Jojo Moyes is an internationally best-selling novelist and is known for her romantic and heartwarming books. She has written 16 novels, along with several short stories and nonfiction works.
Besides being one of the most popular authors in the world today, her novel “Me Before You” was adapted into a Hollywood movie of the same title, starring Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke – a move which skyrocketed Moyes to fame and drew greater attention to her books.
About Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes is best known for novels that focus on the lives of ordinary people, and her books often feature strong female protagonists.
Her stories are full of emotion and romance, making them perfect for readers who enjoy a good love story, and she has earned a legion of fans for her great characters and her ability to make readers laugh and cry.
As mentioned, Jojo Moyes has produced a wide range of books, including 16 novels, several short stories, and nonfiction works.
Perhaps the most famous is Me Before You (2013), which follows the story of Louisa Clark and her relationship with a quadriplegic man, Will Traynor.
The novel follows Lou as she learns to care for Will and the two of them form a bond that changes both their lives.
Another famous work by Jojo Moyes is The Girl You Left Behind (2014), which follows the story of Sophie Lefèvre, a young woman living in France during World War I.
The novel follows Sophie as she struggles to keep her family together and protect her beloved painting from being taken by the Germans, and is a powerful story of love and loss.
Overall, Jojo Moyes creates stories that are full of emotion and romance, making them perfect for readers who enjoy a good love story, combined with strong female protagonists.
Sheltering Rain is the first novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Sabine, a young woman sent to live with her grandparents, Joy and Edward, in their rural Irish estate following a disagreement with her free-spirited mother, Kate, who has found love again.
Kate and Joy have found themselves estranged for a number of years, and the novel explores the intergenerational relationships between grandmother, mother, and granddaughter, offering a beautiful look at the relationships between women, uncovering family secrets and fireworks, and ultimately, crafting a story of healing and redemption.
This is a wonderful tale of family, love, and forgiveness, and a stunning debut novel based loosely on the life and experience of the author.
Pros
Strong female characters and protagonist
A stunning exploration of female family relationships
Windfallen, also sometimes referred to as “Foreign Fruit”, is the second novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of a group of hedonistic Bohemians who descend on the sleepy town of Merham, taking over a grand Art Deco house on the seafront, known as Arcadia.
In the meantime, Lottie and Celia are tired of the quiet tranquility offered by Merham and find themselves drawn to the alternative that lands on their doorstep in a move that will have tragic, long-lasting, and life-changing consequences for all involved.
Fifty years later, Arcadia finds itself at the center of a renovation, and its relationship with the town is once again put to the test.
As the house is slowly awakened, its secrets, mysteries, and stories finally reach the light of day, forcing the reader to ask whether or not one can ever truly run away from a past that follows them in every direction.
Athene Foster was the ultimate “It” Girl of her generation, filling the Sixties with her glamor, elegance, and vivacious nature – attributes that earned her the nickname of the “Last Deb”.
A marriage to a young heir is followed by rumors of an affair, and a relationship shrouded in mystery.
Thirty-five years later the reader meets Suzanna Peacock, who struggles under the weight of the legacy of her glamorous grandma and her crumbling marriage and leaves to find solace in – The Peacock Empire, a coffee shop and curiosity store, which is decorated in the image of Athena.
Here, Suzanna finds peace but is also forced to face family secrets, uncover mysteries, and come to terms with the feelings she has hidden for so long if she is to have any chance of finding ongoing peace.
This is a wonderful story of family, love, and loss, and Moyes does an excellent job of exploring the complex relationships between Suzanna and her family, as well as the secrets of her family’s past.
Pros
Explores complex female relationships
A beautiful story of family, love, and loss
Excellent exploration of the secrets of the family’s past
The Ship of Brides is something a little different from Jojo Moyes and follows the story of four women who are sent to Australia on a ship, HMS Victoria, full of war brides in 1945.
The novel follows the women as they struggle to adjust to their new lives in Australia, and explore the secrets that each of them holds close.
Along the way readers meet Jean, a 16-year-old girl focused on fun and partying, on her way to marry her beloved soldier Stan in a relationship filled with fun, flirting, and genuine affection.
She is joined by Avice, a society girl determined to be seen as the perfect wife, and Maggie, a farm girl whose entire life has been dedicated to caring for her brother and father – this is her first time away from home.
The fourth character we follow is Frances, a war nurse who has cared for Prisoners of War in army hospitals – and who is clearly full of secrets.
Overall this is a touching tale of love, bravery, and the importance of female friendships; the audience joins the group on their voyage across the ocean, following their hopes and dreams as they wait in anticipation of the future that lies ahead.
Pros
Explores complex female relationships
Very strong, compelling characters the reader wants to learn more about
Silver Bay starts by telling us the story of Liza McCullen, who finds herself drawn back home to the close community and empty beaches of Silver Bay after a long absence, with her daughter Hannah in tow.
The novel follows Hannah as she struggles to reconnect with her family and friends, and discovers the secrets of her past – all while trying to protect the home she loves from businessman Mike Dormer, who has flashy resorts and plenty of pound signs in his eyes.
During the events of the novel, Liza is forced to confront her past, consider the very essence of who she is, and make peace with the secrets she has worked so hard to bury.
Overall, she is a strong, determined character who is willing to fight for what she believes in – and Moyes does an excellent job of exploring the complex relationships between Liza, her daughter Hannah, and the people of Silver Bay.
Pros
The beautiful setting of Silver Bay
Great creation of setting and atmosphere
Raises a number of important issues in an engaging, relatable way
Lots of twists
Cons
The plot can be a little choppy and hard to follow in places
Obsession can take many forms, and often appear in the guise of a seemingly innocent interest.
Night Music follows the story of Matt and his wife, Laura, who dream endlessly of the death of Mr. Pottisworth, the owner of their dream Spanish home, and for whom they have taken care of every demand for many years in the hope of inheriting – only to be pipped to the post by a long-long hair at the last minute.
The heir, Isabel, also has endless dreams: namely, of her beloved violin, and of the death of her husband whose death left her drowning in debt and struggling to cope with her teenage daughter, Kitty, and her young son, Thierry.
The novel follows the story of these two groups of characters as they attempt to navigate life when the world has not quite taken the direction they anticipated.
Readers encounter dark secrets and broken relationships, explore the pain of loss and the power of love, and consider the nature of new beginnings, the chance for a fresh start, and the obsession that has the power to overcome each and every one of us if left unchecked.
Pros
Offers an interesting look at grief and family relationships
Excellent exploration of the secrets of the family’s past
Offers an interesting look at how our actions can impact our entitlement and attitude
Cons
Some readers were a little disappointed with the ending
The Horse Dancer is the seventh novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Sarah, a young girl who dreams of becoming a professional horse rider and training at an exclusive French riding school.
When tragedy strikes, however, Sarah is forced to fend for herself until her path crosses with Natasha Macauley, a lawyer forced to share a home with her ex-husband.
The novel follows the story of Sarah and Natasha as they attempt to navigate the world they find themselves in, while also exploring the complex relationship between them.
Along the way, the audience encounters themes such as family, loyalty, ambition, and love, as well as the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit.
Pros
Great exploration of family dynamics
An interesting look at the world of horse riding and professional eventing
The Last Letter From Your Lover is the eighth novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Jennifer Stirling, a woman who discovers a letter from her past that could change her life.
The novel follows Jennifer as she struggles to uncover the secrets of her past, and discovers the truth about the man she loves.
The narrative is interwoven with the story of journalist Elle, who uncovers a story about a past love affair, and the two women’s lives become inextricably.
This is a beautiful story of love and loss, and Moyes does an excellent job of exploring the complex relationships between Jennifer, her family, and the people she meets on her journey.
Pros
Evocative narrative with an intriguing plot
Compelling mystery
Cons
Characters have been described as a little one dimensional
One Plus One is the ninth novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Jess Thomas, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet.
When her daughter Tanzie is recognized for her skill and prowess in Maths, Jess is determined to get her into a prestigious school, and her knight in shining armor may just turn out to be her employer, Ed – but, as with anything, life turns out to be far from simple.
The novel follows the story of these three characters as they attempt to navigate their way through life and explore themes such as family, friendship, loyalty, ambition, and love weaved into a narrative peppered with moments of humor and heartbreak, as well as the power of hope and determination.
Pros
Excellent exploration of family dynamics
An interesting look at the world of education and equality
Paris For One And Other Stories is the tenth novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it is a collection of short stories that explore themes such as love, loss, friendship, and family.
The stories are set in various locations around the world, from Paris to London to New York, and each story follows a different character as they attempt to navigate their way through life.
The stories are all beautifully written, and Moyes does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of human relationships.
Pros
Beautifully written stories
Excellent exploration of human relationships
An interesting look at different locations around the world
The Giver of Stars is the eleventh novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Alice Wright, a woman who moves to rural Kentucky during the Great Depression with her husband, Bennett Van Cleve.
When she joins the Pack Horse Library Project, Alice discovers a new sense of purpose and freedom and embarks on a journey that will change her life forever.
The novel follows Alice and her fellow librarians as they travel to deliver books to the isolated communities of Kentucky. Along the way, they encounter danger and adventure and discover the power of friendship and love.
Pros
Beautifully written story with an intriguing plot
Excellent exploration of female friendship and empowerment
An interesting look at rural life during the Great Depression
Cons
Some readers found the action a bit too slow-paced and slow to get going
Honeymoon In Paris is the twelfth novel written by Jojo Moyes and acts as a prequel to the next book, The Girl You Left Behind.
The novel follows the story of two sets of couples: Sophie and Edouard Lefevre as they honeymoon in Paris during the First World War, and Liv Halston, honeymooning a century later with her husband David.
The novel follows the two couples as they explore Paris and discover the challenges that can come with life, love, and the obstacles of marriage, and explores themes such as loyalty, friendship, and the power of love.
The Girl You Left Behind is the thirteenth novel written by Jojo Moyes, and it follows the story of Sophie Lefevre and her husband Edouard as they attempt to survive during the First World War.
Sophie is left behind to defend her community when her husband is sent to fight at the frontline and her town falls under German command, and the Kommandant becomes fascinated with a beautiful painting of Sophie.
The same painting is then discovered by Liv Halston, a century later, and the novel follows her as she attempts to uncover the story behind the painting, exploring the two narratives and the connections between the two women.
Pros
Engaging, intriguing plot
Well-written characters
A fascinating look at life in France during the war
Cons
Some readers find the split narrative a little confusing
Me Before You is the fourteenth novel written by Jojo Moyes and is amongst the most famous of all her works.
The narrative follows the story of Louisa Clark, a young woman who takes a job as a carer for Will Traynor, a wealthy man who has been left paralyzed after an accident.
As their relationship develops, Louisa discovers that Will has made the decision to end his life and she must decide whether or not to help him.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of friendship, and has been adapted into a film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.
After You is the sequel to Me Before You, and the novel follows Louisa Clark as she attempts to rebuild her life after the death of Will Traynor, and explores themes such as grief, friendship, and finding hope in difficult times.
After You follows Lou as she moves to London and attempts to make a new life for herself, the novel also introduces new characters such as Lily, who helps Lou find her way in the world.
Pros
Great sequel to Me Before You
A sensitive exploration of grief and loss
Cons
Some readers find the plot a little slow compared to Me Before You
Still Me is the third book in the Me Before You trilogy. The novel follows Louisa Clark as she moves to New York City and attempts to make a life for herself with her new love Sam, only to find that it may not be as easy to escape her past as she once imagined.
The narrative explores themes of identity, love, and family, and is a heartwarming story about finding yourself in the world.
Pros
Engaging plot with interesting characters
Explores themes of identity and family
Offers a resolution to Lou’s story
Cons
Some readers find the ending a little unsatisfying
Final Thoughts
Jojo Moyes is a master storyteller, and her novels are full of engaging characters, intriguing plots, and powerful themes.
Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming romance or an exploration of difficult topics such as grief and disability, there’s something for everyone in Jojo Moyes’ work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Genre Of Jojo Moyes Books?
Jojo Moyes books are typically classified as romance, contemporary fiction, and women’s fiction, though there are also themes such as grief, disability, and family explored in her work.
Which Of Jojo Moyes’ Books Is Most Famous?
Me Before You is arguably the most famous of Jojo Moyes’ books and has been adapted into a film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
