The Secrets of Midwives

By: Sally Hepworth

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Three generations of women. Secrets in the present and from the past. A 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 baby's 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, Neva's grandmother and a retired midwife, Neva's situation thrusts her back 60 years in time to a secret that eerily mirrors her granddaughter's - one which, if revealed, will have life-changing consequences for them all. As Neva's 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?

©2015 Sally Hepworth (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

room for improvement

The book is probably better read than listened too. the narrator made all the characters in their 30s sound like young teenagers and it was difficult to keep track of which characters she was reading. Overall the book has enough twists to keep it interesting.

I think I would have enjoyed this story more if …

I had read it, instead of listening on Audible. I’ve always loved and been interested in midwifery and that’s why I chose it. It was good enough, but entirely too predictable. The narrators voice and childish tone that she ascribed to the main character was nauseating. I don’t want to be unkind. I’ve done voice work, and it’s not an easy endeavor, but I would have thought it insulting to the author’s character. She sounded just like a whiny child. If you decide to read this (somewhat fluffy) book, I highly recommend you read it, don’t listen.

Beautiful Story, Challenging Narrator

I love Sally Hepworth's writing , but hesitated purchasing this book, b/c every time I listened to the sample I was put off by the narrator. This narrator's voice is high & sweet & not without affect. One character is English & the attempt at an English accent did not enhance the listening experience. However, the writing was good & I managed to get past the less than ideal narrator & enjoy the story.

very believable characters

great book and glimpse into the daily lives and struggles of midwives! This is especially true if you understand the importance and relevance midwives play in childbirth! it's important to note that this book takes place today, not in the past! midwives are still very active in the childbirth community! i prefer them to obgyns any day!

Enter the world of Midwives

Wonderful story with quite calming narrative with great moments of excitement. Loved every single moment

Overacting by character voicing Neva

Just massive overacting. So saccharin that she was simply unrealistic. Floss was great-- tempered given her storyline.

Great story.

Could not "turn it off". Each character was perfect in being presented; thanks to the narrator.

great story, distracting narration

I pushed through, but the narration was very distracting for me. The American accents all sounded way off to me, and it made me confused about the setting and time period.

I’ve enjoyed Sally Hepworth’s books but this one was just ok for me

I’ve listened to all of Sally Hepworth’s books and I’ve always appreciated how her stories gradually unfold. This one wasn’t as good as her others. The narrator’s voice for the daughter sounded like a 5 year old, but I did think she did a decent job with the men’s voices. Sally’s other books use a different narrator who is great! I might of liked this book more with her as a narrator.

i liked it!

such a different read for me....not sure i would have chosen it, but it was for book club. i liked it very much.