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How to be Fabulous: The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud tale of family chaos and couture from Carmen Reid for 2026
Don't miss the BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud read from bestseller Carmen Reid for everyone who knows how hard it is to stay absolutely fabulous! 💅🏻💋 For fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell. Family, fashion, fiascos—this is how to be fabulous. 💃🏼
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
Now Annie has to prove, once and for all, that she really does know How to be Fabulous—on the runway and at home.
Praise for Carmen
'Bold, stylish and full of twists, turns and unexpected detours, this is Carmen Reid at her very best!' Shari Low
'Escapist Summer reading at its best' Jill Mansell
'A fantastic read!"⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
"Fantastic read, couldn't put it down" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
"Can't wait to read the next one!" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
Now Annie has to prove, once and for all, that she really does know How to be Fabulous—on the runway and at home.
Praise for Carmen
'Bold, stylish and full of twists, turns and unexpected detours, this is Carmen Reid at her very best!' Shari Low
'Escapist Summer reading at its best' Jill Mansell
'A fantastic read!"⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
"Fantastic read, couldn't put it down" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
"Can't wait to read the next one!" ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Reader review
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2026
About the author
Carmen Reid
42 books241 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 34 reviews
January 24, 2026
Another fun Annie Valentine book
This is my second book in this Annie Valentine series. I have not read them in any order since they all work as standalones.
The story is very cute and the writing is light and engaging. I chuckled several times at the capers of this family.
I enjoy the quirkiness of the main character with her non traditional family. I intend to go back and read others in this series.
If you enjoy fashion these books will speak to you. I’m not a fashionista and I don’t picture things as I’m reading well so some of the fashion descriptions at the start of each chapter went right above my head but they were a very minor part of the story.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read.
This is my second book in this Annie Valentine series. I have not read them in any order since they all work as standalones.
The story is very cute and the writing is light and engaging. I chuckled several times at the capers of this family.
I enjoy the quirkiness of the main character with her non traditional family. I intend to go back and read others in this series.
If you enjoy fashion these books will speak to you. I’m not a fashionista and I don’t picture things as I’m reading well so some of the fashion descriptions at the start of each chapter went right above my head but they were a very minor part of the story.
Overall, this was a cute, fun read.
February 7, 2026
Fashion stylist and tv celebrity Annie Valentine is back and this time she has a high profile charity fashion show to organise for her wealthy and influential friend Svetlana.
With her tv career flagging Annie realises the show is an opportunity to raise her profile, whilst drooling over some amazing clothing and accessory donations.
However Annie is also a busy mum of four and life is a little complicated: one of her toddler twins is refusing to go to nursery, her son Owen is going away to uni a long way away and her eldest Lauren seems to be having a career and confidence crisis.
A quick light read, which would resonate with busy mums and fans of fashion!
With her tv career flagging Annie realises the show is an opportunity to raise her profile, whilst drooling over some amazing clothing and accessory donations.
However Annie is also a busy mum of four and life is a little complicated: one of her toddler twins is refusing to go to nursery, her son Owen is going away to uni a long way away and her eldest Lauren seems to be having a career and confidence crisis.
A quick light read, which would resonate with busy mums and fans of fashion!
Review of advance copy
❤️ Blurb -
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
💜 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such a fun and entertaining read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was fun and easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Carmen Reid and Boldwood Books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
💜 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. This was such a fun and entertaining read. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. The story was fun and easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author Carmen Reid and Boldwood Books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How to Be Fabulous is a sparkling, feel‑good delight—full of humour, heart, and the kind of chaotic charm that makes Carmen Reid’s books such a joy to read. Annie Valentine is back, and she’s as fabulous, frazzled, and fiercely lovable as ever.
What begins as a simple favour for her glamorous best friend Svetlana quickly spirals into a full‑blown fashion fiasco. A charity show with no venue, no clothes, and absolutely no showstopper? Even Annie’s couture‑level confidence starts to wobble. The author captures the backstage mayhem with such wit that you can practically hear the clatter of collapsing clothes rails.
But what really grounds the story is Annie’s family life—messy, heartfelt, and wonderfully real. Lauren returns from New York nursing a broken heart, Owen is heading off to university with more enthusiasm than funds, and Annie is trying to hold everything (and everyone) together with equal parts love and sheer willpower. Her juggling act is relatable, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking.
When a mysterious donation swoops in to save the fashion show, it feels like the universe is finally giving Annie a break… until Owen disappears and everything unravels again. Through it all, Annie’s resilience shines. She’s flawed, fabulous, and determined to prove that style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you carry yourself when life gets messy.
Warm, witty, and wonderfully uplifting, How to Be Fabulous is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like a runaway catwalk, a little humour, a lot of heart, and a dash of fabulousness can go a very long way.
My thanks to Carmen Reid, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What begins as a simple favour for her glamorous best friend Svetlana quickly spirals into a full‑blown fashion fiasco. A charity show with no venue, no clothes, and absolutely no showstopper? Even Annie’s couture‑level confidence starts to wobble. The author captures the backstage mayhem with such wit that you can practically hear the clatter of collapsing clothes rails.
But what really grounds the story is Annie’s family life—messy, heartfelt, and wonderfully real. Lauren returns from New York nursing a broken heart, Owen is heading off to university with more enthusiasm than funds, and Annie is trying to hold everything (and everyone) together with equal parts love and sheer willpower. Her juggling act is relatable, funny, and occasionally heartbreaking.
When a mysterious donation swoops in to save the fashion show, it feels like the universe is finally giving Annie a break… until Owen disappears and everything unravels again. Through it all, Annie’s resilience shines. She’s flawed, fabulous, and determined to prove that style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you carry yourself when life gets messy.
Warm, witty, and wonderfully uplifting, How to Be Fabulous is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jill Mansell. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like a runaway catwalk, a little humour, a lot of heart, and a dash of fabulousness can go a very long way.
My thanks to Carmen Reid, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
February 27, 2026
This was my first time reading Carmen Reid and I genuinely wasn’t sure what to expect, but the cover completely drew me in. It had that fun, fabulous vibe that made me want to request it on NetGalley straight away, and I’m so glad I did.
How to Be Fabulous is light-hearted, funny and such an easy, enjoyable read. It has that relaxed summer beach feel where you don’t need to be deeply invested to have a great time. I found myself smiling a lot, and there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud.
It reminded me a little of the Sophie Kinsella books I loved when I was younger — that same chaotic energy, with warmth and heart underneath it all. Annie Valentine is a really fun main character. Her fashion know-how mixed with everyday family drama and the occasional full-blown fiasco makes for entertaining reading, and while her life is constantly teetering, there’s something very relatable about the way she just keeps going.
This is part of a series, and I haven’t read the earlier books, but I had no trouble following along. It works perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be picking up more in the series because Annie is a character I’d happily spend more time with.
A fun, feel-good read with plenty of humour and heart — exactly what I was hoping for.
How to Be Fabulous is light-hearted, funny and such an easy, enjoyable read. It has that relaxed summer beach feel where you don’t need to be deeply invested to have a great time. I found myself smiling a lot, and there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud.
It reminded me a little of the Sophie Kinsella books I loved when I was younger — that same chaotic energy, with warmth and heart underneath it all. Annie Valentine is a really fun main character. Her fashion know-how mixed with everyday family drama and the occasional full-blown fiasco makes for entertaining reading, and while her life is constantly teetering, there’s something very relatable about the way she just keeps going.
This is part of a series, and I haven’t read the earlier books, but I had no trouble following along. It works perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be picking up more in the series because Annie is a character I’d happily spend more time with.
A fun, feel-good read with plenty of humour and heart — exactly what I was hoping for.
