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Pivot
'A heart-warming, joyous and assured debut novel about friendship that put me in mind of Kay Mellor at her funnies' RICHARD HERRING
'Takes you inside the minds of a brilliant group of characters at very different stages of life. A gripping, witty, very human read' MARK WATSON
Sometimes life throws you a curveball . . .
58-year-old Jackie Douglas is living the comfortable retirement of her dreams - until one afternoon she comes home to find her husband, Steve, packing a bag and all sense of comfort is suddenly lost.
Her best friend Ros, a law firm boss with an appetite for life, laughter and (just the right amount of) wine, leaps in to help Jackie. By her side is their barmaid/friend/wine protégée, Jay, who's moved back into her mum's at nearly 30 after losing her job in London.
In tipsy search of something - anything - new, they wind up the leaders of a ramshackle netball The Skids. Facing confusing exes, divorce, betrayals, financial woes and more, Jackie, Ros and Jay are about to discover that finding your team might just be the key to turning things around . . .
'Refreshing, hilarious and really uplifting - I fell in love with Jackie, Ros and the rest of the squad - and everyone else will too' HELLY ACTON, author of The Shelf
' The book we need at the moment - a joyous celebration of female friendship and midlife. And as a netball player, I really did enjoy the attention to comic detail . . . Hilarious' CAROLINE CORCORAN, author of Five Days Missing
' Hugely uplifting, enjoyable fun, I fell in love with the Skids!' DAISY BUCHANAN, author of Careering
'Takes you inside the minds of a brilliant group of characters at very different stages of life. A gripping, witty, very human read' MARK WATSON
Sometimes life throws you a curveball . . .
58-year-old Jackie Douglas is living the comfortable retirement of her dreams - until one afternoon she comes home to find her husband, Steve, packing a bag and all sense of comfort is suddenly lost.
Her best friend Ros, a law firm boss with an appetite for life, laughter and (just the right amount of) wine, leaps in to help Jackie. By her side is their barmaid/friend/wine protégée, Jay, who's moved back into her mum's at nearly 30 after losing her job in London.
In tipsy search of something - anything - new, they wind up the leaders of a ramshackle netball The Skids. Facing confusing exes, divorce, betrayals, financial woes and more, Jackie, Ros and Jay are about to discover that finding your team might just be the key to turning things around . . .
'Refreshing, hilarious and really uplifting - I fell in love with Jackie, Ros and the rest of the squad - and everyone else will too' HELLY ACTON, author of The Shelf
' The book we need at the moment - a joyous celebration of female friendship and midlife. And as a netball player, I really did enjoy the attention to comic detail . . . Hilarious' CAROLINE CORCORAN, author of Five Days Missing
' Hugely uplifting, enjoyable fun, I fell in love with the Skids!' DAISY BUCHANAN, author of Careering
304 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 3, 2022
Pivot it the second novel by British author, Laura Lexx. At fifty-eight, Jackie Douglas is stunned when, after over thirty years of happy marriage, Steve packs a bag and leaves her for someone else. And while her best friend, Rosalyn Mackie is immediately and unfailingly there with support, distractions and encouragement, Jackie is disturbed to realise that her whole life revolved around being a wife.
Her adult sons don’t really need her, and her sweet little granddaughter is fully occupied. But Ros has plenty of ideas. They soon discover that golf is not for them, nor spectating at the rugby, but their regular evenings at their local, The Hawk are always enjoyable, and Ros’s antics bring them to the attention of the young barmaid, Jay, whose London redundancy and return to her childhood home have left her feeling a failure.
It's almost by chance: a mandatory staff health initiative at Ros’s work and a derogatory comment by Steve see Jackie, Ros and Jay scraping together their own netball team. They have the bare minimum, no reserves, and only a few of them actually know how to play. And they’ve attracted the attentions of a local journalist, a bully Jay would rather avoid.
It turns out not to matter that their team, the Hidden Skids loses their first game by a huge margin: just having played gives them a thrill, and they are determined to keep going, for various reasons that include spiting an ex or a bully, getting a break from the kids, having something of their own, and saving the local netball courts from being built over.
