Title: Christmas Shopaholic
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Published: October 15th 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Pages: 384
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
RRP: $32.99
Rating: 3 stars
Number One bestseller Sophie Kinsella’s first ever Christmas novel!
Celebrate Christmas with the ultimate Shopaholic!
The brilliant laugh-out-loud festive novel from the Number One bestselling author.
Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) adores Christmas. It’s always the same – Mum and Dad hosting, carols playing, Mum pretending she made the Christmas pudding, and the next-door neighbours coming round for sherry in their terrible festive jumpers.
And now it’s even easier with online bargain-shopping sites – if you spend enough you even get free delivery. Sorted!
But this year looks set to be different. Unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocado, Becky’s parents are moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch and have asked Becky if she’ll host Christmas this year. What could possibly go wrong?
With sister Jess demanding a vegan turkey, husband Luke determined that he just wants aftershave again, and little Minnie insisting on a very specific picnic hamper – surely Becky can manage all this, as well as the surprise appearance of an old boyfriend and his pushy new girlfriend, whose motives are far from clear . . .
Will chaos ensue, or will Becky manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas?
Review:
From the very first book in Sophie Kinsella’s worldwide bestselling series, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic, to the last edition of the series, Shopaholic to the Rescue, Becky Brandon returns with Christmas Shopaholic. Book nine in Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series is filled with plenty of laughs, zany escapades, friends old and new and lots of shopping, all set to a festive filled backdrop. Christmas Shopaholic is an essential read for fans of the series.
Christmas Shopaholic welcomes back Becky Brandon. This year Becky’s Christmas plans go awry when her parents decide to forgo hosting duties. The Bloomwood household tradition of carols, pudding and a tipple with the neighbours is cast aside, while Becky’s parents make the big move to a new apartment in Shoreditch. Becky has no other option but to take over Christmas hosting duties. At first the lure of shopping for the annual Christmas celebration appeals, but when Becky is bombarded with odd requests from her family, things soon become complicated for this seasoned shopper. The return of an ex-boyfriend and his demanding new girlfriend adds further problems for Becky. Amidst the pandemonium, Becky is determined to make this Christmas count and make it a joyful experience for the loved ones in her life.
I am sure longtime fans of Sophie Kinsella’s well known and long running Shopaholic series will be delighted to see the return of Becky Brandon/née Bloomwood, shopping extraordinaire. The latest and ninth book in the series is a festive themed issue, which brings some familiar faces and new acquaintances to the unfolding story. I came to Christmas Shopaholic as a virtual newbie and I read this book as a standalone novel. I have only read the very first book in the series, close to when it released almost twenty years ago now. It did find it easy to slot into Becky’s life, despite the long absence between books. Christmas Shopaholic offered a pre yuletide reading experience for me, but for loyal fans this book offers the chance to catch up with the formidable Becky Brandon.
Christmas Shopaholic draws on a number of other sources to support the main narrative. These include emails, text messages, chat group communication, purchase receipts and search histories. All these extra flourishes support the storyline and provide an additional insight into the events that swirl around Becky as attempts to host the best Christmas possible.
In Becky, we see a woman striving to keep everyone happy, which we know is an impossible task! From obtaining her husband’s favourite aftershave, and a sourcing a very special gift for her daughter, while simultaneously working in the gift shop and keeping her vegan sister’s dietary needs in check, this is no easy feat. But Becky takes it in her stride and she continues to shop to the max, despite the mishaps. Although likeable, I did find Becky was over the top at times and some of these scenarios were bordering on ridiculous. However, I am sure loyal fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to be reunited with Becky and will enjoy the comical moments Christmas Shopaholic presents to readers.
Christmas Shopaholic is a sweet, light and fluffy tale. A few complications thrown in the mix, which range from ex boyfriends, to odd Christmas gift requests, and pounds of fish, all adds to the drama of this festive novel. Make sure you stay tuned for a final revelation in the closing moments of this novel, which indicates there is much more in store for the famous Shopaholic.
With just sixty plus shopping days left until Santa’s arrival, now is the time to start making those yuletide preparations, which should begin with a Christmas themed novel. Christmas Shopaholic will be sure to put you in the festive spirit, thanks to the spirited Becky Brandon, reminding you of the craziness, but also the good times the Xmas holiday period offers.
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella was published on 15th October 2019 by Penguin Books Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
To learn more about the author of Christmas Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella, visit here.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
