Where Do We Go From Here? by Nick Alexander – A Review of This Moving Novel

Where Do We Go From Here? follows Wendy, a burned-out nurse who retreats to a remote cabin in France, only to discover that solitude forces her to confront the truths she’s been avoiding.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to both Bookouture, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the ARC of the book and audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Wendy, a devoted wife, mother, and nurse, has always put others first, but with her children grown and her marriage crumbling, she realizes she’s never truly considered her own desires. Seeking clarity, she rents a remote cabin in France, hoping to find solace in solitude. However, the rustic retreat quickly proves more challenging than expected, forcing Wendy to confront painful truths about herself and her family’s struggles. Just as she reaches her lowest point, unexpected connections and new possibilities emerge, showing her that endings can also be beginnings in this unforgettable, life-affirming novel about love, loss, and self-discovery.

My Thoughts:

Nick Alexander delivers an emotional yet uplifting story in Where Do We Go From Here?, a novel that beautifully captures the turmoil of a woman at a crossroads. Wendy, a devoted wife, mother, and nurse, has spent years caring for others—often at the expense of her own well-being. Burned out from the trauma of nursing during COVID and struggling with the impact on her family, she makes the bold decision to rent a remote cabin in France for six months. With her children on the verge of adulthood and her marriage barely holding on, Wendy hopes that solitude will bring the clarity she desperately needs.

However, the reality of the cabin is far more challenging than she anticipated. Remote in every sense, it offers only intermittent power and a fireplace as the sole source of heat. As the days stretch into weeks, Wendy is forced to confront the truths she has long tried to suppress. Her isolation, coupled with the comforts she has relied on—like France’s renowned wine—only highlight the depth of her emotional struggles.

One of the novel’s most moving aspects is the friendship that develops between Wendy and the local postal delivery woman. Their bond is unexpected but profoundly life-changing, proving that help often comes from the most unlikely places. I especially loved that their connection continues even after Wendy returns home to England, reinforcing the novel’s message that healing and growth don’t happen in isolation.

Nick Alexander handles Wendy’s struggles with care and authenticity, making her journey deeply relatable. The depiction of PTSD, grief, and the emotional toll of caregiving is done with such respect that it’s impossible not to feel for Wendy. Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, reminding us that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, new beginnings are always possible.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Eilidh Beaton, and her performance was outstanding. She brought Wendy’s voice to life with warmth and emotion, and her ability to convey the French characters with authenticity added an extra layer of depth to the story. Beaton’s narration elevated an already compelling book, making it an even more immersive experience.

Final Thoughts:

Where Do We Go From Here? is a powerful, beautifully written novel about love, loss, resilience, and the unexpected connections that help us find our way. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys deeply emotional, character-driven stories.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler