Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Midwife Izzy is devastated to learn that her beloved grandmother is dying. Abandoned as a baby by her own mother, her grandparents have been the only family Izzy has ever known and she wants to spend every last precious moment with them. All of the midwifes are such a close knit community and really cherish their clients but also each other and this is so nice as you know that they would all be there for each other when needed. It feels like the kind of work environment that anyone would want to be in, where your colleagues become your friends. This is a fabulous book to read on a bright and sunny day in a garden, or well anywhere! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
However while the big day approaches disaster strikes, and their perfect day seems destined not to happen after all. Anna is certain that it is a sign to slow things down. I really loved getting to know the other midwifes in the unit where Ella is working temporarily, as well her her catching up with old friends and loves. Everyone can see that they are made for each other, then a scandal breaks involving Noah’s father, this brings the press into the equation. Noah then decides he must leave when they decide to hunt down Izzy. Noah is leaving to protect her. Izzy views it as him running away when the going gets tough Dan Ferguson is her only problem, who seems to be hellbent on destroying a local landmark, which is going to rip the heart right out of Port Agnes. When Dan winds up being the only person that can help Ella, after one high risk pregnancy puts one patient in danger, she learns that he is not the man she believed him to be. However getting to know the real Dan is not quite as easy as she would like it to be. The village of St Agnes becomes a character in its own right and there is a superb sense of place, with the Cornish landscape brought to life with vivid descriptions. I’ve always loved Cornwall and could easily visualise the typical landscape in my mind.The characters were wonderfully developed and interesting, each of them having unique traits that changed the dynamic of the village considerably. Ella is one of those characters you just want the absolute best for, and I found myself really rooting for her and her happiness from the start. The Setting: 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. Jo Bartlett immediately wins over my heart when she pops me into a small seaside town where the sounds, sights and smells are seamlessly worked into the narrative. Ella, our protagonist, draws her strength from her family and small community of Port Agnes. By describing the businesses, locals and tourists who make up the town, the author allows readers to experience Port Agnes through Ella’s eyes and heart.
The Story: This is a feel-good tale. I’ll admit, there are some cringe-worth moments, especially with Weller (whom, we should not be too hasty to judge), but the overarching sentiments are hope and love. Loose ends are all neatly tied up at the close and we have a pretty good idea of what’s happening with various members of the Ella’s immediate circle. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in St Agnes with Ella, her friends and family (and, of course Dan ❤️). It was definitely the right book at the right time for me, for although it was a warm and engaging read, there was also depth to the story with more serious issues. It obviously has some romance, actually for more than one couple, with the will they/won’t they question keeping me guessing. The book follows Ella as she learns the ropes of midwifery and gets to know the people of Port Agnes. She befriends the other midwives, including the kind and experienced Rose, and she also reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Dan.
Customer reviews
Her only problem is Dan Ferguson, who seems hell bent on destroying a local landmark, which will tear the heart out of Port Agnes. When Dan turns out to be the one person who can help Ella, after a high risk pregnancy puts a patient in danger, she discovers he’s not the man she thought he was. But getting to know the real Dan is not as easy as she’d like it to be… After an accident involving Ella that could have been worse after Dan gives her some home truths she finally realises her answer… Dan: Our male protagonist is book boyfriend worthy with his charm, compassion and ambition. I wish we’d had a couple chapters from his perspective to really make his character shine. That said, however, through his interactions with Ella and others, his motivations are made quite clear. There is strong cast of supporting characters and a great feeling of camaraderie with Ella’s new work colleagues and they all have their own stories which become intertwined with hers. Ella was a much wanted baby and her parents still treat her like precious china, to the point of not so subtly trying to interfere in her life, for what they see as the best of reasons! Her father Jago is particularly stubborn and loyal to his Cornish heritage which causes some anguish and drama. He has a particular dislike of property developers who he perceives to be spoiling his beloved town. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I can truthfully say that it won’t be the last. I loved the way in which this story was written, it really allows us to connect with Ella and understand her passion for her job on a much deeper level. The relationship between Ella and Dan was also lovely to follow, as they got to know one another once again, and had to face up to their past and what caused the demise of their romance all those years ago.
Cornwall has been my perfect holiday destination for many years, so any story that is set in this beautiful part of the world instantly grasps my attention. In fact just due to Ella being a midwife, there is a fair bit of drama involved in this book as let's face it babies have a mind of their own when it comes to when they want to enter the world, and giving birth never sounds like the simplest of things either. The Midwife Role: I’ve always thought what a noble but often undervalued profession. I adored the midwives I met during my pregnancies and really enjoyed seeing the same spirit of commitment and competence reflected in the characters of this novel. Through the midwife unit in Port Agnes, readers get a sense of the inner workings of the town and the types of people living there.I always really enjoy books with a strong sense of place and community, and you won’t find it done much better than this. The whole book has the feel of a Sunday night series, that strong central story line and established characters interspersed with dramatic moments they encounter – the obvious comparison is Call the Midwife, but with a contemporary setting, but (perhaps because of its setting too) I couldn’t help getting more of a feeling of Doc Martin (and they’re both series I always enjoy). And it also has the feel of a really involving saga, although I know that’s not a term often used for a story very much set in the present day. I could put on my own art exhibition in Pottery and Paper, with a gallery of all the willy pictures I’ve been sent! I never knew they could come in so many shapes and sizes, and there are enough variations in colour to rival a Dulux paint chart.” As Ella settles into her new life, she faces some challenges. She must deal with the emotional fallout of her broken engagement, and she also has to learn to cope with the physical demands of midwifery. But through it all, she finds strength and support in the people of Port Agnes. I really enjoyed this book, it was such a down to earth story that felt so true and realistic. There were lots of mentions of births and babies (I mean, what do you expect from a book with midwife in the title) but it wasn't overpowering and it wasn't graphic. The community feel of this book made me think of a modern day Call The Midwife which I really loved. With some trepidation she has to face her old friends and old flame. Lots of work to do as she is hoping to return to London.
I feel like any review I leave will not do this book justice. I loved this quaint little story based around a group of midwives in Cornwall. I’ve never been to Cornwall myself, but I know there are some picturesque villages along the seaside, and this is exactly the village in which the book was set. Ella is the main character and she has been through more than a lot, and is very relatable to many readers for her overthinking personality, but always wanting to do the best for her family to make them proud, and in the process forgets about making herself happy. Working as a community midwife keeps her busy and, even if some of the locals seem to have an unhealthy fascination with the breakdown of her relationship, the other midwives soon make her feel like one of the team. Despite her disastrous dating history, Ella manages to play matchmaker to her new best friend and even dodges her parents’ attempts to get her to settle down with the boy next door. And I'm so glad I did decide to read it, from the first chapter I felt rather comforted by the writing style. I can't put my finger on what it was, but it felt familiar and warm, and almost like I was coming home. The fact the first chapter was full of drama possibly helped too. Ella: Our protagonist is the epitome of sweetness and drive. I’ll admit, Ella’s determination to do what she perceives as right by her parents got a little much at times, as it’s blatantly obvious her parents simply want her to be happy. However, that’s pretty much a main conundrum Ella has to work through. She must figure out why she is so compelled to over achieve. At what point will she be ‘enough’? I love that we’re allowed to see Ella in her various roles: as midwife, friend, daughter and romantic interest. We’re also privy to her growth in each area. And Port Agnes the Cornish setting for this gorgeous book, was just perfect. I loved the sense of community there, even if Ella isn't as keen on it, given the circumstances of her own homecoming. She perhaps would have preferred a bit more anonymity than she has.When Izzy and Noah are brought together to support grieving parents, Noah reaches breaking point. He can't stay in Port Agnes and live a lie. But Izzy is adamant it’s the only place she can be…. I freaking loved Noah. I didn't think I would at first because I'm always a bit wary of religion, but I loved his drive and how he was always chasing a challenge. I loved seeing him work through his own crisis of faith, and open up his faith to others and support them however he could. I loved Frankie's positivity, how even though she was so understandably sad she was still a light to those around her. I want more of her story because the bits told in A Leap of Faith for the Cornish Midwife made me really care for her and her happiness. There is so much to love about this charming story including an enchanting setting and endearing characters. Ella is a fantastic character, excellent at her job, she is calm and efficient and is a great help to the expectant mothers in the village, one or two of which rely on her rather more than strictly necessary as she can’t help involving herself in their problems. It’s just a pity she finds it so difficult making up her own mind about what what she wants for her future! I did admit to being a little frustrated at times when she kept flip flopping about her own plans but expecting others to fall in with hers.
Great Deal 
New Comment