Delia Parr is one of those historical novel authors that gives you a little more than just romance.  Her novels encompass normal daily routine, with  a sense of the unexpected.  The Midwife's Tale is another wonderful novel by Ms. Parr surrounding, yes, a midwife.

Martha Cade is a forty-something, mother of two grown children and is a midwife in the town of Trinity, PA.  She's extremely good at what she does and we go about the novel following her to all the deliveries she encounters.  We follow her in the town of Trinity and to her various "adventures" and the blessings she sees through her deliveries.  I think that's one thing I truly enjoy about Ms. Parr's books.  She pulls you into her stories. She lets you see what it is like living in the times and in the environment her novels are set in.  I was so enthralled with how the birthing process back in the day, and what faith these townspeople have, I didn't even care if the romance aspect was at the back burner throughout.  I get to read and see what Martha sees through her patients' struggles, as well as her struggles with faith and her pride.

One thing, this is the first of a new series, "At Home in Trinity" and it clearly continues. Even though the main mystery was answered, you will need to read the other books in the series to learn more about Martha and Thomas, Dr. McMillian and where did Victoria go, as well as other characters in the novel.

The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr is something different. A good historical novel to read and to learn, and to imagine life in her shoes.  It is about faith in God and about humbling yourself before Him to see ahead.  If you're looking for a book just with romance, this may not be it.  Though it does have romance (emotionally matured romance, not the young girl looking for her knight in shining armor type), it is also a mystery with some adventure.  Read and see the difference.

Note: I received a complimentary e-copy from the publisher, Bethany House for an honest review.