I do enjoy Sally Hepworth’s books and have read a few. So I visited her back catalogue to find one that I haven’t read.

The Secrets of Midwives unlike some of her other books is set in the USA which threw me a little as I’m so used to her settings in Melbourne. Nevertheless, it made no difference to this page turner.

Neva is a third-generation midwife who keeps her own pregnancy a secret from her mother and grandmother because she wants to keep the father’s identity hidden. However, her pregnancy dredges up some hidden secrets for her grandmother Floss, herself a single mother. Grace who is Neva’s mother, can’t let the whole thing rest despite the fact that she has her own private turmoil.

There are three stories which unfold as we are put into the point of view of each woman. It comes together beautifully but I was truly gripped by Floss’s back story.

Hepworth balanced the debate around natural versus interventionist childbirth well. The whole story of childbirth and every mother has their own story, was very well done.

It’s a compelling and easy read.