Another excellent book from Jo Bartlett continuing the Cornish midwife series. Beautiful setting and wonderful characters, just like her previous books.

Ella is the main character in this book along with her partner Dan
They are due to get married but postpone the wedding when Dan's sister goes into labour early and wouldn't be able to be there.
Ella hadn't been feeling well but had put it down to stress but when she collapses at the hospital and they run some tests she gets a devastating diagnosis which is when her life changes
I don't want too say more as it will spoil the book but I have to admit I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others as Ella did annoy me with her reactions and what she does to her friends, family and Dan. Easy for me to say as I don't know how I would react if I was in that situation but I would hope not the way Ella did

This is an emotionally insightful book in the Cornish Midwife series. It focuses on Ella, who regular readers have met before. Just about to get married to her first love, life seems perfect until events make her life spin out of her control. While this story explores devastating life experiences, the author handles them well, leaving the reader with a heartwarming and hopeful feeling. It demonstrates the strain on close relationships caused by accident and illness and how new bonds and understanding must be forged to advance in a much-changed life.

I like the characters and how they come to terms with their life challenges.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I love these books. Have followed the series from the very beginning and this didn't disappoint.

It was hard hitting and as a nurse I could see what was coming and have dealt with people in similar situations. It is accurate even if it is frustrating to read.

I want to follow up on everyone else now jt left me wanting the next book to follow the background stories.

How dare you Jo Bartlett!!! You have completely and utterly put my heart through the wringer today as I have devoured this latest book, while being not being remotely sure that the overall outcome would be what I wanted it to be.

This is without a doubt the best book in the series, but not sure I'll forgive the author for Ella's diagnosis, as it's one that was a little too close to home for my liking, and had me continually thinking about my dad, whenever it was mentioned. What did a great character like Ella do to deserve that!?

Well that is kind of the point and there is a very strong theme throughout the book about disabilities, living with them and the effect they have on your partner. It is incredibly eye opening, and I have to say if I was Ella, I'd probably be reacting in the same way.

I loved catching up with all of the midwives, and Gwen as always had me laughing out loud, despite my despair at what was happening to my favourite characters. I felt so at home with this story within the first couple of pages, perhaps because Ella has been a main character before and ever present in all the other books.

This is an incredible addition to the series, and I devoured this in about a day, especially once I knew what Ella was dealing with I had to keep reading to see how things would pan out. Wonderful writing, and well more please, I need the next book already!!

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

Ella has everything she could ever want in life; a devoted fiancè in Dan, a career in midwifery as part of an incredible team and a loving community around her. But as she starts to experience unusual symptoms, a feeling of dread washes over her. Is it simply fatigue or is something really wrong?

As her symptoms worsen, she struggles to keep them a secret from those closest to her. When she lands in Hospital after an emergency, she's forced to admit what she has been hiding. Then, when she receives a formal diagnosis, her life seems to spiral. Will Ella begin to adjust to her new normal or persevere to her detriment?

As the 8th book in the Cornish Midwife series, there has already been incredible depth built into the characters and town. This story built on that and I was blown away by the raw way in which Ella's thoughts, feelings and experiences have been shared.

The only critique I have is that there were one too many similar twists towards the conclusion of the book which didn't necessarily have to be included to reach the same end. I felt for Dan in the book but often felt that his point of view would have been appreciated a bit more often.

Thank you to Author Jo Bartlett, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing this ARC copy for free in exchange for an honest review! Watch out for the publication date of the 27th of February 2023!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.


Jo Bartlett has written such an emotional and heartwarming book.

The story is about Ella and Dan, who are sue to get married, but as Dan’s sister is pregnant, they have to change the date.

What comes next is the beginning of sad times for them both that alters their future.

Jo has written so gracefully how, when you are told you have a life changing condition, even the strongest relationships can be put to the test.

I highly recommend this book.

I have been a big fan of this series from the beginning which made reading this a joy and a bit difficult. I have come to love all of these characters so it was really great to see them one last time and see what is happening now that their own books ended. I have also always enjoyed the stories about the soon-to-be moms and the different births. What was difficult about this was seeing the character that started it all going through what Ella has to go through. Not to mention what Dan faces throughout this book. The big message throughout the book is the importance of communication - not just about the good things, but about the tough things too. There were so many times I wanted to yell at Dan that he needed to stop being afraid of a fight with Ella. Yes, it would be tough but there were things that he needed to be allowed to say and both of them really needed to get everything out in the open rather than being afraid of how the other person would react. I felt so bad for Dan on so many occasions because Ella left him with no one to talk about his own fears with and she refused to talk about the diagnosis at all. I also did feel for Ella when she realized she was in "do as I say, not as I do" mode. I loved that author showed seeking counseling/therapy in such a positive light. Even with that though, there were so many moments when Ella would take a positive step forward only to take two huge steps back. Luckily for her she had so many people who loved her and were willing to give her some hard truths before she lost Dan for good. If the author ever wanted to do a few short stories to show us what is going on with everyone later on I would definitely be there for that!

The name of this book is certainly correct. The main character Ella changes her mind several times toward her boyfriend and their future. It's a good story but it did drag.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and to the publisher Boldwood.

Wow I wasn’t expecting the book to be so emotional. I love Jo Bartlett books but this was very different to the others in the series. There are some great characters (and babies) in the book but mainly it is about how Ella receives some devastating news about her health and how she comes to terms with her future. Dan loves Ella and just wants to try and make life easier for her but keeps going about it in the wrong way.

The storyline was beautifully and empathically written and set questions in our minds as to how we would cope in similar circumstances.

This is a really sad and emotional book, a bit different from the rest of the series. Still a very good read but not what I was expecting. Emotional and quite hard hitting in parts but a wonderful book all the same.

This was a very emotional book not only dealing with pregnancy and births but also MS. This was a happy/sad story but on the whole I enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I have mixed thoughts about this one.

Didn't expect this to be so deep and true. Jo Bartlett makes it heart warming and heart breaking at the same time.

This isn't your typical romance novel, but a very character driven book. You've got internal conflict, amazing side characters, brilliant narration, great representation for people of determination, and so much more.

The focus is our main character Ella who is dealing with a heavy physical diagnosis and her emotional journey as she rethinks her career which she is passionate about, and her beloved fiance. I believe this gives readers an idea on what the patient and immediate family and close friends would go through in such a situation.

Although I can't say much more, this is not a sob story, but an inspiring, delightful, and beautiful HEA story, so go grab it.

I received a complimentary ARC of the book from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions in this review are purely mine.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

I have read one other of the series and enjoyed the light heartedness of it and though I had read the blurb I expected this book to be in the same vein.
However I just found it hard going and really did not enjoy it at all.
I found myself getting really cross with Ella and her attitude to her illness and Dan, the man she said she loved with all her heart.

I do wonder if it is because I have experience of a career being snatched from me as I was trained nurse and ironically a midwife when a lifting injury damaged my back and caused ill health retirement at the tender age of 27. It was over 35 years ago now.
I found I neither understood not empathised with Ella at all

The book was well written as usual but just didn't enthral me at all I am sorry to say - but don't let that put you off - the world would be boring if we all enjoyed the same books

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

I can't believe this is book 7 in the Cornish Midwife series but it could be read as a standalone story. Back with Ella and Dan who are facing some challenges ahead of their wedding.

Enjoyed this.

Jo Bartlett writes beautiful heartwarming books and The Cornish Midwife series is definitely one of my favourites.
A Change Of Heart For The Cornish Midwife tells Ella and Dans story. Ella and Dan a due to be married when Dans pregnant sister causes them to change the date.
This is the start of sad events that change the future for Ella and Dan. Jo writes beautifully about how being diagnosed with a life changing condition can test even the strongest relationship.
I think this has been my favourite book in the series, my heart was breaking for Ella and Dan and Jo must have put her heart and soul into this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Jo for an early copy of such a wonderful book.

This book is a rollercoaster of emotions but not all to do with babies! I loved being back with the midwives and residents of Port Agnes in Cornwall. This time the focus is on Ella and Dan who have a wedding all booked but when Ella suddenly collapses everything gets turned upside down. Along with this main storyline there are other stories that keep you as the reader totally hooked. All the topics covered are done so sensitively and in my opinion gives a wide perspective of how people cope with difficulties in a variety of ways. One of the things I really love is how Jo brings the characters to life and shows how their relationships develop. A great story about love, family, friendship and life events that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. Although this is the latest instalment in the Cornish Midwife series this can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley, and of course Jo Bartlett for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Book Seven in this beautiful series, Port Agnes Cornwall.
Ella Mehenick Midwifery visit to Liberty farm her soon the be sister in law expecting her forth baby.
The valentine wedding for Ella and Dan Ferguson is only a week away both decide with Lissy's pregnancy not going to plan change the date to the forth of July, Ella wants her maid of honour to be there.
Ella is busy along side Anna and books a doctors appointment probably just tired and stress but the shocking diagnosis put a whole change on her and Dan's future and she shuts him out.
And my tears flowed a lot of the time reading this book, the author has done a superb job, this book is definitely a heart breaker.
A change of heart that this couple realise whatever life holds they are in this together.
Absolutely loved it.

So great to be back with the Cornish midwives again. As the team are so close we get to have an insight into the continued relationships with characters we have come to know in previous books, which is always great (especially when there’s a wedding!). This book brings us back to where we started, with Ella & Dan. Jo Bartlett always manages to write stories that mix in touching, emotional & serious aspects in amongst the fun, romance & daily lives of the characters who populate her books. This book has a particularly touching storyline which is, as always with Jo’s writing, sensitively & respectfully handled without dumbing down the devastation it initially brings to the lives of our two main characters. The loving relationship between Ella & Dan and the strong friendships between all the midwives really help this book remain positive despite the serious storyline & is such a good read.
Once again Jo Bartlett gives readers a wonderful book that is extremely enjoyable. I was excited to read that there is the possibility for a whole new series given the new direction Ella’s life is taking within this book. I really hope this new series comes to fruition (but also that it doesn’t spell the end for our Cornish midwives!).

Addendum: As someone living with a chronic illness that meant I could no longer do the job I adored and had studied & worked so hard to achieve I really empathised with Ella and how her whole being & self-identity is wrapped up in the job she loves & how her diagnosis shakes her sense of self to the very core. After a couple of years of emotional & physical wobbles I’ve since re-trained (which can be tough going with a chronic illness) & started a whole new career that continues to use many of the skills I developed in my old role & brings me satisfaction. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter in Ella’s life brings. Thank you, Jo, for making me feel ‘seen’ within the pages of this book.

Another lovely instalment in the Cornish Midwife series. The book works as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the previous books if you can as it's such a good series!

This book tells the story of midwife Ella and her fiance Dan. After a scare with Dan's sister means Ella and Dan postpone their Valentine's Day wedding, Ella begins to realise she herself is unwell. A shocking diagnosis leaves the couple reeling - can they work through their fears and make it to their wedding day?

I loved revisiting the midwifery team, and although this definitely covered a more serious subject matter than previous books, it was still full of the well-loved characters. Gwen was always there for comedy value, and it was nice to be able to follow the story of Jess in the background. A new spin-off series is suggested at the end of this book - I'm very much looking forward to that!