Someone Else's Shoes by Jojo Moyes

A story of mix-ups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances, this is the new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You and The Giver of Stars.

Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes?

Nisha Cantor lives the globetrotting life of the seriously wealthy, until her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off. Nisha is determined to hang onto her glamorous life. But in the meantime, she must scramble to cope--she doesn’t even have the shoes she was, until a moment ago, standing in.

That’s because Sam Kemp – in the bleakest point of her life – has accidentally taken Nisha’s gym bag. But Sam hardly has time to worry about a lost gym bag--she’s struggling to keep herself and her family afloat. When she tries on Nisha’s six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes, the resulting jolt of confidence that makes her realize something must change—and that thing is herself.

Full of Jojo Moyes’ signature humor, brilliant storytelling, and warmth, Someone Else’s Shoes is a story about how just one little thing can suddenly change everything.

Hardcover, 438 pages

Published February 7, 2023

by Pamela Dorman Books

4.5/5 stars

This was my February BOTM pick, the premise sounded like fun and the cover was eye catchings.  Though I will say that I went in a little cautious, Jojo Moyes has been a hit or miss author for me.

The situation started innocently enough but quickly evolves into a situation that forces these 2 women, Sam and Nisha, to make some serious changes.  And it all started over a pair of shoes.  I will say that I began this book thinking it would be more a comedic read but that part didn't happen till the last third of the book.  And yes 438 pages is a fair sized story but it was enough to really get to know Sam and Nisha.

Sam has so many things on her plate, I won't name everything but suffice to say stress and anxiety are her middle name.  But for some reason these new shoes make her feel different, in a good way.  But is it enough?

Enter Nisha, the snotty, rich pampered wife gets a rude awakening when she not only has Sam's shoes but her life takes a 180 turn in a matter of seconds.

Someone Else's Shoes was a fun and well written story that kept me entertained.  I did both a read and audio-read, both of which I recommend.  Not only was this a journey for these 2 women but for some great characters as well.  The ending was great, I loved it, definitely didn't see that coming.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge #28