Not as good as books 1 and 2.

It was an awfully rushed ending but otherwise a good read. I haven’t read to many books with a conscientious objector to war.

Once a Midwife is the third book in the Hope River series and perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two books. While I enjoy historical fiction, I couldn't get past Harman's writing style and her barely veiled attempts to make political statements about recent world events by drawing comparisons to the events of WW2. When I started reading it, I thought the premise was interesting but after fifty pages or so, I found myself skimming just to get through it. Even though there were some heavy topics and themes in the book, Harman's writing seemed more suited for a YA reader. I understand she was writing from Patience's diary but the tone was too conversational and felt immature for an adult. The writing was just too simplistic and I got bored quickly. WW2 historical fiction is something I really enjoy and seek out but Once A Midwife was a really big disappointment to me.

While I've read that the first two books of the series are better, I just don't think that I can get past Harman's writing style. Harman's books are clearly not for me.

2 stars.

This is my second book by Patricia Harman and I enjoyed it just as much. This time the novel takes place during WWII and is about the trials and tribulations of midwife Patience Hester, and her family in rural West Virginia. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and thought it was well paced. I did listen to this one on audio and thought the narrator did an excellent job. I think this would be an excellent pick for historical fiction lovers, especially if you’re wanting something not as heavy as the typical WWII drama.

These characters are still very engaging. It occurred to me 3/4 in that this novel reads something like the Little House series - jumping from one incident / season to the next. I can't remember thinking that of the previous books.

I appreciate that the tension between hating war as a concept and fighting against atrocity isn't really resolved.