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The Midwife
For the sake of his child... Widowed father Gar Lundstrom's offer of a marriage of convenience had given Leah the chance of a new life for herself caring for his children. Yet what would happen to her newfound happiness when the stalwart farmer learned the horrible secret that had sent her on the run?
A biddable mother for his children was all that Gar had expected when he took Leah Gunderson to wife. Yet Leah's spirited presence lightened his dark and lonely existence, and made him long to find a way to free her from her troubled past.
A biddable mother for his children was all that Gar had expected when he took Leah Gunderson to wife. Yet Leah's spirited presence lightened his dark and lonely existence, and made him long to find a way to free her from her troubled past.
299 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
30 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Davidson
68 books89 followersCarolyn Davidson began writing in 1986, knowing absolutely nothing about the craft. Her first three books were rejected by Harlequin.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
She met Dixie Browning at a Harlequin dinner in Charleston, South Carolina, and told Dixie she was writing, but that she feared she was too old to begin such an undertaking. Dixie's response spurred Carolyn to pursue her dream. Dixie said, in her own inimitable fashion, "Well, honey, you can't start any younger!" And she was right.
Having spent her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and working woman, she's privileged to have a career that makes her dreams possible. Writing historical romance gives her the opportunity to travel, to visit all those places where our forefathers staked their claim on this country of ours. And then she goes home and writes their stories, maybe not exactly as they lived them, but as her imagination portrays them.
Carolyn lives in the South, where romance thrives, and where the sun shines almost every day of the year. In fact, some days it is difficult to stay glued to her computer, especially when the birds are singing and the flowers are in full bloom.
She lives not far from the ocean, close to Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Moreover, time at the beach is easy to come by. Does she enjoy her life? You bet! Harlequin allows her to write the books she loves, and her editor is patient with her quirks and foibles. Her family, though scattered in various states, is supportive, and her husband is a constant source of inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 15, 2010
THIS HOtttt.. LOVE STORY MELT MY HEART SRINGS TO PUTTY!
WITHIN THIS LOVE STORY'S Lifeline.. IT DOESNT MATTER HOW MANY DAYS IT TOOK ROME TO BE BUILT CAUSE THIS STORY MOVED ALONG FAST AND THE LOVE WAS SWEETTTT TILL THE LAST DROP. I'll never forget this treasure called: THE MIDWIFE!It was indeed an endearing pleasure to have read.
Ms.Davidson Iam sold also Iam a new found fan. You (((rock))) Carolyn Davidson!!!!
WITHIN THIS LOVE STORY'S Lifeline.. IT DOESNT MATTER HOW MANY DAYS IT TOOK ROME TO BE BUILT CAUSE THIS STORY MOVED ALONG FAST AND THE LOVE WAS SWEETTTT TILL THE LAST DROP. I'll never forget this treasure called: THE MIDWIFE!It was indeed an endearing pleasure to have read.
Ms.Davidson Iam sold also Iam a new found fan. You (((rock))) Carolyn Davidson!!!!
September 10, 2014
The story started strong but turned into an ordinary HP overpowering sweetness very soon. The heroine was just too much of Martha Stuart and kids involved in the story were unrealistically angelic.
August 12, 2018
It was... tolerable. Barely.
August 3, 2016
Gar Lundstrom was a moody farmer trying to accept his wife's death soon after giving him a daughter. Their marriage was not what he anticipated but it was easy to blame the midwife, Leah Gunderson. But Leah gave as good as she got. There was an attraction and some resentment that formed their relationship.
IMHO this was a very odd historical romance. Going in, you know they each have secrets that they choose not to share with the other. Leah is 30 years old and has been on her own for a long time. She is not going to act subservient just to please Gar and his obstinate attitude. He finds that when push gives to shove, he is usually on the losing side.
At the same time, Gar really tries to make some changes to his demeanor. He silently approves of his spitfire and knows that when she lifts her chin, what comes out of her mouth will probably be right. But he doesn't always like it. Eventually, they start to iron things out.
I know this review doesn't really explain what is going on but if you enjoy Americana-style historical romances, you may want to consider trying this story. For the most part, I have enjoyed Ms. Davidson's homespun romances. Her stories are similar to what LaVyrle Spencer writes, just not as long. Warmth, the importance of a family and common sense come to mind when I read something by this author.
IMHO this was a very odd historical romance. Going in, you know they each have secrets that they choose not to share with the other. Leah is 30 years old and has been on her own for a long time. She is not going to act subservient just to please Gar and his obstinate attitude. He finds that when push gives to shove, he is usually on the losing side.
At the same time, Gar really tries to make some changes to his demeanor. He silently approves of his spitfire and knows that when she lifts her chin, what comes out of her mouth will probably be right. But he doesn't always like it. Eventually, they start to iron things out.
I know this review doesn't really explain what is going on but if you enjoy Americana-style historical romances, you may want to consider trying this story. For the most part, I have enjoyed Ms. Davidson's homespun romances. Her stories are similar to what LaVyrle Spencer writes, just not as long. Warmth, the importance of a family and common sense come to mind when I read something by this author.
March 13, 2017
Histórias de vidas que se cruzam de modo inesperados.
Uma mulher fugindo do passado ( Leah) ao ajudar no parto da esposa de Garlam é injustamente acusada por ele de que ela matou a esposa.
E numa forma de reparação pede que ela crie sua filha que sobreviveu ao parto.
E depois a pede em casamento para que cuide da casa e de seus dois filhos.
Mas, Leah é uma mulher forte, determinada, de língua afiada, teimosa e independente que porá à prova a paciência dele. Garlam é uma homem durão, brusco, honrado acostumado a ser obedecido.
Juntos vão descobrir que o amor é mais forte quando se confia um no outro, que perdoar é uma necessidade para seguir em frente.
O amor deles é lindo. E cresce a medida que eles se envolvem. Uma mulher que adota os filhos e os chama de filhos do coração; e um homem apaixonado que vai mostrar tudo que é capaz para tornar os seus felizes...
Uma mulher fugindo do passado ( Leah) ao ajudar no parto da esposa de Garlam é injustamente acusada por ele de que ela matou a esposa.
E numa forma de reparação pede que ela crie sua filha que sobreviveu ao parto.
E depois a pede em casamento para que cuide da casa e de seus dois filhos.
Mas, Leah é uma mulher forte, determinada, de língua afiada, teimosa e independente que porá à prova a paciência dele. Garlam é uma homem durão, brusco, honrado acostumado a ser obedecido.
Juntos vão descobrir que o amor é mais forte quando se confia um no outro, que perdoar é uma necessidade para seguir em frente.
O amor deles é lindo. E cresce a medida que eles se envolvem. Uma mulher que adota os filhos e os chama de filhos do coração; e um homem apaixonado que vai mostrar tudo que é capaz para tornar os seus felizes...
November 17, 2011
Although I really did like this book, as far as sappy romances go, it could've been better. While a quick read, part of that was due to sudden plot endings. There was a great story going on, with warm characters who I was starting to understand and want more of. And then they all fell off a cliff. The very end was pretty lacking. All in all a good lovey story with decent characters, that needed to be longer and more in depth.
July 10, 2019
Change of pace to read a historical romance set in frontier Minnesota - not during the winter for the most part. Interesting path to the romance. Things I liked and disliked about the characters. Not much action to speak of. 3.5 stars.
June 10, 2025
2.5 Stars
I'm not quite sure how to phrase this, but overall, the story felt inconsistent. At times it came across as engaging, but at other times it was as dry as a barren land. The emotional depth wasn't always well conveyed, and the character dynamics often felt off or confusing.
The heroine had her moments, but I struggled to understand her reactions—especially when she felt insulted by the hero’s simple questions. Her attitude toward him felt disproportionate at times.
The hero, on the other hand, came across as oddly stern and one-dimensional. It seemed like the author was aiming for a brooding, austere character, but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
I also couldn't wrap my head around the heroine's father—why he never acknowledged her until her marriage—and the fact that her mother never even mentioned him. That whole subplot felt underdeveloped and hard to believe.
I'm not quite sure how to phrase this, but overall, the story felt inconsistent. At times it came across as engaging, but at other times it was as dry as a barren land. The emotional depth wasn't always well conveyed, and the character dynamics often felt off or confusing.
The heroine had her moments, but I struggled to understand her reactions—especially when she felt insulted by the hero’s simple questions. Her attitude toward him felt disproportionate at times.
The hero, on the other hand, came across as oddly stern and one-dimensional. It seemed like the author was aiming for a brooding, austere character, but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
I also couldn't wrap my head around the heroine's father—why he never acknowledged her until her marriage—and the fact that her mother never even mentioned him. That whole subplot felt underdeveloped and hard to believe.
October 4, 2014
This one was a surprise. Much better than most of the Harlequins I've read in that it had much less purple prose and corny sentiment. Gar and Leah's relationship is a real one, not instant love, so the reader actually has the pleasure of watching the relationship grow. Steam factor is low, but it's a really sweet romance.
May 10, 2017
Lacking Dramatic Tension
We all know how the story in any romance ends, so when the sex scenes are just okay and the tension between the characters is lackluster, it is pretty much a fail. The technical aspects of the writing are good, and the plot itself isn't bad, but I've seen other authors make more of less.
We all know how the story in any romance ends, so when the sex scenes are just okay and the tension between the characters is lackluster, it is pretty much a fail. The technical aspects of the writing are good, and the plot itself isn't bad, but I've seen other authors make more of less.
January 4, 2018
Great story about a midwife and her strapping farm husband. It was very clean and nice read. The story was quick paced, allowed character development, and provided romance, hard-work, and mystery. I enjoyed the story because I enjoy stories set in the past when time was much simpler, but harder.
Great, quick read!
Great, quick read!
January 8, 2018
An enjoyable read, typical for the genre. The attention to historical detail came through without hitting the reader over the head. I wish there had been more tension when Leah's past came looking for her; the solution came too pat.
Good delving into the characters' motivation and what made them act the way they did.
Good delving into the characters' motivation and what made them act the way they did.
Read
July 17, 2023Love it. Reread it frequently. Boy, did people work hard in those days, doing things we take for granted, like washing and baking bread. The baby is adorable and Leah's fulfillment as a woman is very rewarding. Gar was a little too stern, but Leah softened him. I saw the answer to the mystery of her father a mile away.
April 13, 2024
It read as if several chapters were missing
There is absolutely zero relationship building
Specially considering how there was zero grovel after the nasty things he said to her
And shd is the typical female character who likes the guy cause he's handsome
And because he's handsome she is idiotic whenever he's around
There is absolutely zero relationship building
Specially considering how there was zero grovel after the nasty things he said to her
And shd is the typical female character who likes the guy cause he's handsome
And because he's handsome she is idiotic whenever he's around
June 9, 2017
This was a sweet romance story set back in the 1800s. A midwife that ended up helping to care for the baby that she delivered but was not able to save the mother, and how a romance began between her and the baby's father.
October 26, 2020
4.5 stars. A beautiful, heartwarming story. My only issue was with how the author handled Hulda. A sad story, that. The hero isn't perfect, but he should have handled his first wife better. A keeper for sure!
June 28, 2019
Everything resolved too soon last chapters became too boring.
May 13, 2021
This didn’t work for me on any level.
May 13, 2023
What you would expect
January 19, 2024
A wonderful well written book!
October 5, 2025
I enjoyed this story. Very slice of life, sweet and with minimal angst. Everything that I am looking for to read in my mood today.
January 20, 2017
Very nice book!
June 5, 2022
Didn’t go how I thought it would go. I was prepared for more angst, although I’m not a fan of angst, I was looking forward to how the author would deal the guilt that both h & H harboured & I felt a bit sad that the author didn’t explore those emotions but I think she made up for it in the way certain secrets came out & were dealt with.
While I like the relationship between h & H the emotional transition from hate to like felt a bit rushed to me, still enjoyable though but there was much I felt that could have happened and added to the richness of the book
However, I loved it. I would read it again bc I feel I will enjoy it more now that the threat of secrets and lies isn’t hanging over my head lol - hate secrets & lies in romance
While I like the relationship between h & H the emotional transition from hate to like felt a bit rushed to me, still enjoyable though but there was much I felt that could have happened and added to the richness of the book
However, I loved it. I would read it again bc I feel I will enjoy it more now that the threat of secrets and lies isn’t hanging over my head lol - hate secrets & lies in romance
June 16, 2019
Surprisingly, this novel takes place in Minnesota. I thought midwives were part of life's fabric in western states, not the Midwest. Wherever it took place, this book is interesting because it is so different from what I was expecting.
One evening, Leah Gunderson finds Gar Lundstrom at her door, begging her to come to help his wife have her baby. The doctor refused to come for 2 reasons: he was drunk and he had told the Lundstrom's not to have another baby (he did not want to bury another child).
Gar blames Leah for his wife's death when she tries to save mother and child during a breech birth. Although Gar has a new child, he has no way to care for her; he is busy on the farm from daylight to dusk each day. His other child, Kristopher, is too young to do much. After trying various (unsuccessful) solutions, Gar comes back to Leah and tells her he will pay her to take care of Karen for the next 6 month, while he tries to find a live-in housekeeper.
After 6 months, Gar hasn't found a solution, so he asks Leah to marry him. By then, Leah loves the two children (Kris comes after school to play with the baby). Leah agrees.
Gar seems to be a cold fish. Then we learn that Gar married Hulda through a parent-arranged marriage. Hulda loved Gar (which is why she took such a serious step to have another baby); Gar liked Hulda. Gar has a very rigid idea of what men and women do within the bounds of marriage. He soon learns that he has not married a retiring, submissive wife; Leah is sassy, strong and considers her healing skills to be a gift to be shared.
This is an impressive story about two flawed people finding their way. Leah has secrets that she does not share with Gar; when he finds out that she shared them with another, he is devastated. The story is well-told with great pacing. I really enjoyed it. 4.5 stars
One evening, Leah Gunderson finds Gar Lundstrom at her door, begging her to come to help his wife have her baby. The doctor refused to come for 2 reasons: he was drunk and he had told the Lundstrom's not to have another baby (he did not want to bury another child).
Gar blames Leah for his wife's death when she tries to save mother and child during a breech birth. Although Gar has a new child, he has no way to care for her; he is busy on the farm from daylight to dusk each day. His other child, Kristopher, is too young to do much. After trying various (unsuccessful) solutions, Gar comes back to Leah and tells her he will pay her to take care of Karen for the next 6 month, while he tries to find a live-in housekeeper.
After 6 months, Gar hasn't found a solution, so he asks Leah to marry him. By then, Leah loves the two children (Kris comes after school to play with the baby). Leah agrees.
Gar seems to be a cold fish. Then we learn that Gar married Hulda through a parent-arranged marriage. Hulda loved Gar (which is why she took such a serious step to have another baby); Gar liked Hulda. Gar has a very rigid idea of what men and women do within the bounds of marriage. He soon learns that he has not married a retiring, submissive wife; Leah is sassy, strong and considers her healing skills to be a gift to be shared.
This is an impressive story about two flawed people finding their way. Leah has secrets that she does not share with Gar; when he finds out that she shared them with another, he is devastated. The story is well-told with great pacing. I really enjoyed it. 4.5 stars
October 27, 2014
No es un mal libro pero tampoco he encontrado nada remarcable en él. Otra historia parecida a otras tantas que probablemente olvidaré en un suspiro.
Lo más entretenido del libro ha sido que la relación entre los protagonistas se va construyendo poco a poco, nada de insta-love-lust, y que ambos son personajes que se hacen querer, el resto de la historia me ha parecido un poco inconsistente, los secundarios muy planos, los niños muy empalagosos y la historia ya hacia el final también me ha parecido que se pasaba de empalagosa. Y la resolución de los problemas me ha resultado muy poco interesante, muy rápida, poco creíble, como para salir del paso.
Aún así recomendaría esta historia si quieres pasar un rato agradable, con poco drama o angustia y una historia de amor muy dulce y previsible…
Lo más entretenido del libro ha sido que la relación entre los protagonistas se va construyendo poco a poco, nada de insta-love-lust, y que ambos son personajes que se hacen querer, el resto de la historia me ha parecido un poco inconsistente, los secundarios muy planos, los niños muy empalagosos y la historia ya hacia el final también me ha parecido que se pasaba de empalagosa. Y la resolución de los problemas me ha resultado muy poco interesante, muy rápida, poco creíble, como para salir del paso.
Aún así recomendaría esta historia si quieres pasar un rato agradable, con poco drama o angustia y una historia de amor muy dulce y previsible…
May 7, 2013
What a lovely page-turner. Gar offers to marry Leah after the death of his wife at childbirth. Unfortunately Leah had attended the birthing of the poor woman. She acts as substitute mother for the baby until Gar offers for her hand. They marry and while Leah captures the heart of Gars children, Karen and son Kristopher, both adults fall in love. The marriage is troubled with an incident which occurred earlier in Leah's life but it does not interrupt their love awakening. In the end, all is righted. Easy read. Lovely ending.
April 1, 2014
Leah, posing as a widow to be able to work as a midwife, marries Gar after she delivers his daughter but his wife dies in the process. This is a backtitle from the 90s, although later 90s than I would have guessed from cover and content. It was just past the big alpha hero divide - I could see where the story would have gone in different directions a few years earlier or later. I liked the setting, I liked the mystery, I was taken aback by a late book reveal, and I liked Leah very much.
May 24, 2020
This book was surprisingly deep and the topic of midwives was refreshing. I like how this portrays the male MC Gar. It takes a while but he wins you over. After what girl doesn't want a big viking? This was a thrift store find and sometimes I take guilty pleasure in the virginal sweet woman meets tough stoic big man kinda thing. Leah was feisty though and the kid in the book really won me over.
January 2, 2019
Very sweet story begining in tragedy but developing into revelations of secrets, forgiveness, healing. Gathering a family to a lonely woman & giving joy, fulfilment to obligated weighted man.
Love inclusions of herbal law & humility as a gifted healer.
Love inclusions of herbal law & humility as a gifted healer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews