This is going to be quick because (a) I already had to return the book to the library so I don't have it in front of me for reference and (b) I'm tired and sleep is awesome.

So, The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich was recommended to me by my friend Jen Malarkey.*  It is about, as the title suggests, a midwife in Venice.  Wait, I remember more!  It's set in the 16th century and the midwife, Hannah, lives in the Jewish ghetto.  Her husband Isaac has been captured at sea and is enslaved in Malta.  One night, she is summoned to the home of a wealthy Christian family to aid in a difficult birth, an act which is criminal and punishable by death, as Jews are not permitted to provide medical treatment to Christians.  She attends the birth out of duty and the promise of enough money for her to sail to Malta and buy her husband's freedom.  DRAMA ENSUES.

I enjoyed this book immensely.  I really like historical fiction and I thought that the author did a good job of quickly setting the scene and drawing me in.  How she did that, I don't know.  I should probably have paid more attention, but I was too busy enjoying the story.  The main characters of Hannah and Isaac were very likeable and relatable - good hearted, strong willed people who I wanted to see succeed and be together.  The plot kept a good pace and there were enough twists to keep me interested.

If I had one complaint it would be that at times, it seemed a bit too easy.  There were times when the drama was built up, with the suggestion being that something bad might happen, and then it just didn't and it was like "Oh, what was she so worried about then?"  Likewise the ending wrapped up a bit too tidily for my liking.  However, I think this could be redeemed by a sequel.  There is certainly the potential for one (the author's website doesn't suggest there will be one though).

All in all, I definitely recommend this book.  And I'll leave it at that.  Bedtime!

*Name changed for the purpose of my enjoyment