Reach for the Stars

by Maxine Morrey

Felicity was never meant to end up with a money-pit farmhouse to renovate and a broken heart to heal…

But when Fliss attempts to drown the sorrow of seeing her ex-fiancé and his new wife’s magazine-worthy wedding all over social media, one rash decision loses her a job and gains her a doer-upper in the blink of an eye.

The only bright spot of living in the country is the very dishy and very handy loveliest-man-ever Jesse Woods. And when Fliss’s new roof has an ill-advised meeting with a tree in the middle of the night resulting in her literally seeing stars, there’s only one thing for it. She’s going to have to accept Jesse’s help and a place to stay.

City girl Fliss is at rock bottom but if anyone can teach her to turn her gaze from the gutter to the stars it’s Jesse Woods. She’s been burnt trusting men before, but Jesse may just be worth breaking her own rules for…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2024

About the author

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!

As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.

In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.

Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Reach for the Stars, by Maxine Morrey, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book reminded me of the movie, The Money Pit. Fliss has her own money pit of a house. Fliss has lost her job and moved to the country to start over. This was a nice read.

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could have been a favorite for a city girl dreaming of her own house in the countryside with a few hectares of land. But, of course, there’s no money for that 😅. So the idea of reading a story about someone fulfilling such a dream felt very appealing.

The book is well-written, with great dialogue. However, I felt it lacked more grounded reasoning behind the characters’ actions. Perhaps adding the mmc’s POV would have helped better explain their motivations.

I really wanted to love this story, but the book never managed to completely captivate me.

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity life is spinning out of control. She makes the decision to move to the country. I liked this book.

[Kelsey Krueger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got the chance to read the ARC for this book through NetGalley. I want to thank the publishers, author and NetGalley for the opportunity. I have so many good things to say about this book.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it captured my attention. Right away I was rooting for Felicity, and invested in her story. I wanted to cry for her at low points and cheer for her at the high ones.

I love a good small town romance. This one captured the same magic as some of my favourite authors including Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry.
While a bit cheesy at times, the dialogue was believable and easy to enjoy. I could actually imagine these characters in real life. I grew to love all of them, even the side characters.

This is a closed-door romance with no spice. However, the chemistry between Felicity and Jesse was executed well enough that I didn’t feel anything was missing.

I especially loved the fact that this story was not just a romance. The author did an amazing job and developing growth in Felicity, and the romance felt more like part of her story than her entire life.

I would give this book a 4.5 stars. The only thing keeping it from a 5 is just how dialogue heavy it got at points. The story didn’t always feel like it was moving along and got difficult to establish how much time had passed and what was happening outside of the relationship.

Overall, I would love to read more from the author and I am excited to share this book with my friends when it’s released!

[joni ౨ৎ (semi-ia) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐ // romance, women’s fiction, adult// 💫

💗🏚️🐓

❝i never thought i’d ever be able to love, or be loved by, someone like him. i didn’t even know love like that existed until i met your brother.❞

release date: december 5th

୨⎯ plot ⎯୧
this book follows felicity, a woman who is heartbroken and unemployed after her ex-fiancé's wedding. she impulsively buys a fixer-upper farmhouse in the country. the only good thing about her new life is the handsome and helpful neighbor, jesse. when felicity has a mishap with her roof, jesse offers to help her and let her stay at his place. as they work together, felicity starts to fall for jesse, but she's afraid to trust him after her past heartbreak.


୨⎯ my review ⎯୧
this book was cute and enjoyable. it was a rather slow start, but i quickly got into it. 1 week is around 60% of the book which was a drag. personally i felt the characters were a bit lacking and could’ve used more depth. i liked jesse’s personality but we could've gotten to know him better. the “breakup” was super unnecessary but i got where she was coming from. loved her character arc tho. my heart broke for jesse, he deserves so much <3

might recommend this book to those who like romcoms with emotional growth.

୨⎯ tropes ⎯୧
💞city girl x country boy
✨meet-cute
💞independent fmc
✨small town
💞renovation project
✨hea


୨⎯ quotes ⎯୧

“some of the best things happen when we’re not actively looking for them”

“i’d wanted to kiss you since I first saw you flailing about in the mud in that ridiculous paper suit”

“he threw me a grin that would keep me from ever looking anywhere else.”

