Book Review: Cynthia Smart’s Midwife Crisis by Liz Davis

Midlife crisis? What midlife crisis?

At forty-four, Cynthia Smart is exactly where she wants to be. Almost.

In a couple of years, she’ll be the CEO of the company she’s spent her most of her adult life working in. For now, though, she’s still busy shimmying up the greasy pole of corporate business. She’s single, carefree, and independent, and nothing can stop her getting what she wants and deserves.

Until she discovers she’s pregnant.

Determined to have her cake and eat it, she’s convinced that having a baby will make little difference to her life, and that she will be one of those women who can hold down an incredibly demanding job and also be a perfect mother.

But as her pregnancy progresses and her life slowly falls apart, she has the sneaking suspicion that Max Oakland, the new guy on the block, is out to steal her dream job. That she’s terribly attracted to him doesn’t help, nor does the fact that he’s devilishly handsome, appears to be a really nice fella, and is good in a crisis.

When she gradually comes to realise that something has got to give, what she doesn’t want it to be is her heart.

I am pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for Cynthia Smart’s Midwife Crisis.

Cynthia Smart’s career is riding high. In her forties, she is on the verge of a promotion despite the appearance of a mysterious new work colleague, Max.

Then she finds out she is pregnant. Having pretty much written off ever being a mother, a baby wasn’t something Cynthia had factored into her life plan.

This was one of those books that had me hooked from page one.

Told from Cynthia’s point of view, the writing style is lighthearted and easy to get into and I pretty much read it across a couple of sittings as I didn’t want to stop reading.

Cynthia is one of those frustrating but loveable characters. She has no idea what is about to hit her especially when she decides that two weeks is enough time to go back to work after the birth.

I did think that this novel was an interesting look at the pressures a woman faces between work and having children.

Across the course of the book, I became incredibly invested in Cynthia’s story as she navigates her pregnancy. A couple of scenes were a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. There were heartfelt moments and sections that had me laughing out loud.

Max was a mystery and I couldn’t quite figure him out to begin with. Was he a good or bad guy?

The supporting characters were fantastic. Everyone needs a Sally and I wanted to give Ricky a piece of my mind.

Having grown up near the New Forest, it was nice to see that mentioned. I could really picture the scenery and setting and could imagine myself there.

I don’t want to reveal anything else about the plot. I don’t want to give too much away.

I really hope Cynthia Smart’s Midlife Crisis is one of the books that makes it to your reading pile. It’s a novel that is full of charm, warmth and humour and I look forward to seeing what Lix Davis does next. I’m definitely a fan.

About Liz Davis… 

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.

Say hello to Liz via her website, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Cynthia Smart’s Midwife Crisis was released by Lilac Tree Books on 28th July 2020. Click to view on Amazon. 

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Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.