New Audiobook Release Review: What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella

 

What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Sophie Kinsella since reading Confessions of a Shopaholic in 2000. I think I have read every single book she has written and loved them all. I was so sad to hear she was ill and it was so brave of her to share her journey with us in this book. Which is it fiction, she called it "my most autobiographical work to date". I will admit to getting choked up quite a few times while listening to the audiobook, in particular the afterword that she herself narrates. I loved the "normal plus" concept the character Eve describes, as well as how important "small pleasures" are. Indeed!

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New Audiobook Release Review: The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

 

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I borrowed the audiobook for The Burnout from my local library, and I enjoyed it so much! (I especially enjoyed that the narrator pronounced the name of the female main character Sasha the same as I pronounce my name- Sash-uh!) Sophie Kinsella has long been one of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed the zany setting of The Rilston with all it's quirks and unusual employees too. Desk clerk Cassidy was a hoot (watch for her hilarious side job) and former surfing teacher Terry's motto "The ride is it." is one we should all take to heart. Sasha and Finn's slow-burn romance was sweet and tender and heart-warming and such a joy to read.

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New Release Review: I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

I Owe You One

by Sophie Kinsella

Release Date: February 5, 2019

“A smart lesson wrapped in a gem of a novel.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Spark of Light and Small Great Things
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella comes an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be “the one,” and an IOU that changes everything.

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?

It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?

My review: 4 stars!

Sophie Kinsella has been one of my favorite authors since the Confessions of a Shopaholic- so I'm always excited to see her have a new release. I Owe You One had everything I love in a her novels- flawed but fun characters, great dialog, and a unique premise. I enjoyed that this book was a bit more focused on an entire family and the setting of the family-owned shop was delightful.

Review: Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

Surprise Me

by Sophie Kinsella

Release Date: February 13, 2018

4 stars!
I've been a Sophie Kinsella fan since I first read Confessions of a Shopaholic way back in 2000- hard to believe that was 18 years ago! While I adored Becky and her hijinks, and a Becky reread is always a good palate cleanser, I enjoyed this more true-to-life portrait of a couple 10 years into their marriage. Although I'd definitely categorize this as a fluffy read, Surprise Me took a turn and ended up being quite a bit deeper than I expected- and I felt the ending was quite a surprise indeed. Fans of Kinsella will enjoy Sylvie and her zany antics and trademark Sophie Kinsella humor.

New Release Review: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

My Not So Perfect Life

by Sophie Kinsella

Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world. New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has written her most timely novel yet.

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

Advance praise for My Not So Perfect Life

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it.”—Jojo Moyes

“Katie is a winning heroine. . . . Kinsella creates characters that are well-rounded, quirky, and a complete joy to read.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Driven by Katie’s witty observations and numerous missteps as she attempts to reconcile various aspects of her identity, this novel is smartly satirical and entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

“Another outstanding novel . . . a perfect combination of fun, laughable moments rounded out with some deep-seated family and relationship issues.”—Booklist

My review: 5 stars!
Sophie Kinsella never disappoints! She has been a one-click author for me since the first Shopaholic book came out in 2000. And although I love Becky, I love Kinsella's standalone even more. Two of my favorites are Can You Keep a Secret? and The Undomestic Goddess. Love love love these! So I was super-excited for a new standalone.

I enjoyed My Not So Perfect Life so much! So relevant to today's culture of social media and it being important to so many people to portray that perfection. Filled with Kinsella's trademark humor with a side of romance, this book was a delight that is a must-read for any fan of chic lit.