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.
Source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Paris For One & Other Stories is a wonderful compilation of a novella and, well, a few short stories. I read these in the week leading up to Christmas and it was exactly what I needed to get me in a good mood through the busy holiday season.
Paris For One
"The thing about growing up in a small town -- everyone though they knew exactly what you were."
~ Paris For One, p. 8
Nell likes routine and to have a plan in advance. She's not usually one for spontaneity but after the startling realization that she's viewed as predictable, she decides to shake things up by booking a weekend trip to Paris for her and her boyfriend. He doesn't show up the day they're supposed to leave he stands her up. Feeling deflated she considers returning to England but then changes her mind. On one of her outings she meets Fabien, a waiter and aspiring writer, who shows her around the city. Told with sweetness and humour, Paris For One shows Nell overcoming her discomfort and disappointment, turning what could have been a disaster of a weekend into a trip of her lifetime. I absolutely adored this story and pumped a fist in the air for Nell because she just plain rocks!
And Other Stories ...
I've never really been one for short stories but I seem to have read more of them lately. Reading these at Christmas was perfect for me as my attention span was spotty. More importantly is that I've begun to appreciate how an author has to build just enough of the backstory in order to let the reader comfortably dive in.
Between the Tweets
Bella is a digital manager at a publicity firm who's called upon to help a client facing a publicity crisis over an alleged affair. I was bowled over by this one because for a short story, it had room to develop and Moyes even threw in some twists.
Love in the Afternoon
In one of the more relatable stories included in this compilation, Sarah and Doug are a married couple with children who have simply lost the spark in their marriage. They go away for an overnight stay and between the stilted conversation and awkward attempts at intimacy, getting in sync again to bring back the romance will require some effort.
A Bird in the Hand
Beth and her husband, Simon are invited to a dinner party where she runs into Ben, a guy she used to work with and as it turns out, she also had an affair with him. He's with someone else now but being seated together at dinner, he and Beth wind up hashing it out over the debacle of their affair. Though I find stories about cheating uncomfortable, I was intrigued by this one because there's a huge "what if" moment thanks to a surprising realization about the way their liaison ended.
Crocodile Shoes
Sam's done working out at the gym and when she's ready to leave she finds that someone else has mistakenly taken her gym bag. In it is a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes that are totally impractical for her but she has no choice but to wear them at work since she can't go home. The shoes have a kind of magical effect, influencing people's perception of her. Noticing how they're responding to her differently she uses that to her advantage during her several meetings throughout the day. It's a cute fantasy though not at the top of the list for me.
Hold Ups
This off-beat one takes place at a jewelers where a robbery is in progress and Alice is most definitely not behaving as most people do when there's a masked stranger pointing at weapon at them. Alice and the thief even seem to be flirting with each other. Bizarre but funny.
Last Year's Coat
Evie and her husband Greg have been pinching pennies since hours have been cut at work meaning they have to stick to a tight budget. While Evie diligently puts family before frivolous needs, she can't help but envy how easily her workmates seem to spend money. She has her eye on a coat that before she wouldn't have had any qualms about buying but under current circumstances, she can't justify the expense. The story that contrasts those who live within their means and those that in the long run add to their problems will squeeze at your heart.
Thirteen Days with John C
The Christmas List
We're all familiar with the hellish spectacle of shopping at Christmas time, right? And we all have some experience shopping for people who are difficult to find gifts for in the first place. Poor Chrissie has to finish her shopping for her mother-in-law who doesn't like her to begin with. Yet she keeps breaking her back hoping to find something to win her over. She hops into a cab and strikes up a lovely conversation with the driver who is full of the Christmas spirit. Not only does he go out of his way to help her get her, as they're talking he helps her put things in perspective and it comes down to this: would she rather be happy or miserable at Christmas, stuck with people who don't like her? You'll have to read it to find out what happens.
I enjoyed reading all of these stories, each one with their own vibe. My favourite of the entire book is Paris For One. Of the short stories, I do wish there was a follow up for The Christmas List because I so want to know what Chrissie is up to. Paris For One & Other Stories is a great pick if you want a quick dose of good feels but are short on time.
~ Bel
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