Community Bookstop

Quaker midwife Rose Carroll is enjoying the 1888 Independence Day evening fireworks with her beau when a teenaged Quaker mill girl is found shot dead. After a former slave and fellow Quaker is accused of the murder, Rose delves into the crime, convinced of the man's innocence. An ill-mannered mill manager, an Irish immigrant, and the victim's young boyfriend come under suspicion even as Rose's future with her handsome doctor suitor becomes unsure. Rose continues to deliver babies and listen to secrets, finally figuring out one criminal—only to be threatened by the murderer, with three lives at stake. Can she rescue herself, a baby, and her elderly midwifery teacher in time?

My Thoughts:

This book follows Rose Carroll who is a midwife in 1888 enjoying fireworks on Independence Day when a young woman Hannah approaches her about a difficult situation she is going through during the fireworks Hannah is found dead.  Who would want her dead?  Where did the weapon go?  Did it have something to do with her difficult situation or is it about something else?  This book had no shortage of possibilities but Rose has to dig deep to find out who hurt Hannah.

I loved going to 1888 seeing how the author brought us into Rose's life with her special friend David Dodge, her niece Faith and the various women Rose helped birth their babies from the rich and elite to the poor and ill.  We learn a lot about Hannah and the things she had gone through which led her to her fate that Independence Day.  About the boy who was smitten by Rose and her turning him away.  How police are quick to stick with a possible suspect even when it's not the situation.  There is more to this case then one may think.

I can't wait to see what is next for Rose, David, Faith and their friends and family!