Midwife in Behruz

Judy Meadows' "Midwife in Behruz" is the second tale in the Behruz universe from Meadows. You could read it as a standalone, but the first book "Escape from Behruz" is also very good. The story is very compelling, I couldn't put it down. I loved Layla and Majid's interactions. I don't think I've read a romance involving a midwife before, so it was new and fun to me. A lot of neat plot elements and very well-written. There are a lot of story arcs and they all weave together very well. I will read whatever I can find from this author!

With a thirst for adventure and a conflicted heart, one woman sets out to find herself and ends up discovering the world. Layla is a woman of strength. She gives of herself freely, but dreams of more then what she currently has. Her courage leads her into uncharted territory. Her life is back in the states. Texas holds structure. From a waiting fiance to a promising career, but she finds her heart in the rugged terrain and uncivilized culture of Behruz. In the arms of a man who offers no promises and the world of a people who need her expertise. She's found her voice, but is it worth the heartache and prejudice she continues to face? Midwife In Behruz has a heroine with the courage to challenge her world and change her destiny. Heroes and heroines aren't born they are made.

I hadn’t read anything by this author before but I’ll never hesitate to do so in future. This was a moving, enjoyable romance set in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Behruz. That is where the heroine, Midwife Layla Shrivani, returns to the country of her birth to attend the wedding of her father’s half brother, the Sultan, Abu-Khan. Following the untimely death of her father when she was seven years old, Layla has lived with her Mother and three siblings in America but is drawn to visit her homeland again before she marries her childhood crush. A request from her uncle, a chance meeting and the opportunity to use her skills lead to so much more, including making her question her own plans for the future. The exotic setting, different social norms, expectations and cultural aspects of this story all set it apart from any others I’ve read. I particularly appreciated the author’s writing style and vivid descriptions of locations like the bazaar! The author’s voice draws the reader right into the heart of the story, bringing it to life in the readers imagination. There’s plenty of humour - especially with the slogans on Layla’s t-shirts - and emotional drama, in this medical romance. There's also many insights into experiences living in two different cultures and how these can impact on expectations and relationships. It is a story of re-evaluating choices, seeking your calling and following your dreams to help others. It is definitely different to the other Middle Eastern based stories I’ve read recently, with no worries about a young lady walking unaccompanied or without a chador, or any zealots or extremists around - but it is fiction! It is definitely a thoroughly enjoyable read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone seeking a tender love story with great characters and very different setting. I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.