Member Reviews
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This series finale pulls together the characters we've met throughout the other books, whilst concentrating on Jess' story, the main character in the first book. There is also a thread about Meg and her daughter, Tilly. I have to admit I couldn't warm to Tilly's character and felt some of the details about Tilly and Meg's loss lacked some credibility, such as the plan to celebrate a 'special' birthday so many years after the death of the father / husband. Some parts of the book delivered some excellent twists, and some were predictable but overall this is a good finale in an enjoyable series - if you enjoyed watching Call the Midwife you'll love these books with their colourful characters.
Jo Bartlett's "Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife" is the emotional finale to the beloved Cornish Midwives series, delivering a poignant and heart-warming conclusion that will leave readers reaching for the tissues. With its compelling characters, stunning setting, and tender exploration of love, loss, and the power of family, this novel is a fitting end to a cherished series.
At the heart of the story is midwife Jess, whose journey towards motherhood takes centre stage as she grapples with her own desires, fears, and uncertainties. Having put her own dreams of motherhood on hold after a past heartbreak, Jess finds herself torn when she is asked to care for a tiny baby and new mother in need. As she navigates the complexities of love and loss, Jess must confront her own fears and insecurities in order to find the courage to pursue her own happy ever after.
What sets "Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife" apart is its emotional depth and authenticity. Bartlett's writing is poignant and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and tender moments with grace and sensitivity. From the picturesque Cornish setting to the richly drawn characters, every aspect of the story resonates with warmth and humanity, drawing readers into Jess's world and inviting them to share in her joys and sorrows.
Moreover, Bartlett's portrayal of motherhood is both poignant and powerful, exploring the complexities and challenges of parenthood with honesty and compassion. As Jess grapples with the possibility of opening her heart to another child, readers will find themselves swept up in her journey of self-discovery and growth, rooting for her every step of the way.
Ive really enjoyed this series. I love the characters in this book. There is such an array of personalities and backgrounds.
I really felt for Tess, it made me so sad knowing her heart was broken.
I really enjoyed Meg and Tillys stories too and enjoyed seeing everyones stories come together at the end.
Midwife Jess, deeply passionate about her vocation, cherishes the privilege of dedicating her days to it. However, her career choices have come at a personal cost, as she realizes she may have forfeited her own dreams of motherhood. Despite this, the optimistic Jess chooses to focus on her existing family, including her stepson Riley. When presented with the opportunity to care for a newborn and a struggling mother, Jess faces an unprecedented test, grappling with the possibility of sacrificing her dreams and the fear of enduring another heartbreak. Now, Jess stands at a crossroads, contemplating whether to embrace this chance, listening to her heart, or potentially regretting a decision to turn away from a mother and baby in need.
Centered on a midwifery unit in the village of Port Agnes, The Cornish Midwife series concludes beautifully with Happily Ever After for the Cornish Midwife. The enchanting setting captures the essence of home, and the characters, with their endearing qualities, extend not only mutual support but also contribute to the well-being of their community and its surroundings.
What a wonderful ending to a magnificent series by Jo Bartlett..... Or is it? Who knows, we may be back with them in the future, but at least we will get to see Gwen I the next series.
Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife talks is more of Jess' and Meg's story and they both tear at your heartstrings!!!
Definitely don't miss this one
What a fun and feel good story. Just a cozy and gentle read. The setting is marvelous and the author brings you right to the Cornish village. I highly recommend
It is quite an achievement to tie up all the loose ends and bring a series like The Cornish Midwife to a satisfying conclusion, but Jo Bartlett does it! There are so many characters who have featured. Hopefully, the door has been left open for some future stories. This story centres on Jess who has decisions to make about IVF. If that fails again, she knows that she will have to look at other options. Family and friendship, as ever, are at the heart of the story. There are patients to deal with and big changes for some of the midwives.
Jess never loses sight of the needs of Riley, the little boy she has adopted and knows that he is desperate for a sibling. There are emotional moments in the story and the infertility support group offers reassurance to several, all of whom has a different reason for attending. There are also some funny moments to lighten the stresses. You certainly feel that motherhood is a job for life, as you see the dynamic between family members. Not everyone acts in a way which makes them likeable but you come to appreciate their points of view. This has been such an engrossing series, full of warmth and humanity.
In short: family, friends, support
I totally love the Cornish Midwife series it is such escapism. I have dreams of becoming a midwife and now I would love to become one in Cornwall!! I think the series gets better and better and I love how it keeps feeling new with every installment.
An absolutely fantastic series of books
There are eight books in this series and everyone of them is brilliant
This is the last one in the series and a brilliant one to finish the series
These books just pull you in and your there with the midwifes again
Just brilliant
Thanks NetGalley
The final instalment of the Cornish Midwife series delivers an emotional and touching story. Midwife Jess grapples with her desire for motherhood and the fear of heartbreak, making her a relatable and compelling character. With evocative writing and a narrative centred on family and love, this book is a heartfelt conclusion to the series, sure to bring tears and smiles.