“to break something that made someone else happy”

“because he gave you his heart. he trusted you with something he swore he’d never give away again.”

“i came here and i found everything i was missing.”

“that you will never, ever be alone again.”

“I looked into the eyes of the first, and last man i would ever love.”

“maybe we were both just at the right place at the right time to meet the right person.”



thank you to boldwood books and netgalley for an arc in exchange for my honest review

ೃ⁀➷pre-review
24.11.12
3.4 ⭐
abrupt ending
cute and simple

ೃ⁀➷ pre-read: got an ARC from netgalley!!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book, losing myself in its stories and characters so completely that I lost all track of time! The relationship between Felicity and Jesse felt so organic—the humor at first, the frustration, and then, FINALLY, they realize what they mean to each other. My favorite thing about this book, though, was Felicity’s transition! She was so broken and lost at first, and all the catastrophes added to her feelings of inadequacy. But those things all made her stronger, and finding friendship and love made her finally feel worthy of love and family. Thank you to the publisher for providing me an advance reader copy of ths is lovely book.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yet another book to take me back to great 8os movies-this one brought to mind "The Money Pit"
Felicity is unhappy with the way things are going in her life so she decides to upend everything and move to the country-she buys a farmhouse from the listing only and not see it in person and when she gets there she's shocked to find it's not quite as advertised. Thankfully, the owners brother, Jesse, gets wind of her moving in-the beauty of a small! town-and comes to her aid. Felicity is afraid to open her heart after past heartbreak.
There's more to the story than just the romance that develops. I loved the growth that was shown in Felicity and the banter between the two MC was fun and entertaining. It's a closed door romance with no spice but it does get into some heavy stuff in a couple of points.
"I came here and found everything I was missing."
That being said if you're a fan of Abby Jimenez or Emily Henry or such, you'll probably enjoy this one Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Maaike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sounded right up my alley. I love small town romances, renovations and the city girl ending up in a shitty place but getting helped by the small town guy is just a great classic. And the storyline itself was decent and enjoyable enough.

One of my big issues was with the pacing. The first like 60% all takes place in maybe a week and feels incredibly slow. They have the same discussions over and over again which had me skimming the pages after a while. After that there are suddenly a lot of time jumps and it just felt like such a different book.

The ending also felt very rushed and unsatisfying. Felicity’s character could’ve used a lot more growth than she got.

The bones were enjoyable enough but the execution just didn’t work for me.

[Meaghan Elizabeth &#x1f319; · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one. It was very well written and I love the dialogue. Felicity is such a relatable character, as we have all been through tough times without knowing if there is an end in sight. I love how strong and independent she is and never wanted the help from Jesse when he decided to let her stay in his home while hers was being fixed. I would have liked to see a little more character development in this one, but it was overall a good read!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅Reach for the Stars was a quirky, cheesy read full of hilarious moments.
I really enjoyed the slow burn chemistry between Fliss and Jesse.
The small town vibe with engaging characters made for a fun read.
A perfect closed-door romance for those that enjoy reading a light-hearted love story.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a lovely surprise! This is a new-to-me author who surpassed all of my expectations. I loved the strong main characters in this book. Even though Fliss and Jesse weren't necessarily always sweet and charming, they were independent and compelling, sometimes working well together but often butting heads. Both types of opposite storylines were enjoyable to read, helping me get to know them better. There was plenty of character-driven drama to keep my interest throughout. Secondary characters of Jules (Jesse's outgoing and friendly sister) and Caro (Fliss's old friend/client) added some amusing moments. And the villains (Minty and Magnus) provided some interesting situations to overcome. And the romance was nicely done without all the intimate details. It was interesting to read about Fliss's challenge of fixing up her disaster of a house in the country (with Jesse's help), plus I enjoyed hearing the little bit that was included about her skills as an interior designer. I will definitely look for more from this author.

