The Amish Midwife

The Women of Lancaster County, Book 1

By: Mindy Starns Clark, Leslie Gould

Narrated by: Kristin Kirby

A dusty carved box containing two locks of hair, a century-old letter regarding property in Switzerland, and a burning desire to learn about her biological family lead nurse-midwife Lexie Jaeger from her home in Oregon to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country.

There she meets Marta Bayer, a mysterious lay-midwife who desperately needs help after an Amish client and her baby die under her care. Lexie steps in to assume Marta’s patient load even as she continues the search for her birth family, and from her patients she learns the true meaning of the Pennsylvania Dutch word "demut," which means “to let be” as she tries to change from a woman who wants to control everything to a woman who depends on God.

A compelling story about a search for identity and the ability to trust that God securely holds our whole life—past, present, and future.

Originally released in 2011 by Harvest House Publishers, The Amish Midwife is book 1 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Plain women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love. It was an ECPA #1 bestseller, winner of the 2012 Christy Award for Best Contemporary Novel in a Series, a finalist for the Romance Writers of America's 2012 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award (Faith, Hope, and Love chapter), and a recipient of the ECPA Bronze Award for sales excellence.

©2011 Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (P)2024 Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould

Critic reviews

"Wonderfully written."—RT Book Reviews Magazine

Story line

Loved the book absolutely couldn’t stop listening great book can’t wait to listen to the next

This was incredibly well written.

I had hesitated to get this book because I’m not crazy about Amish fiction. But I’ve read some of Mindy Starns Clark’s other books and knew how well she writes. So I gave it a try. This was one of my favorite novels ever!

Very well written

Great reminder that we are all imperfect. The truth will set you free and is well exemplified in this story.

Outstanding Narration

I really enjoyed this novel, with many different strands of a complex family and community coming together at the end.

The true highlight of the book though is the narrator, Kristin Kirby. She does a remarkable job developing distinct voices for each character. Her clear, calm voice allows the listener to seamlessly enter the story.

I often choose audiobooks based on the narrator. I will be looking for more work from Ms. Kirby.