I read this novel at a fast pace and throughout, I was struck by the resemblance to the romanticised plot of a Christmas movie.

It should be noted that the story is genuinely romantic and provides excellent company, particularly on winter evenings by the fireplace wrapped in a blanket. However, the plot is not entirely satisfying. While the first half is interesting and moves quickly, the plot becomes hasty and the conclusion comes too quickly once you reach the end. The book gives the impression of being read without being fully absorbed, due to its hasty progression towards a fairly predictable conclusion.

The novel is an entertaining romantic comedy, ideal for Christmas nights. However, it has a few shortcomings that prevent it from being a story that will linger in readers' hearts.
This novel is recommended for those with a penchant for romanticism and a fondness for the ambience of small towns during the Christmas season. It is also suited to those who appreciate the dynamics of couples comprising contrasting personalities.

"Reach for the Stars" is a sweet slow-burn romance between Felicity, a city girl, and Jesse, a country guy she literally knocks off his feet.

After being heartbroken and heavily intoxicated, Felicity makes the rash decision to sell her London apartment and buy a rundown fixer-upper called Paradise Farm in the middle of nowhere. This comes after her long-time boyfriend, whom she believed was "the one," betrays her, leaves her for a wealthy heiress, and marries her in a destination wedding that she paid for.

What follows is a series of hilarious misadventures, beginning with a freak storm that sends a tree crashing into the only livable room in her new home, ripping off the roof.

As Felicity juggles her broken heart and overwhelming new responsibilities, Jesse Woods is there for her every step of the way. But can she let go of her trust issues and accept his help, or will her stubbornness make it harder for her to find her happily ever after?

I loved how the characters actually communicated instead of letting misunderstandings fester. Felicity’s character arc was excellently done, though I wish we had more insight into why Jesse was initially so cold to her, dismissing her as a "city girl" who wasn’t his type. While the romance could have been developed a bit more, overall, I really enjoyed this story.

This was a cute, easy read, and I enjoyed following Fliss as she tried to rebuild her life in the village. Watching her figure out who she really was—and letting go of some old habits—felt relatable and gave her character depth. Jesse was a highlight for me. He was such a kind and supportive presence, and it’s hard not to love someone who always has your back when life gets messy.

But while I liked the characters individually, the romance between them didn’t quite work for me. Their chemistry felt a bit flat, and the way they communicated often left me frustrated. It just didn’t feel like their connection was fully developed, and I kept wishing for more moments that showed why they belonged together. I also think their backstories and feelings could have been explored more to make their relationship feel stronger.

That said, the book was lighthearted and fun. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s perfect if you’re in the mood for a sweet, drama-free romance with no spicy scenes. While it didn’t blow me away, I still enjoyed spending time with Fliss and Jesse and their charming little village.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

An engaging and entertaining romance. A nice variety of characters. The location of England adds interest. Delighted that it was a closed-door romance. A little foul language does detract a bit from keeping a "g" rating. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I love small-town romances, bickering, and happy endings, so I had high hopes for Reach the Stars. It had the potential to become one of my favorites, but the pacing was an issue for me. Even after getting past 50%, it felt slow. Then, things started to rush with time skips that left the plot feeling scattered. The ending also felt rushed, and I didn’t get the sense of closure or character growth I was hoping for from Felicity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

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.

This is a book that I whizzed through with joy. I love the book, the writing, the characters and had such fun reading it. I love city girl Fliss and her antics. Trying to get over the ex-fiancé and get on with life, Fliss will make you laugh and cry.

A great read that will keep you turning the pages. This is rom-com at its best, the writing keeps you coming back for more and the characters you will love. The charming village setting I loved, the quirkiness of the story I loved and it is one of those books you want to coy up to and relax with. And that is just what I did.

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

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.

What’s with the title? Who’s reaching for the stars? Surely there could have been a better title like starting over at paradise farm or something. Anyway the story was fine, a bit muddled at times. Could have done without all of Felicity’s bragging about her labels, clothes, shoes, jewels etc. Her common sense was nonexistent as well. Surprising that an adult has no idea how to open a paint can. The author attempts redemption for her but it just doesn’t work out. Felicity remains self centered and off traveling for one client instead of staying put in her new home with new clients.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)

This book was such a wonderful read! The setting, a charming small village outside of London, was the perfect backdrop and gave the story so much more warmth and character. Felicity (Fliss) and Jesse's romance was sweet and engaging, with fantastic banter that kept me smiling throughout. The side characters, especially Jules, were a wonderful addition, adding depth and fun to the story.

The romance is closed door (🌶), but it fit the tone of the book perfectly. Sometimes sweet and simple is exactly what you need! My only wish is that there was a sequel...I'm just not ready to leave Fliss and Jesse behind!

This was my first book by Maxine Morrey, but it won't be my last!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

Loved this! First time read for Maxine Morrey but definitely not the last! Great storyline, fabulous cast of characters , and extremely well written. Highly recommended.

I don't typically love romace-centric books, but this may have changed my mind! Sometimes I struggle to connect to the main characters right off the bat, but I immediately enjoyed getting to know Fliss, and liked how she and the other characters developed. Very fun read!! Cute, romantic, fun, and exciting, with all the typical fun things we all love about this kind of book. And I love Fliss!!

Starts with a hilarious meet cute, some misunderstandings, throws in weather issues and off we go. I really wanted to love this but something was just off for me. The characters were good, the story was good, but it just never totally grabbed me.

A warm feel good romance. Slightly predictable but really enjoyable. Can’t beat a man meets girl when her house is almost flattened during a storm. A warm hug of a read and I would well recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey.

I enjoyed this book enough to finish it. It followed the normal romance book path, Jesse and Felicity have there meet cute. Slowly fall for each other. Have there misunderstanding and than at the last minute come back together. My lower rating in this one is I didn’t feel invested in the characters. The conversations between them felt very repetitive at times. The story line itself was cute, but the story almost felt forced. Not a bad book, but not a great one for my liking.

A really good read. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was really impressed I loved Fiss ans Jesse and was rooting for them from the beginning. When Fliss,who has just lost her job and her fiance on impulse buys Paradise farm but it is nothing like it's name in fact it's a wreck and after an horrific start things go from bad to worse but little does she know how her life will change and she finally realises that friends and not money will help her find the happiness she deserves. A lovely story

A lovely book, well written and really interesting to see the dynamics between the various characters. I really enjoyed seeing how things panned out (no spoilers here!) and I think you’ll be happy with the ending - just get yourself comfy because once you start this one you won’t want to put it down till the end!

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!

Thank you go Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
I’ve read a Maxine Morrey book before so when I saw her new one out knew I’d love it!
It’s a pretty easy to read book but still one you don’t want to put down and get lost in.
We meet Felicity who after one too many wines has made a huge life changing decision. Her journey leads her to the countryside and she literally bangs into Jesse. She is a posh London girl and him a country side boy and we get to see how their story unfolds. It is full of laughter and some sadness and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

It's always fun spending time with Maxine Morrey's characters and Reach for the Stars was no exception. Having shot her career in the foot after watching her ex marry at a wedding she has paid for, Fliss continues to mess up her life as she moves to the country. There, things continue to spiral downwards as she causes an accident at the DIY store before watching her house collapse on top of her. From there the only way seems to be up - but can she hold back from sabotaging her new relationships?