A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital

by Jo Bartlett

Preorder the BRAND NEW Instalment of bestselling author Jo Bartlett's Cornish Country Hospital Series. Perfect for fans of Grey's Anatomy! 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.

Praise for Jo

'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 was drawn in from the first word, I’ve laughed and cried, what a really lovely story' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'I would highly recommend this book for a bit of fantastic escapism and love conquering all' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A heart warming tale which I enjoyed reading very much' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2024

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital is the 2nd book in the series, but it is the first I have read. I had no problem following the story, but will go back and read the first one. Isla Marlowe is still grieving since the death of her father. She wants to do something to honour his memory and knowing that her colleague, Aiden is looking for an egg donor and surrogate so he and his husband can have a baby, she decides to give them a gift. She undergoes the questionnaires, and health testing to donate her eggs to the couple, but she gets bad news and everything is put on hold. This pause has Aiden rethinking the plan.

I enjoyed this story and meeting all these characters. Besides her grandmother, Isla is alone in the UK. Her mother and sister moved to Canada, so she doesn't have a lot of family. Enter her friends and colleagues. When she needs support and love, they are there for her, even though she has a tough time letting them do it. She wants to work everything out for herself, and often regrets her actions afterwards. This was a wonderful story of found family, but even more it touches on gay couples wanting to have children and the struggle they go through. I also deals with grief, fear of illness, surrogacy, family not supporting a gay marriage, friendship and supporting one another. Isla has a lot to go through and deal with, and with the support of that found family, is able to make decisions and move forward with her life. There is a small romance that is secondary to the main plot, but plays a role in Isla's growth and new beginnings. I enjoyed this story with it's uplifting ending and will watch for more in this series.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this emotionally charged book

oh man this was a tough one to read...

an offer of eggs to help a couple have a baby
a diagnosis of leukaemia

man this book had it all...

jase and aiden have dreams about becoming parents and with isla offer of donating her eggs to help them realise their dream its the perfect solution for everyone

but its not an easy road for any of them when a diagnosis of leukaemia is discovered and its at times like these that family whether blood family or found family comes into its own

man this one will cause many a tear to fall

but its a good one

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next instalment in the Cornish Country Hospital series. Eve is an A&E Doctor who was all set up to marry Max until he has an accident. Life takes May twists and turns and we are left until the end to find out who does she get together with. A brilliant book from Jo as always. Thanks to Jo and Boldwood publishers.

[Karen Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most desirable Cornish Country series and I am so pleased to have read all the books so far including this one. I think this one is the most emotional and it's a rollercoaster of ups and downs. In this book we follow Isla, Aidan and Chase as Isla has just lost her father after he battled a awful disease. Aidan and Chase are going through a journey of trying to have a baby. I also loved hearing what our other favourite characters have been up to. My favourite is Gwen who I think of as mother hen. She is always there for all the staff with a listening ear and kind words. I am so excited for the next book I'm not sure how I'm going to wait patiently but I hope this is going to be a long series. I am a emotional wreck right now because of how powerful the writing of the plot is and also because I didn't want it to ever end!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in The Cornish Country Hospital series, A Found Family at the Cornish County Hospital by the incredibly talented Jo Bartlett, introduces a touching narrative.

This installment focuses on Isla, an A&E nurse on a mission to honour her late father, and Aidan, another A&E nurse embarking on the journey to parenthood with his husband Jase.

The story evokes emotions and sheds light on the struggles faced by some families in accepting their children for who they are. Jo's meticulous attention to detail brings the characters to life, making them feel like friends you haven't met yet, while her vivid descriptions of settings transport you to those places.

Waiting for book four feels like an eternity, as the desire to continue the journey with these characters grows. Secure your copy now and delve into this captivating story.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I loved it and have loved all the books by Jo. She gives you a real insight it to family emotions, their ups and there downs and being set in a hospital there’s plenty of them . Please read her books

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Found Family.
St Piran's Hospital Cornwall.
Isla a A&E Nurse dreams of becoming an egg donor in memory of her late father.
Aiden a A&E nurse along with his husband Jase are looking for a surrogate to complete their family and would have giving up, then Isla spoke "I'll be your donor" now to get things rolling and there's a long way to go for them all.
This book is touching and heart-warming right through, that will have you pulling into the next chapter, such a joy to read full of family and friendships.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back amongst the wonderful characters at the hospital and meeting some new ones as well. Isla was particularly sympathetic as I found myself nodding with each of her self-imposed reasons behind her choices. It seemed totally natural not to risk her heart when it had been broken so many times.
One of those heartbreaks, the loss of her father, led to her decision to make a most generous offer to her colleague Aidan and his husband, Jase. Their desire to be parents was at the point where they were considering surrogacy and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with that decision.
What soon emerged from the story was the evidence that Isla may have been apart from her family, other than her grandmother, but she had an incredibly strong support network to guide her through some of the biggest decisions of her life. Of course, nothing runs smoothly, and Isla is forced to contend with news that could steer her off course for life. In a beautiful symmetry, she found strength from a most unlikely source and that brought more than a few tears to my eyes.
This gorgeous book dealt with so much more than the topics I would usually expect in Women’s or Romantic Fiction, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not there, they simply act as a supporting theme. The story is plausible and definitely provided food for thought. For me, it was the warmth that each chapter exuded that I found the most wonderful.
The story arc for Isla was difficult but helped her discover her true place in life and also recognise those who had come into her life and decided to stay. Those are the family members we choose for ourselves, and Isla eventually realised that her found family was perfectly extended and all supportive.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved being back at the Cornish hospital. This series is fabulous and I highly recommend if you loved the Cornish midwife series. This could be read as a standalone but I highly recommend starting at the beginning to experience this delightful series set in the beautiful St Pirans and with relatable characters and storylines.

This story introduced us to Isla story and we also got to follow Aidan and jase on their journey too. This instalment covered a lot of relatable and hard hitting issues in a very sensitive way and brought them out into the open. It was a heartbreaking and heartwarming roller coaster of a read.

I can’t wait to be back at the Cornish hospital for the next instalment.

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. It’s like Grey’s Anatomy with all the doctors, nurses and their private lives and dramas but then even better. For someone that has seen 18 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy that really says something about how good this series is.

I really loved this book. I was moved to tears on multiple occasions but still the overall feeling I got from this book was a heartwarming one. The three main characters Isla, Aidan and Jase were simply wonderful and I quickly came to care about them all as if they were my family or close friends and felt all their highs and lows. I loved the relationship Isla had with her grandparents and Jase’s family was the best! There were some really difficult topics dealt with in this book, but all with such care and compassion that it wasn’t hard to read, just really really moving.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in The Cornish Country Hospital series, A Found Family at the Cornish County Hospital by the incredibly talented Jo Bartlett, introduces a touching narrative.

This installment focuses on Isla, an A&E nurse on a mission to honour her late father, and Aidan, another A&E nurse embarking on the journey to parenthood with his husband Jase.

The story evokes emotions and sheds light on the struggles faced by some families in accepting their children for who they are. Jo's meticulous attention to detail brings the characters to life, making them feel like friends you haven't met yet, while her vivid descriptions of settings transport you to those places.

Waiting for book four feels like an eternity, as the desire to continue the journey with these characters grows. Secure your copy now and delve into this captivating story.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Bartlett delivers a heartwarming, emotional rollercoaster in this book which is perfect if you’re into small-town hospital vibes mixed with personal dramas and sweet romances. Set in a close-knit community, the story centers on Isla Marlowe, an A&E nurse trying to honor her late father, and Aidan, navigating the emotional journey to fatherhood alongside his husband. The trope of found family plays a huge role in the story, and I loved seeing the growing bonds between various characters.

The pacing is smooth, though there are moments that feel a tad predictable. However, Bartlett’s portrayal of grief, friendship, and unexpected love truly shines. The medical setting is not overdone, making this more of a character-driven narrative than a hospital drama. Fans of contemporary women’s fiction and romance will find this book comforting yet emotionally engaging.

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

Oh my Jo Bartlett, you’ve done it again. What a beautiful and emotional read.
Isla’s story has broken me - I’m sat with tears streaming down my face as I’ve just finished reading this amazing book.
But even through the tears, this has given me such a feeling of warmth and hope.
Jo Bartlett writes these emotional and heartbreaking stories in such a sensitive manner - Isla’s story and her connection with Aidan and Jase is beautiful and so inspiring, and I felt we were part of their
journey from the very beginning.
The strong message here is that family doesn’t need to be blood relatives and that people around us will show the unconditional love we deserve if we’re prepared to let them in

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital is the third book in Jo Bartlett latest series. I fell in love with the first two books, so when I was offered the opportunity to read it early, I jumped at the chance!

This book centres around two characters, who’s stories are intertwined - Isla, a kind hearted, selfless nurse who wants to find a way to honour her father’s memory, and Aidan - Isla’s coworker who’s own family history, makes him fearful of starting a family of his own with his husband. Key elements include:
☑️ Found family (shock)
☑️ Second chances
☑️ Friends to lovers
☑️ Grief

Trigger warning for those who might be concerned, this book does deal with some pretty heavy themes, like death, severe/terminal health conditions and the LGBTQIA+ experience, so if you think these might be harmful to your own health, you may want to skip this one!

