Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/lessonslovesocial

My Review:

This is another fantastic series from Jo Bartlett so I was keen to see what everyone is doing in the fourth book set at St Pirans Hospital.

This time we focus on Wendy and her family; rekindling love with a childhood sweetheart following a difficult divorce leaves her feeling both very lucky and extremely happy,  but she cannot help but feel pangs of hurt when her ex-husbands new girlfriend becomes close to her two daughters.

After initially feeling jealous of his young girlfriend Chloe’s bond with, she starts to see that actually Chloe isn’t the issue. Wendy’s family issues actually all go back to their Dad and his inability to commit to anything or anyone. When Chloe finds herself at her lowest and in need of support, Wendy finds herself stepping up to be the one Chloe can lean on. As the life they all know starts to unravel, can Wendy figure out a way to help everyone who needs it.

We also catch up with favourites from previous books. Danni’s pregnancy is nearing the end, she is excited about creating their own little family but also worry sets in that she will be like her own mother and not feel much of a maternal bond. She knows she can love, as she adores her Charlie but she is afraid that motherly love she craved as a child will pass her by as well.

When a situation escalates, Danni’s love is tested more than ever. Her dream has turned into a nightmare and she relies on the help of her friends and colleagues to make it end. Wendy has tried to do the best by everyone but has she missed signs of things being so dreadfully wrong, has she let everyone down?

A rollercoaster of emotions throughout, this tear-jerker will break your heart but also repair it. The community within the book is it’s heart, the friendships and relationships between characters are special. Some serious, upsetting themes used throughout but done so sensitively.

Another wonderful visit to this special, Cornish hospital/community. 

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

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A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital

A tragic loss…

Since the death of her beloved father, Isla Marlowe has felt the need to do something to honour his memory; something meaningful that will bring joy to others and repay the kindness of a stranger who changed their lives. She’s got the perfect solution, but she’s worried not everyone will understand.

A precious gift…

Aidan Kennedy and his husband, Jase, are desperate to start a family of their own, but finding the right woman to help them is difficult and some people don’t think they should even try. So when Isla offers them the chance to fulfil their dream, they can’t believe their wish is about to come true.

A family made of friends?

But when Isla is forced to face her greatest fear, Aidan and Jase’s dream has to be put on hold. Broken-hearted and questioning everything she once believed, Isla desperately needs someone to share her problems with but has no idea where to turn.

But then, in her darkest hour she discovers that friends can be the family you choose for yourself.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/FoundFamilySocial

My Review:

As the third book in this series, "A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital" by Jo Bartlett is a much welcome return to St Pirans Hospital, full of familiar characters – each with their own story to tell. If you haven’t read the first two books, don’t worry, each can be read as a standalone book, but I do highly recommend them, in fact everything Jo has written is worth a read. If you enjoy a series, check out The Cornish Midwives!

This latest book is yet another emotional story, interweaving themes of heartache, tragedy, shock with themes of hope, desire, love and compassion.

Isla wants to mark her father’s memory by doing something extremely special, when the opportunity presents itself via Aidan and Jase, it seems everyone is about to get exactly what they want. Aidan and Jase want to start a family, but Aidan has concerns as he has a difficult relationship with his own family, he worries he will turn out to be just like his unsupportive and evasive Dad. Jase’ family couldn’t be more different; they accept everyone as family, no matter what – that is what inspires Aidan to go after what they truly want.

Isla’s gift to them means she is a welcome addition to their family now, and when surprising events cast a shadow over what should be an exciting time, everyone needs to evaluate their priorities and how they will move forward, whilst still supporting each other.

Jo Bartlett's storytelling draws you in, becoming emotionally invested in all the characters. My heart ached for them, reading these books never fails to tug at the heartstrings whilst still feeling hopeful that things will work out well. I am a huge fan of how Jo is never afraid to tackle serious, sensitive issues but does so carefully and alongside happy and positive moments.

I do feel like this series is going from strength to strength, this is a fantastic summer read and I look forward to the next

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

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The Girl She Left Behind - Jo Bartlett

 

Brand new from best-selling author Jo Bartlett, an emotional and uplifting read, guaranteed to break your heart and put it back together again.

A family in turmoil...

Phoebe Spencer left home a long time ago, desperate to get away from her mother's emotional manipulation. She knows her life is better away from her family, but she can’t help feeling she’s simply running away from her problems…

Then Phoebe hears that her younger sister Lucy has disappeared, leaving behind her four-year old daughter, Darcy. Phoebe's certain Lucy will be back soon - she'd never leave Darcy alone - and then Phoebe can get on with her life again.

But as the days pass there's still no sign of Lucy, and everyone begins to fear the worst. Phoebe has to consider the terrible truth that Lucy might never come home. And as their mother makes it clear she wants to take control of Darcy’s life, Phoebe must do all she can to protect the girl her sister left behind – no matter the cost to her.

A brand new emotional read from bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/GirlBehindSocial

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of this author for a while, enjoyed her previous book enormously and jumped at the chance to read ‘The girl she left behind.’

Was it truly what I expected? Based on my previous enjoyment of Jo’s books I knew it would be excellently written, with good characters and not shying away from some bigger, realistic issues – what I didn’t expect was the darker, intense storylines; the pain, the sadness nor the themes it includes.

Did this mean I enjoyed it any the less? Absolutely not!  It’s an incredible read, a fantastic story that shows Jo’s brilliant skill as a writer to tackle such issues; narcissism, suicide, childhood trauma whilst bringing a powerful story that does give wonderful characters, heart wrenching moments and some resolution.

Phoebe escaped once, left behind her childhood pain and narcissistic Mum, but now finds herself having to go back. Her sister is missing with many believing her disappearance to be a suicide; the note left behind says Phoebe must take care of her daughter. Whilst the search for Lucy continues, Phoebe cares for Darcy with the help of neighbour, Jamie, and friends; she is determined her parents don’t get any chance to cause the damage to Darcy they did to her.  Phoebe is determined her sister would never abandon gives Darcy, she loved her, but with each passing day it looks less likely Lucy could return. When she receives a letter from Lucy, Phoebe does all she can to figure out what has happened to her sister and when she realises those around her haven’t been fully honest, she questions everything.

Reading about their Mum, the narcissism, the pain she caused as well as the lasting damage; it was shocking at times. You really did dislike her character from the start, no chinks of anything redeemable and think the implied ending is probably long over due and not a surprise.

It is an emotional read in so many ways, the characters are real and how their emotions are depicted has an impact. I think Darcy is a source of positivity – the love she has for those around her, the innocence and upset all rolled into one small person.

This book contained so much drama and many revelations, yet it didn’t feel rushed. Once I’d started reading, I didn’t really want to put it down.

Excellent read, highly recommend – just expect something darker if you’ve read any of hers before. 

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

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Welcome to The Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

A new start…

When Danni Carter moves to Cornwall from London, she hopes it will be the fresh start she so desperately needs. She’s nervous, but hopefully the change of scene will help her to finally forget her feelings for Lucas Newman, a man she can never be with, because he’s already engaged to Danni’s best friend, Esther.

An Impossible Dilemma…

But when Lucas and Esther decide to follow Danni to Cornwall, and both announce they will be working with her at the new St Piran’s hospital, Danni is thrown into turmoil again. She can’t lose Esther, but being near Lucas is getting harder to deal with. Will she have to give up her new life before it’s even started?

A chance to start again?

Throwing herself into work, Danni finds herself drawn to new patient, Connie Berrycloth, a woman Danni knows has dark secrets of her own. Secrets that are about to be revealed….

As the two women form a friendship, Danni begins to realise that letting go of her dreams might be the only way of holding on to the people she loves.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/cornishhospitalsocial

My Review:

Jo Bartlett does it again. The start of a brand-new series and I am already invested in the people and the place!

Danni Carter is looking for a fresh start after moving from London to Cornwall. She’s running away from Lucas Newman, the man she has loved for years and a man she can never be with. He is engaged to Danni’s best friend Esther and Esther means the world to her. But Lucas and Esther decide to follow Danni to Cornwall, announcing they will be working with her at the new St Piran’s hospital. Will she have to give up her new life before it’s even started?

 After a big accident, Danni gets to know patient Connie, very well. With both women sharing their secrets, how long will it take for them to be revealed and their lives changed dramatically.

A gorgeously heart warming read, friendship, family and long lost love. I love how Jo builds a wonderful community, with descriptive settings and brilliant characters who you will just love, well perhaps except for one – who thoroughly deserves anything that comes to them.

When secrets are revealed and hearts broken, will both women have a happy ever after? With some interesting twists along the way, there is romance, drama and light relief. A great first book in the series, I already cannot wait to return for the next book!

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

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A Leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

Midwife Izzy is devastated to learn that her beloved grandmother is dying. Abandoned as a baby by her own mother, her grandparents have been the only family Izzy has ever known and she wants to spend every last precious moment with them.

New locum vicar, Noah, is a wonderful support – kind, considerate and always there for Izzy whenever she needs a shoulder to cry on. But secretly Noah is battling his own doubts about his faith – how can he offer Izzy comfort if he doesn’t truly believe his own words?

When Izzy and Noah are brought together to support grieving parents, Noah reaches breaking point. He can't stay in Port Agnes and live a lie. But Izzy is adamant it’s the only place she can be….

Will love find a way or will Izzy's hopes of a future be dashed?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3KKwSX

My Review:

An emotional return to Port Agnes and our favourite group of midwives. I thoroughly enjoy returning to this series with each new book giving us more about one of the lovely midwives we have already come to know. Whilst it’s great to catch up with the previous characters storylines, each can be read as a standalone – if you haven’t read any of this series don’t worry, this book in particular is quite a step away from what we have come to know and love (but in a brilliant way of course!)

Its an emotional, poignant read that will strike a chord with even the coldest heart. Whilst we still look at the lives of soon to be parents, and new born babies, Izzy’s story also lets us take a look at the sad, but realistic aspect of those getting to the end of their life too. Izzy has known her Nonna’s terminal illness has but a limit to the time she has left but everyone is determined they make the most of the time they have left. This leads to wonderful, life affirming, memorable moments but of course, it comes with sadness and heartbreak too.

In finding some final days of happiness, Izzy’s Gran turns to Noah, Port Agnes’ temporary Vicar, and the church gardens. Noah himself is having a crisis of faith, wanting to do good but not confident he has found the best way to do this. His chemistry with Izzy is instant but both struggle with their own personal battles and this could be the barrier neither can get over.

I really enjoyed A leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife; emotive and engaging but containing both heart break and heart-warming moments. As always the supporting cast of characters brought their own moments of entertainment and I am already looking forward to the next book.

A great summer read, I recommend everyone take a read of this book but also the others in this series.

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

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A Spring Surprise For The Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

Brand new from the top 10 bestselling author of The Cornish Midwife.

Midwife Jess knows she’ll never have a baby of her own, but she’s determined to still be a mum. So Jess decides to foster, providing love and support for children who desperately need it – something Jess never had as a child when she was in foster care.

Jess loves caring for the precious babies who come into her life, but letting them go again breaks her heart every time - can she really be a mum after all?

But then Jess finds a surprise on her doorstep – a newborn baby! As the search for the missing mum begins, Jess cares for the precious babe day and night. She desperately wants to reunite mum and baby, but knows that when the day comes, her own heart will shatter.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3EBUtY3

My Review:

It’s lovely to return to a series that you’ve thoroughly enjoyed. I will say that I have really enjoyed each ‘Cornish Midwife’ book but this one to me is a standout favourite.

A Spring Surprise for The Cornish Midwife is full of drama, surprise and heart-breaking sentiment. There are moments of joy coupled with times of anguish. Your emotions will be pulled in every direction with this one.

This time we focus on Jess and her plans to foster children in need following the breakup of her marriage. Working with the team at the maternity unit means she is fully supported and has friends who need her as much as she needs them. Whilst we follow Jess’ story we do get to catch up with previous characters which I love. That being said you could read this as a standalone book though (I would recommend reading the other books in this series).  

I really liked Jess, down to earth, kind, caring and deserving of some happiness. She has been through so much it seems like its her turn for something good to happen. I won’t give any spoilers but after this rollercoaster read, I really felt every emotion Jess did. I did not like

As always it sounds lovely in Port Agnes and makes me want to run away to Cornwall myself. I am so keen to see what happens next. Jo Bartlett has created a brilliant community of characters, with well written storylines that will keep you invested from start to finish.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Boldwood published the first title in The Cornish Midwife Series - part of a twelve-book deal – in April 2021.

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A Winter's Wish for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

Brand new from the top 10 bestselling author of The Cornish Midwife. Perfect for fans of Call The Midwife

A secret love…

As winter descends on the coastal town of Port Agnes, midwife Toni Samuels’ mood is as dark as the winter clouds that roll in. Toni loves her job as a midwife, but her private life is falling apart. Because Toni is keeping a secret– a relationship with fellow male midwife Bobby that no one can ever know about.

A damaged hope…

Kind and gorgeous, Bobby is a huge hit at the midwifery centre, but he’s tired of keeping his feelings for Toni a secret – of always coming second best. He knows that Toni’s past is painful, but unless she can be open with her feelings for him, he’s prepared to walk away from their love.

Can love find a way?

Toni loves Bobby and wishes things could be different between them. But torn between her past and a future with him, everything seems hopeless. Until fate hands Toni one last chance…

Now Toni’s secret wish is in her hands…if only she can be brave enough to take a chance and make her dreams come true.

An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!

What readers are saying about The Cornish Midwife...

'I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. So a book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett and a cracking start to what promises to be a fabulous series' Jessica Redland

'Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Helen J Rolfe

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/2UQHO2c

My Review:

Lovely to have another return trip to Port Agnes and the Midwife team. This is the third book in the series although can be read as a standalone. This time we focus on Toni (whilst nicely catch up with old favourites). 
Previously unsure of Toni and why she seemed a little standoffish, this time we learn her back story – a personal tragedy that has affected all future relationships, if she was to ever go public with one.  We were aware of something between Toni and fellow midwife Bobby but never the true extent of things until this book. 
Once you know why Toni is the way she is, and acts the way she does, it is understandable if a little frustrating. Bobby is wonderful; kind and caring and has already proved how very patient and understanding he is. Pushed to his limits, he starts to think that it’s time to move on even if that would be the hardest thing to do. 
I  enjoyed the slight change of pace with this one, the previous two books were quite dramatic and this is more an emotional journey. 
Toni is a lovely character; my heart really went out to her but at times I just wanted her to wake up a little and see everything from another point of view. She keeps a lot to herself which is a shame as she is surrounded by the most supportive people. 
I liked the progression of the other characters stories too and I am very keen for the next book so we can hear more of Jess’ story. 
 A heart warming visit to the Cornish midwives this time but another great book in a very enjoyable series. Well written and full of loveable characters. Cosy up and have a read!

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Boldwood is publishing the first title in The Cornish Midwife Series – part of a twelve-book deal – in April 2021.

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