This was a great book. It started of with two couples where at least one of each of the couples was a less than likeable character. Although it is not a new subject, it is tried and tested, it is lovely. A very gentle read and leaves you full of hope and joy. Definitely a great summer read.

At first this seemed like so many chick-lit novels but part way thru it really came to life. It was very easy to identify with Heather and see how gradually she lost herself in her marriage. In fact although some of the situations are slightly exaggerated they are, in fact, very good illustrations of what at first is compromise becomes subservience. Whilst examining some interesting themes throughout the book the ending was boringly predictable.

From Something Old was a lovely read. Two couples, both struggling. Heather and Ant and Joe and Amy. Heather is trapped in a miserable marriage with a critical and controlling husband. Amy is never happy and nothing Joe does is good enough. When circumstances bring the two couples together on a Spanish holiday, all their lives are turned upside down when Heather discovers Amy and Ant in a compromising position. When they return to their lives, neither couple is together. Whilst Heather thrives without her overbearing husband dragging her down, Joe is not faring as well. He turns to the booze and plans to move away. But fate has other plans, and he's forced to stay. Without spoiling this gorgeous story, all I'll say is that sometimes the worst of times lead to the best of times if you're prepared to take a chance after heartbreak.

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.

Four people looking for love. Four choices could be the start of everything. 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. The characters are developed, crafted perfectly into their stories. They fit well into other plotlines as if they were meant to be all along. The characters are relatable, they’re your best friends, neighbours, colleagues and family. It’s like cosying up with a story you find familiar yet unwrapping a gift at the same time. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.