I really wanted to love this book, as I feel like the messaging and the two stories are so important, but I feel like the execution of this one didn’t hit the mark. Since both Isla and Aidan’s stories were quite dense, the writing did a lot more telling than showing at times, and the themes were sometimes a little too overstated and didn’t let the reader make the connection on their own.

I felt like the romance between Isla and her love interest was really rushed, and it almost felt like it was a late addition, so I didn’t really care so much about their story and I wanted to know more about how Aidan and his husband dealt with all the challenges - particularly around Aidan’s family. It almost felt like this should’ve been two books and readers could have read it as a tandem read!

However, as always, Jo did a fantastic job of reconnecting the audience with their favourite characters - we get to hear from Danni and Esther again - and the ever sassy Gwen. The world she has built feels so rich and it truly does feel like you’re coming home. I just wish the story had perhaps focused on less major plot elements and allowed the reader to draw connections when it came to the theme - as I think it would’ve allowed for a more thoughtful read, given the complexity of the issues that were discussed.

Overall though, a really sweet, thoughtful book that recognises the importance of having loved ones around you throughout life’s challenges set against the beautiful Cornish countryside.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jo Bartlett and Boldwood Books for providing me with eARC!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt, hopeful and emotional, A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett is a book that will have even the most jaded and cynical of readers shedding plenty of tears.

The death of her beloved father had devastated Isla Marlowe. Her dad was a kind, caring and compassionate man willing to do whatever it took to help out his fellow humans. Now that he’s passed, Isla wants to do something to honour her father and she thinks that she might just have found the perfect way to do it – even if she is sure that not everybody will understand or approve of the course of action she is willing to take.

Aidan Kennedy and his husband Jase would love nothing more than to have a family of their own. However, the path ahead is fraught with difficulties and challenges. Some people think that they shouldn’t even try and then there is the greatest obstacle of all: finding the right woman to help them on this journey to parenthood. Having had plenty of disappointments, Aidan and Jase can see their dream slowly slipping away from them – until they meet Isla and they finally believe that there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

However, Isla’s resolve is tested and she ends up putting Aidan and Jase’s dreams on hold. Desperate to find someone who will understand her and listen to her problems, Isla is about to find a port in a storm in the most unlikely of places and realise that her found family can help her to heal and look forward to a future she never thought she had.

Jo Bartlett tackles sensitive subjects with compassion, understanding and flair in her latest novel, A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital. Full of characters readers can see themselves in, heart-wrenching pathos and dramatic intensity, this layered, nuanced and compelling tale of renewal, new beginnings and the healing power of love is a book that is hard to put down which will linger long after the last page is turned.

Jo Bartlett’s writing continues to go from strength to strength and A Found Family at the Cornish County Hospital is a thought-provoking, compelling and enjoyable tale readers will want to recommend to all their friends and family.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital is the third book in a series written by Jo Bartlett. Although, being a part of the new series, the book can be easily read standalone. It is a heartwarming story with an emotional opening chapter, where Isla is celebrating the sixtieth birthday of her beloved and lost father. The reader can see how strong the relationship between them was and how important the family could be. The book also touches the infertility problems and how it can be distressful, explains the possible solutions, which also aren’t that easy to achieve. The process created to resolve these problems isn’t that easy, includes lots of the interviews, programs, tests, lots of questions and dilemmas. The book is written in a hopeful tone, looking positively in the future, showing that the family is not only about the blood ties. The charming and memorable characters, interesting plot placed in Cornwall. Definitely recommended for a summer or holiday read, especially for the fans of medical dramas like ER , The Grey’s Anatomy or New Amsterdam.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for ARC copy of this book for providing the honest review.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the Cornish Country Hospital series. It works as a standalone, however I would advise reading the previous books, as this does reference characters and storylines from earlier - and of course, they are just great books!

Isla wants to honour her late father's memory, and decides donating her eggs to friends Aidan and Jase is the perfect way to do it. I don't want to say more as the story evolves and is highly emotional. The author has written the perfect story to illustrate that friends can also be your family, both heartwarming and tearjerking at the same time.

There are multiple difficult issues tackled, handled sensitively and well researched. My one slight problem with the book was with the ending - I wanted more, and it felt a bit abrupt. I now can't wait for book 4!

[Sarah the reading addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cosy book with some sensitively approached difficult topics.

The loss of Isla's father threw her and her family for a loop and she never expected to receive the news she does. As the reader I wasn't expecting this turn of events either and I felt like I was living the results with Isla.

My dad has recently been diagnosed with Skin cancer so this book was incredibly relatable in some way and when she admits to Aidan that her head was whirring and she was expecting the worst, that's what I think my dad must be feeling right now.

This book was romantic, heartwarming, emotional, funny and absolutely stunning. I have friends that are family so the found family trope of this book is spot on.

All in all a very relatable book with some difficult but sensitively approached topics and some giggles along the way! Loved it.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story

I enjoyed this addition to the Cornish Country Hospital series. While characters from the earlier books appear, the focus of this story is Isla, and her decision to donate eggs to Aidan, a fellow nurse, and his husband. Isla is doing this to honor her father, who due to illness followed a similar route to create his family. At least that’s the plan until Isla gets unexpected news, then decisions must be made by everyone.

I loved Isla’s selflessness and courage. Her “found family “, the people she works with and their families are a fantastic support system. This is a clean, sweet story and I recommend it.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Avril Mcauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Bartlett I don’t know how she does it. Another fantastic book in The Cornish Hospital Series
Isla is an A&E nurse in Port Kara and when she finds out her fellow nurse Aidan and his husband Jase are planning to start a family Isla steps in.
After losing her dad to MND Isla wants to give something back in his memory and what better way than to help her friends have a baby.
The three of them become very close and Isla quickly becomes part of the family leading to her becoming friends with Jase’s nephew Reuben.
When things start to progress for the trio a shock blow changes everything.
Jo teaches us how a found family is sometimes the family you need.
Another fabulous book set in glorious Cornwall.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared for a moving story that lets readers experience an emotional journey through its believable and empathetic characters. Isla is grieving the loss of her father and wants to honour his memory positively. Aidan and Jase wish to complete their family with a child, and when Isla realises this, she offers them a selfless gift. This tale has many heartbreaking moments, but the characters grow from these positively, and reading them is an uplifting experience. I enjoyed the believable characters, their emotional connection and the uplifting ending.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn't Put It Down

When Aiden married Jase, he felt his life was complete. He was accepted by Jase's family and they showed him nothing but love. He felt he was no longer on the outside looking now. Now they feel ready to start a family of their own, they have so much love to give. Islay offers to give them the chance. She won't be a surrogate but will donate her eggs. Aiden and Jase are thrilled but as Islay undergoes health investigations before the process can begin she is given the worst possible news which throws everything into doubt. This is a lovely book which I couldn't put down, I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.

[Rebecca Parten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Another wonderful story from Jo Bartlett. I’ve read all the Cornish Country Hospital books and can’t wait for the next one. I enjoyed the messages of A Found Family: it’s okay to be vulnerable and open to love and support from those around you; accepting that some things are out of your control; change is always possible; and finally that it’s important to try and appreciate each day despite what you may be going through. I’d absolutely recommend this to my friends and family.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an emotional read. I immediately took to Isla and sympathised with her losing her dad. Aiden and Jase want to start a family via surrogacy and Isla offers the gift of her eggs as she understands their situation. Old favourites and new characters popped up in this story all surrounding and supporting Isla, Aiden and Jase with love. An emotional but uplifting beautifully written book with so much detail, I found this book hard to leave till the last page and devoured it in a day.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the Cornish Country Hospital series. Isla is looking for a way to honor her late father. When fellow nurse Aiden and his husband Jase are ready to start a family, she offers them some hope.

I enjoyed this story. We're back at the Cornish Country Hospital, where they have a tight family amongst the fellow employees. It mostly follows Aiden as he and his husband navigate their quest to parenthood. It also follows Isla, who is navigating the loss of her father after a long illness and her quest to honor him. The author has done a great job of weaving a great group of friends and colleagues who all work at the hospital, and the found family in the tight sense of community they have. This would be a great series with a lot of fun and interesting characters, with a side of drama and romance.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this ARC

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great visit to St Piran’s and the cast of characters there. A slightly different take as it focuses on a new character but it was every bit as enjoyable as the previous books. It can be read as a standalone over but is better read as part of the series. A nice. Wholesome read which once again visits some hard hitting issues.

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

There is so much love and emotion in this story, it really is wonderful. I found myself holding my breath a couple of times as I rooted for some of the characters. This really is a great series and I think this is my favourite book so far. So much research and thought has gone into every word .

[Mrs S Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite in the series - not helped by having read a subsequent book.
The story of Isla mixed with that of Aidan and Jase, whose back story was enlightening and emotional. While Isla’s became quite dragged out and I lacked sympathy for her until near the end.
Dealing with important issues, this is a well written instalment which advances the stories but just didn’t grab me.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A found family at the Cornish country hospital

What a great read I love this authors books they are so good with tears laughs and your heart is warmed too everything you want in a book a well deserved 5 stars