Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife: A gorgeous romance to escape with

by Tilly Tennant

As the sun crests the indigo Lake District hills and blossom froths in the trees, midwife Zoe Padbury reaches for her boyfriend’s hand. Her life, at this moment, feels perfect. She has no idea of the storm clouds that lie ahead…

The villagers of Thimblebury know that midwife Zoe Padbury loves babies and now that she’s settled at Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex, they can’t resist wondering when she’s going to start a family of her own. Yet it doesn’t feel like quite the right time. Alex is so busy and Zoe has her hands full with all her new mums to look after. Still, she has hopes for the future…

But what she doesn’t expect is to walk into her cosy kitchen and find Alex’s glamorous ex-girlfriend sitting at the scrubbed pine kitchen table. Virginia claims to be helping Alex with work but as she looks Zoe up and down and offers her a perfectly manicured hand to shake, Zoe can’t ignore a shiver of foreboding. What will this mean for her and Alex?

Zoe tries to quash the pangs of jealousy that wash over her, but with Virginia around what feels like all hours of the day, she and Alex end up in a devastating argument. And when she receives some news that changes everything, she doesn’t know if she can share her troubles… Can they find their way back to each other? Or will these storm clouds break their bond forever?

A completely heartwarming read about trusting the one you love when times get tough. Fans of Jo Bartlett and Jessica Redland will laugh, cry and root for Zoe in Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife.

What everyone is saying about Tilly

‘Literally couldn’t put it down! Makes you laugh and tugs at the heartstrings, all in one go!… absolutely perfect!… breath-taking… made me cry and it made me laugh… filled me with warm feelings.’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was hooked! Every chapter left me wanting to carry on reading. My housework and family have pretty much been neglected whilst I have read this!… This is the perfect holiday read, or lazy Sunday afternoon read or that perfect distraction to a dreary weekday commute.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved every minute of it… I was glued to my Kindle for a few days that's for sure!… A really brilliant read that will leave you hooked even after a few pages.’ The Cosiest Corner, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… If you’ve not read any books by this author, why the heck not?! Do it now… you won’t regret it! I just love love loved it.’ StefLoz Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous, feel-good book that will make you go through every single emotion possible. It’s an absolute gem of a book and one simply not to be missed.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Aww what a beautiful read this was!!!… fantastic… made me laugh out loud... an absolutely gorgeous read.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved this… Drew me in from the first page… Put a smile on my face, a warm feeling

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2026

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

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 of The Village Midwife series. Not sure if there is going to be a book 5 but I sure do hope so, as I am so enjoying this series.

Another great story to the series for sure, this one focused on both Zoe and Alex but not so much together but in dealing with their own obstacles, Zoe re some news that she receives and wondering what she will do and what decisions she will make, and then with Alex, his new venture at Hilltop Farm and the appearance of an ex-girlfriend which certainly gets emotions running high with Zoe and Louise. So lots going on, never a boring moment.

I really enjoyed that Billie and her new baby daughter Louise was featured quite a bit in this story, as was lovely getting to know them both.

The whole story was wonderfully written and author Tilly has done a fabulous job of providing her readers with another entertaining read.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife is the fourth in The Village Midwife series by Tilly Tennant. Set in the beautiful fictional village of Thimblebury in the Lake District, I feel that at this stage I have become very familiar with the characters, setting and plot which has been ongoing since book one. Each book more or less follows on from where the previous instalment left off but never fear for readers new to the series the author has written it in such a way that you won’t be confused as to what is going or feel as if you have missed out. This book was the one so far in the series where we really got inside the main character Zoe’s head. The storm clouds of the title and the mention of an ex-girlfriend in the blurb of her partner Alex gave me the impression that this would be a story typical of the genre. One that I would enjoy but perhaps wouldn’t be the most memorable out of the endless books that I enjoying reading in women’s fiction. I couldn’t have been more wrong but in a good way.

I fully expected a bit of angst as Zoe has to battle for Alex’s affections as his ex Virginia makes a reappearance. In fact with every turn of the page I was waiting for this to happen and it doesn’t materialise until well over halfway through the book. Instead, and rightfully so as Zoe’s own personal problems are starting to manifest themselves and in turn form the main focus of the book and all I can say is bravo to Tilly Tennant for tackling a subject that seems taboo in women’s fiction or at least it has in the books that I have read in the last several years. Ok, the subject may be mentioned in brief passing but not the detail that women readers want and need to hear but in this engaging, informative and thoughtful story we get an in-depth look as to what is going on with Zoe and how she decides to deal with things when some significant news comes her way that may very well affect the trajectory of the life she had planned with Alex.

What one earth am I talking about you may ask? Well I will remain elusive as to specifics so as not to ruin anyone’s enjoyment of the story but suffice to say it’s something at one time or another we can all relate to. Zoe is working away at her job as village midwife for Thimblebury and the surrounding areas and she has really found her footing and established herself as a person always there for the women in her care. She is kind, considerate, compassionate, helpful and supportive. All the qualities that one needs due to the nature of her job. When we reconnect with Zoe in chapter one she is as busy as ever tending to the needs of the women of the village and she always seems to juggling a balancing act between her home and work life. She has recently moved in with boyfriend Alex and his daughter Billie and her new baby Louisa at Hilltop Farm and things are going relatively well. Alex is preoccupied trying to get his glamping business off the ground and to this effect I felt he was a bit oblivious with what begins to develop with Zoe. Or else he noticed things and choose to bury his head in the sand as he perhaps didn’t want to confront a new reality. As for Billie she is starting to melt a little bit compared to the previous books but she is caught up in looking after Louisa and trying to do the right thing by her which I fully understand given the complications of her situation.

To all intents and purposes Zoe was dealing with a big issue on her own and I wished that she had a female ally that she could confined in. Yes, of course female characters did feature such as Corrine and Ottilie but they had their own problems to deal with and Zoe was also being very stubborn about things. When she begins to develop symptoms that she has never felt before and said problems began to affect both her work and home life Zoe attempts to dismiss things as most often do. I didn’t blame her for this at all initially but the further things went she really frustrated me and I found myself turning against her as a character which given she was the main female protagonist I was loathe to do. But that’s what happened simply because of her inability to open up to someone close to her and say what she was going through especially when confirmation was given to her. Trust the ones you love that they will do the right thing by you. Don’t feel as if you have to navigate the storm clouds on your own. So what if others are going through stuff as well. You’ve helped everybody in the past and now is the time for you to step back and embrace help when it is offered. Although no one could offer help if Zoe didn’t come straight out and say what was going on.

I wanted to reach into the pages of the book and give her a good shake and say take some of your own advice that you offer to the women you care for. Why should Zoe go through her struggles in secret? Her personality was changing and she was now more unpredictable, snappy, vulnerable and full of uncertainty. I’m giving the impression that the story was meandering along the lines of doom and gloom, but it wasn’t at all. There was still the funny stories and anecdotes here as had been present in previous books and it was great catching up with old familiar characters as well as meeting new patients that Zoe encounters. It’s just the issues bravely being explored and developed throughout the book, the way and manner in which Zoe dealt with them really irked me.

As for the storyline with Alex and an incident at the glamping site which led to the introduction of Virginia I was expecting it at some stage given the details in the blurb but honestly I felt the book would have been just fine with out it. It only added another layer of anxiety for Zoe to deal with and I felt she had enough going on as it was. The carefully constructed new life and future she had planned for herself and Alex seemed to be disintegrating before her eyes. Her long-held hopes and dreams which she harbours close to her chest may never come to fruition but does she want them to when she steps back and really thinks about things? This was definitely the most emotional, heartfelt and in depth book so far in the series and the ending certainly left room for another book to follow which I hope does happen. All in all another enjoyable read in the series that will give readers a lot more than they bargained for but the issues are ones that women can identify with and gain some understanding from.

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe, a lover of the charming village of Thimblebury and its wonderful people, has formed deep bonds with many friends who have become like family. As she settles at Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex, she remains steadfast in her dream of having a family of her own. However, their busy schedules due to Alex’s job and her own commitments leave little time for them to spend together.

One evening, after a long day at work, Zoe returns home to find Alex’s ex-girlfriend, Virginia, sitting at their kitchen table. Virginia insists that she is assisting Alex with work, but Zoe can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to the story. While Alex and Virginia appear to be spending a significant amount of time together for work-related matters, Zoe can’t help but wonder if there’s a deeper connection between them.

“Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife,” a heartwarming tale penned by Tilly Tennant, captivated me from the very first page. I’ve always found solace in the village of Thimblebury, as it feels like a warm embrace. Tennant’s meticulous descriptions of Thimblebury and its residents never fail to amaze me. I particularly enjoyed the mention of characters from previous books in the series, which provided a delightful opportunity to catch up with familiar faces.

This remarkable addition to the beloved series of The Village Midwife is a must-read. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading the entire series to gain a comprehensive understanding of the background and the intricate relationships within the village. I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful book.

Grab your copy today!! https://amazn.so/StormCloudsAhead

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a welcome delight to be back in Thimblebury, and back with Zoe and her expectant mothers.

With this being the fourth book I've now read in this series, I felt totally at home instantly with all the characters, and it's probably for that reason I was getting frustrated with Zoe during this book.

She has her own health issue and she is putting her head in the sand a bit, and then not really being honest and it was just driving me a bit bonkers. Although equally I could relate as I tend to have ostrich syndrome when it comes to a lot of things too!

Alex and Zoe are really shaky in this book, both with their own things going on. Billie on the other hand is really starting to find her feet, and seems to be growing in some confidence as a young mum. And Maisie I love more with each book, her mother less so.

It's great to catch up with all the recent births we have seen before, and it was good to see Simon in a new light too.

I am very glad though that I'm already aware that there is another book coming out in this series, as to me this felt like a book that was setting up for another book. I wasn't that keen on the way it ended, and it's made me all the more keen to get my hands on the next book so that I can see what will happen next.

It's another really enjoyable instalment in this series and I can't wait for more.

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

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

how i love being back in this little village with the great cast of friends, catching up with whats happening

alex is just on the cusp of opening his glamping site and zoe and alex are very happy as a newly formed couple what could go wrong...

when the first dizzy spell happens zoe brushes it off as standing to quickly but then other things start to happen.... shes short tempered and the sweats start occuring at first zoe doesnt want to acknowledge anything is wrong but to many other symptom start happening and though she can ignore some things she does need answers

the first glampers also arrive and with them comes a few surprises ... alex is just to excited and goes overboard and when it backfires its a disaster....

but alex and zoe have really stopped communicating ...is their relationship doomed just after they have moved in together and it also doesnt help that a woman from alex past shows up and is sat at the table looking very much at home

its an interesting and thought provoking read

[rainsbookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

This is the fourth book of the series, and I admit I was a bit lost at first as I haven't read the first three. But, by the end I felt like I didn't miss out much on things as the vibes of the characters were very warm and tight knit that it doesn't feel like I need to read the other ones.

The plot revolved around Zoe, navigating her way through her job as a midwife, as well as trying to accept a sudden problem that would affect her life with her partner, Alex, and his daughter, Billie. It was very interesting and sort of insightful to read this kind of plot, as this is a first for me. I think it puts good perspective on someone dealing with fertility issues that comes with aging, the emotional and social impact of it, and having to accept it while having to break the news with the involved people.

Despite the emotionally heavy scenes, I still liked that it felt real and that a problem wasn't fixed after one conversation. I'll probably read the first three books to gain more information about the world, so I think this one will do a great job of hooking readers.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in this series and I recommend starting at the beginning for full enjoyment. It was good to be back in Thimblebury and this is instalment delves more into the character of midwife Zoe and has a storyline which will be relatable to many and liked how the author highlighted a particular health condition in this book and brought it out in the open. (I won’t mention it here only because I don’t want to give spoilers). I love how these stories are relatable and how they don’t just show the good bits and gloss over the rest they get to the heart of the nitty gritty and the sorts of issues that real people face on a day to day basis.

It also brings back our favourite characters from the previous books including Connie and Victor who are such a lovely couple and would do anything for anyone. Love the sense of community in these books and how they give a real sense of village life set in such beautiful countryside.



Highly Recommend this author if you like Jo Bartlett, Jessica Redland

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in The Village Midwife series. I'm really hoping it'll continue after this one.
Zoe Padbury is getting settled into Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex. She's around babies all of the time but the couple can't help wondering how it'd be with their own little one when the time is right. That time never seems to come, she's busy all the time midwifing and he's starting up a new business plus his daughter lives with them as well. They have plenty of time though, right?
When some concerning health problems keep popping up for Zoe, she's scared and though she's in the medical field she doesn't want to seek a diagnosis but finally does with crushing results.
All seems well until the stress of the diagnosis, busy life and let's not forget Alex's ex is back in town again and they seem to be getting on a little too well for Zoe's comfort.
Will the storm clouds roll away and sunny skies appear again? Or are things just too much for this couple to handle? Enjoying the series a lot.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so nice to be back in Thimblebury again with Zoe and Alex. I love these glimpses into everyday life and watching how they navigate certain people, feelings and situations.

This was interesting as it gave a real insight in Zoe and how her body is changing, early menopause isn’t something you usually find being written about and I thought it was brave and very sensitively done. Zoe not only has to navigate these huge changes and feelings but she also has to contend with other peoples expectations of making assumptions because I of her age that she is pregnant and her and Alex are going to extend their family. At times I was heartbroken for her trying to navigate it all alone and hide her own grief and emotions.

It was an easy read and quite informative, I can’t wait to see what life throws at Zoe and Alex next.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book four in the Village Midwife series. I would suggest reading the previous books to understand the characters and the ongoing storylines, as the book gets right into the story.

This time round sees many obstacles for both midwife Zoe and her partner Alex. Zoe is facing some personal health struggles, and Alex is opening his new glamping site, and problems seem to find them both. Can they work through their own issues, as well as their relationship ones?

I loved revisiting Billie and her daughter Louisa, and seeing the continuation of Maisie's story was heartwarming. However, most of the issues in this book could have been resolved by the characters simply talking to each other, and I am not a big fan of storylines that rely on that! I do feel like this book ended set up for another, but I also feel like that could and probably should be the last in the series.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an emotional visit to Thimblebury and Zoe, the village midwife. Her professional life is busy, her home life is also chaotic, and when she develops health issues, she feels isolated and unable to seek help from those she cares about. It's good to catch up with village life and its characters, and I like that both sides of the community are shown: the helpful, supportive side and the invasive, gossipy side, which makes this setting so authentic. The author explores health issues affecting women sensitively and shows how even professionals struggle to come to terms with them. I like the story's emotion, the dynamic between the main characters and the exploration of issues pertinent to women. It's not an easy read, but it is worth it because it draws you into the characters' lives.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Angela Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and you do need to read all the books in the series before starting this book.

Zoe is struggling with her health and we see a different side to her life and also to Alex. Without spoiling the story I found it very relatable and really emphasised with Zoe.

It was great to catch up with lots of the residents of the village and see how they were doing.

It’s an enjoyable series of books and I like the fact it’s true to life and shows all aspects of life not just the good bits like some other books tend to do. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see how things play out.

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

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife my favourite character Zoe is facing a tough health battle and while she is dealing with this her relationship with Alex is on testing waters. The author of this book Tilly has dealt with a hard to talk about topic for most with honesty, empathy and compassion and I appreciate that. I was feeling anxious while reading this and it brought me to tears more than once but I also laughed with joy at other times. Catching up with these well loved characters was a pleasure and I am hoping we will see more of Ottilie in the next book.

[Julie Brookes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very strange book, it is the 4th in the series and certainly felt like a "filler" to the fifth book, it covered early menopause but I am not sure it was covered well as there was a lot of thinking and not much doing or asking, I am not sure why the ex-girlfriend was thrown into the mix except for causing some mental health issue.

I have previously enjoyed the other books in the series, but this is not exactly a happy ending and the ending itself was very abrupt but I suspect that the 5th book will start almost immediately where this has stopped.

3.5 stars

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy from publisher.

As midwife, Zoe Padbury, settles into her new life with her boyfriend, Alex, she starts to think more about their future together, maybe a family of their own.

When Alex opens his campsite up to their first guests, things take an unexpected turn, and Alex struggles.

With a flu bug doing the rounds, Zoe isn’t herself and worries about catching it and passing it around to her patients. As the title suggests, there are storm clouds ahead for Zoe.

I do enjoy this series, the characters are likeable and relatable. The author does a wonderful job of bringing in important problems and health issues into her stories, and this one is no exception (not giving anything away).

Over the series, the characters have all grown on me, but I definitely have favourites & I love that Connie and Victor are in each book, bringing their wisdom along with them - as well as Connie’s constant baking!

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. This was isn’t very cheery. Zoe is struggling with health concerns. Alex’s first guests at the camping pods didn’t go as planned and the flu has hit the village. Zoe really struggles in this book. As life often happens everything drops on her at once. The book is very realistic. It’s written really well. I enjoyed it a lot. I’m eager for the next book to see how the situations will resolve.

[Turning Pages Turning Heads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely easy to read fiction book. I hadn't read the other books in the series as they are still sitting on my 'to be read' shelf, however I still found it easy to connect with the characters. As a midwife myself I felt that the character of midwife Zoe was realistic and relatable.

Without adding a spoiler, the story ends well, however I think there maybe still room for another in this series? If so I would love to read it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit to Thimblebury. These are gentle books that reflect real life and the struggles that people sometimes go through. You really do need to have read the previous books as they are direct continuations. If you are looking for an easy escape that is easy to get lost in then this could be what you’re looking for.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest in this series. It is probably my least favorite so far, but I still enjoyed the continuing story of the village and Zoe. We focus on her and Alex as they navigate moving in and moving their relationship forward.

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

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four in the heartwarming Village Midwife series. It was lovely to be back in the village of Thimblebury with midwife Zoe and the other lovely characters we met in previous book. We are also introduced to some new characters. Not everything is a bed of roses though and Zoe is facing some difficult times. I’m not going to say much more about that for fear of giving away spoilers. This is a wonderful series and this fourth book is no exception. It’s a gorgeous easy read that would be a perfect read chilling on holiday by the pool or on the beach.

[Linda Stotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation to a great series

I was happy to find this book, I had thought the series had ended. This went in a different direction then I thought it would. Be sure to have the Kleenex ready. It was good in that it made you examine what involved in having a good relationship. Thankfully there is one more I can read.

[Brenda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story of thimble berry and it's midwife

Loved this gentle story of the village midwife. Full of ups and downs with plenty of twists and turns. It's a really feel good romance set in the beautiful Lake District. A book you don't want to end. I love that the characters really come alive, and feel like old friends. A thoroughly good read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

A return visit to Thimblebury to meet with Zoe and her friends and family.

Lovely, easy read.

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story.

This is another in the Village Midwife series about Zoe the practices midwife and her colleagues at the local Doctors surgery. Also her partner Alex who she lives with and his daughter Billie and her baby girl Louisa .

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth box in the series and it didn’t disappoint. Zoe continues to work at the village surgery whilst Alex has set up a glamping site at Hilltop. Lots of comings and goings and emotional stories along the way. Thanks to Tilly and her publisher.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stormy

Definitely a good book to escape in. What a stormy story. Storm clouds are definitely forming in this romance. A very enjoyable series.

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of these books, but I can't wait for the next one x

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge fan of this series and loved this one .

[Pearl Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series of books. Always ready for the next instalment.

[Liz Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next book in the series. They’ve all been good and I’m sure number five will be too