**NOTE: It took an extra-long time for me to finish this book because of conflicts that occurred after I had started it. It in no way reflects anything lacking in my enjoyment of this book.**

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not familiar with Maxine Morrey's previous works so I was not sure what to expect. I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I am very happy that I read this book. This is a fun rom-com that is Close Door romance (which I greatly appreciated).

I will definitely be looking for other works and future releases by Morrey.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity buys a house unseen after her life falls apart in London. One day buying some lumber she bumps into a new face.
This kinda started off as an enemy to friends to lovers type story. It’s about starting over, making new friends and finding a new life in the last place you expected.
It’s an easy to read book and makes a good beach read

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reach for the Stars is pure Maxine Morrey charm.

…Sigh… This book is chef kiss perfection. There is just something about Maxine’s books that just hit every single one of my buttons. I was instantly, and I mean instantly, obsessed with this story. The first scene in this book is when Fliss accidentally knocks out Jesse with a 2×4 piece of wood. Those sparks, or should I say stars, were flying between these two right from that very first meet-cute. I love every moment of this story. We first meet Fliss when her life is a hot mess. While drunk, she buys an old house and some sheep, as one does when they have been drinking a lot. The problem is that the house that she bought is in shambles, and as she attempts to fix it, more things go wrong, mainly because a tree falls through her roof into her bedroom. There is just something about watching as a heroine’s life implodes around them that is slightly addictive to me. I especially love it when the imploding is done through a series of disastrous and sometimes funny events. It makes for a really entertaining read.

The overall story is quintessential Maxine Morrey’s charm. It was a lot of fun to read, and when I was finished, I felt light and fluffy on the inside. This is a feel-good romance with a sprinkling of realism. I loved the fact that it wasn’t an overly heavy book. There are times when this bookworm just wants to sit down and read something that will put a smile on her face, and this book is that. I love the story’s small-town feel, and the secondary characters and their side stories made the reading experience richer. Fliss and Jesse are fabulous MCs. Fliss is an independent, strong woman who isn’t willing to accept favours or handouts. She has worked hard her entire life and doesn’t want to feel like she needs to depend on anyone else. Fliss’s character really has this fish-out-of-water trope-y experience. She is a city girl trying to figure out how to survive in this new country life she finds herself in. I loved watching Fliss let down those walls she built around herself. She does a lot of self-reflecting in this story, and it was great watching her find the things and the people who truly make her happy. Let me tell you, Maxine really knows how to write a fabulous hero. Jesse stole my heart. He is charming and gorgeous, and he sees through that tough, prickly exterior Fliss puts on. Jesse was the perfect match for Fliss. He is strong enough not to let Fliss boss him around and calls Fliss on her BS when the occasion arises.

The romance in this book is sweet and charming, and it had my heart pitter-pattering. Fliss and Jesse were great for each other, and their chemistry was believable and enjoyable. There was just something so addicting about their interactions. I found myself quickly turning the page to see what would happen next between them. Their love story was so fun for me because it has many of my favourite tropes, such as slow burn, opposites attract, fish-out-of-water, and forced proximity.

Reach for the Stars is an easy, breezy, sweet romance that I will read again and again.

Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW: Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reach for the Stars is a delightful, light-hearted romantic comedy that shines with cozy charm and adorable shenanigans. The story follows Fliss, a city girl who, after losing her job and attempting to escape the heartbreak caused by her ex-fiancé's wedding, moves to the countryside to renovate a dilapidated farmhouse. Enter Jesse Woods, a handy and handsome local whose help (and possibly his heart) Fliss begins to rely on.

The characters, especially Fliss, experience significant development throughout the book. Fliss grows from a heartbroken woman to a more self-assured and resilient person, and it’s gratifying to witness her evolution. Morrey’s strength lies in her portrayal of Fliss’s gradual transformation. Throughout the book, we witness a believable character arc as Fliss moves from heartache to a slow, albeit clumsy, journey of self-discovery.

The quirky situations- from mishaps like a misbehaving roof colliding with a tree provide the perfect set-up for laugh-out-loud moments, adding an enjoyable element to the narrative. Along with endearing small-town shenanigans that add a cozy, feel-good vibe. The supporting cast of lively, warm-hearted villagers further enriches the backdrop of this story.

