Taking place over twelve months, readers witness the fall and rise of Val: a woman who discovers her husband is having an affair on Christmas day. Her heartbreak is palpable and I really admired her strength in the opening chapters, determined to enjoy her Christmas day once and for all.

What follows is Val’s quest, with her new friends, to find a potential date for her son’s wedding the following Christmas. At first, I really enjoyed the little “meet cutes” as Val encounters potential dates that could help her heal her broken heart. There are many attempts at trying to reconnect in the dating world and Val soon discovers that finding a plus-one isn’t going to be as easy as she thought. However, my enthusiasm towards the plot did start to wane around the half way mark because I found the story became more repetitive. It was fun seeing Val getting out and about and I especially liked the bond she forms with her neighbour yet, it just felt like something was missing from the plot development.

I don’t think it helped that I particularly liked Loveday and the subplot. Despite recognising the importance of the protecting the planet, I thought Loveday was a bit of a busy body and I found some of her actions were grating, even though she has her friends interests at heart. The developing theme of the environment came across a bit strong, like the writer is lecturing readers, and I think this detracted the romantic-comedy that had started off so well.

Ben’s character was really surprising and I liked how Leigh creates such a mystery about him. Personally, I would have liked to have seen this featured more, taking the spotlight away from Loveday, because I think this would have added more depth to the novel. He is portrayed as quite a gentle soul and one I would have liked to get to know more.

Having recently returned from Cornwall, it was great to be transported to this lovely part of the world through fiction! This was a pleasant read but it didn’t completely set my heart on fire. I was rooting for Val to find her happiness but thought Leigh could have mixed up the story a bit more so it wasn’t so repetitive over the twelve months.

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

I have read some of Judy’s other works as well. Her characters are interesting, and Val is no different. Seventy and divorced, Val is exploring the possibility of potential Mr. Maybes who could be picked and asked to accompany Val to her son’s wedding at the end of the year. The book covers various themes – environmental concerns, building friendships and a community, and living life to its fullest. A heartwarming read for everyone who loves a feel-good story.

When Vals marriage implodes she decides to make a new start to her life, moving house, new friends and a. new location . Then when her son announces he is getting married she decides to find herself a plus one . Each month she meets a new possible candidate!
A fun and entertaining read, interesting believable characters and a great plot . I really enjoyed it and would recommend
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Judy Leigh for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

It’s Christmas Day. When Val’s husband does not appear in time for dinner, she drives to the nearby pub to give him a ride home. There she finds him embracing another women. Setting out on her own after forty plus years of marriage, she moves to a coastal town in England. There she meets a cohort of neighbors and begins making new friends and a new life. When her son announces that he will be getting married over Christmas next year, Val and her friend decide to find her a suitable date for the wedding. Each month she meets a new man. Some are age appropriate, others not so much. Some are available, others are not. Val gets involved in many aspects of her new village and shows it is possible to start over later in life. I have enjoyed other Judy Leigh books but this was one of the best I have read. The characters are sometimes funny and always likable. The story was very cozy. In spite of the title, romance was not the main focus of the book. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

May 23, 2022
I have been a fan of Judy’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I love the way in which she writes such fun and feel good stories. I read the synopsis of ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Judy – a fun and feel good story about starting over. Well it was certainly that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ I knew that I was reading something special and that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was drawn into the story from the start, which has a lot to do with the fact that the lead female character of Val was so likeable- she is a bright, bubbly and funny lady, who has to carve a new life out for herself. I had to know how life turned out for her and her friends and whether or not Val managed to get the ‘happy ever after’ ending that she so deserved. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would end up becoming so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading over several chapters and an hour later. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and I had to say goodbye to Val and her friends. I found ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable, page turner and a delight to read.
‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Judy Leigh. Judy has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Judy’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. I love the way in which Judy writes such fun and feel good stories that involve strong friendships and new beginnings. I love the way in which Judy shows that just because you reach a certain age, it doesn’t mean that life has to end but instead life can be fun and there are lots of adventures to be had. Judy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Judy makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I totally and utterly adored reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Judy’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I have been a fan of Judy’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I love the way in which she writes such fun and feel good stories. I read the synopsis of ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Judy – a fun and feel good story about starting over. Well it was certainly that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I started reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ I knew that I was reading something special and that I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I was drawn into the story from the start, which has a lot to do with the fact that the lead female character of Val was so likeable- she is a bright, bubbly and funny lady, who has to carve a new life out for herself. I had to know how life turned out for her and her friends and whether or not Val managed to get the ‘happy ever after’ ending that she so deserved. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would end up becoming so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading over several chapters and an hour later. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and I had to say goodbye to Val and her friends. I found ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable, page turner and a delight to read.
‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Judy Leigh. Judy has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Judy’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. I love the way in which Judy writes such fun and feel good stories that involve strong friendships and new beginnings. I love the way in which Judy shows that just because you reach a certain age, it doesn’t mean that life has to end but instead life can be fun and there are lots of adventures to be had. Judy clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Judy makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I totally and utterly adored reading ‘A Year Of Mr Maybes’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Judy’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Val is in her 70s and suddenly single after she discovers her husband is cheating on her. After moving to a Cornish seaside village, she is facing the prospect of having to attend her son's wedding solo. After meeting a new group of friends, she sets about finding a partner to accompany her to the wedding and soon realises that friendship is the greatest gift of all and she doesn't need to rely on a man. But will love come when she least expects it? A great read.

This is a fun and entertaining read, which follows Val through a whole year, month by month. She is having to start again in her seventies after the breakdown of her long marriage. As she moves into her cottage in Lowenstowe, she meets her neighbours and builds up a network of friends and acquaintances. Desperate to have a plus one to take to her son's wedding, she sets about trying to meet one. Month by month she meets a different man and this gives much scope for humour with some lively characterisation.

As the year progresses, Val learns quite a lot about herself and whether she needs someone else to rely on or not. She emerges as a feisty, independent character, with a heart of gold and a brave attitude. This is well up to Judy Leigh's standard. The story has wit and also a little intrigue surrounding one of her elusive neighbours. There are some surprises along the way but it certainly makes for an entertaining read.


In short: Can love find a way?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
#blogtour

I love Judy Leigh's books about love, life, community, friendship, and self-discovery with mature characters. In A Year of Mr Maybes, we meet Val, a woman in her seventies that finds out her husband of over 40 years is carrying on a relationship with a younger woman. It is Christmas Day and she locks him out, eats her dinner alone and begins making plans on moving forward without him. A year later, she has moved into her own cottage in the small Cornish seaside town of Lowenstowe. She meets her neighbours and becomes part of the community. When her son lets her know he is getting married in a year, she decides she would like to bring a plus one to the wedding. She embarks on a year of meeting men and dating trying to find someone to bring to the wedding. Along the way, she meets some Mr. Maybes, but finds friendship, community and herself along the way.

A Year of Mr Maybes is a very really enjoyable book that I had a great time reading. Being over the age of 60, I always enjoy books with characters closer to my age. It was nice to see Val meeting men and getting to know them. The same issues are there at any age, with some men only looking out for themselves and their needs and others being fun and caring. This isn't a romance book in the sense of two people meeting and falling in love, but a story about finding someone you can be happy with, but also finding out how you can be happy alone as well. I really enjoyed meeting all the characters that lived in this small village. They complement each other, care about each other and the environment. There is a storyline about protecting the beaches, keeping them clean and raising awareness for these issues. Does Val find her plus one? You will have to read this delightful, humorous story to find out. I recommend it to those who enjoy stories with mature characters, humour and new beginnings, no matter what age you are.

My goodness what a book. I didn't know what to expect reading this book but i quickly fell in love with the characters, their growth and development , the plot and the writing. Safe to say Ms.Leigh has a new reader right here
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next read

Here's something to wrap your mind around...
...ever notice that the majority of contemporary fiction works with a romantic lean tend to be about 20 - 30 somethings? What about AFTER that? I mean, love isn't JUST for a particular age group, right? So, why wouldn't you want a story starring an older leading lady/man? Why indeed!

I've had this thought before, and contemplated it a bit with a different series/author. When the question was actually posed to the writer, the reply was something along the lines of who wants to read an older person's love story. Umm... *raises hand*...and I'm pretty sure I see SEVERAL of you out there raising your hands along with me. A romance or love story isn't JUST about the bedroom scenes for goodness sake...although some are and other prefer just that and hey, to each their own...but it's about the story, the heart, the how-they-got-there and where-do-they-go-from-here. Young or old-er, people are still split between the camps of forever love found and forever still looking.

This story gives us a leading lady that I think most would aspire to be as strong as, as brave as, and lovely and kind as some day. Though my heart broke for her in the opening scenes, that was a tragedy SO well played! I mean, I was meant to stay downtrodden, and yet...I was busting out the giggles and smiles. He deserved it 110%; trust me. As her new life progresses, she meets love in its various forms, and learns so much about herself as well as those she surrounds herself with. She creates a new family from her chosen tribe, and while not forsaking her past, is gloriously looking ahead to her future.

YOU GO GIRL!

Loved this book. After a heartbreaking Christmas a year passes and settling in her new home little does she realise, what awaits her in the next year. From wonderful neighbours, new friends, to becoming a member of the local conversationist group. Vals life has never felt fuller and she realises how much she likes her life and really has no need for a man. I also loved the message of remembering to take your rubbish home, reduce plastic and be mindful of the wildlife.

Sadly this might just be the worst book I’ve read so far this year. I would have DNF’d it had I not gotten a copy from NetGalley and needed to write a review. Even then I skimmed probably the last 35% of the book.

Val catches her husband cheating on Christmas. By the following Christmas they are divorced and she’s moving into her own cottage by the sea. She wants to bring a date to her sons wedding a year later so we follow her month by month as she meets potential dates. It’s a cute premise but just fell flat. I was so incredibly bored.

I really liked the character of Val straight away. You can’t help but sympathise with her in the opening chapters when her life is turned upside down. As the story progressed, you come to realise what a resilient, brave character she is, to put herself “back out there”. Once again, Judy blows stereotypes such as being “too old” or “past it” out of the water in this uplifting and entertaining book.

Val’s initial heartbreak results in her decision to move away from the community she’s always known, and into a new one. Judy ensures that the readers are able to perform pictures both the setting but also the community’s warm embrace in this novel.

The structure of the book is original and engaging, as we follow Val over a course of the year as she meets potential suitors, with all the comedy, romance and drama that comes along with that. Of course, some of the prospective men are far more ‘suitable’ than others.

Judy manages to pack a lot into this relatively quick and easy read, with my favourite aspects being the sense of community, the comedic points and the development of Val’s growth in her confidence and her friendships.

Another perfectly pitched and uplifting 5 star read from one of my absolute favourites in this genre. An ideal choice for fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Cressida McLaughlin.

I love a feel-good story focused on an older MC and A Year of Mr. Maybes didn't let me down. Val shows us that you really are never too old to start over. An end to a relationship, a new home, and a new chapter in life, Val is ready to jump in head first... with a few pushes from her new friends. I really enjoyed the community setting, the friends and the village both made me want to be a part of the neighborhood. An absolutely adorable book!

4/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Blurb :
Val didn’t expect to be starting again in her seventies, but when life gives her lemons, Val is determined to make lemonade.
Settled into her new home – a picture-perfect fisherman’s cottage in the small Cornish seaside town of Lowenstowe – Val is ready to start a new chapter. And with her son due to get married next Christmas, there’s also the little job of finding herself a plus-one to help her face her ex-husband and his new girlfriend.
With the support of her neighbour Connie, and after decades of married life, Val takes the plunge back into the world of dating with trepidation and excitement. But can she remember how the single life works, let alone what her type is? There seem to be plenty of Mr Maybes, but no sign of Mr Right.
As the year passes, and as friendships and community life flourish, Val begins to blossom. And as Christmas approach, she might just decide she doesn’t need that plus-one after all - although never say never...

My Thoughts :
Having loved every book that Judy Leigh has written, I knew this would be no different and I wasnt wrong.
We meet 70 year old Val, who finds that her husband Ray has cheated on her. She decides to brush herself off and turn her life around to start living again.
She moves to a new home in Cornwall, and as Val has her son Tom’s wedding coming up that December, she feels she needs a plus one to take if not only to spite her ex husband and save face.
With the help of her new friend connie, Val embarks on a series of dates over the coming months, hence the title A Year of Mr Maybes.
Not only do we get to know Val, who is a lovely lady, caring and strong. We also see her start to enjoy life again and meet some great characters along the way. She is a person I wish I had in my life, she would fit right in.
It shows you are never too old to start living again.
With some twists and turns along the way, Judy Leigh has once again written a feel good story about mature aged characters and one I didnt want to put down.
As my go to Author, I hope there will soon be another new release.

A lovely read by Judy Leigh. A Year of Mr Maybes is a fictional celebration of the older generation really proving you are never too old for a fresh start. A story about rediscovering fun, hobbies, finding new friends and even a little bit of romance.

Catching her husband cheating at Christmas, Val decides to leave him and make a new start. A move to a small Cornish town brings about a host of new friends and opportunities. When her son announces he is to be married the following year, she decides to have a go at dating again and find someone who will be the perfect plus one. She really wants to avoid being alone and facing her cheating ex!

The book contains a strong environmental theme – shown by how she helps the local community, keeping the beaches clean. Through the various activities and people she meets, Val encounters many “Mr Maybes” but realises that she doesn’t really need her “Mr Right” and is very happy within herself – the person she has become and the life she has created for herself.

I was really entertained, I didn’t know what to expect but this was a nice surprise, I enjoyed the read and think many others will too. Not your normal “cosy” or chick lit read, and it was lovely to see the main character was an older lady. I think many readers will find it inspiring.


Entertaining and empowering for the older generation, great stuff!

I just love Judy Leigh’s books, and they just keep getting better and better!

I adored every page of this book, it’s one of the most uplifting and enjoyable books that I’ve read in ages.

I loved Val as a character, she’s fun and feisty, but she’s also caring and kind, and she’s been through a lot of change in her life. She makes friends with a wonderful host of characters when she moves house, and they look out for each other, and have some great fun along the way.

Although the theme of the book is about Val finding her Mr Right, it’s actually about much more than that, with friendship, community and important issues like the environment running throughout the story. The book manages to be heartwarming, uplifting and funny but also a really enjoyable and enchanting read.

I really didn’t want this book to end, I felt so much like a part of the characters’ lives. It really left me with a smile on my face, and I’m already looking forward to the next book from this wonderful author.

This is my first Judy Leigh novel and it certainly won’t be my last.
My favourite thing about this book is that it centres around Val, who is a lady of a more mature age. A lot of romance novels have much younger protagonists so I really enjoyed reading about someone who searches for love and a new life in their later years.
Val is hurt and deeply upset when she finds out her husband has been cheating. Her son is loving at the other side of the world so she moves a few miles away to a cottage to start fresh. She meets new friends and neighbours and is happy on her own. Until, her son invites her to his wedding and she needs a plus one. So begins the search for a companion but love can appear in unexpected places.
Val’s friendship with Connie is so heart-warming and enjoyable to read about. I loved the variety of characters she is neighbours with and how quickly they drew her into the fold. It was uplifting to see how Val was healed by friendship first rather than romance, and how everyone looked after her.
The setting for this novel was just perfect for a moving on and healing story. Who doesn’t want to live in a cottage by the sea?
I adored this book and everything about it and I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Judy Leigh wrote this delightful story of growth and second chances. Val was devastated when her marriage failed. She didn't know what to do with herself. So she packed up and bought her own place.



With this move, she got to know who she was and what she wanted out of life. It made me think of myself after a divorce. You question everything. What did I do wrong? You grieve not for what it was but you wished it was. You take tiny steps at the beginning as it is new territory. But with time, you almost don't recognize the women that you were.



I loved the story. Life can be so unexpected. You make the most of it. And you never know when Mr. Maybe might just turn up.

I received this ebook from Boldwood Books to review. #BOLDWOODBOOKS. #BOOKANDTONIC

#BlogTour

A romantic staycation with Val…
Usually when I pick up one of Judy Leigh’s books, I find myself transported to some beautiful places in the world. A Year of Mr Maybes is no different as the setting is charming and picturesque Cornwall. The story follows Val, starting a new life after a painful divorce and dating again to find the perfect man for her son’s wedding. I loved how bubbly and confident a character Val was, determined not to let life get her down, she threw herself into her new start.
Although the plot is almost confined to one place, that doesn’t mean that it lacked action. There were plenty of events happening to keep me entertained. True to life, Val’s exploration of dating again was full of ups and downs. There weren’t really any nasty characters to this plot, just lots of supportive friends, some with quirky personalities. Loveday really stood out as a character and I could clearly picture her on the beach litter picking! The themes in the book about moving on and falling in love with yourself were lovely and resonated with me. Another warm-hearted thoughtful book. With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC copy I received in exchange for an honest review.