Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

 

As the sun crests the indigo Lake District hills and blossom froths in the trees, midwife Zoe Padbury reaches for her boyfriend’s hand. Her life, at this moment, feels perfect. She has no idea of the storm clouds that lie ahead…

The villagers of Thimblebury know that midwife Zoe Padbury loves babies and now that she’s settled at Hilltop Farm with her boyfriend Alex, they can’t resist wondering when she’s going to start a family of her own.

Yet it doesn’t feel like quite the right time. Alex is so busy and Zoe has her hands full with all her new mums to look after. Still, she has hopes for the future…

But what she doesn’t expect is to walk into her cosy kitchen and find Alex’s glamorous ex-girlfriend sitting at the scrubbed pine kitchen table. Virginia claims to be helping Alex with work but as she looks Zoe up and down and offers her a perfectly manicured hand to shake, Zoe can’t ignore a shiver of foreboding. What will this mean for her and Alex?

Zoe tries to quash the pangs of jealousy that wash over her, but with Virginia around what feels like all hours of the day, she and Alex end up in a devastating argument. And when she receives some news that changes everything, she doesn’t know if she can share her troubles… Can they find their way back to each other? Or will these storm clouds break their bond forever?

A completely heartwarming read about trusting the one you love when times get tough. Fans of Jo Bartlett and Jessica Redland will laugh, cry and root for Zoe in Storm Clouds Ahead for the Village Midwife.

What did I think?

This is the 4th book in the Midwife series - and I have been looking forward to reading it. For once I have read the entire series - in the right order - and I do think this is the best way as the books do follow on from each other.

I enjoyed being back in Thimbleberry and catching up with Zoe. There are several strands of stories running through the book - covering the bright and breezy and the not so fluffy. For this reason I find these books very relatable - not everything is sugar coated. And as a woman of a certain age I found it so interesting (I'm not going to give anything away) 

I'm a bit sad that the next book will be the last in the series (or so I am I led to believe)

What everyone is saying about Tilly Tennant:

‘Literally couldn’t put it down! Makes you laugh and tugs at the heartstrings, all in one go!… absolutely perfect!… breath-taking… made me cry and it made me laugh… filled me with warm feelings.’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I was hooked! Every chapter left me wanting to carry on reading. My housework and family have pretty much been neglected whilst I have read this!… This is the perfect holiday read, or lazy Sunday afternoon read or that perfect distraction to a dreary weekday commute.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved every minute of it… I was glued to my Kindle for a few days that’s for sure!… A really brilliant read that will leave you hooked even after a few pages.’ The Cosiest Corner, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… If you’ve not read any books by this author, why the heck not?! Do it now… you won’t regret it! I just love love loved it.’ StefLoz Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous, feel-good book that will make you go through every single emotion possible. It’s an absolute gem of a book and one simply not to be missed.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Aww what a beautiful read this was!!!… fantastic… made me laugh out loud… an absolutely gorgeous read.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved this… Drew me in from the first page… Put a smile on my face, a warm feeling in my heart from beginning to end… Perfect to cuddle up with.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Dinner at Wisteria House by Sue Roberts

On a peaceful avenue stands the once-grand Wisteria House. Now it’s split into apartments, occupied by strangers who rarely say hello. Could one last dinner party bring it to life again?

Ninety-year-old Alice has one last to fill her new home with light and laughter, just like when her husband was alive. So she sets out her favourite plates, opens an old recipe book, and sends invitations to the neighbours she’s certain need friendship just as much as she does…

Declan hasn’t believed he deserves to follow his dreams since he tragically lost his sister.

Jess has been working herself to the bone to provide for her little daughter and has no time for joy in her own life.

Mark, a widower, has been isolated in his grief for so long.

Over a shared meal, Alice reminds each of them that sharing stories keeps those we love alive, and that time is our most precious gift. As they hug goodbye, everyone feels lighter than they have in years. Little do they know Alice has her own secret reason for gathering them together…

The next morning the tenants receive terrible news. Is their first dinner party destined to be the last? With Wisteria House under threat, can they come together to save the one place that has only just started to feel like home? Or will they lose their little community just when they need it most?

This absolutely gorgeous, emotional and uplifting novel of finding friendship in the most unexpected of places is perfect for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, Sally Page and Kate Storey.

What did I think?

I have read quite a few of Sue's books but I found this one quite different from her earlier titles. But in a good way. I really enjoyed this one.

Loved the setting of Wisteria House - it was a character in the book itself. The characters were so well written and the story so uplifting.

This book contained a few of my favourite things when I'm reading - a dual timeline and short chapters. I wasn't in a rush to read the whole story  but the short chapters made it feel a breeze.

A proper feel good story from start to finish - of friendships, of second chances and optimism.

A lovely read.

