Title: The Midwife’s Confession
Author: Diane Chamberlain
First published January 1, 2011
417 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780778329862 (ISBN10: 0778329860)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Dear Anna, I’m afraid that what I have to reveal to you may be difficult to hear, but I have to tell you the truth. The letter left behind by your dear friend Noelle is the only clue to the reason behind her sudden death.
Noelle was a midwife, a passionate advocate for causes, and a caring friend and family member. Her vivacious spirit and zest for life left her loved ones puzzled by her untimely demise.
However, there was so much that Noelle kept hidden. As her friends Tara and Emerson dig deeper into the letter’s secrets, they begin to unravel the complicated life of a woman who both loved and betrayed, showed compassion and deceit.
With every discovery, Noelle’s friends and a stranger find themselves questioning the woman they thought they knew, and the true nature of her life and death.
About the Author
Diane Chamberlain is a successful author who has written 28 novels and achieved best-seller status on the New York Times, USA Today, and Sunday Times (London) lists. Her love for storytelling came from her father, who was a school principal and provided her with a new book almost every day.
As a child, Diane wrote many small books, but it wasn’t until her early thirties that she seriously turned to writing fiction. It all began during a delayed doctor’s appointment when she had only a pen, a pad, and an idea.
From that moment, she was hooked.
Diane grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey, and has lived in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University and worked as a hospital social worker in San Diego and Washington, D.C. She also worked as a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, primarily with adolescents.
Over two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works. She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to return to typing.
Despite her medical condition, she feels grateful that her arthritis is not more severe and that she can enjoy everyday activities and a busy travel schedule.
Diane currently lives in North Carolina with her partner, photographer John Pagliuca, and their Shetland Sheepdog, Cole – a quirky but lovable pet.
Editoral Review
Diane Chamberlain’s The Midwife’s Confession is a gripping and emotional novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Chamberlain is a bestselling author known for her riveting stories and suspenseful plot twists.
The Midwife’s Confession is no exception, with its complex characters, intricate plot, and raw emotion. Set in a small town in North Carolina, the novel follows the lives of three women, each with their own secrets and struggles.
Noelle is a successful obstetrician who becomes embroiled in a scandal when one of her patients dies during childbirth. Tara and Emerson are Noelle’s closest friends and business partners, both of whom have secrets of their own that threaten to unravel their lives.
The novel’s strength lies in its richly drawn characters, each of whom is struggling to make sense of their own lives. Noelle is dealing with guilt and regret, while Tara and Emerson are grappling with their own past mistakes.
Chamberlain skillfully weaves together their individual stories, creating a compelling narrative that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Chamberlain’s writing is superb, with vivid descriptions and a keen eye for detail that bring the setting and characters to life.
The pacing is just right, with enough suspense to keep readers engaged without overwhelming them. The plot twists are unexpected yet believable, and the resolution is satisfying without being pat or contrived.
The Midwife’s Confession also addresses several important themes, such as the nature of friendship, the consequences of choices, and the struggle for redemption. Chamberlain explores these themes with sensitivity and intelligence, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading it.
If there is one weakness to the book, it is that the resolution may feel somewhat rushed and simplistic. However, this is a minor quibble, and overall The Midwife’s Confession is a remarkably well-crafted and engaging novel.
In conclusion, The Midwife’s Confession is a must-read for fans of suspenseful fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking novel. It is a testament to Chamberlain’s skill as a storyteller that she is able to create such richly drawn characters and a compelling narrative.
Highly recommended.
