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Alex & Neil: Moving On

   (5 reviews)

Having crashed and burned after early success as a composer, Alex has managed to rebuild his career and his life.  Carpenter Neil is between girlfriends, and his knowledge of music is limited.  Yet despite their differences the two come together, and each spurs the other on to explore life further and to take risks.  Add in a pair of mothers who are friends and Neil’s fragile younger brother—as well as a manipulative rich uncle and some lively friends—and you have a dynamic mix.

As some of my readers will be aware, I am heavily involved in classical music—listening to it, writing about it & writing it—this is the first time I have written a story that is set in that world.  The story also explores further themes that will be familiar from my earlier stories. 
The story mixes the real and the invented.  Andover & Winchester are undoubtedly real. But Anne & Margaret’s houses, Alex’s flat, & the studios where Neil lives & works are all figments of my imagination. 
The Lieder Festival where Alex’s work is performed is inspired by the Oxford Lieder Festival.  The Watermill Theatre in Newby is also my invention.
The Starnberger See near Munich is real, but Sternbach, Schloss Sternbach & the Sternbacher Festtage are invented.  
Copyright © 2026 Robert Hugill; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (13 members)

  • Action-Packed 1
  • Great Pacing 10
  • Great Characters 12
  • Character Growth 9
  • Dialog / Banter 9
  • Plot Twists 1
  • Beautiful Writing 7
  • Immersive World 5
  • Satisfying Ending 5
  • Fresh / Original 6
  • Counldn't Put It Down 6
  • Suspenseful 1
  • Gave Me Chills 1
  • Funny 6
  • Feel-Good 10
  • Heartwarming 6
  • Emotional Impact 2
  • Thought-Provoking 1
  • Romantic Chemistry 5
  • Smoldering Chemistry 4


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centexhairysub

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

Another wonderful addition to this authors line up.  @Robert Hugill has done it again.  A pair that we immediately fall in love with, even when they are working out what they are.  And a host of secondary characters that we all wish we had in our lives.

Well written as always and perfectly paced with things moving to and fro at just the right moment.  With side stories that never stole the light away from the main storyline but gave us something else to be amazed by and to care about.

You can always count on any story in the Hugillverse to be a delight, and this one certainly is.

  • Like 1
  • Love 4
Summerabbacat

   3 of 3 members found this review helpful 3 / 3 members

Another terrific story from @Robert Hugill, the master of the understated. Alex and Neil, very different men with very different life experiences, begin a relationship so unlikely one could not envisage it lasting more than a few dates at most. To witness the growth of both men in their relationship and their lives in general, is a delightful experience not easily forgotten. 

As with most of Robert's other stories, the only "criticism" I have of this one is that it ended. 

Superbly written as usual Robert.

 

  • Like 3
  • Love 2
CCinPS

   2 of 2 members found this review helpful 2 / 2 members

Alex & Neil: Moving On is a wonderful story about opposites, support, dreams, chances, and love. When our heroes meet, we can't imagine them getting much further than one or two dates. @Robert Hugill weaves us a tale of relationships and warmth that draws us in until the very end. The characters are funny genuine, endearing and special with sensitivities, quirks and personalities that certainly remind us of people that we know or have encountered. Well written and thought out, this tale is easy to read and will have you anticipating the next chapter.

I am so glad that I have found what is called the Hugillverse and plan to read all the works in his collection.

  • Love 4
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