received in ebook format from the publishers via www.netgalley.com and read using kindle software on an ipad.

This is marked as an Advanced Reader Copy so I will ignore any formatting issues where possible

Fuller review to be uploaded closer to publication date ( )

Excellent historical novel about a midwife in late 19th century. Birth control, choice, women’s health. Great character. Based on a real person. ( )

I like it, but I got impatient with it at a little over the half-way point and didn’t finish it ( )

Have gotten to Axie's transition to the Evans house. I may be able to take my hands away from my eyes now but no promises. It's a hard life for little things.
Renewed it once then took it back to the library without finishing. Not for February.

I registered this book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14519209

The book is fiction but is based in part on the life of a real midwife, who experienced some of the same things. Some of the characters are historical figures.

Axie is sent to an orphanage with her two siblings when her mother becomes very sick, and eventually the three land on an orphan train. The three end up in different homes, and Axie, the oldest, vows to find her brother and sister.

In the meantime she works in the house of a midwife, and becomes her assistant. She seems to have a gift for the work and continues it as an adult. She does more than help deliver babies, however. She compounds pills to help various "female troubles", including the trouble of being pregnant. Sales of the medicines are successful, and he life becomes easier. At least financially.

However, a physician, who wants all mothers to see a doctor for deliveries, goes on the attack and Axie (then calling herself by her middle name, Annie) is hauled to court. It won't be the last time.

Annie has the character to go against convention in her efforts to ease women's pains. She stands up for her own rights and for those of others. She never fully leaves behind her coarse beginnings, so we are treated to her outbursts and lack of gentlewomanly manners.

The book seems accurate in its description of the times. I am guessing that a midwife during those times might need the strength of character to do what needs to be done (as she would now, too). Descriptions of pregnancy complications include enough details to be believable, and the acknowledgements indicate that Manning had medical help in this area. ( )