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The Cornish Midwife #2
A Summer Wedding for the Cornish Midwife
It’s wedding day in Port Agnes!
The venue is booked, the dress is picked, and Senior Midwife Anna Jones only has to say ‘I Do!’ to the man she loves! Theirs might have been a whirlwind romance, but Brae Penrose is everything Anna dreamed her husband would be and she can’t wait to start a new life with him...and if they are lucky, maybe even a family of their own.
But as the big day approaches disaster strikes, and their perfect day looks destined not to happen at all. Anna's certain it's a sign to slow things down.
The other midwives won’t hear of Anna and Brae postponing their big day, but can they and the community of Port Agnes pull together to make sure the Penrose summer wedding goes off without a hitch?
Meet The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes- where community, friendship and love are always delivered.
An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!
This book was previously published as Christmas with the Cornish Midwives.
What readers are saying about The Cornish Midwife ...
'I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. So a book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett and a cracking start to what promises to be a fabulous series' 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
The venue is booked, the dress is picked, and Senior Midwife Anna Jones only has to say ‘I Do!’ to the man she loves! Theirs might have been a whirlwind romance, but Brae Penrose is everything Anna dreamed her husband would be and she can’t wait to start a new life with him...and if they are lucky, maybe even a family of their own.
But as the big day approaches disaster strikes, and their perfect day looks destined not to happen at all. Anna's certain it's a sign to slow things down.
The other midwives won’t hear of Anna and Brae postponing their big day, but can they and the community of Port Agnes pull together to make sure the Penrose summer wedding goes off without a hitch?
Meet The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes- where community, friendship and love are always delivered.
An uplifting and escapist read, perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Jessica Redland and Holly Martin!
This book was previously published as Christmas with the Cornish Midwives.
What readers are saying about The Cornish Midwife ...
'I love second chance stories. I love returning home stories. So a book combining both is an absolute winner for me. The Cornish Midwife is simply gorgeous. Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett and a cracking start to what promises to be a fabulous series' 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
278 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2021
525 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 24, 2023
*Community*
This was a lovely easy read but I have not had time to read much of late with a busy calendar. Anyway I feel this series is best enjoyed in order as past characters pop up and slight spoilers may occur. This instalment concentrates on the Senior Midwife Anna who was with a man for years and it didn’t work out. She was very close to her parents who she lost in a double tragedy. She is aware that her biological clock is ticking at nearly 40 and is desperate to have a child of her own, when she is introduced to Brae by her best friend and midwife Ella from book one it is like they have always been together.
Over time they decide to get married and everything is in place until at the 11th hour disaster strikes when everything gets destroyed
Due to her skills in midwifery she has developed quite a fan club and Brae is no exception with his army of fans due to the fact he puts himself out to help anyone. Now we see what happens when the community comes together but the wedding date holds a special meaning for Anna, will they have to postpone?…
This was a lovely easy read but I have not had time to read much of late with a busy calendar. Anyway I feel this series is best enjoyed in order as past characters pop up and slight spoilers may occur. This instalment concentrates on the Senior Midwife Anna who was with a man for years and it didn’t work out. She was very close to her parents who she lost in a double tragedy. She is aware that her biological clock is ticking at nearly 40 and is desperate to have a child of her own, when she is introduced to Brae by her best friend and midwife Ella from book one it is like they have always been together.
Over time they decide to get married and everything is in place until at the 11th hour disaster strikes when everything gets destroyed
Due to her skills in midwifery she has developed quite a fan club and Brae is no exception with his army of fans due to the fact he puts himself out to help anyone. Now we see what happens when the community comes together but the wedding date holds a special meaning for Anna, will they have to postpone?…
August 23, 2022
“When you’d wanted something for so long, it was almost impossible to believe you might get it until it actually happened.”
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
This book was a million times better than the first in the series. Fun and lighthearted, also a tad dramatic! Rather than telling Ella’s story again, it was instead Anna’s. Jo Bartlett covered a lot of big topics throughout this book, with a lot of it majoring around infertility and trouble with conception. The births and the antenatal appointments were all realistic, and a lot more emotional than the first book. I found myself crying at multiple points.
Anna is a really relatable character, nothing for her seems to go right, except Brae (what a cool name is that though). She’s emotional but determined, and tries to balance a million things at once alongside planning a wedding. The friendships within this book were better written and portrayed than in book one, and I really like Jess too, I’m wondering whether it will be her story told in the next book, because she became a much bigger part of this book and really grew on me as a reader. I will see soon.
Jo Bartlett definitely improved majorly in her writing between the first and second books in this series. A new favourite midwife drama! Recommend for any chicklit lovers out there!
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
This book was a million times better than the first in the series. Fun and lighthearted, also a tad dramatic! Rather than telling Ella’s story again, it was instead Anna’s. Jo Bartlett covered a lot of big topics throughout this book, with a lot of it majoring around infertility and trouble with conception. The births and the antenatal appointments were all realistic, and a lot more emotional than the first book. I found myself crying at multiple points.
Anna is a really relatable character, nothing for her seems to go right, except Brae (what a cool name is that though). She’s emotional but determined, and tries to balance a million things at once alongside planning a wedding. The friendships within this book were better written and portrayed than in book one, and I really like Jess too, I’m wondering whether it will be her story told in the next book, because she became a much bigger part of this book and really grew on me as a reader. I will see soon.
Jo Bartlett definitely improved majorly in her writing between the first and second books in this series. A new favourite midwife drama! Recommend for any chicklit lovers out there!
June 7, 2021
I honestly thought that the previous book would have provided all the drama these midwives could ever need, but within the first chapter of this book I was clearly proved wrong.
Nothing like a dramatic opening to a book to draw you in and keep you hooked, and it perfectly set up some fabulous storylines for this latest edition of the Cornish Midwife soap opera. Well it feels as though it could easily translate to a soap on the small scheme, as we get to know so many of the midwives at the Port Agnes unit.
And it is becoming more and more clear how well regarded these midwifes are within their local community. For this new standalone story, the focus is on Anna, and her desire to have her own child, as well as hopefully marrying Brae the man of her dreams.
And for the last section of the book I was sitting open mouthed at the community spirit shown in Port Agnes, with a lump in my throat at the emotion of it all, as well as impressed at how much more drama could be included before ending the book incredibly happy and with a smile on my face.
While also knowing I can't wait for the next book in the series as this is a series, that has definitely got under my skin and into my heart and I need more.
Oh and what of the midwifery, there are some great moments with those, and seeing how Anna handled one expectant mother in particular really gave me the feels and I just loved her all the more for it.
Oh and I'm completely and utterly in love with Brae, he is absolutely wonderful, wish I could have him all to myself! Was also really happy to catch up with Ella and Dan, as well as seeing more from Jess and Toni, one of which I'm sure will be the heroine next!!
A charming and heartwarming read set in the gorgeous Port Agnes - I loved it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Nothing like a dramatic opening to a book to draw you in and keep you hooked, and it perfectly set up some fabulous storylines for this latest edition of the Cornish Midwife soap opera. Well it feels as though it could easily translate to a soap on the small scheme, as we get to know so many of the midwives at the Port Agnes unit.
And it is becoming more and more clear how well regarded these midwifes are within their local community. For this new standalone story, the focus is on Anna, and her desire to have her own child, as well as hopefully marrying Brae the man of her dreams.
And for the last section of the book I was sitting open mouthed at the community spirit shown in Port Agnes, with a lump in my throat at the emotion of it all, as well as impressed at how much more drama could be included before ending the book incredibly happy and with a smile on my face.
While also knowing I can't wait for the next book in the series as this is a series, that has definitely got under my skin and into my heart and I need more.
Oh and what of the midwifery, there are some great moments with those, and seeing how Anna handled one expectant mother in particular really gave me the feels and I just loved her all the more for it.
Oh and I'm completely and utterly in love with Brae, he is absolutely wonderful, wish I could have him all to myself! Was also really happy to catch up with Ella and Dan, as well as seeing more from Jess and Toni, one of which I'm sure will be the heroine next!!
A charming and heartwarming read set in the gorgeous Port Agnes - I loved it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 2, 2021
This was an absolutely beautiful book to read ! This is the first book I have read by Jo Bartlett and it certainly won't be the last I read from her , I love her writing style , the techniques she uses to keep the reader hooked on it.
This book us in the point of view of three different midwives Anna , Ella and Jess. I adored each of these women and the close relationship between them , even though each of them are going through different tough times in their lives. They are the kind of characters that you immediately wish you had in your life, that they were people you knew, I will definitely be going back to read the first book to get to know these characters even more !
If you like contemporary romance book that are brilliantly written then I recommend this book !
This book us in the point of view of three different midwives Anna , Ella and Jess. I adored each of these women and the close relationship between them , even though each of them are going through different tough times in their lives. They are the kind of characters that you immediately wish you had in your life, that they were people you knew, I will definitely be going back to read the first book to get to know these characters even more !
If you like contemporary romance book that are brilliantly written then I recommend this book !
February 6, 2023
I so enjoyed this book. It takes place in a Cornish village in England revolving around a midwifery unit. This was book two in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one. The characters were well developed and I could be friends with them all!!
August 15, 2021
Gosh, it feels like if it could go wrong it will go wrong for Anna and Brae in this latest story involving the The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes! With storms, rescues, fire and the usual midwifery emergencies this is a story filled with disasters but also packed with love and dreams.
It is a heartwarming story where friends and the community work together to help make Anna and Brae’s wedding goes smoothly – despite all the fraught and disastrous events in the run up to their special day. Their fears, hopes and dreams are explored, especially Anna’s concerns about her ability to have a baby. It also shows that sometimes what initially feels a portent of doom can turn out to be a fortuitous change for the better.
It is a great addition to this series, demonstrating the high esteem in which the midwives are held in this lovely community. It was lovely to catch up on Ella and Dan, to discover how things are working out for Jess and probably are for Toni, too. I really hope the next book will share more of their stories – I can’t wait to read them and find out more about the Port Agnes community.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed
It is a heartwarming story where friends and the community work together to help make Anna and Brae’s wedding goes smoothly – despite all the fraught and disastrous events in the run up to their special day. Their fears, hopes and dreams are explored, especially Anna’s concerns about her ability to have a baby. It also shows that sometimes what initially feels a portent of doom can turn out to be a fortuitous change for the better.
It is a great addition to this series, demonstrating the high esteem in which the midwives are held in this lovely community. It was lovely to catch up on Ella and Dan, to discover how things are working out for Jess and probably are for Toni, too. I really hope the next book will share more of their stories – I can’t wait to read them and find out more about the Port Agnes community.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed
June 27, 2021
Jo Bartlett is quickly becoming one of my go to authors for uplifting and warm-hearted reads. I love her writing style - so engaging and natural at storytelling.
This next instalment of the Cornish Midwife stories was just wonderful - full of emotion and sensitively covered issues, and who can resist a good wedding story.
It was lovely catching up with Anna, Ella and the midwives again plus the wonderful community of Port Agnes.
This next instalment of the Cornish Midwife stories was just wonderful - full of emotion and sensitively covered issues, and who can resist a good wedding story.
It was lovely catching up with Anna, Ella and the midwives again plus the wonderful community of Port Agnes.
June 29, 2021
3.5 Stars
#2 in the Cornish Midwives series. The highly anticipated wedding of Anna and Brae needs to be postponed due to a fire at the venue. However, close friends and community pull together to save the wedding.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ASummerWeddingForTheCornishMidwife upon my request. All opinions are my own.
When I requested the ARC for A Summer Wedding For the Cornish Midwife and realized it was #2 in a series, I knew I wanted to read the first story before starting this. It may not have been necessary, but having the full context always adds to a more satisfying reading experience. The first book is called The Cornish Midwife and we are introduced to the group of amazing midwives and the charming, small community of St. Agnes along the Cornish coast. The stories revolve around a group of midwives…..and so far each story focuses on one of the midwives. Of the two stories, I think I enjoyed the first a bit more because of its compelling storyline and themes of starting over and second chances.
A Summer Wedding For a Cornish Midwife is an uplifting, engaging, and heartwarming read. Even with a few difficult themes, the story has an overall lighthearted, everything-will-work-out feel. A solid story (and series) for those looking for a light women’s fiction romance and for those interested in midwivery. I love a quaint, small-town setting (especially on the coast), a supportive community, amazing book boyfriends, and strong friendships. This was a perfect light read for me and I’m looking forward to the third installment.
Themes: supportive friendships, women helping women, close-knit community, creating a family, grief, midwifery, difficult childbirth, fostering
Content Consideration: infertility, grief, traumatic childbirth (baby born with a physical deformity)
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review first appeared.
#2 in the Cornish Midwives series. The highly anticipated wedding of Anna and Brae needs to be postponed due to a fire at the venue. However, close friends and community pull together to save the wedding.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ASummerWeddingForTheCornishMidwife upon my request. All opinions are my own.
When I requested the ARC for A Summer Wedding For the Cornish Midwife and realized it was #2 in a series, I knew I wanted to read the first story before starting this. It may not have been necessary, but having the full context always adds to a more satisfying reading experience. The first book is called The Cornish Midwife and we are introduced to the group of amazing midwives and the charming, small community of St. Agnes along the Cornish coast. The stories revolve around a group of midwives…..and so far each story focuses on one of the midwives. Of the two stories, I think I enjoyed the first a bit more because of its compelling storyline and themes of starting over and second chances.
A Summer Wedding For a Cornish Midwife is an uplifting, engaging, and heartwarming read. Even with a few difficult themes, the story has an overall lighthearted, everything-will-work-out feel. A solid story (and series) for those looking for a light women’s fiction romance and for those interested in midwivery. I love a quaint, small-town setting (especially on the coast), a supportive community, amazing book boyfriends, and strong friendships. This was a perfect light read for me and I’m looking forward to the third installment.
Themes: supportive friendships, women helping women, close-knit community, creating a family, grief, midwifery, difficult childbirth, fostering
Content Consideration: infertility, grief, traumatic childbirth (baby born with a physical deformity)
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review first appeared.
July 4, 2021
Gosh, it feels like if it could go wrong it will go wrong for Anna and Brae in this latest story involving the The Cornish Midwives of Port Agnes! With storms, rescues, fire and the usual midwifery emergencies this is a story filled with disasters but also packed with love and dreams.
It is a heartwarming story where friends and the community work together to help make Anna and Brae’s wedding goes smoothly – despite all the fraught and disastrous events in the run up to their special day. Their fears, hopes and dreams are explored, especially Anna’s concerns about her ability to have a baby. It also shows that sometimes what initially feels a portent of doom can turn out to be a fortuitous change for the better.
It is a great addition to this series, demonstrating the high esteem in which the midwives are held in this lovely community. It was lovely to catch up on Ella and Dan, to discover how things are working out for Jess and probably are for Toni, too. I really hope the next book will share more of their stories – I can’t wait to read them and find out more about the Port Agnes community.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
It is a heartwarming story where friends and the community work together to help make Anna and Brae’s wedding goes smoothly – despite all the fraught and disastrous events in the run up to their special day. Their fears, hopes and dreams are explored, especially Anna’s concerns about her ability to have a baby. It also shows that sometimes what initially feels a portent of doom can turn out to be a fortuitous change for the better.
It is a great addition to this series, demonstrating the high esteem in which the midwives are held in this lovely community. It was lovely to catch up on Ella and Dan, to discover how things are working out for Jess and probably are for Toni, too. I really hope the next book will share more of their stories – I can’t wait to read them and find out more about the Port Agnes community.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
September 1, 2021
My Interest
I enjoyed the previous book so much–I had to know what happens to Ella and Anna and their guys!
The Story
Ella and her boss, Anna Jones, are dealing with the good and the bad of life. The good–both have found love. Anna with Brae and Ella with old flame Dan. But how could such a problem beset two midwives? [No spoilers]. Will they adapt and be happy? Accept only a miracle?
Meanwhile, the two and their fellow midwives care for expectant mothers, deliver babies, and do follow-up visits all while raising money for a great cause now very dear to both their hearts.
My Thoughts
In a Cornwall as different from that of Daphne DuMaurier as night is from day or Dr. Pepper from Champers, I still am in love with this crew! This books was exactly what I needed for my commute this week. I hope there is another book to come!
My Verdict
4 Stars of Fun and Happiness
I enjoyed the previous book so much–I had to know what happens to Ella and Anna and their guys!
The Story
Ella and her boss, Anna Jones, are dealing with the good and the bad of life. The good–both have found love. Anna with Brae and Ella with old flame Dan. But how could such a problem beset two midwives? [No spoilers]. Will they adapt and be happy? Accept only a miracle?
Meanwhile, the two and their fellow midwives care for expectant mothers, deliver babies, and do follow-up visits all while raising money for a great cause now very dear to both their hearts.
My Thoughts
In a Cornwall as different from that of Daphne DuMaurier as night is from day or Dr. Pepper from Champers, I still am in love with this crew! This books was exactly what I needed for my commute this week. I hope there is another book to come!
My Verdict
4 Stars of Fun and Happiness
April 7, 2022
A happy easy read, definitely enjoying the series. Its nice to switch off from reality to the cornish seaside.
October 5, 2021
Well, I decided that I needed to tackle my KU books. A Summer Wedding For The Cornish Midwife is a book I borrowed in July of 2021. While reading the book during the summer would have been wise, it got picked for the fall. Goodreads has it as a standalone, while Amazon says it is the second book of The Cornish Midwife Series.
I've always had a soft spot for stories set in Devon and Cornwall and look forward to such novels, especially if the author takes the opportunity to immerse readers in the setting.
Anna was such a beautiful character. I loved how supportive she was towards one of her clients, a woman who lived with past eating disorders and mental health. Anna and Brae were also a wonderfully supportive couple, especially regarding the possible future of no biological children. Brae was willing to help Anna talk out their different options and give her the reassurances she needed to face such a future. This book dealt with some compassionate issues that some readers might find hard to read about, but author Bartlett handled each case was care and love. It gave the reader one of the essential pieces of advice- "They are not alone in their struggles!"
At times, the reader might be frustrated by Anna's second-guessing her worthiness, but as the story unfolds and all her insecurities are laid bare, it's easy to understand just why she's as she is. So much of Anna's presentation is based on her past joys and hurts. As a reader, you are going on a journey as we see Anna relearn what a family might look like for her.
I have some trouble with the ending as it is predictable; even though I can understand it, I think I would have wanted to end a little differently than expected.
I've always had a soft spot for stories set in Devon and Cornwall and look forward to such novels, especially if the author takes the opportunity to immerse readers in the setting.
Anna was such a beautiful character. I loved how supportive she was towards one of her clients, a woman who lived with past eating disorders and mental health. Anna and Brae were also a wonderfully supportive couple, especially regarding the possible future of no biological children. Brae was willing to help Anna talk out their different options and give her the reassurances she needed to face such a future. This book dealt with some compassionate issues that some readers might find hard to read about, but author Bartlett handled each case was care and love. It gave the reader one of the essential pieces of advice- "They are not alone in their struggles!"
At times, the reader might be frustrated by Anna's second-guessing her worthiness, but as the story unfolds and all her insecurities are laid bare, it's easy to understand just why she's as she is. So much of Anna's presentation is based on her past joys and hurts. As a reader, you are going on a journey as we see Anna relearn what a family might look like for her.
I have some trouble with the ending as it is predictable; even though I can understand it, I think I would have wanted to end a little differently than expected.
January 27, 2022
I'm totally in love with this series of books so far. The writing is wonderful. The stories are heartfelt and entwined with numerous characters. I love that each book seems to focus on a different midwife, but that all of the midwives are still heavily involved in each story. I can't wait to read more!
January 1, 2023
Book 2, happy endings all round. Another nice easy read with the same characters as book 1.
January 14, 2023
This was an okay read but nowhere near as good as the first one in the series.
April 8, 2024
A nice, light, easy read.
November 27, 2024
Great storyline, can't wait to read the next book in the series
August 22, 2025
loved it , now onto the next
July 3, 2021
I love a book that draws you in from the very beginning – and this one most certainly does that, with a life-threatening situation that involves a few of the key characters playing out while the midwifery team at Port Agnes continue to give exceptional care to the mothers-to-be within their small community.
This book is mainly Anna’s story – she’s the team’s senior midwife, head over heels in love with Brae, their wedding fast approaching. But her excitement is overshadowed by her intense need for a family, something she’s lived without for a long time since the loss of her much loved parents – she’s desperate to have a baby, to recreate the happy family she remembers so fondly. Her need is overpowering, all tied up with her many happy memories: if Brae didn’t love her so very much, it might just have caused problems between them, but Anna herself is more than enough for him and he really understands her emotional need. But the book also follows Jess’s story – another midwife on the team, now on her own after a rather toxic relationship, deciding to become a foster mother (driven by her own experience of foster care), beginning to negotiate that difficult path.
