methods used back then are now considered ineffective and some (tansy tea) are harmful; parents should be sure to point this out. There is also one indirectly-alluded to premarital sex scene, so don't read it if that would upset you.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but since it referred to a prior case she'd solved, I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. It was a good antidote for stress.
Go. Read. Enjoy!
I found the protagonist's problems with male superiority to be very realistic for the period, and liked her desire to solve the murder of one of her clients. The protagonist also had her own problems to conquer: being engaged to a non-Quaker (which was frowned upon), and a prospective mother-in-law who refused to sanction the marriage. I liked her patience in wanting to wait until she had her in-laws-to-be support.
The mystery itself was fairly straightforward, so if you're looking for a good, hard, thought-exercise, you might not want to read it.
I found my immersion in "a simpler time" (no, not really, but that's what it always looks like looking backwards) and the strength of the protagonist's strong, yet simple faith to be very soothing in this day and age. I'm not quite sure what a "cozy" mystery is, but this might be one.
Since birth-control and sexual relations are mentioned, I wouldn't recommend it for pre-teens. Even for teenagers, it should come with a strong warning that some of the birth control methods used back then are now considered ineffective and some (tansy tea) are harmful; parents should be sure to point this out. There is also one indirectly-alluded to premarital sex scene, so don't read it if that would upset you.
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but since it referred to a prior case she'd solved, I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. It was a good antidote for stress.
Go. Read. Enjoy!
April 21, 2019
Edith Maxwell writes wonderful historical mysteries full of great detail. I have now read all four in this series and not one disappointed me. Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife, taking care of women in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1889. Sad to say, the family planning issues faced by Rose and her patients are still being dealt with in 2019. Because of the attitudes concerning abortion, women continue to suffer and die. When one of Rose's patients, a mother of five already, dies from what appears to be a spontaneous abortion, Rose isn't accepting the word miscarriage on the death certificate. She turns to her friend, Police Detective Kevin Donovan and requests an autopsy. As she suspected, this was not the work of Mother Nature but was it a botched abortion or a murder disguised as a miscarriage? When Rose starts to search for answers, the new Chief of Police is none too happy with her snooping. Given the method of murder and the fact that women are much more likely to speak with a woman as opposed to a policeman, Rose is the perfect investigator. She has quite a few people on her list of suspects - the victim's husband for starters. He has plenty of secrets. Then there is a disgraced doctor and a woman who performs abortions. As Rose gets closer to the answers, her life is put in danger. Along with trying to catch a killer, Rose is looking forward to an upcoming wedding in the family and continues to hope that, one day, she, too, will marry the man she loves.
Historical mysteries are a favorite of mine and I came away with new knowledge and the desire to read further about women's issues in this time period. If the reader learns nothing else, it's that nothing has really changed much for women. The struggle continues. I hope this series does, too. I so want to see Rose and David married.
My thanks to the publisher, Midnight Ink and and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Historical mysteries are a favorite of mine and I came away with new knowledge and the desire to read further about women's issues in this time period. If the reader learns nothing else, it's that nothing has really changed much for women. The struggle continues. I hope this series does, too. I so want to see Rose and David married.
My thanks to the publisher, Midnight Ink and and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 10, 2019
CHARITY'S BURDEN by Edith Maxwell
The Fourth Quaker Midwife Mystery
When Rose Carroll gets a call from a desperate woman she rushes to help. However, Charity is bleeding too profusely and dies. There seems to be too much blood for an early miscarriage, could her death be the result of a mechanical abortion? If so, was it just incompetence that killed Charity, or was it murder?
Rose Carroll is intelligent, caring, and feisty, especially for a Quaker. Yet it is her faith that guides and helps her as she confronts belligerent and dangerous characters. In this fourth Quaker Midwife Mystery we see romances blossoming and blooming as Frederick welcomes a lady friend and Faith and Zeb plan their wedding. Meanwhile Rose patiently waits for her marriage to David. I was happy to meet Kevin's wife and precocious son and look forward to even more of their involvement in future books. But not all relationships are happy and healthy, as we see with Charity. Was her husband involved with her death? Did he treat her well beforehand?
Once again Edith Maxwell has provided a well researched trip back in time. I found the details about nineteenth century birth control and abortion fascinating. The mystery was compelling with numerous suspects, unsavory characters, and intriguing motives.
While CHARITY'S BURDEN takes place in 1889, its themes are just as relevant today. Women's health, abortion, and the ability to choose are the center of this mystery. Sadly, many of these issues remain today as certain portions of the Comstock Act still exist, as do other laws and the views of certain members of society.
CHARITY'S BURDEN is a fascinating historical mystery that addresses issues women still face today.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Fourth Quaker Midwife Mystery
When Rose Carroll gets a call from a desperate woman she rushes to help. However, Charity is bleeding too profusely and dies. There seems to be too much blood for an early miscarriage, could her death be the result of a mechanical abortion? If so, was it just incompetence that killed Charity, or was it murder?
Rose Carroll is intelligent, caring, and feisty, especially for a Quaker. Yet it is her faith that guides and helps her as she confronts belligerent and dangerous characters. In this fourth Quaker Midwife Mystery we see romances blossoming and blooming as Frederick welcomes a lady friend and Faith and Zeb plan their wedding. Meanwhile Rose patiently waits for her marriage to David. I was happy to meet Kevin's wife and precocious son and look forward to even more of their involvement in future books. But not all relationships are happy and healthy, as we see with Charity. Was her husband involved with her death? Did he treat her well beforehand?
Once again Edith Maxwell has provided a well researched trip back in time. I found the details about nineteenth century birth control and abortion fascinating. The mystery was compelling with numerous suspects, unsavory characters, and intriguing motives.
While CHARITY'S BURDEN takes place in 1889, its themes are just as relevant today. Women's health, abortion, and the ability to choose are the center of this mystery. Sadly, many of these issues remain today as certain portions of the Comstock Act still exist, as do other laws and the views of certain members of society.
CHARITY'S BURDEN is a fascinating historical mystery that addresses issues women still face today.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
April 24, 2019
“Charity’s Burden” earns 5/5 Midwife Visits…Engaging and Compelling!
Rose has been called on an emergency to the home of fellow Quaker Charity Skells. Rose quickly gets Charity into her buggy and races to the hospital; in her delirium she makes some curious comments. “She warned me not to go.” Sadly the blood loss was too severe and Charity passes. Rose’s niggling feeling would go away, and rightfully so, the autopsy proves her suspicions…an illegal and poorly performed termination. But, Charity’s tragic circumstances and fate, is only the tip of the iceberg. Her husband? Other family members and friends? A disgraced doctor? Society? Thank goodness the community, especially women, has Rose who does not ignore what is right.
Mesmerizing! Edith Maxwell has created a compelling series following a young Quaker woman with all the extraordinary insight into the Quaker community. Not Amish. The families enjoy many of the comforts of the day with electricity and the new telephone, but speak, as you would expect, with all the proper thee-s and thy-s. This fourth book with its fascinating drama/murder mystery, deals with some contemporary issues wrapped up in nineteenth-century society. The vivid descriptions of the harsh winters and some harsher personalities make this a “can't put down” experience. I was blown away by the twists and turns and the surprising, but satisfying, end. I do find Rose to be the perfect heroine illustrating a strong personality, admirable and grounded in her convictions and sense of family, but she, too, struggles with the constraints put on women. Clever. Compelling. Eerily contemporary.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Rose has been called on an emergency to the home of fellow Quaker Charity Skells. Rose quickly gets Charity into her buggy and races to the hospital; in her delirium she makes some curious comments. “She warned me not to go.” Sadly the blood loss was too severe and Charity passes. Rose’s niggling feeling would go away, and rightfully so, the autopsy proves her suspicions…an illegal and poorly performed termination. But, Charity’s tragic circumstances and fate, is only the tip of the iceberg. Her husband? Other family members and friends? A disgraced doctor? Society? Thank goodness the community, especially women, has Rose who does not ignore what is right.
Mesmerizing! Edith Maxwell has created a compelling series following a young Quaker woman with all the extraordinary insight into the Quaker community. Not Amish. The families enjoy many of the comforts of the day with electricity and the new telephone, but speak, as you would expect, with all the proper thee-s and thy-s. This fourth book with its fascinating drama/murder mystery, deals with some contemporary issues wrapped up in nineteenth-century society. The vivid descriptions of the harsh winters and some harsher personalities make this a “can't put down” experience. I was blown away by the twists and turns and the surprising, but satisfying, end. I do find Rose to be the perfect heroine illustrating a strong personality, admirable and grounded in her convictions and sense of family, but she, too, struggles with the constraints put on women. Clever. Compelling. Eerily contemporary.
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
June 16, 2019
Charity's Burden by Edith Maxwell is the fourth in the Quaker Midwife series. Rose Carroll is a midwife who resides with her dead sister's family in order to assist. She sleeps and runs her practice out of the parlor. He fiancé, David, is a busy doctor whom she will marry as soon as his mother consents. The impending wedding has been an issue because David is not a Friend from her local meeting but that has been dealt with, if only his mother... Currently Rose is escorting a client to the hospital. She appears to be having a miscarriage but there is too much blood and it is the wrong color. Rose suspects something more. Sadly the bleeding couldn't be stopped and Charity Skells dies. Rose feels compelled to let her husband, Ransom, know and so she sets off to his place of employment, where some of the people are behaving a little strangely.
