The novel “Be Your Best Self” by Maxine Morrey invites readers to embrace love, community, and the unexpected. With charming prose and relatable characters, she encourages us all to "Read Yourself Happy."

Meet Willow. When she moves back to her childhood village for a fresh start, she's ready for a new way of life. Settled in her dream cottage with her beloved dog Spud, Willow enjoys the peace and sense of community that country living brings. But her quiet existence is shattered by her brooding neighbour, Henry Darcy (or "Doctor Dishy," as Willow's best friend Abby calls him). While Henry does science, Willow does nature; where he embraces minimalism, she thrives on multicolour.

Willow's request to the universe for her perfect man seems to have missed the mark with Henry. But when a new man arrives in the village, fate might finally get it right. Has Willow found "The One," or does she need to look closer to home?

Our spirited protagonist, Willow, is an artist with a penchant for vibrant colours and a deep connection to nature. She's moved back to her childhood village seeking a fresh start, and her dream cottage becomes her sanctuary.
Her heart is open, and she's ready for love, even if her request to the universe for "The One" seems to have gone awry when she meets her brooding neighbour. Her love for her dog, Spud, adds warmth and companionship to her life.

The enigmatic scientist next door, Henry, is the epitome of minimalism. His orderly life contrasts sharply with Willow's colourful chaos. Beneath his serious exterior, there's a vulnerability that draws Willow's attention. Henry's journey involves more than just scientific equations; it's about opening his heart to the unexpected.

Willow's best friend, Abby, provides comic relief and unwavering support. She's the one who playfully dubs Henry as "Doctor Dishy." Her friendship with Willow is heartwarming, while her quirky personality and love for matchmaking add depth to the story.

The charming village setting introduces a host of secondary characters, from the nosy baker, to the wise old gardener, and the local book club members. Each character contributes to the sense of community and adds layers to the narrative.

Morrey skillfully brings these characters to life, making them relatable and endearing. Their interactions create a delightful tapestry of love, laughter, and self-discovery.

Morrey weaves an uplifting love story that warms the heart. Her delightful characters and witty dialogue make this romcom a joy to read. "Be Your Best Self" is a super sweet read that guarantees to warm any chilly evening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I ended up dnf'ing at 40% as the romance was just not there and the characters where kind of boring. I did initially think this was going to be interesting as it seems loosely based on Pride and Prejudice but it was not for me.

A beautifully written story with an array of captivating characters. Paired with a perfectly paced plot, it was impossible to not adore this book!

I enjoyed this book. It was a great summer romcom full of laughs and great characters. The way the MCs grew and evolved together gave warm fuzzies but also had just enough tension. The author crafted a great enemy to lovers, neighbors and forced proximity romance. The push and pull between the MCs and their banter also kept me entertained me until the end.

This was a just a great read. I was just all in the story.
Loved the MCs. Lovely written book. i enjoyed more than I expected I would

Such a cute romcom! Willa moves back to her hometown, and her neighbor is her complete opposite and completely hot. A lovely enemies to lovers!

This book is comfort reading at its very best. The book is filled with wonderful characters, especially Spud, the dog and teddy bears.

Maxine Morrey’s latest novel is a delightful romp through love, self-discovery, and the charming quirks of village life. From the moment we meet Willow, a vibrant spirit seeking a fresh start, we’re drawn into her world—a quaint cottage, the companionship of her adorable dog Spud, and the promise of a new adventure.

Willow’s quest for “The One” is relatable and humorous, especially as she grapples with her enigmatic new neighbor, the brooding Henry Darcy—aptly dubbed Doctor Dishy by her best friend. Their contrasting lifestyles—Willow’s love for nature and color versus Henry’s scientific minimalism—spark tension and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Morrey masterfully blends these opposites, creating a dynamic that keeps readers engaged and rooting for Willow as she navigates her feelings.

Very much a case of do opposites attract? Especially after clashing so much to start with. I liked the main characters but I didn’t love them and I think I think contributed to my enjoyment of the book. A light hearted enjoyable read

I loved this book. Funny and cute, nice plot and well written I look forward to reading more by this author and would recommend reading.

Such a cute and funny read!
Yes, opposites do attract and in this case the most unusual way!
At first I wasn't sure about Henry but I quickly grew to like him a lot. He's a great character and one I enjoyed in getting to know lol.
However Spud was who made this story. He
S a sweetie.
Willow to me, is a spoiled brat. But again, I grew to like her too.
I had so much fun with this book that I couldn't out it down. I've never laughed so much at these two.
Their light banter made me grin throughout the whole story.
This author has done a delightful job with this book. My first by her. Very well written.
5 stars for a wonderful read. For keeping me entertained all the way through. I loved every minute of it.
Always be your true and best self.. we ate not all perfect
These characters proved that.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

This story of ‘will opposites attract?’ Is an enjoyable read. Willow is tuned in to the natural world. Henry Darcy is a firm believer in Science. Their cottages reflect their different personalities as do their gardens. Willow loves to mix an abundance of everything. Henry has gone for the minimal look. At first, whenever they meet, they seem to clash. This feels like a warm, uplifting read as their friendship develops.

You form a great picture of life in a close, caring community. Willow’s friends look out for her and you sense that Henry has a supportive family and that he cannot be as unapproachable as he first seems. Reports of his work as a doctor contradict any aloofness. As Willow attempts to manifest her ideal man, you cannot help but hope that she will recognise him when she sees him. What is there not to like in this gentle uplifting romance?

In short will the universe deliver?

3.5 stars rounded up

I have read and enjoyed several books by Maxine Morrey. Although I did really end up enjoying this one, it was not my favorite story. I think the reason for this is really down to the characters; I liked but did not love them.

Willow is a girl with her heart in the right place and set in her ways and cautious where men are concerned. Mr Darcy, her new next door neighbor might be lovely to look at, but his character is horrible at the start. He is so cold and just yuck.... but of course these two opposite characters rub off on each other and after some funny and also irritating clashes they actually end up getting on, but can it also lead to more?

A lovely story which I throughly enjoyed from start to finish. The characters were so funny and especially the dog Spud. I enjoy Maxine's books and this one especially. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This is a fun read filled with the right amount of tension, angst, love and friendship. It gives off Pride and Prejudice vibes.

It follows the story of neighbours Willow and Henry, who had a very tense first encounter, and their attempts at friendship. They are as opposite as they come and their subsequent encounters makes for delightful and entertaining read.

I love Willow’s interactions with Spud and the other animals. I love her job as well ( reminds me of The Repair Shop).

I enjoyed the spar between both characters and their encounters were very funny. The author has a way with words and the way she crafted this plot will make readers continue to flip the pages.

Lovers of Mr Darcy, nature, enemies to lovers, small town romance will enjoy this.

I received an advanced copy and the review is mine and voluntary.

In this fun modern romance novel, readers join Willow in her home village where she lives a quiet life with her dog Spud. Actually, it’s only quiet until her new neighbor, Dr. Henry Darcy, moves in and begins serious renovations on his house that wake her at all hours of the morning. Quickly getting off on the wrong foot, Willow and Henry argue over everything and agree on nothing. Willow, however, still wants to find the One, and it has to be the other new man in the village, not Henry -- right? As the novel unfolds and Willow and Henry continue to interact with each other in their neighborhood, the village, and elsewhere, maybe opposites really do attract even if they get off on the wrong foot. With charmingly whimsical characters and a beautiful English countryside setting, Morrey’s novel is a lighthearted and charming romance novel. Willow is a unique heroine whose idiosyncrasies and quirks make her all the more relatable, while the premise of the book -- personal bests, growth, and open mindedness --will strike true with all readers. A fun summer novel with a great romance and friendship between major and minor characters, readers will definitely enjoy Morrey’s latest novel.

I really enjoyed getting to know both Willow and Henry in Be Your Best Self. It’s safe to say that when they first meet it isn’t the best of first impressions! What follows are fun and spiky interactions along with seeing a tentative friendship begin to form. I couldn’t help but smile at how these two often misunderstood each other.

The plot itself moved at a good pace and gave me chance to get to know the characters. I loved the setting of a small village with everyone knowing each others business. I also have to give a special mention to a very cute, loveable dog called, Spud! There’s a bit of drama between the characters which moves the story along in a great way. Let’s just say that Willow and Henry are pretty much opposites. They clash but there’s an undercurrent of chemistry that kept me invested.

Be Your Best Self has a lot of heart and is a real feel good story. This uplifting, sweet story was ideal for me to read whilst enjoying the warm weather. A lovely summer escape!

In this charming tale, Willow returns to her childhood village seeking a fresh start, finding solace in her dream cottage and the company of her dog, Spud. Her peaceful life is disrupted by the arrival of her new neighbour , the brooding and scientifically-minded Henry Darcy, nicknamed "Doctor Dishy" by Willow’s best friend, Abby. Despite his good looks, Willow and Henry clash over everything, from lifestyle choices to personal philosophies. Convinced Henry isn’t the man she asked the universe for, Willow is intrigued when another potential love interest appears. As she navigates these romantic possibilities, Willow must decide whether fate has delivered her The One or if the true answer lies closer to home.

I can always count on a Maxine Morrey novel to take me away to picturesque settings and compelling characters. Henry and Willow’s story is funny and heartwarming. It’s about learning to love thy neighbor, even if they take some getting used to.

I have a deep appreciation for nature, but for Willow, it’s more than just appreciation—it’s a way of life. From her stunning garden to her earthy style, Willow embodies a true connection with the natural world that is both inspiring and grounding. She’s not the flashy type. She’s honest, compassionate, and everyone in her small town loves her… except her new next-door neighbor, Dr. Henry Darcy.

Henry, a meticulous and introverted doctor, longing for a tranquil existence, finds himself facing an unexpected predicament when he moves next door to a beautiful, free-spirited, bohemian woman named Willow and her little dog, Spud. Henry has multiple layers and it is intriguing watching Willow melt them away. What I like most about him is he’s a gorgeous man, but he doesn’t flaunt it. In fact, he’s a little vulnerable at times which is sexy as hell.

The stark contrast between the two characters sets the stage for a series of comical and endearing encounters that ultimately lead to a sweet bond. Henry’s initial reluctance to embrace Willow’s unconventional presence in his life leads to a series of amusing misunderstandings and mishaps that left me chuckling. Through a delightful sequence of events, Henry and Willow gradually learn to appreciate each other’s unique qualities and find common ground. They discover that true friendship and love can blossom in the most unexpected places and that old dog’s can learn new tricks.

I love Willow’s Hospital for Teddy Bears and Poorly Dollies. What a lovely business of repairing and restoring precious toys for young and old alike, though I have doubts someone could make a living at it.

If you enjoy feel-good stories celebrating the magic of small town life, laughter, love, friendship, and adorable dogs, then this book is the perfect choice for you.

Thank you to Ms. Morrey for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

My Thoughts :
We meet Willow, having been recently divorced she has left London and moved back to the village she grew up in with Spud, her beloved dog.
She enjoys the quiet life in her cottage with her beautiful garden to sit in and she has a freespirited nature.
When new neighbour Doctor Henry moves in next door her peace is shattered and it seems Henry is far from her ideal man, hes starts by digging up all the trees and plants in his garden and Willow is horrifed.
Although Henry is handsome, he is far from any man Willow wants to meet or get to know.
Soon as they get to know each other, there is undeniable chemistry there and When Willow starts to show him around the village their friendship grows.
Can Willow see past his faults or is she she happy staying alone!?.
I really enjoyed reading about Willow and Henry, and watching their characters develop and learning about what brought them to where they are now.
As usual some great descriptive scenery and surroundings of the village to call home.
Maxine Morrey has always been one of my go to Authors. Her writing style is always invested in her characters and shows empathy.
Looking forward to more stories soon.