I hate to call any book boring, but let’s face it. Some just are. “Ethan Frome” would be a prime example of that (the nicest thing I can say is – it might help you fall asleep at night). The back copy of “Midwife of the Blue Ridge” by Christine Blevins caught my attention and intrigued me.Once I got the book home and looked at the cover, I was a bit disappointed. The traditional Harlequin-type cover suggested that this was not going to be an epic historical adventure about a woman having to survive using her wits and skills as a midwife. While the back cover was perhaps a bit misleading, the front image was spot on. “Midwife” was more of a romance with a few hints of medicinal research and a stab at a Colonial Scottish accent (think Groundskeeper Willie from the Simpsons).

It wasn’t the worst book that I’ve ever read and certainly not the worst romance (that honor belongs to Candace Bushnell’s “4 Blondes“). But it wasn’t all that it could’ve been. I’ve been spoiled by books like “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon (read my review here) or “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian which actually make you feel as if you’re learning something while you read.

I also found some of the commentary on Native Amercians to be downright insulting, but perhaps I’m being overly sensitive (I read, and loved, “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee“.)