Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me)

I like the size. I like the cover quality. I gifted it while still wrapped so I can't comment on the inside.

If you love Nicole, Michigan, Minnesota, old houses, integrity, passion, families, unapologetic straight talk from an inspiring, strong woman, you'll love this book. I bought a new copy, rare for this lover of used books, because I knew I'd want to keep it in my collection. I am from Michigan, love Detroit, and hugely respect anyone willing to defend it and work to rebuild its pride, so I fell in love with Rehab Addict and Nicole from first view. She's effortlessly beautiful so you want to hate her but she's not afraid to let you see her without her hair and makeup done because she's proud of the muscle, sweat, dark circles, and exhaustion that comes from seeking her passion with everything she's got and encouraging you to do the same. She is not afraid to admit mistakes, and this book is all about what she's learned from them. But it's also a book of encouragement to all of us, and a reminder to treasure the old and once loved. When you finish this book you will feel like you are one of Nicole's many friends. Great photos and resources throughout. Can't wait to get back to Detroit and look up some of those markets Nicole has introduced us to. #homesick

Review courtesy of TheTatteredPage.com*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.One-word Review: INSIGHTFULReading Tune: Game of Survival - RuelleOpening Line:My parents didn't exactly jump for joy when I decided to drive headfirst into adulthood by moving south with my boyfriend right after my high school graduation.My Review:First off, I have always enjoyed shows the centered on home renovation. Years ago, I saw Nicole's Rehab Addict, a show that incorporated my love for old house and home renovation and it was headed by a woman! I always wanted to go into revonation real estate and as a woman, seeing Nicole conquer it head on, I was immediately hooked. Better Than New was jsut as captivating as Rehab Addict, as it is informative and inspiring. An engrossing page turner, I could not put the book down.While not the most fantastical writing, the story felt genuine and that perhaps is what makes it so compelling. I was drawn into the story. The writing wasn't flowery or beat-arond-the-bush, instead it was direct and spoke to you on a personal level - as if Nicole was right there having a conversation with you.Readers got an exclusive peek into in the tell-all of Curtis’ life like never before.Curtis’ voice is that if an old friend telling stories of days past over steaming cups of hot chocolate. While I read the book, as aforementioned, I felt as if Curtis was talking directly to me. Her voice felt real, honest. She did not hold back. Not even the embarrassing moments or romantic blunders. We learned more about her post-Rehab Addict life, about her son and his father, about her struggles as a single-mom trying to find her way. How she turned her love for old house into a passionate career, how she landed the Rehab Addict television contract, her hopes and dreams and the not so made-for-tv blemishes.Coming from the standpoint of wanting to go into renovation real estate as well, I do wish there were more tips and tricks and facts about how Nicole went about renovation her houses. But, I realize purpose of Better Than New was to be an autobiography. Having said that, I do hope she would publish a work that included said desires.All in all, Better Than New is fresh, real and insightful. A treat for fans of Rehab Addict -- or any who desires to behind-the-scenes account. If you are a Rehab Addict addict then you will be obsessed with Better Than New. Read Better Than New, you will not be disappointed.Happy Reading!

Always watched Nicole’s show and am enjoying her book. It’s like sitting down with a friend and she’s telling me her story.

Ive watched her show for years. I admire her tenacity to get things done right and not intimidated by others. Love the homes she saves! I could hear her voice as I read the book!!

I have only watched a season of Rehab Addict. I like the show and Nicole. This book felt rushed and all over the place. I would have liked to know more of her thought process and planning process with each house she takes on, I feel she flies by the seat of her pants but not everyone's path to success looks the same. She's a fellow Michigander and I share her interests in house renovations and historic preservation, but I feel the book only barley touched the surface of her life and how she came to her success.

I loved getting to be filled in on so much of the personal and behind the scenes details after enjoying watching the show and following Nicole on social media for a long time! Everything was very much in her 'voice', it felt almost like you were having a conversation with her over dinner and a glass of wine, super friendly and down to earth, just like she always seems to be! It took a lot of vulnerability for her to allow such personal information to be put out there for scrutiny. People will judge. Let them. "Live your own normal"All the personal photos sprinkled throughout the book make it even more genuine.It is very much a companion book, it goes best with being somewhat familiar with show episodes. Kind of makes me want to go back and re watch all the seasons with this additional information. Dollar House was always my favorite until she re bought her family home!!I am really looking forward to see what the next 'chapter' of life will bring to Nicole Curtis. Whether she will continue with the show or take a different direction I will enjoy following her career and cheer on her preservation efforts! If she writes more books I will read them!!

I have been a fan of Nicole Curtis and her show Rehab Addict, so her memoir piqued my interest. She writes just as she appears on her program, which she discusses in detail. I learned what goes into the episodes I so enjoy, reflecting her love of old homes. Now I want to go back and watch them all! She's more sketchy on her personal life because she has been burned by being too public with her life. This memoir is a nice escape.

Compré el libro porque el programa de televisión me gustó mucho cuando le emitieron y creía que además de contar cosas de su vida y de cómo el hecho de restaurar casas había marcado su camino, iba a mostrar fotografías o reportajes completos de las casas ya terminadas. Y no es así.Para colmo al estar en inglés se me hace muy pesado leerlo. No me hubiera importado que fuera en inglés si el libro hablase de las casas y de su restauración, pero es más bien una especie de autobiografía.Con las fotografías que se ofrecían era imposible saberlo, pero me lo quedaré igual porque me servirá para practicar inglés.

Nicole Curtis is an amazing young woman. She has endured many challenges and has come out smiling. Thisvbook is excellent. I have a great deal of respect for her as a person now, having read her story. Her passions in life (her children & her 'business') are well portrayed here. She has my utmost respect, and I wish her much success. She has earned everything she has.Loved it!

After having watched all the shows it was great to read the stories behind the houses. You are an amazing woman Nicole. You are a superb role model for your boys. I hope you find the love you deserve.

What a beautiful soul. After all she had to go through she stays focussed on what I believe she values most in her life, working from the intelligence of the heart. Will pass her book around to many friends.

Interesting insight into Nicole Curtis and her love and restoration of old houses. These beautiful homes will be lost if we demolish them and build endless gyprock boxes.