Small-Town Midwife

Small-Town #4

by Jean C. Gordon

Unexpected Arrival

Autumn Hazard loves being a midwife. But a tragic loss has her doubting the path she's chosen. And her new boss isn't helping. She's worked with Dr. Jonathan Hanlon before, and he's just as handsome and seemingly perfect as ever. His presence could mean trouble for the clinic—and her sensible heart. Jon remembers Autumn, too. She's still beautiful, smart and oblivious to him. Maybe that's for the best—he's leaving the small town as soon as his training's done. Besides, he has secrets of his own, and he can't risk Autumn getting close enough to uncover them. Yet despite all their reservations, working beside each other doesn't feel like work at all…it feels like home.

Genres: Love Inspired, Christian Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published February 18, 2014

Reviews

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. There were a few moments in the beginning chapters where there was too much going on and the dialogue was confusing. That said, I really liked this storyline... They met years ago while in medical training and they didn't meet on good terms. When they run into eachother in Paradox lake and have to work together, sparks fly. But both Jon and Autumn are very cautious about getting too close to each other. He is only there for one year, and he's off to Haiti. She is nearing the end of her contract with the Medical center...both bring baggage, and past biases about eachother that threatened their working relationship, and possibly more. But they'll see with time, they aren't too different from each other after all.

[Beverly Whitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. I'm glad Autumn got her own story. The only issues I have with this book is that outside of Jamie and Anne, none of the characters from the previous books really make an appearance. I would have liked to see more interconnectedness to the other books in the series. The only other thing I wish was different about this book is that the epilogue showed after Autumn and Jon got married, not just Jon's proposal. A final update on the rest of the characters (like Jamie and Eli's baby) would have also been nice.

[Dorel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's storyline was okay. Autumn's 🍂 character was okay. Jon's character was okay. I liked the ending.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paradox Lake
Book 4

Autumn was introduced as a 17 year old senior in high school in the first book of the series, "Small-Town Sweetheart" (probably my favorite book of the whole series). We watched her adjust to life while Dad was overseas fighting. In the second book, she was in college (I'm thinking a Sophmore). I'm guessing that she had about six years of education or so. Though it doesn't seem like everything fits in time-wise in the progression of the books, I'm not going to nit pick on this. I was so happy to see that Autumn actually had her own story and all the dynamics of her growing family.

She met Dr. Jon Hanlon at college but found him as a flirt and someone who thought he was better than everyone else. But Jon hasn't told her his side of the story. As he becomes the new director of the women's health center, he also takes over the managing of the birthing center where Autumn works and he doesn't believe in home births. Autumn is determined to show him differently! But Autumn is no longer doing actual deliveries after a delivery goes wrong.

The two help each other find focus and direction in their lives. Jon is struggling with what a family and God is really like. Autumn is trying to figure out who she really is. They both are trying to make some life choices that could affect their relationship. The author does a fine job weaving this story together. I noticed one reviewer stating there was no plot or purpose to this story, but I disagree. I thought everything was clearly set out, and the goal I expected was waiting nicely at the end.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

an upbeat and fun read!

A modern small-town fall-in-love story between a female midwife and her co-worker - a new in town male obstetrician. Their relationship is definitely not love at first sight -- it takes them awhile to stop annoying each other.

This is a "wholesome" love story which many might see as old-fashioned. The two do nothing more than kiss through the entire book (no sex between them or any other unmarried characters in the book). Therefore, this would be acceptable for any book discussion group, including one based in a church.

I found the plot straight-forward and fun. It was interesting to see the two main character's views of their respective families and how their predispositions about "family" get in their way.

The book was a quick read for me, and not a genre that I often read. Would be fine for ages 12+, due to limited discussion of pregnancy and childbirth complications.

Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fully enjoyed this book! Autumn has struggles with an event in her near past, and to add to the burden- dreamy Doctor Jon, shows up to head up the practice she is with. Autumn and Jon had been in school together and Jon had dated her roommate and left the roommate with a broken heart. He seems to be the same cad that he was back then, but now he's her next door neighbor and everyone is hinting that she should date him. Only in working together does she find that he isn't the monster she thinks he is, but has demons of his own. Some of the more minor characters in this book show different relationships and the dynamics of how people relate. The characters in this book were totally believable and the whole book plays out like it is playing in your own town. This book is an enjoyable read with a hint of romance and shows us all that we have things we could be learning about that troublesome person in our life. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now, for the last story in the series…

We first met Autumn Hazard in book one — Small-Town Sweethearts — when her dad left for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. In book two, Small-Town Dad, Autumn is in college, along with her dad. Now Autumn is all grown up and working as a midwife at the Ticonderoga Birthing Center.

However, there are problems concerning her duties . . . I’ll let you read this story for yourself to find out just what the problems involve. But let me assure you, it’s a great story, with heart-warming, lovable characters.

Don’t miss this delightful series!

Happy Reading!

[Elaine Panfil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and a good read. The characters were relatable and didn't follow the typical love at first sight scenario. I just loved Autumn and Jon and their story. After reading this book, I realized that this book was the third book in a series. This book can stand on its own, although I would recommend reading them in order as this book contains some spoilers.

I will definitely read the other books in this series as well as. Any other books by this author.

[Barbara Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book is not a love at first sight book as so many others are. It is more original than many others in that aspect alone. Loved the characters in this. They do not get along at the beginning and their relationship is a work in process through most of the book. I found myself happy, saddened, and even annoyed with/for them through out the book. Kudos Jean for writing a wonderful book that I hated to put down!

[Harlequin Books]

"Autumn is a familiar character in the series, which makes it easier for readers to engage in the story. The pace is steady, and the characters' struggle with questioning their career paths is realistic and relatable". (RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autumn and Jon worked together a few years ago. Now he is the new director of the birthing center. Can Autumn start to catch babies again after her harrowing experience? Will Jon and his family buy the birthing center?

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Christian romance. Really liked the main characters.