I read this some time ago but realized I haven’t shared any of my short story reading. I hope you enjoy.
This book has nine stories about troubled relationships from the perspectives of the women in each. The first, Paris for One, is the length of a novella while the others are all short stories. I liked some more than others but really enjoyed them collectively. The narration performances were outstanding and contributed greatly to my overall reading experience. Below are short summaries of each with my reactions.
Paris for One
Nell and her boyfriend Pete are off for a weekend in Paris, or so she thinks. Pete turns out to be a no-show and Nell decides to stay and experience the city of lights on her own.
I actually loved this meandering and delightful story. Nell is such a straight arrow who steps outside of herself and turns a potentially crummy set of circumstances into a wonderful adventure. I enjoyed this immensely.
Between the Tweets
This story about a PR nightmare has just the right touch of irony. Short but it hit the right notes.
Love in the Afternoon
A woman’s husband surprises her with a getaway vacation but it can’t conjure up a bygone romance. This was so realistic it almost hurt but I loved the ending.
A Bird in the Hand
A married woman encounters her former secret lover at a party and both have regrets they didn’t even know they had. While this was not one of my favorites, it still was pretty interesting.
Crocodile Shoes
A weary working mother and neglected wife has a pair of fantastic shoes transform her life overnight. This is one of my favorites, full of humor with a perfect ending.
Holdups
A woman working at a jewelry store has an encounter with one of the robbers of the place while it is in progress. This was my least favorite as it was a bit far fetched. Still, it was interesting.
Last Year’s Coat
A married, working mother needs a new coat but the one she really wants is out of reach as they’re struggling to make ends meet. It has a lovely and pertinent ending.
Thirteen Days with John C.
A neglected married woman finds a cell phone and gets caught up in a texting relationship with a twist. This was touching and a bit sad though I got hooked through the end.
The Christmas List
A woman in a cold, dispassionate marriage is struggling to find the items on a Christmas list created by her husband for his mother. A fortunate ride in a taxi made this a really special story. Loved it.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 1, 2016
- Narrators: Fiona Hardingham, Susan Duerden, Jayne Entwistle, Olivia Mackenzie-Smith, Katharine McEwan
- Audio Length: 5 hours, 45 minutes
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Fab review! I loved this collection when I read it a couple of years ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nicki! Glad to find someone else who’s read and enjoyed this collection.
LikeLike
These sound like great shorts. I like to have something like this for when I’m in a bit of a slump. They usually help. Off to check it out…thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do hope you like these, Cathy! They were all interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read a few of her book, but not this one and now after reading your review, I think I must. Happy Friday, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Friday to you, too, Marialyce! If you’re a fan of the short story format, I think you’ll appreciate these poignant little gems.
LikeLike
Wonderful review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Darinda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brenda!
LikeLike
Thanks for another great review Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank YOU, Diane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! Jojo Moyes is not my cup of tea but I’m glad you enjoyed this collection 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Meggy! She’s not for everyone though these were very different from what I’ve read before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I should give it a try then!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try the sample. You should be able to get a good feel from that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review! Good to hear you enjoyed this bundle overall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yvo! I think the audio made this even more enjoyable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read this several years ago, but I don’t remember all these stories for some reason, lol. I remember Nell and Fabian, but that’s it…maybe I missed something. I do remember liking it, but I’ve never read anything by Moyes that I didn’t like. Wonderful review, Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Stephanie! There were two books produced, one with just the novella and this one. Maybe that’s what you’re remembering. The only difference in the title was the omission of “& Other Stories.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I must have just read the novella! I would think I’d remember the other stories, or I hope that I would. I’ll have to look for it and read those too. You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I own this one, but now I need to know if it has the other stories! Of course I need to read it too! 😂 Wonderful review, Jonetta! I love that the stories are connected by a common theme.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jennifer! It really is a hidden gem.
LikeLike
This looks really good and I’m so happy the narration added another layer to it! I’m not always crazy about short stories but some of these sound really good!💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
You can never tell beforehand if the collection will be interesting. I was pretty happy with the outcome, even for those stories I wasn’t crazy about. They were still good reads.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard good things about Jojo Moyes, but I’ve never tried her. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Melanie! She’s become a favorite. Haven’t had a miss yet.
LikeLike
I enjoy reading novellas and shorts, and this sounds like it has a lot of diversity which is great. I’ll have to check this out for sure – sold! =D
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I hope you decide to read this one and enjoy, DG💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great share Jonetta. I am going to see if I can find this one on audio on one of the many libraries I use. Sounds really good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla! I certainly hope you can find it on audio. I loved that part of the experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am hooked on audiobooks. I started listening to a couple that didn’t work, but most of them do.
LikeLiked by 1 person