Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital: A brilliantly emotional and uplifting read from Jo Bartlett

by Jo Bartlett

Don't miss the next instalment in the Cornish Country Hospital series from top 20 bestseller Jo Bartlett. Perfect for fans of Grey's Anatomy and Doc Martin! A lost love…

A&E Nurse Amy Spencer lives a very ordinary life in Port Kara. She loves her job at the hospital and has a great group of friends, but there is something or someone missing from her life. Amy’s tried dating but no one ever compares with the one boy that got away – Lijah Byrne.

A surprise arrival…

Lijah’s life since he left Port Kara has been what dreams are made of. But lately Lijah has started to feel hollow – the fame and celebrity he once craved now makes him feel trapped. The only place he’s ever felt safe is Port Kara… so maybe it’s time to go back home?

A reunion written in the stars.

When Amy bumps into Lijah again, she only sees the boy she once loved with all her heart. But their lives are so different now. Amy knows a rekindling of their past love will end in heartbreak, but she can’t give up her second chance to be with the man she loves.

Another brilliantly emotional and uplifting read guaranteed to have you laughing and reaching for the tissues. If you love Doc Martin, you will love this! Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland, Holly Martin and Heidi Swain.

Praise for Jo

'Stunning setting, wonderful characters, and oozing with warmth. A triumph from Jo Bartlett.' Bestselling author, Jessica Redland

'Perfectly written and set in the beating heart of a community, this story is a wonderful slice of Cornish escapism.' Bestselling author, Helen J Rolfe

'I was drawn in from the first word, I’ve laughed and cried, what a really lovely story' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'I would highly recommend this book for a bit of fantastic escapism and love conquering all.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A heart-warming tale which I enjoyed reading very much.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Womens Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2025

Reviews

[Karen Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the whole series!

[Sharon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for inviting us onto this tour.

I love @jobartlett books and the cornish Country hospital series is lovely you don't need to read them in order but it does help.

This time it's the turn of Amy and elijah who are old friends who were going out but he had dreams of becoming a musician and he had the opportunity to go to London to follow that dream so Amy let him go but now years later his mum has died and he is finally returning to see if he can get writing his music again has he moved on from Amy or is the love still here.

I loved returning to the country hospital and seeing old faces again such as Aidan and gwen. Everyone could tell that Amy and elijah are still in love it's just making them realise they are and giving each other a chance to see where they can go in the future. It's such a cosy read and so easy to get into. Can't wait for our next trip back.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

A&E Nurse Amy Spencer lives a very ordinary life in Port Kara. She loves her job at the hospital and has a great group of friends, but there is something or someone missing from her life. Amy’s tried dating but no one ever compares with the one boy that got away – Lijah Byrne.

A surprise arrival…

Lijah’s life since he left Port Kara has been what dreams are made of. But lately Lijah has started to feel hollow – the fame and celebrity he once craved now makes him feel trapped. The only place he’s ever felt safe is Port Kara… so maybe it’s time to go back home?

A reunion written in the stars.

When Amy bumps into Lijah again, she only sees the boy she once loved with all her heart. But their lives are so different now. Amy knows a rekindling of their past love will end in heartbreak, but she can’t give up her second chance to be with the man she loves.

My Opinion

This is a series that I am definitely not reading in order but I have had no issues following the plot. Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital was a sweet and enjoyable read. I have read a few books by Jo Bartlett and I really like the writing style so I will definitely be returning.

Rating 4/5

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't work out whether I want to cheer that we finally get Gwen as a leading lady of one of Jo Bartlett's book, or whether I want to berate the poor author for just what she put Gwen through during this book.

For Gwen is easily one of my favourite fictional characters in recent years, she has been a tonic in all of these 3 Ports area medical romances, and is utterly fabulous, so to see her suddenly having health issues was upsetting.

But it is a storyline that is told sensitively and I feel like this won't be the last we see of St Piran's matriarch.

And the other focus of this book was Amy's story and romance with old flame Lijah who just happens to be back in town. They are nowadays worlds apart and Amy is not sure whether she can dare fall for him once again.

We also get to catch up with the rest of the regular characters from the series and there were definitely some heart in mouth moments of drama.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and am already eager to hopefully read the next book in the series, assuming there is one, or whatever else Jo Bartlett writes next! I love this author and her setting and can never get enough of it.

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

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest Cornish Country Hospital novel, readers reunite with Amy Spencer, Lijah Byrne, and the rest of the crew from Port Kara. Amy, an A&E nurse, lives an ordinary and happy life, but she’s exhausted from dating and trying to find someone who compares with Lijah Byrne. Lijah, after leaving Port Kara, has had an incredible life of fame and celebrity, but these now make him feel trapped, so a return to Port Kara, the only safe space left, makes total sense. With Amy and Lijah’s reunion revealing how different their lives are despite their undeniable chemistry, Amy knows that a second chance at a relationship will only end in heartbreak, but not trying again might be worse. A fantastic new second chance romance set against this beautiful Cornish country setting, readers will love the evolution of Amy and Lijah’s relationship in this excellently written book. The characters and their relationship are the undeniable stars of this book, and Bartlett has once again created great chemistry between the main characters that readers will love. A fantastic continuation of this cozy romance series, readers will love the tropes, characters, and chemistry that Bartlett brings to every story set in Port Kara.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure to spend time with everyone at the Cornish Country Hospital, and this book was no different. On this occasion the central stories focused on the characters of Amy and Gwen, one seeing a return of a former love and famous musician, the other going through a major health concern and worrying history was repeating itself.

Elijah, the famous musician, was a great addition to the group and a wonderful character you soon found yourself rooting for. He was going through a personal crisis following the death of his mother and had returned home to find his mojo once more.

As always with these books relationships formed the key to events with the characters going through many positive events but also thrown major curve balls. These books definitely leave you with a feel good factor and are perfect for anyone in a low mood. The plotting of the books is well thought out, well paced and a delight to read.

If you enjoy books of this nature I cannot recommend this book and the whole series enough, and even if you haven’t read the other books in the series this book stands alone perfectly without impacting enjoyment. I now wait eagerly for the next book in the series.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read each of the books in this series and enjoyed them. For some reason, this one took me a bit more time to get through, it just wasn't capturing my attention as well as the previous books. Nothing wrong with it, just a bit slower.

Amy has always suffered a lack of self-confidence, viewed as unwarranted by her many friends and her close family (brother withstanding). She's a dedicated nurse now, but in her teen years, she was Lijah's girlfriend. Both of them thought they would grow old together, but when Lijah's musical aspirations took him away, she let him go, thinking she'd never be enough.

As the title suggests, Lijah finds his way back to Port Kara for a break from the spotlight, and runs into Amy. While others around them think this is their second chance, Amy's not sure. Do they have what it takes to make it?

I enjoyed seeing many of the same characters from the prior books, it is like they are all one big happy family. It is a good series to read in order, gives you a good background on each character.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should you ever need to visit the A&E Department at St Piran’s Hospital, Amy’s just the nurse you’d hope to find at your bedside, caring and capable – but, at a personal level, she’s far more lacking in confidence, unlucky in her romantic relationships, particularly undermined by her brother’s constant jibes. The love of her younger life was Lijah – always a talented musician, but who reluctantly left her behind when he became a global star. And now he’s back at Port Kara – the only place that ever felt like home – struggling with his song-writing, still feeling the impact of his much-loved mother’s death, needing to make difficult decisions about his future. And he’s never forgotten Amy – when their paths cross again, and despite the fact that the world’s media are watching his every move, they both begin to wonder whether they might be allowed a second chance at happiness.

That’s the primary storyline – and both individuals are so beautifully drawn and developed, and exceptionally likeable, the challenges they face very real as are the many obstacles they need to overcome. I also particularly liked Lijah’s friend and roadie, Nick, who’d been at his side since the start of his career, making timely interventions and most definitely one of life’s good guys. Unlike Amy’s brother Nathan – who finds himself in the middle of one of the book’s several dramatic heart-in-mouth situations, all as wonderfully written as ever.

