What do you think?
Rate this book
Rebuilding Alexandra Small
REVENGE IS A DISH, BEST SERVED ICY COLD
Six years sober, Alexandra Small has it all... and then one day, she very publicly doesn't.
When her perfect world crumbles, a face appears from Allie's drunken past, hell bent on revenge. Can she rebuild her life before a stranger destroys it forever? And should she spend three weeks in an overheated shed having colonic irrigation with daytime TV's Megan Macmillan?
In this laugh out loud treat of a novel, Mo Fanning tackles the difficulties and misadventures of work, love, and being seen for who you really are.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes 'Rebuilding Alexandra Small'. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart.
Six years sober, Alexandra Small has it all... and then one day, she very publicly doesn't.
When her perfect world crumbles, a face appears from Allie's drunken past, hell bent on revenge. Can she rebuild her life before a stranger destroys it forever? And should she spend three weeks in an overheated shed having colonic irrigation with daytime TV's Megan Macmillan?
In this laugh out loud treat of a novel, Mo Fanning tackles the difficulties and misadventures of work, love, and being seen for who you really are.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes 'Rebuilding Alexandra Small'. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart.
268 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2021
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Mo Fanning
16 books32 followersMo Fanning is a British novelist writing contemporary romantic comedy with emotional depth. His novels focus on flawed people, complicated feelings, and the quiet pressures of modern life, balancing humour with heart rather than relying on slapstick or cliché.
He is the author of several novels and short story collections, including Rainbows and Lollipops and Ghosted. His work is known for its distinctly British voice, sharp dialogue, and characters who make understandable but questionable decisions.
Mo lives in the Midlands and writes stories about love, friendship, grief, and the moments where things start to unravel, usually in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar.
He is the author of several novels and short story collections, including Rainbows and Lollipops and Ghosted. His work is known for its distinctly British voice, sharp dialogue, and characters who make understandable but questionable decisions.
Mo lives in the Midlands and writes stories about love, friendship, grief, and the moments where things start to unravel, usually in ways that feel uncomfortably familiar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 26, 2021
This review first published on Oh Just Books.
I will start with a confession - I went in not knowing exactly what to expect from this story. I usually have a clear idea what genre I'm going to be reading - chick lit, psychological thriller, science fiction, fantasy, you know how it goes. Here, though, I had no clue. Even from the blurb. I know what you're thinking, I thought it too. But having no clue turned out to be a good thing.
The story starts off introducing us to the titular Alexandra Small. She's a WAG, with a sweet husband, and they're undergoing fertility treatment. All fine and dandy. Till it's not. She hits rock bottom in every way you can imagine, while also trying to hold on to her seven years of sobriety. The rest of the book is about how Alexandra Small rebuilds her life, and in the process, rebuilds herself.
Read the rest of the review here.
I will start with a confession - I went in not knowing exactly what to expect from this story. I usually have a clear idea what genre I'm going to be reading - chick lit, psychological thriller, science fiction, fantasy, you know how it goes. Here, though, I had no clue. Even from the blurb. I know what you're thinking, I thought it too. But having no clue turned out to be a good thing.
The story starts off introducing us to the titular Alexandra Small. She's a WAG, with a sweet husband, and they're undergoing fertility treatment. All fine and dandy. Till it's not. She hits rock bottom in every way you can imagine, while also trying to hold on to her seven years of sobriety. The rest of the book is about how Alexandra Small rebuilds her life, and in the process, rebuilds herself.
Read the rest of the review here.
June 30, 2025
First reviewed through Reedsy Discovery
Allie Small was an alcoholic. Now she’s been sober for years, is married to a rising-star athlete, and is trying for a baby. Everything is on the up and up until she finds out that her husband has been having an affair with their fertility doctor. Not only that, but somehow the media keeps getting ahold of all the most sordid details of Allie’s troubles. It appears that someone from her past has it out for her.
This book was refreshing, but at the same time had me biting my nails with mild anxiety. I never knew what was going to befall the main character Allie next. Nothing terrible happens to her, but every day some new annoyance, mishap, snide comment, or bullying occurs. At times I felt sorry for Allie and at other times I blamed her. Allie is not perfect, hasn’t always made great decisions, and sometimes lashes out. She’s like one version of ourselves, the version we are always trying to hide. Yet even then, I envy her. Allie doesn’t suppress herself. She reacts. She says what she shouldn’t and acts on impulse… but not all the time. She is trying to pick up her pieces and move on with her life, except she’s been thrust into a state of limbo. Mo Fanning has cleverly crafted this complex environment for Allie and I was enthralled watching the ups and downs of her everyday life within this environment. I was forever guessing what she would do or say next. I couldn’t put the book down. I was very curious about what was going to happen next. My life feels like it’s so different from Allie’s and I found her absolutely fascinating.
Allie is a WAG, thrust into the media and spotlight (mostly for her shortcomings or any negative drama surrounding her) because she’s married to a well-known athlete. Every time someone recognizes Allie on the street, I was not shocked at the interactions, but disgusted by the media’s negative portrayal of her. This is a reality of pop news and it was maddening to see Allie have to deal with this type of bullying. Allie wasn’t always nice to others growing up, so perhaps the way people see her and treat her now might be some kind of karma, but she doesn’t deserve it! Nobody does. The small window into the nasty way celebrities and those in the media are treated was both fascinating and saddening.
I felt like I was reading a mid-life crisis in action. Allie runs the gamut of moods, from hopeful to impassive to angry and worked up.
I was intrigued by Allie’s relationship with her husband, her friends, and people in the media. The book features heavy dialogue that is well-written and really tells the whole story.
For those who love some good gossip and day-to-day comedic tragedy, this is the book for you!
Allie Small was an alcoholic. Now she’s been sober for years, is married to a rising-star athlete, and is trying for a baby. Everything is on the up and up until she finds out that her husband has been having an affair with their fertility doctor. Not only that, but somehow the media keeps getting ahold of all the most sordid details of Allie’s troubles. It appears that someone from her past has it out for her.
This book was refreshing, but at the same time had me biting my nails with mild anxiety. I never knew what was going to befall the main character Allie next. Nothing terrible happens to her, but every day some new annoyance, mishap, snide comment, or bullying occurs. At times I felt sorry for Allie and at other times I blamed her. Allie is not perfect, hasn’t always made great decisions, and sometimes lashes out. She’s like one version of ourselves, the version we are always trying to hide. Yet even then, I envy her. Allie doesn’t suppress herself. She reacts. She says what she shouldn’t and acts on impulse… but not all the time. She is trying to pick up her pieces and move on with her life, except she’s been thrust into a state of limbo. Mo Fanning has cleverly crafted this complex environment for Allie and I was enthralled watching the ups and downs of her everyday life within this environment. I was forever guessing what she would do or say next. I couldn’t put the book down. I was very curious about what was going to happen next. My life feels like it’s so different from Allie’s and I found her absolutely fascinating.
Allie is a WAG, thrust into the media and spotlight (mostly for her shortcomings or any negative drama surrounding her) because she’s married to a well-known athlete. Every time someone recognizes Allie on the street, I was not shocked at the interactions, but disgusted by the media’s negative portrayal of her. This is a reality of pop news and it was maddening to see Allie have to deal with this type of bullying. Allie wasn’t always nice to others growing up, so perhaps the way people see her and treat her now might be some kind of karma, but she doesn’t deserve it! Nobody does. The small window into the nasty way celebrities and those in the media are treated was both fascinating and saddening.
I felt like I was reading a mid-life crisis in action. Allie runs the gamut of moods, from hopeful to impassive to angry and worked up.
I was intrigued by Allie’s relationship with her husband, her friends, and people in the media. The book features heavy dialogue that is well-written and really tells the whole story.
For those who love some good gossip and day-to-day comedic tragedy, this is the book for you!
June 8, 2021
Rebuilding Alexandra Small is a funny, honest and deep novel: it offers a clear view on modern relationships, struggles and ghosts from the past.
Alexandra may seem the typical fancy snob WAG but deep down she’s an insecure woman struggling with her past, her present and the perception of herself through media, her own eyes and her closed ones.
The writing style is quite simple and easy, page after page is like reading a script of a rom-com: there are bitter moment, clichés, a lot of flashbacks and a happy/cliffhanger ending.
Mo Fanning has been capable of writing about real life problems with a sharp pen: from alcoholism to suicide, going through the media intrusion, break-ups, revenge, road to self-confidence and familiar disagreement.
I highly recommend this book, it has been a pleasure reading it.
I received an ARC from #NetGallery in exchange of an honest review. Thanks to BooksGoSocial
Alexandra may seem the typical fancy snob WAG but deep down she’s an insecure woman struggling with her past, her present and the perception of herself through media, her own eyes and her closed ones.
The writing style is quite simple and easy, page after page is like reading a script of a rom-com: there are bitter moment, clichés, a lot of flashbacks and a happy/cliffhanger ending.
Mo Fanning has been capable of writing about real life problems with a sharp pen: from alcoholism to suicide, going through the media intrusion, break-ups, revenge, road to self-confidence and familiar disagreement.
I highly recommend this book, it has been a pleasure reading it.
I received an ARC from #NetGallery in exchange of an honest review. Thanks to BooksGoSocial
October 30, 2021
Rebuilding Alexandra Small is a ride. If there was a genre like grimdark rom-com, this would be it – the good ones turn out not to be so good; the bad ones, not so bad; the wanke– uhhhh, the endowed by fortune ones – not so fortunate. Until last moment I wasn't entirely sure what was going to happen. It has to be a HEA or HFN, right? But… which one?
This is my only criticism. There were more parts where I wasn't entirely sure what was happening, particularly ones involving Alexandra's career path and how she applied her work experience to her new life. (No spoilers, no spoilers…) But Rebuilding Alexandra Small is much more than just "chick-lit" – it's a social commentary as well, a book about recovering and recovery, and bullying for "innocent fun" that still plagues the victim years, if not decades, later.
As a Marian Keyes reader I was definitely not disappointed.
This is my only criticism. There were more parts where I wasn't entirely sure what was happening, particularly ones involving Alexandra's career path and how she applied her work experience to her new life. (No spoilers, no spoilers…) But Rebuilding Alexandra Small is much more than just "chick-lit" – it's a social commentary as well, a book about recovering and recovery, and bullying for "innocent fun" that still plagues the victim years, if not decades, later.
As a Marian Keyes reader I was definitely not disappointed.
March 29, 2023
Please, please, please do not read the blurb of this book before reading!
I went into this one completely blind and what a joy it was!
Having since read the blurb, I think it gives you too much information and would have spoiled a couple of 😱 moments for me?
So here's my spoiler free review...
This book was a completely tragic but heartwarming story which follows Alexandra Small, ex-alcoholic WAG struggle her way through a difficult period as her life starts to fall apart...
We first meet her and husband Jed, famous, upcoming footballer, at the fertility clinic finding out that once again, they are not pregnant....
Alexandra is not your typical WAG - she has a great job, doesn't party and tries to stay away from the celeb lifestyle....but it becomes increasingly harder as the story develops and she is flung into the spotlight....but maybe not for the right reasons.
I loved Alexandra and all the characters in their own little ways....even those who were meant to be unlikable!
There are some very morally grey characters who, although at times I disliked them, they still had qualities that made them great.
I loved that some of these morally grey characters were very recognisable charactures of people we see in the spotlight now....A brilliant parody of the celeb lifestyle!
Alexandra carried with her so many things that with love, care and support could have been fixed years ago and even though the catalyst created more heartache for her, it was lovely to see some of her old friends and new acquaintances really pull together to help her through these things and rebuild a new life.
I'm struggling to say much more without giving anything away - but suffice to say that I really enjoyed everything about this book!
It was an astute and witty, heartwarming second chance romance which was brilliantly written with great characters and some lessons along the way.
A definite must read!
I went into this one completely blind and what a joy it was!
Having since read the blurb, I think it gives you too much information and would have spoiled a couple of 😱 moments for me?
So here's my spoiler free review...
This book was a completely tragic but heartwarming story which follows Alexandra Small, ex-alcoholic WAG struggle her way through a difficult period as her life starts to fall apart...
We first meet her and husband Jed, famous, upcoming footballer, at the fertility clinic finding out that once again, they are not pregnant....
Alexandra is not your typical WAG - she has a great job, doesn't party and tries to stay away from the celeb lifestyle....but it becomes increasingly harder as the story develops and she is flung into the spotlight....but maybe not for the right reasons.
I loved Alexandra and all the characters in their own little ways....even those who were meant to be unlikable!
There are some very morally grey characters who, although at times I disliked them, they still had qualities that made them great.
I loved that some of these morally grey characters were very recognisable charactures of people we see in the spotlight now....A brilliant parody of the celeb lifestyle!
Alexandra carried with her so many things that with love, care and support could have been fixed years ago and even though the catalyst created more heartache for her, it was lovely to see some of her old friends and new acquaintances really pull together to help her through these things and rebuild a new life.
I'm struggling to say much more without giving anything away - but suffice to say that I really enjoyed everything about this book!
It was an astute and witty, heartwarming second chance romance which was brilliantly written with great characters and some lessons along the way.
A definite must read!
March 30, 2021
I kindly received an advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley.
Alexandra is married to Jeb, a football player which qualifies her as a “WAG”. But her history comes back to haunt her when the relationship takes a downturn. Things she did at school, friends from way back and a battle with alcohol after some traumatic events as a teenager.
Although this is a fast paced story treated with a measure of humour, the underlying issues Alexandra is dealing with are pretty serious.
There is alcoholism, suicide, divorce, pregnancy and more. I was happy that things settle in the ending as the situation comes to a close.
Alexandra is married to Jeb, a football player which qualifies her as a “WAG”. But her history comes back to haunt her when the relationship takes a downturn. Things she did at school, friends from way back and a battle with alcohol after some traumatic events as a teenager.
Although this is a fast paced story treated with a measure of humour, the underlying issues Alexandra is dealing with are pretty serious.
There is alcoholism, suicide, divorce, pregnancy and more. I was happy that things settle in the ending as the situation comes to a close.
March 22, 2021
**Netgalley Review**
I enjoyed this book - it was a fast read with lots of humor for a story with many serious storylines. A love story without pages of detailed love scenes; much left to the imagination between the ellipses.
Alexandra is a recovering alcoholic, who is forced to face her past when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. Twists and turns help Alexandra find out who her true friends are, her inner strength, and love she can count on.
Trigger warnings - divorce, cheating, alcoholism, suicide, abortion
I enjoyed this book - it was a fast read with lots of humor for a story with many serious storylines. A love story without pages of detailed love scenes; much left to the imagination between the ellipses.
Alexandra is a recovering alcoholic, who is forced to face her past when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. Twists and turns help Alexandra find out who her true friends are, her inner strength, and love she can count on.
Trigger warnings - divorce, cheating, alcoholism, suicide, abortion
April 21, 2021
The book is a hilarious take on some really grave issues of life. To be able to be yourself inspite of all your flaws is an achievement in itself. The author makes sure to bring that out to the notice of readers effortlessly. All in all, an easy and short read.
