She drives a hard bargain with a woman's touch: WE ALL LIVE HERE.

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I typically enjoy Jojo Moyes, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s engaging, but it treads familiar ground—a struggling, divorced author and mom juggling family chaos and career uncertainty.

Lila is trying to keep life together post-divorce, raising her daughters, Celie and Violet, while sharing a home with her stepfather, Bill, who moved in after her mother passed away. The irony? She built her career on a bestselling book about her "perfect" marriage—one that has since crumbled. Now, she’s under pressure from her publisher to rebrand as a fun, sexy single mom, but inspiration is nowhere to be found.

Enter her long-estranged father, Gene, a charming yet self-absorbed actor. His sudden reappearance stirs up plenty of tension, particularly with Bill, who harbors deep resentment toward him. As Lila struggles with writer’s block, family drama, and personal insecurities, nothing seems to be going as planned.

I had a hard time fully rooting for Lila. While character growth is essential, she often comes across as self-absorbed—neglecting her kids, belittling the kindhearted gardener, and using people's personal stories as writing material without much thought. She also fails to appreciate either of her father figures. Gene, for all his flaws, at least has some heartwarming moments with her daughters, and Bill, despite his quirks (and questionable health-conscious cooking), is endearingly steadfast.

Honestly, I would have loved more from Gene, Bill, and Celie’s perspectives. Their dynamics were more compelling than Lila’s romantic woes, which felt repetitive. While the story is easy to read, it doesn’t break new ground. Lila’s fixation on needing a man overshadowed the strong family bonds already present in her life, which was frustrating.

Overall, this is a quick, readable novel, but not one that will stay with me.

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Empty glasses and empty promises: SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES.

Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nisha lives a glamorous life with her wealthy husband, but it all ends when he abruptly cuts her off and asks for a divorce. Nisha has no friends, no place to stay, and no access to her clothes or belongings in the hotel where they've been staying. The same day Carl cuts her off, Nisha accidentally swaps bags with someone at the gym, losing her fabulous red Christian Louboutin shoes. The person who finds them is Sam, a struggling mom who is dealing with an unemployed and depressed husband, a horrible boss, a best friend with cancer, and a soul-sucking job. Sam puts the shoes on for a business meeting and feels an amazing surge of confidence. Both women are at their lowest points--what will come next?

I almost put this one down, as it took a bit to warm up to the story and the characters at first. The beginning piece with the shoe swap, Sam finding the shoes, and Nisha losing everything is oddly slow. Luckily things pick up as Nisha expands her horizons, making a friend and getting job at the hotel where she once stayed in the penthouse. I never fully warmed to Sam, though I certainly empathized with some of her plight. Her story focused on her depressed husband, terrible job and boss, and awful parents who took terrible advantage of her. She seemed like quite a punching bag for a really long time, and I did not always care for the fact that, while, yes, her husband was very frustrating, depression was sometimes seen as something she wanted for him to just get over.

The best part of SHOES is its focus on friendship and the strong bonds that form between the female characters in the novel. Nisha turns out to be a spitfire, along with her awesome friend, Jasmine. Sam's friend Andrea, who is suffering from cancer, is also a wonderfully strong character too. There's plenty to laugh and cheer about as everyone unites for a common cause. There's even a bit of a mystery, as it seems Carl wants Nisha's red shoes... but why?

Overall, this is fun book centered around friendship and found family. It's a little slow to start and a few plot pieces gave me pause, but it's a good, witty read. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 here.

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I'm not ready to back down: THE GIVER OF STARS.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

My rating: 4+ of 5 stars


This was such a great read—I was completely caught up in the story, set in 1930s Kentucky. It tells of a group of women who agree to set up a traveling library—where the books are delivered via horseback—per the direction of Eleanor Roosevelt and the WPA.

What a vivid and mesmerizing tale. We are introduced to Alice, who comes from England to Kentucky after her marriage. But her union isn’t all she imagined, and she finds herself feeling trapped and alone—until she joins the library. They are led by Margery, who refuses to fit the mold of the typical Kentucky woman, much to the ire of some townspeople, including Alice’s father-in-law, who runs the local mine.

The plot is dramatic, riveting, and, honestly, stressful at times (I was so invested). I loved the idea of a tale that mixes the power of books and reading with the power of women and the fear so many had of both. You’d like to think a lot has changed since the ‘30s, but this felt rather timely sometimes... The book also speaks eloquently to the racial divide, classism, and more. I found many parts to be so touching and others very powerful. This is a book that speaks to you on a variety of levels.

Overall, this is a beautiful book, with a strong and moving message. Definitely recommend! 4+ stars.

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But this old heart is still the same: STILL ME.

Still Me by Jojo Moyes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Louisa Clark is attempting to follow advice to live boldly and try new things, which leads her to New York City. There, she becomes enmeshed in the life of the wealthy Gopnik family, serving as Agnes Gopnik's personal assistant. As such, Lou has plenty of time to tend to Agnes' every whim, but it takes some time to realize she might not be spending quite so much time on finding herself. Lou is far away from her boyfriend, Sam, who is still serving as a paramedic in England, and they are finding that long-distance romance isn't so easy. Meanwhile, Lou meets a new friend in New York, Joshua Ryan, who causes her to question many of her feelings. Lou loves New York, its pace and fashion, and many of the people she meets. But she still feels torn between worlds and her quest to discover who she really is, for once and for all.

