Have you ever had a secret? One so important that it feels as if it will tear you in two? Stephen's got one. He's also got a great job, beautiful wife and an adorable son. Outwardly his life seems perfect but it means nothing without Alice. "Governed by duty, lost without love. A truly insightful narrative, controlled by a delicate hand" - Caroline Smailes, author of The Drowning of Arthur Braxton "D.J. Kirkby takes us on a dramatic journey from birth to death, through love, betrayal and tragedy, to an unexpected redemption. A riveting read" - award winning author and scriptwriter Peter May, author of the Lewis Trilogy "I loved this book. D.J. Kirkby is a gifted storyteller who draws you in with her silky narrative - then tightens her grip, forcing you to face uncomfortable truths" - Diane Hayman, The Powder Room

Singing vicars, baby whisperers, divas, deviants and more. Find out what really happens behind the closed doors of labour rooms, on inpatient wards, during outpatients clinics and inside homes. 'Special Deliveries' is filled with stories about home births, outdoor births, water births, hospital births and other life changing moments that will appeal to anyone with an interest in pregnancy and childbirth. Identifying factors and events have been altered so that all the stories within this book, although based on elements of factual midwifery practice, have been fictionalised in order to maintain the anonymity and/or confidentiality of those the author cared for and worked with throughout the years. Special Deliveries is a wonderful collection of stories that pull the reader through a gamut of emotions from start to finish, given all the more impact by the fact the stories are about what really happens behind the closed doors of delivery rooms. From the sadness of the butterfly baby to the joy of a healthy newborn, each one is indeed a very special delivery. Clare Christian, The Book Guru. D.J. Kirkby writes with compassion and energy, creating characters you really care about. Sarah Salway, Canterbury Poet Laureate.

Crime of passion or cruel twist of fate? One summer's day Betty let love carry her a step too far. That exquisite sun dappled afternoon became one of her best memories but also the catalyst for the worst experience of her life. Now elderly, Betty has been running from her past since she was a teenager, and it's about to catch up with her. Will the experience be as awful as she fears or wonderful beyond imagining?