June 16, 2022
A very nice light read, romcom with lots of twist and turns.
April 18, 2023
3 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun contemporary fiction set in England that follows the crumbling of Alexandra Small's life as she goes through a very public divorce from her famous footballer husband. Alexandra works at a firm handling public relation problems for high profile clients. She and her husband are going through fertility treatments to start a family. We quickly discover that Alexandra's husband is a bit more invested in starting a family that she is, and he dismisses any hesitation she expresses. We discover that he's cheating on Alexandra when it's splashed across the front pages of the tabloids. She moves out of their luxury apartment and into the cramped quarters of one of her best friends and her best friend's child.
Alexandra's life continues it's downward spiral as she loses her job and finds unflattering stories about her splashed all over the British tabloids. They have taken her husband's side, despite the fact that he cheated on her. Add to that a domineering mother, and unsympathetic sister, and a vengeful journalist and Alexandra is definitely not living her best life at the moment.
This book was a miss for me. It had some lighthearted moments, but all in all, the book was one miserable thing after another, and I didn't find Alexandra the least bit funny or likeable. She was the "victim" during the entire book and did very little to improve her situation. Perhaps it was because for someone that worked as a PR person and was supposedly on the partner track at her firm, she did absolutely NOTHING to help herself in the British press, or in any other avenue of her life. I mean, what? I get suspending belief, but this was just baffling to me. I think the author should have given her a different occupation because what she does, or rather, doesn't do, to defend herself, or at the very least, get the press to stop publishing one horrible story after another, was unbelievable. As things got worse, as a professional public relations person, I couldn't believe she would do nothing and it took me out of the story and I couldn't get over it.
I listened to the book, and oftentimes had a hard time understanding the narrator. She was also a bit monotone and it was often hard to distinguish one person from another. That made it difficult to enjoy the book as well. Perhaps if I'd read the book, I would have enjoyed it more. This is just my opinion, of course, and other people may very well enjoy this book immensely. I just don't think it was for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun contemporary fiction set in England that follows the crumbling of Alexandra Small's life as she goes through a very public divorce from her famous footballer husband. Alexandra works at a firm handling public relation problems for high profile clients. She and her husband are going through fertility treatments to start a family. We quickly discover that Alexandra's husband is a bit more invested in starting a family that she is, and he dismisses any hesitation she expresses. We discover that he's cheating on Alexandra when it's splashed across the front pages of the tabloids. She moves out of their luxury apartment and into the cramped quarters of one of her best friends and her best friend's child.
Alexandra's life continues it's downward spiral as she loses her job and finds unflattering stories about her splashed all over the British tabloids. They have taken her husband's side, despite the fact that he cheated on her. Add to that a domineering mother, and unsympathetic sister, and a vengeful journalist and Alexandra is definitely not living her best life at the moment.
This book was a miss for me. It had some lighthearted moments, but all in all, the book was one miserable thing after another, and I didn't find Alexandra the least bit funny or likeable. She was the "victim" during the entire book and did very little to improve her situation. Perhaps it was because for someone that worked as a PR person and was supposedly on the partner track at her firm, she did absolutely NOTHING to help herself in the British press, or in any other avenue of her life. I mean, what? I get suspending belief, but this was just baffling to me. I think the author should have given her a different occupation because what she does, or rather, doesn't do, to defend herself, or at the very least, get the press to stop publishing one horrible story after another, was unbelievable. As things got worse, as a professional public relations person, I couldn't believe she would do nothing and it took me out of the story and I couldn't get over it.
I listened to the book, and oftentimes had a hard time understanding the narrator. She was also a bit monotone and it was often hard to distinguish one person from another. That made it difficult to enjoy the book as well. Perhaps if I'd read the book, I would have enjoyed it more. This is just my opinion, of course, and other people may very well enjoy this book immensely. I just don't think it was for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2023
🇬🇧📚 Book Review 📚🇬🇧
Thank you for my ARC 😍
#️⃣ 2023 Tour Number: 24
#️⃣ 2023 Books Read: 22
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘(3/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Rebuilding Alexandra Small
🖋️ Author: Mo Fanning @authormofanning
🎭 Genre: Romantic Comedy
📖 Format: 🎧 audiobook
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours @lbt.crew
📅 Tour Dates: 17th - 25th April 2023
📅 Review date: 19th April 2023
#LBTCrew #lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2023books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
This audiobook was made available on Spotify. Narrated by Naomi Rose-Mock @naomirosemock
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
Audiobook for the dyslexic win. The authors voice was easy to follow and I enjoyed the fact the chapter lengths were short and easy to dip in and out of.
🎨 Artwork 🎨
I really like the cover art for this book. It seems very fitting for the book. Simple and elegant.
✒️ Details 📉
So this genre isn't my normal preference but it was really easy listening. The story of a WAG wouldn't normally be something I enjoy but it was actually really relatable. The story tells of the challenges that Alex faces from her former alcoholism, a troubled relationship and how she tries to rebuild herself. It's hard not to get invested in the characters, you want the best for Ali and her family made me roll my eyes at time but sounded familiar to so many other families I know.
📖 Read more 📖
Yes, I enjoyed the authors style.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
When life deals you lemons, it's time to make lemonade. But what happens when the lemonade turns sour?
Reformed alcoholic Alexandra Small has it all - a successful career, a beautiful home, and a football superstar husband. But when her husband is caught in a compromising situation and her life crumbles, she finds herself broke, jobless, and pregnant.
As she builds a new life with the help of her best friend, her rather lovely lawyer, and the cafe of her childhood dreams, she learns love can come from the most unexpected places, and that with a little determination, anything is possible.
A romantic comedy about second chances, family, and the power of true love, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of hope.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes 'Rebuilding Alexandra Small'. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart, and how far someone will go in the name of revenge.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://books2read.com/rebuilding
Thank you for my ARC 😍
#️⃣ 2023 Tour Number: 24
#️⃣ 2023 Books Read: 22
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘(3/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: Rebuilding Alexandra Small
🖋️ Author: Mo Fanning @authormofanning
🎭 Genre: Romantic Comedy
📖 Format: 🎧 audiobook
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours @lbt.crew
📅 Tour Dates: 17th - 25th April 2023
📅 Review date: 19th April 2023
#LBTCrew #lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2023books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
This audiobook was made available on Spotify. Narrated by Naomi Rose-Mock @naomirosemock
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
Audiobook for the dyslexic win. The authors voice was easy to follow and I enjoyed the fact the chapter lengths were short and easy to dip in and out of.
🎨 Artwork 🎨
I really like the cover art for this book. It seems very fitting for the book. Simple and elegant.
✒️ Details 📉
So this genre isn't my normal preference but it was really easy listening. The story of a WAG wouldn't normally be something I enjoy but it was actually really relatable. The story tells of the challenges that Alex faces from her former alcoholism, a troubled relationship and how she tries to rebuild herself. It's hard not to get invested in the characters, you want the best for Ali and her family made me roll my eyes at time but sounded familiar to so many other families I know.
📖 Read more 📖
Yes, I enjoyed the authors style.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
When life deals you lemons, it's time to make lemonade. But what happens when the lemonade turns sour?
Reformed alcoholic Alexandra Small has it all - a successful career, a beautiful home, and a football superstar husband. But when her husband is caught in a compromising situation and her life crumbles, she finds herself broke, jobless, and pregnant.
As she builds a new life with the help of her best friend, her rather lovely lawyer, and the cafe of her childhood dreams, she learns love can come from the most unexpected places, and that with a little determination, anything is possible.
A romantic comedy about second chances, family, and the power of true love, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of hope.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes 'Rebuilding Alexandra Small'. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart, and how far someone will go in the name of revenge.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://books2read.com/rebuilding
April 22, 2023
This book was like having a fly on the wall view of how the lives of people in the public eye are treated by the press. Alexandra, or Allie as she is known, is a WAG, married to a rising star athlete, but life for her isn’t all that you think it would be.
The couple are undergoing fertility treatment when her world starts to fall apart after she found out that her husband was having an affair with her fertility doctor. As if this wasn’t enough, it also put her seven years of sobriety at risk, and all of this and more was being played out in the press in vivid, and not always accurate, detail. The way the author writes about these things feels so realistic, and I was drawn into it, both fascinated and appalled by the way she was treated and portrayed by the media.
But the real focus of this book isn’t about Allie’s fall to rock bottom, it’s about the climb back up again. It’s about her strength of character, and the author has done a brilliant job with the character development overall, but particularly for Allie. She was a flawed individual for whom you would feel such mixed feelings throughout the book.
I liked the author’s style of writing and the way they designed the flow of the storyline. It was easy to read in the practical sense, but challenging at times in the emotional sense.
Overall this is a great book and I definitely recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The couple are undergoing fertility treatment when her world starts to fall apart after she found out that her husband was having an affair with her fertility doctor. As if this wasn’t enough, it also put her seven years of sobriety at risk, and all of this and more was being played out in the press in vivid, and not always accurate, detail. The way the author writes about these things feels so realistic, and I was drawn into it, both fascinated and appalled by the way she was treated and portrayed by the media.
But the real focus of this book isn’t about Allie’s fall to rock bottom, it’s about the climb back up again. It’s about her strength of character, and the author has done a brilliant job with the character development overall, but particularly for Allie. She was a flawed individual for whom you would feel such mixed feelings throughout the book.
I liked the author’s style of writing and the way they designed the flow of the storyline. It was easy to read in the practical sense, but challenging at times in the emotional sense.
Overall this is a great book and I definitely recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher and to LoveBooksTours for gifting me this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
Rebuilding Alexandra Small is the story of Alexandra or Ali to her friends. She's successful, married to a footballer with a career in PR herself. Her world is rocked when she gets sent pictures of her husband, clearly being unfaithful with no one other than the Doctor that they have been seeing for fertility reasons. Alexandra's world is rocked and it keeps getting more and more complicated when her biggest client starts to pull the plug on her too. She is a recovering Alcoholic and this situation really makes her face get demons.
The books looks at her back story and how she got to where she was before ultimately, starting again and rebuilding herself for new.
I listened to this version on audio and I found it both engaging and enjoyable to listen to. Alexandra is a flawed character and it's portrayed so well. She learns a lot about herself and life and other people along the way too.
Really engaging and at times frustrating story, I wanted to go pick her up and at times give her a good shake.
Thanks to lovebooktours for my copy. Excellent story. ❤️❤️
The books looks at her back story and how she got to where she was before ultimately, starting again and rebuilding herself for new.
I listened to this version on audio and I found it both engaging and enjoyable to listen to. Alexandra is a flawed character and it's portrayed so well. She learns a lot about herself and life and other people along the way too.
Really engaging and at times frustrating story, I wanted to go pick her up and at times give her a good shake.
Thanks to lovebooktours for my copy. Excellent story. ❤️❤️
July 1, 2023
I liked the sound of this book but I approach 'romantic comedy' books with caution as I've read some cringey ones! I needn't have worried though - although there is humour it's not a silly book. I really felt for Alexandra who really did seem to be dealt one blow after another, from fertility issues, to adultery and the perpetual struggle with being a recovering alcoholic. I like the way we gain insight into Allie's early life and her family and friends and there are some deeper emotional issues dealt with as well as the light-hearted ones. I could empathise with Allie and I was invested in her story and was rooting for her. I loved all the characters. I thought the story was well written and had plenty of depth with intrigue, emotion, despair, investigation, betrayal and some romance. The audiobook experience with Spotify was rather frustrating and I didn't feel the narrator was quite the right fit but that's just my personal opinion. I really enjoyed the book and will look out more by the author.
April 25, 2023
This was an audiobook and it was awesome!! I've come to realize that I legit love audio books! I love hearing the book come to life when someone narrates I feel like I get a clearer picture and bigger understanding of the book and the characters. I loved reading about Alexander Small and her life and how one bad thing after another keeps happening to her and she has to figure out who is truly on her side!! I felt this book. I felt like it was my life in a book. I feel like sometimes life just keeps knocking us down and trying to find our way through it is hard and messy have to be willing to do the hard and get a little dirty if you're not then you gonna miss out on the best parts that life has to offer !!!! I will highly recommend this book such a great read. The narration was even better. So y’all go get this book !!
May 1, 2023
I listened to this book in audiobook and I absolutely ADORED it, so much so that I am planning on getting a physical copy too.
The book is well written with a compelling storyline following Alexandra who is a WAG who used to be an alcoholic and is struggling with life on the daily, but has always been able to stay out of the limelight ... until she isn't.
I loved everything about this book but I especially like the characters, they were all so real and relatable, and, even the characters that I knew I shouldn't like still crept into the corners of my heart.
It is a funny and heartwarming adorable read that I just couldn't put down. I don't want to give anything but I cannot recommend this book enough
The book is well written with a compelling storyline following Alexandra who is a WAG who used to be an alcoholic and is struggling with life on the daily, but has always been able to stay out of the limelight ... until she isn't.
I loved everything about this book but I especially like the characters, they were all so real and relatable, and, even the characters that I knew I shouldn't like still crept into the corners of my heart.
It is a funny and heartwarming adorable read that I just couldn't put down. I don't want to give anything but I cannot recommend this book enough
May 7, 2023
Sometimes there are audiobooks that just have the perfect narrator, someone that really brings the characters and the story to life. That’s exactly how I felt about this audiobook. I was hanging on every word, feeling like the main character was right beside me. I listened along as tragedy took over her and then as she stumbled through, trying to rebuild her life, from the ground up. It was so good, especially as she started along the journey, to create the life she really wants for herself.
I loved everything about this story. From the narration, to the character detail and especially the plot and flow of the story. I 100% recommend this audiobook to listeners and know that you will enjoy the journey as much as I have.
I loved everything about this story. From the narration, to the character detail and especially the plot and flow of the story. I 100% recommend this audiobook to listeners and know that you will enjoy the journey as much as I have.
April 17, 2023
Alexandra Small is a WAG, but the stereotypical one. She has a career, and she does not get involved with the WAG gossip, but when her life falls apart she goes on a journey to discover as well as challenge herself.
This was a novel about growth for the main character, looking at themes such as friendship, family, infertility, addiction and mental health.
This novel moves in a double timeline giving us a full view of the main character. Fanning gives a large overview of different characters that we meet along the way all playing an individual part in the main character's journey.
This was a great read and had me intrigued from the start and would highly recommend it.
This was a novel about growth for the main character, looking at themes such as friendship, family, infertility, addiction and mental health.
This novel moves in a double timeline giving us a full view of the main character. Fanning gives a large overview of different characters that we meet along the way all playing an individual part in the main character's journey.
This was a great read and had me intrigued from the start and would highly recommend it.
March 28, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect. She had an English accent and pronounced the words I’m not familiar with so it made me feel as if I was in the book. Alexandra is having a rough time but has a solid group of friends surrounding her. I enjoyed listening to the book and seeing how Allie worked through her problems. It is a funny book that anyone who loves a lighthearted book will enjoy!
