Series Name: The Cornish Midwife, # 6
‘That’s why I love you,’ Frankie clapped her hand over her mouth as soon as the words were out, widening her eyes as she tried to read Guy’s expression, but the smile hadn’t left his face. It was broader than ever.
Mistletoe and Magic for the Cornish Midwife is another heartwarming, charming tale from author Jo Bartlett.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
But for single mum and busy midwife Nadia, it’s quickly turning into her worst Christmas ever.
Her marriage is over, and whilst her husband has moved on, Nadia finds herself back home, squashed into her mum’s spare room with her two small children. They might not be a perfect family anymore, but Nadia is determined to make this Christmas special for them.
Dr Hamish Spencer totally understands Nadia’s pain. As a fellow single parent, he’s struggling to cope with a rebellious teen daughter and a precocious six-year-old! Perhaps if he and Nadia join forces, they could make this Christmas slightly more memorable for everyone?
The last thing Nadia wants is a new man in her life, but she’d definitely like lovely Hamish as a friend. But Christmas has a way of melting the hardest of hearts and maybe a kiss under the mistletoe could change everything?
One of the things that always amazes me about this series is Jo’s ability to make each story so unique and have so much depth. Mistletoe and Magic for the Cornish Midwife is another fantastic installment in this series. I devoured it in one day! Like all of Jo’s books, this story is character-driven, and it is full of outstanding and realistic characters that will have you laughing and crying throughout this book. In this book, we follow Nadia and Frankie, a mother-daughter duo going through big changes in their lives. Nadia has moved back home with her kiddos and is newly separated from her husband. And Frankie is going back to school and starting a new relationship. I loved Frankie right from the beginning of this series, and I am so glad it’s her time in the spotlight. I never know what direction Jo is going to take her books. She is great at keeping her readers on their toes and keeping us guessing what is going to happen next. This book has a beautiful blend of realism and romantic charm. For every sad or tough event in this book, Jo makes sure she counters it with some humour (usually involving Gwen, a midwife).
Jo’s stories stand out for me because of all the midwives’ patients. We get to meet women from all different walks of life, and their stories are joyous, heartbreaking, funny, and touching. I reached for a tissue when Nadia was helping Ginny with her pregnancy. Without giving too much away, Ginny finds out that she has breast cancer and is struggling with whether she should get treatment or wait until after the baby is born. I am telling you this whole side story really was tugging at those heartstrings. Jo’s attention to detail makes these scenes so powerful, as all the thought she puts into these stories. I can really tell she did her homework and brings to life the importance of women’s health issues.
Frankie and Guy’s love story is utterly adorable. Guy is just a cuddly sweetheart. I want to just reach in and hug him. The big hurdle for these two concerns Frankie’s son and mother approving of her being in a relationship. My heart broke for Frankie, but the fact that Guy didn’t pressure her to make a decision and made sure he was there to support her made my heart glow with happiness.
Nadia’s love story with Hamish is a bit bumpier. Nadia and Hamish are both single parents and have complicated romantic pasts. There are a lot more hot and cold moments between these two. Neither is sure they should take that first step in creating a romantic relationship. One of the big problems is Hamish’s eldest daughter Saff who disapproves of Hamish having any romantic relationship. She reacts aggressively to any woman who appears to have romantic interests in Hamish, including Nadia. Part of me felt bad for Saff, who lost her mother when she was a little girl, but her behaviour was pretty inexcusable in my eyes. Part of me wishes that there was a scene near the end of the book where Nadia and Saff connected more. It just felt like things were left hanging a bit. Overall I enjoyed these two as a couple although they weren’t my favourite pairing. That title goes to Frankie and Guy.
Mistletoe and Magic for the Cornish Midwife is a wonderful book that will have you laughing and crying.
Thank you, Boldwood Books and Rachel Random Resources, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