This is a sweet, closed-door romance, making it ideal for readers who prefer romance without explicit content. The countryside setting and friendly village characters offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere that beautifully complements the charming story. There's certainly an undeniable "meet-cute" vibe between Fliss and Jesse, making their interactions engaging despite the slower build-up of their relationship. That said, the romance is where the story stumbles for me. The chemistry between Fliss and Jesse feels muted, too formal, and at times forced. Given the focus on Fliss’s perspective, we miss out on understanding Jesse's thoughts and emotions. A dual POV might have added crucial depth, heightening the anticipation and strengthening the romantic tension. Additionally, the story’s pacing can be slow, and it took quite a bit of time for the plot to really gain momentum and bring the characters together.

Overall, "Reach for the Stars" is an enjoyable story filled with warmth, humor, and moments of growth. However, it lacks that spark of chemistry that could have made it unforgettable. I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars - charming, but with room for more passion and depth.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey completely charmed me. I went into it expecting a light, cozy read, but it ended up hitting me right in the feels. It’s one of those books that pulls you in so quickly, you forget about everything else for a while—and honestly, that’s exactly what I needed.

The story follows Felicity, who’s having the absolute worst time. Her fiancé dumps her for someone else (and marries her in a wedding Felicity paid for), and after drowning her sorrows in one too many drinks, she impulsively buys a rundown farmhouse in the countryside. It’s supposed to be her fresh start, but when she arrives, it’s more like a disaster zone. Things spiral from there—storms, trees falling through the roof, and so much mud. Enter Jesse, her grumpy, too-good-to-be-true neighbor who reluctantly helps her piece her life (and her house) back together.

I loved Felicity. She’s messy, stubborn, and so relatable. I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve felt like everything was falling apart, so seeing her find her way again was really satisfying. And Jesse? Ugh, he’s the dream: kind, dependable, and a little rough around the edges. Their slow-burn romance was everything I wanted—sweet, funny, and so natural. Even though it’s a closed-door romance, the chemistry between them was perfect.

What really made this book for me, though, was the small-town vibe. The neighbors, the gossip, the sense of community—it was all so comforting. The side characters weren’t just filler; they felt like real people, and I loved how they rallied around Felicity when things got tough. It gave the story such a warm, feel-good energy.

If I had one tiny complaint, it’s that the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. After such a great buildup, I would’ve loved a few more chapters to spend with these characters. But honestly, that’s more of a “me not wanting to let go” problem than a real issue with the book.

This story was just so lovely. It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of those little emotional moments that stick with you. If you love small-town romances with messy-but-lovable characters and a focus on personal growth, you’re going to adore this one. I know I did, and I can’t wait to read more from Maxine Morrey.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read this one early—it’s a book I’ll be recommending to everyone!

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

When Felicity’s life implodes she makes the rash decision of selling her London apartment and buying a farmhouse in the country. She’s gets more than she bargains for when she sees the state of the place. When a storm comes and knocks a tree into her bedroom she’s forced to accept help and a place to stay from her handsome neighbor, Jesse Woods. She’s been burned in the past, but can she trust that Jesse won’t break her heart?

Fliss was a difficult character to connect to at first. She’s had a lot of obstacles thrown at her, but what I didn’t understand was her refusal for help that at a certain point bordered idiotic. Her house is ruined and unlivable after a storm brings her tree crashing through the roof on the section directly above her bed. She could’ve died. Here is this kind guy and lovely neighbors willing to help someone who is essentially homeless and she refuses any kind of help. Now I get refusing help at first and being talked into receiving it. And she does have a lot of baggage surrounding receiving help, but at 50% of the novel she’s still going on about it, and it becomes rather tiresome. It also keeps the hero at a distance. He’s a saint full of patience because I would not have had the level of patience that he had. She does eventually let it go, of the need to do everything herself and accept help, but it took awhile to get there.

I really liked Jesse. He was kind and honest. He genuinely cared about Fliss and her safety in a way that did not come across as overbearing or patronizing. He was very straightforward and called it as he saw it, which I appreciated. There’s no mistaking his intentions.

This is a story about rebuilding yourself. Fliss has left her old life behind and is slowly figuring out who she is outside of the posh world she grew up in. It’s a hard won journey, and she is fortunate to have such loving people help her along the way.

As far as the love story, I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between them. I felt the love story could’ve been developed more. I did enjoy the small town vibe and the secondary characters quite a bit. The story itself was fine, it just didn’t give me all the feels.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK REVIEW 📚

Reach for the Stars By Maxine Morrey
Publication Date: December 5, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)

📚MY REVIEW:

Whenever I am looking for a rom-com that's sure to make me smile, I know I can always count on a read from Maxine Morrey to do the trick! Reach for the Stars, the upcoming book from Morrey (one of my favorite rom-com authors), did not disappoint! This was a really fun read, with its lovable characters, its English countryside setting, and its happily-ever-after vibes.

In this story, we meet Felicity, whose 'perfect' life implodes in London after the ending of her ten-year relationship with her ex. Propelled by an alcohol-fueled bender, Felicity finds herself jobless, and the new sight-unseen owner of a fixer-upper cottage in a small village in the English countryside. Through a comedy of unfortunate mishaps once she comes to town, Felicity meets handsome Jesse, and the two enter into an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers situation as they work together to turn Felicity's new home into a livable residence.

Maxine Morrey just has this way of telling stories that make readers want to uproot their entire lives and move to a village in a rural English countryside. [Okay, maybe that's just me, but the thought definitely crossed my mind several times during this book.] This is now my second read from Morrey, and I can genuinely say she is an auto-read author for me! The stories in her rom-coms always have such heart and captivate my attention so brilliantly -- I always wish I had a few more chapters of the characters' lives within her books. Morrey writes stories that transport readers to a dreamy world, a fictional setting that - while it may not exist - is a place they'll feel they've been longing to visit all their lives.

A really big thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author herself for this advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review!

#ReachForTheStars #MaxineMorrey #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #BoldwoodVIPs #boldwoodbookclub #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #romcomreads #romcoms #bookcommunity #booklover

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felicity gets completely blitzed after her fiancée leaves her and marries someone else - using the wedding package she paid for; sells her swanky London flat and buys a "fixer-upper" house in the country, sight unseen. Of course, when she arrives she realises the house is in a complete state and not exactly habitable.

She literally knocks the village good guy (and hot guy) on his arse when she nails him with a piece of 2x4 and while they try to be grumpy at one another it lasts for all of about a day before they decide they can help each other out.

Felicity was brought up without any real loving family and only had her Nanny for company. But then her father lost all their money and she was bullied at school. She then clawed her way to the top of the social ladder again only to be knocked off again when she lost her job and her fiancée. Everything she has ever achieved has been on her own and without any help from anyone - to ask for help or show emotion is a weakness!

Jesse is a widower in the village and it was his cousin who sold Felicity the uninhabitable house so he feels duty bound to help her out with fixing it up. He also forces his help on her as it's plain to everyone Felicity isn't capable of asking for it.

I liked the story well enough but I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Felicity was annoying and incredibly cliché while Jesse was a good guy but prone to putting his foot in his mouth every five seconds.

There was no spice and no real build up to them getting together. One minute they're friends, talking about their lives, the next they're making out and are suddenly a couple. Then there is a third act break up which again was completely out of nowhere and completely out of proportion for what the situation required.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

City girl Fliss finds herself falling for the bucolic charms of the countryside in Maxine Morrey’s latest romantic comedy, Reach for the Stars.

Everything seems to be going wrong for Fliss. Single, unemployed and with her life in tatters, Fliss seems to be having a horrible run of bad luck and just when she thinks things cannot get any worse for her, she becomes the unexpected owner of a dilapidated farmhouse in desperate need of renovation. Fliss will need to win the lottery to reverse the ailing fortunes of her farmhouse. But living in the countryside does have its compensations – mainly her handsome neighbour Jesse Woods, who looks like he’s just walked off a magazine cover.

When a tree has an unexpected encounter with her roof that leaves Fliss seeing stars – literally! – she realises that she needs help and somewhere to live. Luckily for her, dishy Jesse is on hand with the perfect solution to her problems. As the two of them begin to get closer, Fliss realises that she’s falling for Jesse, but having been burnt many times before by men, is she willing to take a chance on romance? Will she break her own rules for the sake of her own happy ending? Or is Fliss about to lose her last chance at happiness?

An adorable romantic comedy that made me laugh out loud, Reach for the Stars is a fantastic read by Maxine Morrey perfect for Sarah Bennett and Phillipa Ashley fans. Funny, heartwarming and delightful from start to finish, Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey is a lovely tale about fresh starts, learning to trust and falling in love sure to brighten up every reader’s day!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BetweenTheCovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just kept me wanting more. Even though I have a good life, it made me want to go start a new life in a fixer upper in a little country town where I can customize that historic house to my hearts content.
I loved that felicity never gave up even when she wanted to (and was well within her right to) especially after all the shit that was thrown at her again and again.
Jesse is such a special and caring guy who deserves the world after everything he’s been through and all of the kindness he showed felicity even when it might have been hard for him. Don’t even get me started on his dog, Ned, just the sweetest boy ever.
It seemed like felicity was nearing her wits ends but Jesse just kept pushing back and made her accept the help him and the other towns people were offering no matter how much she tried to say no. It was really special to see how everyone in the small country town came together to help her even though she didn’t think she deserved the help and couldn’t grasp why total strangers would want to do anything for her because that’s what she was used to when living in the city.
Jules was the friend I would hope to make if I ever moved to a new small town like that. She was so sweet and cheery right off the bat and so protective of her brother. The fact that she’s an amazing cook and baker just makes it that much better.
Although I like how the book ended, I felt that the ending was a little rushed and I really wished we could’ve seen some more of them and the house completed. Other than that I would totally recommend this book and wish I could read it again for the first time.

[BookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a lot to love about this one. The charming country setting, the fish-out-of-water trope, the colorful secondary characters, and a grumpy hero with a heart of gold. And the meet-cute? One of the best I’ve ever read, and it had me laughing out loud.

‘Felicity DeVere is having a not good, horrible, very bad day that goes from worse to catastrophic. After getting dumped by her fiancé, selling her London flat and buying a “fixer upper" farm (there was wine involved – lots of wine) she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Not only is the farmhouse a dump, a raging storm flattens her roof with a big tree, and the one room she had begun renovating is ruined.

Fortunately her neighbor, Jesse Woods, comes to the rescue. He takes Fliss to his home for the night and then sets about calling in favors to get her house fixed. The only problem? Fliss does not need or want rescuing.

I’m all for a strong, independent woman with walls a mile wide. It makes for some entertaining interplay and has the potential for a lot of growth. Unfortunately, while Fliss had a soft heart, we only caught glimpses of it, and rarely with Jesse. I saw little growth in her character. Conflict that might have helped her grow was twisted back on Jesse, who seemed to be at fault no mater the situation.

While this has a lot of parts that are entertaining and has great potential, there is little give and take or compromise that is vital to healthy interpersonal relationships. I loved the secondary characters but couldn’t get past Felicity's prickliness and lack of development.

[Gina Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an uplifting and funny small town romance! I absolutely adore it. I laughed out loud so many times because of both the outrageously silly situations and the banter of the characters. This book is a true heart warmer. It reads quickly and easily plus it can make any reader smile from the start to the end.

Felicity (Fliss), a true London city girl, finds herself living in the English country side after her ex-fiancee dumbs her right before the wedding. What better revenge than to sell the flat, buy a house in the country and discover the house is falling apart (and apparently she now owns chickens)? Felicity’s whoas get worse from here and the craziest situations begin. I was engaged the moment I read the opening scene!

Then there is Jesse. He is the absolute sweetest! He is much calmer (and level headed) at times. He offers help to Felicity with her crumbling house. But my favorite part is when he banters with her and helps with her moments of spiraling. I found it entertaining every time he reined her back in from her moments of stubbornness. Definitely swoon worthy moments!

