As part of my summer manifesto I have been working really hard to make an effort to read more. Reading has always been a huge part of my life (ask my parents), but over the last few years I feel like I am letting it go more and more. Now that I have my own little girls who love books and could spend hours looking through them I feel it's important to lead by example. I want them to see their mama loving books.
My first book of the summer is actually a book written by a friend from college, Jolina Petersheim. You may remember this post about her first novel, The Outcast, that was released last year. As soon as I found out that The Midwife was available for pre-order I rushed over to Amazon and snatched it up. It arrived on my doorstep the end of May and I couldn't wait to find time to dig into the pages. Jolina has a way with words that not only makes the story feel real, but allows you as the reader to put yourself into the setting of the story.
The Midwife takes place in a Mennonite community and tells the story of Rhoda, the head midwife in charge of Hopen House, a home for unwed mothers. The story follows Rhoda, who was baptized into the Mennonite church after seeking refuge at Hopen House herself, on a search for redemption and closure from a past she has kept hidden from all those around her.
The book centers around the issue of gestational surrogacy and how it effects not only the biological parents but also the woman who carries the child to term. It provokes new ways of thinking with the subject and as I read it, I began to really question what surrogacy is and the long-term effects on everyone involved.
I read the book in 4 days and at the end of the book I found myself sad that the story was over. This is one of those books that has the ability to tear at your heart and mend it, all at the same time.
You can read all about Jolina and her precious little family here. Her blog is one that I love reading and I know you will too!
What books have you read lately that have impacted your way of thinking?
***GIVEAWAY***
Jolina has generously offered to send one of my readers their very own copy of The Midwife! Leave a comment below recommending a book that has impacted your way of thinking and I will announce the winner Monday, June 16th.
*Disclaimer* This review was not written in exchange for product, the book was purchased with my own hard-earned cash. All opinions are my own and from the heart. The author is graciously offering one of my readers a copy of the book out of the goodness of her southern heart!