April 18, 2023
This was an excellent audiobook! The narration was good and easy to listen to. This is not normally a genre I go for but I was glad I did. I really liked the character Alexandra and how empowered she became through the story. I really felt for her on occasions and it made me think about how “celebrities” are treated. There were parts that were predictable but that actually made to story a better read for me. Highly recommended by me!
May 15, 2023
If you’re in for a dramatic rollercoaster of a ride from start to finish, “Rebuilding Alexandra Small,” by Mo Fanning is a great time! It’s somehow both light and dark, and funny and serious at the same time!
About the Book
When life deals you lemons, it’s time to make lemonade. But what happens when the lemonade turns sour?
Reformed alcoholic Alexandra Small has it all – a successful career, a beautiful home, and a football superstar husband. But when her husband is caught in a compromising situation and her life crumbles, she finds herself broke, jobless, and pregnant.
As she builds a new life with the help of her best friend, her rather lovely lawyer, and the cafe of her childhood dreams, she learns love can come from the most unexpected places, and that with a little determination, anything is possible.
A romantic comedy about second chances, family, and the power of true love, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of hope.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes ‘Rebuilding Alexandra Small’. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart, and how far someone will go in the name of revenge.
My Thoughts
I immediately started trying to find excuses to listen to the book as soon as I started. Both the story and the narrator were great. A few chapters in, when you think the character has hit rock bottom – tiny spoiler, she hasn’t – I was hooked! I’ve read no books by Fanning, but he could have a spot among the romance greats. I could definitely see you enjoying this if you’re a fan of Nicholas Sparks or Nick Hornby. Alexandra was well developed, relatable, and I connected with her story.
The blending of current and past storylines was beautifully done, something that has become a big story device lately. If done well, like it was done here, it can be wonderful. The author even weaved in a little mystery into the story as we tried to figure out who was taking out their revenge on Alexandra and why. As a reformed alcoholic, Aly knew it could be a long list, but the author kept us guessing, and led us on a few goose chases – keeping the story line hopping.
Who’s It For
If you’re looking for an enjoyable, hot-mess, romantic comedy, this is a great one to pick up. I listened to this on Spotify. Before this, I didn’t know Spotify had audiobooks. It is, however, available on other platforms like Audible, Kobo Plus, etc. Personally, I don’t recommend Spotify, because it was a pretty weird experience. It kept jumping around, trying to play the different chapters I’d already listened to until I went and put each chapter into a playlist. Definitely not the seamless audiobook experience I’m used to having. Hopefully they’ll work on that in the future. If you can’t handle drama and awkward situations, this book is not for you.
Content Warning: Cheating, infertility, alcoholism, abortion, suicide, sexual assault, adult language, adult situations,
I was gifted a copy of the audiobook as part of the Love Books Tours, and am so grateful to have experienced Alexandra’s story! I look forward to reading more of Mo Fanning’s work in the future.
About the Book
When life deals you lemons, it’s time to make lemonade. But what happens when the lemonade turns sour?
Reformed alcoholic Alexandra Small has it all – a successful career, a beautiful home, and a football superstar husband. But when her husband is caught in a compromising situation and her life crumbles, she finds herself broke, jobless, and pregnant.
As she builds a new life with the help of her best friend, her rather lovely lawyer, and the cafe of her childhood dreams, she learns love can come from the most unexpected places, and that with a little determination, anything is possible.
A romantic comedy about second chances, family, and the power of true love, this book will leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of hope.
From the bestselling author of hit romantic comedy The Armchair Bride, comes ‘Rebuilding Alexandra Small’. A hilarious story about the aftermath of a life falling apart, and how far someone will go in the name of revenge.
My Thoughts
I immediately started trying to find excuses to listen to the book as soon as I started. Both the story and the narrator were great. A few chapters in, when you think the character has hit rock bottom – tiny spoiler, she hasn’t – I was hooked! I’ve read no books by Fanning, but he could have a spot among the romance greats. I could definitely see you enjoying this if you’re a fan of Nicholas Sparks or Nick Hornby. Alexandra was well developed, relatable, and I connected with her story.
The blending of current and past storylines was beautifully done, something that has become a big story device lately. If done well, like it was done here, it can be wonderful. The author even weaved in a little mystery into the story as we tried to figure out who was taking out their revenge on Alexandra and why. As a reformed alcoholic, Aly knew it could be a long list, but the author kept us guessing, and led us on a few goose chases – keeping the story line hopping.
Who’s It For
If you’re looking for an enjoyable, hot-mess, romantic comedy, this is a great one to pick up. I listened to this on Spotify. Before this, I didn’t know Spotify had audiobooks. It is, however, available on other platforms like Audible, Kobo Plus, etc. Personally, I don’t recommend Spotify, because it was a pretty weird experience. It kept jumping around, trying to play the different chapters I’d already listened to until I went and put each chapter into a playlist. Definitely not the seamless audiobook experience I’m used to having. Hopefully they’ll work on that in the future. If you can’t handle drama and awkward situations, this book is not for you.
