Happy 2018 Everyone! I know it’s a couple of days too late, but it’s been a long month in general. But, now that the holidays are over lets try and get back into the swing of things shall we? Today we are kicking off with Sophia Rose and her review of JoJo Moyes new book, enjoy!
Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes Series: standalone
Published by Penguin Books on October 3rd 2017
Genres: Womens Fiction
Pages: 320
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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Me Before You and After You, Paris for One and Other Stories is an irresistibly romantic collection filled with humor and heart.
"A vicarious jolt of Parisian romance. . . Delightful." -People Magazine
"An old-fashioned, feel-good love story. . . It's as if Moyes has booked a vacation and is taking us along. To Paris. Amour!" -USA Today "Dreamy escapism, a book you can curl up with and easily finish over a weekend, with or without a glass of wine." -Miami Herald
Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She's never even been on a romantic weekend away--to anywhere--before. Traveling abroad isn't really her thing. But when Nell's boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone--including herself--wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? Funny, charming, and irresistible, Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes--as are the other stories that round out the collection.
From the Hardcover edition.
This was my first encounter with JoJoMoyes writing and I have to confess that I was somewhat reluctant after reading all the angsty and teary-eyed reviews of Me Before You. I’m a chicken about really heartwrenching stories so I held back. But then I spotted this short story collection and thought it might be safe enough.
Well, I made a good call I think, but not because Paris For One was devoid of angst. No, this was a fantastic collection that gave me an idea of the writing gift the author displays, her talent for going deep in an economy of pages, and gave me so many lovely story gems all in one volume. I might just be brave (read greedy for more, there) enough to pick up more of her books.
So… Paris For One and Other Stories.
There were nine stories total including Paris For One which is a novella and the others as short stories. Each showed a different facet of love and life all from each heroine’s perspective only: a young woman ditched by her boyfriend to do Paris alone, rekindling the romance for a middle-aged couple, a new chance at the road not taken (aka former lover vs husband), a woman finding her mojo when she finds some killer shoes, shop girl flirts with robber during hold up, finding contentment in a material world, an infidelity accusation backfires, a two-week pretend life for a bored woman, and a woman who sees her life clearly while on a hunt to fulfill her Christmas list.
They were all good in their own ways and I could see the appeal hitting me differently if I read these in different moods because they hit all facets of women’s lives and feelings. I enjoyed the most, Paris For One as a girl who never took a step without making a list learns to take chances now and then and finds her confidence, but also thought Hold Up was a hoot, Crocodile Shoes made me root hard for the heroine and Last Year’s Coat resonated with me the most, I think, because this woman struggled hard with every day issues.
And, I think that was the appeal of each story. All these gals were every day women that I recognized in myself or others I know. They were familiar, but yet they had new experiences. This book brought out my emotions, but also left me musing afterward.
All in all, I was well satisfied with this collection of shorts and definitely want to try her novel-length books. These are definitely for those who enjoy women’s fiction and chic lit.
My thanks to Penguin-Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of an honest opinion.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Glad this was such a good read for you! I’ve only read one of her books but I really liked it. I should pick up more of them. 😉
Wonderful review!
That is my plan, too! I need to do more, but probably not Me Before You. LOL Still a coward about all those feels.
Like you I’ve avoided Me Before You because I know it’s a heart-wrenching story and I’ve been spoiled about the ending , and I know I just can’t do it. However, I read and LOVED One Plus One by Jojo. It is so fabulous! If you want to read more Jojo, I totally recommend it!
I have a copy of Paris For One and just have never got around to reading it. I must do it soon. Wonderful review, Sophia Rose! 🙂
Splendid! I was wanting to try more, but didn’t want one like Me Before You. I’ll make a note of One Plus One for my library run. Thanks a bunch, Rachel.
Oh cool about already having this one. Hope you like it when you get the chance. Paris for One’s first story is so sweet. 🙂
9 stories about Paris, nice! Sounds like each story had a little something different to offer.
Actually, only the first one is about Paris, and all the rest are set in England. Sorry to mislead you, Greg. 🙂
But yes, they were great for offering a little something different with each story.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Sophia Rose. I’ve read her Me Before You and my! It didn’t just made me cry, I really sobbed so hard. After reading the second book and got disappointed, I never dared check out her other books actually. But reading your review and how you like this book, I might give it a try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yeah, see, that sobbing thing is what I try to avoid. LOL Oh, man, that stinks that book two was a let down after you survived all the sobbing with book one.
No worries about that sort of thing with these stories. Hope you get the chance, Vanessa!
Moyes is good so one day 🙂
Absolutely! One day you really must. 🙂
You know, I am kind of a chicken when it comes to books that make me cry. That is why I haven’t read Me Before You. This sounds really well done. Great review!
Yeah. I think if I didn’t see it coming, maybe. But knowing a book is going to gut me has me reluctant to volunteer for such an experience.
But these? Yeah, these stories worked for me. There was some bitter sweet, melancholy, and sadness at times, but nothing that got me overly upset.
Thanks, Carole!
This sounds like such a wonderful read Sophia, I love that the short narratives feel realistic and about characters that female readers especially can relate to. I haven’t read anything by Jojo Moyes yet but this sounds like a wonderful novel to start with. Wonderful review and so glad you enjoyed it <3
Yes! You caught onto exactly what made me truly enjoy these. They weren’t happy-perky stories most of the time, but they were compelling b/c they could be real. I think this would be a nice starting place for sure, Kelly!
Awesome review, Sophia. I love this author. Need to read more of hers, though. Glad to hear that the characters are relatable and despite it being a short story, you still enjoyed it. ðŸ˜â¤ï¸
Oh wow! I know lots of people really love her stuff. I put her books off b/c I was worried about all the deep feels being too much for me. I’ve gotten some recommendations for a couple books that aren’t too emotional. Hope you get the chance to try this one, Geybie!
I keep forgetting she has this collection of stories out. Although I don’t read many short stories, I do enjoy her books so will have to keep this one in mind. Great review!
Oh good! Glad to put it back on your radar, Suzanne. I think its a neat thing when an author is flexible and can write both novels and short stories.