Book Review - A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

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Title: A Fresh Start at the Cornish Country Hospital

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When life changes in an instant, how do you find the courage to begin again? ❤️‍🩹

A&E doctor, Eve Bellingham’s life changed forever the night her fiancé Max was the victim of a brutal attack. Now, two years later, she has moved her life to Cornwall and is working at St Piran’s Hospital, helping his family cope as Max struggles with his devastating injuries.

But though Eve’s loyalty has never wavered, the man she loved is gone. Annie - Max’s mother - still clings to the hope that one day everything will return to how it was, but Eve isn't so sure it ever will. Torn between duty and despair, Eve feels trapped in a life that no longer fits.

Then she meets Felix Grainger, the dedicated occupational therapist helping Max towards independence. With kindness and quiet strength, he awakens feelings Eve thought she’d lost forever.

To seize her second chance, Eve must risk breaking the only family she’s ever known. Because sometimes, letting go is the bravest way to begin again.

An uplifting and heartwarming story by bestseller Jo Bartlett set in the gorgeous community of Port Agnes.

I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with empathy and admiration for Eve throughout this book.  She is one amazing character, that just wants her own family, and is willing to put everyone else's needs ahead of her own. 

Ok at some points I wanted to shake her for that too, but her heart was always in the right place. But she is definitely trapped in her life at the moment. 

Before she moved to Cornwall, she was engaged to Max and then one night he was brought into the A&E she was working in, with a life altering brain injury.  His family are in Cornwall and Eve moved down there to help support them and constantly visits Max even though he clearly has changed beyond recognition. 

But she starts to strike up a friendship with Felix, Max's occupational therapist, who is back in Cornwall himself after needing to get away thanks to a tricky a tricky ex. And it definitely awakens all sorts of thoughts from both of them. 

They also start to work a lot closer together, on a few cases that come into A&E, while at the same time Eve starts to wonder if she should open up to her colleagues about anything.  None of them know about Max. 

I thoroughly was gripped and hooked on the stories of both Felix and Eve, and I was also hoping for only good things for Max and his family.  It's a bit tricky at times but it's eye opening, heartwarming and ultimately left me feeling very satisfied. 

It's another wonderful book set in St Piran with plenty of familiar characters, including Gwen, who is as wonderful as ever! I don't think I've written a Jo Bartlett St Piran based review without commenting on ever present Gwen, who by now must be one of my favourite all time characters. And she definitely made me laugh in this one too. 

This is a brilliant book and another triumph for this series. 

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

Book Review - The Secret Divorcée by The Secret Divorcée - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: The Secret Divorcée

Author: The Secret Divorcée

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 1st January 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas is over. And so is my marriage…

Twenty years of marriage. Twenty years of ignored red flags. And one very smug ex-girlfriend.

He seemed perfect at first. Don’t they always? I fell fast, and I fell hard. So when I discovered his secret double life, suddenly all those years of feeling paranoid made sense.

I had two options (well three, if you count me and my best friend with two spades and a suspicious willingness to serve hard time):

1. Stay for the kids

2. Sacrifice my sanity to divorce the b*stard

The Secret Divorcée is my unfiltered story of falling for a red flag, betrayal, bad decisions, and how to turn heartbreak into hilarity – fuelled by wine and a side hustle my mother must never, ever find out about.

Oh this was just brilliant.  

At times I wanted to laugh, at others I wanted to wring Tom's neck - ok that would be almost the whole time with regards to Tom. 

What a see you next Tuesday he is. He is one of those most despicable sorts of men, and poor poor Cassie just fell for his persona completely. 

Well until 20 years later she discovers definite proof that has been cheating on her, and then she grows a backbone with the help of a good friend. 

Seeing her determination to rebuild her life, after giving over complete and utter control of everything to her hopefully soon to be ex-husband was inspiring. 

I was absolutely loving her new side hustle which added a definite comedic and light hearted element to the story. 

And with how it ends, all I can say is more please! I'd love  sequel as I need to know what might be happening next to Cassie, while hoping she stays strong. 

An inspired bit of writing that felt so real,  I was hooked from start to finish. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The One Where They Fall In Love by Cristina Wolf

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Title: The One Where They Fall In Love

Author: Cristina Wolf

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 13th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

You never know when love may come knocking...

Hopeless romantic and romance editor Elle Thompson lives for happy endings – but real-life love? Not so much. Still, she's totally thrilled when her best friend gets engaged. Really. Not jealous at all.

Meanwhile, Oliver Cole likes things a certain way. Schedules and routines and order. So when his move back to New York is disrupted by the addition of Thor – the dog his sister adopted before moving to Italy – he's less than delighted. Even less enthused? His neighbour, Elle.

When Elle can't bear to hear Thor howling all night, she and Oliver strike a deal: she'll dog-sit during his shifts. But their reluctant arrangement soon leads to late-night chats, undeniable chemistry, and two guarded hearts learning to open up. Could Elle and Oliver finally get their own happily ever after?

Cristina Wolf is fast becoming a new favourite author of mine, that is two books out of two now that she has written and that I have totally fallen in love with. 

Elle our leading lady is best friends with Lucy from "How to Write a Rom-Com" so the books are related, but I do believe this can be read as a total standalone.  But why deprive yourself of an excellent other book! 

So Elle is trying to get used to living alone and she has a new neighbour.  Who just happens to be rather noisy, and worse seems to leave his poor dog alone all night barking.    Ollie is in fact a med student and working shifts, and is looking after Thor for his sister, and trying to get used to being back in New York. 

There is a wonderful meet cute between them, which I think could be referred to as the one where Elle sleeps outside Ollie's door all night, while letting Thor lick peanut butter off her fingers! 

For you see there are Friends references throughout this, which I absolutely adored and given the title of the book probably shouldn't be a surprise to hear either! 

I loved how Ollie and Elle start pet sharing Thor and at the same time Elle is determined to get Ollie happier to be in New York since she loves a project. She also sees Ollie for who he really is which is really refreshing. 

I loved the connection between our two leads, in this grumpy - sunshine rom com, and generally enjoyed all of the writing and character development. 

This is a fun story with depth and I was totally hooked on this. 

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

Book Review - Marry Me in Seahaven Bay by Nicola May

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Title: Marry Me in Seahaven Bay

Author: Nicola May

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Publication Date: 19th June 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

The emotional and uplifting new novel from the author of the million-copy bestselling Cockleberry Bay series.

Life at the Seahaven Bay Retreat is flourishing, but Rita Jory’s second chance at happiness is about to face its biggest test yet. When Jago’s glamorous French ex-wife appears on the doorstep with a five-year-old daughter in tow, their blossoming relationship hangs by a thread.

Between juggling retreat guests seeking healing, her daughter Sennen’s desperate need for a last-minute wedding venue, and dealing with Elodie's impossible demands, Rita’s already stretched to breaking point.

Then some very unexpected news forces her to reconsider everything she thought she wanted. But can she trust Jago with her secret, and embrace the new life ahead?

Rita must decide whether to protect her heart or fight for her future.

A joyful, tender and laugh-out-loud tale of family, forgiveness and finding the courage to say yes to life’s beautiful surprises. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

What a brilliant second book in this Seahaven Bay series. 

But I can't believe that the author was determined to start by making Rita and Jory rather unstable, just because books need conflict.  It seems rather cruelty to them, especially with everything Rita has been through. 

But me thinking these characters are real aside, I loved seeing how the retreats are now going and what improvements had been to the area since our last visit.  

And it was wonderful to catch up with Hildy, Zenya, Teo, Sennen and Thom too, plus Rita's best friend Kelly as well. 

There's a blast from Jago's past involved, as well as some sabotage present in this book too.. 

Add in some very surprising news for Rita, and a new direction for Seahaven Bay Retreat to possibly go in, and you have this fabulous mix for this highly engaging book. 

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

Book Review - Never To Be Found by Jo Spain

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Title: Never To Be Found

Author: Jo Spain

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Zaffre

Publication Date: 2nd July 2026 

Rating: 5 Stars

She helped him disappear.

She'll wish she hadn't . . .

In Japan, one hundred thousand people voluntarily disappear every year, aided by those who help them start over. They call them Johatsu - the evaporated.

I brought the idea to England. No judgement, no questions. Just new identities, packed bags, and discreet escape plans from abusive partners, debt, or simply lives that no longer fit.

I thought I was doing something good - honourable, even. Until now.

I know now that not everyone is fleeing hardship. I've helped someone who committed a crime to flee the police. I've disappeared a murderer.

And unless I find him, I don't know what he'll do next . . .

Right from the prologue when the Japanese concept of Johatsu, the evaporated, is explained , I was intrigued and hooked. Especially on discovering the main character, Veronica is someone who helps others disappear from their lives. 

But what is soon apparent is that if you need to find someone that has used your disappearing services, it is rather hard to track them down. Especially if you are informed that you have aided a double murderer to escape from the police. 

Which is exactly the situation Veronica finds herself in, which leads to a really tense read, as things start to unravel. 

It's also interesting to discover just why Veronica is in the line of work that she does, and her personal connection to it.  In the backstory chapters, we get to see and know a part of Japanese life that tends to stay rather under the radar, but is fascinating. 

There are some epic twists in this that I am kicking myself for not seeing coming, and I couldn't read this fast enough. 

Easily one of my favourite books from Jo Spain, it had me guessing, second guessing and addicted. 

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

Book Review - One Minute Away by Mark Watson

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Title: One Minute Away

Author: Mark Watson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 17th July 2025

Rating: 4 Stars

That's three sashimi rolls. Two vegetable dumplings. One life-changing encounter. Your delivery is on its way …

For delivery rider Damir, time is money.

He races through cycle lanes next to Uber drivers and grocery vans, delivering your every desire. He arrives with your sushi rolls and pizzas and disappears into the night – Ping! Onto the next drop.

He is invisible: one player in the boardgame of the city.

But one summer’s evening, in a postcode that could be another universe, Damir arrives on Decca’s doorstep and there’s an immediate connection between them.

The man on the bike crosses the divide – suddenly fully seen. And a throwaway delivery sparks a chain of events that will change all their lives, forever.

This has really opened my eyes as to the realities that food delivery drivers are exposed to.  It's a really hard job, especially if you are only on a bicycle (something I'll personally never be happy to see on a longer pick up of mine, as less chance of food being warm still). 

It's interesting to see how Damir, is always on the clock, makes every second count, and is just trying to do his best, alongside his best friend Goran.  Damir has inspired thoughts about the process of being a delivery driver, and just how they are perceived in society. 

After two very different visits to the same property his life changes, as he meets Decca.  They are worlds apart, but clearly attracted to each other. 

This is a fascinating story, about a profession that I've not really seen in a book before.  It highlights how hard it is to work and be present in a world where too many treat you like you are invisible. 

This is the first book I have read from comedian Mark Watson, and I was highly impressed by it. 

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

Book Review - The Midwife by the Sea by Jo Bartlett

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Title: The Midwife By The Sea

Author: Jo Bartlett

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 4th August 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When midwife Hope Masterson arrives in Cornwall to start her dream job by the sea, she’s ready for a fresh start and a chance to make a real difference to the lives of the women and babies she cares for.

Working between St Piran’s hospital and the community midwifery unit of Port Agnes, Hope quickly finds herself drawn into the lives of her patients and colleagues. From dramatic deliveries and joyous newborns to heartbreaking struggles with infertility, she is on hand to share in all the hopes, worries and incredible love that motherhood can bring.

But Hope is carrying a secret that could change everything – and she faces an impossible dilemma.

Should she reveal the truth and shatter the lives of those around her, or protect the fragile happiness of the family she’s only just found?

As friendships deepen, romance blooms and emotions run high, Hope must decide whether some secrets are better left untold… and what it truly means to belong.

A gorgeously heartfelt, uplifting and unputdownable story of love, family and the many different paths to motherhood, by Top Ten bestselling author Jo Bartlett.

It is becoming very apparent to me that Jo Bartlett and midwives go hand in hand, as this is now the start of her second series featuring them.  In fact this one is very much related and interlinked with both of the author's previous two series set in the Three Ports area of Cornwall. 

So we are treated to a whole host of familiar characters, if you are a regular reader of the author, including Gwen who I'm always happy to see pop up, while it can easily be read as a standalone. 

I loved getting to know our new main character Hope, who is working in the settings for both previous series, the community midwife unit and St Piran's hospital.  I loved being back at the community midwife unit, and this really was a book that felt instantly familiar to me. 

It was a truly enjoyable story, that I loved every moment of and couldn't read quick enough.  It was emotional in places, and Hope has some incredibly tricky decisions to make, and I really admired how much she cared for other people and not just for herself. 

I already can't wait to read more from these characters. 

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

Book Review - Murder Off The Page by Maggie Allswell

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Title: Murder Off The Page

Author: Maggie Allswell

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 1st July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

When the local fish and chip shop owner is found dead next to the fryer, is it a case of wrong plaice, wrong time or is a killer on the loose in the village?

Judy is reading late one night when a knock at the door disturbs her. Local teenager Megan has discovered her boss Colin, owner of local fish and chip shop The Codfather, lying dead next to the fryer. Found with the book club pick of the month at his side, surely Judy and her crime-loving book group can help?

The local police haven’t a clue, but as Judy gathers her bookish friends, they soon uncover more suspects than they bargained for. Was it John from rival fish and chip shop Salty Towers, the estranged brother who stands to inherit the family business? Or is there something fishy about Dazza, the new handyman who carries an empty toolbox? But when they both appear to have solid alibis, the book club are worried there are more red herrings in this case than they had counted on.

When another body is found, Judy realises that time is running out to crack the case before the killer strikes again. Can Judy and her book club follow in the footsteps of their fictional detective heroes to uncover the murderer before someone else is found sleeping with the fishes?

An absolutely hilarious and unputdownable new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

This is set just after the first book finishes (I mean the next day), so I'm very happy I chose to binge read both books together. Means I now have a far better grip on the characters, and they should stay in my head for next books a lot more.  However does mean I have no idea if this works as a standalone as I was too gripped in this heatwave to think! 

What a great mystery this was, at times I was giggling, and others was scratching my head as to what the answer was, and just who the murderer is. 

The serial killer's book club are back on the case, and this time they are in part trying to prove that Judy is innocent, as well as trying to work out who killed The Codfather proprietor Colin. 

We are introduced to all manner of new characters, in addition to what is a rather complex case. This includes the local policeman who seems rather close to useless, but is rather suggestible thankfully. 

Jack is like an over excited puppy for most of the book, he fancies Talisha like mad, is very happy to be going undercover, and then doesn't seem to know when he should be quiet. 

The dynamics between the various club members are highly amusing and I have a big soft spot for all them. 

This is an example of an author coming into her stride properly in her new genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

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

Book Review - Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker

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Title: Escape to the Turquoise Seas

Author: Carrie Walker

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: 16th July 2026

Rating: 5 Stars

Kat Brennan has always been the work-hard, play-harder type, navigating single life in London and the chaos of her job at Northstar PR. So when Excalibur Cruises invite her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss she's indispensable... and to finally relax a little.

But the last person she wants to get stuck on a boat with is industry hotshot Leo Kendrick, the CEO of rival agency Amplify – and Kat's nemesis. When Leo bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Leo has become a distractingly attractive opponent.

As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon via Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing rocking the boat…

I think this could be my favourite Carrie Walker novel so far, given how much I love cruising. 

And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold.  Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in  as much stuff as possible. 

After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything. 

These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce. 

I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores.  And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too. 

I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it. 

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

Book Review - The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje

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Title: The Talk of the Party

Author: Foluso Agbaje

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: 21st May 2026

Rating: 3 Stars

In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out?

‘A glamorous, dramatic portrait of the lives, desires, and tensions of Nigeria’s upper class.' Oyinkan Braithwaite

Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…

The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.

Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.

As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…

This was really tough to read, and I think it's because I read it on the kindle.  Had I had a paperback version where I could very easily constantly refer to the character list and the incredibly useful and extensive list of Nigerian vocabulary and phrases at the start, so I could translate what I was reading, it would have been a bit easier to read. 

As there are a really large number of characters, and they rightly are all speaking their local dialect which I believe is authentic, but as someone unfamiliar with it, it just take a lot longer to read. 

Each chapter focuses on a different character, from various members of Bukola Obanile's family, to their family driver and Fran the event planner. Many of them are hiding things from each other, but the reader is privy to some things right up front. 

This is a fascinating look at life in Lagos, although at times the book switched locations to England so quickly, and without warning that I was often confused. 

And all of this background is of course incredibly needed and I kept reading in the hopes that the payoff would be worth it.  Well for me the story became unputdownable around the 70% mark, and I was invested in what would happen. 

But for me, as someone that loves books set in exotic locations, stories that feature rich people, and thrillers, well it just fell a bit flat all around overall.   That being said I can't help but feel that had I been able to spare the time to read this in slightly longer stints, like by a pool on holiday, then I would have felt differently, so I think the issues I had were mine, and not the book. 

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.