October 3, 2024 – My Sanctuary

Lessons In Love At The Cornish Country Hospital By Jo Bartlett

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever.

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor.

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too…

About The Author

My Review

Lydia, Meredith’s mother, arrives with a fractured relationship with her daughter but is determined to make amends. With five marriages behind her, Lydia, now in her seventies, embraces independence and friendship in the community. When she rediscovers her love for dancing through a forgotten parcel, she prepares for a competition with Martin. The book delves into the wider community, including Gemma’s thriving cafe, Lucy’s new baby, and Meredith’s struggles with change. Each character is vividly drawn, but Lydia’s journey, especially her bond with Martin, stands out. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with humor and warmth, makes it a compelling read, particularly the poignant moments focusing on the mother-daughter relationship. Overall, it is a heartwarming tale of fresh starts and second chances, highly recommended for readers seeking a touching and relatable story.

My Rating