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The Midwife
Welcome to Pinewood Hospital. I’m here to take care of you…
The bright yellow walls of the maternity ward are plastered with posters of perfect families. Surrounded by happy looking couples, I’m painfully aware I’m about to give birth all alone. As I stroke my bump, I can’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. But when my midwife Jackie introduces herself and holds my trembling hand, I know she’s here to help. I instantly relax around her, even though I can’t shake the feeling we’ve met before…
As I sit in my small, rented bedsit that evening, my phone rings and I’m shocked to hear Jackie’s voice. I don’t recall giving her my number, but I have been forgetful of late. When she invites me to an antenatal group, I’m quick to make up an excuse, but she won’t take no for an answer.
Jackie promised me there would be a big group, so why is there only one other nervous looking mother here? I catch Jackie studying my face when the woman asks me questions about my baby. Does Jackie know the secret I’ve been keeping?
As my due date approaches, I find myself turning to Jackie more and more. I even let her talk me into her delivering my baby at home. She says she’s delivered hundreds of babies this way, and she’ll give me the birth I deserve.
My baby and I are in safe hands… Aren’t we?
The bright yellow walls of the maternity ward are plastered with posters of perfect families. Surrounded by happy looking couples, I’m painfully aware I’m about to give birth all alone. As I stroke my bump, I can’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. But when my midwife Jackie introduces herself and holds my trembling hand, I know she’s here to help. I instantly relax around her, even though I can’t shake the feeling we’ve met before…
As I sit in my small, rented bedsit that evening, my phone rings and I’m shocked to hear Jackie’s voice. I don’t recall giving her my number, but I have been forgetful of late. When she invites me to an antenatal group, I’m quick to make up an excuse, but she won’t take no for an answer.
Jackie promised me there would be a big group, so why is there only one other nervous looking mother here? I catch Jackie studying my face when the woman asks me questions about my baby. Does Jackie know the secret I’ve been keeping?
As my due date approaches, I find myself turning to Jackie more and more. I even let her talk me into her delivering my baby at home. She says she’s delivered hundreds of babies this way, and she’ll give me the birth I deserve.
My baby and I are in safe hands… Aren’t we?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2022
641 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Jenkins
25 books349 followersVictoria Jenkins is a Welsh author who has made a name for herself writing the highly popular Detective King and Lane series of novels. The first novel in the series was “The Girls In The Water” that Jenkins first published in 2017, to much critical acclaim and popularity among crime fiction fans.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
June 2, 2023
3⭐
Publication date ~ November 14, 2022
Page Count ~ 240
Audio length ~ 7 hours 6 minutes
Narrator ~ Anne-Marie Piazza
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, slow start, pregnancy, IVF, secrets, these triggers kind of make for a , so view at your own risk.
Jackie is the midwife and Lauren is the mother. Secrets from the past intertwine in the present.
Unfortunately, this was super slow going for me and I didn't really care for either main character, or the side characters for that matter. The flashbacks back to 1995 kept me listening so I could how it would all play out.
I didn't write down specifically what was written, but this had me like what?? ~ she smelled smoke, so she grabbed a knife. Do ya plan on stabbing the flames?? Perhaps she should concentrate on getting her preggers self out of the house before the smoke inhalation kicks in.
Narration notes ~ so when she was speaking in whichever POV character we were on she did a fine job, but when she had to do other voices she totally slowed down her speaking like she had to concentrate on it. I could've went for a second narrator for some distinction.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Publication date ~ November 14, 2022
Page Count ~ 240
Audio length ~ 7 hours 6 minutes
Narrator ~ Anne-Marie Piazza
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline, slow start, pregnancy, IVF, secrets, these triggers kind of make for a , so view at your own risk.
Jackie is the midwife and Lauren is the mother. Secrets from the past intertwine in the present.
Unfortunately, this was super slow going for me and I didn't really care for either main character, or the side characters for that matter. The flashbacks back to 1995 kept me listening so I could how it would all play out.
I didn't write down specifically what was written, but this had me like what?? ~ she smelled smoke, so she grabbed a knife. Do ya plan on stabbing the flames?? Perhaps she should concentrate on getting her preggers self out of the house before the smoke inhalation kicks in.
Narration notes ~ so when she was speaking in whichever POV character we were on she did a fine job, but when she had to do other voices she totally slowed down her speaking like she had to concentrate on it. I could've went for a second narrator for some distinction.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
November 8, 2022
This synopsis had me so excited! I love thrillers set in hospitals, and the idea of danger involving pregnant women and midwives sounded so stressful!
The book begins with a lot of scene setting and would definitely be called a slow-burn, but this is not always a bad thing with thrillers. Lay the foundations, the suspense and intrigue will be ramped up and readers will be racing through to see how things turn out!
There are several twists and clues/ red herrings for the reader to sift through, and it is cleverly constructed to its conclusion.
The characters are all interesting, and I didn't know who to trust- which is a must in a thriller for me.
I really enjoyed the latter part of the book, when the pace gets much faster and is more to my taste.
The book begins with a lot of scene setting and would definitely be called a slow-burn, but this is not always a bad thing with thrillers. Lay the foundations, the suspense and intrigue will be ramped up and readers will be racing through to see how things turn out!
There are several twists and clues/ red herrings for the reader to sift through, and it is cleverly constructed to its conclusion.
The characters are all interesting, and I didn't know who to trust- which is a must in a thriller for me.
I really enjoyed the latter part of the book, when the pace gets much faster and is more to my taste.
May 14, 2023
Victoria Jenkins' latest novel —THE MIDWIFE, is full of secrets, unreliable characters, and a strong sense of darkness coming. When you trust someone with your baby, you are giving up a lot of control, making for a suspenseful and intense psychological drama.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Anne-Marie Piazza for an engaging and entertaining performance/listening experience.
We meet Lauren, a single pregnant via IVF, soon to be a mom. She has chosen this route and looks forward to being a mom. We will learn more about her tough traumatic past toward the end of the book, and you will have sympathy for her.
She is highly protective of this baby, as she should be, and meets her midwife, Jackie. She is there to support her.
However, Jackie is acting mysterious, and Lauren does not know if she can trust her. Mid-wives should be there to help you in every way.
Told from POVs Jackie and Lauren, we know that something is off. There are dark secrets on both sides and a mysterious man named Peter.
Lauren gets upset when a brick is thrown through her window with a note stating, "I know what you did!"
