Mending Hearts at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett #Review
A fresh start…
For A&E nurse Eden Grainger, Port Kara offers more than just a safe haven. It's a chance to break free from her ex Jesse and start a new life. Her focus now is solely on her four-year-old son, Teddie, whose autism means he sees the world in his own unique way.
A guarded heart…
Pathologist Drew Redford prefers to keep himself to himself in the busy hospital. Shaped by family loss and navigating life with high-functioning autism, he finds comfort in certainty. But when Eden and Teddie enter his world, an unexpected connection forms, especially through his gentle interactions with little Teddie.
A kindred connection…
Despite a growing fondness, both Eden and Drew are cautious. Eden is wary of repeating old mistakes, and Drew struggles with letting people in. But Teddie continues to bring them together and Eden thinks this could be the start of something really special. But when Jesse returns, Eden is thrown into turmoil and makes a mistake that could cost her everything.
Now Drew must decide if protecting his heart means losing the unexpected warmth Eden and Teddie have brought into his life.
My Thoughts
This is a lovely addition to the series with the focus on Eden and Drew. Although on the surface, they present as very different personalities, as you discover, they have a lot in common. Eden is the mother of a four year old boy,Teddy, who is on the autistic spectrum. How she feels about this and how other people react to both him and her show you a lot about what sort of person Eden is. Teddy is the centre of her world. She is recovering from a toxic relationship and understandably wary of starting anything new. Eden is a dedicated nurse who puts on a front with her colleagues, not wanting them to guess about her personal issues. Her relationship with her mother is particularly difficult but shows her own qualities as a mother.
Both Eden and Drew have been shaped by their experiences as children and as Drew is on the autistic spectrum, he understands some of the issues which Eden faces with Teddy. Drew finds it hard to read social situations and has managed to cover this up by avoiding occasions when it might be an issue. He too is wary of relationships and has resigned himself to this. Others see him as an impressive character and his kindness and clear thinking shine through.
As the series continues, it is good to meet up again with colleagues and friends at the hospital, especially Gwen who is as irrepressible as ever.
In short: family, community, taking a risk
About the Author
Jo Bartlett was born a stone’s throw from the English Channel and still lives near the sea in Kent, with her family, so close to the South Eastern edge of England that they're very nearly French. It's probably why so many of her books are set near the sea too. Jo has made up stories for as long as she can remember, but never really took it any further, until a catalyst called cancer gave her the impetus to follow her dreams.
Since having her debut novel published in 2015, Jo has had numerous bestsellers in the UK, the USA, Australia and Canada, including a UK Top 10. Jo writes contemporary women’s fiction, with stories that focus on love, friendship, family and community. Since joining Boldwood Books in 2021, Jo has had twelve bestselling novels across The Cornish Midwife and Cornish Country Hospital series.
You can follow Jo here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter sign up | Bookbub profile
Thanks to Jo Bartlett, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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