And as their lives play out, all the many dramas involved in the day-to-day life of the midwifery unit continue – a series of episodes where we witness the exceptional care they consistently deliver within their beautifully drawn community. As if all that’s not enough, they also become involved in raising funds to save Port Agnes’ lifeboat service – and then there’s the build-up to Anna’s wedding, where things certainly don’t go anything like as smoothly as everyone might have hoped.
Anna’s a wonderfully drawn character, and the author really makes you understand why she’s so driven by her need for a child, with a perfect emotional touch – but I did feel that it sometimes interfered with her seeing that what she had with Brae was something already to be treasured. I’m really a little bit in love with him – he has the patience of a saint, always understanding, gentle and thoughtful, seeing past her ups and downs and just wanting to show her how much he loves her.
But this book’s all about the wider community too – all the people whose lives are touched by the exceptional work of the midwifery unit, every single one of them ready and willing to show their gratitude when everything starts to go off the rails as the wedding date approaches. The last quarter of the book is simply one of the most heartwarming and moving sequences I’ve had the pleasure to read, and it certainly brought a tear to my eye – I love books with a strong sense of community, and you really won’t find it done much better than this. There’s a strong focus on family and what it means – but also on the importance of friendship, the family you choose.
When I read the first book, I mentioned that it had the feel of a Sunday night TV series, with a strong central story line, the perfect location, characters you take to your heart, and a succession of dramatic moments that move you, keep you gripped, and involve you in their lives. The writing really is quite excellent – easy reading in many ways, sensitive handling of some quite difficult and challenging issues, with plenty of all-involving dramatic moments to get you on the edge of your seat, but also full of warmth and gentle humour, and overflowing with love. I thoroughly enjoyed this one – the perfect summer read, and I look forward to spending more time with my friends at Port Agnes as the series continues.
This book is mainly Anna’s story – she’s the team’s senior midwife, head over heels in love with Brae, their wedding fast approaching. But her excitement is overshadowed by her intense need for a family, something she’s lived without for a long time since the loss of her much loved parents – she’s desperate to have a baby, to recreate the happy family she remembers so fondly. Her need is overpowering, all tied up with her many happy memories: if Brae didn’t love her so very much, it might just have caused problems between them, but Anna herself is more than enough for him and he really understands her emotional need. But the book also follows Jess’s story – another midwife on the team, now on her own after a rather toxic relationship, deciding to become a foster mother (driven by her own experience of foster care), beginning to negotiate that difficult path.
And as their lives play out, all the many dramas involved in the day-to-day life of the midwifery unit continue – a series of episodes where we witness the exceptional care they consistently deliver within their beautifully drawn community. As if all that’s not enough, they also become involved in raising funds to save Port Agnes’ lifeboat service – and then there’s the build-up to Anna’s wedding, where things certainly don’t go anything like as smoothly as everyone might have hoped.
Anna’s a wonderfully drawn character, and the author really makes you understand why she’s so driven by her need for a child, with a perfect emotional touch – but I did feel that it sometimes interfered with her seeing that what she had with Brae was something already to be treasured. I’m really a little bit in love with him – he has the patience of a saint, always understanding, gentle and thoughtful, seeing past her ups and downs and just wanting to show her how much he loves her.
But this book’s all about the wider community too – all the people whose lives are touched by the exceptional work of the midwifery unit, every single one of them ready and willing to show their gratitude when everything starts to go off the rails as the wedding date approaches. The last quarter of the book is simply one of the most heartwarming and moving sequences I’ve had the pleasure to read, and it certainly brought a tear to my eye – I love books with a strong sense of community, and you really won’t find it done much better than this. There’s a strong focus on family and what it means – but also on the importance of friendship, the family you choose.
When I read the first book, I mentioned that it had the feel of a Sunday night TV series, with a strong central story line, the perfect location, characters you take to your heart, and a succession of dramatic moments that move you, keep you gripped, and involve you in their lives. The writing really is quite excellent – easy reading in many ways, sensitive handling of some quite difficult and challenging issues, with plenty of all-involving dramatic moments to get you on the edge of your seat, but also full of warmth and gentle humour, and overflowing with love. I thoroughly enjoyed this one – the perfect summer read, and I look forward to spending more time with my friends at Port Agnes as the series continues.
July 2, 2021
After reading the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to return to Port Agnes to be reunited with some much loved characters, and to meet some new ones along the way.
The book starts with the build up to Anna and Brae's wedding. As we know from the first instalment in this delightful series, Anna is the senior midwife in the small Cornish village who doesn't hesitate to put others needs before her own. Whilst Anna is out dress shopping with her friend when she receives news that her fiancé and his friends are missing at sea during a terrible storm.
Anna is distraught, left thinking she may have lost the man she loves, but when she is called to duty to assist a woman who has gone it to labour, she pushes her own feelings aside and goes to help. The RNLI are out searching tirelessly for the missing boat, and finally their hard work pays off when they manage to get all of them to hospital safely - and all of them looking pretty much unscathed by the terrifying ordeal.
When the team responsible for Brae's safe return announce that their funding is about to be cut as there is another team close by - Anna is left reeling as she considers how different the outcome may well have been if they hadn't been so close to where the boat went missing. This is something that the community simply won't let happen, and before long they are all pulling together to raise the vital funds needed.
As Anna and Brae come to terms with how close they came to losing one another for good, their big day can't come soon enough. They still have some rather daunting hurdles to overcome, and as their journey to making a family of their own is far from smooth sailing, with the support of their closest friends and the community they are proud to be a part of they learn that families do in fact come in all shapes and sizes.
This is one of those stories that really takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. From the heartache that Anna feels when she believes she has lost her love, and the overwhelming sense of love that emanates from the community. Anna is one of those characters you feel such a strong connection with from the start. She has faced her share of hardships over the years, but the selfless way she always helps others when they are in need is heartwarming. Brae is still as charming as ever, and as the story unfolds I found myself enchanted by this wonderful man and the bond he shares with Anna.
With a captivating storyline, a cast of vibrant and intriguing characters and a love story that warms your heart, it is impossible to not fall in love with Port Agnes and all of those who live there!.
The book starts with the build up to Anna and Brae's wedding. As we know from the first instalment in this delightful series, Anna is the senior midwife in the small Cornish village who doesn't hesitate to put others needs before her own. Whilst Anna is out dress shopping with her friend when she receives news that her fiancé and his friends are missing at sea during a terrible storm.
Anna is distraught, left thinking she may have lost the man she loves, but when she is called to duty to assist a woman who has gone it to labour, she pushes her own feelings aside and goes to help. The RNLI are out searching tirelessly for the missing boat, and finally their hard work pays off when they manage to get all of them to hospital safely - and all of them looking pretty much unscathed by the terrifying ordeal.
When the team responsible for Brae's safe return announce that their funding is about to be cut as there is another team close by - Anna is left reeling as she considers how different the outcome may well have been if they hadn't been so close to where the boat went missing. This is something that the community simply won't let happen, and before long they are all pulling together to raise the vital funds needed.
As Anna and Brae come to terms with how close they came to losing one another for good, their big day can't come soon enough. They still have some rather daunting hurdles to overcome, and as their journey to making a family of their own is far from smooth sailing, with the support of their closest friends and the community they are proud to be a part of they learn that families do in fact come in all shapes and sizes.
This is one of those stories that really takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. From the heartache that Anna feels when she believes she has lost her love, and the overwhelming sense of love that emanates from the community. Anna is one of those characters you feel such a strong connection with from the start. She has faced her share of hardships over the years, but the selfless way she always helps others when they are in need is heartwarming. Brae is still as charming as ever, and as the story unfolds I found myself enchanted by this wonderful man and the bond he shares with Anna.
With a captivating storyline, a cast of vibrant and intriguing characters and a love story that warms your heart, it is impossible to not fall in love with Port Agnes and all of those who live there!.
July 3, 2021
I loved the Cornish Midwife, a heart-warming and uplifting story, and was happy to travel Port Agnes and catch up with the group of midwives.
This is the story of Anna, an emotionally charged novel that made me smile and moved me as it heart-warming and heart wrenching at the same time.
I read it in one afternoon and I couldn’t put it down as I was involved in the character’s life.
It’s a romantic story but it’s also deals with serious issues like how hard can be to accept that you are not going to conceive. I appreciated the empathy of the writer toward her characters and how she’s never judgemental even if she’s great at describing how judgemental people can be.
We read about Anna’s sufferance, fears and how she comes to accept that family means a lot more than the traditional mother/father/children.
She also has to face the unvoluntary cruelty of people and, working as midwife, she deals everyday with expectant mothers.
Her path is not easy and is full of bumps, but I loved how she grew accepting what good is her life and how true Brea’s love is.
I warmed up to her slowly and I loved how she “grew up”. I didn’t like her so much at the beginning as she grated a bit on my nerves. She’s still grieving the death of her parents after quite a long time (18 years is a long time, I lost my mother 18 years ago) but I also accept that everyone deals with grief in a different way.
The Anna at the end of the book is a grown up, fulfilled and happy woman that counts her blessings.
The author did an excellent job with the development of the characters as they are relatable, realistic and well thought.
My favourite is Jess, her story is heart wrenching and I hope we will read more about her in another novel.
Brea, Anna’s future husband, is great: a supportive and clever man who’s able to support Anna and never fails her.
There’s a strong sense of community and I loved the description the midwife’s work.
It’s an excellent and gripping story that kept me thinking about the characters even after I read the last page.
I can’t wait to travel again to Port Agnes.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
This is the story of Anna, an emotionally charged novel that made me smile and moved me as it heart-warming and heart wrenching at the same time.
I read it in one afternoon and I couldn’t put it down as I was involved in the character’s life.
It’s a romantic story but it’s also deals with serious issues like how hard can be to accept that you are not going to conceive. I appreciated the empathy of the writer toward her characters and how she’s never judgemental even if she’s great at describing how judgemental people can be.
We read about Anna’s sufferance, fears and how she comes to accept that family means a lot more than the traditional mother/father/children.
She also has to face the unvoluntary cruelty of people and, working as midwife, she deals everyday with expectant mothers.
Her path is not easy and is full of bumps, but I loved how she grew accepting what good is her life and how true Brea’s love is.
I warmed up to her slowly and I loved how she “grew up”. I didn’t like her so much at the beginning as she grated a bit on my nerves. She’s still grieving the death of her parents after quite a long time (18 years is a long time, I lost my mother 18 years ago) but I also accept that everyone deals with grief in a different way.
The Anna at the end of the book is a grown up, fulfilled and happy woman that counts her blessings.
The author did an excellent job with the development of the characters as they are relatable, realistic and well thought.
My favourite is Jess, her story is heart wrenching and I hope we will read more about her in another novel.
Brea, Anna’s future husband, is great: a supportive and clever man who’s able to support Anna and never fails her.
There’s a strong sense of community and I loved the description the midwife’s work.
It’s an excellent and gripping story that kept me thinking about the characters even after I read the last page.
I can’t wait to travel again to Port Agnes.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 28, 2021
Oh what a read, this is the ultimate light hearted read that gives you all of the feels as you read. I love the friendship between Ella and Anna and it was great to spend more time with Anna in this story as she wrestles with potential infertility and arranging her wedding which is only increasingly highlighting the void from when she lost her parents.
This book gave me a whole host of emotions as it touched on anorexia, infertility and adoption, it was written with compassion and emotion and I loved the impact it created and the importance placed upon the friendships and support that Anna had around her.
The last few chapters of this story flew by and I was desperate to keep reading, yet I wanted to savour the story as I was loving the momentum and emotion that was flowing from the pages. A superb story and I already can't wait to revisit Port Agnes and these wonderful midwives.
This book gave me a whole host of emotions as it touched on anorexia, infertility and adoption, it was written with compassion and emotion and I loved the impact it created and the importance placed upon the friendships and support that Anna had around her.
The last few chapters of this story flew by and I was desperate to keep reading, yet I wanted to savour the story as I was loving the momentum and emotion that was flowing from the pages. A superb story and I already can't wait to revisit Port Agnes and these wonderful midwives.
July 12, 2021
This is the second book in the series and did not disappoint at all and was gripping from the first page and such an easy read and it is full of romance friendship and plenty about weddings as well and the characters are great.
Greta to meet up with old friends and go into the Cornish village as well and the midwives are all busy delivering babies but a few of them are having problems having children themselves which isn’t easy for them. But when one is getting married and there is a fire at the venue the night before the wedding will it be able to go ahead and will others be getting married as well.
Greta to meet up with old friends and go into the Cornish village as well and the midwives are all busy delivering babies but a few of them are having problems having children themselves which isn’t easy for them. But when one is getting married and there is a fire at the venue the night before the wedding will it be able to go ahead and will others be getting married as well.
January 31, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #asummerweddingforthecornishmidwife #netgalley
Anna moves to Port Agnes following the death of her parents. She meets her fiancé Brae and they plan to get married. During this period Anna and Beae are struggling to conceive their first child. Which, for Anna, signifies a part of her parents being with her. Will they manage to conceive ? Can Anna overcome her longing for her parents?
After reading the first book in the series "The Cornish Midwife." I knew I wanted to read the others in the series.
It is a short and enjoyable read. It does exactly what is says on the tin and the cornish descriptions make you feel like you are there. It is lovely to be back in Port Agnes expanding the characters met in the first book.
However some aspects of the book feel like they are missing. At certain points throughout you skip forward in time. It appears to be over the big things that are skipped. Such as Anna and Brae's fertility tests. It makes it feel like your missing the high emotion aspects of the characters lives that you'd love to be involved in. Your then left wanting to know how that event went rather than moving forward with the characters. I assuming this is the style of the book as it was the same in the first one too.
Also I did find that the start was quite slow at times. You were trotting along with the characters (Although nothing wrong with that) until about three quarters of the way through when the twists start happening. I personally would have preferred these to have been brought forward in order to go into more depth with them.
3.5/5
Anna moves to Port Agnes following the death of her parents. She meets her fiancé Brae and they plan to get married. During this period Anna and Beae are struggling to conceive their first child. Which, for Anna, signifies a part of her parents being with her. Will they manage to conceive ? Can Anna overcome her longing for her parents?
After reading the first book in the series "The Cornish Midwife." I knew I wanted to read the others in the series.
It is a short and enjoyable read. It does exactly what is says on the tin and the cornish descriptions make you feel like you are there. It is lovely to be back in Port Agnes expanding the characters met in the first book.
However some aspects of the book feel like they are missing. At certain points throughout you skip forward in time. It appears to be over the big things that are skipped. Such as Anna and Brae's fertility tests. It makes it feel like your missing the high emotion aspects of the characters lives that you'd love to be involved in. Your then left wanting to know how that event went rather than moving forward with the characters. I assuming this is the style of the book as it was the same in the first one too.
Also I did find that the start was quite slow at times. You were trotting along with the characters (Although nothing wrong with that) until about three quarters of the way through when the twists start happening. I personally would have preferred these to have been brought forward in order to go into more depth with them.
3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
Some women dream of marrying the man of their dreams and starting a family, in the hope of raising the children like her parents did her. Not all dreams seen possible. Anna was a community midwife in Port Agnes in Cornwall. After a whirlwind romance with Brae Penrose she finally realizes this is the man for her. Preparations for the wedding are finished and all there is to do is get up in the morning and have her hair and make-up done. Unfortunately, disaster strikes, a bride to be nightmare. However all their friends and the community of Port Agnes pull together and hopefully they can get the wedding back on track. This was an excellent read. The characters were all loveable and believable. It shows how a close community stick together and when the chips are down, they are all there to help out. I think this is quite true of many villages. Braes love for Anna shone out of the pages, as did their friendship with their best friends Dan and Ella. The vision of Port Agnes, the sea and RNLI brings Cornwall to life and reminds us of the dangers of the sea. This is a magical read and I thoroughly enjoyed my first Jo Bartlett novel and can’t wait to read many more. Thank you, Jo, for enhancing my week with this brilliant book.
April 22, 2024
The prologue of this book was so me and everything I identify with regarding family so the next few chapters were tough and heartbreaking. Despite this I found myself just wanting to read one more page, then another, and another. It was written so beautifully and sensitively.
I did find some bits between Brae and Anna abit sickly to keep reading how perfect they are for one another and how lucky they are to have each other. It seemed to be a common theme and written in most chapters and became a little annoying.
It was a nice little read but some of the themes kept being repeated. However, I’m glad I read it as it has been on my TBR for a long time and it was an easy read in the way it was written.
To be aware, there are some trigger warnings of loss and potential infertility and the feelings and journey that brings, adoption and cancer.
I did find some bits between Brae and Anna abit sickly to keep reading how perfect they are for one another and how lucky they are to have each other. It seemed to be a common theme and written in most chapters and became a little annoying.
It was a nice little read but some of the themes kept being repeated. However, I’m glad I read it as it has been on my TBR for a long time and it was an easy read in the way it was written.
To be aware, there are some trigger warnings of loss and potential infertility and the feelings and journey that brings, adoption and cancer.
December 5, 2021
A Summer Wedding For The Cornish Midwife
This book follows the story of Anna the senior midwife in Port Agnes after the break up from her long term fiancé . She then has a whirlwind romance and falls in love with Brae a former sailor/fish & chip shop owner. The book follows Anna’s story and the trials , tribulations of all the midwifes and locals of the small town.
It covers many sensitive issues beautifully from an former anorexic expectant mother, a group of woman unable to conceive for many reasons and an emergency in a wild storm and the many local characters some of whom are extremely eccentric.
Another fantastic book in the Cornish Midwife series . The book draws you in immediately and you’ll laugh , cry and be on the edge of your seat at some of the events.
This book follows the story of Anna the senior midwife in Port Agnes after the break up from her long term fiancé . She then has a whirlwind romance and falls in love with Brae a former sailor/fish & chip shop owner. The book follows Anna’s story and the trials , tribulations of all the midwifes and locals of the small town.
It covers many sensitive issues beautifully from an former anorexic expectant mother, a group of woman unable to conceive for many reasons and an emergency in a wild storm and the many local characters some of whom are extremely eccentric.
Another fantastic book in the Cornish Midwife series . The book draws you in immediately and you’ll laugh , cry and be on the edge of your seat at some of the events.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
A beautiful book two
Midwife Anna is so excited to be planning her wedding to Brae Penrose, along with her best friend Ella shopping for wedding outfits, the icing on the cake would be a child of her own but at forty years old would it be possible. And all the options are looked into by the couple. Anna wishes her parents were still alive to see her now, all the midwives are kept busy as the community rally round to give Anna and Brae the best day ever. Another beautiful read from this author, as the characters all have a story to tell to the reader's. Full of romance and love in the wonderful community in Port Angus. I loved it and hope there's another to come. 5*****
Midwife Anna is so excited to be planning her wedding to Brae Penrose, along with her best friend Ella shopping for wedding outfits, the icing on the cake would be a child of her own but at forty years old would it be possible. And all the options are looked into by the couple. Anna wishes her parents were still alive to see her now, all the midwives are kept busy as the community rally round to give Anna and Brae the best day ever. Another beautiful read from this author, as the characters all have a story to tell to the reader's. Full of romance and love in the wonderful community in Port Angus. I loved it and hope there's another to come. 5*****
February 17, 2022
Marriage for midwives.
After reading the first book in the Cornish midwife series, by the time I started this, the second book, the characters felt like old friends.
Anna & Brae are getting married and they desperately want to start a family but discovering Anna's fertility problems puts a dark cloud over their future.
Just when it feels like things can't get any worse for her, Anna's wedding day is ruined. But Ella & Dan are on the case to make it happen.
After reading the first book in the Cornish midwife series, by the time I started this, the second book, the characters felt like old friends.
Anna & Brae are getting married and they desperately want to start a family but discovering Anna's fertility problems puts a dark cloud over their future.
Just when it feels like things can't get any worse for her, Anna's wedding day is ruined. But Ella & Dan are on the case to make it happen.
May 28, 2024
As I’ve come to recognise from Jo Bartlett a cute, and saccharine romance; and she does them well.
One annoyance I have is her female protagonists, and Anna is no different, are SSSOOOO earnest.
No bride on the morning of her wedding is not going to loose her shit that the day has gone up in smoke… figuratively or literally.
Her MMC are always to self sacrificing too and sometimes that comes off as a bit wet….
This is the book equivalent to candyfloss.
One annoyance I have is her female protagonists, and Anna is no different, are SSSOOOO earnest.
No bride on the morning of her wedding is not going to loose her shit that the day has gone up in smoke… figuratively or literally.
Her MMC are always to self sacrificing too and sometimes that comes off as a bit wet….
This is the book equivalent to candyfloss.
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