The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes

From the start, I read each one and proceeded to other novels written by her. It was Lady in the Mist that first introduced me to her midwife series.

Historical novels have always been synonymous with her name.

I've always find myself enjoying any historical novel by Laurie Alice Eakes. (I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.) If you are a fan of her Midwives series, you absolutely need to read The Mountain Midwife. You will be drawn in by the first paragraph, captured by the story, and swept up in the smooth cadence of Eakes’ voice.

I loved the ending but it only made me want more!īottom Line: Laurie Alice Eakes delivers a contemporary story of faith, hope, and love with the same exquisite style that make her historical novels so popular. Somebody please tell me this is the first book in a series because I’m not ready to say goodbye to the people of Brooks Ridge. The hints of mystery and suspense iced an already delicious cake, and the romance made my heart (and my face) grin. Spiritual truths are woven organically into the story – with poignant grace – never straying into “preachy” or “trite” territory. Speaking of “beautifully penned”, I just love the way Eakes’ writing voice lilts and dips, giving breath to both the characters and the Appalachian setting. Both struggle with pride in their own way, and their journeys toward overcoming it are beautifully penned. The natural progression of their relationship made me feel like I was being wrapped up in a warm quilt, and every time they shared a page I found that I couldn’t stop smiling. Hunter and Ashley grabbed my heart almost at once – separately and together. Voila! We’ve bonded across the pages and are now kindred spirits. I know she nodded at Choices of the Heart. Laurie Alice knows she nodded at Choices of the Heart. When I read novels like this, books that wink at the author’s other works, I feel a little like Anne Shirley – caught up in the felicity of the illusion that the author and I are having a moment.

The fact that characters in The Mountain Midwife descended from characters in two of her historical series made it just all the more thrilling for a book adorer like me. I was delighted to see these strengths just as evident in The Mountain Midwife, her first contemporary novel, as in her historicals. Laurie Alice Eakes quite simply has a way with words… and with characters.

The Mountain Midwife by Laurie Alice Eakes