I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is everything I hope for in a contemporary novel. The characters are quirky and flawed, and the concept is super unique. The family theme in the book is also enjoyable to read about.
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Also by this author: Finding Audrey
Publisher: The Dial Press
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Rating:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be “the one,” and an IOU that changes everything
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” But since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will? It’s simply not in her nature to say no to people.
So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, Fixie not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. Turns out the computer’s owner is an investment manager. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, Sebastian scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. But Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
Then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. She wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. And Seb agrees, until the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: I Owe You ONe by Sophie Kinsella
If there is something that I have come to expect from Kinsella’s writing, it is her eccentric characters. I love all of the characters in I Owe You One, even the side characters are lots of fun. Fixie is a perfect narrator for the book and her flaws are very relatable. She goes through a lot of growth as the book progresses and it is hard not to root for her when things start to go her way.
❀ Fantastic Concept
The concept of I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is so fantastic. It is such a romantic idea to have a stranger write an IOU on a coffee sleeve. This sets up the story for some interesting meetings and interactions. There are so many hilarious scenes that balance out some of the drama in the book.
❀ Family Theme
One of my favourite themes in contemporary fiction is the theme of family. Fixie’s family life is very relatable and she has her fair share of sibling rivalry. Her brother and sister are well-developed characters and have their own issues to deal with. The family shop is the one thing that they all seem to have a vested interest in, even if their ideas clash.
❀ Engaging Cast of Characters
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is sure to be enjoyed by fans of her previous novels. There is a cast of engaging characters and the story is so much fun to read. It is a book that you just can’t put down once you start. I can’t wait to find out what she writes next!
About Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, and, most recently, Surprise Me. She lives between London and the country.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.