“Whatever the grinch can steal, it’s not Christmas.”

Thank you Bantam Press for gifting me a copy of Sophie Kinsella’s newest addition to the Shopaholic Series- Christmas Shopaholic. 

“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 neighbors 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?”

Let me start with a confession.. this is my FIRST Sophie Kinsella novel. When I opened up the cover of Christmas Shopaholic and saw all of the books that she has written following Becky Brandon (nèe Bloomwood), I was afraid that I would be lost. How could I possibly be able to follow along with a character who has countless books preceding this book? 

The answer: very easily. Sophie Kinsella did a remarkable job making me feel at ease with not having read her previous books. I settled right in and if there was something that I feel was explained in a previous book, Kinsella made sure to clarify for the readers’ sake. 

At first, I wasn’t sure what to think of Becky Brandom (nèe Bloomwood). She came off a tad bit spoiled and as a bit of an airhead. But, then, I started to get into the story. I started to find her character relatable. I can’t tell you how many times I have purchased something, hidden it from my husband and then acted mildly offended when he inquired as to whether or not I had just purchased that item (What?? You think I just bought this? You obviously don’t pay enough attention to me..). I found myself constantly laughing at loud at all of the antics that Becky found herself in.

What I loved most about her is that everything she did, she did because she wanted others to feel loved, important and cared for. The gift-buying and the stress about hosting her first holiday wasn’t because of selfish reasons, it was because she cared genuinely about the feelings of her family and friends. 

I loved this book so much. The last few chapters truly made such an impression on my heart. It was the perfect book to begin my Christmas season with and I am grateful to Bantam Press and Sophie Kinsella for the opportunity to read Christmas Shopaholic. 

I am eager to read all of Sophie’s previous books and catch up on all of Becky Brandon (nèe Bloomwood) antics. 

Christmas Shopaholic is available to purchase now!