2 Star
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?
Kathryn - 2 Star
I'm a fan of Sophie Kinsella and I've come to expect certain things from her novels- a few really good laughs, empowerment of our main character and strong relationships. Unfortunately this one did not deliver for me.
I suppose I somewhat liked Fixie but I was immensely frustrated most of the read which made me slightly dislike her too. While I understood that Fixie was herself a work in progress, was learning to find her voice and stand up for herself, I didn't really want to dislike all the other characters in the novel quite as much as I did! They were almost universally horrendous and as far as I could tell there wasn't really a good reason for it except gross selfishness. Fixie seemed much smarter than the rest and this doormat behaviour just didn't mesh for me with the rest of her personality. She was single-handedly trying to run and revive her family business so obviously she was someone with power in there somewhere? I was also most frustrated by their mother who seemed to have picked a favored child based on nothing? (Not that one should have a favourite of course but at least choose the one that is kind and loving?). I couldn't even get on board with the romance in the novel- it was truly confusing.
I fear I am being overly judgmental, I do apologize, but I just did not get out of this novel what I had been hoping for or expecting. I will, of course, read any Sophie Kinsella that passes my way and likely this is a one off set of feelings from of my favourites.
Thank you to Random House for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
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