But months on, Jackie still avoiding the divorce papers, instead distracting herself with new young friends on their team, somewhat to the chagrin of her friend of forty years. And while she’s not sure she welcomes the attentions of a certain single gent of her own vintage, Ros encourages her encounters with the lovely Duncan.
Lexx gives the reader a tale with plenty of humour that also touches on some interesting themes: life after a break-up, happiness as a single, childless woman, realising your parents are not a static unit but two individuals, as well as love, loyalty, jealousy and friendship. She gives her characters some wise and insightful words: “You’re the main character in your own story so you feel integral to everything.”
Lexx has a talent for character description; larger-than-life Ros almost jumps off the page: “smart, rich, forceful and proactive… Ros was pretty used to being the trailblazer in any group of women because she was in her fifties, a business owner, happily childless and single.”
“A few sips and she’d be telling you an anecdote so entertaining and engrossing that it wasn’t until the end of the story that you realised you were actually there when the event happened and didn’t recognise it because of the extra colours she added to the narrative.”
While the novel’s hilarious opening scene certainly draws the reader in, this is by no means a singular occurrence: the snappy dialogue, coupled with Jackie’s self-deprecating inner monologue and Ros’s whacky ideas, guarantee that virtually every page is entertaining.
Ros’s often comical, slightly erroneous expressions are an added bonus: “can’t even begin to put myself in a mile of your shoes”, “More’s the pity party!”, “Mustn’t jump the gunge”, “before you can say Open Sesame Street”, “It’s not the end of the whirl” and “dire strait-talking from your best friend” are examples.
The reader may think they know exactly where the story is going, but there are a few twists and surprises to keep it interesting. A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and John Murray Press.
Her adult sons don’t really need her, and her sweet little granddaughter is fully occupied. But Ros has plenty of ideas. They soon discover that golf is not for them, nor spectating at the rugby, but their regular evenings at their local, The Hawk are always enjoyable, and Ros’s antics bring them to the attention of the young barmaid, Jay, whose London redundancy and return to her childhood home have left her feeling a failure.
It's almost by chance: a mandatory staff health initiative at Ros’s work and a derogatory comment by Steve see Jackie, Ros and Jay scraping together their own netball team. They have the bare minimum, no reserves, and only a few of them actually know how to play. And they’ve attracted the attentions of a local journalist, a bully Jay would rather avoid.
It turns out not to matter that their team, the Hidden Skids loses their first game by a huge margin: just having played gives them a thrill, and they are determined to keep going, for various reasons that include spiting an ex or a bully, getting a break from the kids, having something of their own, and saving the local netball courts from being built over.
But months on, Jackie still avoiding the divorce papers, instead distracting herself with new young friends on their team, somewhat to the chagrin of her friend of forty years. And while she’s not sure she welcomes the attentions of a certain single gent of her own vintage, Ros encourages her encounters with the lovely Duncan.
Lexx gives the reader a tale with plenty of humour that also touches on some interesting themes: life after a break-up, happiness as a single, childless woman, realising your parents are not a static unit but two individuals, as well as love, loyalty, jealousy and friendship. She gives her characters some wise and insightful words: “You’re the main character in your own story so you feel integral to everything.”
Lexx has a talent for character description; larger-than-life Ros almost jumps off the page: “smart, rich, forceful and proactive… Ros was pretty used to being the trailblazer in any group of women because she was in her fifties, a business owner, happily childless and single.”
“A few sips and she’d be telling you an anecdote so entertaining and engrossing that it wasn’t until the end of the story that you realised you were actually there when the event happened and didn’t recognise it because of the extra colours she added to the narrative.”
While the novel’s hilarious opening scene certainly draws the reader in, this is by no means a singular occurrence: the snappy dialogue, coupled with Jackie’s self-deprecating inner monologue and Ros’s whacky ideas, guarantee that virtually every page is entertaining.
Ros’s often comical, slightly erroneous expressions are an added bonus: “can’t even begin to put myself in a mile of your shoes”, “More’s the pity party!”, “Mustn’t jump the gunge”, “before you can say Open Sesame Street”, “It’s not the end of the whirl” and “dire strait-talking from your best friend” are examples.
The reader may think they know exactly where the story is going, but there are a few twists and surprises to keep it interesting. A very enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and John Murray Press.
July 5, 2022
I had this book on the top of my TBR pile & then I watched Laura Lexx's insta live with Tandem Collective UK and it made me want to read it even more.
Wow what can I say, such a great book, I loved the characters right from the first page. Jackie and Ros are characters I want to be friends with, to be part of the gang from the off.
I love that the story centres around Netball, (which I too haven't played since school, but oh was so funny reading there attempts) as it is not a sport that people tend to focus on as adults.
Don't think that the book is all netball though, the story is very much about these women's lives changing around them and their attempts at coping with what life is throwing at them, through forming a team and friendships.
I was rooting for them all, and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. My only criticism is that the book is now finished, I devoured it and feel a pivot shaped hole. I'm not usually a fan of turning books into a TV show or film, but I really can see this adapting so well to the screen.
Laura's writing style flows brilliantly with a great rhythm to it. There is such great humour throughout this book that made me laugh out oud many times and only a few tears too. I also loved that the plot wasn't too predictable or corny, it felt very real and relatable.
Wow what can I say, such a great book, I loved the characters right from the first page. Jackie and Ros are characters I want to be friends with, to be part of the gang from the off.
I love that the story centres around Netball, (which I too haven't played since school, but oh was so funny reading there attempts) as it is not a sport that people tend to focus on as adults.
Don't think that the book is all netball though, the story is very much about these women's lives changing around them and their attempts at coping with what life is throwing at them, through forming a team and friendships.
I was rooting for them all, and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. My only criticism is that the book is now finished, I devoured it and feel a pivot shaped hole. I'm not usually a fan of turning books into a TV show or film, but I really can see this adapting so well to the screen.
Laura's writing style flows brilliantly with a great rhythm to it. There is such great humour throughout this book that made me laugh out oud many times and only a few tears too. I also loved that the plot wasn't too predictable or corny, it felt very real and relatable.
July 19, 2022
Jackie is a 58 year old woman whose biggest problem is choosing a new shoe rack, when she comes home to find her husband Steve with his bags packed, telling her he is leaving her for another woman. Jackie is in shock – she had no idea it was coming and is amazed to find that without a husband to look after, she has very little else in her life. Her two sons are grown up and don’t need her to look after them. Luckily her best friend Ros is on hand to support her and encourages Jackie to throw all of Steve’s golf clubs in the sea, which is brilliant (and is something I wish I’d done!)
To begin with Jackie doesn’t know what to do with herself – she suffers several hangovers after nights out with Ros and mopes around the house. But then in a moment of madness she goes along to try her hand at netball and despite being terrible at it, along with Ros and barmaid Jay, decide to start a netball team which they call “The Skids”.
A bit like The Way Back to You which I read in June, this book’s primary characters are older than the characters I usually read about (and are closer to my age too!) I had huge sympathy for Jackie whose husband Steve treats her atrociously and I loved Ros who is there for Jackie every step of the way. The netball team was a great group of women who all find they need each other and become good friends.
With humour and a little romance along the way, Pivot was a fun and easy read which I enjoyed. It also reminded me what a horrible game netball is to play!
To begin with Jackie doesn’t know what to do with herself – she suffers several hangovers after nights out with Ros and mopes around the house. But then in a moment of madness she goes along to try her hand at netball and despite being terrible at it, along with Ros and barmaid Jay, decide to start a netball team which they call “The Skids”.
A bit like The Way Back to You which I read in June, this book’s primary characters are older than the characters I usually read about (and are closer to my age too!) I had huge sympathy for Jackie whose husband Steve treats her atrociously and I loved Ros who is there for Jackie every step of the way. The netball team was a great group of women who all find they need each other and become good friends.
With humour and a little romance along the way, Pivot was a fun and easy read which I enjoyed. It also reminded me what a horrible game netball is to play!
June 27, 2023
Funny, engaging story about female friendship and helping each other through different life stages.
June 27, 2022
Review to come!
July 8, 2022
I can't tell you how much this book was needed this week! Amongst work stress and family drama, this breath of fresh air reminded me of the redemptive power of friendship, and rediscovering a sense of self when it feels like you've been absorbed into responsibility for everyone else.
I absolutely loved the friendship between Jackie, Ros and Jay, and the other ladies involved in the team, and how the team didn't revolve around winning or losing games, but being there for each and supporting each other, despite their differences.
I noted in another review (sorry, I can't remember whose it was to credit you!) about the lack of descriptions of the characters, and probably wouldn't have noticed it without being pointed out, but the personalities were so well described that they weren't needed to form a clear picture in my mind. I loved that the FMC were more my age than many books are, and found myself nodding when Jackie discussed her 30s being a blur of running boys to various sporting events!
I would have liked to have known more about some of the other women as their role was on the periphery, but I can actually see this being left open for another book following The Skids (Jay or Annie please!).
A light-hearted easy read, with comedy around moments of pathos.
Great debut novel and an author I will keep an eye out for
I absolutely loved the friendship between Jackie, Ros and Jay, and the other ladies involved in the team, and how the team didn't revolve around winning or losing games, but being there for each and supporting each other, despite their differences.
I noted in another review (sorry, I can't remember whose it was to credit you!) about the lack of descriptions of the characters, and probably wouldn't have noticed it without being pointed out, but the personalities were so well described that they weren't needed to form a clear picture in my mind. I loved that the FMC were more my age than many books are, and found myself nodding when Jackie discussed her 30s being a blur of running boys to various sporting events!
I would have liked to have known more about some of the other women as their role was on the periphery, but I can actually see this being left open for another book following The Skids (Jay or Annie please!).
A light-hearted easy read, with comedy around moments of pathos.
Great debut novel and an author I will keep an eye out for
January 28, 2024
I bought this book (along with the author's other one) when I saw her live about a year ago. I read the other book shortly after, and have been saving this one ever since. I was right to set it aside for a rainy day - it's exactly the right book to read when the rest of life is being a pain (or it's mid-to-late January and the enthusiasm for the new year has worn off, leaving everything feeling unaccountably bleak).
'Emotional range' is usually a compliment applied to actors, but this book definitely has it - it can be sad and hilarious, sometimes both at once. I also loved the characters of this book. Jackie is lovable and relatable (even if my life has very little in common with hers), her friends are fantastic but don't orbit around her as if aware that she's the protagonist. The plot, while relatively straight-forward, shies away from the kind of ending team-building books usually have (the rubbish team pulls together to get good, and in the process inspire or cause some mass re-organisation of the local worlds priorities in which some local institution gets saved. This book managed a feel-good ending without all that.
I really hope she writes more books; I could do with another like this on my shelf.
'Emotional range' is usually a compliment applied to actors, but this book definitely has it - it can be sad and hilarious, sometimes both at once. I also loved the characters of this book. Jackie is lovable and relatable (even if my life has very little in common with hers), her friends are fantastic but don't orbit around her as if aware that she's the protagonist. The plot, while relatively straight-forward, shies away from the kind of ending team-building books usually have (the rubbish team pulls together to get good, and in the process inspire or cause some mass re-organisation of the local worlds priorities in which some local institution gets saved. This book managed a feel-good ending without all that.
I really hope she writes more books; I could do with another like this on my shelf.
April 25, 2022
Jackie is a woman in her retirement years who’s comfortable life suddenly becomes uncomfortable when her husband leaves her for another woman. The book follows her adventures of ‘pivoting’ her life.
Lexx clearly has a lot of comedic talent as well as being a heartful storyteller, which made this a really easy read.
While it’s a lighthearted book filled with lots of wine-related laughs and slightly too much Netball-related exposition, Jackie really felt to me like a living and breathing person. I was really rooting for her as she tried to find her feet as a newly independent woman, picking up a team of unique personalities along the way.
I loved the theme of strong friendships being the thing that helps you make it you through, and finding a life for yourself that’s bigger than your relationship that you’re in.
I would have loved for the characters of Jay and Ros to have been given a bit more colour and background as we didn’t get much about their stories, despite being important anchors to Jackie’s story.
Thank you to Net Gallery for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lexx clearly has a lot of comedic talent as well as being a heartful storyteller, which made this a really easy read.
While it’s a lighthearted book filled with lots of wine-related laughs and slightly too much Netball-related exposition, Jackie really felt to me like a living and breathing person. I was really rooting for her as she tried to find her feet as a newly independent woman, picking up a team of unique personalities along the way.
I loved the theme of strong friendships being the thing that helps you make it you through, and finding a life for yourself that’s bigger than your relationship that you’re in.
I would have loved for the characters of Jay and Ros to have been given a bit more colour and background as we didn’t get much about their stories, despite being important anchors to Jackie’s story.
Thank you to Net Gallery for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2022
This is a fun and quick read focusing on Jackie as the main protagonist who is trying to get her life back together after her husband leaves her out of the blue.
I loved the short snappy chapters which made for easy reading and I flew through the book in a day.
The concept of Jackie finding a new purpose and new friends after a big life change is well thought out and the idea of sport bringing them together is always a winner for me.
The camaraderie between the ladies comes across as great fun and although with most romcoms I could hazard a guess at how it would end that's never a spoiler for enjoyment for me.
The only thing that grated on me a little bit was how Jackie, and Ros to some extent, came across as rather helpless at times and I don't really feel that's how women of their age would like to be depitcted.
A nice easy read for the summer
🌟🌟🌟 from me.
I loved the short snappy chapters which made for easy reading and I flew through the book in a day.
The concept of Jackie finding a new purpose and new friends after a big life change is well thought out and the idea of sport bringing them together is always a winner for me.
The camaraderie between the ladies comes across as great fun and although with most romcoms I could hazard a guess at how it would end that's never a spoiler for enjoyment for me.
The only thing that grated on me a little bit was how Jackie, and Ros to some extent, came across as rather helpless at times and I don't really feel that's how women of their age would like to be depitcted.
A nice easy read for the summer
🌟🌟🌟 from me.
June 26, 2022
This is such a really good read with a motivating message of turning things around and moving on. Once I got going with this I really raced through it, I couldn’t put it down.
It was incredibly refreshing, laugh out loud funny and so uplifting. It’s Celebratory, it’s about strong female friendships and literally about finding your feet again. Which is the perfect read right?
It really took me back to school this read, when the characters are in search of something new, they chose to set up a netball team. I haven’t played netball since high school. Loved the fact they chose this idea purely just for the fun of it not because they were experts.
Absolutely fell in love with the group of friends, they all had their issues and things going on but netball was what brought them together.
Such an enjoyable book to read, banter, sarcasm and all round enjoyment. 👏🏻
4.5 rounded up
It was incredibly refreshing, laugh out loud funny and so uplifting. It’s Celebratory, it’s about strong female friendships and literally about finding your feet again. Which is the perfect read right?
It really took me back to school this read, when the characters are in search of something new, they chose to set up a netball team. I haven’t played netball since high school. Loved the fact they chose this idea purely just for the fun of it not because they were experts.
Absolutely fell in love with the group of friends, they all had their issues and things going on but netball was what brought them together.
Such an enjoyable book to read, banter, sarcasm and all round enjoyment. 👏🏻
4.5 rounded up
October 21, 2025
I love the characters in this book (particularly Ros and Duncan) and the dialogues are often funny or reflective. And the concept of people who don't really like netball playing the game and making friends shone through. Maybe this is a sub-editor complaint but some sentences felt clunky as they had too many prepositions - these could have been streamlined for a more seamless reading experience. Also the conflict between Jackie and Ros felt somewhat contrived... more like a high-school squabble than two fifty-somethings having an argument. And Jackie seems too green for someone who has Ros as a friend.
March 30, 2022
This book isn’t my usual kind of book but was looking to change it up and I liked the sound of this.
It is a bit daft but the characters are fun, it reads easy, it makes you laugh a little. It isn’t going win a Booker prize but it is a fun easy read. Will make you smile
Thanks for the ARC from NetGalley and John Murray Publishing
It is a bit daft but the characters are fun, it reads easy, it makes you laugh a little. It isn’t going win a Booker prize but it is a fun easy read. Will make you smile
Thanks for the ARC from NetGalley and John Murray Publishing
May 13, 2022
I loved this book. I was sent a proof copy, and wasn’t sure it was for me after the first few pages - I kept thinking maybe my mum would prefer it. But then I fell in love with the characters and became so absorbed in the charming writing.
It’s a story of friendship, self-image, and starting fresh. I loved it.
It’s a story of friendship, self-image, and starting fresh. I loved it.
June 1, 2022
I like books featuring older women who are at a turning poing and liked this one, a choral story that kept me hooked.
The characters are realistic and well plotted, there's a lot of humour and food for thought.
A compelling and entertaining read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The characters are realistic and well plotted, there's a lot of humour and food for thought.
A compelling and entertaining read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 29, 2022
A quick, easy and light-hearted read that was well written with characters that I took to straight away and a compelling storyline. A really enjoyable read.
May 18, 2022
Brilliant. I haven't laughed so much for ages. Fully recommend this book to all women wanting to laugh and cry and just enjoy themselves. Bed-time or holiday read, you choose.
August 10, 2022
This was such a fun read. I loved the characters and was really invested in their journey. I hope there'll be more from The Skids in the future.
October 9, 2022
I really enjoyed listening to this one!
February 10, 2023
Funny, some really good moments, really enjoyed this.
February 18, 2023
A really lovely entertaining read, a beautiful escape from life and Ros makes me laugh till I can't breath!
March 12, 2023
Quirky story of friendship and starting over.
April 4, 2023
A fun and easy read that made me laugh out loud many times. A good story about female friendships.
May 23, 2023
Got this on a recommendation from MFM. Not my usual thing but Iiked the characters
May 29, 2023
Lots of laughs, mending of broken lives and generally just a great book to relax in a sunshine filled garden with.
September 7, 2023
Loved this book. Looking forward to Laura's next one.
May 24, 2024
Took me a while to get into it but was a nice, easy read - what I call a comfy read :)
January 29, 2025
Cute read, approachable read, enjoyable.
September 6, 2025
Loved this! Loads of really well-rounded realistic characters, and all a little bit relatable. Wish there was a sequel.
November 2, 2025
Any book about netball bringing people together is a 5 from me.
July 6, 2022
Thank you John Murrays for my gifted copy of Pivot in exchange for an honest review ❤️
Pivot sees 58 year old Jackie, who thinks she has everything she needs, until she comes home to find her husband packing his bags and leaving. Then we’ve got her best friend Ros, a strong willed boss of a law firm who is determined to help Jackie through this. And then their barmaid/friend Jay, at nearly 30, she’s had to leave London and move back in with her mum and she’s back in the barmaid job she had when she was a teenager. When they get tipsy together and look for something new to do, they end up creating The Skids, a barely functional netball team.
I really enjoyed this one! I loved Jackie and Ros together, even if they hit a few bumps in the road along the way. I love reading books with amazing friendships and this definitely had it. I loved how the team came together and their dedication to keeping The Skids going strong together.
The whole netball idea of it was amazing, and actually made me want to give it a try, even though I played WD in like 2 games in high school before I gave it up 😂
It’s an uplifting read about strong women and female friendships. A lovely lighthearted read with a fun storyline!
Pivot sees 58 year old Jackie, who thinks she has everything she needs, until she comes home to find her husband packing his bags and leaving. Then we’ve got her best friend Ros, a strong willed boss of a law firm who is determined to help Jackie through this. And then their barmaid/friend Jay, at nearly 30, she’s had to leave London and move back in with her mum and she’s back in the barmaid job she had when she was a teenager. When they get tipsy together and look for something new to do, they end up creating The Skids, a barely functional netball team.
I really enjoyed this one! I loved Jackie and Ros together, even if they hit a few bumps in the road along the way. I love reading books with amazing friendships and this definitely had it. I loved how the team came together and their dedication to keeping The Skids going strong together.
The whole netball idea of it was amazing, and actually made me want to give it a try, even though I played WD in like 2 games in high school before I gave it up 😂
It’s an uplifting read about strong women and female friendships. A lovely lighthearted read with a fun storyline!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews