The Irish Midwife at War

The Irish Midwives, Book 2

By: Seána Tinley

Narrated by: Roisin Rankin

Kathleen Gallagher is sixteen when she shares her first kiss with Liam Flynn, the older brother of her best friend. The bells were ringing in the New Year and snow was falling: it was the perfect romantic moment. But Kathleen knows they can never be together.

Three years later, it's 1939, and times are changing: Kathleen has begun her training as a handywoman - a community midwife in west Belfast - and war is on the horizon.

When a call goes out for volunteers to join the home front, Kathleen jumps at the chance to aid the ambulance service. She knows her midwifery expertise will be invaluable to the wider community.

But when Liam also volunteers, the two of them are suddenly thrown together once more. As the Belfast Blitz rains chaos and destruction, the volunteers are pushed to their limits and soon Kathleen learns a horrible secret. One that means she and Liam may never be able make it out the war together . . .

Readers are already loving the first Irish Midwives book . . .
'A gripping story, I couldn't put this one down and read it in one day!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant book that keeps you hooked' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An excellent story . . . a most interesting insight into the lives and work of midwives throughout the 1930s' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I read it in a matter of hours. The writing was excellent' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A lovely read. Very interesting and as it was set in Ireland made it different. Gave me an insight into how things worked in this era' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This historical romance feels like Call the Midwife, but set in Ireland: perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Anna Jacobs, Rosie Goodwin and Mandy Robotham.©2026 Seána Tinley (P)2026 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

What a fascinating slice of social history. Seana Tinley has written a beautiful, lyrical love letter to handywomen and midwives through the ages. At a time when childbirth has become so institutionalised, this beautiful book reminds us of the instinctive care, skill, empathy and wisdom that women have at their fingertips. All generations will love this book. I adored it