As always, there are the day-to-day crises encountered in every busy A&E Department – difficult moments in people’s lives when the hard-pressed staff, a team of close friends, are able to make a real difference. And the progress of Amy and Elijah’s relationship certainly isn’t the only emotionally compelling storyline – there was one in particular, the health concerns of a long-standing member of the team, that might have touched me even more deeply. A further long running storyline, affecting individuals I’d taken to my heart when their stories were told in earlier books, also became particularly challenging – and with a potentially heartbreaking outcome.

Something I really love about these books is the way the author makes you feel entirely involved in her characters’ lives – she never shies away from the difficult issues, but handles them with particular sensitivity and compassion and the perfect emotional touch. And this really was an excellent addition to this lovely series – a love story that I really believed in for Amy and Lijah, littered with obstacles, but layered with a number of other equally strong and well developed storylines. Perhaps, and only because of the other storylines, this one might just be best read as part of the continuing series – but, as always, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed and that I’d very much recommend to others.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. Imagine Grey’s Anatomy, Casualty or Chicago Med in a book and you have this series.

This book follows the story of Amy, an emergency nurse, Gwen who manages the hospital’s shop and a host of other characters with enough drama to keep readers entertained.

As always, there is the celebration of love and community. This also delves deeper into what comes with growing old, loneliness and family dynamics.

There were reappearances from previous characters and it was good to catch up with them.
I enjoyed reading and I had my heart racing about Gwen and hoping everything will be all right. I love how sensitive the author was in dealing with this.

I loved the climax and how everything came together for Amy and Lijah and Nathan.

Amy and Lijah’s story was a bit slow and Amy’s attitude and indecisiveness were frustrating for me but the stories of all the other characters more than made up for it.

I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with this in her latest book.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Book

This is Book 5 in The Cornish Country Hospital Series and is also the first book I've read by Jo.

Oh my goodness, I loved it... it seriously reminded me of Casulty!

We have medical procedures, we have love, we have nasty accidents, drama, various medical conditions, hatred plus cute dogs!... it's like a roller coaster ride!

The story mainly follows Amy and Lijah - two childhood sweethearts who only broke up so Lijah could pursue his singing career... there's a back story, but I won't go into it...

Lijah returns home after losing his mum, and Amy is still there, now working as an A&E nurse.

Amongst the love drama of these two (who I absolutely adore!), Jo has also woven lots of mini dramas in with different characters from the hospital (like any good medical drama does!)

We see Gwen, we meet Gary, Ellen, CamI, Albie... all having various conditions and complaints which break up the 'will they/won't they' Amy and Lijah storyline nicely.

It's a beautifully written book, and I want to go back and read the other 4 now as this was just fantastic!

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really lovely series and I am enjoying it :)

This is the story of Amy and Lijah. Amy and Lijah met at school and fell for each other, hard. However, Lijah was trying to carve out a career in the music industry so he left Port Kara and Amy behind. Amy got her nursing degree and became an A & E nurse (quite a challenging job, of course!) and Lijah became a Big Deal - being recognised everywhere he went, a complete contrast to the way Amy was living her life.

When Lijah was struggling with burnout, it was back to Port Kara he went, however, his aunt had plans too which was unsettling and Amy was busy with her life too.

What is to happen with these two, who live such different lives??

I really was wondering how it was all going to pan out but this author has a great way of weaving a story in a realistic but also a nice way, which I really appreciated at this point in time. A little escapism is a good thing!

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Lauren Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said it before and I'll just keep shouting it from the rooftops, I adore Jo Bartlett! This cosy small town is the perfect setting for St Piran's hospital and I love the spirit of community it has.

This book had two main stories, Amy and Lijah (Elijah) teenhood boyfriend and girlfriend with a second chance at romance after Lijah comes back for a bit of rest and recuperation.
And Gwen's side story, Gwen is beloved to everyone and is a crossover character from another series by Jo. Gwen has some health troubles and is fearing the worst.

I loved the little scenes of dramatic tension, not to give spoilers but there were a few - edge of your seat, hold your breath moments, moments where if it were a tv show the dramatic music would be pumping.

And of course the ending was happy, it's what I love and expect from a gorgeous comfort read like this. It was the perfect read to help cure the slump I was in. Thank you Jo, for another fantastic book, I can't wait for the next one!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital is the fifth instalment in the Cornish Country Hospital series by the incredibly talented to Bartlett.

