Centered around four people looking for love. When they think they have found the one they overlook the imperfections and faults for fear of being alone again. A stay in Spain together sees everything come to a head and their lives implode, never to return to how they were again. Very well written with many sensitive subjects covered with empathy.

I read this book courtesy of NetGalley. A gentle well written book about a fairly ordinary situation which was still compelling to read. The book is mainly written from the perspective of two of the main characters, Heather and Joe who one feels empathy with as opposed to their self-obsessed partners, Ant and Amy. Set in Kent, Canterbury and just outside (an area I grew up in, though I chuckled at the thought of luxury flats in Marshside!) plus Spain where the main plot unfolds. The book explores a lot of the hidden world of relationships, both marital and parental, shaping the person. One can almost predict the outcome but this doesn't detract from the book as a whole. A thoroughly enjoyable read and well recommended.

This book introduces two couples and the story is mostly narrated by Heather, who’s partner is Anthony, and Joe who is married to Amy. Very occasionally we gain a little insight into the reasons behind Amy’s actions through a brief stint of narration. The background is set very well before the main event of the story which is a holiday. Weirdly these two couples don’t really know each other before jetting off together. Two of their children are friends which is the strongest link between these neighbours. I did not feel that I identified with any of the characters and yet this book is written in such a way that I really felt that I knew and understood each of them by the end. This book is definitely an emotional investment worth making. I would highly recommend it especially if you have yet to experience the writing of Nick Alexander. This is the first book by this author that I personally have had the pleasure to read. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read in advance in exchange for an honest review.

From Something Old by Nick Alexander is a fascinating, complex book about two married couples - Ant and Heather, Amy and Joe - what happens when they're thrown together on holiday and the aftermath. The author takes the voice of each of the four characters in turn, giving you an insight into the story from all sides. Its a story of mistakes and betrayal, gaslighting and naivety, but also of love and acceptance - all handled sensitively and in such a way that they add depth to the characters and integrity to the plot. From Something Old is a slow-burn but picks up pace as you get to know the characters. A great read and one I'll recommend to others. With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely little romance/fiction – definitely a quick and easy read. This book was a lot more complex than expected for a novel about two couples swapping partners! I ended up really liking it. The author put a lot of work into creating well rounded characters, so you could understand their motivations and really understand that there are just different types of people, who deal with the same set of circumstances differently. It doesn’t make you bad or weak, and going through and dealing with trauma doesn’t make you bad or weak, it just is. My biggest issue with the book is the concept that a nine-year-old can and should decide where they live. Should you take their ascertainable wishes and feelings into account? Yes. Should you go up to them and give them the responsibility to decide how often or not they see their other parent? No. An adult has to take ultimate responsibility for that decision, if only so that the nine-year-old doesn’t take responsibility for the devastation of their other parent in the long run. I think it was an unhealthy way to set an example of how to deal with such issues. And it was done by people considered emotionally intelligent. Save for that aspect, it was a pretty fun read and I enjoyed it.