A feel-good, poignant and emotional read that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife concludes best-selling author Jo Bartlett’s fantastic series.
Midwife Jess adores her job. Being a midwife is a vocation which she doesn’t take lightly and she considers herself privileged to be able to spend her days doing something she is so passionate about. But her career has also cost her dearly as she discovered. Having put her own hopes of being a mother on the backburner, Jess fears that that ship might have sailed for good. Never one to focus on the negatives, optimist Jess decides to forget about her heartache and to focus on the family she has and her stepson Riley. However, when she is asked to care for a tiny baby and a new mum in need of support, Jess finds herself tested like never before.
Jess has had her fair share of heartbreak and she isn’t sure she’d be able to cope with another goodbye this time around. But is Jess ready to turn her back on her dreams of motherhood forever? Should she listen to her heart and embrace this chance? Or will refusing to help a mother and baby in need prove to be something that she will end up regretting for the rest of her life?
Jo Bartlett’s books are wonderful Cornish escapes that tug at the heartstrings and soothe the soul and Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife is another gem I absolutely loved. An intense, hopeful and uplifting tale about love, courage and healing best read with a huge box of tissues handy, Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife is an enjoyable and engrossing treat sure to brighten up the gloomiest of days for readers everywhere.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me this ARC. Jo Bartlett definitely knows how to write a cornish escape. Sad it is the last in the series but i think the best was saved until last. I have absolutely adored this series and can't wait to read more Jo Bartlett books in the future.
This has been a fantastic series and it is a great shame that this is the last book. The Cornish midwives unit has gone from strength to strength and they have all had interesting stories to tell.. I really hope that Jo can find another story to tell us even if that made it the last one ever. I will be re-reading the whole series again in the not too distant future and I can really recommend this to everyone. Well worth far more than 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
The perfect end to a brilliant series. !
The Cornish midwife’s has been a fantastic series which has gone from strength to strength . Storylines have all been strong and the reader has been drawn into the various characters stories .
Really sad to see the end of these characters.
Highly Recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Jo Bartlett for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review
I am so pleased that Jo Bartlett has taken readers back to Cornwall for a final instalment of the Cornish Midwife series. I am especially pleased that we revisit Jess & Dexter’s storyline, as out of the entire series that book was the one that I just didn’t like (too many blurring of professional boundaries in Dexter’s social work role that just sat uncomfortably with me). Although there were still some issues with the handling of the social work storyline in this book (I found it difficult to comprehend how Dexter was a fostering social worker in the previous book but seems clueless about their fostering application in this one), I was able to put them down as artistic licence and, unlike the previous Jess storyline, just enjoy the story.
There is a huge ‘happily ever after’ feel to this book & a pulling together of the lives of all the characters.
A lovely feel good book.
This is a bittersweet review, not that the book is an amazing it really is because it’s the last of the series and I’m sad to say goodbye to some of my favourite characters and their stories. This is book eight I can’t believe how quickly I’ve read through all the books and how time flies reading this wonderful series.
So many wonderful characters, the joy, the laughter, the tears, the sad times and happy, beautiful events I have shared with these characters, it’s been a long emotional ride, but always ultimately uplifting. Personally, I don’t recommend reading these as standalone books, I do believe you need to read the whole series in order to enjoy these best, you lose so much if you read them as stand-alone stories and don’t reap the full benefits. But I’m not here to tell you what to do. (But read them all 😁)
There are so many emotional moments, with humour as well to lighten the way. I’m really overjoyed everyone who thoroughly deserved a happy ending got one, although sad to leave these characters behind, it’s on a positive note they are ending on. This series has been full of so much hope, love and warmth, I am looking forward very much to Jo Bartlett’s future books and the emotion they will bring too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was really nice to see that it was Jess at the heart and centre of this story. As it's been really nice to follow her journey throughout the books so far and really nice to see her get her happily ever after with Dexter and Riley. . We also see more of Meg in this book too. Who is moving on from her own bereavement, facing some big changes in her life, navigating a relationship with Tilly but all with the support of the lovely Johnny.
Some very sensitive topics in this book handled very carefully.
It was really nice to see the conclusion of this series and finding out what has happened to all of the characters and where their lives will take them.
You can read this as a standalone as well as in the series order.
A brilliant finale for an amazing series. I have loved following the midwives through the series and love knowing what have happened with them all.
Gives you a warm glow and can't wait to read them all again.
Love a happy ending.
I'm both happy to be writing this review for. The last ever Cornish Midwife book, and sad because the wonderful series is over.
These books are brilliant. Real life issues, wonderful characters, fan friendships and a beautiful setting. Highly recommended reads.
I have loved following the fortunes of all the Cornish midwives over the series and this book was no exception. Bitter sweet, though, as I definitely wasn't ready to say goodbye to them. Will there be a new book/collection catching up with them all a few years on? We can only hope!