January 27, 2026
How to Be Fabulous is pure joy - escapist fiction at its best. Annie Valentine has a much loved, sometimes ignored husband, four children and a career as a TV fashionista. She has agreed to help her best friend Svetlana put on a fashion show and auction to benefit Thrive Dressing, a charity that provides clothing to women reentering the work force. Naturally, all that can go wrong does. As the auction falls apart - Svetlana forgot a necessary permit and the location has to be changed, there are not enough models, the host is the “cheesy star of daytime ITV” and more - Annie’s personal life shows cracks. Her children have school problems, boyfriend problems and an accident almost causes her to miss the show.
You know everything will turn out well and it does. Annie is such a real character, full of enthusiasm, love and worry. Her passion for fashion shines through and she describes its effect on self esteem so well. I didn’t really understand the handbag obsession but this was my introduction to Annie Valentine so that’s probably covered elsewhere in this series. I’ll have to read them all to find out! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Carmen Reid for this ARC.
You know everything will turn out well and it does. Annie is such a real character, full of enthusiasm, love and worry. Her passion for fashion shines through and she describes its effect on self esteem so well. I didn’t really understand the handbag obsession but this was my introduction to Annie Valentine so that’s probably covered elsewhere in this series. I’ll have to read them all to find out! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Carmen Reid for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Annie Valentine is back! That is always a reason for me to celebrate, given how much I love this series.
And it's another joyously funny story in this series, with a fair few ups and downs.
I am struggling to believe that Owen is now old enough to go to university, and it's sweet to see the twins are- starting nursery and how different their personalities already are.
In the centre of this book we have a giant charity fashion show and Annie is running out of time to organise that and do a million and one other things as the same time.
It's great to catch up with so many old friends, while seeing Annie at her chaotic best.
There's fashion, humour, friendship, a small mystery and a whole lot more between these pages, and I was devouring every word of it.
It's another wonderful addition to this series and one I joyously read in an afternoon.
And I already can't wait for hopefully another book in this series.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And it's another joyously funny story in this series, with a fair few ups and downs.
I am struggling to believe that Owen is now old enough to go to university, and it's sweet to see the twins are- starting nursery and how different their personalities already are.
In the centre of this book we have a giant charity fashion show and Annie is running out of time to organise that and do a million and one other things as the same time.
It's great to catch up with so many old friends, while seeing Annie at her chaotic best.
There's fashion, humour, friendship, a small mystery and a whole lot more between these pages, and I was devouring every word of it.
It's another wonderful addition to this series and one I joyously read in an afternoon.
And I already can't wait for hopefully another book in this series.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 24, 2026
How To Be Fabulous by Carmen Reid
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
My Opinion
Carmen Reid has written another delightful novel. I haven’t read all of the books in this series but it was easy to follow and with a useful reminder at the start of the book, it can be read as a standalone. An uplifting read with some lovely characters.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Busy mum. Fashion guru. Domestic disaster waiting to happen?
When Annie Valentine agrees to help her best friend Svetlana pull off a charity fashion show, she thinks it’ll be a breeze. After all, no one knows couture quite like Annie, so how hard can it be?
very. With no venue, no clothes, and definitely no showstopper, Annie’s in danger of her first ever fashion fail.
And just when the wardrobe rails are about to collapse, her family life does too. Daughter Lauren is home from New York with a broken heart, son Owen is off to university with an empty wallet, and Annie is hanging on by a thread.
But when a mystery donation arrives in to save the day—and Annie—it feels like she might just pull it all together. That is, until Owen goes AWOL and everything unravels.
My Opinion
Carmen Reid has written another delightful novel. I haven’t read all of the books in this series but it was easy to follow and with a useful reminder at the start of the book, it can be read as a standalone. An uplifting read with some lovely characters.
Rating 4/5
March 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and @BoldwoodBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was super interesting! It follows Annie Valentine, who is basically a fashion guru but also a total domestic disaster, which is definitely relatable. She tries to pull off this massive charity fashion show, but of course, everything that can go wrong does. As in no venue, no clothes, and her family life is basically a pile of laundry in the corner. Her daughter's back from NY with a broken heart and her son is MIA at uni. It’s super chaotic in a funny way.
