“Strength is turning up every day to a situation that is intolerable, unbearable even, just to support people you love.”
My book-lovin’ heart is aflutter with the number of quality new releases that have dropped in 2023. The Mitford Affair (Marie Benedict is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors), Exiles, Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, and Hang the Moon top my list. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes is right up there with the best reads that are making my new year bright.
Nisha Cantor is living the glamorous life with her incredibly wealthy husband and her circle of “not so genuine” friends. She appears to have it all until one day, without any notice, her ruthless husband decides to divorce her and completely cut her off from everything that is her life. Blindsided by the loss of money, home, extravagant clothes, and social status, Nisha is forced to take a walk in someone else’s shoes (literally and figuratively). When Sam Kemp accidentally takes her gym bag after her morning workout, Nisha’s left with only Sam’s drab black pumps—in that moment, she determines to reclaim her life.
What begins as a simple mishap between two frustrated women evolves into a delightful story of friendship and love. I found myself turning pages for Nisha and Sam and cheering for Jasmine (possibly my favorite character) for her willingness to help a stranger despite her meager means. Moyes has taken a group of flawed but loveable women and made them stronger as they work together. A solid 4.3 stars in my book and quite possibly the best of Jojo.