Rose is an interesting character, which is able to interact with a host of people. She has a friend who is a police officer, although she is currently banned from the station, she has a variety of clients, all of whom know other interesting people, she has a keen sense of who and what. Her first impressions are nearly impeccable. She has a big heart, wanting to help others whenever she can. She loves her family and wants a good life with her husband-to-be. She is an excellent, well-written character. Charity's Burden is an intriguing look into the lives of 19th Century small-town America, Friends or otherwise. It is worth the read.
I received a free ARC of Charity's Burden. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own. #netgalley #charitysburden
Rose is an interesting character, which is able to interact with a host of people. She has a friend who is a police officer, although she is currently banned from the station, she has a variety of clients, all of whom know other interesting people, she has a keen sense of who and what. Her first impressions are nearly impeccable. She has a big heart, wanting to help others whenever she can. She loves her family and wants a good life with her husband-to-be. She is an excellent, well-written character. Charity's Burden is an intriguing look into the lives of 19th Century small-town America, Friends or otherwise. It is worth the read.
I received a free ARC of Charity's Burden. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own. #netgalley #charitysburden
July 24, 2019
Edith Maxwell doesn't flinch from showing us the harshness of life, but she does it in such a way that you HAVE to keep reading!
Rose Carroll expects the winter travel to be a little easier for herself and her betrothed has gifted her with a horse and buggy, when she is called out to one of the pregnant patients she expects to go to the woman's home, instead she is directed to the local hospital where Charity Skells is dying from blood loss, Rose is at a loss, granted the young woman was a little too thin but all in all she was healthy. Rose, therefore, goes to see her friend Detective Kevin Donovan with her fears that the death wasn't as natural as it first appeared, Kevin does listen but as she is leaving she is informed by the new Police Chief that she should stick to midwifery and not get involved in the police cases.
Kevin appears to be agreeing but on the way out slips her a note saying where he and his wife (and young son) live and if she has any information to seek him out there, or at least leave a message. As Rose digs deeper more suspects appear on the scene, with two being people who would undertake illegal abortions (which Charity had unfortunately had, which led to her death). There is some good news for Rose, her niece Faith and Faith's betrothed have set a wedding date and Faith's father seems to have settled down, indeed he has started courting a widow (also a Quaker), the thing is Rose and Kevin need to solve this crime if Rose is going to see Faith and Zeb get married.
Rose Carroll expects the winter travel to be a little easier for herself and her betrothed has gifted her with a horse and buggy, when she is called out to one of the pregnant patients she expects to go to the woman's home, instead she is directed to the local hospital where Charity Skells is dying from blood loss, Rose is at a loss, granted the young woman was a little too thin but all in all she was healthy. Rose, therefore, goes to see her friend Detective Kevin Donovan with her fears that the death wasn't as natural as it first appeared, Kevin does listen but as she is leaving she is informed by the new Police Chief that she should stick to midwifery and not get involved in the police cases.
Kevin appears to be agreeing but on the way out slips her a note saying where he and his wife (and young son) live and if she has any information to seek him out there, or at least leave a message. As Rose digs deeper more suspects appear on the scene, with two being people who would undertake illegal abortions (which Charity had unfortunately had, which led to her death). There is some good news for Rose, her niece Faith and Faith's betrothed have set a wedding date and Faith's father seems to have settled down, indeed he has started courting a widow (also a Quaker), the thing is Rose and Kevin need to solve this crime if Rose is going to see Faith and Zeb get married.
September 19, 2019
Charity’s Burden is the fourth book in Edith Maxwell’s A Quaker Midwife’s Mystery series. I have read the previous three and thoroughly liked them; this book is no exception. The series, set in Massachusetts in the late 1800’s features Rose Carroll, a Quaker midwife and amateur sleuth. Rose is compassionate and passionate about the care she provides to the women and families she serves, her brother-in-law and his family with whom she lives, her fiancé Dr. David Dodge and perhaps most importantly, truth and social justice.
Charity’s Burden begins when Charity Skells, a young wife and mother of six dies from what appears to be a miscarriage, but was it? The bleeding was so intense that it raised questions for Rose. She was concerned enough to go to her friend and crime-solving partner Detective Kevin Donovan.
She shared that she didn’t think Charity’s death was a miscarriage, rather the result of a “botched termination,” and requested an autopsy be completed. The autopsy confirmed Rose’s fears. At that time it was illegal to even discuss abortion, let alone have or perform one.
Who could have done this? Surprisingly the suspects were many as were the potential reasons. Charity’s Burden is a fast paced book with wonderful storylines and likable and engrossing characters. I was hooked from the first page to the last; I enjoyed and recommend it.
I feel compelled to share that the book does address the issues of family spacing and abortion. They are handled informatively and compassionately, yet there is a bias toward support for both practices.
