Tuesday, March 1, 2016

A Five Star Review


Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to:
The Midwife of Hope River
by Patricia Harman:

1. The time and place - the story unfolds in the
Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia during the great depression of the 1930s.
The fine details of the story bring to life the unique community that lives there 
in poverty and isolation, but always with hope. And then there are the many
domestic details that I found particularly interesting.

2. The protagonist - Patience Murphy.
Patience has unique voice, unlike any I've ever heard.
She comes to the mountains to escape a complicated past.
Armed with a birth satchel and little confidence, she delivers babies 
for blacks and whites who can no longer afford a doctor.

3. The message - The story carries a beautiful message of 
love and hope, friendship and humanity, with a little humor thrown in.
We meet people who have so little to give yet are the most giving of all.

4. The author - This is Patricia Harman's debut novel.
Harman herself was a lay midwife in rural communities in the 60s
and there is an honesty in this book that must come from her experience.

5. Do you know that feeling you get when you finish a great book
and you are sad about saying goodbye to everyone?
Well, there is a sequel, The Reluctant Midwife, and it is every bit as good!


Featured: a cloth bag embellished with a heart applique.
Could be used for books. Or a sandwich.




105 comments:

Gracie Saylor said...

Thanks so much for sharing books you love and I think I would enjoy, too, Amalia. Your book/sandwich bag looks like just the right satchel to contain a book and a snack for a reading get-away :) xx

NADINE said...

THANK YOU, dear Amalia ! I lov reading, and I'm always in search of good books to load on my Kindle. Your list is very exciting, and totally in my kind of reading, so.... quick, quick, to Amazon ! :))

In stitches,
NADINE

Nancy Chan said...

Love your sweet and cute cloth bag. I can think of many things to put in the bag.

mamasmercantile said...

I love the bag, the embellishment is stunning, several together would make great storage.

magnoliasntea said...

Love your book bag! And the books sound wonderful, just my type. :)
Have a wonderful week!

Wonky Patchwork said...

Those books sound very interesting, I will have to go investigate more! Such a pretty bag too :)

Luciana F. Damiano said...

I do not know the story, but it looks cool.
And I put a book and also a sandwich in the bag decorated !!
Good week

La Table De Nana said...

It is so cute..here w/ all our snow and inclement weather we often use bags like this as shoe bags as we arrive in boots:)Dirty ones..

Thanks for the book recommendation..always reading:)

a writing place said...

Love book reviews. Also love that bag!!! :-))))

Maya Kuzman said...

I don't think I've read anything by Ms. Harman but I love finding out new, exciting writers.
Beautiful bag and adorable heart applique!

Poções de Arte said...

Livros... sou viciada neles e quando começou a contar já pensei "esse saco ficará lindo acomodando um livro" rsrs.
A estória já me interessou, é mais um que vai pra lista!
Lindo trabalho, parabéns!
Abração.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'll look for this book. I just finished one that you might like, The Amethyst Heart. Sweet hugs, Diane

Ela said...

Beautiful bag with heart !!
Greetings

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Amalia, your work is SUPREME! Lovely and full of love, I can tell. And thank you kindly for coming to my blog and leaving a comment. It's nice to be back.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Sounds like a wonderful, true-to-life book! I will look for it at the library... and your little satchel is just perfect for a book and a sandwich... don't they go hand in hand, lol! :) Have a wonderful day Amalia!

Lowcarb team member said...

"The message - The story carries a beautiful message of
love and hope, friendship and humanity, with a little humor thrown in.
We meet people who have so little to give yet are the most giving of all."

A most wonderful message.
Thanks for the review it does sound a very good book.

I also love the cloth bag - great colours

All the best Jan

Lorrie said...

This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing. The bag is pretty and I imagine you had fun making it.

Linda Nelson said...

Love the bag. Yes, perfect for stashing a book inside - a wonderful gift.

Stephanie said...

Your bag is ever so charming, sweet Amalia! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts on this book :) Hugs to you!

Kim said...

Love, love, love the bag!

A Joyful Cottage said...

I'm always interested in what others are reading, and these books sound like they're ones I'd like to read. Your bag is delightful. Love it, Amalia. Hugs, Nancy

Preeti said...

Your bag is so pretty!!:) Thanks for the review, I will add to my reading list.

The House with the Blue Door said...

This book sounds very interesting - thank you for your review. Your bag is very pretty with its heart applique. Lovely!
Cathy x

said...

Gostei do resumo... parece ser ótimo!
Esse saco ficou lindo! Eu adoro sacos para colocar trabalhos em tricô em andamento.

bjinhos

Vintage Jane said...

What a great review ... makes me want to read it. Love the cute little bag. M x

Conniecrafter said...

your bag is so sweet!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I must look this book up, Amalia. It sounds good. What a sweet bag you have fashioned. Always lovely here! xo ♥

cristina said...

Very cute!!!!!!
Have a nice day!

DD's Cottage said...

Love this darling bag-reminds me of my grandmother!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Your little bag is so charming, Amalia...I love your style! Thank you for your lovely review...I put both books in the series on my kindle and I'm looking forward to reading them!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I love to read about that age in our country so will be reading her first book thanks to you. Appreciate the recommendation.

Carolina G. Ticala said...

I like very much! kiss! ☺

Carolina G. Ticala said...

I like very much! kiss! ☺

Tricia Buice said...

My mother grew up in the hills of West Virginia during the depression. She often talked about going hungry and owning only one pair of underwear. She washed it out every night. Anyway - sounds like a lovely story and the bag is beautiful!

Keri said...

Amalia, thanks for the book recommendation! I'll have to check it out! Love the bag!!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

It sounds like a wonderful book, Amalia. I love it when a book leaves you missing the characters and wanting to read more. Beautiful satchel for books or anything! You are so creative ♥

Rue said...

It sounds like that book is right up my alley, Amalia. Thank you for the 5 star review :)

Darling bag, as well!

xoxo,
rue

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

The book sounds like a good read. I seem to enjoy stories set in the Appalachian Mountains.

Daniela said...

It sounds truly an interesting story, tempting me so much ... you know how important reading is to me, I cannot help but reading ... always !
Thank you my dearest friend for your so lovely review,
sending a lot of dear love to you,
with gratitude
Dany

Gumbo Lily said...

Oh, it sounds like a great story. One I think I would really like. Thank you for the recommend. Cute heart satchel too!

Enara Girl said...

Very cute bag. I didn't know Patricia. xoxo

Quilting Stories said...

You make me feel like reading this book Amalia! Your spring bag looks so very sweet! Have a wonderful week-end!

Anna said...

What a lovely bag !!!!! And post !!!!
Have a fun weekend !
Anna

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Thank you for the review. I am always looking for something good to read. The bag is adorable!!

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
This book sounds like something I would love to read. :-)
Thank you and I will take a bag to carry it in too!! Beautiful!!
Carla

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Nice review. Love the bag! xoxo Su

Stange and ich said...

oh, the sweet !!!! I love her.
Have a nice weekend and greetings
Antje

Stange and ich said...

oh, the sweet !!!! I love her.
Have a nice weekend and greetings
Antje

Parsimonious Décor Darling said...

Darling applique!

Magia da Inês said...


Bom livro, lindo trabalho artesanal!!!
Bom domingo!
Boa semana com tudo de bom!


✿゚⎠
╰✿‿⎠

Beth said...

Sounds like a great book. And your bag is darling!

VeggieMummy said...

Sounds like a great book - I'm always grateful for any recommendations. Love the little heart bag. xx

VeggieMummy said...

Sounds like a great book - I'm always grateful for any recommendations. Love the little heart bag. xx

Jess said...

This is just adorbs!

Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

Ana Love Craft said...

Beautiful bag with a lovely applique! The book sounds great!
Have a fabulous week!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

If that is used for a sandwich, it must be the cutest sandwich in the world!

elhadadepapel.com said...

What a nice bag! I still love your pictures!

Lara B. said...

Even better, you could use that adorable bag for a book AND a sandwich! :)
Amalia, it sounds like a wonderful book. Did you ever read the book Christy, by Catherine Marshall? It is one of my very favorites and set in the Appalachian Mountains too. You might like that one a lot.

Pura Vida said...

hello sweets

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Love the sweet bag! :)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Love the sweet bag! :)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the bag is so cute! Thanks for the book review! Have a happy day!

Vee said...

You have given this book an excellent review. So many of the books I read have been recommended by my blogging buddies.

Stacey said...

Yes I know that feeling! Many, many years ago I read Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy. I was so sad when the story ended because I really felt that I knew the characters. Have you read that?

Bernideen said...

Dear Amalia:
I love your book review and what a darling bag. How wonderful. Thanks for sharing this review and what a helpful posting!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I love when a great book has a sequel! I've been reading a LOT more while away. For some reason I rarely read books when at home.

Oh so pretty bag!

XXX

Julie's Lifestyle said...

I love reading good books too and get a little sad when it's over. Thanks for the book review and recommendation. I love your pretty bag you made!
Thanks for sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.

TLady said...

BEAUTIFUL WORK AMALIA! Even still, the Appalachians is a place of poverty & lack much of what the big cities offer. If you live in the "country" there, you have to drive far for a good doctor at times. ("Politics" keep it poor.) :( I will look for the books you've recommended! Sorry I haven't come over to visit in awhile....computer crashing, getting one back up, etc.... But, you look like you are keeping busy here!!! LOOOOOVE ALL of your pictures!!! ;)

Diane said...

I love your book review and what a darling bag Amalia.

Hugs Diane

Red Rose Alley said...

These books sound wonderful, Amalia. I must get back to reading!

Your blog always makes me happy, thank you.

~Sheri

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a beautiful post...and yes, I know the feeling. Thank you for sharing your words and sweet bag at Talk of the Town.

Down by the sea said...

That sounds a great book I shall have to look out for it. Sarah x

FlashinScissors said...

Dear Amalia, I don't read many books at the moment (something to do with blogging possibly?!). But I have to say you've def. sold this book to me .... I will be looking out for it, but I doubt there will be many copies left on Amazon or in the libraries after your wonderful review!
I love your pretty bag with its gorgeous embellished heart too! You can never have too many bags you know!!!
Hope you are having a great week!
Barbara xx

susan said...

The book sounds like a winner. I'm going to see if I can find it in our library.
Love the bag, Amalia.

Kim said...

Sounds like a wonderful book. I must see if I can purchase a copy. Books are the most wonderful things. I am always a little sad when I have finished a great book...but then I always seem to re-read those that I love. And.....if there is a sequel....wonderful!! Lovely book bag you stitched, Amalia.

Kim said...

Sounds like a wonderful book. I must see if I can purchase a copy. Books are the most wonderful things. I am always a little sad when I have finished a great book...but then I always seem to re-read those that I love. And.....if there is a sequel....wonderful!! Lovely book bag you stitched, Amalia.

Stephanie said...

Sweet Amalia, thank you for sharing your lovely post with Roses of Inspiration. It's always a delight to have you at the party. Hugs!

Rosie said...

The book you describe sounds interesting and the pretty bag would be ideal for carrying a book (or two) and a sandwich, have a happy week:)

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

This sounds like a book that I would just love. Thank you for reviewing it for us, and for telling us about the sequel.
The heart appliquéd bag is just darling!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Love the bag and the book does sound like one I would enjoy! Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by!!

Hugs,
Deb

The French Hutch said...

The bag got my attention, love it and the book sounds wonderful. Great review. Thanks for sharing……….

white and vintage said...

A lovely bag and an interesting book!
Hugs,
Christine

Annas Nadelbuch said...

What a cute bag !!! love the applied heart, you used beautiful fabrics. Your book idea I really liked, that sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing. Have a lucky weekend, Carmen

Ela said...

Thank you for your review wonderful book!
Your bag is beautiful and you're talented !
Greetings

Gloria Baker said...

Amalia thanks by the review.
I would love to read this amazing book :)

Gloria Baker said...

Amalia thanks by the review.
I would love to read this amazing book :)

Helen Philipps said...

Thank you for this review, Amalia. I have put the book on my to read list and look forward to it! Love your pretty heart applique bag...such a useful item :)
Helen xox

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

It's great when you get into such an enjoyable book isn't it? Lovely bag - it would be ideal for knitting!
Caz xx

a writing place said...

Oh yes! That feeling! When a wonderful book, is coming to a close. Very bitter-sweet.

Tessa

a writing place said...

Ohhh, and I love the bag!!!!

handmade by amalia said...

Thanks for the recommendation, Diane, I'll look it up.

handmade by amalia said...

A lovely comment, Martha Ellen, you are always so kind and nice.

handmade by amalia said...

The very best of compliments!

handmade by amalia said...

I've switched to kindle as well, so much kinder to the eye.

handmade by amalia said...

I loved Christy! Thank you, Lara! I've been racking my brains trying to remember what I'd read about the Appalachian Mountains before.

handmade by amalia said...

Me as well! I figure that as we all have so much in common, why not a shared taste in books?

handmade by amalia said...

I hope you let me know how you like it, Teri. I find that I feel a bit proprietary about a book once I've reviewed it :-)

handmade by amalia said...

I've not read Circle of Friends or any Maeve Binchy, come to think of it. I've put it on my kindle list. I love book recommendations!

handmade by amalia said...

Such an absolutely adorable comment, Barbara. Thank you. I don't have as much reading time as I'd like, but I always need to be in the middle of a book. It's a nice place for a nap :-)

handmade by amalia said...

I'm often guilty of romanticizing the past and then I hear of stories like this and remember to be happy where I am.

JES said...

Darling bag! And thank you for the book review! The time and place also interest me as well as the subject of midwives. And of course I appreciate any domestic details as I relish homemaking :) Thank you for sharing this week on the Art of Home-Making Mondays Amalia!

Art and Sand said...

Or, the bag could be used for both the book and a sandwich and maybe a sweet treat to savor while reading.

I will check out the book.

Thanks or sharing at SYC.

handmade by amalia said...

Yes! A good book and a beaked treat are a match made in heaven.

France Nadeau ❅ inspiration imagination creation said...

Thank you for relling us about this book. I've downloaded an excerpt.
As for your beautiful bag, it would indeed be perfect for a book. I'm not sure about the sandwich... lol

Green Thumb said...

It's a beautiful bag Amalia!