Content Warning: Cheating, infertility, alcoholism, abortion, suicide, sexual assault, adult language, adult situations,
I was gifted a copy of the audiobook as part of the Love Books Tours, and am so grateful to have experienced Alexandra’s story! I look forward to reading more of Mo Fanning’s work in the future.
August 21, 2023
it was 'alright'...
Well, the reviews made me buy it, but to be honest, it wasn't anything special. The story always felt like something good was going to happen- but didn't...but I read it all the way through so it couldn't have been that bad - this isn't a very clear review is it 🤣it kept me away from the kids for a few hours so take it as you want lol...on to the next one 😉
Well, the reviews made me buy it, but to be honest, it wasn't anything special. The story always felt like something good was going to happen- but didn't...but I read it all the way through so it couldn't have been that bad - this isn't a very clear review is it 🤣it kept me away from the kids for a few hours so take it as you want lol...on to the next one 😉
April 25, 2023
3.5 rounded up to a 4.
Rebuilding Alexandra Small was a delight to listen to. The narrator was brilliant and made it a very easy audiobook.
For a book that was full of serious topics, there was a lot of humour. I really enjoyed the way the author wrote a love story yet left so much up to your imagination.
Overall a short book that was enjoyable and easy to listen to.
Rebuilding Alexandra Small was a delight to listen to. The narrator was brilliant and made it a very easy audiobook.
For a book that was full of serious topics, there was a lot of humour. I really enjoyed the way the author wrote a love story yet left so much up to your imagination.
Overall a short book that was enjoyable and easy to listen to.
July 26, 2021
My thanks to #NetGalley and #SpringStreetbooks for the opportunity to review this book.
Loved this book. Its a story of how when you think you have almost everything and have overcome addiction a betrayal spirals into a loss of all that made you, worked hard for and any future you thought you had.
It was interesting to see how strong someone can be in the face of adversity.
Told in a light chic lit format but with a gritty core.
Loved this book. Its a story of how when you think you have almost everything and have overcome addiction a betrayal spirals into a loss of all that made you, worked hard for and any future you thought you had.
It was interesting to see how strong someone can be in the face of adversity.
Told in a light chic lit format but with a gritty core.
October 28, 2024
DNF Just couldn’t keep my interest.
April 17, 2023
I instantly loved Alexandra, and wanted to make everything better when they find themselves in a not so nice situation, followed by a string of unfortunate events. Alexandra is not your typical WAG, and wants to make a name for themselves in the work of PR which I admire.
Mo Fanning does a great job of creating a story from real life problems, touching on subjects like addiction, suicide, break ups, new relationships and more. This makes Alexandra’s story relatable and the characters realistic.
As the story goes on, we are not sure what will hit Alexandra next – so it keeps you interested and wanting to know more. I listened to the audiobook version, which is really well done. The narrator is from the US, but reads the story with an English accent which can sometimes be really obvious but not in this case.
This is my first read (listen) by Mo Fanning but I will certainly be on the hunt for more. Thank you, Love Books Tours, for the chance to join the tour.
Mo Fanning does a great job of creating a story from real life problems, touching on subjects like addiction, suicide, break ups, new relationships and more. This makes Alexandra’s story relatable and the characters realistic.
As the story goes on, we are not sure what will hit Alexandra next – so it keeps you interested and wanting to know more. I listened to the audiobook version, which is really well done. The narrator is from the US, but reads the story with an English accent which can sometimes be really obvious but not in this case.
This is my first read (listen) by Mo Fanning but I will certainly be on the hunt for more. Thank you, Love Books Tours, for the chance to join the tour.
April 11, 2021
Rebuilding Alexandra Small, the newest book by Mo Fanning, takes the reader down many different avenues, all with the purpose of having our protagonist, Alexandra, find herself. Through much heartache, many trials and tribulations and the never-ending question of whether Alexandra can count on those around her, the story is finally able to sort things out and answer all of the reader's questions. Initially, I was not very attached to Alexandra, nor her footballer husband, but as the story continued I found myself hoping for a happy ending for everyone involved. I won't say whether or not I received that, but I will say that I enjoyed this book and hope that it does well. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2021
I really liked this story of Alexandra Small. In the beginning, she has it al. A nice job, and married to a famous footballplayer. But things change when the lovely husband is cheating and she is loosing her job. The press is on her neck and bad story’s of Alexandra’s past are food for the public.
With her friend Izzy and solicitor David, she’s stays firm. It’s not so easy, because she is also an alcoholic (nearly seven years sober). But she managed and finds a new (unexpected friend) is tv show host Megan Macmillan.
I liked the characters and the way the story is building during the book. It has serious moments, especially when the history of Alexandra is told. But is als has a lot of humor.
An nice read and very recommendable.
With her friend Izzy and solicitor David, she’s stays firm. It’s not so easy, because she is also an alcoholic (nearly seven years sober). But she managed and finds a new (unexpected friend) is tv show host Megan Macmillan.
I liked the characters and the way the story is building during the book. It has serious moments, especially when the history of Alexandra is told. But is als has a lot of humor.
An nice read and very recommendable.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews