A Found Family at the Cornish Country Hospital: Another instalment in the beautiful, heartwarming Cornish Country Hospital series from bestseller Jo Bartlett

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

Genres: Womens Fiction, Romance, Audiobook

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital, by Jo Bartlett, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book seven of seven in the Cornish County Hospital series. This is such a heavy read, TBI's change peoples' whole personality's sometimes,and they are never the same person. Eve's fiance Max, is not the same person she fell in love with, he is cruel to people who love him. This was such a heavy read, but a really good read.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if the pressures of working as a doctor in St Piran’s busy A&E department aren’t enough, Eve’s also handling a particularly difficult situation in her personal life. With the date of her marriage approaching, her fiancé Max was randomly attacked and severely injured – he’s now living in a care home near his parents in Cornwall, and Eve has moved to the area to remain close to him.

With her own family uninvolved in her life, Max’s parents have become particularly important to her – his mother Annie finding it particularly difficult to accept that their marriage plans will never happen. Eve has chosen to keep her situation private while at work – she feels obliged to visit regularly, but his brain injury has brought about major changes in his personality and she’s finding his rejection particularly difficult to handle.

Felix is Max’s occupational therapist, and Eve is grateful for his friendly presence, which could easily develop into something more – although he admires her loyalty and devotion, and understands they can’t be more than supportive friends. And he certainly has some issues of his own – a past relationship with an impact that continues, his sense of guilt having followed him home from his former life in the US.

There are a few really substantial issues in this book, immaculately researched and handled with the exceptional sensitivity that’s always so very present in the author’s writing. Max’s rejection is acutely painful, desperately hurtful, and the emotional effect on Eve – always brave, always resilient despite the personal cost – moved me to tears at times. But one aspect of the book I very much enjoyed was the whole concept of family – if Eve thought she’d found that through Max’s parents, she hadn’t bargained for the safety net of love and support from her work colleagues when her situation became more widely known. And as she’s comforted by their embrace, it allows for some lighter moments (as there always are when Gwen is around) and a real warmth that makes life start to look a little more hopeful.

An emotional read, but a very rewarding and uplifting one – and, although easy to enjoy as a standalone, another perfect addition to this really lovely series.

[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.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always thrilled when I see another installment in the Cornish County series from Jo Bartlett as they are always so heartwarming and emotional. This was no different
Eve is an ER doctor who is engaged to her longtime love, who gets attacked on his bachelor party and it leaves him with a TBI. This of course, changes their life plans, as he has to be put but in a rehab center in order to rebuild his life.
it's now 2 years later and Eve is still committed to him and his mother is still convinced that they will still get married. but neither Eve nor Max want that, but dont know how to navigate their new relationship. Then a new therapist comes to the hospital and works with Max, and the sparks with him and Eve are immediate, but she is still committed to Max. She cant deny how she feels about Felix either. Felix brings new hope into the situation for all of them, but only if they will let it. especially Max's mom.
The story brings emotional depth and the cozy charm that Jo Bartlett fans have come to expect. It's a story of resilience, healing, romance and new beginnings and I cant wait for the next book!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review

[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.

[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

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital
by Jo Bartlett

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital is the seventh book in the Cornish Country Hospital series. This story is complex, emotional, and layered, focusing on two characters, Eve and Felix, who both have unresolved issues stemming from past tragedies involving their significant others. Eve is slowly losing her sense of self, while Felix grapples with feelings of guilt and regret. Their encounter sparks an electric chemistry that surprises them both.

Eve Bellingham was just weeks away from her wedding to Max when an unprovoked attack changed their lives forever, resulting in Max suffering a traumatic brain injury. Two years later, Eve has relocated to Cornwall to be closer to Max and his family as they collectively deal with their new reality. She has taken on a new role as an A&E doctor at St Piran’s Hospital. The injury has drastically altered Max's personality, transforming him into someone Eve barely recognises. Although his parents have become a source of comfort for her, she also finds it difficult as Max's mother, Annie, struggles to accept her son's changed state, clinging to the hope that he will return to the man he once was. Despite daily visits to Max, Eve feels increasingly isolated, especially as she juggles her demanding job at the hospital.

Felix Grainger, introduced in a previous book, is Eden's brother and works at the hospital alongside her partner, Drew. After returning from America following a breakup, Felix is burdened by guilt and sorrow over his past relationship with Meredith. As a dedicated occupational therapist, he helps Max work towards regaining his independence with kindness and quiet strength. However, when Felix meets Eve, she stirs feelings within him that he believed were long gone. Aware that she is still engaged to Max, they begin to form a friendship, and when Felix receives distressing news from America, Eve becomes the one person who helps him confront the "what-ifs" and encourages him to move forward.

Eve and Felix's relationship unfolds slowly and steadily, aligning well with the overall timeline of the story. However, there are parts of the story that feel drawn out, particularly regarding Eve's sense of being trapped in her previous relationship and her struggle with Max's mother's emotional hold on her. Eve's reasons for staying in the situation seem overly emphasised, leading to a feeling that her character's internal conflicts could be better explored.

[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.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo Bartlett’s A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital is a tender, uplifting story about love, loss, and the courage it takes to begin again. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Port Agnes, Bartlett delivers another heartwarming instalment in her beloved Cornish Country Hospital series.

Eve Bellingham is a deeply sympathetic heroine. Two years after her fiancé Max’s brutal attack, she has built her life around loyalty and duty—supporting his family and working at St Piran’s Hospital—yet she feels trapped in a life that no longer fits. Bartlett beautifully captures the tension between devotion and the quiet yearning for something more, making Eve’s journey both poignant and relatable.

The introduction of Felix Grainger, the compassionate occupational therapist, brings a gentle spark of hope. His kindness and strength awaken feelings Eve thought she had lost forever, and their growing connection is handled with sensitivity and warmth. The novel doesn’t shy away from the complexities of grief and healing, but it balances them with the promise of second chances and the reminder that sometimes letting go is the bravest act of love.

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital is a heartfelt, life-affirming read that blends emotional depth with the cozy charm of community life. Perfect for fans of Jo Bartlett’s series and readers who enjoy stories of resilience, romance, and the healing power of new beginnings.

with thanks to Jo Bartlett, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A&E doctor, Eve Bellingham’s life changed forever the night her fiancé Max was the victim of a brutal attack. Now, two years later, she has moved her life to Cornwall and is working at St Piran’s Hospital, helping his family cope as Max struggles with his devastating injuries.

But though Eve’s loyalty has never wavered, the man she loved is gone. Annie - Max’s mother - still clings to the hope that one day everything will return to how it was, but Eve isn't so sure it ever will. Torn between duty and despair, Eve feels trapped in a life that no longer fits.

Then she meets Felix Grainger, the dedicated occupational therapist helping Max towards independence. With kindness and quiet strength, he awakens feelings Eve thought she’d lost forever.

To seize her second chance, Eve must risk breaking the only family she’s ever known. Because sometimes, letting go is the bravest way to begin again.

My Opinion

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital was a heart-warming novel that I read in one sitting. Jo Bartlett takes the reader on an emotional journey. With some lovely characters, this book was difficult to put down. A delightful addition to the series.

Rating 4/5

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

This is a series that I totally adore
With great characters and so much more.
The hospital is brought to life
Along with the folks there - their troubles and strife.

This time there's a new doctor in A&E
Why Eve moved there she doesn't let others see.
A life changing injury changed her dreams
Now A&E is the only normal part of her life, it seems.

The brain injury Max, her fiancé, sustained on his stag night
Has changed his personality and his family's plight.
His mother can't accept the change is forever
Or that the wedding will take place never.

Felix is the occupational therapist helping Max where he can
Max becoming more independent is their plan.
But Felix falling for Eve was never part of the scheme
Though now for both of them it could be their dream.

Fighting for family, supporting where she can
Eve is torn between new romance and Max's family plan.
But who will ask Max what he now wants to do?
Will he give Eve the chance to have a romance that's new?

A story of heartbreak, forgiveness and more
As the impact of injuries the story explores.
An emotive read that's written so well
Giving everyone involved the chance their story to tell.

A brilliant read that I couldn't put down till the end
One that is delightful in which your time to spend.
I adored it and highly recommend it to you
And hope you'll agree when you read it, too!

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett is a warm, emotional, and wonderfully uplifting return to St Piran’s that reminds you exactly why this series is so loved.

It’s a real pleasure catching up with familiar faces while also following a story that works beautifully as a standalone. Jo Bartlett handles difficult themes such as grief, trauma, and addiction with great sensitivity, allowing them to deepen the emotional impact rather than overwhelm the romance at the heart of the book. Eve’s journey of rebuilding her life after loss is moving, hopeful, and deeply relatable, and watching her slowly rediscover herself is incredibly satisfying.

The hospital setting once again feels comforting and immersive, filled with compassion, community, and support. The romance develops gently and naturally, making this a true feel good read without shying away from real life challenges. Emotional, tender, and ultimately uplifting, this is a lovely story about healing, second chances, and allowing yourself to move forward. A thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming addition to the series.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve's life fell apart when her fiance Max suffered a serious head injury, now two years later she had moved and is an A&E doctor at the hospital whilst Max is struggling with his recovery nearby. She feels that she cannot abandon him, especially as she is really close to his family.
Although part of the series this book can be read as a standalone, but as always it is good to catch up with the characters from the previous books. This is a very emotional book, it makes you wonder how you would deal with someone close to you changing from the person you loved to a much different personality. Eve certainly struggles with this, feeling trapped and then confused by her developing feelings for Felix, Max's occupational therapist. Not an easy read, but dealing with real life and ultimately get rewarding. An ideal read if you want something a bit more serious, but with many positive aspects of friendship and support to stop it becoming too downbeat.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[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.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve’s life has been stuck in limbo since her fiancé, Max, suffered a traumatic brain injury during his bachelor party two years ago. His personality has completely changed since the accident and he has been living in a facility receiving treatment and therapy towards the goal of living semi independently in one of their cottages. Max’s mother thinks that he will eventually fully recover and still marry Eve, but Eve is a doctor and realizes this will not happen, but is reluctant to say this since his mother has been fragile mentally since the accident. In the meantime she has gotten a job at a hospital nearby to be able to visit daily, but has not told anyone there about Max in order to avoid all the questions. When she feels an attraction to a coworker, she tries to ignore it since it makes her feel like she is betraying Max. I have enjoyed the books in this series and this one is also well written and handles some difficult topics well.

[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.