Not only did the characters feel recycled, but so did the love story b-plot.
Without giving TOO much away, I could tell that this was going to be another tale about mis-matched partners, chance meetings, and a will-they-won’t-they love story set amongst a catalogue of humorous and sometimes embarrassing scenarios.
I was right.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not an awful story, I mean, I kept reading til the end, but I can’t help feeling that without Becky Brandon (neé Bloomwood), that Ms. Kinsella is a bit lost.
Whilst the tried and tested formula worked well for the Shopaholic series (we all adore Becky Bloomwood’s ditzyness and the fact that true love prevailed even though she and Luke clearly have nothing in common), I had hoped that Kinsella would break away from her formulaic characterisation with her newest character, Poppy Wyatt.
Poppy is all set to marry Magnus, a man whose family she feels inferior to, when the loss of her engagement ring (a family heirloom) sets off a chain of events bringing her ever closer to the handsome and successful owner of the mobile phone she finds in a bin after losing her own; can you see where this is going?
As I said, it’s not an awful read, it’s essentially has an ok storyline and there are some laugh out loud moments and some interesting twists, but on the whole I wouldn’t recommend breaking your neck to get a copy, because you can’t help feeling like you already know what’s going to happen (with the charcter’s at least), and Poppy is a poor imitation of Becky.
If you’ve never read any of the Shopaholic books, or you are after an easy read, then you’ll probably enjoy it.
If you’re a diehard Kinsella/Bloomwood fan, or you are after some intellectual stimulation, then read it at your own peril.
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Thanks for the heads up on this book. I’ve read a few of her books and feel the same as you. I like your honesty in this informative review.
Thank you for this informative review!! I have read all of her previous books and did preorder this one but I have been unable to get into it!! From the few chapters I have read your review definitely hits the nail on the head. It is great to hear an honest opinion of a book!! I will let you know what I think of this book once I have finished it!!
Applaud your honesty about the book,Its up to the individual if they want to purchase it.
Sim, you’re too funny ! You should try stand-up comedy!! LOL. Very entertaining review!
Great review Sim. I normally like her books too, but have to agree with you on this one. Looking forward to your next review.
After reading your review on the book I think I’m going to have to order it now and have a read of it.
I’ve read about 3 other books of hers and think I’ll be easily able to get into this one!
After reading your review on the book I think I’m going to have to order it now and have a read of it.
I’ve read about 3 other books of hers and thYdink I’ll be easily able to get into this one!
What a fantastic review, very informative but not too much given away.
Great review. I feel sophie has lost that spark and imagination displayed in the shopoholic series. I’m still a huge fan of hers but don’t think I will be reading this one anytime soon.
Great review! I am a massive fan of Sophie kinsella but feel her recent work is just not up to scratch so I think I’ll give this one a pass for now.
I’m a big Kinsella/Becky Bloomwood fan. I’ll give this a try but not before I’ve read mini shopaholic!!
I can see you are a fan of the author, as am I. Yet as many before have mentiion, I applaud your honesty, as with other reviews Iv read, it would appear the reader desperately wants to like this book as I get the sense they judge the book thru rose tinted glasses.
Your review however, gives a refreshingly honest account, althought fir you it was a disappointing read of an anticipated book. Yet I’m stil keen to read it if only to agree with you.
Job well done I’d say….. Thank you for taking the time to review it!
Great Review, I do enjoy reading love stories.
Tissues will be at hand as I read this story.
I look forward to the next book review….
Sim strikes again…. I do always enjoy listening
to your point view. Stimulating book review, highly
informative. I will share your thoughts with my
wife. She likes all that soppy romance stuff.
Infact I may buy it for her, a book is cheaper
than perfume !!!! Nice one Sim !
I have enjoyed reading the ‘shopoholic’ range.
I will add this book to my list, great review thank you
I will recommend to my sister, she is always reading
Love stories. Great review very informative
Nice review. This is on my list of books to read. thanks for giving a good overview.
A very Sim review. Very honest with a clear depiction of what the book is about. Can’t say i’m a huge fan of the author but the misses may like the read.
A very honest and informative review. Not sure its a book i would pick up. However really enjoyed your review nice work. Look forward to reading your next one x
I have not yet had the chance to read this book but reading your great and honest review. I am very intrigued to read it . I am definately looking forward to reading your next book review ! Well done !
Brilliant review. x
Not my kind of book, but your review made me chuckle.
I haven’t read this one yet, but sounds like a nice easy read. Thanks for the review
Don’t know if I can get my hands on a copy out here, but sounds like its worth a read, even if only to see if your review was as accurate as it appears. As everyone else has said, nice review, and well done
I’m late…. but glad i eventually read your review. This is a winner in my opinion
Great review, shame the book isn’t up to Sophie’s usual standard as I love her books but I may have to save this one for a rainy day. Thanks for the heads up.
Good informative review, well done.
Brill vid!! Simone to win x
I would save so much money instead of buying books that are not going to interest me if only the reviews were honest like yours, so thank you for saving me a few bob keep up the good work.
Your review is amazing!!! I’m not a real lover of reading books but your in depth description of all the story and the character’s up and downs has encouraged me to order the book as it sounds like a real good read during my night shifts….cheers Sim xx
Great review!!!
very good review! gives good insight without giving away the whole plot! very well done! seems as though it’s worth a read!