The Midwife - by Jolina Petersheim

This is a unique story that takes place in the past and in the present, in the English world and in the Mennonite community.  In 1996, Beth was a graduate student who agreed to become a surrogate.  She told herself it was just a business transaction and she wasn't related to the child, after all.  When an early test shows possible abnormalities and the parents decide to abort the baby, she can't deny the love she feels for the baby and goes on the run.  She turns to Hopen Haus, a place where pregnant girls can go when they have no place else located in a remote Mennonite community in Tennessee.

Rhoda Mummau is the head midwife at Hopen Haus in 2014, where she guards her heart and emotions from becoming too attached to any of the girls or babies who pass through their doors.  However, there is something different about Amelia, who arrives pregnant and wealthy, which is usually not the case for the girls who end up there.  She found out about Hopen Haus through an article Rhoda did not want published as she didn't want her secrets revealed.  When this article sends someone from her past, she will have to confront her deepest fears and her deepest hurts.

This was a well-written story with a literary quality to it.  I really liked the interweaving of the past and present and the different viewpoints of Beth, Rhoda, and Amelia.  I felt for the tough things these women had gone through, but sometimes it felt a bit too rehashed.  I also felt the story lagged some in the middle, but I really wanted to find out how it would end and that did not disappoint!  I loved how it all wrapped up and how the truth came to light.  I especially loved the message that God can work all things for good.  We may not see how it's going to work out now, but one day we will!  I found the surrogacy aspect interesting and felt the story was very unique.  I would recommend this story if you like stories about the Amish or Mennonite or just a unique story that will make you think.

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.