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3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2 stars. I’ve been re-reading all of Sophie Kinsella’s earlier stand alone books and her shopaholic series over the last couple of months and I have to say I’ve noticed a huge change in the quality of her books over the last few years. This story was ok but it just wasn’t up to scratch. Firstly, the characters were ridiculously underdeveloped, cliche and simply unpleasant. The main character is nicknamed “Fixie” (cringe) yet there is only one or two examples in the first chapter of how she likes to “fix” things. For the rest of the novel she just comes across as a spineless girl who can’t even voice her opinion to her own family (even when she learns her brother is basically ripping off the family business!). I usually love the male character/love interest in a Kinsella novel but Seb was just as annoying and way too sensitive and cranky for my tastes. I didn’t end up rooting for him and Fixie like I usually do with these books. There was way too much useless details about Farrs store and I became bored very quickly. Ultimately, a pretty weak premise for a novel and it all seemed a bit of a mess. I was expecting much more from an author who usually produces quality books.
Thanks kindly for Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks kindly for Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In all I found this book a little disappointing compared to the other Sophie Kinsella books that I have read in the past and thoroughly enjoyed. I found this book to be missing a kind of spark, magic and laughter.
Throughout the book, I could relate to Fixie, the main character in the story. Fixie is devoted to her family and tries everything to maintain her late father’s wishes. This was an interesting angle for the story and one that provided a good understanding to the base of Fixie’s character.
Fixie has inherited her name from needing to fix things, and on one afternoon in her local coffee shop saves Seb’s laptop. From this moment on, both Seb and Fixie become tangled up in a series of IOUS. This then forms the main part of the plot.
From this though, I wished that there was a bit more laughter and humour involved. I was not expecting the plot to turn out the way it did and at times wished that Fixies’ emotions and feeling would have been explored a lot further. It would have also been nice to have more input from Seb and Fixie’s best friend Hannah throughout the story.
Overall though, I mostly enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read and had a good message that, even though, family is important, looking after yourself and doing what is right for you is also important.
I will look forward to reading some other Sophie Kinsella books.
Throughout the book, I could relate to Fixie, the main character in the story. Fixie is devoted to her family and tries everything to maintain her late father’s wishes. This was an interesting angle for the story and one that provided a good understanding to the base of Fixie’s character.
Fixie has inherited her name from needing to fix things, and on one afternoon in her local coffee shop saves Seb’s laptop. From this moment on, both Seb and Fixie become tangled up in a series of IOUS. This then forms the main part of the plot.
From this though, I wished that there was a bit more laughter and humour involved. I was not expecting the plot to turn out the way it did and at times wished that Fixies’ emotions and feeling would have been explored a lot further. It would have also been nice to have more input from Seb and Fixie’s best friend Hannah throughout the story.
Overall though, I mostly enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read and had a good message that, even though, family is important, looking after yourself and doing what is right for you is also important.
I will look forward to reading some other Sophie Kinsella books.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I almost quit the book. The focus on the character flaws felt so overwhelming.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not one of my favorite Sophie Kinsella books. I *might* have enjoyed it more if I hadn't listened to the audiobook as the narrator's voice was "nails on a chalkboard" for me. Too many unlikable characters.