The Things We Keep Sally Hepworth

The Things We Keep
Sally Hepworth
Published: St Martin's Press
Date: January 19th 2016
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Anna Forster, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease at only thirty-eight years old, knows that her family is doing what they believe to be best when they take her to Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. She also knows there's just one other resident her age, Luke. What she does not expect is the love that blossoms between her and Luke even as she resists her new life at Rosalind House. As her disease steals more and more of her memory, Anna fights to hold on to what she knows, including her relationship with Luke.

When Eve Bennett is suddenly thrust into the role of single mother she finds herself putting her culinary training to use at Rosalind house. When she meets Anna and Luke she is moved by the bond the pair has forged. But when a tragic incident leads Anna's and Luke's families to separate them, Eve finds herself questioning what she is willing to risk to help them.

The story of two young people with early onset alzheimers. It breaks my heart to read such a story, but warms it at the same time. 

It is also the story of Eve and her recovery from a husband who has through shady financial dealings deprived Eve and her daughter of their home and through a subsequent action  -  a husband and father.  Through his financial dealings he has left many others penniless  as well. One of those awful stories you read about in the paper. In this story we catch a glimpse of those left behind dealing with the fall out. 

Being robbed of memory, life as one might expect - so many losses and most of all the loss of dignity - being treated as if you aren't there. Carers who don't really care and treat you not like the person you are. Being left in the hands of people who are mostly trustworthy but what of those who are not? However thank goodness for those with the eye of compassion and realisation of what really matters. My heart also went out to Jack (Anna's brother) and his family as they struggle to find their way through Anna's illness.

I liked the varying points of view - especially that of Anna before she loses her memory considerably. It adds a sadness and a realisation of the person lost in the illness.  It also gives us the truth, the truth that other characters don't have. Eve who has had a huge challenge thrown at her, but brings a compassionate pair of eyes to the situation at Rosalind Home. Clementine the daughter of Eve - the eye of innocence and charm that can relate to the people of the home in a way others can't and also experiences the cruelty of the school playground. And must struggle with the loss of her father and who he was for her.

I disliked Eric the manager of Rosalind House from the get go and have to admit, suspected him of more than what he finally is brought down for.

Once I started reading this book I had to keep going, I felt sad as I reached the final page, and yet thankful for the gift of the story.

The Secrets of Midwives. Sally Hepworth

The Secrets of Midwives
Sally Hepworth
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Date: 10th February 2015
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 320
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES tells the story of three generations of women devoted to delivering new life into the world—and the secrets they keep that threaten to change their own lives forever. Neva Bradley, a third-generation midwife, is determined to keep the details surrounding her own pregnancy—including the identity of the baby’s father— hidden from her family and co-workers for as long as possible. Her mother, Grace, finds it impossible to let this secret rest. For Floss, Neva’s grandmother and a retired midwife, Neva’s situation thrusts her back 60 years in time to a secret that eerily mirrors her granddaughter’s—a secret which, if revealed, will have life-changing consequences for them all. Will these women reveal their secrets and deal with the inevitable consequences? Or are some secrets best kept hidden?

The Secret of Midwives by Sally Hepworth was a book I just wanted to keep reading until I reluctantly came to the end.  The story is told from the viewpoint of three women.  Floss is the mother of Grace and the grandmother of Neva. Each woman narrates the story and gradually the details unfold. Floss arrived from Britain to the United States in the 1950's with her baby daughter Grace.  She always told Grace that her daddy had died before she was born in an accident. Grace always felt she missed out with the absence of a father.  So when Neva - Grace's daughter is discovered to be pregnant - in her seventh month and then won't reveal the name of the father, Grace is upset because again this baby will grow up without a father.

Each of the women face challenges - firstly how they relate to each other and how they trust or perhaps at times distrust each other.  Although when it ultimately counts these three women come together in a time honoured way and manage something miraculous.  As well as relationships with each other there are the relationships with their partners.  How does Floss include her partner Lil in all the family happenings and can she share her truth with her?  Grace and her husband Robert are going through a rough time, with work issues and personal issues.  Then Neva is not willing to reveal her baby's father, there is gossip at work and she has someone with whom she connects with, feels an attraction for yet there seems to be things that just get in the way.

Each woman's story and journey was engaging and wonderful.  They are all knowledgeable and skilled in their loved work - being midwives, even though Floss is now retired her experience and knowledge still counts very much.  I loved how Lil first got to meet Floss.  I loved how all three women were linked by the connection to the miracle of birth. I loved how as the story unfolds they all grow and develop and how truth, love and family all win out in the end.