A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

This book was definitely one of my favourites so far from Moran. I liked the different subplots, although do think that some worked better than others. The characters were likeable and I really got a sense of Ollie trying to strike out on her own, once and for all.

Ollie, at nearly thirty years of age, is still living at home. But not in a good way. Her hypochondriac of a mother does everything in her power to ensure her daughter never leaves: faking illnesses, getting herself to hospital, emotional abuse… anything to guilt-trip Ollie into sacrificing everything. Single as a result of her mother’s interference, Ollie realises this toxic relationship cannot continue. I was shocked by how far her mother would go and was pleased when Ollie makes plans to remove her mother from her life, move on, and move out.

Cutting out her mother was quite an extreme response but it was definitely needed! Readers get to see Ollie blossom into a confident individual who is able to make her own choices, without reporting back to someone else. Coinciding with this life-changing decision, Ollie also sees it as time to finally complete her Dream List – a list of challenges and wishes that she wrote when she was a teenager. For me, I thought this was the weakest part of the story because the subplots of Ollie’s work at the library and her neighbours were far more interesting. Plus, working through a sort of ‘bucket list’ has been done so many times before and I didn’t think Ollie’s choices were particularly memorable.

Instead, I loved reading about the “Library Lady” Irene, the Frea-K Three-Ks and Joan. Not to mention the mysterious ranger and Ollie’s immediate neighbour, the cast of characters added so much flavour to this story. Joan’s story was a more sobering element to the plot, counterbalanced by Ollie’s growing friendship with Sam. I definitely wished he featured even more in the story, growing frustrated with Ollie’s “No Man Mandate” where she has promised to stay single whilst the Dream List needs completing. In my opinion, this just holds her and the story back a bit.

This is a light-hearted story that has a lovely forest setting and a warming community. Even though it takes place over several months, it certainly felt like a summer read and I think this helped by the lovely characters. There’s plenty going on in this story so it is less than predictable and I enjoyed watching Ollie blossom from a down-trodden daughter to an independent woman who is happy with life once more.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Beth Moran read and I am almost shamed to tell you that it took me over a year to pick up even though it was in my TBR. Netgalley provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a super cute, heart-warming romance read that focused on finding one's independence and confidence and starting anew while overcoming toxic relationships.

The book revolves around female main character, Ollie. She is tired of being manipulated and controlled by her mother. She finds the gumption to finally take control of her life. Enough is enough... and how does she do it? She makes a list of course, but that list includes cutting most ties from her mother.
With the help of her friends new and old, she finally builds up the courage to find herself. What does Ollie like ? What makes HER happy? She doesn't know but goes on a beautiful journey to find out.
Ollie has a Dream List, a special list she's been creating since she was just a girl. The dream list is full of all the things she thought she wanted to do with her potential partner, but there is one problem.... she still hasn't Mr. Perfect. As Ollie starts on her new journey her best friend throws yet another wrench in the mix, "the no man mandate." Ollie needs to take on the list to find herself so no dating... so she's going at the list on her own!
Will Ollie successfully complete her Dream List on her own or will the devilishly handsome Sam get in the way?

This book was so cute. The characters were well developed and easily loved. I especially enjoyed her relationships with Joan. I wont ruin this for you.

If you like heartfelt moments, light humor, and even a sprinkle of romance, this will be a nice and easy read for you.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. This was a different type of story for me. This was a great coming of age story. Ollie is in a journey of finding herself and learning to love herself. I loved the other characters in this book. What a great read.

I received this ARC through the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing this book, opinions are my own.

This was a gorgeous story with lovely characters and a delightful premise. I really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend.

The cover is BEAUTIFUL and really drew me in. I really love the positive vibes throughout this entire book about loving yourself the way you are and not changing for anyone.

I loved how slow the paced of the romance of this is, I love an extremely slow burn. Very uplifting!

Lovely book, characters you really connect with and hope for to have a happy ending. Could not recommend more!

I have just discovered this fabulous author and am loving having found a new author to read. This author writes about real relatable issues in a sensitive way and brings them out in the open. This was an uplifting and emotional read that made
Me laugh and cry in equal measure and shows what can be achieved with a little help from friends and everyone coming together as a community and that life is less tough with a little help from your friends.

Because of problems with my computer and e-reader my I didn't read the book and my copy has expired.

BOOK REVIEW

BOOK: Just the Way You Are
AUTHOR: Beth Moran
FORMAT: eBook
RATING: DNF (did not finish)

MY THOUGHTS

I started this book and found that I had a lot of difficulty connecting to the story. I did not finish it, not for lack of quality of the book but more so that I felt it was a “right book wrong time” situation where I wasn’t in the right mindset for this one at this time! Hopefully will be picking it back up in the future!

I really enjoyed this easy read rom-com from Beth Moran. It was the first one of hers that I had read but I'm definitely going to read more of they are as good as this one.

Such a cute little Rom Com. The story was everything you need in a cheesy lovely way. I wish this could have gone on a little linger

4 stars. Just The Way You Are is a must-read, feel-good romance. Recommend!
Thank you to Beth Moran, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable if predictable read. I liked the premise, but it was a bit cheesy, too much if you ask me and it started to feel childish as a result. I liked Ollie as a character and she definitely provided entertainment. The plot thread with her mum was strong but I thought it was resolved too quickly and there could have been more exploration. This was okay just not great.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

This was a great fun book to read. Enjoyed how the dream list got ticked off and how the main character developed. Would recommend

“Just the Way You Are” by Beth Moran was a thought provoking and heartfelt read. I definitely recommend it!

This book had such a relatable storyline. There are lots of topics raised in this book. It was heart warming, thought provoking book that I will never forget.

This one was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
4 stars read for me

Ollie Tennyson is a character who needs to take back her life from her nosy and manipulative mother. She moves out, and tries to learn who she is, with some excellent neighbors. This was nice, cute, and something I loved reading.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley!