Synopses & Reviews
"With empathy and keen insight, Sally Hepworth delivers a page-turning novel about the complex, lovely, and even heartbreaking relationships between mothers and daughters.—Emily GifinThree generations of women Secrets in the present and from the pastA captivating tale of life, loss, and love…Neva Bradley, a third-generation midwife, is determined to keep the details surrounding her own pregnancy—including the identity of the babys father— hidden from her family and co-workers for as long as possible. Her mother, Grace, finds it impossible to let this secret rest. The more Grace prods, the tighter Neva holds to her story, and the more the lifelong differences between private, quiet Neva and open, gregarious Grace strain their relationship. For Floss, Nevas grandmother and a retired midwife, Nevas situation thrusts her back sixty years in time to a secret that eerily mirrors her granddaughters—one which, if revealed, will have life-changing consequences for them all. As Nevas pregnancy progresses and speculation makes it harder and harder to conceal the truth, Floss wonders if hiding her own truth is ultimately more harmful than telling it. Will these women reveal their secrets and deal with the inevitable consequences? Or are some secrets best kept hidden?
Review
"The Secrets of Midwives is womens fiction at its finest. Sally Hepworth has written a wonderfully satisfying story about three generations of midwives. Its touching, tender and obviously meticulously researched, giving the reader a fascinating window into the amazing world of midwifery. A delightful read." —Liane Moriarty, author of The Husbands Secret "From the first page, I could not put The Secrets of Midwives down. Sally Hepworth delves into family secrets and family love in two different eras, adding mystery and plot twists at a breathless, exhilarating pace. I simply love this book!" —Ann Hood, author of The Knitting Circle"The Secrets of Midwives is a compelling exploration of life, loss, and love. Family secrets test the bonds between three women — Neva, her mother Grace, and her grandmother Floss — as they bring babies into the world and navigate their own complex paths. The story deepens and enlarges as it moves through their varied perspectives to its powerful conclusion." —Christina Baker Kline, author of The Orphan Train"With empathy and keen insight, Sally Hepworth delivers a page-turning novel about the complex, lovely, and even heartbreaking relationships between mothers and daughters. The Secrets of Midwives is that rare tale that weaves together the past and the present in a totally absorbing narrative. Sally Hepworth illuminates one of the most important moments in a womans life—when she becomes a mother—and spins a story that will hold you captivated till the very end." —Emily Giffin, author of The One and Only"Hepworths debut enchants…as three midwives unravel their secrets in the path of a classic New England storm…. combines vibrant and nuanced characters with a breathtaking plot." -Beatriz Williams, author of A Hundred Summers
Synopsis
THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES tells the story of three generations of women devoted to delivering new life into the world—and the secrets they keep that threaten to change their own lives forever. Neva Bradley, a third-generation midwife, is determined to keep the details surrounding her own pregnancy—including the identity of the babys father— hidden from her family and co-workers for as long as possible. Her mother, Grace, finds it impossible to let this secret rest. For Floss, Nevas grandmother and a retired midwife, Nevas situation thrusts her back 60 years in time to a secret that eerily mirrors her granddaughters—a secret which, if revealed, will have life-changing consequences for them all. Will these women reveal their secrets and deal with the inevitable consequences? Or are some secrets best kept hidden?
About the Author
Sally Hepworth is a former Event Planner and HR professional. A graduate of Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, Sally started writing novels after the birth of her first child. She is the author of Love Like The French, published by Random House Germany in February 2014. Sally has lived around the world, spending extended periods in Singapore, the U.K., and Canada, and she now writes full-time from her home in Melbourne, where she lives with her husband and two young children.