"The Split" by Amanda Brookfield is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of family dynamics. In this four-star review, I appreciate the author's skill in portraying the aftermath of a decades-long marriage coming to an end.

The novel centers around Lucas and Esther, a couple navigating the challenges of divorce after a passionate courtship and marriage. Brookfield deftly delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by Esther as she grapples with the bitterness of watching Lucas thrive in his career and enjoy the company of a younger lover. Esther's struggle to rebuild her life, especially in the world of modern dating, adds a relatable layer to the narrative.

The story takes a poignant turn as Lucas faces a serious accusation just as their children, Dylan and Lily, begin to face their own challenges. The unraveling of the family becomes even more pronounced when Dylan runs away, forcing Lucas and Esther back into each other's lives during a critical moment.

Brookfield skillfully weaves a tale of long-forgotten loyalties and buried feelings, exploring whether the family can find its way back together when they need each other the most. The dynamics between the characters are intricately drawn, and the author captures the complexities of relationships and the impact of time on love and loyalty.

What stands out in "The Split" is the authenticity of the characters and the emotional depth with which Brookfield addresses the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The narrative is engaging, and the pacing keeps readers invested in the unfolding drama. The exploration of modern challenges faced by Esther adds a contemporary touch to the story, making it relevant and relatable.

In conclusion, Amanda Brookfield's "The Split" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that skillfully navigates the intricacies of family relationships. With a blend of emotional depth, realistic characters, and a compelling storyline, this book is a worthy read for those interested in exploring the complexities of love and family dynamics.

Lucas and Esther are getting a divorce after spending more than two decades together, but it's hard for Esther not to be bitter as she watches Lucas enjoying his successful career and a new relationship with his much younger girlfriend.

Lucas faces a shattering accusation. At the same time their children Dylan and Lily start to implode. Dylan runs away and his father fights to save his reputation.

Lucas and Esther find themselves back in each others lives, whether they like it or not!!

A great read. I loved the characters and the way the suspense built, which kept me hooked throughout this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was ok however I didn’t really identify with the characters or the plot. I thought the idea was really good however I just struggled to get into the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I found the beginning of the book confusing as chapters alternated between the past ((Lucas and Esther's courtship) and the present (they're divorced with new lives but in touch because of their adult children) without any indication of swapping between time zones, then just as suddenly we stayed in the present. Whilst Lucas has settled into a new and exciting relationship Esther gets herself into difficult positions meeting men through internet dating. By the time I got to the middle of the book she'd upset her best friend and seems to have a stalker whilst trying to care for her neighbour's cat, Dylan (her son) has skipped off travelling and Lucas has got himself into a difficult position by behaving in the most incredibly stupid manner with a student. And that's all! I found this book full of the most tedious detail with characters behaving in an unbelievable way and taking forever to get anywhere. I'm afraid I couldn't be bothered to read any more, although I see other reviewers have rated it highly so I have given it an average rating and conclude it wasn't for me.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Loved it, Very interesting.

A well deserved five stars, although it does deserve so many more.
I found I was a tad on the emotional side on some parts of this, may just been me as I've turned into a major emotional baby 🤣🤣 other parts infound myself sit bolt upright on the edge of my seat!
Wasn't a lover of Lucas, but I did really like Esther's character, it was very easy to relate to her in some way, the author did a brilliant job with really pulling you in. I absolutely loved it, so so much!

2.5 stars

This was an ok book. I was liking it while I was reading it but at the same time, I just didn't really care about any of the characters or what happened to them. It's one of those books where you like it enough to keep reading it but once you finish it you forget everything you've read.

This book got me on the first page. I felt it was very well written. Twists and turn galore. The only thing I was dispappointed in the ending.

The Split is original, riveting and a book that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. Some of the characters are flawed humans, but all are relatable in their own way, making you invest in their stories more as the plot unfolds.

The cover looked interesting so was prepared to be engaged in this first time reading from this author. Such a shame since after the first three chapters I understood it was about the main character and her ex are divorced but they keep getting into it with one another. I found it rather confusing to keep up with the different storylines and not much happens, it was such a slow build up trying to establish the plot. I felt so lost, this was such a hard story to follow, just when I think I know what the focus is on, it goes off into another tangent. I did not enjoy this story.

Interesting love story that does not have a happy ending with a married couple. Lots of twists and turns. Overall I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Amanda Brookfield explores the tensions within a fractured marriage with style, sensitivity and sharpness in her latest novel, The Split.

Lucas and Esther have been together for well over two decades. Having met and fallen madly in love with one another, they got married and spent twenty years as man and wife. Only the two of them have drifted apart and they are getting divorced – and divorce is certainly no picnic. As if picking the broken pieces of your life and starting anew isn’t hard enough for Esther, she has to watch while Lucas thrives in his successful career and new relationship with a much younger partner. Esther feels as if she cannot catch a break. Navigating the world as a single woman of a certain age is tougher than she anticipated and with modern dating being an absolute minefield, Esther is struggling to carve out a space for herself in a world which seems to have left her behind. However, just when she thinks that she’s had her fill of surprises, the rug is well and truly pulled out from under her feet.

Lucas faces a shocking accusation that could have serious repercussions for all of them. As if Esther doesn’t have enough to worry about, her son Dylan runs away. With Lucas fighting for his reputation, he finds himself gravitating back towards Esther, who is in a less than invidious position herself. With her world imploding, Esther needs to be there for her family. But should she take back the man who had so cruelly betrayed her? Will she draw a line under the past and forget about all the heartbreak Lucas put her through for the sake of her family? Or should Esther take a chance on herself and be a woman in charge of her own fate?

Amanda Brookfield writes emotionally complex and intelligent relationship novels that never fail to resonate and strike a chord with her readers. She so cleverly dissects the frailties, fragilities and intricacies of relationships that readers cannot fail to recognise themselves in the situations and characters she creates.

The Split is an astute and involving domestic drama that is perceptive, engrossing and so believable readers will find themselves completely wrapped up in Esther and Lucas’ story.

Amanda Brookfield writes first class contemporary novels that are in a class of their own and The Split is a superbly written tale readers are going to love.

Another good, solid book from this author. A hard hitting storyline, how to deal with life after the breakdown of a 20 yr marriage. (I’ve been married for 22yrs now and just the thought of everything changing after all this time, really made the book hot harder ). It made my head hurt just thinking of the enormity of the situation.
The author did justice to the storyline and her characters. Really enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc.

A bitter divorce. Feelings of betrayal. Esther is struggling to keep it together after her marriage of over 20 years of marriage falls apart. Lucas is having the time of his life with his great career and his much younger girlfriend. Their two children have issues of their own. Very relatable characters with everyone having a secret that is bound to come out. I will read more from this author.

To be honest I was a bit disappointed with this one, I found it to be a bit boring and I didn't like any of the characters. I think with a more interesting storyline, it could have been great but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. Thank you netgalley and boldwood books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

My rating ⭐⭐2/5

Two decades on from a passionate courtship and marriage, Lucas and Esther are getting divorced.
For Esther, it’s proving hard not to feel bitter watching Lucas enjoying his successful career, not to mention the attentions of his gorgeous, intelligent, and predictably younger lover. She meanwhile is struggling to forge a new life for herself, navigating the pitfalls of modern dating, while trying not to despair at the cost of living as a single woman of a certain age.

Then Lucas faces a shattering accusation at the same time as their children Dylan and Lily, start to implode. When Dylan runs away, and as his father fights to save his reputation, Lucas and Esther find themselves back in each other’s lives, whether they like it or not.

Has too much water passed under the bridge, or will long-forgotten loyalties and feelings bring the family back together, just when they need each other the most?
#netgalley #thesplit #lovereadingarcs

A very good book from Amanda Brookfied. That delves into what is left of a family when the relationship breaks down. Lucas and Esther divorce when she discovers that he has been cheating on her. He is now in a new relationship with Heidi, a younger woman who he hopes to marry. Esther is trying to move on and cope with life with her young adult children. An interesting read that gives insight to learned behavior and how this can impact families for generations. The book is a lovely read that will satisfy, with hope, forgiveness and second chances it really has everything. Totally recommend

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Life after divorce is the theme in this very realistic novel. I love the characters.

A story with lots of characters all with their own stories which link nicely. I never guessed what the mystery outcome was going to be and glad it was satisfactory.
The book seemed to drag a bit from about the three quarters mark or for me it did and the ending was perhaps a bit too comfortable but nevertheless a good book.

After a passionate courtship and a marriage that lasted two decades, Esther and Lucas are getting a divorce. Esther has to navigate a new world, watching from afar her soon to be ex-husband's life doing on with his younger new girlfriend. When their teenage son, Dylan, runs away, they have to join forces, whether they want to or not.
This one was not for me. The character development was good, there was a bit of suspense, but it didn't grab me. If you enjoy a slower pace, this one is for you!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An interesting story about family relationships which started quite slowly. I liked the way the book was written and the characters were credible. But for me the pace lessened the impact. Something else for me was also missing which I can’t really identify and left me wanting more.
3 stars