The Village Midwife

The Village Midwife #1

by Tilly Tennant

Welcome to Thimblebury, the charming stone village nestled in the rolling hills of the Lake District, where midwife Zoe is hoping for a bright new beginning…

When midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage, high on a misty hill above the village of Thimblebury, everyone rallies round to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely. And as she begins her job at the doctor’s surgery, dealing with expectant mums and helping to bring newborns into the world, warmth begins to flood back into her battered and broken heart.

But the evenings are long and as Zoe sits on her cornflower-blue sofa, looking at the golden peaks crowned by clouds, she can’t help but wish she had someone to share her new life with. Her ex-husband treated her badly, but it’s still hard to resist his warm and loving messages begging for a second chance.

Distraction arrives when she meets Alex out walking his shaggy grey dog, and discovers that he will be moving in next door. As she chats to Alex, Zoe finds it hard to ignore his thick dark hair and eyes the colour of chocolate, and her heart clenches at the worried frown that creases his brow.

She soon learns why Alex is anxious when she pays his pregnant daughter a home visit and learns of the tragedy that has brought them to Thimblebury. Zoe is no stranger to sadness, and as she and Alex lean on each other, a tentative spark begins to flicker.

But when Alex gets the wrong idea and thinks Zoe has betrayed his trust, followed by Zoe’s ex appearing on her doorstep, swearing he’s a changed man, will that spark be snuffed out? Coming to the Lake District was meant to be a fresh start for Zoe. But what if the pull of her old life is too overwhelming to resist?

A completely beautiful and life-affirming read that will sweep you up, steal your heart and remind you that new love and hope could be just around the corner.

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

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.

Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.

Reviews

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Padbury, a compassionate midwife, seeks solace and a fresh start after the devastating loss of her first child and the end of her marriage. Reuniting with her friend Ottilie Oakcraft, she decides to relocate to Thimblebury, a place that holds the potential to heal her broken heart. There, she embarks on a new journey, assisting expectant mothers and forming deep bonds with the villagers, who become like family to her.

As Zoe navigates her new life, she finds comfort in the company of her new neighbor, Alex. Their conversations flow effortlessly, and she finds joy in their companionship. However, her peace is shattered when her ex-husband unexpectedly appears on her doorstep, prompting her to question whether she would be better off embracing the life she left behind.

Tilly Tennant’s captivating novel, “The Village Midwife,” transports readers back to the charming village of Thimblebury. Zoe’s character is so relatable and endearing that she feels like a close friend. Her loss is overwhelming palpable, yet her resilience shines through as she builds a new life for herself.

From the very first page, I was completely immersed in this rapid-paced read. Tennant’s storytelling is emotionally resonant, evoking a range of feelings that leave a lasting impact. It was the perfect escape that I desperately needed, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this wonderful series. As an avid reader, I can confidently say that Tennant is an author I eagerly anticipate reading again. I highly recommend “The Village Midwife” to anyone seeking a heartwarming and uplifting read.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅The Village Midwife has Zoe going through a hard time. She is feeling so much guilt. She is also divorcing her husband.
With all this going on in her life, she decides to move to the Lake District to be close to her best friend. She needs to make a fresh start.
As she settles in village life, she feels her decision to move was best. She soon becomes an important part of the community.
What an idyllic setting! The Village and community sounds so lovely.
A beautiful story about starting over. A heartwarming story about finding you can find joy in life again.
My recommendation is to sip on a cup of tea and curl up with The Village Midwife.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartfelt novel follows Zoe Padbury, a midwife who moves to the Lake District seeking a fresh start after the heartbreaking loss of her baby and the breakdown of her marriage. Determined to rebuild her life, Zoe continues her work delivering babies—a bittersweet act that both soothes and tests her as she grieves privately. In Thimblebury, she reconnects with her old friend Ottilie Oakcroft (from New Dreams for the Village Nurse) and finds solace in the kindness and warmth of the local community.

As Zoe settles into her new surroundings, she meets Alex, the devoted father of one of her patients. Their connection grows slowly, filled with tenderness and emotional honesty, offering a glimpse of love and hope after sorrow.

Beautifully written and deeply moving, this story explores loss, healing, and renewal with authenticity and grace. It’s a poignant reminder that even after the hardest heartbreaks, it’s possible to find comfort, community, and joy in unexpected places.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Village Midwife' by Tilly Tennant

Congratulations Tilly on yet another absolutely stunning page turning read!!!I have absolutely loved each and every book I have read by this incredibly talented author and this book is certainly no exception!! This is the first book in Tilly's new and extremely promising 'The Village Midwife' series. I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book in this series which is called 'Christmas for the Village Midwife' which is already available to preorder on Amazon now and will be published on the 19th September.

Yet another absolutely stunning escapism page turner by the extremely talented Tilly!!! If you are ever looking for a pick me up that will turn any frown upside down then Tilly Tennant is a definite go to author for me. All of her books that I have read are heart warming page turners including this absolute beauty!! I absolutely adored Tilly's 'The Village Nurse' series so when I saw that this book was her new 'The Village Midwife' series I just HAD to get it!!! I absolutely LOVED returning to Thimblebury in the stunning Lake District and meeting many of the characters I had met in 'The Village Nurse' series again, especially Ottilie who is the village nurse along with many, many previous characters. The main character in this series is Zoe Padbury who has moved to Thimblebury after a heart-breaking loss led to the break up of her marriage. I am not going to go into details of the storyline as Bookouture has done a wonderful enough job of that already so if you want to find out more you will just have to grab your copy of this heart-warming and stunning page turner to find out for yourselves and I can guarantee that you will not regret it!! With a gorgeous storyline ram packed with friendship, community, helping, romance, determination, second chances, grief, hope, warmth and everything you could ask for and more in a beautiful book what on Earth are you waiting for? Tilly's gorgeous, fantastic and evocative writing skills will pick you up and sweep you away to the stunning Thimblebury leaving you looking at the beautiful scenery surrounding you, smelling the fresh air and warm your heart throughout!!! I was completely invested and immersed in the storyline and was absolutely devastated when I came to the end and realised I had to unpack my suitcase and return to rainy Wales. The scenery, atmosphere, village and characters all came to life around me and I completely fell in love with everyone and everything about Thimblebury all over again! I would absolutely LOVE to see this turned into a movie and I cannot wait until I can get stuck in to the next book in this series which is called 'Christmas For The Village Midwife'!!! An absolute emotional rollercoaster coaster ride of emotions from laughter to heartbreak, joy to devastation and everything in between!!! I gave up counting how many times I told myself one more chapter just to HAVE to know what happened next as this happened over and over until I ended up devouring the whole book in one sitting!!! This would make an absolutely gorgeous movie that I would love to see made!!! This book is a stunning page turner which will have you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Living in a small village myself Tilly portrays life in a small community perfectly with everyone knowing everybody else and also willing to help out when needed! The atmosphere was gorgeous and I loved the setting. It made this book a perfect book to read anywhere and anytime from on the beach in the middle of the day or curled up in fire in the middle of the night. I would love to see this book turned into a movie I would be the first in line to watch it!!

Well done Tilly on yet another stunning book and amazing start to an extremely promising new series that I have already fallen in love with!!! I am so pleased you allowed me to return to the gorgeous Thimblebury and meet all of my favourite characters/friends again This is exactly why you are one of my favourite authors and here's to your next success 🥂!!!

The characters were are well defined, strong and realistic. I became completely invested in not only Zoe but every single one of the fantastic, unique and larger than life characters. My heart broke for Zoe and how she blamed herself for what happened and it was beautiful watching her go from strength to strength as I got swept away in this beautiful storyline!! I absolutely loved getting to know each and every one of the characters, and meeting many again, that Tilly's stunning writing skills and brilliant imagination created for this brilliant book. I could genuinely talk about these amazing characters for hours and that goes to show how much Tilly cares about her characters in the fact that she has made them larger than life, unique and a complete breath of fresh air!! Each and every character was brought to life thanks to Tilly and I really felt as if I was right next to them throughout feeling and seeing absolutely everything they were seeing and feeling. I loved seeing the interactions, friendships and more between all of the characters and they will definitely stay with me for a long time. I would love to meet them all again and see more from this beautiful village and it's amazing community!! Some of my favourites just had to be 'The girls' though aka Victor's alpacas. I am a HUGE animal lover and run my own cat rescue (Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice which you can find on FB if you want to meet the gang) so any animals in books are a huge hit for me and I am definitely looking forwarding to meeting these brilliant girls again and again!! Congratulations Tilly on creating yet another fantastic group of amazing, relatable and unforgettable characters!!

Overall an absolutely stunning emotional page turner that will sweep you off your feet and take you on a gorgeous break away.

@TillyTennant @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous

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[Reading Fury · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back and forth with this rating-3 stars or 2? Or even 1? My review pertains only to this book, The Village Midwife, and no other in the series or any of Ms. Tennant's other books.

SPOILERS ALL OVER THE PLACE!

I was very disappointed in this book, and if there hadn't been sudden plot tensity about 3/4 through, I don't think I would have finished this book. To begin, this is a cozy romance, so certain things are part of the formula and expected. The book should be set in a lovely area with lots of charm, and this book is set in the lake district of England, so check that off. But is there really vivid description of an exceptionally lovely area? Once in a while Tennant lets flow a lyrical sentence that just stops the reader. But they are sparsely placed. Too bad, given the opportunity. Next, the plot should include romance that flows along with some snags that slow down the development of the relationship. That is present and accounted for, but the snags themselves are red flags more than snags, and they involve some side plot characters, so let's look into that. Neighbors Corrine and Victor are fun, and really the only dozy part of this book. Moving on. When we consider Zoe, the protagonist titular midwife, we see she has some strange folks in her life. She is going through a divorce, resulting from her inability to forgive herself for miscarrying her child, and more largely because of her husband's gaslighting behavior. The snag is he keeps interfering with her life, so she struggles to move on. But it is beyond that. Seriously, Ritchie is such a jerk, he is giving Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights a run for the money, except for the true passion and love that drives Heathcliff. Ritchie is emotionally, intellectually, and fiscally immature. I am surprised he is potty trained. The feigned helplessness, the subtle and not so subtle bullying, the guilt tripping, the threats and manipulation, the pouty boy face--ugh!!! You don't feel sorry for Zoe so much as you want to give her a metaphorical kick in the backside. And that brings us to her friends. Once Zoe has announced the divorce, her best friend clues her in to what she really thought of Ritchie. When Zoe asks why she didn't say something before, the friend basically says Zoe was with him and she didn't want to say anything. So, no discussion early on about noticing certain behaviors? No stated concerns or supports offered, such as a pamphlet on how to recognize gaslighting? All smiles and nods, even as Zoe becomes a doormat. Even when Ritchie tries to forcibly reenter Zoe's life, no one gives her the real talk to help her see. She sort of knows and then she really knows, and still does nothing. We have a victim here! Somebody help. Another thing about Zoe that explains the predicament is that while she seems on top of things at work and proactive in her life, she really is not An older women whose youngest child is nearly 18 is pregnant, much to her and her husband's surprise! When the woman comes to Zoe for help, she is clear. This feels very different from all her other pregnancies. She states she feels really, really bad. Zoe checks her, sees the elevated blood pressure, and does. . . nothing. Do another check in soon. Woman goes home and shortly thereafter miscarries. The same thing nearly happens again. Another woman takes a spill down the stairs. Instead of taking her to the hospital, the family call the midwife. Zoe shows up, does a lookover and says she is probably good. But the family feel otherwise and the woman herself finally thinks she ought to go to the hospital. She gets up from the couch, and there's the blood. It turns out to be fixable, probably since it was caught early, but that wasn't Zoe's doing. The same friend that didn't give a heads up about Ritchie is the same one that assuages Zoe's guilty feelings by saying she would have caught it at some point. Really? Zoe is big on following policy and procedure, except for when she doesn't. And her decisions tend to be poorly timed or really crossing the professional line, but not in the right way or time. Judgey me, I know. But this is fiction, and therefore highly controllable. Fiction also sends messages to readers about what is ok or not ok. Overall, I really think that Zoe is a poor protagonist. The romantic lead isn't much better, mysterious in all the wrong ways, even if they turn out to be innocent enough, and we don't know yet. That will be in the second installment.

I have noticed in general lately that cozy romance genre books written by later millennials or Gen Zs tend to really pile on gentle friending and saint like forbearance from saying what needs to be said or doing what needs to be done. If they do come forth, bank on it that it is going to be too little or too late. A character can behave awfully, and , as happens here, the protagonist is a river of patience, trying to affirm and reassure the jerk, and generally enabling. Yup, enabling and making worse. So, I would hope no one reads this and thinks that Zoe is a model of how to handle bad situations. She gives off a good person just trying to muddle through vibe because of the author's tone and portrayal. In reality, the plot, the character development (or lack thereof) and less than wise actions are good at prolonging the page count. In real life, it's not a good thing at all. I wouldn't consider this escapist reading unless you like formulaic tedium and protagonists that will make you feel better about yourself. But I get that sometimes, folks just need a shot of shlock. Well, this is a book for you. There is some well written cozy stuff out there that does a better job at balancing beautiful settings, delightful characters, and taut yet sweet plot. Maybe go for that instead.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

life in a small village for a midwife

the ins and out of life with gossip galore and a new midwife, when zoe started work there she was at first taken aback with how the villagers took to her but she soon settled in.....

what she couldnt get use to was her ex husband visiting when she was hoping he would stick to the guidelines about their separation but alas as most men who cant let go they always try and try again....

but its zoes growing attraction to her neighbour that has her worried..... can she really get involved with him and still be his daughters midwife...time will tell

not a bad story line... was interested to see how it all panned out..

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant takes readers back to the beautiful setting of Thimblebury but this time around a new main character is introduced, Zoe, the new resident village midwife. I adored the village nurse series but I did think the series/setting needed a fresh perspective as I thought things with Ottilie as the main character had run their course although she does feature again but more on the periphery in a supportive role to Zoe. Of course, Ottilie, she has her own big storyline which still needs to come to a conclusion but I love the way that we are kept up to date with this through Zoe’s perspective. So a change was welcome and Zoe gives us that whilst we still get to keep up to date with the goings on in the village and with characters that we have previously come to know and love.

Zoe loves her job as a midwife, no day is the same as any other and she loves the reward of helping to bring new life into the world. She herself hopes to do this soon as she is pregnant which is very much a learning curve for her even though she knows so much already despite her training. She is happy and herself and husband Ritchie are looking forward to this new stage in their lives. But by chapter two this has all changed. Zoe has lost the baby and her marriage to Ritchie is no more. I felt desperately sorry for her as the book opened with so much promise and positivity and then it was all taken away from her. She needs to regroup and recalibrate and her friend Ottilie tells her of a job as midwife in the practice that she works in in Thimblebury.

Ottilie has already travelled the road that Zoe is about embark on, moving from the city to a countryside village and starting afresh and she will be there to offer Zoe any support she needs. This is the new reality for Zoe and she carries her pain with her and she will face dilemmas, complicating factors and unknown variables but observing her overcome these obstacles made for an engaging read. Zoe initially questions whether she made the right decision in moving to Thimblebury but the community is so welcoming and there are so many friends and new acquaintances to be made not to mention all the expecting mothers to meet that she throws herself into her new life.

I loved Zoe, she didn’t let past experiences bring her down and once she got over her initial anxiety she really wanted to do her best for everyone in her care. I loved reading abut the various mothers she meets and how she was so kind, caring and supportive of them. The plot moves along at a lovely, gentle, relaxed pace and to be honest that was just perfect. It didn’t need any major dramatics or plot twists. Zoe and the various characters and their problems but also the good and fun times speak for themselves. Yes, there were elements that were fairly predictable, and I knew what way things would more than likely pan out but that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book in any way at all.

On her first day after moving into Kestrel Cottage which she is renting from Corinne and Victor at Alpaca Farm, Zoe unexpectedly meets Alex and his dog Grizzle. They do say first impressions count and okay Alex isn’t exactly very forthcoming but there is something about him that leaves Zoe with a lasting impression. She soon discovers that his daughter Billie will be a patient of hers. Billie is a very tough nut to crack and once you learn of her experiences you can understand why but I admired Zoe in that she never gave up and always wanted the best possible outcome for Billie even if her advice often went unheeded.

I thought Alex was a but of an enigma. We learnt a little about him but then I thought he blew very hot and cold and was a closed rather than open book even if just partially.I mean this in terms of what he reveals regarding Billy and how he helps her and deals with what she is experiencing rather than his friendship with Zoe.He is someone who isn’t very forthcoming. Don’t get me wrong he wasn’t rude or anything but I thought he could have been more appreciative of what Zoe was trying to do for his little family unit earlier on in the book instead of at the point which it eventually started to come. But towards the end he showed a softer side and that in fact he was a good man with good intentions even if he couldn’t always express or demonstrate these in the best of ways.

One thing that did irk me in the book and this was more so for the character rather than any fault with the writing and that was Ritchie, Zoe’s ex. He was like the proverbial bad penny that just wouldn’t go away. The new puppy or the toddler always hanging out of you and wanting attention. He never got the hint from Zoe that she was building a new life for herself in Thimblebury and wanted to do so on her own terms and without him by her side hassling her. He wanted them back together and I felt it was more to keep him comfy and have his old familiar life back rather than any real and genuine want to get back with Zoe. Ritchie turned up in the village at the most inopportune of moments especially as Zoe would be making some headway with certain things. I wanted Zoe to just stand up and be firm which she could also have done with some aspects of her professional life. He became like a very unwanted pest and I was dying for her to put him in his place. Fixing other peoples problems gave Zoe a means to forget that she had her own to fix also but Ritchie was one that needed dealing with and she couldn’t avoid it no matter how much she wanted to.

The Village Midwife was a heart warming and enjoyable story of Zoe’s journey to starting over and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was fabulous to be back in the setting of Thimblebury and Zoe’s journey to finding happiness, excitement, peace and joy in her life made for a lovely read. There’s plenty more scope for future books so I look forward to reading more in the future. A Christmas visit to Thimblebury would be most welcome.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting over seemed like the best option for Zoe Padbury after suffering from the devastating loss of her first child. She is now going through what she hopes will be an amicable divorce. Zoe had always been a busy midwife, and plans on continuing in her field despite her loss. Reuniting with her old friend Ottilie Oakcroft, Zoe decides to move to the charming Lake District.

Tilly Tennant fans first encountered Ottilie in New Dreams for the Village Nurse. The picturesque village of Thimblebury retains its warm and inviting atmosphere, and we also reunite with some of its beloved residents in this novel. Tennant’s enchanting portrayal of the village seamlessly weaves into this story, captivating readers from the very beginning.

Zoe’s compassionate nature shines through as she forms deep connections with her expectant mothers. However, her journey is far from over as her divorce remains pending. Surprised by her own feelings, Zoe finds herself drawn to the father of one of her patients, Alex. As she delves deeper into their growing connection, she realizes that he holds more significance than just being a patient’s father. She can’t help but to feel quite drawn to him, but there are still difficult waters to navigate.

What an absolutely wonderful story! As a grandmother to a bunch of grandchildren and with a pregnant daughter, I found myself particularly drawn to one of the protagonists in the story. While this particular story resonated with me, it’s likely to appeal to anyone seeking a heartwarming and emotionally resonant read. It offers a profound and uplifting reading experience. Any Tilly Tennant book is an automatic read for me, as I know I’ll always be in for a delightful experience.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tilly Tennant is at her most enjoyable and delightful with her gorgeous new rural romance, The Village Midwife.

Zoe Padbury has come to the Lake District and the village of Thimblebury for a fresh start. Having moved into the picturesque Kestrel Cottage, Zoe is touched by how kind and welcoming her new neighbours have been. However, she wishes that she had somebody to share her life with – especially after the acrimonious end of her last relationship. The village midwife is looking forward to the future – and she certainly does not want or need her ex sending her loving messages begging her for a second chance. However, little does Zoe realise that Cupid’s arrow might strike when she least expects it…

Her new next door neighbour Alex has just come to Thimblebury and he has his own demons to contend with. The sadness in his eyes and his worried frown has given Zoe cause for her concern yet she cannot help but get closer to him. Tentative flickers begin to spark between the two of them, but just when Zoe begins to hope for a happy ending, her ex returns and Alex thinks that she’s betrayed his trust.

Will the village midwife ever find the peace and happiness she has long sought? Could she and Alex hope to build a life together in Thimblebury? Or is a relationship off the cards for the two of them?

I love Tilly Tennant and The Village Midwife is an uplifting, emotional and enjoyable romantic read I simply couldn’t stop reading. With a strong sense of place, characters that leap off the pages, wry humour and heartfelt romance, The Village Midwife is a gorgeous bucolic charmer from Tilly Tennant perfect for losing yourself into!

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

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I last sat down with a Tilly Tennant novel and having just finished The Village Midwife I'm struggling to figure out why it is I've not read her for a while.

As I thoroughly enjoyed every second of The Village Midwife, with perhaps the exception of Ritchie! But then you really aren't meant to like Ritchie who is Zoe's soon to be divorced ex-husband.

Although this is a first book in a series, and thus in theory it should standalone, in reality its a companion series to The Village Nurse which is a trilogy focusing on Zoe's best from Ottilie and presumably gives us a better idea of the dynamics of the others at the doctor's surgery, and perhaps more about some of the people in the village.

I hadn't read the other series and thus although I didn't feel at all lost in this one, I did at times just wish I knew a bit more about these characters and I regret not having read the other books (I'm not one that can ever go backwards though).

Like me, Zoe and Alex are new to Thimblebury, and as new neighbours it is only natural they seem to see a fair a bit of each other. Especially since Alex's daughter Billie is pregnant and Zoe is her midwife!

It was a pleasure getting to know Thimblebury and its residents, the mothers that Zoe is looking after, and her other neighbours Connie and Victor who are fabulous.

There is a very gentle romance plot, which I hope to see more of in the next book, which I will be starting reading shortly after finishing this review! This is a lovely opening to a series, that was a joy to read.

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

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

Midwife Zoe is hoping for a fresh start
After tragedy, loss and her marriage falling apart.
She's moving to Thimblebury in the Lake District where
She hopes the new role will help her settle there.

Her best friend already lives in the village there
And asked her to come, her expertise to share.
Meeting the villagers, hearing their gossip, too,
She soon settles in with new friends and much to do.

As her new patients Zoe gets to know
She soon gets into the practice's flow.
The colleagues, their systems and locality, too,
Start to become familiar instead of totally new.

Alex, a walker with a shaggy dog, come as a surprise
He's not local yet, Zoe will soon surmise.
He and his daughter soon move in next door
Though there are fields between them and much more.

Tragedy has brought them all to this place
And perhaps it could prove a great healing space.
However, Zoe's ex-husband's visits cause confusion
Is he being a friend or hoping for a reunion?

Misunderstanding, feelings of betrayal, too,
Cause frictions for quite a few.
Will they learn to trust their heart
Or will dissent result in them tearing apart?

A beautiful, emotive read
I hope it proves the next you need!
For my copy of this gorgeous book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

I’m sure we’ll barely get out of the car before she’s upon us, like one of those cloaked things out of Harry Potter.’ ‘Cloaked thing? Like a wizard?’ ‘No… You know, the big flying hooded things that suck the joy out of everyone they touch.’

Zoe was at once captivated by the tranquillity of narrow roads, so clean and ordered there had to be an army of elves patrolling when everyone was asleep, keeping it tidy.

‘Magnus,’ Geoff said. ‘Put the shovel down– you’re only digging deeper every time you open your mouth.

They looked normal enough, if it helps. I only counted one head on each of them, so that’s a good sign.

‘You didn’t move here because you were drawn by some mystical force?’ she asked wryly. ‘Were you?’ ‘Oh yes, it was called a job offer.’

Are there any village weirdos? There must be, right? Anyone with six fingers married to their sister?

Some men can be grown-up about these things, and then there’s Ritchie.


My Review:

Tilly Tennant is one of my favorite go-to authors for a relaxing, easy-to-fall-into, and gentle read. And I need those between the tense heart-pounding thrillers I alternatively pick up. The Village Midwife is a continuation of the Village Nurse tales and features the same quaint Lake District village and its eccentric villagers of Thimblebury. The storylines are thoughtful, colorfully detailed, relevant, and easy to follow while populated with authentic and knowable characters. It was a leisurely paced and pleasant read.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to start the book as I really enjoy Tilly’s books and this definitely didn’t disappoint.

Zoe has been through a hard time and after separating from her husband she decides to move to the Lake District to be close to her best friend and make a fresh start. She settles in well to village life and soon becomes an important part of the community.

The village is an idyllic setting and I loved some of the characters who were featured such as Corrine and Victor and Flo. It was nice that Alex was flawed and not just a perfect romantic interest and It was also great to see his love for Billie. I enjoyed seeing how she opened up as a character and I would love to know what happens next for her as her pregnancy progresses.

The book had plenty of themes such as friendship, romance, family etc which definitely added to the story and while Zoe was a likeable character I was glad when she finally grew strong enough to see her ex for the controlling bully that he was.

I think this will be a series so i can’t wait for the next instalment and would recommend this book as a cosy summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Tilly Tennant and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to be back in Thimblebury with all the characters that I have met before and love, but now we get a new character to see the little village through. Zoe was a great character and she was easily relatable to. My heart really went out to her. She loves her job and and you see that with every pregnant woman that she treats.

Watching her slowly connecting with Billie and helping her to sort her feeling out was emotional, even when it caused problems with her and Alex she stands by her advice and options to Billie. I like how there is no resolution to Billie's decision by the end of the book, leaving it open for a sequel, but also showing that real life isn't always wrapped up in a happy bow and issues take time to work through.

Alex was an interesting character and I felt he brought a lot to the story, there was a lot going on in his life, his tragic past, and his daughter struggling with a pregnancy, and also with him trying to earn a living on a farm and diversify, and then with the historical discovery. It really added depth and scope for another book or two.

I can't wait for my next visit to Thimblebury and see what everyone is up to.

[Deanna Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best

There were quite a few times I almost ditched it. Zoe was a mixed bag. Strong with her Mums(patients) etc but such a doormat out of work. Predictable, separation pending divorce & an ex that keeps turning up that she wouldn’t turn away. You just felt like shouting “tell him to get lost” She always seemed to be second guessing if she’d upset him, or Alex or, for that matter anyone else. Wasn’t a brilliant story , so much angst. Also I’m not sure that midwives really get themselves so involved in their patient’s lives. Like with patient Teagan, running around all over because she’d missed a call, even going to their home late in the evening because she couldn’t get an answer from her or husband, after leaving several messages
Then of course the usual misunderstandings with Alex , more angst etc then all of a sudden they decide to date, with lots of kissing and him staying over - the end sort of thing. One of my pet peeves is weird names, Ottillie! Not sure why authors go for that. Probably won’t be reading the following up, even though I’d like to see whether Billie decides to keep her baby after all. I’m sure she will.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Welcome back to Thimblebury! We first visited this picturesque town with Ottile Oakcroft, star of the Village Nurse series. Now Ottile’s friend Zoe Padbury moves to town to start over. She suffered a devastating loss and is divorcing her husband.
Zoe forms a connection with one of her patient’s fathers. This is a beautiful journey with new beginnings and an uplifting message. I love Zoe’s story and I can’t wait to see how she evolves in Thimblebury.
Tilly Tennant is an automatic read for me! I was so happy to see that she had a new series. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheVillageMidwife #TillyTennant #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInASmallTown #BooksSetInThimblebury

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely little story actually takes place in modern times in England. So in a way it is like a modern day call the midwife. If you're familiar with that series you do know that the midwives do hold clinics there along with sometimes having a hospital birth but some do take place in the expectant mother's home. Overall a very lovely book.
Our story focuses on a midwife named Zoe who moves to the village of Thimblebury. Thankfully she is welcomed by the community which is a blessing. She is trying to move on after the divorce of her husband and before that she suffered her own pregnancy loss. Overtime she manages to move on and find some joy in life.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Tilly's books before and enjoyed them so when I saw this one pop up, I knew I had to read it. When Zoe moves to the Lake District, she has moved for a reason, she gets stuck into her new job and is loving it being a midwife, everyone is so lovely but Zoe feels as though something is missing in her life until she meets Alex and then it suddenly hits her why. Both of them have been through tough times in the past but can they help each other find happiness again. You could tell what was going to happen in this read but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Great characters and an easy and light hearted storyline. The perfect read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's wonderful to be back in Thimblebury with another delightful story from Tilly.
This charming tale is perfect for relaxing, allowing me to reconnect with familiar characters, the village, and its beautiful setting.
The new main character, Zoe Padbury, is seeking a fresh start after her marriage falls apart and she faces a loss she struggles to cope with. Zoe is the new midwife in the village.

The story flows at a gentle pace, drawing the reader in effortlessly. I always know I'm in for a treat when I pick up one of her books, and this one is no exception. Tilly Tennant has once again spoiled us with her wonderful storytelling.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Thimblebury, in the Lake District, this story centres on Zoe, a midwife who has moved into the village following a personal tragedy. Her connection is with the village nurse, Ottilie, but we also meet other characters from the Village Nurse series, which makes this story even more enjoyable. The story insightfully explores sensitive issues. Its characters are relatable, and you invest in them. The storytelling is engaging and the village setting evocative. I like the community dynamic that immerses you in their lives, the emotion, heartwarming friendships, humour and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following her recent divorce, midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage in Thimblebury. She settles in quickly and is soon surrounded by babies and mothers-to-be. But Zoe is hiding her own heartbreak, as well as feeling lonely.

When she meets Alex, who has moved into Thimblebury as well, they soon become friends. Alex looks after his pregnant daughter and is recovering from the loss of how wife.

With a big and special anniversary coming up for Thimblebury, everyone is involved in making the day a success.

This is a great start to a new series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved having the mixture of new characters, as well as being reacquainted with a lot of the other villagers.

The author writes great stories that draw me in and make me feel like I’m there in the village.

I always have a big smile on my face when I’m reading her books, as I love the village life that she portrays so well.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book by Tennant, that's an immediate five stars right there, before I've even opened the cover! I adore her books!

Set in the Lake District, Thimblebury to be precise, the Village Midwife is Zoe's story. A story of starting over and new beginnings.

I found it an enjoyable read. It took me on quite the emotional journey with Zoe. Her back story was heartbreaking, like how do you ever recover from something like that?

Catching up with old faces is always a win for me and I love to see what they've been up to since we last saw them.

[Lizzie! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 🫶🏻

Don't have much to say about this one. I really liked the book, felt more like literary fiction than romance. There were some romance elements; however, it was not the main point of the story, in my opinion, and it could've been developed better, giving us more moments between Zoey and Alex.

But setting that aside, is an enjoyable book, made me cry, made me laugh, made me root for the characters. And it is a really easy read, short and captivating.

This was my first book from this author and I would love love love to read her other books! 🩷

[Diane Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find healing...

The Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The next book in the village series, stand alone yes but would recommend reading them in order. Each book has a new main character with supporting characters from previous books.

This book we are introduced to Zoe, the new midwife of Thimblebury. After losing her baby , her husband divorces her. So she's interviewing for a job in Thimblebury. Works on healing herself while helping her patient.

Hope you stick around for Christmas for the Village Midwife releasing in September.

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story that really sets the scene. I loved reading about the little village in the Lake District where Zoe goes to live and I thought that the cast of local characters were great, it really made you feel like you were a part of it. There is great character development, with not everything being perfect, but that made them seem more realistic. A good bit of chicklit that you can easily fall into.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely thrilled to be introduced to Zoe in The Village Midwife and also Alex and I was happy to see characters from another series who I love. Zoe is looking for a fresh start and where better than Thimblebury. But will it be the fresh start she's looking for or will it be a disaster? The Village Midwife had me eagerly absorbing the words and falling for all the quirky characters. It's a feel good joy of a story that is so stunningly gorgeous.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another lovely story from the village of Thimblebury. This time following the new midwife Zoe. A friend of nurse Ottilie, Zoe arrives amid her divorce and is looking to start over. A really great addition that reads fine alone.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant is Well written with relatable characters each with their own quirks. It was easy to fall in love with Zoe and the town and people of Thimblebury. A feel good and inspiring story and a pleasure to read.

Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the charming village of Thimblebury, The Village Midwife focuses on Zoe, who has just moved from Manchester and is starting over after suffering loss and divorce. As she tries to move forward with her life, Zoe is caught up in life in the village and taking care of her moms to be and new moms.