I had no idea that Moyes was writing a third book in this series until recently and also had no clue where the story would go, but I have come to really care for the character of Louisa and knew I'd read it. I have to say, this one really surprised me, and I ended up enjoying it far more than I thought I would. While pieces of it may be a bit predictable, other parts were a little surprising, and the cast of characters is just so enjoyable that you get sucked in immediately. I found myself looking forward to immersing myself in the novel after a long day. It was refreshing to see Lou start to look inward a bit more, maybe grow up a tad, and start looking after herself more. After all these novels, you feel responsible for her and also get frustrated with her decisions, as if she's a sister or friend of your own.

The novel does a strong job of showing how Lou is tugged between two places--America and England--and struggling to discover where she belongs. It also illustrates some surprising similarities between herself and her wealthy patron. Watching Lou deal with Agnes' secrets--and, as the younger wife of an older, wealthy man, she has many--you get to see her mettle and true character. There are also some lovely and funny appearances by Lou's family, whom I've come to quite adore. You'll fall for the Gopnik's eclectic neighbor, Margot, as well.

This novel is surprisingly touching at times and really I just enjoyed it. It's a typically well-written novel from Moyes, featuring well-loved characters and a cast of new, engaging ones that you can't help but fall for and love (or dislike, as required) as well. If you've enjoyed Lou before, I think you'll find this a nice addition. If you haven't read about her journey, I encourage you to go back and pick up the first book--she's a rewarding character to discover.

You can read my review of ME BEFORE YOU here and AFTER YOU here.

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Some days I miss your smile.

After You by Jojo Moyes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


First of all, I think it goes without saying, but if you haven't read Me Before You and you wish to, stop reading here. Did you stop? OK, you've been warned. After You picks up after her beloved Will's death, and Louisa Clark is foundering. Will wanted her to live life to its fullest and Lou has tried, really. She's traveled, bought a flat... but nothing feels right. Suddenly, Lou realizes she really isn't living much of a life at all. An accident changes things, however, as well as the arrival of an individual linked to Will. Lou's life is no longer so boring, but will she be able to make the changes she needs to move on, to live the life Will would have wanted for her? More importantly, to live the life Lou wants?

I was wary about picking up this book, as its predecessor was a lovely and heartbreaking tome. This one is also very poignant and touching. It's surprisingly easy to pick back up with Louisa again-- as if you're falling in step with an old friend. Her voice and character remain true, as do those of the ancillary characters from the previous book (Will's parents, Louisa's family, etc.). There were times, with this novel, that I felt it was a bit too in your face with its message: a lot of saying it straight out versus letting the story and narrative do its work. That was a bit tedious at times.

Still, there were many times that I found myself smiling as I read, because Lou really is just a sweet, fun character, and you can't help but love her. If you enjoyed (and cried over) the first book, you may not find this one as heart-wrenching, but is that really a bad thing? Do we need such emotion twice in a row (and does Lou)? This was a strong follow-up about a character we've grown to love, and it was nice to spend some more time with her and her family. They all truly feel like our own family now.

You can read my review of Me Before You here.



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There's nothing like finding gold within the rocks hard and cold.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Louisa Clark leads a calm and simple (perhaps even boring) life in her village. She has a job in a cafe, she lives with her parents, and she has a boyfriend, Patrick, who is predictable, even if she might not actually love him. But one day, Louisa's life is turned upside down when she arrives at work and finds out the cafe is closing. Forced into the world of unemployment, Lou eventually ends up as a caregiver for the Traynor family -- specifically Will, a quadriplegic, a once active and passionate man whose life was changed irrevocably by an accident. Confined to a wheelchair, unable to move most of his limbs, and in great pain many days, Will's life is nothing like it was before. However, when Lou arrives in his world, she brings a bit of joy and fun to his otherwise bland days. However, neither of them realize how much they will change and affect each others' lives.

This was an interesting book, for sure. I'd avoided it for a while, hearing how sad it was, and frankly, I have enough of that in my life. But it eventually came up in my library queue, and I decided to give it a shot, basically because I'd read Moye's "One Plus One" and really loved it. I will try not to reveal much of the plot, for those who may not have read anything about it. However, I'll say the book touches on timely topics such as assisted suicide. Should Will be confined to his chair for the rest of life, living half a life, much of it in pain? What role should his family play in his life, and in his decisions? And how much responsibility does he owe his family and those who care for him? All deep questions, for sure.

The book is enjoyable purely on the strength of Lou's character. Just like "One Plus One," Moyes has an uncanny ability to create a main character whom you start to inhabit, love, and root for - quirks, frustrations, and flaws included. Lou is real and you can't help but like her. It's a fast read, as well - I tore through it in less than two days. There's a sequel out now, and I'm a little sad that I just put it on hold at the library, and I'll have to wait a while to find out what happens - but perhaps that's for the best.

Anyway, I was definitely drawn in by Lou's voice. A lot of her character and situation hit home, in a weird sort of way - her being trapped in her life by fear and an inability to get out beyond the confines of the life she'd created for herself. Her relationship with Will is a fascinating one, for sure. The ending of the book is tough, and without spoiling anything, leaves you feeling a bit deflated. I felt a lot of complicated emotions about it all, which I suppose is the sign of a good book, but kept me from pushing it up to a full 4-star review. Still, a mesmerizing read.



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