A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife

The Cornish Midwife #7

by Jo Bartlett

A forever love...or a future dashed?

Midwife Ella Mehenick can’t wait to marry the love of her life, Dan Ferguson. They have both waited so long for their perfect day, and they know their future together will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But when Ella suddenly and unexpectedly collapses – all plans are put on hold.

Dan just wants Ella to get better, but Ella, so used to caring for others, struggles to accept she needs care herself. She doesn’t want Dan to give up everything for her and suddenly the life they dreamed of seems to be slipping through their fingers…

Once rock solid, Ella and Dan suddenly seem further apart than ever before. Can they find a path back to their happy ever after or will Ella’s change of heart risk everything they love?

Praise for The Cornish Midwife

'Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' 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

“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)

“I get so absorbed in the books from the Cornish Midwife series, I can’t put them down. The characters are like my colleagues, a tight group of people who love the job they do. The stories are truly captivating and make me feel like I am working alongside the characters, as the series mirrors my working life as a Midwifery Care Assistant so well.” Sandra Twyman, Midwifery Care Assistant and avid reader

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Contemporary

280 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2023

Reviews

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, challenging time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will She or Won’t She?


**4.5 Stars**

This instalment focusses on Midwife Ella Mehenick, she has been planning her wedding and it all looks set to be a happy day. She has her soulmate Dan who supports her all the way. Ella loves helping others and if there is a cause be it fundraising or otherwise her name is all over it.

When she is suddenly taken ill she realises there have been symptoms that she has been ignoring. She thinks the tests and attention the medical team are giving her is over the top. Then she receives a diagnosis….

Ella pushes her head firmly in the sand and far from looking after herself she makes things worse. She thinks she has something to prove and all those who try to help her are pushed away. She goes so far in her plight that she wants nothing to change she becomes unrecognisable as the person she was and is

With all that she holds dear now slipping through her fingers will she find a way back to love or will her heart break to the point of no return?….

This particular book starts with a personal nod to the author Jo Bartlett’s friend who is disabled and how her friend deals with life and has a terrific personality. She shows that there is a place for everyone and having a disability does not mean you have to disappear. It is refreshing how the author factors those characters into this book and the storyline completely relates. Of all the midwives I related to Ella the most and I cringed at what she was doing as it’s me all over.

As someone who suffers with a disability I always hope that people see me as a person first. My health changes from day to day and I often push myself too far and have setbacks which although frustrating I view as another challenge. As a caregiver this can take its toll but there is help out there and I have friends who continually offer but I occasionally well reluctantly call on who are amazing. Thank goodness for books.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So emotional and wonderful with a storyline close to my heart, A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife has had me sobbing big ugly tears. This is another brilliant and heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting read from Jo Bartlett. She writes with such warmth and all of her stories have brilliant characters - it’s been lovely to be with old friends at the midwifery team of Port Agnes again.
Jo Bartlett never shies away from those sensitive subjects but handles them with such care. The whole community is so welcoming and you can be sure to be taken care of with every turn of a page.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Continuing a strong theme of women supporting women, A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett is #7 in the heartfelt Cornish Midwife series.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #AChangeOfHeartForTheCornishMidwife upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The focus for this current installment returns to Ella, a main character from Book One. Ella is about to marry Dan when she receives some unexpected news about her health.

Even though A Change of Heart For the Cornish Midwife is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. For a richer reading experience, I recommend reading the series in order. The series is about a community of women, and each installment focuses on one midwife and issues are resolved at story’s end. I appreciate this series because of its theme of women supporting women, the quaint setting, engaging and thoughtful content, closed door romance, and no profanity. Even though each story has a bit of trauma and angst, I still consider them “uplit” overall.

The first book in the series is called The Cornish Midwife and we are introduced to the group of amazing midwives and the charming, small community of St. Agnes along the Cornish coast. I’m wondering if A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife might be the last of the series because the main character Ella is featured in the first book, so it appears we have come full circle.

The characters are the best part of the Cornish Midwife series. Each installment in the series focuses on a character who works as a midwife in the community and faces a personal life crisis. In this story, Ella faces a difficult health diagnosis and life with a disability. We witness her fear, resiliency, and determination.

In addition to themes common to midwifery, pregnancy, and delivery of babies, other thoughtful themes include women supporting women, slow-burn romance, family support, moving forward, health issues, and close-knit community. A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife is heavier in tone than the other books (in my opinion) because the main character faces a difficult health diagnosis and a physical disability. The romance is already established for this couple in the first book of the series, but this story causes us to wonder what will happened when they are faced with a life challenge.

Content Consideration: infertility, degenerative disease, a difficult health diagnosis, disabilities

I recommend A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife (and the entire series) for readers who love engaging women’s fiction with substantial themes, a focus on the midwife profession, and small coastal villages. The Cornish midwife series is a gently written, well-loved series for those looking to binge read women’s fiction with realistic characters.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed thoughts about this one.

Didn't expect this to be so deep and true. Jo Bartlett makes it heart warming and heart breaking at the same time.

This isn't your typical romance novel, but a very character driven book. You've got internal conflict, amazing side characters, brilliant narration, great representation for people of determination, and so much more.

The focus is our main character Ella who is dealing with a heavy physical diagnosis and her emotional journey as she rethinks her career which she is passionate about, and her beloved fiance. I believe this gives readers an idea on what the patient and immediate family and close friends would go through in such a situation.

Although I can't say much more, this is not a sob story, but an inspiring, delightful, and beautiful HEA story, so go grab it.

I received a complimentary ARC of the book from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions in this review are purely mine.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series set in Port Agnes about the lives of the midwives and their families. It’s Ella and Dan’s wedding coming up and Dan’s sisters baby coming early causes them to change the date. Ella herself has not been feeling well but is ignoring her symptoms so when she collapses and ends up hospitalised she has plenty to worry about.
The midwives are busy going about their jobs delivering babies and helping arrange Izzy & Ella’s hen night. This was the most emotional, beautifully written and uplifting story and I cried a few times but also found a few things to laugh about. Relatable and romantic.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, this was an emotional one – a difficult subject so sensitively handled, heartbreaking at times, but doing so much to shed a light on the realities of facing a life-changing diagnosis and the many issues around living with a disability.

Ella and Dan’s path to marriage certainly isn’t a smooth one – with work on their new home progressing apace and the wedding date drawing nearer, they need to postpone it again when an important member of the family (for very good reasons) isn’t able to be there. A new date is fixed – but they then face a whole new set of problems when Ella’s numbness in her limbs and disturbances to her vision prove to be considerably more serious than they could have ever thought. The story centres on their emotional response to the situation, and how they deal with it – Ella in denial, continuing to train for a fund-raising marathon, concerned about her ability to continue doing the work she loves, Dan being as practical as he can be in preparing for the future. But the whole situation is considerably more complicated than that – they’re both wrestling with a range of considerations and, at a time when they should be closer than ever, the issues begin to drive them apart.

At the same time, Dan’s friends Leo – severely disabled after a fall from some scaffolding – and his wife Jemima are beginning their journey towards parenthood, beginning a course of IVF, and grappling with a range of emotions given the challenges they face. Their issues only bring home the stark realities of Dan and Ella’s future – they’d planned to start a family too, and their friends’ situation gives them much food for thought about the practicalities. And, in the background, life goes on – the day-to-day happenings and dramas in the lives of the Port Agnes midwives as they tend to the needs of the new mothers in their community, every small story as well developed as always.

I found this whole book extremely moving and engaging – despite the heartbreak, the whole story proves to be tremendously uplifting and hopeful, and particularly real at an emotional level. It was enlightening too around the different and complex emotional responses to a life-changing situation, and the way that trying to do the right thing can sometimes prove to be the wrong thing entirely. The whole story makes you question how you would react in a similar situation, emphasises the importance of always living your best life whatever the barriers in the way – and, within a story that entirely engaged me from beginning to end, filled with love, provided real insights into the important area of disability awareness, with its messages quite perfectly handled. My favourite book in the series so far, for so many different reasons – and very highly recommended.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion*

I have been a big fan of this series from the beginning which made reading this a joy and a bit difficult. I have come to love all of these characters so it was really great to see them one last time and see what is happening now that their own books ended. I have also always enjoyed the stories about the soon-to-be moms and the different births. What was difficult about this was seeing the character that started it all going through what Ella has to go through. Not to mention what Dan faces throughout this book. The big message throughout the book is the importance of communication - not just about the good things, but about the tough things too. There were so many times I wanted to yell at Dan that he needed to stop being afraid of a fight with Ella. Yes, it would be tough but there were things that he needed to be allowed to say and both of them really needed to get everything out in the open rather than being afraid of how the other person would react. I felt so bad for Dan on so many occasions because Ella left him with no one to talk about his own fears with and she refused to talk about the diagnosis at all. I also did feel for Ella when she realized she was in "do as I say, not as I do" mode. I loved that author showed seeking counseling/therapy in such a positive light. Even with that though, there were so many moments when Ella would take a positive step forward only to take two huge steps back. Luckily for her she had so many people who loved her and were willing to give her some hard truths before she lost Dan for good. If the author ever wanted to do a few short stories to show us what is going on with everyone later on I would definitely be there for that!

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved reading Jo’s Cornish Midwife series so I was quite excited for this, it’s definitely one that you’ll need some tissues for though as I found it the most emotional of the bunch.

Despite it being sad and having a quite close to home topic I actually really enjoyed the book and found myself constantly reading a few more chapters as I so wanted there to be a happy ending for Ella. I think this was one of the first books where I started to wonder if that was actually going to happen but I stuck strong 💪

If you’ve not read any of the Cornish midwife’s books before then I would recommend them as you’ll get to feel part of this wonderful community and know everyone’s story but you can just as easily read this as a standalone novel.

[Lucy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE the Cornish midwife’s books! As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t stop. If you’ve watched Call The Midwife, I’d recommend reading these as they go through some of the same storylines but with the twist of it being in a remote town in Cornwall

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions but not all to do with babies! I loved being back with the midwives and residents of Port Agnes in Cornwall. This time the focus is on Ella and Dan who have a wedding all booked but when Ella suddenly collapses everything gets turned upside down. Along with this main storyline there are other stories that keep you as the reader totally hooked. All the topics covered are done so sensitively and in my opinion gives a wide perspective of how people cope with difficulties in a variety of ways. One of the things I really love is how Jo brings the characters to life and shows how their relationships develop. A great story about love, family, friendship and life events that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Although this is the latest instalment in the Cornish Midwife series this can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley, and of course Jo Bartlett for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Mrs S Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

Eager for the latest visit to the midwives I pre it. Having read a preview for this instalment - I began reading with an uneasy feeling.
I do not want to spoil it by elaborating but this overshadowed the early chapters and then it became more annoying. I’m sure from the prologue it is believable but just went on too long and the conclusion was an “at last” moment!
I am really disappointed but look forward to book 8 as there are so many lovable characters who’s storylines need updating.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and thoroughly enjoyed several of Jo’s books now. I must admit that I have a particular fondness for her ‘Cornish Midwife’ series. I read and loved the first six books in the series and so when I heard that Jo was due to release another book in the series, I knew that I had to grab a copy at the earliest opportunity and hibernate until I had read the very last word on the very last page. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over because the seventh book in the series is called ‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’ and it was released on 27th February 2023. It’s another fantastic addition to a fantastic series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’ but more about that in a bit.

As soon as I started reading ‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’, I felt as though I had reunited with old friends in the form of the midwife team. I was also thrilled to be back in Cornwall which is a county close to my heart. Part of the reason why I loved this book so much has to do with the character of Ella Mehenick, who is the main character. I warmed to her from the very start and in fact she ended up feeling as though she had become a friend of mine and I felt all protective of her. At the start of the story Ella is a hardworking midwife who is looking forward to marrying the love of her life. Life throws her a curveball and she has to reevaluate her life and make adjustments. I developed my own suspicions as to how things were going to turn out so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Change Of Heart’ and I had to say goodbye to Ella and the rest of the characters. ‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’ is certainly an emotional read, which held my interest throughout.

‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jo Bartlett. Jo has an easy going writing style which is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Jo’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Jo certainly know how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a read. Reading this book certainly took me on an emotional journey and I found myself welling up on several occasions. Jo tackles some tough subjects in this story but she deals with them in a kind, compassionate and sensitive manner. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jo’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife is going to tug at those heartstrings and have you feeling those big feelings.

I know when I read a Jo Bartlett book, I will need to have the tissue box nearby because there is always a moment or two in her books that has me in tears. Jo really knows how to create a beautiful and heartfelt story. A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife is the seventh book in The Cornish Midwife series, and it can be read as a stand-alone. Jo does a great job of bringing her readers up to speed with what has happened in the series. This book is the second book that focuses on Ella’s story. Ella and Dan are about to finally get married and have the HEA they have always wanted. But life throws them a curveball when Ella is diagnosed with MS. This diagnosis shocks both of them, and now they are unsure what the future will hold and if they will get that HEA they wanted.

This is definitely a more emotional read. We have Ella’s story, which has taken a turn for the worst. I adore Ella, and I want good things for her. Her character is really struggling in this story; the MS diagnosis hits her hard, which of course, it would. I couldn’t imagine getting that kind of news and how I would react. My heart went out to Ella and Dan and watching as they both tried to come to terms with the fact that Ella has MS was tough. Watching this life they had planned out disappear, and their relationship break down was heartbreaking. What makes Jo’s books stand out so much is her attention to detail and the thought she puts into her writing. This is not an easy topic to discuss, but she handles it with care, and as a reader, I feel like I am learning something.

Once again, we get to meet so many fabulous couples in different pregnancy stages or trying to conceive. Their stories just add so much richness to these books. I always find myself getting as attached to these secondary characters as I would the main characters. Their stories are just so powerful.

Even though this book has a heavier tone, there are still lots of happiness and funny moments woven throughout the story. Gwen is still as inappropriate as ever and had me cackling at times. Izzy gets her own HEA, and even though Ella and Dan’s love story takes a detour, they still have moments that will make your heart pitter-patter.

A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife is filled with so much emotion and heart you cannot put it down.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Helena Huang · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my favourite book series but this book in particular had some details that were hard to believe . I have to say that although Ella’s actions are extreme , her frustration is very understandable at least to me . I also want to emphasize that a person has the absolute right to choose whether they want to marry and to whom . No one else has the right to influence her decision .It is her life and her choice .I didn’t appreciate that about 5 other people of those who care for her most basically lectured her into staying with Dan and marrying him . I’d be disappointed if my friends and family forced me to stay in a relationship with someone as per the original plan after I had the wind knocked out of my sails after a serious diagnosis. They are saying she’s not allowing him to make his own decisions on his feelings towards her. However , no one is putting themselves in her shoes and respecting her own personal decisions for herself . All the family and friends did was spiral her further into depression then call her out on said depression. There were two other possible endings I’d like to have for this book but in the end it was a very forced happy ending that fits with what her friends and family wanted .

The two possible endings I would have preferred were

1) Let Ella remain single. If she must marry Dan at least postpone the wedding further to give Ella time and space to herself in order to figure out her next steps in life and improve her mental health . The counselor was the only helpful person, mental health wise in the whole book in my opinion .

2) It’s ok for Ella and Dan to reconcile and readers would be glad of that . However giving them the chance to talk privately and listen attentively to each other would do better than having five people lecture Ella into staying with him.

Maybe I’m overthinking but was if in the future near or distant , Dan has a change of heart about her ? What if he started treating her with disrespect? If that happened wouldn’t Ella’s mom and also her friends have the biggest regret of her life in persuading her to stick with Dan ? Seems like a forced marriage situation to me .

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How dare you Jo Bartlett!!! You have completely and utterly put my heart through the wringer today as I have devoured this latest book, while being not being remotely sure that the overall outcome would be what I wanted it to be.

This is without a doubt the best book in the series, but not sure I'll forgive the author for Ella's diagnosis, as it's one that was a little too close to home for my liking, and had me continually thinking about my dad, whenever it was mentioned. What did a great character like Ella do to deserve that!?

Well that is kind of the point and there is a very strong theme throughout the book about disabilities, living with them and the effect they have on your partner. It is incredibly eye opening, and I have to say if I was Ella, I'd probably be reacting in the same way.

I loved catching up with all of the midwives, and Gwen as always had me laughing out loud, despite my despair at what was happening to my favourite characters. I felt so at home with this story within the first couple of pages, perhaps because Ella has been a main character before and ever present in all the other books.

This is an incredible addition to the series, and I devoured this in about a day, especially once I knew what Ella was dealing with I had to keep reading to see how things would pan out. Wonderful writing, and well more please, I need the next book already!!

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

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books in this series are always poignant and heart-warming at same time, they move me to tears and make me smile.
This one was one that hit close to home as I lived the trauma of a life changing diagnosis twice in the last years and I know the rollercoaster of emotions. Diabetes is bit less dramatic than MS, but it can kill you unless you decide to change your lifestyle and that’s what I had to do.
The second diagnosis was an auto-immune illness, Sjogren syndrome, an illness that can cause chronic pain and force you to take plenty of drugs to keep the symptoms under control
This made me understand the initial reaction of Ella, but it also makes me think she was a bit of drama queen in the last part of the book as she already mapped the worst case scenario and was ready to let the illness win.
I may sound harsh, but I liked how she decided to fight back and get the happiness she and Dan deserves.
I thin that Jo Bartlett did and excellent job in describing the shock of the diagnosis and Ella’s reaction.
I read some critics about Ella not accepting help, I think this can happen as you don’t want pity and want to be treated like a “normal” person.
That said I’m always happy to travel to Cornwall and catch up with the midwives, as lovely as usual.
There’s romance, there’s happiness and there’s a heart wrenching story.
If you want a light and airy story this is not the right one, if you want a well written and thought-provoking novel read it.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella has everything she could ever want in life; a devoted fiancè in Dan, a career in midwifery as part of an incredible team and a loving community around her. But as she starts to experience unusual symptoms, a feeling of dread washes over her. Is it simply fatigue or is something really wrong?

As her symptoms worsen, she struggles to keep them a secret from those closest to her. When she lands in Hospital after an emergency, she's forced to admit what she has been hiding. Then, when she receives a formal diagnosis, her life seems to spiral. Will Ella begin to adjust to her new normal or persevere to her detriment?

As the 8th book in the Cornish Midwife series, there has already been incredible depth built into the characters and town. This story built on that and I was blown away by the raw way in which Ella's thoughts, feelings and experiences have been shared.

The only critique I have is that there were one too many similar twists towards the conclusion of the book which didn't necessarily have to be included to reach the same end. I felt for Dan in the book but often felt that his point of view would have been appreciated a bit more often.

Thank you to Author Jo Bartlett, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing this ARC copy for free in exchange for an honest review! Watch out for the publication date of the 27th of February 2023!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cast of characters who feel like friends
A heartbreaking story with a heartwarming end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing book
And highly recommend you give it more than a look!

When this book you read,
Some tissues you may well need!
An emotive story of life changing events
How they relationships break or cement.

A second chance wedding should be soon
But a birth, a collapse both signal its doom.
The prognosis news really isn't great
Should they still marry, what's their fate?

Bottling up feelings, not talking them through,
Doesn't help you see options that others do.
A story that shows secrets really don't assist -
Chances to talk with others shouldn't be missed.

Saying this is emotive is an understatement, I have to say,
With issues being faced by others every day.
From fertility treatments to disabilities and coping somehow
Different viewpoints are caringly shared now.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[anie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife is a story of a strong woman, whose life is just about perfect. She has the job that she loves, lovely friends and a fiance that she loves more than anything. They are planning a wedding, renovating a house and generally looking forward to what's to come.

But Ella is keeping a secret. She gets random pins and needles, freezing spells, and random episodes, that she ignored for too long.

Then she got the diagnosis, with Multiple Sclerosis. Ella has a hard time coping with it and mostly tries to ignore it.

There are many challenges to living with a disease, but for Ella, the worst is how people look at her now.

So Elle does what makes the most sense to her. She runs from it and pretends it's all good. She does a lot more than she should and shut herself down from people that could support her.

It's a very real tale, of dealing with a difficult diagnosis. But it's also a tale of resilience, of a woman's journey from denial, and anger to final acceptance of her life as it is and learning to live with what she has.

It's also a story of friendship, a changing dynamic of the relationship. The story is told with a lot of heart and features many wonderful characters.

Highly recommend it!

thanks to the Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the ARC, all thoughts are my own

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest Cornish Midwife story is well up to the standards of its predecessors. In addition to the ongoing romances amongst the team, there are some darker themes when some characters and patients are faced with some serious health issues which are life changing. Facing up to such news and recalibrating your expectations for their lives proves to be a challenge for some and adds a certain bite to the story.

There are weddings and christenings in this story which underline the strong family ties which you are aware of. The wider community proves to be as important as ever but the overall message seems to be that you should seize the day and be prepared to re-evaluate your life choices when necessary without making impetuous decisions and bearing in mind others' wants and wishes.
In short: Friends, family support and big life decisions
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the Cornish Midwife series and was excited to read book 7. This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading this wonderful series and getting to know all the midwives.

The story focuses on Ella again as she is preparing to marry Dan but receives some unexpected news about her health. It is a powerful well written story and emotional at times. There are some hard subjects covered but the author handles them with great care.

A powerful story about how life can change in an instant and how people deal in different ways. Some issues covered are infertility and Multiple sclerosis.

Jo Bartlett is simply amazing . I hope there are more books in this wonderful series.

5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A special thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC I received in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely instalment in the Cornish Midwife series. The book works as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the previous books if you can as it's such a good series!

This book tells the story of midwife Ella and her fiance Dan. After a scare with Dan's sister means Ella and Dan postpone their Valentine's Day wedding, Ella begins to realise she herself is unwell. A shocking diagnosis leaves the couple reeling - can they work through their fears and make it to their wedding day?

I loved revisiting the midwifery team, and although this definitely covered a more serious subject matter than previous books, it was still full of the well-loved characters. Gwen was always there for comedy value, and it was nice to be able to follow the story of Jess in the background. A new spin-off series is suggested at the end of this book - I'm very much looking forward to that!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is this already the seventh book in the series? I've been on board from the very first book and I've enjoyed them all immensely.

This was by far the most emotional of the series and my heart wept for Ella and Dan. I might have wept a little too! Bartlett writes with warmth, allowing her characters to come alive between the pages. I'm emotionally invested in the series and the wonderful characters she's created, they've become more like lifelong friends, rather than names on paper.

You can read the book as a standalone, but why would you...you're missing out on so much!

Beautifully written, with a storyline that's as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. A Change of Heart is a story of hope, relationships put to the test and the power of love.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Seven in this beautiful series, Port Agnes Cornwall.
Ella Mehenick Midwifery visit to Liberty farm her soon the be sister in law expecting her forth baby.
The valentine wedding for Ella and Dan Ferguson is only a week away both decide with Lissy's pregnancy not going to plan change the date to the forth of July, Ella wants her maid of honour to be there.
Ella is busy along side Anna and books a doctors appointment probably just tired and stress but the shocking diagnosis put a whole change on her and Dan's future and she shuts him out.
And my tears flowed a lot of the time reading this book, the author has done a superb job, this book is definitely a heart breaker.
A change of heart that this couple realise whatever life holds they are in this together.
Absolutely loved it.

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a lovely light hearted read but I was wrong.

Ella and Dan's relationship is tested to the limit when Ella is given a devastating diagnosis after she collapses.

This is a beautiful written story about someone dealing with a life changing diagnosis and how it impacts on them, their family and friends. There are so many wonderful side characters sharing various life experiences as well. It was very emotional but also heartwarming.

I have dealt with one of the conditions mentioned and I have a close friend with a similar diagnosis to Ella so reading this was emotional at times. I did feel, however, that the author has written about this very well.

This is the first book by Jo Bartlett that I have read but it certainly won't be the last.

[Avril Mcauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Bartlett writes beautiful heartwarming books and The Cornish Midwife series is definitely one of my favourites.
A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife tells Ella and Dans story. Ella and Dan a due to be married when Dans pregnant sister causes them to change the date.
This is the start of sad events that change the future for Ella and Dan. Jo writes beautifully about how being diagnosed with a life changing condition can test even the strongest relationship.
I think this has been my favourite book in the series, my heart was breaking for Ella and Dan and Jo must have put her heart and soul into this book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotionally insightful book in the Cornish Midwife series. It focuses on Ella, who regular readers have met before. Just about to get married to her first love, life seems perfect until events make her life spin out of her control. While this story explores devastating life experiences, the author handles them well, leaving the reader with a heartwarming and hopeful feeling. It demonstrates the strain on close relationships caused by accident and illness and how new bonds and understanding must be forged to advance in a much-changed life.

I like the characters and how they come to terms with their life challenges.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to be able to return to Port Agnes for the seventh book in the Cornish Midwife series, A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife. We rejoin Anna, Della and the rest of the midwife team where Ella is campaigning for the the ports area to be granted a hospital. Lots of babies are on the way and the infidelity support group have regular meetings. Ella is devastated to be diagnosed with an illness which causes heartache all around her. She is determined to keep the diagnosis to hersrlf add long as she can, pushing everyone away in the process, especially Dan her fiancé. An embodiment tale which tells an important story. I loved it.

[Helen Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, but have the tissues ready!

Having read several books and series now by Jo Bartlett, I like to think I know what I'm getting. Real feel good stories with a community vibe and true friendships. This book in the series? Well I finished it in one day and cried for probably two thirds of the book. The story line, following this wonderful group of work friends and their own adventures along the way was just another example of fine writing. With the characters experiencing joy, happiness, loss and sadness this was an amazing read and I'm ready for book number 8 - well as soon as I've dried my tears.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a corker of a read!

I've loved reading this series and spending time with the lovely Ella. This story was an emotional read for me due to personal connections to the story line but it was so well written and the feelings and responses so on point that despite a few tears as I read I loved it.

As always we get to revisit some of our firm favourites through the IVF support group and midwifery unit, plus we are introduced to some lovely new characters too. Featuring a couple of weddings, lots of births and a christening it's guaranteed to tug at the heart strings!