When down, the only way is up

Synopsis

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…

A smart, romantic, relatable and laugh-out-loud funny romcom perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Sophie Ranald. ‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey.

My review

Felicity lost everything at once: not only has her ex – fiancé got married and showing it all off on the social media, but one decision also  made her lose her job. In the heat of the moment, she decides to buy a doer – upper, ready for a fresh start. And thus Felicity leaves the busy city for a new life in the country. Although her start for sure starts differently as expected, because not soon after her arrival, she ends up with a tree in her bedroom and a car in half, Fliss is almost ready to just give up, weren’t it that Jesse Woods is more than willing to help her, just because that is the kind of man he is. Fliss and Jesse for sure clash over more than just one matter, but Fliss slowly learns that not all men are the same…

It’s not a secret I love reading books about second chances. And I love such stories even more when the main character switches to a whole different kind of lifestyle. A city girl moving to the country for a fresh start, can a story get any better?

Well.. it doesn’t seem like it for Fliss. Because her doer – upper turns out to be a real nightmare, on more than just one level.

I have to say, I admired Felicity/Fliss for the choice she made, to love the city behind and start again in a place so different from what she has known. Despite my admiration for her, I also had some prejudices towards her. Because it’s easy to think that Fliss is accustomed to her lifestyle, but in fact that proved to be absolutely wrong of me think that.

Slowly I got to understand that there is more to Fliss that what I initially thought. Her life hasn’t been easy at all, having to have faced struggles that no one, especially at a young age, should ever be facing. Fliss learned important lessons throughout her life, making her stronger and resilient, but in a way also more fearful and scared.

When disaster strikes, and Fliss finds herself without a just – bought – home, it was sweet to see how Jesse offers his help and assistance. And that all despite their initial painful (literally!) encounter.

Jesse for sure is the kind of man I am looking for myself. He is kind, generous and ready to offer his help. For Fliss, he is ready to call in several favours. I found is also sweet in a way that he feels responsible for the state of the house, even if he isn’t to blame at all.

It was funny to read how Fliss and Jesse clash over almost everything. Fliss wants to show everyone that she doesn’t need anyone, or any kind of help. She wants everyone to see that she can make it on her own. Meanwhile, Jesse wants Fliss to understand that just because Fliss can do it on her own, she doesn’t have to…

Old habits die hard, and old hurts aren’t easy to heal, and that for sure is applicable for both Fliss and Jesse. Yet somehow, even if their backgrounds make them wary, they find each other. They find someone not only that makes them open up, but also make them believe in the good of people again.

Although, I have to say, that the whole community shows the good in people. Each and everyone of them welcome Fliss with open arms. They are more than willing to help Fliss, but also they are more than willing to offer their friendship to her. And that truly warmed my heart, because their kindness and generosity it exactly what Fliss needs in her life.

I absolutely loved reading this story. It may seem such a simple storyline, but while reading more and more of it, I found so much depth in it. Because Fliss may have lived a complete different life but never felt a place more like a home like she does now.

Maxine Morrey managed once again writing an inspiring, heartfelt and heartwarming story. We see how one storm can perhaps turn out to be the best thing ever happening to you, as it will bring lovely people on your path, and makes you grow as a person. What more can I say than that it was just a marvellous read!