Both Felicity and Jesse are smart, stubborn (at times), determined and even have trust issues with others. They have pasts they find difficult to share. They fight hard and they love hard.

Overall, this is a good read! The opening alone had me laughing at the entire situation! I absolutely love this rom-com & recommend adding it to the TBR pile. It is perfect for reading now or later, just make sure to give it a read!

[BookwormSally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolutely hilarious, beautifully written, heartwarming, romance.

Fliss grew up in a family with money, that is until her father and step mother frittered it all away. Not one to give up, she worked hard in school and now is a high flying interior stylist, when suddenly her life implodes. Firstly, she has to see the photos of her ex-fiancé getting married to an heiress all over social media. In a fit of rage, she resigns from her job. Then, whilst drowning her sorrows in a month's supply of wine, she sells her swanky London flat and buys a house in the country. What she doesn't realise is, just what a rundown shell the house she has bought actually is.

Jesse, owns his own construction business. Sadly, there's just him and his dog Ned after losing his wife in fatal car accident 5 years ago. But he is resigned to how his life is now and makes the best of it.

Fate, and a really bad storm throw these two together. Well, that and Fliss nearly taking Jesse's head off with a piece of 4x2 in a DIY shop. Slowly, they become begrudging friends and Jesse helps Fliss restore her new home.

This book really is a fantastic read. The descriptions of the beautiful landscapes and the catastrophic storm have you imagining you are right there. The emotions felt by so many of the characters have you on an rollercoaster, right there with them. But, most of all, the storyline has you rooting for these two wonderful characters, in the hope that they will eventually find happiness together.

[Rainy's Reading Nook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC!

I was thoroughly enjoying this book at first. It was fun, cute and the writing was fantastic. I enjoyed watching Felicity grow as a person and her realize some of her old habits weren't actually who she was. Jesse was an amazing, kind hearted person and I loved the two of them together.

I felt that there was a lot of repetition in regards to Felicity's personality. The repetition was relating to her doing things on her own, building up walls, and due to that, it felt like some of the conversations were extremely forced between her and Jesse. Felicity really didn't end up building up much as a character though, there was more potential.

I loved Jules! She could have had her own spin-off book, had her and Pete not ended up together in this novel. I felt like she was such a cute character. The side characters interacted well within the story.

This would have been a higher rated book for me had it not been for the falling out. The "issue" in romances is typically predictable; this one was not and it made Felicity appear immature. It felt like the author couldn't think of a "falling out" so made up something quick. It didn't align with Felicity's new outlook which was unfortunate. There were other ideas that would have been better for this.

The book overall though was a cute, romantic read and didn't contain any spicy moments. If you're looking for something light and cute, this is for you! It's worth the read!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Reach for the Stars" by Maxine Morrey follows Felicity (Fliss), whose life takes an unexpected turn when her ex-fiancé decides to marry someone else – at the very wedding she paid for. In the aftermath of this betrayal and a drunken night, Fliss finds herself unemployed in London and the surprising owner of a run-down farmhouse in the countryside.

Adjusting to village life proves challenging for the fiercely independent Fliss, especially when it comes to accepting help from others. Her path crosses with Jesse, a generous soul whose natural inclination to assist others conflicts with her self-reliant nature. It takes a tree crashing through her roof for Fliss to finally begrudgingly accept that sometimes, we all need a helping hand.

Morrey excels at peeling back the layers of both Fliss and Jesse's characters, revealing their depths through moments of kindness and vulnerability. The novel thoughtfully explores how past hurts can lead us to build walls, as Fliss embodies the belief that avoiding trust means avoiding disappointment.

This compelling story strikes a delicate balance between raw emotion and humor while offering insightful observations about human nature. Though romance plays a significant role, "Reach for the Stars" transcends the genre, delivering a nuanced exploration of trust, healing, and the courage it takes to open oneself to new possibilities.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story will sweep you away into the life of Felicity "Fliss," a city girl whose world unravels after a particularly humiliating social media encounter involving her ex-fiancé’s picture-perfect wedding. What starts as an attempt to drown her sorrows ends with her impulsively purchasing a rundown farmhouse.

This feel-good, slow-burn romance offers the perfect blend of heartbreak, humor, and healing. The dilapidated country house serves as more than just a setting — it mirrors Fliss’s own state of disrepair. Enter Jesse Woods, the “loveliest-man-ever” who is as competent with a hammer as he is gentle with a bruised heart. Their chemistry is warm and believable, slowly building trust in a way that feels earned rather than rushed.

The novel does a lovely job in its portrayal of personal reinvention. Fliss isn’t just looking for love — she’s learning how to stand on her own, rediscover her passions, and build a new life, literally brick by brick. The moments of domestic chaos, quirky village charm, and emotional honesty make for a compelling read that’s both comforting and inspiring.

This is a beautiful and uplifting story of second chances and the surprising beauty of starting over — even when the roof caves in.

A cozy, heartfelt read that reminds us sometimes rock bottom is the perfect place to rebuild.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Stephanie Burow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books and s NetGalley for the ARC of Reach for the Stars in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Although this is my first Maxine Morrey romantic comedy novel I’ve had the pleasure of getting my hands on, this certainly won’t be my last. I loved Reach for the Stars so much! It ended up being the perfect feel good love story that kept me coming back for more. I genuinely kept counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up again, and it’s been a minute since that’s been the case.

I loved both Felicity and Jesse’s characters and their dynamic that seemed to come so effortlessly. Their relationship was just fun and passionate in so many ways and their backstories just tugged at your heartstrings. The build up to the moment when they finally realized their relationship was more than a friendship was beautifully done and quite palpable. Quite literally the only thing I would have loved more out of this book would have been an element of spice. Reach for the Stars is certainly a closed door romance, which I respect entirely. It’s just that the connection between the two main characters jumped off the page and you couldn’t help but cheer on their closed door action!

Please do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR list for this winter as this will be the perfect book to curl up in front of the fireplace with!

[Sara King · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

This book was such a delight! Set in a charming small village outside of London, Reach for the Stars delivered everything I could want in a feel-good romance. Felicity and Jesse’s story was heartwarming, filled with fantastic banter and chemistry that felt authentic and engaging. Add in Jules and the rest of the quirky, lovable townsfolk, and the cast of side characters made the setting feel alive.

This was my first book by Maxine Morrey, and I’m already excited to explore more of her work. While the romance is closed-door (just 🌶️), it fits perfectly with the cozy, wholesome tone of the story. My only complaint? I wish there was a sequel so I could spend more time in this lovely village!

Pros
•🌍 Wonderful setting: The quaint village outside of London added so much charm and warmth.
•💬 Fantastic banter: Felicity and Jesse’s dialogue sparkled.
•👥 Strong side characters: Jules and the rest of the town added depth and fun to the story.
•💖 Perfectly sweet romance: A closed-door romance that felt just right for the tone.

Cons
•📖 No sequel! I wasn’t ready to leave this world.

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming romance with a small-town vibe and engaging characters, Reach for the Stars is a must-read. Perfect for fans of sweet, lighthearted love stories with a dash of humor and charm.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

[Challis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

This book was a sweet, fun, cheesy little read. The premise was what caught my eye before picking this up: our FMC essentially starting her life over in a cute 'lil small town, but not realizing the doozy of a fixer-upper house she wound up with. In swoops MMC to save the day, obviously. It's what we love about these fluffy romances, isn't it? I sure do.

I liked the chemistry between the characters, and we get a pretty good slow burn happening here. The dialogue and some of their interactions had some humor at times, which was a good juxtaposition to some deeper moments that occur over the story.

While I do enjoy the slow burn, the pacing of the whole thing felt a wee bit rushed after the high point. I think the book could benefit from a couple more chapters in the second half of the novel, just to pace things out more evenly and keep the momentum going that built up from the first half.

My fav part about this, though? How much Felicity grew and changed on her personal journey over the course of the book. She was dealt a lot of crap and her circumstances made her come to a few realizations about how she was living her life and where she wanted it to go. Her character development was top notch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.