This was a magnificent read for me. I picked this book up cause I simply adore a good historical novel. I didn't know much about the plot, but I can certainly classify this book as "unputdownable". This is the story of 2 women in the early 1600s, trying to get away from the prejudices and their pre-destined course their lives have taken, all due to the regulations and obligations of society and family. When Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a 17-year-old pregnant bride, finds a letter addressed to her husband from the family physician stating that her latest pregnancy might be her last, she loses the ground beneath her feet. Upon a chance encounter with a strange woman in the woods, Alison Gray, Fleetwood decides to make her, her midwife, to help her deliver this baby safely. But something overshadows Alison Gray's past, and as the rise of witch hunt is in full swing, upon King Jame's rule, both Fleetwood and Alison must using their own knowledge, will and power to survive the prejudicesof a society, that wants nothing more but make them examples of everything that is different and uncommon. This is a fascinating historical novel, that will have you swept by the first few pages until the very end. I was absolutely enthralled by Stacey Hall's writing and cannot commend it enough for people who love a good historical fiction book.