This chapter centres on Amy who is both thrilled and anxious about the return g her childhood sweetheart to the village. She's resolute in not letting him back into her heart. Meanwhile, Gwen is grappling with medical concerns that she fears might mirror her mother's experience with asplasia, leaving her terrier of receiving a diagnosis. Can both women achieve their desires?

I absolutely love Jo's storytelling me and keeps me engaged is truly remarkable! Her characters are incredibly relatable. This storyline resonates with my own, but l was a bit older when encountered my first "real" love, we parted ways but reunited nearly a decade later, and we have now enjoyed 25 wonderful years of marriage. I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in The Cornish Country Hospital series

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying this series. In this, Amy, a nurse working at the hospital, loves her job and has a great group of friends. Her first love, Lijah, was a local boy who went on to become a successful singer. After his mom dies, he's feeling rudderless and returns home to find his bearings again.

I am enjoying this series. Each one focuses on different characters, but it follows up with those from previous stories. This is a story of:

- reconnecting with your first love
- loneliness at any age
- friendship amongst colleagues
- navigating health issues
- bullying
- family issues
- mental health issues
- navigating being a new parent

The writer has done a wonderful job of creating vibrant, interesting characters whose lives revolve around a hospital setting, as well as intriguing stories. I'm rooting for the characters to find happiness and love. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this ARC

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital features one of my favourite nurses from the series Amy who is not looking for love but when her first and only real love Lijah comes back to town will it be a happy ever after or will he be the one that got away? We also have some things happening in other characters stories Gwen is facing a medical issue and Aiden and Jase are awaiting the arrival of their baby but will there be any hiccups or will it be smooth sailing? After every one of these books I say this one is my favourite and I am going to say it again this book is my favourite of the series. There is romance, family trouble, medical problems, cute dogs, cute men young and old! Most of all I felt excited for what was too come and that excitement didn't diminish until long after I had read the last page. I enjoyed every word!

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital is the fifth Cornish Country Hospital novel. I haven't read the previous four books in the series but I will definitely going back to the beginning.

Childhood sweethearts Amy and Lijah, now a nurse and a musician respectively, are reunited when Lijah comes back home to take a break and reevaluate his life. Lijah has always been Amy's one who got away but they are so different now. As they come back together, Lijah and Amy realize there is still that spark between then.

Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital is a great second chance romance. I love the characters and the setting. I'm sure many of the characters I met along the way were featured in previous books, and it would be nice to get to know them in the proper order. The author wrote this story with realism, and it's very emotional in places.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Lijah and Amy are both very likeable characters that I was instantly drawn toward. They both have very different lifestyles and careers, which made it interesting to read their second chance play out. I absolutely adore that this series features so much of side characters and the focus isn't always on the romance plot and the MCs. Little glimpses of Gwen's life were lovely to have and her storyline was quite nice. Reappearances from characters from other books was amazing too. Loved seeing Isla, and Aidan and Jase, and their story continue through this one. I was very intrigued by Amy's brother Nathan and his story. I wish we saw more of his arc though. Nevertheless, it was a good read with some great writing.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in the Cornish Country Hospital series tells Amy's story. Nurse Amy loves her job at the hospital, but knows her life is missing that special someone. When first love Lijah returns to the area, can Amy protect her heart, and have what she truly desires?

I love the scenic descriptions in this series, and it was great to revisit old favourite characters again. I particularly liked the side story about Gwen, the retired midwife who is the centre of life at the hospital - it was lovely to have more depth to her story. Amy and Lijah were good strong characters, and I look forward to hearing more about them in the next instalment!

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story! This time it's about Amy and Lijah who are given a second chance at love after Lijah returns to Port Kara after following his music career dreams for many years. Amy has so many doubts about whether she wants to pursue the relationship so there's lots of back and forth, but it's understandable. We also get a closer look at Gwen when she has a health scare. She's always such a staple in these stories, dispensing advice and humour. And a lovely update on Aiden and Jase's parental journey. Awesome read!
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Jo Barlett for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a Jo Bartlett book and this, the next instalment in the Cornish Country Hospital series is another brilliant read from her.
Emotional, heartwarming and inspiring, this has been a welcome back to the community of Port Kara, and I’ve loved it.
Amy and Lijah have such a deep connection but their lives have grown so far apart, can they rekindle that love and friendship from before?
Gwen has always been a favourite character of mine and to have her story in this instalment has been brilliant. Emotions run high as Gwen and Barry’s marriage and love is tested, and I must admit Gwen’s story had me in tears many times as we follow her through the most testing of times.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I read this story immediately after book 4 and that may have influenced my rating. Perhaps if I had waited a few months it would have been a 5 star story for me.

I love the community feeling I get from all of the books in this series. Amy and Lijah were both really nice characters and fame had definitely not gone to Lijah's head, which was nice to see. I am not a fan of celebrities so that had worried me.

The quiet life and the way the people at and around the hospital are there for one another is so touching and uplifting; it makes me wanting to go back there again and again. Please add another book or ten to this series!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together again book five.
A lost cove.. A surprise arrival... A reunion written in the stars...
Heartbreaking, heartwarming, emotional and uplifting.
Port Kara Cornwall.
Amy Spencer and Lijah Byrne, nurse and musician after a decade its time for Lijah to come home, he has followed his dreams, will this first love couple fall in love once again?
This book stole my heart big time, the utmost best in the series that had me letting all my emotions go.
The perfect romantic read, but it's not a easy ride for this unique couple that belong together always.
Perfectly loved it.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this welcome return to the Cornish Country Hospital. With both new and familiar characters, the story focuses on Amy and her first love and rock star, Lijah. Gwen also features. There are second-chance romance and health dramas that quickly immerse you in the lives of this Cornish community. It's an emotional read because, as always with this author, you invest in the characters, but the balance of ups and downs is satisfying. It's another lovely book in this series, full of heartwarming moments and challenges.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and was excited to read this book. Amy is a nurse and Lijah is a musician, the two were close back in the day but years have passed since they last saw each other. Now Lijah is back in Port Kara and Amy wonders if they could have a second chance. Gwen who is one of my favourite characters has been having some problems and Adrian is about to get his wish or is he?The tension and drama throughout this book kept me engaged from the first page till the last page. Emotional, heartwarming and romantic.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

How are we on the fifth book of the series already? I hate hospitals at the best of times, but there's always something in Bartlett's books that makes me want to rush back to the Cornish Country Hospital. It's not always doom and gloom.

This time it was Amy's time to shine and her second chance at a relationship with old flame Lijah. I loved their characters and their chemistry, and hope we get to catch up with them again in later books.

It's a heartwarming story and as always was a delight to read.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Rebecca Parten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

“Together Again at the Cornish Country Hospital” by Jo Bartlett is all about second chances. Whether it’s a second chance at love, improving one’s life by accepting that they might need help, and honoring the ever changing experience that is life. It’s also about loving yourself despite what others might say and think about you. I really like this series and this is a great addition.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter and Tears

When Amy's teenage boyfriend left Port Kara, she was devastated, but knew that it was the right thing for him to do. Now he is back and their feelings are as strong as ever, but he is not there to stay and Amy doesn't want to leave. All the regular characters are in the book again including Gwen, who is struggling with her health but wants no one to know. I really enjoyed this book, it made me laugh but also brought a tear to my eyes at times. Roll on the next in the series.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another lovely story from the team of a Cornish Hospital, this time nurse Amy is the center. Her first love, and musician Lijah returns after his mother's death has left him bereft. Overall a good story with themes around second chances and love. The side characters all appear to varying degrees, with retired nurse and group leader Gwen having a central role as well.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Avril Mcauley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another delightful book taking us back again to the Cornish Country Hospital. This time we follow The story of Amy and Lijah. Childhood sweethearts who were separated when lijah left to follow his dream of being a singer.
When he returns can he convince Amy of his feelings towards her.
As always filled with lots of love and strong friendship, returning her feels almost like putting on a pair of comfy slippers.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have previously read the Cornish midwife books so it was nice to come back to the same hospital and some of the same characters. Lijah is a pop star and Amy is a nurse. The story follows them reconnecting as well as their friends . I will definitely continue reading book within this series.