Be Your Best Self is the first I've read by Morrey and it's so not going to be my last.

It's a highly enjoyable read and turned out to be the Pride and Prejudice revamp I didn't know I needed. Need I say that Dr Darcy obviously was my favourite character?

The settings were glorious and the world needs to have more Teddy Bear and Poorly Dollies hospitals in it. What a fabulous idea!

This story follows Willow, who loves her quiet life in a cosy rural town with her dog, Spud, her plants, and her teddy bear patients. Her quiet and peaceful life is turned upside down when Dr. Henry Darcy moves in next door. From the very first day he moves in in, Willow and Henry clash – Willow is devastated when she learns that he is pulling up all the beautiful plants from the garden, and tells Henry so – admittedly it is his garden, and as Henry points out to willow – he can do exactly what he likes.

Meanwhile, Willow is manifesting her perfect man – she feels ready to start dating again, but in the quiet town where she lives, well, her perfect man definitely doesn’t exist. Or does he? As Willow and Henry spend more time together, there is an obvious chemistry between them both. Could Henry really be the perfect man for Willow?

Be Your Best Self is a cute and fun read, with well written characters and a lovely storyline. A heart-warming and uplifting read – perfect for adding to your Summer TBR pile 📚

Be Your Best Self by Maxine Morrey

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Willow asks the universe to find her The One, but will she recognise him when he appears? When Willow moved back to the village she grew up in for a new start, she was ready for a new way of life too. Now happily settled in her dream cottage with her beloved dog Spud, Willow enjoys the peace and sense of community country living brings.

That is until her quiet is shattered by her new neighbour. Sure brooding Henry Darcy, or Doctor Dishy as Willow’s best friend Abby calls him, may be easy on the eye, but it doesn’t take long for the new neighbours to discover that they don’t agree on anything.

Where Henry does science, Willow does nature. Where Henry does minimalism, Willow does multicolour. When Willow asked the universe to manifest her perfect man, either she wasn’t specific enough, or Henry isn’t it.

But when Willow tries again and a new man arrives in the village, has fate got it right this time and delivered her The One, or does she need to look closer to home…

My Opinion

Be Your Best Self was a lovely read. I am definitely a fan of Maxine Morrey so I am always happy when there is a new release and this was a great addition to the catalogue. Willow and Henry are two very different characters but together they can both grow. Overall this was a lovely relaxing book that is going to make for a great holiday read.

Rating 4/5

Easy well paced read. Perfect for the beach. Lots of atmospheric descriptions of the small village, beach, and gardens. Great for armchair travel. Includes two donkeys and a horse as well as a dog called Spud.

This had a pride and prejudice vibe with Henry and Willow clashing horns when he moved in next door to her and made assumptions about her lifestyle.

I loved the progression from enemies to lovers but I didn't like that immediately they got together, the book jumped weeks later to their conflict. Would've wanted to see more of their new relationship. The ending was also wrapped up a bit quickly.

This was a lighthearted read though. I enjoyed it for the most part. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Willow is living her peaceful life in the countryside until her new neighbour, Henry, arrives. The pair disagree instantly and learn that they have nothing in common. Willow had tried to manifest The One and clearly it would seem that the dishy doctor next door wasn’t it. She tries again and a new man arrives in the village, could it finally have worked, or could she have been wrong this time.

I really enjoyed this book, I had a smile on my face throughout. Willow and Henry are two very different characters and personalities that it was no wonder they clashed when they first met. It was then interesting to watch them navigate overcoming this and trying to build a friendship. Despite their different personalities I loved them both equally and hoped that fate had led them to each other.

I loved the sound of Willow’s house and garden, I want to live there! I found reading about them relaxing and I could imagine sitting out looking across to the fields and enjoying the views.

The writing in Maxine’s books make them so easy to read and get lost in, that I always feel transported into the characters world, which is exactly what happened again here.

This book was heart-warming, uplifting, feel-good and full of romance.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet, charming, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

I adore Maxine Morrey's books because they always make me feel better than when I went into them , this also drew me in because of the title too, as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression I have to say I’m always drawn by something sounding like it is positive or will improve my wellbeing, so an uplifting romcom, I’m 100% in , especially as been struggling a bit lately.

Anyhoo, this book is definitely what my brain ordered, it’s completely uplifting and a completely soul affirming read. The characters are gorgeous, so relatable, I love Willow I want her as my friend. I don’t blame her for envying her bestie’s relationship at all, I did as I read it. Then we have Henry, Dr Dishy, I loved their angst, the chemistry between them and who could forget Spud, the star of the show (after our main characters of course ☺️)

Be Your Best Self is full of fun, humour , I laughed out loud quite a lot with this (receiving odd looks on the bus) it will help you escape reality for a little while, but return you feeling far better.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

On first impressions, I felt a connection with the protagonist, Willow, and I loved the lighthearted tone of the writing. I found some of the characters likeable, and the ones that could be deemed unlikeable seemed to be portrayed in a humorous sort of way. There was something about the storytelling in general that made me chuckle as well.

As I carried on reading, I found that this book made me smile more and more. There were some elements of Willow's personality that I identified with, particularly her attitude towards romantic relationships.

I found this light and easy to read. It was humorous, quirky and a lot of fun.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

Maxine Morrey books never fail to be a lovely read and this one is no different. Her descriptions of the world around us are always detailed and enjoyable, and brings me right to the English countryside along with her characters.

Willow and Henry are two completely different people and get off to a really bad start especially when Henty tells her that he's not a dog person! When Willow thinks she can manifest her perfect man after finally getting on with her divorce, she thinks that Henry is the opposite of what she wants. But as they start to get to know each other, things start to change. But cue misunderstandings, hurt feelings, bad communication and the appearance of Mr. Perfect, and their relationship derails. Both have been changed by the other but they have to get out of their own way.

This book is in a similar vein to her others, so if you like her work, you'll enjoy escaping to village life with donkeys, a horse, a cute dog called Spud, a lovely best friend and two opposites attract characters falling in love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Cheating spouse
• Divorce
• Difficult parental relationships
• Fertility difficulties.
Characters
Willow grew up in a small coastal town in Devon but soon moved to London after graduating university to get away from the sleepy pace of Devon. After almost 20 years, Willow moved back to Devon for the exact reason she left – the slower pace of life within a connected small town. Her reconnection to the earth, nature and caring for ones physical and mental health has done her wonders. And she’s beginning to think she’s open to love again.
Henry is a new addition to Willow’s small town, moving in next door to her. While he’s also from London and wanted a change, his approach to adjusting to small town life is very different to Willow’s. He’s strait laced, risk adverse and against nature in all its forms.
Storyline
Henry buys the house next door to Willow and immediately has a massive renovation done inside and proceeds to rip out the entire garden and putting down astroturf instead – sparking an immediate emotional war with Willow. As Henry and Willow slowly come to terms with their different lifestyles and begin a tentative friendship for the sake of being neighbourly, Willow is also working hard on manifesting her perfect man to fit into her lifestyle. Which Henry clearly isn’t!
Overall Thoughts
Something I find myself appreciating more and more in the romances I read is the element of being happy in oneself. The adage “if you can’t love yourself, who could love you?” kinda thing. Especially in understanding what is important to yourself, what you’re willing to compromise on and what is something you absolutely can’t live with.
As this is becoming more and more prevalent in society, I feel like I’m seeing it more in the romance novels I’m reading. Willow is a prime example of this.
While she is looking for love, she was happy being single after a marriage that fizzled out while she sorted out her own feelings, needs and desires. This understanding of being happy by yourself before finding someone to share your life with is so great to read. Especially because we get the stark contrast to her life with her ex-husband in London and what she wasn’t happy with in that life.
Seeing Willow begin to guide Henry through that same journey (to a degree) was also great. He’d taken the first steps by understanding that his career in London wasn’t sustainable. At least, not if he wanted to keep his motivation for going into that job in the first place alive. But with Willow’s prompting, he opens up more and begins to find things that fill his cup.
Overall, a really enjoyable and relaxing romance. While there was of course an element of drama, the drama matched the entire feel of the book.

Pride and Prejudice retake with two great characters. Willow with her little dog, her interesting job putting back together teddy bears, and her unique way of facing life. Henry as a grumpy, serious and uptight new doctor in town, but with a funny and sweet side well hidden for everyone until Willow show him happiness. Sweet and funny love story.

I loved it! I'm a huge fan of Maxine Morreg and this book topped all the books. The cover was lovely the characters were perfect. This was just a perfectly written story

A funny heartwarming rom com that melted all my stress away. What more could I ask for with these picturesque settings and loveable characters. Willow and her dog companion Spud get a new neighbour and he is also the new town doctor aka Dr Dishy. Dr Henry and Willow butt heads and that is saying the least. When Willow has a new love interest things come to a head. Will Willow,Dr Henry and Spud live happily ever after? I for one was cheering for it to happen. I enjoyed the relationship between Spud and Willow as it reminded me of my own relationship with my dog. Willow would do anything for her one true love Spud. While in the beginning I didn't understand why Henry was so standoffish, I eventually warmed to him and he became my favourite character. This book felt like having a chinwag with a old friend and it was delightful!

Be Your Best Self is another charming and heartfelt love story by the talented Maxine Morrey.

Maxine's books always put a smile on my face and made me feel all those wonderful, warm and cozy feelings. She is a master at writing charming, heartfelt stories filled with real and relatable characters, a story that will take you to unexpected places, and a romance that will sweep you off your feet. I enjoyed this book. It has all that charm and warmth that I've come to expect from Maxine's books. This is an easy book to sink into and really is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. As always, I finished this book in one sitting. The first explosive meeting between Willow and Henry hooked me in, and I wanted to see how this opposite attract, enemy neighbours to lovers' love story would unfold. I really enjoyed the ride this book took me on. I am a sucker for a small-town English romance, and this book reminded me why I love that trope so much. Maxine captures that small-town charm and quirkiness perfectly. I love the warmth and laughter that you often get with small-town romances. I also want to say that I absolutely adored Spud. That sweet little dog just added the right amount of charm and comic relief to the story.

Willow and Henry were great main characters. They definitely have that opposites attract, grumpy sunshine trope-y feel to their relationship. Willow is a happy, carefree, green witch. Ok, she isn't actually a witch, but she does natural remedies to help cure common ailments, which has earned her the name green witch. She loves plants and animals and really is a delightful individual. I loved the whole "magical" element of this story. Willow tried to ask the universe to have the perfect man come into her world. The next thing she knows, Henry is her neighbour, and she realizes that even though he may look like the perfect man for her, his personality and interests don't match. It was absolutely heart-warming and fun watching as she interacted with Henry. Their relationship definitely gets off to a bumping start, but watching as Willow's charm slowly melts those walls around Henry was wonderful. I liked Henry; he isn't the typical hero that Maxine writes. Henry is very reserved and guarded. But underneath that guarded exterior is a man who truly is a kind and loving person. I loved peeling those layers back.

The romance is sweet, and I ate up every moment Henry and Willow were together. I will admit that I am not a fan of love triangles. Lol, I try to avoid them at all costs. But the love triangle in this book wasn't too bad. I think it's because I knew that Henry and Willow were meant to be together, and I just say Calvin's character is an obstacle that they needed to overcome in order to be together. Like all of Maxine's books, the romance is wonderfully written, and there is such a wonderful connection between Willow and Henry. I really did love these two to bits.

You will adore this book if you are a fan of grumpy sunshine, opposites attract, love triangles, and charming small-town romances.

Be Your Best Self is a delightful, heartfelt romance and a perfect afternoon read for this summer.

Seeking a fresh start in her childhood village, Willow finds her peaceful life disrupted by her new neighbor, the brooding and handsome Henry. Despite their clashing personalities, Willow can’t deny her attraction to him. When a new man arrives in town, Willow must decide if fate has finally delivered her “The One” or if true love is closer than she thinks.

This is a well-paced, compelling romance with strong characters. Willow and Henry may be opposites, but they fit perfectly together. I like how he didn’t dismiss her free-spirited view of the world.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Well, you know where this story is going from the very first page. But it’s the path that weaves this way and that way that makes a story special and this story was one of those special ones. I don’t know, there’s just something so sweet about it. Is it the main characters, Willow and Henry? Is it their connecting houses with very different styles and gardens? Is it their gorgeous little village? Maybe it’s a combination of all of those. If you believe in manifesting and believe in love, then this is the book for you. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This sweet romance follows Willow and her dog Spud, as she has settled into life back in the countryside.

Suddenly, Henry Darcy, a doctor, moves in next door and her first impressions are not great. Not only with the noise the renovations cause, but a
few comments from Henry which Willow doesn’t take kindly too.

After their initial confrontations die down, Henry tries to make amends and asks Willow to show him around the village. Their friendship grows, but with Willow looking for the ‘One’ when another new doctor shows up in the village, she must work out who could be the man for her.

Will Willow find her ‘One’? Will Henry make amends with Willow?

This romance is a lovely and sweet read, with plenty of moments where you can laugh along with the characters too.

It is a love/hate romance and I’m not sure if it is just due to the character’s name ‘Darcy’ but it brings me back to books I use to read of this kind by Jane Austen, with a more modern take.

I liked Willow’s outlook on life, and like her believe in fate, she is a lovely character to read about and deserves to be happy.

Overall, a sweet romance where Willow tries to find the ‘One’.

I enjoyed following Willow’s story in Be Your Best Self. I thought that this was a cute romantic comedy. Willow is newly divorced, and she makes this transition to move back into her village. She’s with her dog, Spud, living in this cottage she loves. She has this idea and hope of manifesting her perfect man, but instead she’s stuck living next to Dr. Henry Darcy. Everything is going well for her so far, up until she has to deal with her neighbor. They are the complete polar opposites of each other. The author’s narration was simple, cute, and gave me Hallmark, romcom vibes. It was a fluffy romance novel, and I am not mad at it. I feel like some can relate to Willow, in a sense of wanting to start over. I feel like there are many of us who go through tough times, but we just look at it in a positive direction. We move forward, and go towards an alternative direction. We look ahead, rather than backwards. We strive towards what we truly want in life, and we work towards those goals. The outcome of those goals may not be exactly what we 100% hoped for, but they are probably where we are meant to end up or be. It really is a heartwarming story, and it gets a thumbs up for me!

3.5 stars

This one took me a long time to get in to. I’m not sure why as I ended up enjoying it but I feel that 90% of the book is about gardening and the other 10% is speech. I feel there wasn’t a lot of sustenance.

Having said that it was still a nice read, just a little boring in places.