The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain -- And A Giveaway

When the folks over at MediaMuscle asked if I would be interested in participating in a blog tour for Diane Chamberlain's latest, The Midwife's Confession, I was a bit excited. I've never read Chamberlain before now, but I love finding new authors, and the premise of her latest was intriguing. So I said yes. And here it is, plus a giveaway! For your chance to win a copy of The Midwife's Confession, keep reading. Dets below.

Chamberlain is the award-winning author of twenty novels. According to her bio, she's worked as a hospital social worker and a psychotherapist, and her first book was started in a doctor's waiting room back in the 80s. Her experience has certainly given her a keen insight into people, their emotions, their motivations, and universal struggles, all apparent in the characters of The Midwife's Confession.

When Noelle Downie commits suicide, those around her, including her best friends Emerson and Tara, are shocked. Noelle, a midwife by trade and a force within their community -- supporting and creating programs to help parents and newborns -- was the last person anyone expected to take her own life. But as Emerson and Tara soon learn, Noelle was hiding some dark secrets in her past. Secrets that affect Emerson and Tara, in fact. Secrets that weighed on Noelle and brought her to her breaking point.

Wow! This was an intense and emotional read. Really one that begged to be finished in one sitting -- and I did. Chamberlain touches on some very sensitive issues in this book as well, issues that all contribute to Noelle's tale. Chapters alternate from character to character, giving readers a look at things from literally all sides of the story.

If you're unfamiliar with Chamberlain, as I was, The Midwife's Confession is a great starting point. Readers who enjoy dramatic women's fiction with a touch of suspense and characters that literally come to life on the page are sure to enjoy this book. I have to say this is certainly not going to be my last read by Chamberlain, folks.

The folks at MediaMuscle are letting me give away one copy of The Midwife's Confession here on the blog. Simply leave me a comment here (with email) before midnight, Tuesday, May 17 (US only please). On Wednesday, May 18, I'll draw one random winner who will get their very own copy of Diane Chamberlain's latest. And, if you tweet or cross post about this giveaway, send me a link and I'll enter your name a second time.

Good luck and happy reading! And thanks to Tricia for allowing me to participate in the tour.

(Check out this trailer created by John Pagliuca Productions)