I’d say this is one of the most topical, profound, thought-provoking novels I’ve read this year, and it’s hard to do it justice in a review. It has such an edge on relationships that I was immediately engrossed. The characterisation is portrayed to perfection. Fairly soon, I figured out who should be with whom, who should have been shot at dawn or cheerfully strangled at birth. Although it is not a thriller, the suspense, twists and evolving problems are out there. Two couples are wrongly paired. One marriage is between polar opposites, and the other is an abusive marriage. There’s an emotional, marital shipwreck when the two families decide to go abroad on holiday together. The pendulum is ticking on what can be retrieved from the chaos. Most impressive is the vividly defined pattern of abuse. All the symptoms and effects of emotional and verbal abuse are subtly threaded through, that they could be almost overlooked until the fires burn brighter and explode. Heather is already suffering from self-denigration and unworthiness before her marriage. Will she find the inner strength, reserves, and resources to survive reasonably unscathed? Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

At thirty-three, nurse Heather is desperately waiting for her romantic life to begin. Then she meets handsome, strong Anthony and is sure she’s found the one. Brushing any doubts aside, she projects all her hopes for true love onto him. Meanwhile, at a yoga retreat in Spain, happy-go-lucky Joe can’t believe his luck when he meets vivacious, witty Amy. She’s the sharpest, most beautiful woman he has ever dated, and the fact that she’s interested in him feels like a dream come true. But new love can be blind, and when the two couples meet, the cracks are easy to see. Will their crossed paths lead the way to happiness? Or are they all destined for heartbreak?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this. It is not the most scintillating plot and is not one for twists and turns but nevertheless I found myself wrapped up in the goings on of the characters and completely immersed in their world. Why is this? Well Alexander's characters are some of the most realistic characters I have ever read. I could really imagine them and see them as real people, interacting in the real world. They all seemed very human, not all of them are likeable, that will become clear when you read this, but they all have something about them that made them easy to connect to. Alexander has developed them really well and they carry the plot fantastically.

My other love for this book centres around the location. A large section of the book is set in the area local to me so I could easily imagine where the characters were and envisage them slotting into life and the local landscape.

Alexander does write about some sensitive subjects that could be triggering for readers but they are handled sensitively and are integral to the plot. At times, it makes for uncomfortable reading but Alexander brings everything together and ties all the threads up beautifully.

'From Something Old' is just a beautifully written, well crafted read that is a pure joy to read. I adored reading this and highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy.

Nick Alexander's novels are always a really good read and this did not disappoint. The exploration of each of the four main characters was well crafted, and whether you liked them or not, you could see what has shaped them and how as married couples, they were not good for each other. The journey for each of them was painful and challenging but the ultimate outcome gives you a feel good experience.

Loved the story and the characters whom are made to me I grossed within their own stories too. Couldn’t put down.

This is my third book by Nick Alexander and he is quickly becoming a favourite author, I inhale his books I don't read them. He really knows how to write about the human condition, in this story it is about love, sex, marriage and parenthood. I adore the covers of his books as well, they always grab my attention and give a sneak peek as to what's inside.

I love the way that Mr. Alexander can write from the perspective of both male and female characters. I also appreciate the way that the chapters are broken up, from the different characters point of view, which makes for easier reading and lets you feel emotions from everyone's perspective. Even though there were two not no nice characters in this story it was refreshing to read why they themselves didn't feel like the bad guy.

Nick Alexander is an author who makes the ordinary extraordinary and magical, describing his characters so effortlessly, really bringing them to life and making you, as the reader, care deeply. Once again he writes a beautiful story which shows insight into the lives of others and made this reader turn the pages at an impossible to put down rate. All the stars.

It had been a while since I’d read anything by Nick Alexander. I remembered enjoying his writing so that's why I picked this up. Well, from the first paragraph to the last page, I remembered ...and was hooked again.

Pleasantly surprised that the story kept going way beyond where others might have ended. So many sharp observations of human nature in all its variations. I stayed up too late reading this. Really enjoyed getting to know these characters. You will, too.

Thank you @NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing for the advance copy to review.

I loved how this story is told through the perspective of each of the four adults in the story. This perspective allows for the behind the scenes true feelings of each to be shared.

The story opens with Heather, a thirty something singleton who meets Anthony (Ant) in the hardware store. When she bumps into him again, her friend encourages them to get together. And as happens in real life, things get away with them.

They eventually have two children together although they don’t marry. The problem is that Ant is controlling and Heather doesn’t at first stand up to him. She looses her confidence, as really happens to the best people in these circumstances.

Years later, they are invited to holiday in Spain with their daughter’s friend Ben’s family and the story introduces Amy and Joe.

The holiday in Spain is a turning point for both families and the relationship between the two couples.

Without giving away the entire plot, I enjoyed the rest of the story and especially the peace that came to the characters in the end.

This is a thought provoking book. Themes of taking control of relationships, abuse, fidelity and families all come together. Loved it.

NICK ALEXANDER – FROM SOMETHING OLD

I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

From Something Old is a very satisfying novel to read, and I think one of Nick Alexander’s recent best.

Plot put simply? Two families who live close together and whose children form a school friendship go on holiday together to Spain, sharing one of the picturesque cave-dwelling holiday homes, with an outcome that changes each of their lives.

Chapters are told in the first person by three of the four main protagonists and reveal the truth behind their public exteriors, while we enjoy the private interplay of their relationships. Nick’s ability to “write women” is one of his strengths and comes to the fore here with two particularly strong female leads.

Each of the characters is distinctive and well-drawn; needing to know what happens to them draws the reader swiftly through the pages. One feels empathy for the three characters whose stories loom large and understand why the fourth is not given the space to speak for himself. Spain, too, looms large as a character, more so than some other destinations in his recent novels, which is particularly welcome. This time you can feel the heat and cool off in the pool or stroll to the tree down the road where you finally get reception for your phone.

I have no doubt that his legions of fans will lap this up, and, hopefully, it will find many new disciples who will then have the pleasure of exploring his back catalogue.

Typical Nick Alexander style with characters who are developed, crafted perfectly into their stories. They fit well into other plot lines, as if they were meant to be all along. Characters are relatable, they’re your best friends, neighbors, colleagues and family. It’s like cozying up with a story you find familiar yet unwrapping a gift at the same time.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This book pleasantly surprised me. As the novel began, we followed the perspectives of a couple, Heather and Ant. During this period we see how they meet and how their relationship progresses rather quickly. We then jump ahead to their married life with children and the introduction of their neighbors, Joe and Amy. The two families decide to vacation together in Spain, when the unexpected marriage complications occur. The book left me feeling sad for Heather and Joe. But we then follow their lives post vacation, and things were not as great as they seemed but ultimately work out for the best, especially the children. Great read!

Heather meets Anthony in B and Q whilst weeping over toilet roll holders! He’s smoking hot, out of her league but none the less a relationship begins... Joe meets Amy on a yoga retreat in Spain and you guessed it, a relationship begins. Joe is prepared to make sacrifices to make Amy happy. Eventually, the two couples meet through their children. The story is told mainly by Heather and Joe.

I’ve read several of Nick Alexander’s books now and I like the way he writes. His novels are perceptive, written with clarity and he creates authentic characters with believable dialogue. This is a good and intriguing analysis of relationships, of who wears the trousers, charting the normal ups and downs, some that are not so normal and demonstrating that you can’t always see the truth of something unless you are on the inside. Anthony is a character you love to hate, there’s precious little about him that is redeeming whereas Joe is his polar opposite and very likeable. Amy is flakey, never satisfied and always on the prowl to fill a void. Heather is nice but at times I want to yell ‘Spine’ at her as in develop one, PLEASE!! She does, thankfully. It’s very easy to read and it’s absorbing too as you find yourself investing in their futures. Not Anthony, let me be clear! Their emotions and thoughts are well expressed and you feel the growing tension between the couples. Joe is reflective and makes thought provoking points about priorities and not letting opportunities dribble through your fingers. Heather becomes honest and similarly reflective and develops a sense of purpose away from the almost malevolent ‘enchantment’ of Anthony. It does follow a fairly predictable path but it’s a route I’m happy the book takes.

Overall, this is a compelling analysis of relationships, warts and all, with interesting characters you invest in.

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc in return for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve never read something by Nick Alexander before but will definitely look for others. I was drawn in immediately by Heather’s character and the story of her marriage and progressive decline in her self esteem was sad but authentic. I thought all the characters were convincing and realistic and although the ending is somewhat predictable by half way, it was lovely that it ended that way. It wasn’t at all trite or soppy- just very heart warming! Would highly recommend.

‘From Something Old’ is a thoroughly absorbing exploration of the web of power unhappy marriages yield on everybody involved. Two ill-matched couples end up sharing a holiday home in Spain, cut off from the internet and with limited reception. What follows, is the aftermath of what happens there and the domino effect a single decision can evoke.

This is a second novel I’ve read by the author, and on both counts I’ve been impressed by his masterful ability to juggle multiple POV and have me actually enjoy them (I’m normally not an overly huge fan of these). Nick Alexander makes it work by developing these very real, three dimensional characters that you can’t help but want to understand and find out more about what they’re thinking and their motivations. In the end, the book passes in a breeze as you are so engaged by them and their problems, you don’t even realise that you’re almost done.

In essence, the book was like watching a boiling pot explode and then checking what can be salvaged from the mess. If you strip one of the person holding you back, what happens then? Identity is a major theme in the book, and I’ve enjoyed the conclusions the author had drawn and the questions the book brought along. I found Nick Alexander providing us a look into the character’s childhoods expanded on the reasons for some of the decisions and personality traits. In the end, each character had something unique to offer ensuring the plot moved along swiftly, all whilst maintaining your engagement. If you’re in for some drama, definitely worth reading!

Nick Alexander does it again !! ... I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Nick's new book via netgalley a few days ago. I decided to start it yesterday and once started I did not put it down until I had finished it at 1am in the morning (it's been quite a while since I have done that with a book).
I have been a huge fan of Nick's books for many years now and this new book certainly didn't disappoint. The storyline is very easy to get into and follow - the characters had a great back story as to who they were and why they were like they were. A great story of love, betrayal, heartache and finding true happiness in-between it all.
I absolutely loved this book .. thankyou (easy 5 star rating)

Once again, Nick has written a beautifully crafted, well researched book that makes you want to turn off your phone, get a coffee, ignore the world and read it in one sitting! As with all his novels, I was hooked from page one. The main characters are between them, charming, endearing, frustrating and rather unpleasant in equal measure but weave together to make a captivating storyline with a heartwarming ending. A perfect summer/lockdown read,

I received an advance copy of. From Something Old, by Nick Alexander. I thought this was going to be a really good book, I was wrong. It was boring and I did not like the characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
I think I've read all of Nick Alexander's books and loved all of them. This one was no exception.
Two families, two couples with three kids, decide to vacation together in Spain. Neither of the couples are in a good relationship, but the kids are having a great time. Heather is constantly belittled by her husband Anthony, even in company. Being naturally shy, she puts up with it, but is constantly on edge. Easygoing Joe loves Amy, but she never seems happy and chops and changes their lives regularly.
One night in Spain Heather can't sleep and discovers something so earth shattering, it causes a seismic change and things will never be the same for any of them.
The story is wonderful, full of humanity, understanding and compassion, something that's always in Mr. Alexander's books. No judgement... I really empathized with Heather and Joe, disliked Ant and found Amy selfish, even though I understood where she was coming from.
A great read that I recommend highly.