The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman.  This was in my head every time put it down; couldn't wait to get back to it; wanted more more more.  Taking place in poverty stricken West Virginia during the Depression, this great read lets you into the daily life of middle-aged, twice widowed (sort of), Patience, who is trying to safely deliver babies to anyone who needs her, from the wealthy White mining operator, to the poorest of families trying to survive when the mines have closed, to the Black families whom the KKK wouldn't want her near.  The chapters are wrapped around the written ledger entries Patience makes after every delivery. You aren't told exactly what happened to one of her husbands, but more and more is slowly revealed.  She is running from her past and barely able to put food on the table. Most families can't pay her, especially not cash, but chopped wood and payment in foodstuffs gets her by.  Then a young black gal, Bitsy, homeless and jobless as a result of the depression, comes to live with her.  This smart capable gal is able to help Patience at home and quickly learns about delivering babies.  Then there is the veterinarian.  I kept wanting something to develop between him and patience.  Patience is the word there, too.  9 out of 10.  I could reread it tomorrow, a recommendation I've rarely made.  READ it.