Book Review: Reach for the Stars by Maxine Morrey

I’m so pleased to be welcoming Maxine Morrey back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, Reach for the Stars.

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…

*****

Felicity not only has to deal with her ex’s wedding being everywhere, she also loses her job. Learning that alcohol and the Internet shouldn’t mix, she soon finds herself the owner of a renovation project. Is it too much or can Jessie help her? 

I am a fan of Maxine’s novels and I was so pleased to be part of the blog tour her latest book, Reach For The Stars. It has a cute cover and I couldn’t wait to get started. 

The plot of this novel is full of twists, turns and humour. It’s a very easy novel to fall into and get invested in. 

Felicity. Oh mate. The kitchen sink gets thrown at her that’s for sure. She handles it like the boss she is. She does go through all the emotions though. 

Jessie is a gentleman pretty much from the start…well, apart from the very beginning but I think we can forgive him. I loved that he was a likeable, kind character. Both he and Felicity bring a lot to the story and the narrative surrounding them is delightful. That’s not to say there’s not conflict. It’s a compelling journey these two undertake. I also loved Jules. 

That’s it. No more in case I spoil it. 

Reach For The Stars is about new beginnings, love, life and being brave. It reminds us that mistakes can sometimes turn out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. 

This is a perfect, feel-good escape from the horrible weather. I loved it. 

(Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

About Maxine Morrey –

Maxine wants to encourage everyone to ‘Read Yourself Happy’. She is the best selling author of ‘Things Are Looking Up’, ‘#NoFilter’, and the Kindle UK top ten read, ‘The Christmas Project’ among others.

In 2024, her book ‘You’ve Got This’ won The Romantic Comedy Award at the Romantic Novelists’ Association award ceremony in London.

Reach for the Stars was released by Boldwood Books on 5th December 2024. Click here to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

Say hello to Maxine via Facebook, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

by

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.