Throughout the book, you have no clue who is good or bad.
Slow-paced, and deeply unsettling, THE MIDWIFE is about the darkest reaches of motherhood. Visceral, provocative, and compulsive.
Readers have to wait until the end of the book to get all the answers as to what happened to Lauren many years ago, the other people indirectly affected seeking revenge, and the others with a plan to help or hurt her.
I cannot quite put my finger on it, but because of how it was written, it is hard to get invested in the characters or connect with them since you are not given the full story until the end.
I think the audiobook was well done; however, this one was more suspense, mystery, and psychological family drama versus a gripping thriller. Maybe that is what some of the reviewers are referring to. However, it was a pleasant listen, and look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #BookoutureAudio and #NetGalley for an eALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 14, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Anne-Marie Piazza for an engaging and entertaining performance/listening experience.
We meet Lauren, a single pregnant via IVF, soon to be a mom. She has chosen this route and looks forward to being a mom. We will learn more about her tough traumatic past toward the end of the book, and you will have sympathy for her.
She is highly protective of this baby, as she should be, and meets her midwife, Jackie. She is there to support her.
However, Jackie is acting mysterious, and Lauren does not know if she can trust her. Mid-wives should be there to help you in every way.
Told from POVs Jackie and Lauren, we know that something is off. There are dark secrets on both sides and a mysterious man named Peter.
Lauren gets upset when a brick is thrown through her window with a note stating, "I know what you did!"
Throughout the book, you have no clue who is good or bad.
Slow-paced, and deeply unsettling, THE MIDWIFE is about the darkest reaches of motherhood. Visceral, provocative, and compulsive.
Readers have to wait until the end of the book to get all the answers as to what happened to Lauren many years ago, the other people indirectly affected seeking revenge, and the others with a plan to help or hurt her.
I cannot quite put my finger on it, but because of how it was written, it is hard to get invested in the characters or connect with them since you are not given the full story until the end.
I think the audiobook was well done; however, this one was more suspense, mystery, and psychological family drama versus a gripping thriller. Maybe that is what some of the reviewers are referring to. However, it was a pleasant listen, and look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #BookoutureAudio and #NetGalley for an eALC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 14, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
November 14, 2022
Jackie has used IVF successfully and is now pregnant. A single woman, but one determined to be a good mother once her baby is born. However, Jackie has a secret from her past and that secret just might be revealed and this could possibly threaten her unborn child’s life.
Although she is alone, she won’t be for long. In fact, a midwife named Jackie offers to work with Lauren and even offers her more than that. Jackie can join a group run by Lauren for support, but Lauren also promises to work side-by-side with Jackie. However, Jackie’s secret is not the only one in this book by Victoria Jenkins. In fact, Lauren has a secret as well. Will either or both of their secrets be something that will cause harm for this innocent child that is soon to be born?
Things did not go well for Jackie. One thing that is very disturbing is when a brick is thrown through her window. Has someone become aware of her secret? This event ratchets up the tension in this already exciting read. With more than one twist in this book, with a few red herring throws in for good measure, the story begins to come together like pieces of a puzzle being formed.
With an intriguing plot, unreliable characters, some surprising twists, this latest book by Victoria Jenkins was quite an exciting read. Thanks to a thrilling ending, readers are left with the answers they might’ve been seeking while reading this book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RAVST_Xyjbg
Although she is alone, she won’t be for long. In fact, a midwife named Jackie offers to work with Lauren and even offers her more than that. Jackie can join a group run by Lauren for support, but Lauren also promises to work side-by-side with Jackie. However, Jackie’s secret is not the only one in this book by Victoria Jenkins. In fact, Lauren has a secret as well. Will either or both of their secrets be something that will cause harm for this innocent child that is soon to be born?
Things did not go well for Jackie. One thing that is very disturbing is when a brick is thrown through her window. Has someone become aware of her secret? This event ratchets up the tension in this already exciting read. With more than one twist in this book, with a few red herring throws in for good measure, the story begins to come together like pieces of a puzzle being formed.
With an intriguing plot, unreliable characters, some surprising twists, this latest book by Victoria Jenkins was quite an exciting read. Thanks to a thrilling ending, readers are left with the answers they might’ve been seeking while reading this book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/RAVST_Xyjbg
March 30, 2023
“I wasn’t alone, not really. There was the midwife.”
An audio I enjoyed but am finding hard to review. I liked the mystery, I listened to it over just more than a day - during running errands and then a 5 mile walk. It was interesting, trying to piece apart what was going on. But there was a lot of tough topics here - tied mainly around pregnancy - and I can see this being a tough read for anyone who has a tough time with topics around that.
So while I enjoyed the audio, I'm not sure this plot or story really stands out from others. It's a good story and I found myself really drawn in by the narrator, but I don't know that it will stay with me. For some time, I was definitely confused on who was on each side but it soon became clear and I did like the end. I didn't love it, I don't think it will stick with me, but I did enjoy it while I was listening.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
An audio I enjoyed but am finding hard to review. I liked the mystery, I listened to it over just more than a day - during running errands and then a 5 mile walk. It was interesting, trying to piece apart what was going on. But there was a lot of tough topics here - tied mainly around pregnancy - and I can see this being a tough read for anyone who has a tough time with topics around that.
So while I enjoyed the audio, I'm not sure this plot or story really stands out from others. It's a good story and I found myself really drawn in by the narrator, but I don't know that it will stay with me. For some time, I was definitely confused on who was on each side but it soon became clear and I did like the end. I didn't love it, I don't think it will stick with me, but I did enjoy it while I was listening.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 4, 2022
This was an interesting read with a unique storyline that turns out differently than expected. The story centers on Lauren, a soon to be single mother, and Jackie, a midwife who takes Lauren under her wing. Both women have secrets that they don’t want the other to learn, and Lauren in particular isn’t sure who to trust when creepy things start happening at her house. The chapters alternate between these 2 POVs.
This story was interesting because what is really happening is fully unexpected (at least to me). I thought the author did a great job in weaving the story to lead the reader one direction and then went in a totally different direction while still making it all make sense. I do think that a couple of the things that happened seemed unrealistic (like the majority of Lauren’s interactions with her landlord) but was willing to suspend my disbelief for a good story. I was also satisfied with the way it all worked out.
Overall, I’d recommend the book for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. I thought the storyline stood out in a crowded genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story was interesting because what is really happening is fully unexpected (at least to me). I thought the author did a great job in weaving the story to lead the reader one direction and then went in a totally different direction while still making it all make sense. I do think that a couple of the things that happened seemed unrealistic (like the majority of Lauren’s interactions with her landlord) but was willing to suspend my disbelief for a good story. I was also satisfied with the way it all worked out.
Overall, I’d recommend the book for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. I thought the storyline stood out in a crowded genre. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2022
This is a psychological thriller, which is about Lauren, who is pregnant. She has a midwife called Jackie, who seems very invested in Lauren's pregnancy. Why is Jackie so interested in her and her baby. Is she all that she seems, or should Lauren be suspicious of her? I liked Lauren, and I was rooting for her and her baby, especially at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this book, which had a great narrator who kept me focused on the story.
I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, which had a great narrator who kept me focused on the story.
I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2024
Why do I keep letting Victoria Jenkins’ blurbs suck me in? 😂
This is the third book of hers I’ve read and whilst I’ve not hated them I’ve not really enjoyed them that much either 😂 so hard to rate because of that but as I’m nonplussed by them I’ve gone for 2* as down the middle seems a little too high! I’ve taken the decision to remove her books from my TBR list now and please someone stop me if I pick up another?
This is the third book of hers I’ve read and whilst I’ve not hated them I’ve not really enjoyed them that much either 😂 so hard to rate because of that but as I’m nonplussed by them I’ve gone for 2* as down the middle seems a little too high! I’ve taken the decision to remove her books from my TBR list now and please someone stop me if I pick up another?
October 22, 2022
“Lauren Coleman “ has known loss in her life so she is taking her last chance to have a baby and she does this with artificial insemination One day at the clinic she meets a midwife named Jackie who was so kind and seems to really care about her patients. They form a professional relationship and Jackie even invites Lauren to a support group to meet other pregnant women but it seems only Jackie and another pregnant woman name Amber ever show up. One day while Lauren is at home a brick is thrown through her window with a note that says “I know what you did!“ she is shaking up but calls her landlord Khalil who fixes it this is only the beginning of the strange events that happened before the birth of her baby while this is happening Jackie the caring midwife is having an affair with some guy named Peter who has a vested interest in a dim opinion of what happens to Lauren. Although her opinion of Lauren and peters seem to vastly differ she still agrees to go through with the plan but what is the plan and why is he doing this? These are all questions and more that I had by time the end of the book came around. I love a good thriller and a good mystery and although I found this one to be a tad bit slow it wasn’t so slow that I didn’t enjoy the story I love this authors books and I wasn’t disappointed with this one I just thought it was a tad bit less greatness than her others but having said that I would still recommend it either you’re going to love it and tell your friends about it are you going to think it wasn’t so great but either way I promise you will finish it. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
November 11, 2022
★★★ 3.5 stars
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Victoria Jenkins' tense thriller THE MIDWIFE.
I've been a fan of Victoria Jenkins since her King and Lane series so I was excited to dive into another one of her thrillers. THE MIDWIFE begins with a sense of foreboding though the reader isn't quite sure what about. It starts off with a lot of character building and scene setting...something of a slow burn but still enough to keep you engaged.
Lauren is a single mum to be having conceived through IVF at the age of 41. Her life has been one of secrets that are slowly revealed as the story unfolds and we learn more about her as it progresses. She has chosen to go it alone after a long term relationship and feels a need to protect this baby at all costs.
At thirty weeks, she meets her midwife Jackie who is there to support her throughout the rest of her pregnancy and impending birth. And Jackie, it seems, is eager to do anything to help her. But is she too eager? Does she have an ulterior motive? And if so, what?
Because Jackie seems to be acting somewhat mysterious, Lauren isn't sure she can trust her. After all, midwives are there to help you every step of the way...and what if she goes into labour and Jackie fails her just when she needs her the most? Is she genuinely there to help, or does she know the truth about Lauren's past and is there to punish her?
So the concept of this book is an intriguing one but I don't feel it completely played out as intended. Well, it didn't for me. But that's not to say I didn't enjoy it...I just didn't enjoy as much as her other thrillers. I figured out who was who and why before the reveal, finding it predictable though that never deters me or ruins my enjoyment of it, although it might for others.
THE MIDWIFE is a tough book to review because as I said I didn't not like it...I just didn't like it as much as her others. But I do want to put a positive spin on it because it is not a bad read. It is just a slow one with little in the way of thrills and twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. But if you stick it out, you will find things pick up about halfway through and the pieces all start to come together and begin to make more sense.
Overall, THE MIDWIFE is a good read but not a great one. It does have some secrets that will keep you guessing and that's enough to hold your interest throughout. It's not a thriller as such...more a psychological drama.
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheMidwife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Victoria Jenkins' tense thriller THE MIDWIFE.
I've been a fan of Victoria Jenkins since her King and Lane series so I was excited to dive into another one of her thrillers. THE MIDWIFE begins with a sense of foreboding though the reader isn't quite sure what about. It starts off with a lot of character building and scene setting...something of a slow burn but still enough to keep you engaged.
Lauren is a single mum to be having conceived through IVF at the age of 41. Her life has been one of secrets that are slowly revealed as the story unfolds and we learn more about her as it progresses. She has chosen to go it alone after a long term relationship and feels a need to protect this baby at all costs.
At thirty weeks, she meets her midwife Jackie who is there to support her throughout the rest of her pregnancy and impending birth. And Jackie, it seems, is eager to do anything to help her. But is she too eager? Does she have an ulterior motive? And if so, what?
Because Jackie seems to be acting somewhat mysterious, Lauren isn't sure she can trust her. After all, midwives are there to help you every step of the way...and what if she goes into labour and Jackie fails her just when she needs her the most? Is she genuinely there to help, or does she know the truth about Lauren's past and is there to punish her?
So the concept of this book is an intriguing one but I don't feel it completely played out as intended. Well, it didn't for me. But that's not to say I didn't enjoy it...I just didn't enjoy as much as her other thrillers. I figured out who was who and why before the reveal, finding it predictable though that never deters me or ruins my enjoyment of it, although it might for others.
THE MIDWIFE is a tough book to review because as I said I didn't not like it...I just didn't like it as much as her others. But I do want to put a positive spin on it because it is not a bad read. It is just a slow one with little in the way of thrills and twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. But if you stick it out, you will find things pick up about halfway through and the pieces all start to come together and begin to make more sense.
Overall, THE MIDWIFE is a good read but not a great one. It does have some secrets that will keep you guessing and that's enough to hold your interest throughout. It's not a thriller as such...more a psychological drama.
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheMidwife in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 4, 2022
The Midwife
Victoria Jenkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks a mil Netgalley, Bookouture and author Victoria Jenkins for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the sound of the blurb on this one so was looking forward to reading it.
I liked the characters writing style and the chapters were short and quick but the storyline just never got going for me and didnt grip me like a psych thriller usually would. It was ok but it fell a little bit flat for me overall.
While the plot sounded good and the two main characters, Lauren and Jackie, were developed well - I just didnt really connect with either of them or care how the story went. It wasnt very fast paced and I wouldnt say it had much thrill to it - as far as thrillers go. I didnt hate it and I would try another read by this author in the future but this one just didnt quite do it for me I'm afraid. I think after a string of twisty reads, it just fell a little flat.
Thanks again for the chance to read it Netgalley.
#TheMidwife #VictoriaJenkins
3 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Victoria Jenkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks a mil Netgalley, Bookouture and author Victoria Jenkins for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this one in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the sound of the blurb on this one so was looking forward to reading it.
I liked the characters writing style and the chapters were short and quick but the storyline just never got going for me and didnt grip me like a psych thriller usually would. It was ok but it fell a little bit flat for me overall.
While the plot sounded good and the two main characters, Lauren and Jackie, were developed well - I just didnt really connect with either of them or care how the story went. It wasnt very fast paced and I wouldnt say it had much thrill to it - as far as thrillers go. I didnt hate it and I would try another read by this author in the future but this one just didnt quite do it for me I'm afraid. I think after a string of twisty reads, it just fell a little flat.
Thanks again for the chance to read it Netgalley.
#TheMidwife #VictoriaJenkins
3 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 10, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
The title of this book really appealed to me; after all, it's a mother's worst nightmare, to have their child stolen, especially by someone she trusts so much.
The concept of this book is good and I particularly enjoyed the twist at the end. However at times I didn't feel it had as much psychological impact as I was hoping. There were elements that the book was quite predicable and a very strange and disappointing ending.
The title of this book really appealed to me; after all, it's a mother's worst nightmare, to have their child stolen, especially by someone she trusts so much.
The concept of this book is good and I particularly enjoyed the twist at the end. However at times I didn't feel it had as much psychological impact as I was hoping. There were elements that the book was quite predicable and a very strange and disappointing ending.
November 7, 2022
This one was good...nothing more than that to me unfortunately. To me seemed to drag on. Though I did finish it I did find myself skimming parts of it.
The premise of the book was a fantastic idea..wish I would have enjoyed it more.
Hope you do.
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
The premise of the book was a fantastic idea..wish I would have enjoyed it more.
Hope you do.
Thanks to the author,the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
January 3, 2024
Victoria has an effect less way to her writing! I couldnt put this down! She grabs you into a hole of what you think will happen and then flips it over, just brilliant
November 5, 2022
“I’m a midwife. Everyone trusts me.”
Thank you Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. “The Midwife” will be available on November 14th!
Lauren has been hiding from her tragic past for years. When she thinks she’s finally free of it and about to have the baby if her dreams, her past comes back to haunt her. Things keep happening and Lauren can’t decide who she is able to trust. Jackie, a kind midwife, seems to be nice and goes out of her way to help her. Is she genuinely there to help her or does she know the truth about Lauren’s past?
Whew this book. I’m going to go ahead and say now that this was not the book for me. I found the pacing to be all off. I was ready to DNF this book 30% in and then really considered it at 50% in. I have a hard time with not finishing books, because I have to know how they end, so here we are. This is a dual POV book where we spend almost the entire first half of the book basically listening to both characters’ inner dialogue. Things don’t start getting really getting revealed until about 65% of the way into the book. At this point things are slightly confusing, because of the twist that’s being set up. Things clear up and the twist is revealed, but by that time you can pretty much guess what’s going to happen. Overall, “The Midwife” just wasn’t the book for me and I rated 2 ⭐️‘s.
Thank you Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. “The Midwife” will be available on November 14th!
Lauren has been hiding from her tragic past for years. When she thinks she’s finally free of it and about to have the baby if her dreams, her past comes back to haunt her. Things keep happening and Lauren can’t decide who she is able to trust. Jackie, a kind midwife, seems to be nice and goes out of her way to help her. Is she genuinely there to help her or does she know the truth about Lauren’s past?
Whew this book. I’m going to go ahead and say now that this was not the book for me. I found the pacing to be all off. I was ready to DNF this book 30% in and then really considered it at 50% in. I have a hard time with not finishing books, because I have to know how they end, so here we are. This is a dual POV book where we spend almost the entire first half of the book basically listening to both characters’ inner dialogue. Things don’t start getting really getting revealed until about 65% of the way into the book. At this point things are slightly confusing, because of the twist that’s being set up. Things clear up and the twist is revealed, but by that time you can pretty much guess what’s going to happen. Overall, “The Midwife” just wasn’t the book for me and I rated 2 ⭐️‘s.
October 20, 2022
I usually enjoy reading Victoria Jenkins' novels but this wasn't her best thriller book.
The story is about two women--Lauren who is pregnant and Jackie the midwife. Lauren has a secret and soon, someone knows about the secret that Lauren gets threatening letters. Jackie is also determined to know Lauren more.
This book wasn't as great as her other novels. This started slow-burn and it was also slightly boring in my opinion. What made the story interesting was towards the end, when Lauren's secret was revealed. There weren't too much twists or any unexpected turns that you would normally expect in a good psychological thriller and for me, the whole story kind of felt bland to me. The characters were in ,my opinion was boring as well. The plot was good but I really felt the execution of the whole story wasn't great.
Overall, this was an OK thriller that is worth three stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
The story is about two women--Lauren who is pregnant and Jackie the midwife. Lauren has a secret and soon, someone knows about the secret that Lauren gets threatening letters. Jackie is also determined to know Lauren more.
This book wasn't as great as her other novels. This started slow-burn and it was also slightly boring in my opinion. What made the story interesting was towards the end, when Lauren's secret was revealed. There weren't too much twists or any unexpected turns that you would normally expect in a good psychological thriller and for me, the whole story kind of felt bland to me. The characters were in ,my opinion was boring as well. The plot was good but I really felt the execution of the whole story wasn't great.
Overall, this was an OK thriller that is worth three stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
November 14, 2022
3 stars
The blurb of the book is very interesting, and I was waiting to read this on Kindle Unlimited. But thankfully I got approved by Bookouture Audio, Netgalley for the audio copy of the book.
The narration by Anne-Marie Piazza is really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Initially I took some time to understand all the characters as there were a lot of names being thrown at – but once I got he grip of the story I couldn’t stop listening to it as I had to know what was going on.
The short chapters, and in each suspense was building up – but be warned there’s a bit of sadness too in this story!
But, as the story developed I felt it was an overall book – the characters had a lot of back story and keeping up with that was honestly a but tough, especially as this was an audio copy, I couldn’t rewind it so many times!
The blurb of the book is very interesting, and I was waiting to read this on Kindle Unlimited. But thankfully I got approved by Bookouture Audio, Netgalley for the audio copy of the book.
The narration by Anne-Marie Piazza is really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Initially I took some time to understand all the characters as there were a lot of names being thrown at – but once I got he grip of the story I couldn’t stop listening to it as I had to know what was going on.
The short chapters, and in each suspense was building up – but be warned there’s a bit of sadness too in this story!
But, as the story developed I felt it was an overall book – the characters had a lot of back story and keeping up with that was honestly a but tough, especially as this was an audio copy, I couldn’t rewind it so many times!
November 21, 2022
Good, kept my interests. Not great. Some moved so slow and some was just plain predictable but the last few chapters were full of surprise. Not really sure how a woman can work for someone and rent a flat under contract using a fake name in todays day & age but whatever. If you overlook that and the side plot implausibility, you're good.
I kinda played the whole thing in my head like a Lifetime movie.
Three and a half stars, rounded up to four
I kinda played the whole thing in my head like a Lifetime movie.
Three and a half stars, rounded up to four
November 14, 2022
3.5 stars
This story wasn’t quite what I expected. It was a bit suspenseful, and the alternating perspectives were a useful way to keep the tension going. The end was slightly surprising but not shocking; I didn’t truly love or hate it. It was a quick, fun domestic thriller.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story wasn’t quite what I expected. It was a bit suspenseful, and the alternating perspectives were a useful way to keep the tension going. The end was slightly surprising but not shocking; I didn’t truly love or hate it. It was a quick, fun domestic thriller.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Lauren is single and having a baby. She meets Jackie the midwife who invites her to antenatal groups. Strange things start to happen to Lauren. Is she right to trust her midwife? A cleverly written thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
May 1, 2023
This is for the audio version of the book. Lots of twists and turns, tons of atmosphere, dark pasts and people who aren't who you think they are. There were a lot of surprises in this book. The narrator was great in reading in the different voices. This book made me look forward to my walk and it was easy to get absorbed into it.
December 13, 2022
Wow this author constantly delivers nail-bitingly taut page turners every single time and this book is no different. Wow! What an incredibly addictive, suspenseful thriller. Do read this one.
November 15, 2022
The blurb really really attracted me and I thought this was right up my street. But it started off so slow, which I get as was setting the scene but then I struggled finishing it - was going to finish it as I wanted tom but didn't really enjoy it.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
November 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 30, 2023
"A NEW HOME, A NEW LIFE, A NEW NAME"
...
This is one of those psychological thrillers which has so many twists and turns in its plotline, you need to have your wits about you at all times! At one point, when I had, out of necessity, needed to take a break from my reading, I even anticipated having to go back to the beginning and re-read the story to date, as I was certain I was missing out on something fundamentally important. However, after piecing events together and arranging them in context with both each other and their relevant characters, all gradually became clear, especially if you remember that no one is who you think they are and nothing is as it seems... Let me try and explain!
...
Lauren, a PA, lives alone in a small flat in London. Her brave decision and tenacity in pursuing and persisting with IVF treatment, means that she is now an older, expectant, single mother, who, as her delivery date approaches, is feeling more isolated and lonely by the day, following the break-up of her relationship with partner Callum.
But, for the last twenty years Lauren has been lying to everyone, keeping a secret she can never let out into the cruel light of day, and she is obviously in hiding from someone. So, when first her flat is attacked, then she personally is threatened, she begins to panic, especially when she realises that she is being watched, which means that she has been running from a past which is about to catch up with her. Everyone is a potential suspect in Lauren's eyes, even her landlord Karim, although she is forced to accept his seemingly guileless, kind gestures, as she has nowhere else to run and no one else to turn to.
Knowing that it is probably only a matter of time before she is 'outed' to the world, Lauren decides to try and make contact with her estranged brother Jamie, who has spent the majority of his adult life in prison and is a drug addict. However, Jamie definitely doesn't want to build any bridges with his sister and in fact, their one and only meeting results in the worst possible ending for him, although Lauren is not yet aware of the guilt she is about to feel when his true fate is revealed.
Alarm bells should have been ringing loud and clear when out of the blue, Lauren is approached by Jackie, an off-duty midwife, who offers her some much needed support and reassurance, even though the two have never met before at any of Lauren's many ante-natal appointments. Lauren's suspicions are still only mildly aroused when Jackie invites her to a weekly informal get together away from the confines of the hospital, where she discovers that there are only two participants, herself and another much younger mum-to-be, called Amber, who seems vaguely familiar.
Jackie also has a secret, in fact, it transpires, more than one and she is fast running out of options to keep all her plates spinning at the same time, knowing that if any one of them hits the ground, the consequences will be inconceivably dire for all concerned. When push comes to shove however and Lauren's baby is in danger of becoming another statistic, will Jackie's true commitment to her profession outweigh all else, including fears for her own safety and the repercussions her actions may have on others?
When the dust has finally settled, there still aren't any overtly happy endings, although one or two seeds of hope for the future are shooting towards the light.
But, be sure the sins of the past will always find you out!
...
Whilst this isn't strictly speaking a dual timeline story, as it is predominantly set in the present day, there are some moving and disturbing flashbacks to 1995, where it all began. The chapters are short, well signposted and easy to navigate, being narrated alternately through the voices of The Mother and The Midwife, which keeps the well constructed, multi-layered and textured storyline, bowling along at a good pace and with the continuity never compromised. The secrets are fed into the narrative and dialogue, one agonising drip at a time, drawing out and ratcheting up the suspense and tension almost to breaking point. Just when I thought I had worked out the two separate strands to the story another curved ball was thrown into the mix, with that eventual dovetailing not finally happening until almost the final agonising page.
Author Victoria Jenkins certainly isn't afraid to throw some controversial behaviours and crimes into the mix of a plot, being quite prepared to hold them up for inspection and conversation, particularly brave in today's climate of what is considered to be socially acceptable. Attempting to conceal and cover-up a teenage pregnancy. The coercive behaviour and dogged tenets of a dictatorial parent. The emotional trauma and lasting scars of losing ones parents at a young age and in particularly tragic circumstances. The dogged behaviour and entrapment tactics employed by a detective, who is doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons. At what point, in any of those scenarios, terrible as they are, is taking the law into your own hands and meting out your own brand of justice ever permissible or justified?
Victoria has set up one heck of an emotional, compulsive reading, roller-coaster ride for Lauren and indeed Jackie, with one of them having no idea who her unknown adversary might be, whilst the other has divided loyalties which will threaten to destroy her professional integrity and bend her faith in someone she holds dear, beyond breaking point. Throw into the mix someone whose life is a complete train wreck, dominated only by the lust for revenge and retribution, to the point where reality has almost ceased to exist and you can imagine what kind of a journey you are letting yourself in for. In fact, in this relatively small cast, the characters are all well defined and developed, even though they are all to a person, volatile, complex emotional wrecks. This makes none of them authentic, genuine or reliable and at times it seemed as though I was wading through treacle, trying to shake off the doom and gloom of their combined dour, lugubrious and tenuous hold on reality.
This story was predominantly all about the characters, their relationships to one another and the events which have drawn them together, so location was never really going to be a dominating factor. However, on a purely personal note, the armchair traveller in me was more than satisfied on this occasion, as although most of the action takes place in London, there are references a plenty to past times, when the characters were growing up in the small Wiltshire village of Purton and its nearest neighbouring town of Swindon, which is where I was born and spent almost three decades of my life. I was teased by a real sense of time and place that I could almost step into and an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page (or at least until my next monthly visit 'home').
...
This is one of those psychological thrillers which has so many twists and turns in its plotline, you need to have your wits about you at all times! At one point, when I had, out of necessity, needed to take a break from my reading, I even anticipated having to go back to the beginning and re-read the story to date, as I was certain I was missing out on something fundamentally important. However, after piecing events together and arranging them in context with both each other and their relevant characters, all gradually became clear, especially if you remember that no one is who you think they are and nothing is as it seems... Let me try and explain!
...
Lauren, a PA, lives alone in a small flat in London. Her brave decision and tenacity in pursuing and persisting with IVF treatment, means that she is now an older, expectant, single mother, who, as her delivery date approaches, is feeling more isolated and lonely by the day, following the break-up of her relationship with partner Callum.
But, for the last twenty years Lauren has been lying to everyone, keeping a secret she can never let out into the cruel light of day, and she is obviously in hiding from someone. So, when first her flat is attacked, then she personally is threatened, she begins to panic, especially when she realises that she is being watched, which means that she has been running from a past which is about to catch up with her. Everyone is a potential suspect in Lauren's eyes, even her landlord Karim, although she is forced to accept his seemingly guileless, kind gestures, as she has nowhere else to run and no one else to turn to.
Knowing that it is probably only a matter of time before she is 'outed' to the world, Lauren decides to try and make contact with her estranged brother Jamie, who has spent the majority of his adult life in prison and is a drug addict. However, Jamie definitely doesn't want to build any bridges with his sister and in fact, their one and only meeting results in the worst possible ending for him, although Lauren is not yet aware of the guilt she is about to feel when his true fate is revealed.
Alarm bells should have been ringing loud and clear when out of the blue, Lauren is approached by Jackie, an off-duty midwife, who offers her some much needed support and reassurance, even though the two have never met before at any of Lauren's many ante-natal appointments. Lauren's suspicions are still only mildly aroused when Jackie invites her to a weekly informal get together away from the confines of the hospital, where she discovers that there are only two participants, herself and another much younger mum-to-be, called Amber, who seems vaguely familiar.
Jackie also has a secret, in fact, it transpires, more than one and she is fast running out of options to keep all her plates spinning at the same time, knowing that if any one of them hits the ground, the consequences will be inconceivably dire for all concerned. When push comes to shove however and Lauren's baby is in danger of becoming another statistic, will Jackie's true commitment to her profession outweigh all else, including fears for her own safety and the repercussions her actions may have on others?
When the dust has finally settled, there still aren't any overtly happy endings, although one or two seeds of hope for the future are shooting towards the light.
But, be sure the sins of the past will always find you out!
...
Whilst this isn't strictly speaking a dual timeline story, as it is predominantly set in the present day, there are some moving and disturbing flashbacks to 1995, where it all began. The chapters are short, well signposted and easy to navigate, being narrated alternately through the voices of The Mother and The Midwife, which keeps the well constructed, multi-layered and textured storyline, bowling along at a good pace and with the continuity never compromised. The secrets are fed into the narrative and dialogue, one agonising drip at a time, drawing out and ratcheting up the suspense and tension almost to breaking point. Just when I thought I had worked out the two separate strands to the story another curved ball was thrown into the mix, with that eventual dovetailing not finally happening until almost the final agonising page.
Author Victoria Jenkins certainly isn't afraid to throw some controversial behaviours and crimes into the mix of a plot, being quite prepared to hold them up for inspection and conversation, particularly brave in today's climate of what is considered to be socially acceptable. Attempting to conceal and cover-up a teenage pregnancy. The coercive behaviour and dogged tenets of a dictatorial parent. The emotional trauma and lasting scars of losing ones parents at a young age and in particularly tragic circumstances. The dogged behaviour and entrapment tactics employed by a detective, who is doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons. At what point, in any of those scenarios, terrible as they are, is taking the law into your own hands and meting out your own brand of justice ever permissible or justified?
Victoria has set up one heck of an emotional, compulsive reading, roller-coaster ride for Lauren and indeed Jackie, with one of them having no idea who her unknown adversary might be, whilst the other has divided loyalties which will threaten to destroy her professional integrity and bend her faith in someone she holds dear, beyond breaking point. Throw into the mix someone whose life is a complete train wreck, dominated only by the lust for revenge and retribution, to the point where reality has almost ceased to exist and you can imagine what kind of a journey you are letting yourself in for. In fact, in this relatively small cast, the characters are all well defined and developed, even though they are all to a person, volatile, complex emotional wrecks. This makes none of them authentic, genuine or reliable and at times it seemed as though I was wading through treacle, trying to shake off the doom and gloom of their combined dour, lugubrious and tenuous hold on reality.
This story was predominantly all about the characters, their relationships to one another and the events which have drawn them together, so location was never really going to be a dominating factor. However, on a purely personal note, the armchair traveller in me was more than satisfied on this occasion, as although most of the action takes place in London, there are references a plenty to past times, when the characters were growing up in the small Wiltshire village of Purton and its nearest neighbouring town of Swindon, which is where I was born and spent almost three decades of my life. I was teased by a real sense of time and place that I could almost step into and an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page (or at least until my next monthly visit 'home').
June 20, 2023
My second book by Victoria Jenkins and I wasn’t disappointed.
Lauren is 30 weeks pregnant with her baby girl conceived by IVF when she goes for a tour of the local hospital maternity unit and meets a midwife called Jackie. A few days after the tour Jackie rings her and invites her to a mums-to-be session she runs at the local community centre and Lauren agrees to go and hopes to meet other mums-to-be. Through these sessions she begins to feel more comfortable with Jackie, but Lauren is hiding a dark past. When a brick is thrown through her flat’s window with a note attached “You can’t run forever” Lauren fears her past is finally catching up to her. Then when an intruder breaks into her home and starts a fire in her kitchen she starts to worry about the safety of her unborn child and herself. She finds herself confiding in Jackie but is Jackie who she seems or is she hiding a past just as dark as Laurens? You’ll have to read to find out!
Another great read from Victoria Jenkins. I was hooked very early on and although it was a slow burn, I really enjoyed the suspense that Victoria Jenkins is so good at building. I did find it a little difficult to follow who was who at the start but ultimately when the story came together in the second half this wasn’t a problem at all and by then I knew exactly who everyone was, and it all made sense. I loved the fact I was fooled, and I didn’t see the main twist coming which is always great with a psychological thriller.
Overall, another solid story from Victoria Jenkins. I definitely recommend this for psychological thriller fans, and I look forward to her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
Lauren is 30 weeks pregnant with her baby girl conceived by IVF when she goes for a tour of the local hospital maternity unit and meets a midwife called Jackie. A few days after the tour Jackie rings her and invites her to a mums-to-be session she runs at the local community centre and Lauren agrees to go and hopes to meet other mums-to-be. Through these sessions she begins to feel more comfortable with Jackie, but Lauren is hiding a dark past. When a brick is thrown through her flat’s window with a note attached “You can’t run forever” Lauren fears her past is finally catching up to her. Then when an intruder breaks into her home and starts a fire in her kitchen she starts to worry about the safety of her unborn child and herself. She finds herself confiding in Jackie but is Jackie who she seems or is she hiding a past just as dark as Laurens? You’ll have to read to find out!
Another great read from Victoria Jenkins. I was hooked very early on and although it was a slow burn, I really enjoyed the suspense that Victoria Jenkins is so good at building. I did find it a little difficult to follow who was who at the start but ultimately when the story came together in the second half this wasn’t a problem at all and by then I knew exactly who everyone was, and it all made sense. I loved the fact I was fooled, and I didn’t see the main twist coming which is always great with a psychological thriller.
Overall, another solid story from Victoria Jenkins. I definitely recommend this for psychological thriller fans, and I look forward to her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Jenkins and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
October 25, 2022
Spine-Tingingly Snazzalicious! 😳😯🤯😳😯
Holy Fluffer Bobble Doodles! Jenkins has never failed me yet and once again hits her target with a bulls-eye of this novel! It's absolutely nail-biting, gasp-worthy and eye-popping the entire time you read it. She takes you on a twisted, unsuspecting journey that you think leads one way before she yanks you and veers you in something completely opposite! I was totally caught off guard and completely shocked once all was revealed. The ending was a sure jaw-dropper and I'm pretty sure my BP rose to dangerous levels. I'm not a drinker but this novel, by the end, sure had me tempted! Be ready to enjoy this fantastic treasure map of thrilling fun... just don't trust the map!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Jackie is a midwife who has recently started working at Pinewood Hospital. She's excelling at her job and with her patients of mother's and newborn babies. Lauren is a soon-to-be mom not far from her due date. But Lauren is someone who is very isolated and to herself. Jackie can sense Lauren needs extra care and attention and tries to reach out to her in different ways to provide support and feels strongly for Lauren. Lauren has her reasons though, for being a nervous new mother and keeping to herself and she's got to keep her secrets at all costs. But just how much can she rely on Jackie?
🔴 Trigger Warnings: Baby Death ; Talk Of Miscarriages
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: November 14, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Jack-o'-lanterns! 🎃
Holy Fluffer Bobble Doodles! Jenkins has never failed me yet and once again hits her target with a bulls-eye of this novel! It's absolutely nail-biting, gasp-worthy and eye-popping the entire time you read it. She takes you on a twisted, unsuspecting journey that you think leads one way before she yanks you and veers you in something completely opposite! I was totally caught off guard and completely shocked once all was revealed. The ending was a sure jaw-dropper and I'm pretty sure my BP rose to dangerous levels. I'm not a drinker but this novel, by the end, sure had me tempted! Be ready to enjoy this fantastic treasure map of thrilling fun... just don't trust the map!
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Jackie is a midwife who has recently started working at Pinewood Hospital. She's excelling at her job and with her patients of mother's and newborn babies. Lauren is a soon-to-be mom not far from her due date. But Lauren is someone who is very isolated and to herself. Jackie can sense Lauren needs extra care and attention and tries to reach out to her in different ways to provide support and feels strongly for Lauren. Lauren has her reasons though, for being a nervous new mother and keeping to herself and she's got to keep her secrets at all costs. But just how much can she rely on Jackie?
🔴 Trigger Warnings: Baby Death ; Talk Of Miscarriages
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: November 14, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Jack-o'-lanterns! 🎃
November 19, 2022
'The Midwife' as an audiobook is a very decent listen in the psychological fiction genre. It was my first experience of Victoria Jenkins work, but on this basis of this book I would seek this author out again. The plot is twist-filled and smoke and mirrors are used to great effect, all is most definitely not what it first appears!
Lauren is an expectant single mother, who finds that her midwife really does go the extra mile. Lauren feels comfortable with midwife, Jackie, who offers a maternal and reassuring presence to Lauren, for whom life so far has been far from a bed of roses. Lauren experiences a slight niggle as to whether Midwife, Jackie's, treatment of her is 'normal', but with a lack of others in her corner, Jackie is the one she turns to when the going gets tough. The book is narrated from the perspective of Lauren 'The Mother', and also from Jackie, 'The Midwife'. From Jackie's narrative it is clear she is in cahoots with a mysterious male character, and sinister intent is implied, but as to why, and what unfolds, I would highly recommend reading this book to find out! So much happens, I don't think I could summarise it even if I wanted to!!
Narrative is superb, I see nothing to criticise in this narrator, who does an excellent job of differentiating between characters.
This is an audiobook I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to readers/ listeners of the psychological fiction genre.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
Lauren is an expectant single mother, who finds that her midwife really does go the extra mile. Lauren feels comfortable with midwife, Jackie, who offers a maternal and reassuring presence to Lauren, for whom life so far has been far from a bed of roses. Lauren experiences a slight niggle as to whether Midwife, Jackie's, treatment of her is 'normal', but with a lack of others in her corner, Jackie is the one she turns to when the going gets tough. The book is narrated from the perspective of Lauren 'The Mother', and also from Jackie, 'The Midwife'. From Jackie's narrative it is clear she is in cahoots with a mysterious male character, and sinister intent is implied, but as to why, and what unfolds, I would highly recommend reading this book to find out! So much happens, I don't think I could summarise it even if I wanted to!!
Narrative is superb, I see nothing to criticise in this narrator, who does an excellent job of differentiating between characters.
This is an audiobook I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to readers/ listeners of the psychological fiction genre.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
March 23, 2023
Welcome to Pinewood Hospital. I’m here to take care of you…
The bright yellow walls of the maternity ward are plastered with posters of perfect families. Surrounded by happy looking couples, I’m painfully aware I’m about to give birth all alone. As I stroke my bump, I can’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. But when my midwife Jackie introduces herself and holds my trembling hand, I know she’s here to help. I instantly relax around her, even though I can’t shake the feeling we’ve met before…
As I sit in my small, rented bedsit that evening, my phone rings and I’m shocked to hear Jackie’s voice. I don’t recall giving her my number, but I have been forgetful of late. When she invites me to an antenatal group, I’m quick to make up an excuse, but she won’t take no for an answer. Jackie promised me there would be a big group, so why is there only one other nervous looking mother here? I catch Jackie studying my face when the woman asks me questions about my baby. Does Jackie know the secret I’ve been keeping? As my due date approaches, I find myself turning to Jackie more and more. I even let her talk me into her delivering my baby at home. She says she’s delivered hundreds of babies this way, and she’ll give me the birth I deserve. My baby and I are in safe hands… Aren’t we?
This book was a very clever thriller and was full of twists. I have a child myself and this book hits close to home for me. You hear so many horror stories about babies and giving birth and that's what makes this one scary to me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
The bright yellow walls of the maternity ward are plastered with posters of perfect families. Surrounded by happy looking couples, I’m painfully aware I’m about to give birth all alone. As I stroke my bump, I can’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks. But when my midwife Jackie introduces herself and holds my trembling hand, I know she’s here to help. I instantly relax around her, even though I can’t shake the feeling we’ve met before…
As I sit in my small, rented bedsit that evening, my phone rings and I’m shocked to hear Jackie’s voice. I don’t recall giving her my number, but I have been forgetful of late. When she invites me to an antenatal group, I’m quick to make up an excuse, but she won’t take no for an answer. Jackie promised me there would be a big group, so why is there only one other nervous looking mother here? I catch Jackie studying my face when the woman asks me questions about my baby. Does Jackie know the secret I’ve been keeping? As my due date approaches, I find myself turning to Jackie more and more. I even let her talk me into her delivering my baby at home. She says she’s delivered hundreds of babies this way, and she’ll give me the birth I deserve. My baby and I are in safe hands… Aren’t we?
This book was a very clever thriller and was full of twists. I have a child myself and this book hits close to home for me. You hear so many horror stories about babies and giving birth and that's what makes this one scary to me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
April 13, 2023
The Midwife by Victoria Jenkins is a book I'd heard nothing about. It popped up on my audible suggestions so I decided to give it a whirl in my second trimester of pregnancy. I love books I can relate to so from the title I knew pregnancy and babies would be involved... plus it seemed marketed as a thriller so I was in!
I should have known from the title and from the basic cover that this book was going to be just another generic thriller with nothing to it to really exceed expectations.
The book is about a woman called Lauren who has decided to have a baby alone through IVF in her forties. Quick cheer for women brave enough to do something like that alone. It's no easy thing. Even having a natural pregnancy like in my situation, growing a human and starting a family is hard. It's exhausting and A LOT though being the most rewarding thing in the world at the same time. So already right off the bat we have this respect for Lauren as a character. She's doing something BIG. She's brave. Let's see what is in store for us... we're instantly invested.
Enter midwife Jackie. She's determined to be Lauren's midwife. Starts inviting her to group sessions. There's all these curiosities thrown in like, how did Jackie get Lauren's number? Why is it eluded to that Lauren isn't who she says she is? The author tried far too hard to turn this book into a big guessing game. It became this horrifyingly slow paced mystery that was quite easy to forget. Not one I'll be recommending sadly!
I should have known from the title and from the basic cover that this book was going to be just another generic thriller with nothing to it to really exceed expectations.
The book is about a woman called Lauren who has decided to have a baby alone through IVF in her forties. Quick cheer for women brave enough to do something like that alone. It's no easy thing. Even having a natural pregnancy like in my situation, growing a human and starting a family is hard. It's exhausting and A LOT though being the most rewarding thing in the world at the same time. So already right off the bat we have this respect for Lauren as a character. She's doing something BIG. She's brave. Let's see what is in store for us... we're instantly invested.
Enter midwife Jackie. She's determined to be Lauren's midwife. Starts inviting her to group sessions. There's all these curiosities thrown in like, how did Jackie get Lauren's number? Why is it eluded to that Lauren isn't who she says she is? The author tried far too hard to turn this book into a big guessing game. It became this horrifyingly slow paced mystery that was quite easy to forget. Not one I'll be recommending sadly!
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