It’s truly a fun, fast read for when you just want to shut your brain off, though I did want to shake Annie a couple of times because she takes on way too much. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hanging on by a thread while trying to look like you’ve got it all together, you’ll love it. Highly recommended!
4 Stars!
#HowtobeFabulous, #CarmenReid, #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks
This book was super interesting! It follows Annie Valentine, who is basically a fashion guru but also a total domestic disaster, which is definitely relatable. She tries to pull off this massive charity fashion show, but of course, everything that can go wrong does. As in no venue, no clothes, and her family life is basically a pile of laundry in the corner. Her daughter's back from NY with a broken heart and her son is MIA at uni. It’s super chaotic in a funny way.
It’s truly a fun, fast read for when you just want to shut your brain off, though I did want to shake Annie a couple of times because she takes on way too much. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hanging on by a thread while trying to look like you’ve got it all together, you’ll love it. Highly recommended!
4 Stars!
#HowtobeFabulous, #CarmenReid, #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fabulous five-star read. I adore this author and the characters they produce; Annie Valentine is just adorable, she is like the 2nd mum you wish you had, or the bestie who tells you to buy the shoes and the bag, she really is that good. Everyone in this story is great and well written, they all pull you in from Lauren and her identity struggles to Anie and the bag of destiny, they will all make you care and wish that you were strutting your stuff down the catwalk alongside them all. This story will bring you joy and happiness in page form.
April 29, 2026
In the latest book featuring Annie Valentine, readers follow along as she and Svetlana prepare for a charity fashion show in London without any of the tools or resources they need to pull it off. Annie’s family life is collapsing too, and everything seems to be spiraling out of control at the same time. When a mysterious benefactor donates a treasure trove of clothes, Annie feels that she might be able to pull the show around until her son Owen goes AWOL and other challenges pop up in the hours before the show takes place. Entertaining and emotional, readers will appreciate the complexity and realistic qualities of Annie’s friendships and relationships with her family, and the mystery of the donor adds more to the story. The details are fantastic, and the emotional beats are well-written, so readers will love the different tangents and storylines in Reid’s latest novel. The side characters are well-written and complicated, and the new perspective in the book really adds to the mystery and world-building as a whole. Packed with detail and entertaining, fans of women’s fiction will love Carmen Reid’s new novel starring Annie Valentine and the new challenges ahead of her in this entertaining sequel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
February 10, 2026
Fun, frothy and fabulous! These are all the hallmarks of an Annie Valentine read and this book has all in abundance. This is a great read that is thoroughly entertaining. Don’t worry if you haven’t read earlier books in the series (although why deny yourself?) as this can easily be a standalone read. Highly recommended, thoroughly entertaining.
Thank you Netgalley.
Thank you Netgalley.
February 16, 2026
I love the Annie Valentine series!
I've read all 8 Annie Valentine books and every one of them is great! Be sure to start with the first book... you won't be disappointed. Annie and her family make you fall in love with all of them. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil anything, but they're all must reads and super entertaining. I always hate when they're over!
I've read all 8 Annie Valentine books and every one of them is great! Be sure to start with the first book... you won't be disappointed. Annie and her family make you fall in love with all of them. I can't say more because I don't want to spoil anything, but they're all must reads and super entertaining. I always hate when they're over!
February 7, 2026
Fun Read
A nice fun read in the Annie Valentine series. It wasn’t my favorite in the series as I prefer a few more mishaps and crisis, but in true Annie Valentine fashion, a fun quirky story.
A nice fun read in the Annie Valentine series. It wasn’t my favorite in the series as I prefer a few more mishaps and crisis, but in true Annie Valentine fashion, a fun quirky story.
May 19, 2026
It’s A Winner.
I just love reading about Annie Valentine’s crazy, chaotic life, Carmen Reid has a knack for making a story so buzzy that you can’t not love it. Annie’s character jumps out of every page and that’s a skill. A winner for me.
