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A Midwife's Song: Oh, Freedom!
It’s 1956, the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. and the middle of the Cold War. Revolutions are happening all over the world. On the home front, midwives Patience and Bitsy face personal challenges. Their young adult children are changing. Bitsy’s adopted son returns from Korea wounded in body and spirit. Patience’s daughter is pregnant “out of wedlock,” and Danny, her son, has a problem with booze. Childbirth in the U.S. is changing too. The midwives who were once called for home deliveries have been overshadowed by the new hospital with its “painless childbirth”, until a few rebel nurses appear and Bitsy and Patience step forward to help them. In the midst of these challenges, journals written in the 1850s by Grace Potts, the elder midwife of the Hope River, begin appearing on Patience’s porch at night. The diaries detail Grace’s escape from slavery when she was fifteen. Who is bringing them? And why? What do the midwives do now? Read the journals, of course. Struggle to understand and help their children, of course. Join the civil rights protests on Main Street, of course… and sing!
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2019
252 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Harman
15 books653 followersPatricia Harman has spent over thirty years caring for women as a midwife, first as a lay-midwife, delivering babies in cabins and on communal farms in West Virginia, and later as a nurse-midwife in teaching hospitals and in a community hospital birthing center.
She spent over a decade in the sixties and seventies in her wild youth living in rural communes in Washington (Tolstoy Farm), Connecticut (The Committee for Non-Violent Action) and Minnesota (Free Folk). During the Vietnam years, she and her husband, Tom Harman, traveled the country, often hitch-hiking, as they looked for a place to settle. In 1974 they purchased a farm with a group of like-minded friends on top of a ridge in Roane County, West Virginia. Here on the commune, they built log houses, dug a pond, grew and preserved their own food and started the Growing Tree Natural Foods Cooperative.
It was during this time that Patsy attended her first home birth, more or less by accident. "Some people are destined," she has written. "I was staying at a woman friend's commune when she went into labor and I ended up delivering my first baby." Soon after, Harman traveled to Austin, Texas to train with a collective of home-birth midwives. When she returned, she became one of the founding members of The West Virginia Cooperative of Midwives. Her passion for caring for women and babies led her to become an RN as the first step in getting licensed as certified nurse midwife. In 1985, with her children, a yowling cat and her husband she traveled north, pulling a broken down trailer to begin her training at the University of Minnesota where she received her MSN in Nurse-Midwifery.
For the past twenty years, Ms. Harman has been a nurse-midwife on the faculty of The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and most recently West Virginia University. In 1998 she went into private practice with her husband, Tom, an OB/Gyn, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Here they devoted their lives to caring for women and bringing babies into the world in a gentle way.
When, in 2003, the cost of liability insurance for Obstetrics sky-rocketed from $70,000 a year to $110,000, the Harman's decided to give up deliveries. Though many loyal patients grieved the loss of their favorite mid-wife/physician team, the change in life style gave the author time to begin writing her first book, The Blue Cotton Gown: A Midwife's Memoir.
Patricia Harman still lives and works with her husband, Ob/Gyn Thomas Harman, in Morgantown, West Virginia at their clinic, Partners in Women's Health Care. Though she no longer attends births, she provides care for women in early pregnancy and through-out the life span. She brings to this work the same dedication and compassion she brought to obstetrics."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 26, 2019
I'm pretty sure this review won't stay up long, because I'm the author! And I don't think we are allowed to review our own books.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed writing this story about midwives and childbirth in the 1950s and the system of slavery in the USA in the 1850s. I learned so much in my research. Basically the book is about strong women, the system of slavery, the underground railroad, freedom, friendship, family, healing and courage. I hope you enjoy it and that it makes a difference in the way you see the world.
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed writing this story about midwives and childbirth in the 1950s and the system of slavery in the USA in the 1850s. I learned so much in my research. Basically the book is about strong women, the system of slavery, the underground railroad, freedom, friendship, family, healing and courage. I hope you enjoy it and that it makes a difference in the way you see the world.
November 24, 2019
The latest addition to the Hope River novel series, A Midwife's Song: OH, Freedom! definitely adds to my already long list of things I appreciate about these stories. Through the use of a journal written by 14 yr. old Grace Potts we poignantly learn about her arduous journey to obtain her emancipation. Grace is the midwife who appears in the first Hope River novel and is the inspiration for Patricia Harman's current book. Harman artfully brings her readers back and forth from the mid 1800's to the mid 1900's. In doing so she lets us experience the horrific legacy of slavery and the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. To say that the subject matter is timely would be an understatement. Interspersed in this tale are birth stories, family struggles and uplifting nature vignettes. This book like all of Harman's previous ones contain lessons in courage,determination and resiliency. Her multidimensional characters invite us to reflect on how history continually plays out. I found myself taking inspiration from this book that I can apply to my life and its myriad challenges, opportunities, quandaries and mystery. This volume can be enjoyed thoroughly whether it is the reader's first exposure to the Hope River series or, like myself, they have followed the novels since their inception.
November 23, 2019
I was asked to read and write a review of this book by the author before it reaches bookshelves.
I was very honored to be given this opportunity as Ms. Harman is one of my favorite authors.
The story continues the saga of Patience Hester, a midwife from Hope River, WV.
The time period is set in 1956. The cold war is raging and there is much uncertainty in the country.
The civil rights movement is starting and people are conflicted in some ways as to where racial equality belongs. This is still the Jim Crow era of the south.
Patience and her family have biracial friends who are often treated badly.
Home births are evolving to hospital births and more women are having babies in the hospital setting
Patience's children are grown and she and her husband are finding themselves, empty nesters.
In the midst of it all, a mysterious journal appears on Patience's porch.
It proves very enlightening as she reads it, wondering where it has come from.
The characters are so well described that a reader would remember them from previous books
but could easily understand their background if they read this as a stand-alone novel.
The story flows and the characters become so real that the reader will feel they have met them or known them as friends and neighbors.
it's a book to get lost in the story, the scenery and the people of the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia.
For a little while we are living in Patience's world with the people she holds dear,
the circumstances around her and the journal to add some spice.
A wonderful story well researched as to the time period by a very talented author
who adds empathy and kindness to everything she writes.
I was very honored to be given this opportunity as Ms. Harman is one of my favorite authors.
The story continues the saga of Patience Hester, a midwife from Hope River, WV.
The time period is set in 1956. The cold war is raging and there is much uncertainty in the country.
The civil rights movement is starting and people are conflicted in some ways as to where racial equality belongs. This is still the Jim Crow era of the south.
Patience and her family have biracial friends who are often treated badly.
Home births are evolving to hospital births and more women are having babies in the hospital setting
Patience's children are grown and she and her husband are finding themselves, empty nesters.
In the midst of it all, a mysterious journal appears on Patience's porch.
It proves very enlightening as she reads it, wondering where it has come from.
The characters are so well described that a reader would remember them from previous books
but could easily understand their background if they read this as a stand-alone novel.
The story flows and the characters become so real that the reader will feel they have met them or known them as friends and neighbors.
it's a book to get lost in the story, the scenery and the people of the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia.
For a little while we are living in Patience's world with the people she holds dear,
the circumstances around her and the journal to add some spice.
A wonderful story well researched as to the time period by a very talented author
who adds empathy and kindness to everything she writes.
December 6, 2019
In case others need a warning, this is dual timeline and the one during slavery is very realistic and brutal. There's a rape scene and after that I skipped that portion of the story. Patience was disappointingly judgmental in this story as well. This is my own personal opinion. Others may see it differently. I loved the writing, as always and kudos for a really well edited book (self published but so well done.)
January 2, 2022
I liken it to a movie that just drags on in order to fill the necessary two hours in order to charge people the full ticket price. Patience just isn't that interesting anymore and cannot carry a story. Her character drastically changed in Book 3 and has become an even greater chore to read in Book 4. The two parallel storylines did not add, but detracted from the overall storylines. Grace's storyline was by far the better of the two, and Patience just interfered with truly enjoying it. In order for two competing storylines to work, they both have to be equally riveting. This was not the case. Patience's story became annoying and removed some of the focus from Grace, who really should have been the focus of the novel in her own right. If this hadn't been gifted to me, I would never have read it as Book 3 really was a digression in quality when compared to Books 1 & 2. Books 3 & 4 seem like they were only written to sell tickets. So glad it is over and will not read another.
June 21, 2020
I've read all but one of midwife Patricia Harmon's Hope River novels. This one is quite different from the others in that she juxtaposes 1950s civil rights unrest with journals of a former slave who was later a midwife in Hope River. At times Harmon is a bit preachy on this topic. She is at her best when she sticks to family and other close relationships and with her many interesting scenes of childbirth gleaned I suspect from her experiences as a midwife. A worthwhile read that I didn't want to put down.
April 25, 2024
So I loved the entire series and of course needed to read the fourth book, but there is a lot of nothing happening in the story of Patience. It’s mostly about racial injustice, which of itself is a good thing, but I missed the small-town-living-delivering-babies goodness from the first books.
Definitely not the best book in the series. I liked the story of Grace though, it just keep switching to a story where just nothing happens.
Definitely not the best book in the series. I liked the story of Grace though, it just keep switching to a story where just nothing happens.
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January 5, 2025Book Review: A Midwife’s Song: Oh, Freedom! by Patricia Harman
In A Midwife’s Song: Oh, Freedom!, Patricia Harman transports readers back to 1956, a pivotal time in American history marked by the onset of the civil rights movement and the societal shifts of the Cold War era. Centered around the life of Patience Hester, a midwife from Hope River, West Virginia, this novel explores themes of race, community, and personal transformation against the backdrop of a changing world.
From the outset, the narrative immerses readers in the rich tapestry of Patience’s life, highlighting her role not only as a skilled midwife but also as a compassionate friend and neighbor. The contrast between the traditional practice of home births and the growing trend towards hospital deliveries is deftly explored, adding a layer of social commentary to the personal stories unfolding. As Patience navigates her empty nest status alongside her husband, she is compelled to reflect on her life’s purpose and the evolving dynamics of her community.
Harman skillfully addresses the racial tensions prevalent in the Jim Crow-era South, creating a poignant narrative that brings to light the struggles faced by her biracial friends. Through Patience’s relationships, the story underscores the importance of empathy and solidarity in a time fraught with discrimination and societal division. The characters are vividly rendered, each one memorable and relatable, allowing readers to form deep connections with their journeys.
A mysterious journal that appears on Patience’s porch serves as a catalyst for intrigue and introspection, prompting her to confront her own beliefs and the realities of the world around her. This narrative device not only enriches the plot but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of justice.
Harman’s meticulous research shines through, infusing the narrative with authenticity and depth. Her empathy for the characters and their struggles is palpable, creating a narrative that resonates with warmth and kindness. The setting of West Virginia becomes a character in its own right, expertly depicting both the beauty and the challenges of life in a rural community during a turbulent period.
A Midwife’s Song: Oh, Freedom! is a beautifully crafted novel that excels in weaving together the personal and the political. Patricia Harman’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own lives while engaging with the historical realities of the time. This book is not only an exploration of motherhood and community but also a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and connection in the face of adversity. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, race, and the human experience, and it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
In A Midwife’s Song: Oh, Freedom!, Patricia Harman transports readers back to 1956, a pivotal time in American history marked by the onset of the civil rights movement and the societal shifts of the Cold War era. Centered around the life of Patience Hester, a midwife from Hope River, West Virginia, this novel explores themes of race, community, and personal transformation against the backdrop of a changing world.
From the outset, the narrative immerses readers in the rich tapestry of Patience’s life, highlighting her role not only as a skilled midwife but also as a compassionate friend and neighbor. The contrast between the traditional practice of home births and the growing trend towards hospital deliveries is deftly explored, adding a layer of social commentary to the personal stories unfolding. As Patience navigates her empty nest status alongside her husband, she is compelled to reflect on her life’s purpose and the evolving dynamics of her community.
Harman skillfully addresses the racial tensions prevalent in the Jim Crow-era South, creating a poignant narrative that brings to light the struggles faced by her biracial friends. Through Patience’s relationships, the story underscores the importance of empathy and solidarity in a time fraught with discrimination and societal division. The characters are vividly rendered, each one memorable and relatable, allowing readers to form deep connections with their journeys.
A mysterious journal that appears on Patience’s porch serves as a catalyst for intrigue and introspection, prompting her to confront her own beliefs and the realities of the world around her. This narrative device not only enriches the plot but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of justice.
Harman’s meticulous research shines through, infusing the narrative with authenticity and depth. Her empathy for the characters and their struggles is palpable, creating a narrative that resonates with warmth and kindness. The setting of West Virginia becomes a character in its own right, expertly depicting both the beauty and the challenges of life in a rural community during a turbulent period.
A Midwife’s Song: Oh, Freedom! is a beautifully crafted novel that excels in weaving together the personal and the political. Patricia Harman’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own lives while engaging with the historical realities of the time. This book is not only an exploration of motherhood and community but also a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and connection in the face of adversity. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of history, race, and the human experience, and it leaves a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
January 11, 2020
In 1956 the Civil Rights movement is beginning to pick up steam as well as the threats from America’s Cold War with Russia. Patience and her dear friend Bitsy share the unfolding events, both decrying their ancestral memories of slavery and freedom as well as current events that threaten the stability they have come to know. Their work as midwives has slowed but is now gaining prominence as the new “painless” childbirth methods often are nothing but drugs and more forceful ways of helping mothers give birth such as the use of forceps to rush delivery of newborn infants. Women are learning that childbirth may be better when occurring naturally, but the fear of things going wrong gives some expectant mothers trepidation and fear to try the natural method.
While sharing their story, someone drops off on Patience’s porch some journals of Grace Potts, a “white slave” who chronicles her realization that she is owned chattel and her journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad throughout America and into Canada. It’s an emotionally devastating tale and some of the scenes are sure to haunt readers, but the scenes that she and Bitsy read are real and remind them of the cost of freedom that only fuels their Civil Rights protests and fervor.
However, their children have new problems for the new century. Patience’s daughter becomes pregnant outside of marriage and her son drinks too much. Bitsy’s son comes home from the Korean War emotionally hurting. Both mothers have to and will learn to let their children go to a new freedom where things heal beyond parental patterns and dominance.
So what does one do when freedom is looming on the horizon? One sings and many of the Civil Rights freedom songs are written, sung and shared by all who yearn for the change of true freedom. Freedom began in the 19th century but still has fulfillment to attain. Patricia Harman has deftly and ably presented that journey in a way that is readable, exciting, emotionally riveting and memorable! Enjoy and look forward to more novels in the Hope River series – both past and those to come soon! Recommended historical fiction books!!!
While sharing their story, someone drops off on Patience’s porch some journals of Grace Potts, a “white slave” who chronicles her realization that she is owned chattel and her journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad throughout America and into Canada. It’s an emotionally devastating tale and some of the scenes are sure to haunt readers, but the scenes that she and Bitsy read are real and remind them of the cost of freedom that only fuels their Civil Rights protests and fervor.
However, their children have new problems for the new century. Patience’s daughter becomes pregnant outside of marriage and her son drinks too much. Bitsy’s son comes home from the Korean War emotionally hurting. Both mothers have to and will learn to let their children go to a new freedom where things heal beyond parental patterns and dominance.
So what does one do when freedom is looming on the horizon? One sings and many of the Civil Rights freedom songs are written, sung and shared by all who yearn for the change of true freedom. Freedom began in the 19th century but still has fulfillment to attain. Patricia Harman has deftly and ably presented that journey in a way that is readable, exciting, emotionally riveting and memorable! Enjoy and look forward to more novels in the Hope River series – both past and those to come soon! Recommended historical fiction books!!!
November 19, 2024
The series are both filled with historical facts embroidered with some exceptionally wonderful fictional characters. The lives they led during economic hardship times and the ways people helped and supported each other were wonderful. When there was little money, people paid what they could in food or firewood or other necessities. It's not something that we do now. The wonderful and underappreciated skills of the midwives helping mothers have a more natural experience, and the limitations imposed on them had to be overcome.
Patience and all the important characters moved in and out of each other's lives but their connections remained strong. Every decade brought joys and sorrows and turmoil to them and the country. The 50s were are frightening to everyone with the true beginning of integration and civil rights, the threat of war, and knowing that old familiar ways were no more. Very much like we are experiencing now. All the characters were developed with depth and the words just flowed on each page. I was so sorry it ended.
Patience and all the important characters moved in and out of each other's lives but their connections remained strong. Every decade brought joys and sorrows and turmoil to them and the country. The 50s were are frightening to everyone with the true beginning of integration and civil rights, the threat of war, and knowing that old familiar ways were no more. Very much like we are experiencing now. All the characters were developed with depth and the words just flowed on each page. I was so sorry it ended.
December 26, 2023
We have reached the 1950s in midwife Patience's story. Her children have grown up and moved out. The attitudes towards racial segregation among Americans are changing and the novel is heavily focused on taking a stand against racism.
Grace Potts, who has reached an almost legendary status through the series, finally gets the airtime she deserves and, in fact, Harman could have written a book just on Grace's gruelling experiences as a runaway slave in the 1850s and reduced the size of this fourth book by half. I found myself turning the pages just to get to the next chapter of her story and I felt that Harman herself was struggling to transition between the two timelines in a smooth and coherent way.
The first novel in the series remains my favourite but this fourth one comes second.
Rating: 4/5
Grace Potts, who has reached an almost legendary status through the series, finally gets the airtime she deserves and, in fact, Harman could have written a book just on Grace's gruelling experiences as a runaway slave in the 1850s and reduced the size of this fourth book by half. I found myself turning the pages just to get to the next chapter of her story and I felt that Harman herself was struggling to transition between the two timelines in a smooth and coherent way.
The first novel in the series remains my favourite but this fourth one comes second.
Rating: 4/5
April 18, 2022
A friend recommended this book to me, and now I want to read the other books in the series. A great historical fiction read, intertwining the 1800s pre-civil war and the 1950s beginning of the civil rights movement. The characters are well written, the pace of the story is perfectly timed. I found the description of Twilight Sleep interesting, as my mother gave birth in such a way, and she couldn't recall any of it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, American historical fiction, and medical historical fiction. Covers midwifery, racial issues, family issues.
May 19, 2022
What an Amazing Book!
I have now read at least three of Patricia Harman's books about a white woman who became a midwife and treated her patient's as just that. She did not treat white people and black people differently, but as people in need of treatment. This is the reason I have returned to Patricia Harmon's books repeatedly. The midwives in the books did not see black or white skin color but the inherent value of every human being.
I enjoyed this book and encourage you to read and recommend it to others also.
I have now read at least three of Patricia Harman's books about a white woman who became a midwife and treated her patient's as just that. She did not treat white people and black people differently, but as people in need of treatment. This is the reason I have returned to Patricia Harmon's books repeatedly. The midwives in the books did not see black or white skin color but the inherent value of every human being.
I enjoyed this book and encourage you to read and recommend it to others also.
July 8, 2021
I was entertained and invested.
The characters were developed enough to make me invested in what happened to them. The diaries from slavery times intermingled within the race/family issues of the book's current time kept the plot moving at a faster pace and kept you interested. It also was interesting to see these two perspectives on race from different times especially in our current climate.
The characters were developed enough to make me invested in what happened to them. The diaries from slavery times intermingled within the race/family issues of the book's current time kept the plot moving at a faster pace and kept you interested. It also was interesting to see these two perspectives on race from different times especially in our current climate.
December 29, 2021
3 stars
I realize Patience character would change with age but, she seems more judgmental and not as caring as she was in the previous books. It was very interesting learning about Mrs. Potts' history. Warning there is graphic rape scene in this book.
Trigger Warnings: death (parents and children), blood, childbirth, slavery, pedophilia, sexual assault, rape (on page), racism, and war
I realize Patience character would change with age but, she seems more judgmental and not as caring as she was in the previous books. It was very interesting learning about Mrs. Potts' history. Warning there is graphic rape scene in this book.
Trigger Warnings: death (parents and children), blood, childbirth, slavery, pedophilia, sexual assault, rape (on page), racism, and war
June 3, 2023
I loved all the books in this series. I live in West Virginia and have been to most of the places Patricia spoke of. I felt like I rode with her everywhere she went. The storyline seemed so real…..I felt like I was there with Patience and Bitsey. I was holding my breath when Grace was traveling and hiding on her journey. If there was another Hope River sequel, I would certainly read it…. A must read…❤️
January 30, 2024
Having read the first three in this series, I was excited to read this one. I did enjoy it but not as much as the others. What I enjoyed about the others was the birthing stories. This didn't showcase them as much. I did enjoy hearing Mrs Potts story, what an incredible life. I guess with showcasing so much of the events involving the Civil Movement and it's importance plus the aging of Patience there was a different story to tell.
All in all a good read, especially if you have read the others.
All in all a good read, especially if you have read the others.
August 13, 2025
A satisfying story about midwifery, parenting and prejudice
I loved this book, the setting, the plot and the characters. The author really brought them to life. The story never stalled or got boring. The treatment of black people at that time was described in detail and really makes one think about the terrible injustices that were so acceptable. My only negative comment about this book is the lack of editorial care. I’ve never seen so many mistakes and typos in one book!
I loved this book, the setting, the plot and the characters. The author really brought them to life. The story never stalled or got boring. The treatment of black people at that time was described in detail and really makes one think about the terrible injustices that were so acceptable. My only negative comment about this book is the lack of editorial care. I’ve never seen so many mistakes and typos in one book!
November 8, 2020
4.5 stars
The fourth and final book in the Hope River series, and I'm going to miss these characters. I loved this historical fiction series set in Appalachia. I think this fourth book is my favorite of the series. I enjoyed the dual time lines, and the run away slaves fleeing the slave catchers had me at the edge of my seat. It is a well written series.
The fourth and final book in the Hope River series, and I'm going to miss these characters. I loved this historical fiction series set in Appalachia. I think this fourth book is my favorite of the series. I enjoyed the dual time lines, and the run away slaves fleeing the slave catchers had me at the edge of my seat. It is a well written series.
June 13, 2021
As were all the other books I have read of Patricia Harman’s this was a very good read. I love the attitude of the character Patiricia. She and I see life very much the same way. I missed the third book of this series and look forward to catching up on the events alluded to in this book. Great read!
September 16, 2022
Well written, includes family, friendship, midwifery, vet, struggles and much more!I
I love the book follows two different lives but you are not lost in the process. It is so well written you can switch between the 2 easily. The heartbreak and struggles with adult children can be present for anyone this book shows. I feel a wide variety of readers will enjoy this book.
I love the book follows two different lives but you are not lost in the process. It is so well written you can switch between the 2 easily. The heartbreak and struggles with adult children can be present for anyone this book shows. I feel a wide variety of readers will enjoy this book.
December 21, 2019
Another great book! I love this series and this one is dandy!
I feel like I know these people now and I hope there will be more. This can be read as a stand alone...but beware, you’ll immediately start reading #1 and gobble each one up. Fabulous,
I feel like I know these people now and I hope there will be more. This can be read as a stand alone...but beware, you’ll immediately start reading #1 and gobble each one up. Fabulous,
January 25, 2020
Enjoyed each story!
Great story of generations of midwives and there dedication to their craft of natural deliveries. Each woman had their trails in life but we're bonded together through there work and Family.
Great story of generations of midwives and there dedication to their craft of natural deliveries. Each woman had their trails in life but we're bonded together through there work and Family.
April 21, 2020
Not the writing quality I have seen in previous work. Interesting history of slavery and civil rights movement in West Virginia is included in a challenging back and forth parallel story of an enslaved midwife trainee.
May 11, 2020
A wonderful story
This series, and it's contemporary 4th book, are beautiful stories of strong women told with heart. I loved the wait the history of Grace Potts was told in the narrative of Patience. And I love the romance of Patience and Dan.
This series, and it's contemporary 4th book, are beautiful stories of strong women told with heart. I loved the wait the history of Grace Potts was told in the narrative of Patience. And I love the romance of Patience and Dan.
September 12, 2020
An excellent conclusion of the trilogy Hope River. Grace’s diaries during her 1850’s escape as a slave to Canada intertwines with the racial unrest felt during segregation in the early 1960’s. I enjoyed reading and experiencing life in these shocking, but historical times.
February 12, 2021
Freedom
Maybe the happenings in this book could be compared to the unrest now. I had many different feelings as I read this book. Freedom and life are precious and to be held close to our hearts.
Maybe the happenings in this book could be compared to the unrest now. I had many different feelings as I read this book. Freedom and life are precious and to be held close to our hearts.
January 3, 2022
Super easy reading - I breezed through it in record time. Times are always tough, my friends. This book tried to explain in fictional format that racial relationships will always be a difficult world to navigate.
October 7, 2022
4.5 stars. Even if I don't love some of the subplots, this book is just phenomenally well-written. It captures your interest and draws you in, while addressing some really hard things from an "everyday life" perspective. And always lots of good birth stories!
September 4, 2024
The ending was pretty weak and rushed in my opinion but overall a satisfying ending to the series I grew to ADORE. As a WV resident, this is a series that does not play into the abundant tropes and stereotypes you might see elsewhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews