The whole cast is excellent, but I really must say a special word for Ella’s parents. She was something of a miracle baby herself, and being in her thirties doesn’t stop them treating her like their precious little girl – and I found that particularly lovely. Her father Jago is a quite wonderful character – a proud Cornishman, fierce about the changes brought about with all the incomers and second-home owners, and I really loved his passion, however many problems it might cause. Ben, who steps in to help Maddie raise some money for a charity that’s close to her heart, and even dresses like an elf on Christmas gift day, seems too good to be true. Letting her guard down, she realizes that she is falling for the newcomer, however, once it turns out that he has this hidden agenda, she cannot wait for him to leave. 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. 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.

This is a fabulous book to read on a bright and sunny day in a garden, or well anywhere! Thoroughly enjoyed it. 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.

Channel View Farm Books In Order

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. 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. 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. 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. My heart went out for Izzy - she was an instant favourite for me, I loved reading her story. She's going through so much and she really rises to it. She's so passionate and caring and generous, you can't help but love her and root for her.

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….And Port Agnes the Cornish setting for this gorgeous book, was just perfect. I loved the sense of community there, even if Ella isn't as keen on it, given the circumstances of her own homecoming. She perhaps would have preferred a bit more anonymity than she has. 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. Ella is a fantastic character, excellent at her job, she is calm and efficient and is a great help to the expectant mothers in the village, one or two of which rely on her rather more than strictly necessary as she can’t help involving herself in their problems. It’s just a pity she finds it so difficult making up her own mind about what what she wants for her future! I did admit to being a little frustrated at times when she kept flip flopping about her own plans but expecting others to fall in with hers. 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 really enjoyed this book, it was such a down to earth story that felt so true and realistic. There were lots of mentions of births and babies (I mean, what do you expect from a book with midwife in the title) but it wasn't overpowering and it wasn't graphic. The community feel of this book made me think of a modern day Call The Midwife which I really loved.