Charity’s Burden begins when Charity Skells, a young wife and mother of six dies from what appears to be a miscarriage, but was it? The bleeding was so intense that it raised questions for Rose. She was concerned enough to go to her friend and crime-solving partner Detective Kevin Donovan.
She shared that she didn’t think Charity’s death was a miscarriage, rather the result of a “botched termination,” and requested an autopsy be completed. The autopsy confirmed Rose’s fears. At that time it was illegal to even discuss abortion, let alone have or perform one.
Who could have done this? Surprisingly the suspects were many as were the potential reasons. Charity’s Burden is a fast paced book with wonderful storylines and likable and engrossing characters. I was hooked from the first page to the last; I enjoyed and recommend it.
I feel compelled to share that the book does address the issues of family spacing and abortion. They are handled informatively and compassionately, yet there is a bias toward support for both practices.
April 8, 2019
Edith Maxwell is the author who introduced me to the Quaker religion and way of life; this series is an absolute treat to read!
Life continues to be busy for Rose Carroll; she is a very competent midwife providing an excellent service to expectant mothers and their babies. New babies always expected and, unfortunately, where there's new life there tends to be death. With the latest victim a young mother well-known to Rose, she approaches her friend and local police detective, Kevin Donovan with her suspicions of foul play. Can these two work together to find out the true facts of what has taken place?
I adore this series! The amount of research which the author must carry out to get all the details as accurate as possible must be phenomenal. Not only do we follow Rose's investigations but we also meet her current patients, find out how her nieces and nephews are growing up and, of course, discover why her wedding to David, her betrothed, hasn't taken place yet. With obstacles in their way this is an intrinsic part of the story and one which fascinates me. Another thoroughly good read from this author; a beautifully written, solid mystery, both informative and a superbly entertaining story. As always, I look forward eagerly to the next in series! It's also worth mentioning that Edith writes cosy mysteries under the pseudonym Maddie Day and I highly recommend ALL of her writing. Five flashing, sparkly stars - and each one worth at least double.
Life continues to be busy for Rose Carroll; she is a very competent midwife providing an excellent service to expectant mothers and their babies. New babies always expected and, unfortunately, where there's new life there tends to be death. With the latest victim a young mother well-known to Rose, she approaches her friend and local police detective, Kevin Donovan with her suspicions of foul play. Can these two work together to find out the true facts of what has taken place?
I adore this series! The amount of research which the author must carry out to get all the details as accurate as possible must be phenomenal. Not only do we follow Rose's investigations but we also meet her current patients, find out how her nieces and nephews are growing up and, of course, discover why her wedding to David, her betrothed, hasn't taken place yet. With obstacles in their way this is an intrinsic part of the story and one which fascinates me. Another thoroughly good read from this author; a beautifully written, solid mystery, both informative and a superbly entertaining story. As always, I look forward eagerly to the next in series! It's also worth mentioning that Edith writes cosy mysteries under the pseudonym Maddie Day and I highly recommend ALL of her writing. Five flashing, sparkly stars - and each one worth at least double.
May 11, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Quaker Midwife mysteries it follows Rose Carroll whose is a local midwife during the 1800's in Amesbury Massachusetts. In this book Rose gets a summon from a client (Charity Skells) of hers who needs her help quickly. Upon arriving Rose figures out quickly that something is very wrong and rushes the girl to the hospital where she dies. Rose is adamant something isn't right for Charity. She inturns heads to the police station to talk to her detective friend Kevin Donovan for help finding out what happened only to be informed by the head to not visit the station unless to inform of local police matters and not snooping.
The more Rose digs into the death of Charity the more she learns about abortions done back then and legalness of them, which they aren't legal at all. Could Charity's husband hired someone to kill her? Or was it one of the herbal doctors using unsafe methods for abortion?
While this is going on Faith and Zeb get engaged and plan to get married soon. Which has Rose wondering when she herself will wed her beloved David Dodge. Everyone gathers together for the special day.
I love this book series and have read them all as they keep the reader engaged wondering what will happen next to Rose or those she lives with and works with. It is definitely a series anyone who loves time periods will enjoy and it's not so boggled down useless information it keeps the reader engaged until they very end!
The more Rose digs into the death of Charity the more she learns about abortions done back then and legalness of them, which they aren't legal at all. Could Charity's husband hired someone to kill her? Or was it one of the herbal doctors using unsafe methods for abortion?
While this is going on Faith and Zeb get engaged and plan to get married soon. Which has Rose wondering when she herself will wed her beloved David Dodge. Everyone gathers together for the special day.
I love this book series and have read them all as they keep the reader engaged wondering what will happen next to Rose or those she lives with and works with. It is definitely a series anyone who loves time periods will enjoy and it's not so boggled down useless information it keeps the reader engaged until they very end!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews