Starting A New Chapter

Find countless reasons to smile in the pages of a life-affirming story from Maxine Morrey. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Jill Mansell.

After a broken engagement and years flying the globe as cabin crew, Robyn has finally found her happy place. Tucked away in a charming Cotswolds village, her cosy independent bookshop is the ultimate sanctuary. Surrounded by her fiercely loyal friends Lily and Luis in their café next door, her beloved toy poodle, Dave, and a quirky community of book-lovers, Robyn’s life is peaceful, predictable and perfectly pleasant. And she certainly isn't looking for romance.

But her quiet haven is turned upside down by the arrival of Ciaran O’Malley. Tall, charming and dangerously handsome, the Irish businessman gets off to a disastrous start with Robyn. When he strides into her tranquil shop taking a loud work call, Robyn promptly kicks him out into the pouring rain. They are complete opposites and Robyn is determined to keep him at arm's length.

But when his book-loving teenage son Charlie becomes a regular fixture in the shop – and rapidly in Robyn's heart - she finds Ciaran and his quiet acts of kindness impossible to ignore. And when it comes to matters of the heart, Robyn is about to learn that you can't always judge a book by its cover.

Readers love Maxine Morrey:

‘Another feel-good and fun book from Maxine Morrey who can always be relied upon to bring sunshine and companionship in her stories.’

‘Another unputdownable emotional rollercoaster of a book guaranteed to put a big smile on your face and give you all the feels. Every Maxine Morrey book is a treat from beginning to end and they just keep getting better!’

‘A gorgeous book, couldn't put it down. A book to make you smile, perfect in every way. Sad to finish it.......always a sign of a good read!’

‘It is a great story that warms your heart. I love Morrey's stories. They make me happy! The characters were great too.’

‘Once I started reading this book I just couldn’t put it down, I just love Maxine Morrey books they are like a big hug.’

‘This book is definitely what my brain ordered, it’s completely uplifting and a completely soul affirming read. The characters are gorgeous, so relatable.’

Praise for Maxine Morrey:

'I absolutely love Maxine’s books - it’s so much fun to be in her world.' Portia Macintosh

'An uplifting read that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder "....but what if?" Absorbing, funny and oh-so-romantic, I loved every page!' Rachel Burton

'A super sweet read, guaranteed to warm any winter evening' Samantha Tonge

'A lovely story that kept me turning the pages' Jules Wake

© 2026 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781837511709

Release date

Ebook: 4 December 2026