Christmas Shopaholic

Merry Christmas!! But to be honest, I struggled with the first 3/4 of this book. I'm too much of a scrooge to appreciate Becky's impulsive decisions and her distant relationship with logic. I think if I had read any of the prior Shopaholic books, I would maybe have been more endeared to her. It took until almost the end to feel the sprygge. I think there were a few elements that could have been edited out. The bauble, the ex and his rude gf, the hipster parents and their beef with their bestie, the emo vegan sister, the “hamper,” the billiards club and portmanteau, the costume, the statues, and the gingerbread houses were just a lot. I will say that it was memorable because of how ridiculous everything was. I liked it overall, but I don't think I ever need to read another Shopaholic book.

Christmas Shopaholic was a super funny Christmas themed book, but also had some touching storylines. I really identified with the struggle to help another mom who is going through a hard time.
Becky's adventures were as outlandish and funny as ever, but not so unbelievable that it made me doubt her ability to pull it off in the end.

I relayed quite a few of the funny bits to my husband, and he laughed out loud too. Christmas Shopaholic really seems to have recaptured the charm of the earlier books. All of the characters felt like old friends I was catching up with after a long time.

Christmas Shopaholic came out in 2019, but for some reason I didn't read it until this year. I don't know why, but I just wasn't in the mood for it. I feel a little silly for not reading Christmas Shopaholic sooner, but I'm glad I read it this year. Looking back at my reviews for the previous two Shopaholic books, I definitely thought that was the end of the series, and I wasn't looking for a continuation. I was definitely wrong! Christmas Shopaholic was a delight and a wonderful book for getting in the holiday mood.

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella Release date October 21st 2019


Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood is back! And in all her fashionista splendar! Christmas is nearing and our favourite shopaholic is preparing for all of the festivities....
Out of nowhere and for the first time ever, it now falls on Becky's shoulders to host a spectacular day including her parents, their best friends, her best friend and family and her sister and husband! Sounds easy right??? What could go wrong? Can she juggle the many expectations her guests have? Can she cater to each of their individual needs while trying to find her husband Luke the perfect gift? Can she do it all alone and on time? While finding the perfect decorations and the just the right outfit? All while dealing with the appearance of her ex boyfriend from cCollege?

Firstly, I am not going to lie, I'm a massive shopaholic fan! This book excited the hell out of me and it did not disappoint!! The shopaholic series is one of the best book series around. It's quippy, fun and hilariously entertaining. She literally gets herself into the best situations and most of the time it's of her own making! There is no other book like it. I find most of the chick lit, fluff reads, whatever you want to call them, tend to have the same general feel to them. The same over done protagonist. This author, for me, always brings a new adventure that, while keeping the heart of the shophalic books firmly in place, brings a whole new level of entertainment.

Becky ends up being saddled with hosting Christmas for the first time ever. Scared at first, she decides that the idea is perfect and sets about bringing the best Christmas festivities ever! While trying get all the food needed and delivered whilst catering to her vegan half sister, with everyone having different ideas on the food, on the stuffing, the entertainment, decorations and none of them managing their own expectations.
Becky runs into an old boyfriend, a musician, she's flustered that maybe, she's not hip anymore. Trying to juggle her responsibilities at her work, being the crafty mother that her daughters school teacher expects, while trying to prepare for the Christmas to end all Christmases the worse things happen..... Her husband Luke buys himself the very item Becky had planned to get him for Christmas. Now she's under the gun to find the perfect present for the man she adores!

Luke Brandon is one of my favourite men in literature. Swoonsville. He is quietly tolerant of his quirky wife and loves her with such passion that I can't help feeling a little jealous! He knows who she is and what she's about and he adores her anyway. Her best friend Suze is a little more levelheaded but just as zany! I love everyone of the characters. I'm not a huge fan of Jess, her sister but I can see she is there to balance Becky out. She brings a certain simplicity to a woman who's anything but simple!

Becky literally takes something innocent and blows it so far out of reality that you cannot help laughing at the absurdity of it. You can really feel her compassion and huge heart through every single page. When I finished reading the book I felt like I had just had the best day of my life with my best friend. It had me smiling, laughing out loud and shaking my head at the sillier moments.

The book was by far, for me, the best yet. I really hope that there are more Becky adventures to come as I'm so not ready to say goodbye. If you have never read the shopaholic series then what are you waiting for! You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner and then you can come thank me with a big glass of gin and tonic.... hold the avocado :)

I give this book a 5 out of 5! Your heart will be at bursting point by the last page!