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Annie Valentine #1
The Personal Shopper
Meet Annie Valentine: stylish, savvy, multi-tasker extraordinaire.
As a personal shopper in a swanky London fashion store, Annie can re-style and re-invent her clients from head to toe. In fact, this super-skilled dresser can be relied on to solve everyone's problems . . . except her own.
Although she's a busy single mum to stroppy teen Lana and painfully shy Owen, there's a gap in Annie's wardrobe - sorry, life - for a new man. But finding the perfect partner is turning out to be so much trickier than finding the perfect pair of shoes.
Can she source a genuine classic? A life long investment? Will she end up with a mistake from the sale rail, who'll have to be returned? Or maybe, just maybe, there'll be someone new in this season who could be the one . . .
As a personal shopper in a swanky London fashion store, Annie can re-style and re-invent her clients from head to toe. In fact, this super-skilled dresser can be relied on to solve everyone's problems . . . except her own.
Although she's a busy single mum to stroppy teen Lana and painfully shy Owen, there's a gap in Annie's wardrobe - sorry, life - for a new man. But finding the perfect partner is turning out to be so much trickier than finding the perfect pair of shoes.
Can she source a genuine classic? A life long investment? Will she end up with a mistake from the sale rail, who'll have to be returned? Or maybe, just maybe, there'll be someone new in this season who could be the one . . .
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
1853 people are currently reading
3472 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Reid
68 books236 followersCarmen was born and brought up in a chilly and windy corner of Scotland in the depths of the countryside.
This may explain her lifelong phobia of cows and abiding interest in cities, department stores, books, the cinema and newspapers.
She is currently working on her eigth novel for grown-ups and her third novel for teenagers. Well, she likes to keep busy.
Carmen did once study English Literature at University College London, but, ignoring everything she’d learned, she spent most of her 20s working as a local, regional and then national newspaper reporter.
Knowing deep down that she was supposed to be an author not a journo, she left her day job to have a baby and write her first novel. (Hey, and just four sleepless, penniless years later it was published!)
Although there is a corner of her heart that will always belong to London (property developers welcome) she now lives in Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, Thomas, and two children, Sam and Claudie, plus Jimmy the (lunatic) Jack Russell and Clive, Orangey and Gorcha, the fish.
Fortunately her hobbies are cooking, cleaning, arguing about whose turn it is to walk the dog, clean the fish tank, take out the rubbish, do the laundry... and so on.
This may explain her lifelong phobia of cows and abiding interest in cities, department stores, books, the cinema and newspapers.
She is currently working on her eigth novel for grown-ups and her third novel for teenagers. Well, she likes to keep busy.
Carmen did once study English Literature at University College London, but, ignoring everything she’d learned, she spent most of her 20s working as a local, regional and then national newspaper reporter.
Knowing deep down that she was supposed to be an author not a journo, she left her day job to have a baby and write her first novel. (Hey, and just four sleepless, penniless years later it was published!)
Although there is a corner of her heart that will always belong to London (property developers welcome) she now lives in Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, Thomas, and two children, Sam and Claudie, plus Jimmy the (lunatic) Jack Russell and Clive, Orangey and Gorcha, the fish.
Fortunately her hobbies are cooking, cleaning, arguing about whose turn it is to walk the dog, clean the fish tank, take out the rubbish, do the laundry... and so on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
March 5, 2023
Hilarious and sizzling
Enjoyed book #1 very much. I love clothes and a solid bag so enjoyed this book. We get two potential romances for widowed mom of two, Annie.
I was curious about this book since it was recommended to me. I thought it was really good. We get some chick-lit and romance elements that were well done. And for once we have a character in her mid 30s who is out there getting love. And a widowed mom of two to boot. Annie was kind of a mess here and there, but I couldn't help rooting for her throughout the book.
"The Personal Shopper" follows widowed mom of two Annie Valentine. Annie is still reeling after the death of her husband, three years later. She's struggling to make ends meet and is trying her best to stay at the top of the game as a personal shopper at "The Store" where she works. She's also trying to sell things via E-bay and has plans to flip her current home so she and her two kids (Lauren and Owen) can move again. When Annie decides her meeting someone new (and possibly rich) may be the answer to her problems, she starts dating again and hilarity ensues.
We get two love interests in this one, one is a whole mess and I kept cracking up. But it does allow us to see that Annie isn't that great when it comes to men. I honestly was surprised at her since a few decisions she makes had me shaking my head at her (no spoilers).
The chapter headings begin with what a character is wearing and the cost of the items, so get used to that since it seems like something that happens in all of the books.
The ending was very sweet I thought and I liked that we get some clarification on what happened to Annie's husband and we get to see how it's affected her and her children.
Enjoyed book #1 very much. I love clothes and a solid bag so enjoyed this book. We get two potential romances for widowed mom of two, Annie.
I was curious about this book since it was recommended to me. I thought it was really good. We get some chick-lit and romance elements that were well done. And for once we have a character in her mid 30s who is out there getting love. And a widowed mom of two to boot. Annie was kind of a mess here and there, but I couldn't help rooting for her throughout the book.
"The Personal Shopper" follows widowed mom of two Annie Valentine. Annie is still reeling after the death of her husband, three years later. She's struggling to make ends meet and is trying her best to stay at the top of the game as a personal shopper at "The Store" where she works. She's also trying to sell things via E-bay and has plans to flip her current home so she and her two kids (Lauren and Owen) can move again. When Annie decides her meeting someone new (and possibly rich) may be the answer to her problems, she starts dating again and hilarity ensues.
We get two love interests in this one, one is a whole mess and I kept cracking up. But it does allow us to see that Annie isn't that great when it comes to men. I honestly was surprised at her since a few decisions she makes had me shaking my head at her (no spoilers).
The chapter headings begin with what a character is wearing and the cost of the items, so get used to that since it seems like something that happens in all of the books.
The ending was very sweet I thought and I liked that we get some clarification on what happened to Annie's husband and we get to see how it's affected her and her children.
September 6, 2011
I was really excited to read this book, because I'm somewhat of a shopaholic, and I sell clothing on eBay, just like the main character. However, I was somewhat disappointed in this book.[return[returnThe way the main character, Annie, speaks was just downright annoying. All the "babes" and "darlin"s that kept popping up drove me crazy. I wanted to slap her! And I just could not believe how quickly she capitulated in her job, or furthered her relationships - seemed unrealistic. Annie was flawed, and not in a particularly interesting way.[return[returnUnderneath the annoying characterization, the premise of the story wasn't bad. I didn't see the twist coming at all, and I did like the main love interest (the one she ends up with at the end). The other characters in this book were much better written (Annie's children in particular). [return[returnBut, I never really felt compelled to keep reading - I didn't look forward to reading this. Picking up this book was a little like a chore, and once I was halfway through, I was reading just to finish it, not because it was really, really good.[return[returnOverall impression: Could have been better!
March 4, 2022
Annie is a single mom of two who works extremely hard to make sure her kids have everything they deserve. She’s a fabulous personal shopper by day, and by night runs her own consultant business for clients and runs an eBay website where she resales great quality bargain finds.
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She wasn’t always doing this on her own. She used to have a husband, Roddy, who passed away. Now three years later she wants to find love again so she’s stuck unsuccessfully trying to find it on dating apps, and is having terribly bad luck.
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Annie struggles with her relationship with her kids. She has to work so hard to send them to an expensive school she doesn’t get to spend as much time with them. Her daughter is a typical teenager that doesn’t like to shop with her mom and dresses to scantily. Her son is extremely shy.
⠀
Since the main character was a fashion expert and a personal shopper, the author described every single thing every person was wearing for almost all the scenes and started each chapter with a foreshadowing of what someone would be wearing. And while this makes sense, and I see why she did it that way. It was a little much for me after a while. That is my only complaint though.
⠀
I loved the London setting and the verbiage in this novel. England sounds so fun. I liked the growth Annie went through throughout the novel. This story is a prime example of it’s never too late to mature more. The twist in the end is super fun (even though I guessed it and I’m sure many readers will).
⠀
I read some other reviews complaining that Annie says “babes” and “darling” too much. But… some people do that. Especially in a service environment where you are trying to connect to your clients (I did that while waitressing) and with you gay best friend (guilty 🙋🏻♀️). So I thought it was a relatable personality trait.
⠀
Overall this was a fun read. AND it inspired me to want to go through my closet again. ☺️😂
⠀
She wasn’t always doing this on her own. She used to have a husband, Roddy, who passed away. Now three years later she wants to find love again so she’s stuck unsuccessfully trying to find it on dating apps, and is having terribly bad luck.
⠀
Annie struggles with her relationship with her kids. She has to work so hard to send them to an expensive school she doesn’t get to spend as much time with them. Her daughter is a typical teenager that doesn’t like to shop with her mom and dresses to scantily. Her son is extremely shy.
⠀
Since the main character was a fashion expert and a personal shopper, the author described every single thing every person was wearing for almost all the scenes and started each chapter with a foreshadowing of what someone would be wearing. And while this makes sense, and I see why she did it that way. It was a little much for me after a while. That is my only complaint though.
⠀
I loved the London setting and the verbiage in this novel. England sounds so fun. I liked the growth Annie went through throughout the novel. This story is a prime example of it’s never too late to mature more. The twist in the end is super fun (even though I guessed it and I’m sure many readers will).
⠀
I read some other reviews complaining that Annie says “babes” and “darling” too much. But… some people do that. Especially in a service environment where you are trying to connect to your clients (I did that while waitressing) and with you gay best friend (guilty 🙋🏻♀️). So I thought it was a relatable personality trait.
⠀
Overall this was a fun read. AND it inspired me to want to go through my closet again. ☺️😂
August 7, 2023
I was disappointed with this read because it felt like a hard slog, with little bits of enjoyment in between. I continued reading because I hoped it would pick up, with more enjoyable moments, but in the end I thought this story fell flat and was not the best book I have read from this author.
It didn’t help that I found the protagonist annoying. With her use of ‘babes’ all the time, it felt out of place with this character. Annie, a widow and single-mother, is a strong, independent woman who successfully works as a personal shopper, whilst simultaneously running a profitable eBay page. But, I found her less than humble with her attitudes towards private schooling, appearances and, more significantly, wealth. Annie does not hide the intention of finding a man who has money in order to support her and her two children – especially paying for the school fees and her fashion bills.
Therefore, when Annie starts seeing Gray, she thinks this is the solution she has been looking for. There were some quite entertaining scenes between the two, the hot tub one being my favourite, but I was not surprised when Annie realises this is not what she is romantically looking for. The relationship that does develop in the book did not convince me and I thought it was a bit icky between the two characters; I did not believe in the emotions being displayed and felt it happened all too quickly.
One of my more favourite parts of the book was the different clients that Annie shops for. It reminded me a bit of a Sophie Kinsella book because the characters were so varied with their budgets and circumstances. I thought this should have featured more in the story than what it did, especially as it shows Annie in the better light. I liked how Annie helped the clients and how she then helps to sell on their unwanted clothes, but I don’t think I was surprised when this clashes with her employment.
As reads go, I felt this book was really slow in places, mixed in with some more entertaining scenes. I wanted there to be more pace and a building romantic interest. Instead, there were lengthy parts that did not seem to add much to the overall plot development and it didn’t really provide the escapism I was hoping for.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It didn’t help that I found the protagonist annoying. With her use of ‘babes’ all the time, it felt out of place with this character. Annie, a widow and single-mother, is a strong, independent woman who successfully works as a personal shopper, whilst simultaneously running a profitable eBay page. But, I found her less than humble with her attitudes towards private schooling, appearances and, more significantly, wealth. Annie does not hide the intention of finding a man who has money in order to support her and her two children – especially paying for the school fees and her fashion bills.
Therefore, when Annie starts seeing Gray, she thinks this is the solution she has been looking for. There were some quite entertaining scenes between the two, the hot tub one being my favourite, but I was not surprised when Annie realises this is not what she is romantically looking for. The relationship that does develop in the book did not convince me and I thought it was a bit icky between the two characters; I did not believe in the emotions being displayed and felt it happened all too quickly.
One of my more favourite parts of the book was the different clients that Annie shops for. It reminded me a bit of a Sophie Kinsella book because the characters were so varied with their budgets and circumstances. I thought this should have featured more in the story than what it did, especially as it shows Annie in the better light. I liked how Annie helped the clients and how she then helps to sell on their unwanted clothes, but I don’t think I was surprised when this clashes with her employment.
As reads go, I felt this book was really slow in places, mixed in with some more entertaining scenes. I wanted there to be more pace and a building romantic interest. Instead, there were lengthy parts that did not seem to add much to the overall plot development and it didn’t really provide the escapism I was hoping for.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
2.5 ⭐⭐
This book was a yoyo for me. I would be really into it for a few chapters then really bored and would move onto another book.
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had got it in the audio format.
This book was a yoyo for me. I would be really into it for a few chapters then really bored and would move onto another book.
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had got it in the audio format.
May 9, 2013
Dont' want to hide this, but there are some light spoilers in the review ;)
What I usually expect from a chick-lit is to have a quite unlikely story that makes me mostly laugh, and in which is clear from the beginning who will be the prince charming in the end.
This time I haven't had this impression here. Annie, the personal shopper and main character is somehow someone who the writer would like to be a real person. Someone who has a family to take care of, and in the meanwhile would like to meet the men of her dreams. The result is that the should-be-real character Annie is set in a world soap-opera like, in which she meets the rich dentist, in which her customers are all separate wives whose aim is to spend all their ex husbands money and in which a school teacher turns out to be the landlord of a three storey building in Highgate. Not to mention the fact that she keeps on worry about family budget while she manage to send the children in a 2000£ per month private school, buys expensive clothes, pays a mortgage and buys awful houses to be refurbished.
Terrible the idea to hide the reason why Roddie is not with the family anymore, I still can't help wondering why the author did it.
What I usually expect from a chick-lit is to have a quite unlikely story that makes me mostly laugh, and in which is clear from the beginning who will be the prince charming in the end.
This time I haven't had this impression here. Annie, the personal shopper and main character is somehow someone who the writer would like to be a real person. Someone who has a family to take care of, and in the meanwhile would like to meet the men of her dreams. The result is that the should-be-real character Annie is set in a world soap-opera like, in which she meets the rich dentist, in which her customers are all separate wives whose aim is to spend all their ex husbands money and in which a school teacher turns out to be the landlord of a three storey building in Highgate. Not to mention the fact that she keeps on worry about family budget while she manage to send the children in a 2000£ per month private school, buys expensive clothes, pays a mortgage and buys awful houses to be refurbished.
Terrible the idea to hide the reason why Roddie is not with the family anymore, I still can't help wondering why the author did it.
December 31, 2021
I really like the cover. Initially, I liked Anna. She is a hustler and trying to,provide for her family. But as the story wore on, she grated on my nerves. She made decisions that weren’t very sound. In the end, she ends up with someone based on their location and property. I found her to be vacuous and superficial. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy.
April 20, 2024
Very promising series! I saw the latest book in the series on NetGalley and was interested in it so I looked it up on Goodreads. And goodness, I’m glad I did! I found out it was the 6th or 7th book in a series but could be read as a stand alone. I love binge reading so I thought I’d dive into the series with book one.
In my opinion, there were several qualities I didn’t like about Annie. She did seem very self absorbed and materialistic. She seemed to think about herself and her needs above that of her children. And she was upset about Gray at the end when I feel like she was doing the very same thing with Ed.
Despite that, the book was humorous and I related to the hustle of a single mom having been one myself many years ago.
I’m hoping Annie’s character will positively evolve over time!
In my opinion, there were several qualities I didn’t like about Annie. She did seem very self absorbed and materialistic. She seemed to think about herself and her needs above that of her children. And she was upset about Gray at the end when I feel like she was doing the very same thing with Ed.
Despite that, the book was humorous and I related to the hustle of a single mom having been one myself many years ago.
I’m hoping Annie’s character will positively evolve over time!
November 5, 2010
Meet Annie Valentine: stylish, savvy, multi-tasker extraordinaire. As a personal shopper in a swanky London fashion store, Annie can re-style and re-invent her clients from head to toe. In fact, this super-skilled dresser can be relied on to solve everyone’s problems . . . except her own. Although she’s a busy single mum to stroppy teen Lana and painfully shy Owen, there’s a gap in Annie’s wardrobe – sorry, life – for a new man. But finding the perfect partner is turning out to be so much trickier than finding the perfect pair of shoes. Can she source a genuine classic? A life long investment? Will she end up with a mistake from the sale rail, who’ll have to be returned? Or maybe, just maybe, there’ll be someone new in this season who could be the one . .
For a while now I’ve been collecting Carmen Reid’s novels. It started when I received a copy of How Not To Shop, the third Annie Valentine book. I then picked up the first two books because I hate starting a book mid-series, before I then received the fourth book in the series Celebrity Shopper. It wasn’t until I got the fifth book New York Valentine that I decided it was either now or never. I was either going to read all five Annie Valentine novels, or it was never going to happen. I took the former route and got stuck into book one The Personal Shopper, hoping I would enjoy it, especially since I have four other novels in the series to read. Thankfully, I found the book pleasantly surprising.
As you might expect from the title, the book focuses on the life of a personal shopper. Annie Valentine is not only a personal shopper, but a budding entrepreneur (with her own Ebay shop front!), she’s brilliant at sourcing bargains and can do up a flat quicker than you can say “Bob’s your uncle”. Not only that, but Annie’s a single mum with two children: fourteen-year-old stroppy teen Lana, and painfully shy nine-year-old Owen. (For the record, I have no idea how she fitted all her endeavors into 24-hour days.) But the one place which Annie has yet to succeed is in her love life, after her husband Roddy left three years earlier. She’s desperate to find someone to share her life with, but so far it’s just not working, until Gray comes into the picture. But is he Annie’s Mr Right?
Obviously, with a book about a personal shopper, there’s going to be a lot of fashion mentioned, and there is. The beginning of each chapter gives a run down of the clothes a certain person featured in the chapter is wearing, along with the total estimated cost. It’s a very intriguing feature and despite not being very fashion-y myself, I did enjoy those lists and looked forward to the next chapter to see who was featured. But something that may surprise readers is that the book isn’t only about Annie as a personal shoppper. The book explores Annie’s relationhip with her kids, as well as the struggles she faces as a single mum, as she desperately tries to keep her kids in the posh school they’ve attended since they were three or four. I’ve no idea what it’s like to be a single mother, but I felt Reid did a great job with her portrayal of Annie’s struggles.
I must admit, I did like Annie. Reid has somehow managed to portray Annie in such a real way that I could very clearly hear her Cockney accent every time she spoke. She’s someone I could easily admire and her super-woman capabilities were astounding at times, but that’s obviously what most single mums find themselves facing, isn’t it? I really loved Annie’s kids, Lana was a typical teenager at times, but she had some great moments and as for Owen, I just wanted to give him a hug. I suppose the only character I didn’t particularly warm to was Gray, a man Annie meets at her mother’s retirement party. He was the only character that didn’t seem ‘real’ to me, he just came across a bit fake. Ed, on the other hand, Lana and Owen’s teacher, was fantastic. I knew already how the book would end, and what Ed’s place was going to be, but I enjoyed getting to know him better and I liked how the relationship between him and Annie progressed. Finally, I would like to mention Connor, Annie’s gay best friend. He was such a sweetie.
All throughout the book there’s an air of mystery about what happened with Annie’s husband Roddy. Unfortunately for me, I guessed the twist about half way through the book. There isn’t anything that gives it away, but something was telling me my assumption was spot on. Aside from that – and Annie’s constant use of the word “babes” – they were my only issues with the book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s told from the third person narrative, which works really well. I can’t wait to get stuck into further books in the series, because although the first book can be read as a stand alone as there’s no cliffhanger ending to The Personal Shopper, I’m quite excited to get back into Annie’s world and see where her adventures take her!
For a while now I’ve been collecting Carmen Reid’s novels. It started when I received a copy of How Not To Shop, the third Annie Valentine book. I then picked up the first two books because I hate starting a book mid-series, before I then received the fourth book in the series Celebrity Shopper. It wasn’t until I got the fifth book New York Valentine that I decided it was either now or never. I was either going to read all five Annie Valentine novels, or it was never going to happen. I took the former route and got stuck into book one The Personal Shopper, hoping I would enjoy it, especially since I have four other novels in the series to read. Thankfully, I found the book pleasantly surprising.
As you might expect from the title, the book focuses on the life of a personal shopper. Annie Valentine is not only a personal shopper, but a budding entrepreneur (with her own Ebay shop front!), she’s brilliant at sourcing bargains and can do up a flat quicker than you can say “Bob’s your uncle”. Not only that, but Annie’s a single mum with two children: fourteen-year-old stroppy teen Lana, and painfully shy nine-year-old Owen. (For the record, I have no idea how she fitted all her endeavors into 24-hour days.) But the one place which Annie has yet to succeed is in her love life, after her husband Roddy left three years earlier. She’s desperate to find someone to share her life with, but so far it’s just not working, until Gray comes into the picture. But is he Annie’s Mr Right?
Obviously, with a book about a personal shopper, there’s going to be a lot of fashion mentioned, and there is. The beginning of each chapter gives a run down of the clothes a certain person featured in the chapter is wearing, along with the total estimated cost. It’s a very intriguing feature and despite not being very fashion-y myself, I did enjoy those lists and looked forward to the next chapter to see who was featured. But something that may surprise readers is that the book isn’t only about Annie as a personal shoppper. The book explores Annie’s relationhip with her kids, as well as the struggles she faces as a single mum, as she desperately tries to keep her kids in the posh school they’ve attended since they were three or four. I’ve no idea what it’s like to be a single mother, but I felt Reid did a great job with her portrayal of Annie’s struggles.
I must admit, I did like Annie. Reid has somehow managed to portray Annie in such a real way that I could very clearly hear her Cockney accent every time she spoke. She’s someone I could easily admire and her super-woman capabilities were astounding at times, but that’s obviously what most single mums find themselves facing, isn’t it? I really loved Annie’s kids, Lana was a typical teenager at times, but she had some great moments and as for Owen, I just wanted to give him a hug. I suppose the only character I didn’t particularly warm to was Gray, a man Annie meets at her mother’s retirement party. He was the only character that didn’t seem ‘real’ to me, he just came across a bit fake. Ed, on the other hand, Lana and Owen’s teacher, was fantastic. I knew already how the book would end, and what Ed’s place was going to be, but I enjoyed getting to know him better and I liked how the relationship between him and Annie progressed. Finally, I would like to mention Connor, Annie’s gay best friend. He was such a sweetie.
All throughout the book there’s an air of mystery about what happened with Annie’s husband Roddy. Unfortunately for me, I guessed the twist about half way through the book. There isn’t anything that gives it away, but something was telling me my assumption was spot on. Aside from that – and Annie’s constant use of the word “babes” – they were my only issues with the book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s told from the third person narrative, which works really well. I can’t wait to get stuck into further books in the series, because although the first book can be read as a stand alone as there’s no cliffhanger ending to The Personal Shopper, I’m quite excited to get back into Annie’s world and see where her adventures take her!
March 4, 2025
Aw surprisingly lovely and quaint and earnest in a very British way
May 15, 2024
Kindle advertised this to me as a mystery novel but it’s definitely a rom com, no crime involved lol. Despite the genre mixup it was such a fun read that I’ll be looking for more from the author and Annie Valentine! Very “Devil wears Prada” esque.
November 8, 2019
Another book from our breakroom at work.
Where to start? Perhaps I could just save everyone's time and say that I would not recommend this book to anyone, ever. I don't understand why it was written, I don't understand why it was published, and I don't understand how it was so incredibly long, especially when you knew from the start how it was going to end. There was one twist that I did not see coming that for a minute made this book almost mediocre, but... no.
Just remember, BABES, it doesn't matter if you have a heart of gold if you're not wearing designer brands! For some inexplicable reason the protagonist keeps calling everyone "babes" - not babe. Babes. The book also contains an inexplicable amount of random winking at odd times. At one point I started wondering if everyone has been exposed to some kind of poison that gave them brain damage. That would explain a lot. For some other inexplicable reason this romance novel is very low on romance, and possibly one of the unsexiest books I have ever read.
Maybe the inexplicable reason behind all of this is just BAD WRITING.
Where to start? Perhaps I could just save everyone's time and say that I would not recommend this book to anyone, ever. I don't understand why it was written, I don't understand why it was published, and I don't understand how it was so incredibly long, especially when you knew from the start how it was going to end. There was one twist that I did not see coming that for a minute made this book almost mediocre, but... no.
Just remember, BABES, it doesn't matter if you have a heart of gold if you're not wearing designer brands! For some inexplicable reason the protagonist keeps calling everyone "babes" - not babe. Babes. The book also contains an inexplicable amount of random winking at odd times. At one point I started wondering if everyone has been exposed to some kind of poison that gave them brain damage. That would explain a lot. For some other inexplicable reason this romance novel is very low on romance, and possibly one of the unsexiest books I have ever read.
Maybe the inexplicable reason behind all of this is just BAD WRITING.
February 25, 2022
It's always a delight to pick up a book by Carmen Reid and this one was no exception. We meet Annie personal shopper to the rich as her day job, whilst trying to make enough money with her sidelines to keep the bills paid and the kids in their private schools.
After 3 years of being on her own Annie decides that she needs to up her dating game and preferably marry someone with a healthy bank balance.
A story that will make you chuckle throughout with a few curve balls to keep you entertained and keen to keep reading.
After 3 years of being on her own Annie decides that she needs to up her dating game and preferably marry someone with a healthy bank balance.
A story that will make you chuckle throughout with a few curve balls to keep you entertained and keen to keep reading.
August 14, 2013
Annie Valentine has got to be one of the most vapid wenches ever conceived. Nothing remotely likeable about her or her kids and her parenting skills are shameful, fiction or not. Boring and predictable, I only finished it because I needed something mindless to do on my son's first day back at school. I am regretting that choice, as it's time I will never get back.
Read
June 15, 2017I read about 100 pages of this and so so so stereotypical. I just cant.
April 17, 2024
Annie is a hoot!! What a clothing adventure this was! I loved each chapter where we learned what is being worn and how much it costs! It was fab! I need a friend like Annie to help dress me! I was so pleased with how her life started to pan out. Grey was no good for her and I did have to chuckle with the swimming pool scene when he fell. *giggle*
I couldn’t stand Donna, Annie’s old boss, I mean who just walks in and opens up someone’s personal laptop! Shocking! She was awful, thank god she wasn’t in the rest of the book.
I loved the narrator for this one. She got Annie to a T! She made this story such a joy to listen to and she created such an adventure for us. Annie was made so real, she is your everyday person trying to get by, to get support from her family and find true love. She deserves it!
I couldn’t stand Donna, Annie’s old boss, I mean who just walks in and opens up someone’s personal laptop! Shocking! She was awful, thank god she wasn’t in the rest of the book.
I loved the narrator for this one. She got Annie to a T! She made this story such a joy to listen to and she created such an adventure for us. Annie was made so real, she is your everyday person trying to get by, to get support from her family and find true love. She deserves it!
November 5, 2023
The book, first in the serie is interesting. Even if I am not any fashion expert, I enjoyed reading about fashion and personal shopper world. I like the main character Annie and also teacher Ed. It has nice romantic touch and I will be reading the next book of the serie.
August 14, 2024
I just couldn't get into it. Unfortunately had to DNF it
September 7, 2022
Annie is a 37 widow with two children of 15 and 9. Her actor husband had passed away a few years ago. She works as a personal shopper at a high end store therefore she dresses the rich. She has so many side hassles of trading with last seasons clothing and accessories with the handiness that her job had actually brought to her.
I found her lifestyle very busy but then you begin to understand why she does what she does. After all, with each generation of people we try to have a better life for the next generation otherwise, what is the point of you struggling and your children struggling as they get to your age too?
She puts herself out there to make a better life constantly for her children. It was humorous at times. I just didn’t like the old lady’s voice as the audiobook I listened to had put me off this entertaining novel. Plus, we got to get an insight into those who cannot style to those that can style and seeing what they count as stylish based on your looks and body shape.
Overall, it was an interesting read.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/09/09/book-re...
I found her lifestyle very busy but then you begin to understand why she does what she does. After all, with each generation of people we try to have a better life for the next generation otherwise, what is the point of you struggling and your children struggling as they get to your age too?
She puts herself out there to make a better life constantly for her children. It was humorous at times. I just didn’t like the old lady’s voice as the audiobook I listened to had put me off this entertaining novel. Plus, we got to get an insight into those who cannot style to those that can style and seeing what they count as stylish based on your looks and body shape.
Overall, it was an interesting read.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/09/09/book-re...
July 23, 2017
Simpaticna prica o majci dvoje dece, koja se bori da zaradi za zivot. Pored svega toga da ima svoj privatan zivot, nadje muskarca koji ce joj biti oslonac
January 3, 2015
I was looking for something light and fun after reading a very long series. I only ended up finishing the book because I didn't want to start the year off by quitting a book. I didn't like it very much. The story could have been fun, but Annie, the main character is a vapid and neurotic b*tch. The way that she describes people she sees on the street is horrendous. She only cares about people if they can do something for her. Oh, you're not rich? Well you can bloody well f*ck off then. Annie will not waste her time on you. Yes, she eventually picks the "poor" guy. Except she only moves in with him at first because she has no where else to go and he lives in the right neighbourhood. And he ends up being rich after all.Which is when she decides she can like him and will stay with him. Annie is so ridiculously shallow. She's one of those stuck up snobs who thinks she's better than everyone else, when she is in fact not all that herself. If she were real, i would hate her. In fact, I already hate her.
Maybe this just isn't my genre anymore and I'm being exceptionally harsh. But I'm not sure that's it, i've read and loved other books by Carmen Reid (although that was before Goodreads, so they're not registered here yet). I'm perfectly fine with a trashy romance that doesn't have much depth, because they're happy and they make me happy too. I like knowing it will all end up ok and they'll live happily ever after. But this book didn't make me happy. I gt annoyed.
And babes... Someone your age does not call her clients or vaguely familiar people from your kids' school babes. Just no. It makes you sound like someone who is trying too hard to be cool and hip and fit in with all the rich people you so desperately envy. It's kinda pathetic.
I think the characters of the children were very underdeveloped. They are a big part of the story and do get some decent time in the book, but they averred one-dimensional. They feature almost as much as Annie, but unlike her I hardly know them. We know more about Annie's gay friend Connor than about her own kids. They seem to have been added because it was necessary, after they've just been shoved to the side. Annie needed time to date Gary. No time for kids!
There was one aspect of the book that I did really enjoy: Roddy. I love the surprise twist near the end of the story. I really hadn't been expecting that.
I will read more from carmen Reid, just about other characters. Never again about Annie Valentine. As i've been brutally honest so far.... Most of the outfits in the book seem very overdone and hysterical. Some of them are ok and more normal, but some were .... "different". I don't think I';; be taking any fashion advice from mrs. Valentine anytime soon.
Maybe this just isn't my genre anymore and I'm being exceptionally harsh. But I'm not sure that's it, i've read and loved other books by Carmen Reid (although that was before Goodreads, so they're not registered here yet). I'm perfectly fine with a trashy romance that doesn't have much depth, because they're happy and they make me happy too. I like knowing it will all end up ok and they'll live happily ever after. But this book didn't make me happy. I gt annoyed.
And babes... Someone your age does not call her clients or vaguely familiar people from your kids' school babes. Just no. It makes you sound like someone who is trying too hard to be cool and hip and fit in with all the rich people you so desperately envy. It's kinda pathetic.
I think the characters of the children were very underdeveloped. They are a big part of the story and do get some decent time in the book, but they averred one-dimensional. They feature almost as much as Annie, but unlike her I hardly know them. We know more about Annie's gay friend Connor than about her own kids. They seem to have been added because it was necessary, after they've just been shoved to the side. Annie needed time to date Gary. No time for kids!
There was one aspect of the book that I did really enjoy: Roddy. I love the surprise twist near the end of the story. I really hadn't been expecting that.
I will read more from carmen Reid, just about other characters. Never again about Annie Valentine. As i've been brutally honest so far.... Most of the outfits in the book seem very overdone and hysterical. Some of them are ok and more normal, but some were .... "different". I don't think I';; be taking any fashion advice from mrs. Valentine anytime soon.
September 18, 2012
Today’s book review is a nice light-hearted romp into the magical world of shopping in high-fashion London.
The Personal Shopper is the tale of Annie Valentine, a single mum of two who works at a posh London department store as a – duh – personal shopper. She helps the extremely wealthy (and the occasional friend/colleague) invent and reinvent themselves through clothes and accessories. She’s a sassy, saucy, sweetheart of a character, which of course means she runs afoul of a horrid boss, well-meaning but not-quite-right men, and the occasional whiny customer more often than she should. She is struggling to give her two children everything – without the means to do so consistently. Which of course brings on drama (of both the tearful and laughter-full kind) of its own. She’s also struggling to figure out what she wants from – and for – her own life. She loves helping people express themselves through clothes, using wardrobe-as-weapon to help women (and the occasional man) realize who they are, and who they want to be – and she uses the tricks of her trade on herself as often as on others.
The ups and downs of Annie’s life are familiar – both in this genre of book and to women everywhere. From teenage drama with daughter Lana to work challenges due to a snarky boss threatened by her success to man troubles as she struggles to balance what she thinks she wants with what she really needs, Annie is presented as a bit of an Everywoman – albeit one with WAY better shoes than most of us. She’s a likeable enough character, although I must confess I occasionally found myself wanting to hold my hands over her mouth to stop her from calling everyone “Babes”. I must confess that I also occasionally found myself shaking my head at the troubles she got herself into. She’s a very human character, full of foibles – she means well and has the best of intentions, but we all know where that road takes you…
All in all this was a cute, fun, light, comic tale of one woman’s efforts to hold it all together, all the time. We’ve all been there – trying too hard, pushing ourselves into something we would recognize as not quite right if we only had the time and/or perspective to stand back and actually look before we leaped. The supporting characters were, to me, the meat and potatoes of this one – there are a lot of flamboyantly colorful eccentricities dangled throughout the book, and they kept me reading even in the midst of the occasional Annie eye-roll.
The Personal Shopper is the tale of Annie Valentine, a single mum of two who works at a posh London department store as a – duh – personal shopper. She helps the extremely wealthy (and the occasional friend/colleague) invent and reinvent themselves through clothes and accessories. She’s a sassy, saucy, sweetheart of a character, which of course means she runs afoul of a horrid boss, well-meaning but not-quite-right men, and the occasional whiny customer more often than she should. She is struggling to give her two children everything – without the means to do so consistently. Which of course brings on drama (of both the tearful and laughter-full kind) of its own. She’s also struggling to figure out what she wants from – and for – her own life. She loves helping people express themselves through clothes, using wardrobe-as-weapon to help women (and the occasional man) realize who they are, and who they want to be – and she uses the tricks of her trade on herself as often as on others.
The ups and downs of Annie’s life are familiar – both in this genre of book and to women everywhere. From teenage drama with daughter Lana to work challenges due to a snarky boss threatened by her success to man troubles as she struggles to balance what she thinks she wants with what she really needs, Annie is presented as a bit of an Everywoman – albeit one with WAY better shoes than most of us. She’s a likeable enough character, although I must confess I occasionally found myself wanting to hold my hands over her mouth to stop her from calling everyone “Babes”. I must confess that I also occasionally found myself shaking my head at the troubles she got herself into. She’s a very human character, full of foibles – she means well and has the best of intentions, but we all know where that road takes you…
All in all this was a cute, fun, light, comic tale of one woman’s efforts to hold it all together, all the time. We’ve all been there – trying too hard, pushing ourselves into something we would recognize as not quite right if we only had the time and/or perspective to stand back and actually look before we leaped. The supporting characters were, to me, the meat and potatoes of this one – there are a lot of flamboyantly colorful eccentricities dangled throughout the book, and they kept me reading even in the midst of the occasional Annie eye-roll.
October 17, 2012
I downloaded this book for free; I am glad I didn't pay for it. I am a bit of shopaholic and I tend to enjoy books about shopping and fashion, but this book was really hard to finish. It took me 4 attempts to finally finish.
Possible spoilers warning!!!!
Annie is so unlikeable; what a self-centered, stuck up person! I feel for those poor children being dragged around from one place to another. Her insistence and reasons for keeping her children in a private school even though she can't afford it is mind boggling. I was in private school from kindergarten till college, and I can tell you from personal experience that it doesn't guarantee your future, and no, it doesn't make one better than others who go to public school. That's just one example of the ridiculousness that Annie believes in. Not to mention, dating rich guy because she wants to be taken care of, and thinking one is most attractive because he lives on her dream street in the neighborhood. Her self righteousness makes it so hard for me to sympathize.
The twist about her husband is good, I must admit. I didn't see it coming, but again, I couldn't sympathize. I just felt sad for the children.
This is the first book by this author I've ever read. I am not a fan of the character or the formatting. I won't be buying the next books.
Possible spoilers warning!!!!
Annie is so unlikeable; what a self-centered, stuck up person! I feel for those poor children being dragged around from one place to another. Her insistence and reasons for keeping her children in a private school even though she can't afford it is mind boggling. I was in private school from kindergarten till college, and I can tell you from personal experience that it doesn't guarantee your future, and no, it doesn't make one better than others who go to public school. That's just one example of the ridiculousness that Annie believes in. Not to mention, dating rich guy because she wants to be taken care of, and thinking one is most attractive because he lives on her dream street in the neighborhood. Her self righteousness makes it so hard for me to sympathize.
The twist about her husband is good, I must admit. I didn't see it coming, but again, I couldn't sympathize. I just felt sad for the children.
This is the first book by this author I've ever read. I am not a fan of the character or the formatting. I won't be buying the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2017
I've never read anything by Carmen Reid before, so I decided to check this out.
Annie Valentine has the perfect job...she's a personal shopper and spends all day choosing clothes for people. She has two children, Owen and Lana. Lana is the typical rebelling teen, but Owen is more interesting. She used to be married, but we don't find out what happened to her husband until the end. I was genuinely shocked, it was something I never saw coming. Never.
Annie is very lonely and desperate to find a new man. And so she begins her search.
All the characters are lovely, realistic and entertaining. From Annie's sister to her awful great aunt and her gay best friend Connor, all the characters are crafted perfectly. O.K, so there a few chick lit stereo types (Connor), but I hardly noticed. I was too busy wondering what could possibly happen next.
The book is written in third person, but is still mainly from Annie's perspective.
The plot never slows, using jumps in time from chapter to chapter to keep the book moving. It was a relaxing read and definitely a fun one.
One of the best chick lits I've read lately.
Annie Valentine has the perfect job...she's a personal shopper and spends all day choosing clothes for people. She has two children, Owen and Lana. Lana is the typical rebelling teen, but Owen is more interesting. She used to be married, but we don't find out what happened to her husband until the end. I was genuinely shocked, it was something I never saw coming. Never.
Annie is very lonely and desperate to find a new man. And so she begins her search.
All the characters are lovely, realistic and entertaining. From Annie's sister to her awful great aunt and her gay best friend Connor, all the characters are crafted perfectly. O.K, so there a few chick lit stereo types (Connor), but I hardly noticed. I was too busy wondering what could possibly happen next.
The book is written in third person, but is still mainly from Annie's perspective.
The plot never slows, using jumps in time from chapter to chapter to keep the book moving. It was a relaxing read and definitely a fun one.
One of the best chick lits I've read lately.
February 15, 2012
Unfortunately, I read the sequel to this book before the original, so I had a bit of strange pre-knowledge going in. Annie Valentine is even more annoying in this book, and this is the one that intros her! She is good at her job, and the personal shopping angle is quite interesting as is the dynamic with her children. This book explains how Annie and Ed get together. Overall, the story was good, as I definitely kept reading, but the one thing I really didn't like was the way the author kept Roddy's departure so ambiguous. I know I'm also doing that somewhat here, but I don't want to spoil anyone's reading pleasure. The reader doesn't find out the true story until page 359 of 425! The same was true of the sequel with the real turn of events deliberately kept from the reader. I would read more Carmen Reid, based on her light flowing style and the fact that it's easy going chick lit that doesn't require too much brain power.
August 8, 2010
This book was just so funny. Right at the start you're lead to believe that Annie Valentine's husband has left her with their rebellious teenage daughter and very shy son. Annie's best friend is gay and he really brings a lot of humour to the book. I think he was my favourite character. She works as a personal shopper in a huge shop called "The Store" she's very good at her job and has a few other things that she does on the side to support her family.
All the characters are pretty lovable apart from Gray in my opinion. I didn't really like him from the start but I was happy with the ending and things. It was also a nice twist to find out what happened between her and her husband.
I'll definitely get the rest of the series.
All the characters are pretty lovable apart from Gray in my opinion. I didn't really like him from the start but I was happy with the ending and things. It was also a nice twist to find out what happened between her and her husband.
I'll definitely get the rest of the series.
May 29, 2016
Non ha ottenuto il massimo dei voti perché, nonostante sia un bel libro e molto simpatico, è una brutta copia dei romanzi della Kinsella. Manca di originalità, ma in ogni caso strappa un sorriso soprattutto nelle situazioni più assurde e soprattutto imbarazzanti vissute dalla protagonista Annie Valentine. Non c’è altro da dire se non: leggetelo nei pomeriggi invernali più noiosi e grigi perché saprà tenervi compagnia e farà sembrare tutto più leggero e divertente.
January 17, 2025
Recommended by Deena
The receptionist at my orthodontist recommended this book and I’m so glad I’m out of (adult) braces so I don’t have to tell her how much I hated this book. Much like the author must hate women, because they are written as the most vapid, materialist, gold diggers imaginable.
For instance, a mother takes leftovers home from work because she can’t afford groceries, but definitely can afford a fresh wax in her efforts to snag a sugar daddy. I’m serious.
The receptionist at my orthodontist recommended this book and I’m so glad I’m out of (adult) braces so I don’t have to tell her how much I hated this book. Much like the author must hate women, because they are written as the most vapid, materialist, gold diggers imaginable.
For instance, a mother takes leftovers home from work because she can’t afford groceries, but definitely can afford a fresh wax in her efforts to snag a sugar daddy. I’m serious.
January 12, 2026
I had this book on my Kindle for a couple of years and Just got around to reading it. I thought it was going to be a laugh out loud easy fun read. On the surface it looks like a fun read but it really is about a woman with two children dealing the best way she can with a tragedy. The Character was fun and got the most out of her life and if you love clothing fashion and bargains plus a lovely story of love and healing this is for you.
June 25, 2013
I really, really liked this book! I enjoy chick lit, and was expecting a light, breezy read. This, while somewhat traditionally light, went beyond the normal chick lit and had some depth to it, including a twist that was WAY unexpected. I loved Annie and Ed, Lana, Owen, and Conner. I can't wait to the read the next in this series!
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