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Annie Valentine #2
Shoptherapie
Er zijn dingen die je vriend niet hoeft te weten, zoals de prijs van je nieuwe handtas (plus schoenen) of het feit dat je de limiet van je creditcard hebt bereikt. Of: dat je van plan bent een internetbedrijfje te starten (en al een voorraad van vijfhonderd accessoires in de logeerkamer hebt liggen).
En dan zijn er ook van die zaken die je maar beter wel kunt vermelden: de – verrassing! – romantische vakantie die je hebt geboekt (maar je familie gaat ook mee), het huis dat je te koop hebt gezet, de meer dan aantrekkelijke Italiaan die verliefd op je is geworden… Hoe gaat Annie Valentine zich hieruit redden?
En dan zijn er ook van die zaken die je maar beter wel kunt vermelden: de – verrassing! – romantische vakantie die je hebt geboekt (maar je familie gaat ook mee), het huis dat je te koop hebt gezet, de meer dan aantrekkelijke Italiaan die verliefd op je is geworden… Hoe gaat Annie Valentine zich hieruit redden?
335 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2008
491 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Reid
65 books232 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 65 reviews
March 5, 2023
Lovely
Second book in series is solid, just gave it 3 stars though because it dragged and Annie started driving me crazy after a while. She was in the wrong for most of this book.
I will say this, many who were iffy on Annie in the first book are going to struggle with her in the second one. She's kind of an idiot (a few times over) and I hated how she kept treating Ed (whose she's been dating for a year at this point in time in the series). To me it wasn't very funny, I wanted to tell all parties to get to a family therapist. I also didn't like Ed's behavior in this one too. It felt like both of them forgot about the kids constantly in this one and I got tired of them both.
And I will say this, Annie has shown zero business acumen in the series, so her deciding she would be an uber businesswoman who would buy and sell purses and shoes just didn't work for me. Especially because her business plan was winging it. I would have had a whole fit with her too.
There are some love scenes (quite spicy) with her and Ed. But the whole book fell really flat to me. I just didn't know what to think of things by the time I got to the end.
Second book in series is solid, just gave it 3 stars though because it dragged and Annie started driving me crazy after a while. She was in the wrong for most of this book.
I will say this, many who were iffy on Annie in the first book are going to struggle with her in the second one. She's kind of an idiot (a few times over) and I hated how she kept treating Ed (whose she's been dating for a year at this point in time in the series). To me it wasn't very funny, I wanted to tell all parties to get to a family therapist. I also didn't like Ed's behavior in this one too. It felt like both of them forgot about the kids constantly in this one and I got tired of them both.
And I will say this, Annie has shown zero business acumen in the series, so her deciding she would be an uber businesswoman who would buy and sell purses and shoes just didn't work for me. Especially because her business plan was winging it. I would have had a whole fit with her too.
There are some love scenes (quite spicy) with her and Ed. But the whole book fell really flat to me. I just didn't know what to think of things by the time I got to the end.
January 30, 2021
As a few of you Goodreads members will know, I will read a book from any genre but maybe chick lit is my least favourite.
Saying that, this was perfectly readable, despite having a mildly irritating protagonist.
Apparently this is the second book in the series and I've just realised that I have number one waiting to read in my ever growing book cupboard . 🙄
Think you may enjoy this if you're after a book that's not too taxing but still gritty enough to keep you engaged.
Saying that, this was perfectly readable, despite having a mildly irritating protagonist.
Apparently this is the second book in the series and I've just realised that I have number one waiting to read in my ever growing book cupboard . 🙄
Think you may enjoy this if you're after a book that's not too taxing but still gritty enough to keep you engaged.
May 5, 2010
Annie Valentine was even more annoying and pathetic than she was in the first book. I don't know what Ed sees in her!
April 20, 2024
Annie is at it again; hustling in the name of her children. She goes above and beyond in this one, spinning lots of plates while hoping beyond hope her tentative plans work out.
Annie has a deal with a promising new shoe designer and when in Italy (for a very spontaneous trip she books for everyone) she meets up with a man who will sell her custom made bags. But she has to cough up the money for the inventory ahead of time. In true Annie fashion, she robs Peter to pay Paul.
Will the new shoes and bags please her high end clients who only wear the best of the best? And how is Ed handling all of this?
Old and new friends are introduced in this one.
Annie has a deal with a promising new shoe designer and when in Italy (for a very spontaneous trip she books for everyone) she meets up with a man who will sell her custom made bags. But she has to cough up the money for the inventory ahead of time. In true Annie fashion, she robs Peter to pay Paul.
Will the new shoes and bags please her high end clients who only wear the best of the best? And how is Ed handling all of this?
Old and new friends are introduced in this one.
December 16, 2010
Uber-busy Annie Valentine – mum to two demanding children and personal shopper in a swanky London fashion store – is now intent on setting up a shoe and handbag empire of her own, and she’ll do anything to get there. But what about her adorable new man? As someone who wants nothing more than a quiet life, Ed is shocked to discover Annie staking their home on her success, and now their relationship is on the line. Is Annie’s surprise remedy – an extravagant friends and family holiday to Italy – really what they all need? Especially when a dashing Italian businessman promises to fulfil Annie’s every dream . . .
After finally deciding to read Carmen Reid’s Annie Valentine series and thoroughly enjoying the first book, I was definitely eager to get stuck into the rest of the series. The next book Late Night Shopping has my favourite cover of all of Carmen’s Annie V books (including new one New York Valentine), so I started it expecting another fun, fashion-filled read and I wasn’t disappointed.
Late Night Shopping is the second novel in Carmen Reid’s Annie Valentine series, with (at least) three more books to follow it, and picks up about a year after where The Personal Shopper left off. Annie is back working for The Store again, her relationship with Ed is as fantastic as ever and she’s trying really hard to turn her EBay store into something a little more… real, and maybe even start up her own business. The fact the book picks up a year later is no hardship at all and I found myself slipping back into the mad world of Annie V very easily.
The book spends a chunk of time in Italy, after Annie books a holiday for herself, Ed, the kids, her sister and Aunty and I quite enjoyed the change of scenery. Of course, being in Italy (the handbag and shoe capital of the World, I think Annie calls it) is Annie’s version of heaven as she finds herself making plans to import a ton of cheap handbags from the handsome Mr Bellisimo (Annie’s nickname for him). But it’s on the holiday where things start to go downhill for Annie and Ed, and it looks like it might be curtains for them! I liked Reid’s descriptions of Italy, and it must have taken some research to get it just so, but I think Reid got the descriptions spot on. I also liked the developing relationship between Ed, Lana and Owen. It’s seems to have moved up a level since the first book and shows that step-parents aren’t always wicked!
Annie is a fantastic character, there’s no doubt about it. She really does shine off the pages and although she can be a little Becky Bloomwood-esque (not telling their boyfriend/husband about shopping purchases, getting into sticky situations), I do find Annie very different to Becky, but both are equally fantastic characters for different reasons. I completely admire Annie’s approach to life, she’s a bit like a pinball, constantly moving, always bouncing from one thing to another. Ed, her partner, on the other hand is Annie’s safety vest, always looking out for her, trying to dissuade her from her more adventurous schemes and making sure her kids are looked after while she’s at work. I find Ed very intriguing, he’s such a lovely character. I personally don’t think we saw as much of Annie’s kids this time around, Lana and Owen, which was disappointing as the family as a unit makes for fabulous reading but what I saw was promising. I love how Owen is getting more confidence and seeing Lana grow up into a young adult is also great. Annie’s GBF, Connor, is back and as glorious as ever, honestly, he deserves his own spin-off series.
Late Night Shopping is, like its predecessor, told from the third person perspective and it works incredibly well. I did have a few problems with the book as a whole, Annie can be a bit lacking sometimes when it comes to her kids, especially when her head is so full of ideas of starting her own business and I didn’t like the way she ignored everything Ed had to say about her running her own business accusing him of not backing her. I didn’t think it was fair of her, at all. But apart from those little niggles I raced through the book as eagerly as I did The Personal Shopper. Honestly, I really cannot believe it’s taken me so long to read this series as it’s hugely enjoyable. I truly never believed a book about a personal shopper could be so good but with a core of five fantastic characters as well as a multitude of others; family, Annie’s clients, etc, makes for fascinating reading and I can’t wait to get stuck into How Not To Shop.
After finally deciding to read Carmen Reid’s Annie Valentine series and thoroughly enjoying the first book, I was definitely eager to get stuck into the rest of the series. The next book Late Night Shopping has my favourite cover of all of Carmen’s Annie V books (including new one New York Valentine), so I started it expecting another fun, fashion-filled read and I wasn’t disappointed.
Late Night Shopping is the second novel in Carmen Reid’s Annie Valentine series, with (at least) three more books to follow it, and picks up about a year after where The Personal Shopper left off. Annie is back working for The Store again, her relationship with Ed is as fantastic as ever and she’s trying really hard to turn her EBay store into something a little more… real, and maybe even start up her own business. The fact the book picks up a year later is no hardship at all and I found myself slipping back into the mad world of Annie V very easily.
The book spends a chunk of time in Italy, after Annie books a holiday for herself, Ed, the kids, her sister and Aunty and I quite enjoyed the change of scenery. Of course, being in Italy (the handbag and shoe capital of the World, I think Annie calls it) is Annie’s version of heaven as she finds herself making plans to import a ton of cheap handbags from the handsome Mr Bellisimo (Annie’s nickname for him). But it’s on the holiday where things start to go downhill for Annie and Ed, and it looks like it might be curtains for them! I liked Reid’s descriptions of Italy, and it must have taken some research to get it just so, but I think Reid got the descriptions spot on. I also liked the developing relationship between Ed, Lana and Owen. It’s seems to have moved up a level since the first book and shows that step-parents aren’t always wicked!
Annie is a fantastic character, there’s no doubt about it. She really does shine off the pages and although she can be a little Becky Bloomwood-esque (not telling their boyfriend/husband about shopping purchases, getting into sticky situations), I do find Annie very different to Becky, but both are equally fantastic characters for different reasons. I completely admire Annie’s approach to life, she’s a bit like a pinball, constantly moving, always bouncing from one thing to another. Ed, her partner, on the other hand is Annie’s safety vest, always looking out for her, trying to dissuade her from her more adventurous schemes and making sure her kids are looked after while she’s at work. I find Ed very intriguing, he’s such a lovely character. I personally don’t think we saw as much of Annie’s kids this time around, Lana and Owen, which was disappointing as the family as a unit makes for fabulous reading but what I saw was promising. I love how Owen is getting more confidence and seeing Lana grow up into a young adult is also great. Annie’s GBF, Connor, is back and as glorious as ever, honestly, he deserves his own spin-off series.
Late Night Shopping is, like its predecessor, told from the third person perspective and it works incredibly well. I did have a few problems with the book as a whole, Annie can be a bit lacking sometimes when it comes to her kids, especially when her head is so full of ideas of starting her own business and I didn’t like the way she ignored everything Ed had to say about her running her own business accusing him of not backing her. I didn’t think it was fair of her, at all. But apart from those little niggles I raced through the book as eagerly as I did The Personal Shopper. Honestly, I really cannot believe it’s taken me so long to read this series as it’s hugely enjoyable. I truly never believed a book about a personal shopper could be so good but with a core of five fantastic characters as well as a multitude of others; family, Annie’s clients, etc, makes for fascinating reading and I can’t wait to get stuck into How Not To Shop.
January 31, 2023
I still think this is somewhat of a nice series. But tbh I am still not crazy about Annie, she's got a very annoying attitude towards many things (like her, budgetting fx)
January 8, 2010
I picked this up after reading "The Personal Shopper" the first of the Annie Valentine novels by Carmen Reid.
Really, this review could be 8 words: it wasn't as good as the first one.
It skips a year ahead from the first one, but feels like it should be carry on directly from it.
Annie is back working at The Store after the evil boss who fired her leaves. I really wanted some sort of back story on the evil boss-why does she hate Annie, where did she go? Was she fired? Why? The book doesn't make it clear, which annoyed me. If a character does something, I want to know why! She does turn up again later, but only to be horrible to Annie.
Annie wants to start her own business by borrowing loads of money. And she spends a ridiculous amount of money on a handbag. Her partner is having doubts, so she spends almost the whole book arguing over it.
It just isn't as strong plotwise as the first book was. Personally, I don't understand people who spend over a thousand pounds on a bag. The most I've spent is twenty quid. Because of that, the plot seemed unrealistic to me and it was the same thing all through the book. Annie spends lots of money, boyfriend gets mad. Throw in the odd misunderstanding and a few funny moments with Connor, the gay best friend and that's it. The characters are still likable, but the plot not so much.
You should probably try the first one before reading this, because it is much better.
Really, this review could be 8 words: it wasn't as good as the first one.
It skips a year ahead from the first one, but feels like it should be carry on directly from it.
Annie is back working at The Store after the evil boss who fired her leaves. I really wanted some sort of back story on the evil boss-why does she hate Annie, where did she go? Was she fired? Why? The book doesn't make it clear, which annoyed me. If a character does something, I want to know why! She does turn up again later, but only to be horrible to Annie.
Annie wants to start her own business by borrowing loads of money. And she spends a ridiculous amount of money on a handbag. Her partner is having doubts, so she spends almost the whole book arguing over it.
It just isn't as strong plotwise as the first book was. Personally, I don't understand people who spend over a thousand pounds on a bag. The most I've spent is twenty quid. Because of that, the plot seemed unrealistic to me and it was the same thing all through the book. Annie spends lots of money, boyfriend gets mad. Throw in the odd misunderstanding and a few funny moments with Connor, the gay best friend and that's it. The characters are still likable, but the plot not so much.
You should probably try the first one before reading this, because it is much better.
September 20, 2023
Awful
This is the first book review I've ever written. I've been thoroughly enjoying Carmen's books, but this is the worst book I've ever read. Not because of how it's written but because of the main character. She is selfish, thoughtless, shallow; just awful. I couldn't relate to her at all, especially as she put herself before her children on so many occasions. The so-called holiday? And to blame her partner for everything? Her head was so far up her arse she thouhhy of no one but herself. Definitely won't be reading anymore in this series.
This is the first book review I've ever written. I've been thoroughly enjoying Carmen's books, but this is the worst book I've ever read. Not because of how it's written but because of the main character. She is selfish, thoughtless, shallow; just awful. I couldn't relate to her at all, especially as she put herself before her children on so many occasions. The so-called holiday? And to blame her partner for everything? Her head was so far up her arse she thouhhy of no one but herself. Definitely won't be reading anymore in this series.
March 4, 2024
Delightful tale of second love and misadventures
Clever story of an independent widow with expensive taste but small bank account, her two children, and her lover—a school teacher. Misinterpretations are reminiscent of Shakespearean comedies, characters are detailed, and the plot well planned. This book provides light, comic reading and will appeal to readers seeking a peek into the busy life of a single mother driven to become successful in the world of high fashion.
Clever story of an independent widow with expensive taste but small bank account, her two children, and her lover—a school teacher. Misinterpretations are reminiscent of Shakespearean comedies, characters are detailed, and the plot well planned. This book provides light, comic reading and will appeal to readers seeking a peek into the busy life of a single mother driven to become successful in the world of high fashion.
Read
August 4, 2022"Your liver can't take any more. You've been pure for four months, you'll have to break yourself in gently. I know, babes, because it's just like after childbirth when the first glass of champagne makes you high!"
"But weddings are like childbirth. You're so focused on the day, when really you should be preparing for the lifetime that's going to come afterwards."
"But weddings are like childbirth. You're so focused on the day, when really you should be preparing for the lifetime that's going to come afterwards."
March 29, 2023
Staying up late-shopping or reading.
Annie Valentine and Carmen Reid’s other characters continue being developed in this fun-hearted second in the series about the trials and tribulations of dressing London’s chicest and the antics related thereto. Hopefully, each subsequent book will continue drawing in the reader with Annie’s adventures in buying and selling.
Annie Valentine and Carmen Reid’s other characters continue being developed in this fun-hearted second in the series about the trials and tribulations of dressing London’s chicest and the antics related thereto. Hopefully, each subsequent book will continue drawing in the reader with Annie’s adventures in buying and selling.
January 17, 2025
Following Annie Valantine in these book series for a while. This is light and fluffy story about Annie the personal shopper. I like the comedy, her day to day events, travels, advantures .. she has immaculate taste for designer things and big ambitions .. but overall the story is nothing special. It’s something to reach out to when you can’t sleep till the lines blur and you’re out ;)
May 28, 2025
I thought book #1 was better. Ending just felt it was dropped to reader to end the book ASAP. I was able to connect with Annie’s feelings about how she learned to be strong and a decision maker after her first marriage ended, with taking care as a single parent. But moving from there in the plot, it failed. I was left wanting a better expressed ending.
December 23, 2017
Not bothered enough to write a full review. But lemme tell you one thing. She can never be another Sophie Kinsella. Not even in the wildest of dreams in that possible!
You just can't get yourself to even remotely like Annie who's the MC. What's the point of going any further?
You just can't get yourself to even remotely like Annie who's the MC. What's the point of going any further?
May 31, 2019
Matige verhaallijn. Annie Valentine is een naar mens. Een oppervlakkig verhaal met volwassenen die zich wel erg puberaal gedragen. Ik vond al het gedoe rondom het shoppen ook oppervlakkig. Ik mis een hoop diepgang hier. De enige diepgang die er in zit was zeer matig. Had beter gekund.
January 10, 2020
The storyline was good but in all honesty I didn't warm to the central character and I found her a bit annoying and tended to side with her boyfriend's point of view. That being said, it kept me reading until the end to find out what happened.
December 17, 2020
I committed to this book but by golly I wanted to stop numerous times, main character is weak and story line was hit and miss. I think I will leave Annie Valentine to her adventures and look elsewhere.
January 28, 2024
Fun, carefree read
When you just want something light, maybe a little heartwarming, and some laughter, this is the book for you.
Second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one.
When you just want something light, maybe a little heartwarming, and some laughter, this is the book for you.
Second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one.
March 19, 2024
fun quirky read
This was a fun, quirky read. I found myself feeling the need to breath into a paper sack with all the crazy financial decisions ? She was making on the fly but it was a fun book to read
This was a fun, quirky read. I found myself feeling the need to breath into a paper sack with all the crazy financial decisions ? She was making on the fly but it was a fun book to read
April 10, 2024
Couldn't finish
I enjoyed book 1 and couldn't finish this book. Anne's selfish, destructive, and deceitful behavior just aggravated me.
Just couldn't stand her lying and manipulation of Edward.
I enjoyed book 1 and couldn't finish this book. Anne's selfish, destructive, and deceitful behavior just aggravated me.
Just couldn't stand her lying and manipulation of Edward.
May 22, 2024
So in love with these books!
This book takes you through the next chapters of Annie, her family & Ed. Sweet moments & sorrowful moments. Can’t wait to read the next book & neither will you!!
This book takes you through the next chapters of Annie, her family & Ed. Sweet moments & sorrowful moments. Can’t wait to read the next book & neither will you!!
April 26, 2020
I preferred this book more than the 1st one. Will definitely be reading more of Carmen Reid’s books :-)
November 7, 2020
Fun chic flick.
May 19, 2023
holy shit, the number of poor decisions made by the one character we're supposed to relate to somehow.
September 19, 2023
I wanted to love this book as much as the first but Annie just pissed me off most of the book, and much of it just dragged on.
December 14, 2023
not as good as the 1st, plot fell a big flat for me
April 5, 2024
Relaxing....nice
June 27, 2024
Another fantastic read!
I absolutely love Annie, crazy, funny, and hope she always stays with Ed, he is adorable! The fashion is fun, and every page is entertaining! Fabulous!
I absolutely love Annie, crazy, funny, and hope she always stays with Ed, he is adorable! The fashion is fun, and every page is entertaining! Fabulous!
September 2, 2024
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews