As religious persecution sweeps 17th century France, one woman must risk everything to save her family.

Midwife Clare Dupres faces a danger she never anticipated.

When the charming but penniless Pierre Dupres departs France in pursuit of fortune, heartbroken Clare resigns herself to marrying his dull elder brother, Jacques. Descended from a long line of midwives, Clare is expected to bear a daughter to carry on the family's ancestral calling--a legacy that has defined generations of women stretching back to Biblical times.

She cajoles Jacques into allowing her to restore Maison Dupres -- a crumbling chateau rumored to be haunted -- into their home. But tensions grow within their marriage. Jacques increasingly resents her determination to continue her profession after the birth of their two children.

Beyond the walls of Maison Dupres, danger is rising.

As Huguenots face escalating threats under Louis XIV, a new royal edict strips Clare of her livelihood. She urges Jacques to flee with their family to England. He refuses, blind to the growing peril and quietly pleased that his wife can no longer attend births.

Desperate, Clare turns to her former sweetheart Pierre. Together, they devise a secret plan to smuggle the Dupres family to London aboard one of his merchant ships.

But before they can escape, the King's dreaded Dragonnade soldiers -- led by a lecherous officer -- storm Maison Dupres with an arrest warrant, based on false allegations by a vengeful servant.

Clare's daring attempt to outwit the officer and save her family sparks a relentless pursuit -- one that will keep you turning pages until its surprising conclusion.

Book 1 of The Midwife Chronicles series.
A sweeping family saga set against the turmoil of 17th-century Europe.

Editorial Reviews

"After several hairbreadth escapes, the story proceeds to a rip-roaring conclusion as an armed merchant ship from England pushes off from the pier in Dieppe. Over the course of this novel, Penfield shows a talent for storytelling and a clear knack for drama... " -- Kirkus Reviews
... a beautiful and flowing story with elements of history, romance, and storytelling brought together by a colorful cast of characters. Clare is a strong female lead dealing with issues that are timeless." -- Literary Titan

"A gripping historical novel. A finalist and highly recommended." -- The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

"... well-written, well-paced, with a story that carries you along." -- The Coffee Pot Book Club

"Clare Dupres' story is completely entertaining. And there is subtle humor. I like that." -- Mike Bove, author of The Bruce Del Reno Mysteries

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