Synopsis from Good Reads:
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 a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I Owe You One will be available February 5, 2019.
I adored this book. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Sophie Kinsella novel and I’ve forgotten just how addictive they can be. Once I started it I could hardly put it down.
I really expected I Owe You One to be romance-heavy, but it wasn’t as central to the plot as I thought it would be. That wasn’t a bad thing, though. The story focuses a lot on Fixie’s relationship with her family and with her own issues of confidence and self-worth. Fixie got her nickname by always needing to fix things – messes, people, etc. Her siblings, Jake and Nicole, take advantage of her, as does Ryan, the man she’s had a crush on for most her life. Throughout most of the book I just couldn’t get over how awful those three people were. I was really frustrated by how Fixie let herself get steamrolled over and how she couldn’t speak up for herself. As the story goes on, though, she learns to speak up and practice a little tough love.
Even though the romance wasn’t as central as I expected, it did still play an important part in Fixie’s story. I just loved Seb. He was such a genuinely good person. I loved his sense of humor and how sweet he was. That’s not to say he’s perfect, of course. When he and Fixie first meet he’s dating someone else – who is of course awful and very ill-suited for him and that was frustrating. There’s a point where his and Fixie’s relationship hits a rocky spot and I wish they would have communicated a little more effectively, but I liked how it all turned out.
Overall, I really enjoyed I Owe You One. I liked Fixie and Seb and the quirky cast of supporting characters. I even liked Jake and Nicole by the end of the story. I liked Fixie’s character growth and her relationship with Seb. I was a little disappointed that the IOUs didn’t really pay as large a role in the book as I expected, but I did like how it was utilized. This is probably my new favorite Kinsella novel and I definitely recommend it to fans of Contemporary and Women’s Fiction.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 4 Stars
Glad to see a positive review of this one! Glad you enjoyed it Stephanie ❤
Thank you! I did really enjoy it! I definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for this type of book.
It’s been ages since I read a Kinsella book! Loved her standalones back when I used to read chick lit. I remember laughing so much with the one about the ring… is this one funny?
Is the one with the ring the same one where two people share the phone (I’ve Got Your Number)? That was previously my favorite book by Kinsella, but I think I like this one better. It does have funny moments, but it seemed a bit more serious than some of her other books.
Yes, that was the one, it was hilarious lol Hmmm will think about it 😀
Sounds like good read! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Great review, stephanie!
Thank you! It was!
I’m interested in this book. I used to really enjoy Sophie Kinsella!
I hope that you enjoy this one, too, if you read it! I really liked it.
I have to admit I have never read a book by this author… Crazy, right? After reading your review for this one, I think I might need you change that — especially if they’re so addictive. Do you think I’d like her books?
I think you would enjoy some of her books. I would recommend this one and I’ve Got Your Number!
Okay! I’ll write it down. 🙂
Sounds like a really entertaining read! The blurb made me quite curious 🙂 Great review 🙂
Thank you! I really enjoyed it!
Terrific review Stephanie!
Thank you!
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Sophie Kinsella has done a great job with tthis book. I loved how the story progresses, especially how Fixie rises to the occassion to rescue her love life and family.
http://paperecstasy.com/2019/06/30/book-review-i-owe-you-one-sophie-kinsella
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too! Definitely one of my favorites by her.
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