
Member Reviews

I have been in a book slump for some time so I was super excited to have the opportunity to read I Owe You One. Because I've read almost everything that Sophie Kinsella has ever punished.. some more than once. And while these books are not classic literature by any stretch, they are fun, frothy, and unputdownable. There's always the hapless main character (Fixie) who has a cute flaw. In Fixie's case, she cannot let things alone and always tries to fix the flaws in others, sometimes to her detriment. She has been infatuated with her brother's friend for ages and when he finally gives her the time of day, she falls all over herself to accommodate him. But of course there is more to the story than that, there's some back and forth with the right guy, as opposed to the wrong guy, there's a family business that isn't quite fitting in to modern times, and there's an interesting family dynamic. Just when I was dismissing this as another standard chick lit book, Kinsella throws in some tough love themes that really do ring true. This book did exactly what I wanted it to do.. it got me out of my book slump. I enjoyed it! 3.5 stars.

Fixie is fixing to steal your heart! This book was fun and made me laugh out loud quite a few times. I didn't realize it when I picked it up but it is sort of a "holiday book" since the story finishes on Christmas Eve. It was perfect for this time of year!
Not surprising given her name, Fixie likes to fix things. She can’t help herself and this leads to some pretty hilarious situations. One thing she can’t fix is the way her siblings and love interest walk all over her. Her late father encouraged her to put “family first” but this proves detrimental as her selfish and oblivious siblings start to take over the family shop. I was cringing at times reading about how she was being taken advantage of but it ultimately made me root for her harder! There is a hilarious cast of side characters and a love story that will make you smile. Overall it was a quick light read that I enjoyed!

Sophie is known for her quirky and cute chick lit books and this one is no exception. The main character is a bit of a spineless jellyfish who lets people walk all over her and it gets old REALLY quickly! I just couldn’t find these characters realistic or relatable and the plot was weak. This book just didn’t really do much of anything but annoy me and I’d not recommend it to anyone, even fans of her other books will likely find this book flimsy and dull.

I have been a Sophie Kinsella fan for quite awhile now and I have read most of her books. Her books always feel warm and cozy and this book is no exception. I love how from the moment you step into Sophie Kinsella’s world, you immediately become the main character’s best friend and confidante. Fixie is a very likable character and I enjoyed the storyline. Recommended for Kinsella fans, as well as those new to this author.

This was definitely a cutesy rom-com story. I liked the quirkiness of Fixie - she's a truly unique character. This was my first Sophie Kinsella book, but I would definitely be interested in reading more!

Such a disappointing book. Full of weak characters and very similar in vein to I've Got Your Number, Can you Keep a Secret? and most of her other books. I think I have grown out of Sophie Kinsella books, two disappointments in a row.
Others may (and have) enjoyed this book. Don't let my view stop you from giving it a try.

I Owe You One is classic Sophie Kinsella. Her books always leave me feeling warm and cozy inside! Dixie is an incredible character with a charming “problem”. She has to fix things! Of course fixing things doesn’t always make the world better. I really loved watching Fixie go from the bumbling baby of the family to a take no prisoners in charge woman. I will definitely be recommending everyone read this one!

This was a bit of a mixed bag. The opening page put me off on the story and the character. I mean, if you don't like the main character, how can I like the story? But, the story came in and improved as things went along. I was fairly glued to the pages and started feeling the feels in a few occasions. 2.5 stars.

Sophie Kinsella's books are usually really fun to read. This one had its moments, but there were many times when I had to put it down and do/read something else. Most of the characters start out as these really horrible people- yes, I know that in these kinds of books people start out horrible and then get to redeem themselves- but they were so annoying that I just didn't want to spend any time with them. I often found myself thinking some of the character flaws could be toned down and still get the point across. In the end, everything works itself out, as you would expect, but sometimes it felt like forever to get there.

The goddess Sophie Kinsella has graced us once again with a rom-com that has you re-reading the Shopaholics series just so the fun never ends. I Owe You One has all the right ingredients for a sassy, fun, and romantic novel but somehow doesn't quite check all the boxes for the perfect romantic comedy title. The main character, Fixie Farr, is easy to fall in love with her quirky trait to want to fix EVERYTHING, but some characters such as her mother fall flat. Kinsella does do a wonderful job of making you want the family legacy to succeed by including eccentric customers and workers that make you laugh out loud. If you're a fan of Kinsella, you know you're going to read this. But if you're new to her work, fall in love with Confessions of Shopaholic or I've Got Your Number first. You won't regret it!

Fans of Sophie Kinsella will not be disappointed with her newest novel, "I Owe You One" as the characters are fun and the plot is engaging, if not a tad predictable. Kinsella never fails to be a go-to author---her works are consistently uplifting and fun, and specifically the types of books I like to read during the stressful holiday season.
In this particular novel, Kinsella centers the story around Fixie, a character whose name is reflective of her personality and desire to fix everything (and everyone) in her life. Fixie faces a lot of issues that are easy to relate with: the death of a parent, illness of a parent, self-centered siblings, and a love interest who is not worthy of her affections. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Kinsella is an author that I will always gravitate towards, and I'm happy this book did not let me down!

I have always been a big fan of Sophie Kinsella and find her books a little fluffy but super easy to get lost in, which make them the perfect relaxation reading. Unfortunately, this one was tough for me. I liked the premise but the first half of the book was just hard to stick with because the characters were all just so unlikeable. Her siblings didn't have one redeeming quality about them and Fixie, the main character, was such a pushover that it was just hard to continue reading at points. The mom, who was the one likable character was not part of the story after the first few chapters, which was unfortunate as I found her to be the most interesting of all.
I stuck with it and the second half did pick up for me, but the changes for the characters came just too far along in the book. I love the idea of characters learning and growing but it just didn't happen in time for this book. By the time it did, it all happened so quickly that it felt overwhelming and a bit dramatic when nothing had really happened for most of the book. I love Kinsella's writing but this one just wasn't my favorite. A big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This delivered pretty much exactly what I expect from a Sophie Kinsella book – it was fun, quick, somewhat predictable with a little twist. The characters in this one were particularly well-defined and while I found the main character, Fixie, infuriating at times, the ending was really satisfying and sweet. The entire story also had some great messages throughout that I appreciated.

Another gem for Kinsella - just when you think the story is going to be predictable chick lit fare, she surprises us with a winner!
A must read for fans of Kinsella's other titles and a must purchase for adult library collections.

Another Sophie Kinsella release that does not disappoint. What I love about her books is following the characters as they develop- she does such a good job of showing a character gain strength and courage to stand up for themselves in a way that is inspiring and always funny as well. All the characters in this new book were great to read about, even the bad ones had you laughing or rolling your eyes. I absolutely recommend reading this book!

I am a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella and she delivers that same fun and light hearted contemporary read. I was concerned that it would be an "insta love" story but thankfully it was not. I did feel like the pacing dragged at a few points and questioned some of of the actions of the characters,
Overall I enjoyed the book. Not my favorite book by Kinsella but a solid book none the less.

This was a light and easy read, if you're already a fan of Sophie Kinsella and you're looking for a new book to add to your reading list then I would recommend this one, I would also recommend it as a good vacation beach read.
The plot was a little bit predictable but also relatable because almost everyone will have known their own version of a "Ryan" at some point in their list. Also, as a self-described people pleaser, I could also relate to Fixie, the main character. The characters were likable and it was nice to see them grow and evolve throughout the book.

Fixie Farr, as her name implies, likes to fix things. After her dream of working as a caterer crashes and burns, she devotes herself to the family business--a housewares store. When her mother takes a break from the business for health reasons, conflict arises between Fixie and her siblings. Her brother wants to attract a more prestigious clientele by stocking aspirational and expensive merchandise. Her sister wants to hold yoga classes in the store. Longtime clients and staff are being alienated and the rich new customers are not materializing.
Fixie's plans to save the store are complicated by the arrival of her longtime crush Ryan who seems ready to reciprocate her feelings at long last but he needs fixing too. He's unemployed but Fixie has an IOU from an investment manager (she saved his computer from water damage) and she's going to use it for Ryan.
It's a light and pleasant read.
Expected publication: February 2019

Oh Sophie Kinsella how much do I love your writing? So very much! One of my first grown up books I was nineteen and at an airport and I picked up Confessions of a shopaholic and the rest as they say is history. Her writing style is fun and engaging in a way that envelopes you and makes you forget about anything else in the world. This new novel I owe you one is everything you would expect from your favorite author. The premise of this book is fun. Fixie is burnt out since loosing her Dad, She does not know how to say no to anyone especially her family. When Fixie helps a stranger she is given a thank you IOU this can come back to bite her in the future. If you are a fan of chick lit or witty British reads give this one a go. You wont regret it.

Opening lines: The problem with me is, I can't let things go. They bug me. I see problems and I want to fix them, right here, right now. My nickname isn't Fixie for nothing.
I mean, this can be a good thing.
Reason I picked up the book: I'm a huge fan of Sophie Kinsella's books.
And what's this book about?
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And 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 Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than 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?
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys a light read or British fiction.
Favorite paragraph: I'm the one who took a loan from Mum ("our inheritance," Jake always calls it) and tried to set up a catering business and failed. And who still hasn't paid the money back.
I'm not the black sheep of the family. That would be glamorous and interesting. I'm just the stupid dumb sheep who still has a stash of dark-green aprons under the bed, all embroidered with my logo: Farr's Food. (I sold everything else, but I couldn't get rid of those.) And whenever I'm around Jake, I feel even more stupid and dumb. Like, literally dumb. Because I barely even open my mouth, and when I do, I start to stammer.
I have opinions; I have ideas. I really do.
Something to know: You can probably figure out the ending of this novel before it ends, but it was fun getting there. Most of Kinsella's characters kind of seem the same to me but they are always well-thought out and interesting.
What I would have changed: Nothing I can think of.
Overall rating: 4 stars out of 5.
Where can I find this book? The book will be online and in stores on February 5, 2019. Click here to purchase on Amazon.