BEST BOOKS

Zoe West picks the best reads for you

Christmas with the Wartime Midwives

by Daisy Styles

(£7.99, PB, Penguin)

It’s 1944 and Mary Vale, a Mother and Baby Home, offers sanctuary to unmarried mothers – many of whom are hiding away from shame and rejection. Enter newly qualified midwife Libby. When pregnant Margaret alerts her to certain issues within the community, they and the Mary Vale staff look to challenge domestic abuse, cruelty, injustice and criminal activities. It’s a rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together.