Hmm, I am sorely conflicted as to what to rate this book.

I found it rather hard to read, and I did not find Parr's writing style very enjoyable, to say the least. Very heavy on the description, I often felt like I was slogging through, and skimmed a lot. Also, there were a few things that struck me as historically inaccurate and the overall feel of the book felt pretty modern. I had to keep reminding myself that it was the 1830s.

Story wise, I found this book pretty enjoyable, although I don't think it will be a re-read for me. The battle between midwife and doctor I found very interesting, and historically accurate. (Ya'll are suddenly finding out I am a snob for historical accuracy.) I also found the medical details fascinating.

The romance was very sweet and almost non-existent, although for once, I almost wished it was a little more prominent. I loved the character of Thomas. His sarcasm at times had me grinning. Martha was a very sweet MC, and I loved her loyalty, compassion, and trueheartedness.

Overall, I was not really a fan of this book. I gave it 3 stars as there were some things I enjoyed, but otherwise, I would have given it 2 stars. Some people may enjoy it, but not really my thing. ( )

I loved this series The Midwife's Tale (At Home in Trinity Book #1),
The Midwife's Choice (#2), The Midwife's Dilemma (#3) a midwife in 1831's. In these books, she addresses many problems women face today. I like reading about 1800 when our country was young and growing. A group of women in their community who work and pray for the betterment of their town. ( )

So wonderful. This is the first book in a new series called At Home in Trinity. Martha is a midwife from generations of midwife's. She figured her daughter would follow in her footsteps when she runs away and joins a traveling troupe of actors. She goes off to try to find her and when she comes back to town without her daughter she is troubled to find that a new doctor is in town and trying to take her patients. She has many trials and tribulations before she might find happiness. I received this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

This book is set in 1830. Martha Cade is a midwife who is experiencing a life crisis. While she was attending a birth miles away from home, her daughter Victoria ran away with a travelling band of actors.

She comes home discouraged and finds a new Doctor in town who is trained on new methods of medicine. He thinks that the town does not need a midwife, leaving Martha to prove her worth and methods in healing and birthing.

I enjoyed Martha's story. She fights a mental, spiritual, and emotional battle as she struggles to find her place again in her small community. Change is hard for her to live with. She is a very strong character with a strong sense of self and courage.

There is a some mystery in the book. Someone has been burglarizing the town and the blame has been placed on a boys academy of orphans. Martha is determined to find the culprits and clear the name of the innocent.

This book has some twists and turns and made for a great read. Delia Parr does a wonderful job at laying down the setting and characters. I liked the community and the many different personalities. Many of the people are struggling with their own issues. Martha as a healer knows of their problems and tries to help them when she is able.

The romance in the book is very light, almost not present. The book says that it is the first in a series of Trinity. I hope that as new books are written that I will find out what happens with Martha and her love interest. There are other characters that I would love to get to know better. ( )

The Midwife's Tale (At Home in Trinity *1)

By Delia Parr

This is my first Delia Parr book to read. It was a nice historical read. Midwifery intrests me, so I was excited to review this book.

The story begins with widow and midwife Martha Cade delivering a baby faraway from home. As she is going back home to Trinity she receives word her daughter has gone to join the circus. During this time period it was common for daughters to stay home until married and usually do whatever their mothers had done before them. The news of her daughter shakes Martha up, she doesn't know where her daughter is and Martha fears what the community will say and think about her. The old doctor dies and anew younger doctor comes to town and thinks there is only room for one of them.
Martha still plans to do what God has called her to do though.

I wish that the author would have gave more information about being a midwife during that time period. I enjoyed the characters and the author does well in drawing you into their lives. At times I felt the book was slow, but there are enough twists and turns to catch your attention. A good read overall. I am curious to see what the next book has in store for us. I also have to say I love the book cover it is a beautiful and peaceful picture.
Bethany House gave me a copy of the book for review. Thank you! ( )