I Owe You One

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A gem of a novel.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Spark of Light and Small Great Things

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher and Love Your Life comes an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be “the one,” and an IOU that changes everything.

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?

©2019 Sophie Kinsella (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover

“A delightful, irresistible romp.”—Booklist

“[A] fun story about family, loyalty, and taking charge of your own life . . . Kinsella creates a charming story full of quirky characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue. . . . [Her] many fans will devour this warm and hilarious read.”—Kirkus Reviews

Almost DNF, glad I did though

I surprisingly ended up liking the book at the end, but I really hated it about midway through. The main character is treated like a doormat and she has no backbone. There are a lot of belittling misogynistic men in her life and she allows them to bully her. It was really hard for me at some point to continue to listen. It made my stomach churn.

This might be due in part because, I’ve been in Fixie’s shoes and seen my mom treated like this and it hit a sensitive spot. I’ve been physically harmed by a misogynistic family member standing up for my mom in several situations so this was touchy for me. I don’t regret standing up for her. This just touched a nerve for me. Anyways, I digress.

However, there’s a beautiful reckoning in the end, but it’s at the very end.... you have to stomach through several hours of her being abused to get to the good part.

The reader is excellent. There was just one or two times she was offbeat. For example: Fixie finally starts to get a backbone and there’s a line she is supposed to yell (something about the loans do matter or something) and instead it comes out soft and airy. This bothered me because it was Fixie finally standing up to her brother and I was cheering her on and wanted her to yell at him like she should. Lol. But honestly the reader does a great great job and that was the only time her reading “brought me out” of the story if that makes sense.

Passes the time

Not my fave by Sophie Kinsella. Not the worst. Sophie took a deeper dive into the background of other characters in this story than usual. Felt a bit all over the place. Definitely worth finishing if you started though.

Excellent!

Sophia Kinsella does it again. If you enjoy an easy romantic comedy...this one is perfect. I only wish I could listen to it longer.

Another Great Story from Sophie Kinsella

I love the books from Sophie Kinsella and this one was another great one. The characters are relatable, funny and real. I find myself laughing with them, crying with them and wanting to spend more time with them.

Wonderful listen

Loved the ending so much! Such an excellent story and other boys. About halfway through, I was a little disappointed, but sure enough, Sophie picked up the speed and it finished with a bang. Loved it.

great escape.

This is s fun and heartwarming book. Easy to predict but that's part of the fun. superb narration and a good break from pandemic and president.

great listen

loved it!!!! very funny....had me laughing all by myself. thank you for making drive something I looked forward to.

A pleasant story

I listened to this book in the car on a road trip and it was so engaging the hours flew by. Sophie Kinsella has a knack for creating lovable imperfect characters with charming stories.

Sophie Kinsella is always in point

You cannot get bored with a Sophie Kinsella book. I literally only hear my audible during my commute in the car and every time I get one of her books I keep playing it even at home. Also, kudos to Fiona Hardingham! I had never heard of her but I love that she narrates all of Sophie Kindella’s latest books, such a good narrator and so engaging, makes the book go by in a breeze and fall in love with all characters interactions. Love this one and recommend it! One of my favorite authors if not the favorite!❤️

wonderful

There are some books that are absolutely wonderful this book is truly beautiful full of family and love every family could use a fixey