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With some trepidation she has to face her old friends and old flame. Lots of work to do as she is hoping to return to London. I feel like any review I leave will not do this book justice. I loved this quaint little story based around a group of midwives in Cornwall. I’ve never been to Cornwall myself, but I know there are some picturesque villages along the seaside, and this is exactly the village in which the book was set. Ella is the main character and she has been through more than a lot, and is very relatable to many readers for her overthinking personality, but always wanting to do the best for her family to make them proud, and in the process forgets about making herself happy. Ella’s return is far from smooth sailing though. She soon comes face to face with Dan – her ex boyfriend who is far from over her rather sudden, unexpected departure many years ago. There is clearly a misunderstanding between them, and they both seem to be holding a grudge against one another. As they find themselves being forced together once again whilst living within the village, It becomes apparent that they both harbour feelings for one another, but with Ella feeling hurt by both Dan and her husband to be in London, she is a long way from putting her trust in a man any time soon.
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…. Dan: Our male protagonist is book boyfriend worthy with his charm, compassion and ambition. I wish we’d had a couple chapters from his perspective to really make his character shine. That said, however, through his interactions with Ella and others, his motivations are made quite clear. Everyone can see that they are made for each other, then a scandal breaks involving Noah’s father, this brings the press into the equation. Noah then decides he must leave when they decide to hunt down Izzy. Noah is leaving to protect her. Izzy views it as him running away when the going gets tough
I really loved getting to know the other midwifes in the unit where Ella is working temporarily, as well her her catching up with old friends and loves. And any book that gives me a brand new book boyfriend to fall in love with, is a winner in my eyes, and there is definitely one rather stunning candidate in this novel for that role! I'll miss him! I just love reading about a character that is either a nurse or a midwife so when I was serendipitously asked to be a part of this blog tour, I immediately jumped on it. I am so glad I did. I also love a great second chance story and characters looking for a fresh start, and this book was all that I wanted in a fun and cozy escape read, with the right amount of drama and romance I exactly needed. I could put on my own art exhibition in Pottery and Paper, with a gallery of all the willy pictures I’ve been sent! I never knew they could come in so many shapes and sizes, and there are enough variations in colour to rival a Dulux paint chart.” Working as a community midwife keeps her busy and, even if some of the locals seem to have an unhealthy fascination with the breakdown of her relationship, the other midwives soon make her feel like one of the team. Despite her disastrous dating history, Ella manages to play matchmaker to her new best friend and even dodges her parents’ attempts to get her to settle down with the boy next door.
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Ella is a strong and determined young woman who is easy to root for. The other characters are also well-drawn, and I enjoyed getting to know them. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' Jessica Redland I absolutely love the Cornish Midwife series, especially being an aspiring midwife from Cornwall. Despite being fiction, these books never fail to motivate me to carry on studying when things get tough and really become The Cornish Midwife myself.” Tegan from Reading with Tegs (book blogger and trainee midwife) Ella: Our protagonist is the epitome of sweetness and drive. I’ll admit, Ella’s determination to do what she perceives as right by her parents got a little much at times, as it’s blatantly obvious her parents simply want her to be happy. However, that’s pretty much a main conundrum Ella has to work through. She must figure out why she is so compelled to over achieve. At what point will she be ‘enough’? I love that we’re allowed to see Ella in her various roles: as midwife, friend, daughter and romantic interest. We’re also privy to her growth in each area. I always really enjoy books with a strong sense of place and community, and you won’t find it done much better than this. The whole book has the feel of a Sunday night series, that strong central story line and established characters interspersed with dramatic moments they encounter – the obvious comparison is Call the Midwife, but with a contemporary setting, but (perhaps because of its setting too) I couldn’t help getting more of a feeling of Doc Martin (and they’re both series I always enjoy). And it also has the feel of a really involving saga, although I know that’s not a term often used for a story very much set in the present day.
It has been a good few years since I last read a Jo Bartlett book but I seemed to recall enjoying my previous experiences of her writing, so to see she had a new release and signed with one of my favourite publishers, well I was hardly going to ignore it. Is the storm which breaks out just two days before Christmas, and cuts Holly Bay off from the rest of the world, give Ben another chance to prove himself to her? Or will Maddie be destined to spend another Christmas with just her books for company? Second Chances at Cherry Tree Cottage” is a stand alone novel and was released in 2021. Luke, Scarlett West’s useless husband, walks out on her one day never to return, she is left to attempt and make a new life for herself and Ava, her four year old daughter. However with debts mounting, there is just one place she can go.
The Story: This is a feel-good tale. I’ll admit, there are some cringe-worth moments, especially with Weller (whom, we should not be too hasty to judge), but the overarching sentiments are hope and love. Loose ends are all neatly tied up at the close and we have a pretty good idea of what’s happening with various members of the Ella’s immediate circle. A Holly Bay Christmas” is the first novel in the “Holly Bay” series and was released in 2016. Maddie owns her dream business running a combined tea rooms and bookshop, in the gorgeous Cornish village of Holly Bay. When Ben shows up looking for a place he can rent, Maddie is keen on helping him find a home in the town that she loves, where they really know how to celebrate Christmas. Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Helen J Rolfe I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in St Agnes with Ella, her friends and family (and, of course Dan ❤️). It was definitely the right book at the right time for me, for although it was a warm and engaging read, there was also depth to the story with more serious issues. It obviously has some romance, actually for more than one couple, with the will they/won’t they question keeping me guessing. Cornwall has been my perfect holiday destination for many years, so any story that is set in this beautiful part of the world instantly grasps my attention.The setting is beautifully described. I could almost feel the wind in my hair and the sand between my toes as I read about Port Agnes. The characters were wonderfully developed and interesting, each of them having unique traits that changed the dynamic of the village considerably. Ella is one of those characters you just want the absolute best for, and I found myself really rooting for her and her happiness from the start. There is strong cast of supporting characters and a great feeling of camaraderie with Ella’s new work colleagues and they all have their own stories which become intertwined with hers. Ella was a much wanted baby and her parents still treat her like precious china, to the point of not so subtly trying to interfere in her life, for what they see as the best of reasons! Her father Jago is particularly stubborn and loyal to his Cornish heritage which causes some anguish and drama. He has a particular dislike of property developers who he perceives to be spoiling his beloved town. The narrative switches between Frankie, Noah and Izzy, and I loved their vibrant personalities and how it shone through their perspectives. I always knew who I was reading, the characters were well developed and stood apart from each other.
The Setting: I’ve always had a soft spot for stories set in Devon and Cornwall and look forward to such novels, especially if the author takes the opportunity to immerse readers in the setting. Jo Bartlett immediately wins over my heart when she pops me into a small seaside town where the sounds, sights and smells are seamlessly worked into the narrative. Ella, our protagonist, draws her strength from her family and small community of Port Agnes. By describing the businesses, locals and tourists who make up the town, the author allows readers to experience Port Agnes through Ella’s eyes and heart. After an accident involving Ella that could have been worse after Dan gives her some home truths she finally realises her answer… There is so much to love about this charming story including an enchanting setting and endearing characters.However while the big day approaches disaster strikes, and their perfect day seems destined not to happen after all. Anna is certain that it is a sign to slow things down. And I'm so glad I did decide to read it, from the first chapter I felt rather comforted by the writing style. I can't put my finger on what it was, but it felt familiar and warm, and almost like I was coming home. The fact the first chapter was full of drama possibly helped too. I freaking loved Noah. I didn't think I would at first because I'm always a bit wary of religion, but I loved his drive and how he was always chasing a challenge. I loved seeing him work through his own crisis of faith, and open up his faith to others and support them however he could. I loved Frankie's positivity, how even though she was so understandably sad she was still a light to those around her. I want more of her story because the bits told in A Leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife made me really care for her and her happiness. This is a fabulous book to read on a bright and sunny day in a garden, or well anywhere! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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