I just love reading about Annie Valentine’s crazy, chaotic life, Carmen Reid has a knack for making a story so buzzy that you can’t not love it. Annie’s character jumps out of every page and that’s a skill. A winner for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 15, 2026
fashion and Cause
Relatable Annie as she matures and deals with life. I could relate the worried mom and career gal, balancing it all while looking fabulous.
Relatable Annie as she matures and deals with life. I could relate the worried mom and career gal, balancing it all while looking fabulous.
February 21, 2026
love this!
A huge fan of this series and this was a great one. Now I’m wondering how Annie will do in her new adventure…
A huge fan of this series and this was a great one. Now I’m wondering how Annie will do in her new adventure…
March 9, 2026
Light and funny. Beach read
March 29, 2026
you have to love how ditzy Annie is, her life is just a catalogue of mishaps which makes it such a fun read! a light hearted fun read
December 11, 2025
How to Be Fabulous by Carmen Reid.
Boldwood Books, thank you for the gifted ARC, and thanks to NetGalley for the chance to dive into Annie Valentine’s world before everyone else does.
I opened this book expecting a breezy fashion comedy and instead found myself pulled into a warm, witty escape where couture and chaos go hand in hand. Annie Valentine is once again trying to keep everything stitched together, and naturally everything unravels the moment she touches it. She agrees to help her best friend Svetlana with a charity fashion show, and on page two I was already thinking, “Annie, honey, this is going to go badly,” the way you warn a toddler before they climb something they absolutely shouldn’t. No venue. No clothes. No plan. No problem—at least until it all becomes a problem.
What I love about Annie is that she’s competent and a disaster at the same time. She can style a stranger into their best self but can’t manage her own family without tripping over her good intentions. Her daughter Lauren shows up with a broken heart, her son Owen heads off to university with a wallet full of optimism and nothing else, and Annie herself feels like she’s hanging by a thread that probably frayed three chapters ago. Reid lets the family moments hit with just enough emotional weight that you feel them, but she always throws in the right joke to keep the reading warm instead of heavy.
The fashion show fiasco is one of those plots where everything goes so wrong it loops back around to entertaining. There’s a real joy in watching Annie try to salvage an event that seems determined to collapse. When the mystery donation appears, it adds the sort of twist that feels like the universe briefly remembered to be kind. Of course, Reid doesn’t let Annie relax, because Owen promptly disappears and pulls the rug right back out from under her. I actually found myself muttering, “Please give this woman a nap.”
Reid’s writing feels lived-in and confident. The humor is sharp without being mean, and the pacing moves with the steady beat of a fashion show playlist: upbeat, dramatic in spurts, and never boring. Her characters feel familiar in the best way. You’ve met some version of these people at school gates, awkward brunches, or that chaotic charity event you agreed to help with before thinking it through.
One line from Annie stuck with me: “Sometimes fabulous is just surviving the day without losing your shoes.” Honestly, it could be the book’s thesis. Fabulousness isn’t perfection; it’s muddling through with humor, resilience, and maybe a lipstick that makes you feel like you tried.
How to Be Fabulous is the sort of book I’d recommend to anyone who wants something warm, funny, and human. It’s ideal for a rainy afternoon, a too-long commute, or that hour of the night when you should be asleep but decide you deserve a little joy instead. It’s escapist without being empty, stylish without being shallow, and heartfelt without getting syrupy.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Boldwood Books, thank you for the gifted ARC, and thanks to NetGalley for the chance to dive into Annie Valentine’s world before everyone else does.
I opened this book expecting a breezy fashion comedy and instead found myself pulled into a warm, witty escape where couture and chaos go hand in hand. Annie Valentine is once again trying to keep everything stitched together, and naturally everything unravels the moment she touches it. She agrees to help her best friend Svetlana with a charity fashion show, and on page two I was already thinking, “Annie, honey, this is going to go badly,” the way you warn a toddler before they climb something they absolutely shouldn’t. No venue. No clothes. No plan. No problem—at least until it all becomes a problem.
What I love about Annie is that she’s competent and a disaster at the same time. She can style a stranger into their best self but can’t manage her own family without tripping over her good intentions. Her daughter Lauren shows up with a broken heart, her son Owen heads off to university with a wallet full of optimism and nothing else, and Annie herself feels like she’s hanging by a thread that probably frayed three chapters ago. Reid lets the family moments hit with just enough emotional weight that you feel them, but she always throws in the right joke to keep the reading warm instead of heavy.
The fashion show fiasco is one of those plots where everything goes so wrong it loops back around to entertaining. There’s a real joy in watching Annie try to salvage an event that seems determined to collapse. When the mystery donation appears, it adds the sort of twist that feels like the universe briefly remembered to be kind. Of course, Reid doesn’t let Annie relax, because Owen promptly disappears and pulls the rug right back out from under her. I actually found myself muttering, “Please give this woman a nap.”
Reid’s writing feels lived-in and confident. The humor is sharp without being mean, and the pacing moves with the steady beat of a fashion show playlist: upbeat, dramatic in spurts, and never boring. Her characters feel familiar in the best way. You’ve met some version of these people at school gates, awkward brunches, or that chaotic charity event you agreed to help with before thinking it through.
One line from Annie stuck with me: “Sometimes fabulous is just surviving the day without losing your shoes.” Honestly, it could be the book’s thesis. Fabulousness isn’t perfection; it’s muddling through with humor, resilience, and maybe a lipstick that makes you feel like you tried.
How to Be Fabulous is the sort of book I’d recommend to anyone who wants something warm, funny, and human. It’s ideal for a rainy afternoon, a too-long commute, or that hour of the night when you should be asleep but decide you deserve a little joy instead. It’s escapist without being empty, stylish without being shallow, and heartfelt without getting syrupy.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
February 1, 2026
Annie Valentine the main character of How to Be Fabulous by Carmen Reid is a wearer of many glamorous hats: fashionista, busy mom, role model. Fabulous from all angles.
But being so successful may attract envy, and once she is faced with misfortune, it seems there is no end to it: her children are going through hard times, and the fashion show she wants to help her friend to prepare for a charity event is about to glamorously fail. And it may be just the beginning.
Annie is bubbling, maybe unrealistic and with her head up in the clouds of success. Some of her people are too. But, it is so much fun knowing them, laughing with them. The character is very well developed, it almost feels like a real one - I can in any case relate her to some of my best girlfriends, by the way. It was interesting to observe how the characters - like Lauren, Annie´s daughter, for instance - were able to change and adapt based on circumstances.
Expect glamorous fashion descriptions as well as some inspired references known only to fashion lovers - hello, Schiaparelli lobster dress.
This is the book 8 from the Annie Valentine series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. However, I would be tempted to get more of it.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
But being so successful may attract envy, and once she is faced with misfortune, it seems there is no end to it: her children are going through hard times, and the fashion show she wants to help her friend to prepare for a charity event is about to glamorously fail. And it may be just the beginning.
Annie is bubbling, maybe unrealistic and with her head up in the clouds of success. Some of her people are too. But, it is so much fun knowing them, laughing with them. The character is very well developed, it almost feels like a real one - I can in any case relate her to some of my best girlfriends, by the way. It was interesting to observe how the characters - like Lauren, Annie´s daughter, for instance - were able to change and adapt based on circumstances.
Expect glamorous fashion descriptions as well as some inspired references known only to fashion lovers - hello, Schiaparelli lobster dress.
This is the book 8 from the Annie Valentine series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. However, I would be tempted to get more of it.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
February 27, 2026
This was my first time reading Carmen Reid and I genuinely wasn’t sure what to expect, but the cover completely drew me in. It had that fun, fabulous vibe that made me want to request it on NetGalley straight away, and I’m so glad I did.
How to Be Fabulous is light-hearted, funny and such an easy, enjoyable read. It has that relaxed summer beach feel where you don’t need to be deeply invested to have a great time. I found myself smiling a lot, and there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud.
It reminded me a little of the Sophie Kinsella books I loved when I was younger — that same chaotic energy, with warmth and heart underneath it all. Annie Valentine is a really fun main character. Her fashion know-how mixed with everyday family drama and the occasional full-blown fiasco makes for entertaining reading, and while her life is constantly teetering, there’s something very relatable about the way she just keeps going.
This is part of a series, and I haven’t read the earlier books, but I had no trouble following along. It works perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be picking up more in the series because Annie is a character I’d happily spend more time with.
A fun, feel-good read with plenty of humour and heart — exactly what I was hoping for.
How to Be Fabulous is light-hearted, funny and such an easy, enjoyable read. It has that relaxed summer beach feel where you don’t need to be deeply invested to have a great time. I found myself smiling a lot, and there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud.
It reminded me a little of the Sophie Kinsella books I loved when I was younger — that same chaotic energy, with warmth and heart underneath it all. Annie Valentine is a really fun main character. Her fashion know-how mixed with everyday family drama and the occasional full-blown fiasco makes for entertaining reading, and while her life is constantly teetering, there’s something very relatable about the way she just keeps going.
This is part of a series, and I haven’t read the earlier books, but I had no trouble following along. It works perfectly well as a standalone. That said, I’ll definitely be picking up more in the series because Annie is a character I’d happily spend more time with.
A fun, feel-good read with plenty of humour and heart — exactly what I was hoping for.
January 25, 2026
How to Be Fabulous is my second book by Carmen Reid. The cover of this book grabbed me straight away. The blurb cemented the fact that I wanted to read it as soon as possible!
Annie Valentine is a woman who reminds me of myself! I always have great plans, but there is always some drama to trip us up! I love her! I was hooked from page one! It is such a laugh-out-loud book for me, just what I needed at the moment.
It made me feel less alone in the ups and downs of life. Sounds odd, I know, but Carmen Reid managed to show that it doesn't just happen in my house and family. I took Annie to my heart and was so invested in her. I enjoyed this so much that I am going to read the other books in the series.
I cared for everyone by the time I had read a few chapters, and that is a skill! Creating characters this well, along with their normal lives where not everything goes right, makes me feel like that could be me!
I loved everything about this story, and I couldn't put it down at all! As the chapters sped past, I was so determined to know everything before I stopped reading. I was gutted to leave everyone, but I know I will be returning to Annie very soon!
Annie Valentine is a woman who reminds me of myself! I always have great plans, but there is always some drama to trip us up! I love her! I was hooked from page one! It is such a laugh-out-loud book for me, just what I needed at the moment.
It made me feel less alone in the ups and downs of life. Sounds odd, I know, but Carmen Reid managed to show that it doesn't just happen in my house and family. I took Annie to my heart and was so invested in her. I enjoyed this so much that I am going to read the other books in the series.
I cared for everyone by the time I had read a few chapters, and that is a skill! Creating characters this well, along with their normal lives where not everything goes right, makes me feel like that could be me!
I loved everything about this story, and I couldn't put it down at all! As the chapters sped past, I was so determined to know everything before I stopped reading. I was gutted to leave everyone, but I know I will be returning to Annie very soon!
May 8, 2026
This is a warm, witty blend of fashion, family chaos, and heartfelt humor that pleasantly surprised me. What begins as a seemingly breezy fashion comedy quickly reveals more emotional depth, with Annie Valentine juggling a charity fashion show, family upheaval, and her own fraying nerves.
Annie is wonderfully drawn—capable and caring, yet perpetually overwhelmed. She can transform anyone with the right outfit, but her personal life is held together with loose threads. Reid excels at showing the messiness of midlife, balancing real emotional stakes with perfectly timed humor. Annie’s children bring their own challenges, adding tenderness and relatability without tipping the story into heaviness.
The fashion show plot is gloriously chaotic, spiraling into disaster in the most entertaining way, while small twists—like a mystery donation—offer moments of hope. Reid’s writing is confident and lived-in, with sharp but kind humor and a brisk, engaging pace.
Ultimately, this is a joyful, comforting read that celebrates resilience over perfection. Fabulous, it turns out, is simply getting through the day with grace—and maybe good lipstick.
Annie is wonderfully drawn—capable and caring, yet perpetually overwhelmed. She can transform anyone with the right outfit, but her personal life is held together with loose threads. Reid excels at showing the messiness of midlife, balancing real emotional stakes with perfectly timed humor. Annie’s children bring their own challenges, adding tenderness and relatability without tipping the story into heaviness.
The fashion show plot is gloriously chaotic, spiraling into disaster in the most entertaining way, while small twists—like a mystery donation—offer moments of hope. Reid’s writing is confident and lived-in, with sharp but kind humor and a brisk, engaging pace.
Ultimately, this is a joyful, comforting read that celebrates resilience over perfection. Fabulous, it turns out, is simply getting through the day with grace—and maybe good lipstick.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had not read any of Carmen Reid's previous works so I wasn't sure what to expect.
I found that it took me some to get in to the story. In the beginning the FMC was hard to connect to and I found I was annoyed with her. Thankfully the second half of the book it finally all clicked.
I could see how many people would find this story enjoyable. I wonder if I had read some of the previous books if it would have been easier to connect with the characters. There was some character information to give new readers and idea of who the main characters were and the roles in the stories.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found that it took me some to get in to the story. In the beginning the FMC was hard to connect to and I found I was annoyed with her. Thankfully the second half of the book it finally all clicked.
I could see how many people would find this story enjoyable. I wonder if I had read some of the previous books if it would have been easier to connect with the characters. There was some character information to give new readers and idea of who the main characters were and the roles in the stories.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Meeting up again with old friend Annie valentine and her family.
The chaos and fun ensues. This book will make you smile and want to curl up and immerse yourself in all things fashion.
The twins are now four and starting nursery as Owen is leaving home to start university in Scotland.
Changes in the older sibling lives have a massive impact as Annie worries not only about her children but will her TV contract be renewed and what her next step in her career will be.
Organising a massive charity fashion show and sale whilst trying to source some show shopping pieces.
Enjoy I did
Come back to your Review on
The chaos and fun ensues. This book will make you smile and want to curl up and immerse yourself in all things fashion.
The twins are now four and starting nursery as Owen is leaving home to start university in Scotland.
Changes in the older sibling lives have a massive impact as Annie worries not only about her children but will her TV contract be renewed and what her next step in her career will be.
Organising a massive charity fashion show and sale whilst trying to source some show shopping pieces.
Enjoy I did
Come back to your Review on
January 8, 2026
Annie Valentine is back, a fabulous read as always. I’ve read every nook in this series and they don’t disappoint. Annie has to organise a fashion show, but her friend Svetlana has forgotten to get the right planning for the venue, will it be over before it’s began. This story is filled to the brim with family life, work life and sorting around the problems that come from both. The start of each chapter shares what that character is wearing, it really is the best. 5 huge stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
December 22, 2025
Another fun-filled story about the chaotic Annie Valentine as she navigates haphazardly through her busy life. With her eldest children now becoming young adults and heading off into the big, wide world, and the twins starting nursery, Annie finds herself organising an important charity clothes sale. As we have come to expect from Annie, there is humour, chaos, love and friendship in abundance in this enjoyable new story.
January 12, 2026
This was my first time reading a Carmen Reid book.
I was expecting it to be more “Absolutely Fabulous”, but instead I was pleasantly surprised by deeper topics and characters.
I absolutely loved Annie and I’ll definitely read the remainder of the Personal Shopper series.
If you love fashion and designer brands, I am pretty sure you’ll like this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC.
I was expecting it to be more “Absolutely Fabulous”, but instead I was pleasantly surprised by deeper topics and characters.
I absolutely loved Annie and I’ll definitely read the remainder of the Personal Shopper series.
If you love fashion and designer brands, I am pretty sure you’ll like this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for this ARC.
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