Christmas for the Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

 

Snow crunches underfoot, lights twinkle on the lakes, and in the little village of Thimblebury, midwife Zoe is hoping for more than one Christmas miracle…

Christmas has crept up on village midwife, Zoe Padbury. The little village of Thimblebury is having a baby boom and suddenly there’s only a week to go. She had visions of magic moments beneath the mistletoe with her new boyfriend, Alex, but with all the babies being born and her grumpy new boss at the surgery, their first Christmas together isn’t quite going to plan.

Still, Zoe feels happier and more in love than ever before, and when her old friend, Georgia, moves to the village, it feels like the icing on her Christmas cake. Georgia’s own baby is due at any minute, and Zoe is determined to give her the love and attention she gives all her expectant mums. But when she pays Georgia a home visit, she can’t shake the feeling that she is hiding something…

Zoe is determined to find out what’s wrong, even though Alex thinks she shouldn’t interfere. Zoe needs to put her old friend first, but Alex’s behaviour is reminding her that there is still so much she doesn’t know about him… As long-held secrets unravel, will Zoe and Alex be able to keep their own festive magic alive?

Warm your heart with this romantic Christmas read which will remind you that hope and healing are possible at the busiest time of year. Fans of Jessica Redland and Shari Low will find the perfect escape in Christmas for the Village Midwife.

What did I think?

This is the second book in the Village Midwife series and I am loving it so far.

I enjoyed returning to Thimbleberry and catching up with Zoe. I do rather like the familiar at times when I'm reading so a series is often a good idea. Knowing where you are and who you are with is sort of comforting.

I enjoy a festive story - the romance, the sparkle, a little bit of the unexpected. And this book has all these components - and more.

This is a gentle rom com - perfect for getting you in the spirit for the holiday season. The emphasis is despite what the press, TV and social media push at us - the holidays do not need to be perfect. You don't need expensive presents, mountains of food etc. My Christmas will be a bit different here - I am just looking forward to spending quality time with those that mean something to me, getting out in the fresh air if the weather allows - and of course cheese. Bit ironic that an advert has just popped up on my laptop that you can now order your festive food from M and S!!

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Author Bio:

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage.  Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

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The Village Midwife by Tilly Tennant

 

Book Description:

Welcome to Thimblebury, the charming stone village nestled in the rolling hills of the Lake District, where midwife Zoe is hoping for a bright new beginning…

When midwife Zoe Padbury moves into Kestrel Cottage, high on a misty hill above the village of Thimblebury, everyone rallies round to make sure she doesn’t feel lonely. And as she begins her job at the doctor’s surgery, dealing with expectant mums and helping to bring newborns into the world, warmth begins to flood back into her battered and broken heart.

But the evenings are long and as Zoe sits on her cornflower-blue sofa, looking at the golden peaks crowned by clouds, she can’t help but wish she had someone to share her new life with. Her ex-husband treated her badly, but it’s still hard to resist his warm and loving messages begging for a second chance.

Distraction arrives when she meets Alex out walking his shaggy grey dog, and discovers that he will be moving in next door. As she chats to Alex, Zoe finds it hard to ignore his thick dark hair and eyes the colour of chocolate, and her heart clenches at the worried frown that creases his brow.

She soon learns why Alex is anxious when she pays his pregnant daughter a home visit and learns of the tragedy that has brought them to Thimblebury. Zoe is no stranger to sadness, and as she and Alex lean on each other, a tentative spark begins to flicker.

But when Alex gets the wrong idea and thinks Zoe has betrayed his trust, followed by Zoe’s ex appearing on her doorstep, swearing he’s a changed man, will that spark be snuffed out? Coming to the Lake District was meant to be a fresh start for Zoe. But what if the pull of her old life is too overwhelming to resist?

A completely beautiful and life-affirming read that will sweep you up, steal your heart and remind you that new love and hope could be just around the corner. Fans of Jessica Redland and Shari Low will fall head over heels for The Village Midwife.

What d id I think?

I haven't read a Tilly Tennant book for quite some time. In fact I have only read one book in the last month. Sometimes I don't recognise the person I have become. But that is what selling your house, trying to find your forever home, decluttering and packing and all the associated stress does to you.

Loved the village setting with all it's gossip and friendship. I loved the character of Zoe - trying to make a new life for herself in the village after such a devastating loss. In some ways I could really relate to her and her quest to start afresh somewhere new - that's what my house move is all about.

I found it a charming and delightful read - and for a couple of hours it removed me from the packing boxes and clutter. Can someone send Stacey Solomon to sort my life out!!

Author Bio:

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage.  Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

https://tillytennant.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TillyTennant/

https://www.instagram.com/tillytennant6000/

https://twitter.com/TillyTenWriter

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Tilly Tennant here: https://www.bookouture.com/tilly-tennant

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0F381MTQLsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo