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Shopaholic #8
Shopaholic to the Rescue
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher and Love Your Life returns with another laugh-out-loud Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) a hilarious road trip through the American West to Las Vegas.
“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover
Becky is on a major rescue mission through the American West to Las Vegas! Her father has vanished from Los Angeles on a mysterious quest with the husband of Becky’s best friend, Suze. Becky’s mum is hysterical; Suze is flat-out desperate. Worse, Becky must tolerate an enemy along for the ride, who she’s convinced is up to no good.
Determined to get to the bottom of why her dad has disappeared, help Suze, contain the dreaded Alicia, and reunite her fractured family, Becky knows that she must marshal all her trademark ingenuity. The her most outrageous and daring plan yet!
But just when her family needs her more than ever, can Becky pull it off?
Praise for Shopaholic to the Rescue
“Full of gags, sparkling dialogue and beautifully drawn characters . . . It’s a real treat to be reunited with the eminently loveable, incredibly ditzy and fiercely loyal Shopaholic protagonist Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood).” — Daily Mail
“Will Bex and best friend Suze ever make up? Will Becky’s old nemesis, banker Derek Smeath, finish his memoir? Why can’t our beloved Shopaholic seem to spend any money, even on a $2.50 pencil? . . . This is escapism that will make you giggle out loud.” —USA Today
“Readers can’t help but be delighted. Kinsella never once loses Becky’s voice and heart, which is one of the joys of the Shopaholic series.” —Publishers Weekly
“Full of Becky’s outrageous ideas, including a heist à la Ocean’s Eleven, this novel does not disappoint. . . . Kinsella adds a mystery and twists and turns at every corner in this latest work while maintaining Becky’s signature voice.” —Library Journal
“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover
Becky is on a major rescue mission through the American West to Las Vegas! Her father has vanished from Los Angeles on a mysterious quest with the husband of Becky’s best friend, Suze. Becky’s mum is hysterical; Suze is flat-out desperate. Worse, Becky must tolerate an enemy along for the ride, who she’s convinced is up to no good.
Determined to get to the bottom of why her dad has disappeared, help Suze, contain the dreaded Alicia, and reunite her fractured family, Becky knows that she must marshal all her trademark ingenuity. The her most outrageous and daring plan yet!
But just when her family needs her more than ever, can Becky pull it off?
Praise for Shopaholic to the Rescue
“Full of gags, sparkling dialogue and beautifully drawn characters . . . It’s a real treat to be reunited with the eminently loveable, incredibly ditzy and fiercely loyal Shopaholic protagonist Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood).” — Daily Mail
“Will Bex and best friend Suze ever make up? Will Becky’s old nemesis, banker Derek Smeath, finish his memoir? Why can’t our beloved Shopaholic seem to spend any money, even on a $2.50 pencil? . . . This is escapism that will make you giggle out loud.” —USA Today
“Readers can’t help but be delighted. Kinsella never once loses Becky’s voice and heart, which is one of the joys of the Shopaholic series.” —Publishers Weekly
“Full of Becky’s outrageous ideas, including a heist à la Ocean’s Eleven, this novel does not disappoint. . . . Kinsella adds a mystery and twists and turns at every corner in this latest work while maintaining Becky’s signature voice.” —Library Journal
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
951 people are currently reading
16252 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Kinsella
144 books44.4k followersSophie Kinsella had sold over 40 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she had been translated into over 40 languages.
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,905 reviews
Want to read
August 30, 2015
Sophie Kinsella. Finish the fucking series already, stop dragging it out! Just hurry up and solve Luke's problem with his mother. The last book was so unneeded! This series started off like shitty but enjoyable mindless fluff, but now it's JUST shitty and mindless. But by god I'm no quitter! I will finish this series!
morbidly-curious
August 30, 2015I had a nightmare where I discovered yet another fucking Shopaholic book underway. ...Oh, wait.
Psst, Ms. Kinsella?
Psst, Ms. Kinsella?
December 2, 2015
So, not going to lie, I adored the first couple of shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella, then they got a bit meh. The last one was ridiculous and not really necessary, but I'm morbidly curious as to what will happen after the cliffhanger ending and need closure from the series...so....yep.....maybe this will be the last one?!?
*post-read*
4 stars
OK, while not my favorite of the shopaholic series, I did enjoy it...It was definitely better than the last one. It was a quick, fluffy read and I'm happy knowing how it all ends ( this is the end, right?!? ) I'm ready to say goodbye to Becky now and hopefully Sophie Kinsella will opt to write more standalones in the future, as I really do adore the ones I've read.
*post-read*
4 stars
OK, while not my favorite of the shopaholic series, I did enjoy it...It was definitely better than the last one. It was a quick, fluffy read and I'm happy knowing how it all ends ( this is the end, right?!? ) I'm ready to say goodbye to Becky now and hopefully Sophie Kinsella will opt to write more standalones in the future, as I really do adore the ones I've read.
October 30, 2022
2,5 stars
This one started really good, and I thought:
Finally!
I can give three stars or more for this one!!!
Nop... Not that lucky...
Becky started more mature, but that all went to smoke and she returns to the same stuff.
The thing I think is worse in this series, is that Kinsella defends her shopping addiction and transform in something good...
September 21, 2018
I made it to the end! Woohoo!!!!!
Shopaholic to the Rescue is the eighth and final (I hope) installment in Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. It's been a long, funny, and annoying journey and I have to admit I'm glad it's over. Not a bad series at all but one can only handle so much Becky Bloomwood. Kinsella ended with a story that felt much different than all the predecessors but one where Becky finally found some surprising but welcomed peace with her excessive shopping. Lots of family issues in this one to allow the spotlight to be shared which I personally liked. Overall, a fair but likable finale.
Peace out, Becky.
My favorite quote:
“The other person always has a point, Listen to each other, and you'll hear it.”
Shopaholic to the Rescue is the eighth and final (I hope) installment in Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. It's been a long, funny, and annoying journey and I have to admit I'm glad it's over. Not a bad series at all but one can only handle so much Becky Bloomwood. Kinsella ended with a story that felt much different than all the predecessors but one where Becky finally found some surprising but welcomed peace with her excessive shopping. Lots of family issues in this one to allow the spotlight to be shared which I personally liked. Overall, a fair but likable finale.
Peace out, Becky.
My favorite quote:
“The other person always has a point, Listen to each other, and you'll hear it.”
February 11, 2019
My rating is for the entire series, which I found super enjoyable, fun, and a nice getaway from reality. Becky hasn't always made the best choices, but I believe in this book we see some real maturity, as much maturity as I would want to see from this very engaging character. This book was hilarious a road trip with Becky, her parents, her hubby, her BFF, and her number one enemy Alicia bitch long legs. All I have to say about this book is RV, sheep, pencils, cowboy boots, and Becky 10. Oh yes, and I can't forget trees. Enjoy!
November 11, 2015
This book made me:
1. Smile. Not Laugh. Smile.
2. Roll my eyes - a lot!!
3. Not like characters I liked before.
4. Rooting against Becky and her crew.
5. Question what other people questioned before me, and back then I questioned their quetioning. The big question was: Why did Sophie Kinsella wrote another book in the Shopaholic series?
6. Think about how unnecessary this book in the series was.
By the tone at the end of this book I could guess that this was the last book in the Shopaholic series.
I am not sure if that is true, but I think I am finally ready to say goodbye to Becky.
I loved every single one of books in the series before this one.
If I could unread this book I would.
It was not a bad book, but it was not as excellent as the rest of the series, and it makes me sad that the last book in the series did not leave me in a happy place as it's predecessors used to.
1. Smile. Not Laugh. Smile.
2. Roll my eyes - a lot!!
3. Not like characters I liked before.
4. Rooting against Becky and her crew.
5. Question what other people questioned before me, and back then I questioned their quetioning. The big question was: Why did Sophie Kinsella wrote another book in the Shopaholic series?
6. Think about how unnecessary this book in the series was.
By the tone at the end of this book I could guess that this was the last book in the Shopaholic series.
I am not sure if that is true, but I think I am finally ready to say goodbye to Becky.
I loved every single one of books in the series before this one.
If I could unread this book I would.
It was not a bad book, but it was not as excellent as the rest of the series, and it makes me sad that the last book in the series did not leave me in a happy place as it's predecessors used to.
May 14, 2020
Well, I found two more Shopaholic books at school and went on another Becky Bloomwood adventure. This is the follow up to Shopaholic to the Stars which I hadn't read but I didn't feel lost at at all. Becky's father and Suze's husband have both gone missing with a possible brainwashing cult leader or at least that's the theory everyone's accepting. So Luke rents an RV and it becomes one massive hilarious roadtrip as Becky, Suze, Becky's mother, Janice, little Minnie and the detestable Alicia head from California into Nevada.
This had a very different feel than any of its predecessors. Becky is so guilty over all the events with her father that she can't shop and Luke has apparently had a major lobotomy and is actually present for most of the storyline. I hated that Suze and Becky were fighting again. But what a storyline Sophie Kinsella gave Suzie and Tarquie! I was actually more invested in that vein of storytelling than all the secrets we learn about Dad Bloomwood and all those Rebeccas. Overall, I enjoyed this one but it's probably my least favorite in the series.
Goodreads review published 14/05/20
This had a very different feel than any of its predecessors. Becky is so guilty over all the events with her father that she can't shop and Luke has apparently had a major lobotomy and is actually present for most of the storyline. I hated that Suze and Becky were fighting again. But what a storyline Sophie Kinsella gave Suzie and Tarquie! I was actually more invested in that vein of storytelling than all the secrets we learn about Dad Bloomwood and all those Rebeccas. Overall, I enjoyed this one but it's probably my least favorite in the series.
Goodreads review published 14/05/20
October 19, 2015
It was crystal clear that Becky's going to be back, sooner or later, after the cliff - hanger ending of "Shopaholic to the Stars", and personally I couldn't wait for her return. Everything has been told about Becky already, you can love her or hate her, but there wouldn't be chick - lit without her. And this is why I don't understand this hate - campaign, so many people writing - even without reading the book - that Sophie Kinsella should stop writing the series, and I'm asking, why? Because there is a handful of malcontents? If you hate Becky and Shopaholic series, don't read them, simple as that! Becky's stories may be considered mindless, but for me it's enjoyable "mindless", and I have spent many brilliant hours in the company of Becky, her friends and their antics, and every new book is a special treat for me.
So don't panic and read the book. No matter what other say, I feel there is still potential in Becky and I personally would love to read more about her and the ever - patient Luke.
The book picks up right where the last one ended, and continues with the journey from LA to Las Vegas, with thousands of smaller and bigger adventures for the whole group. And it's not a plain sailing, oh no, it's - of course - a very rocky way to find Graham and Tarkie and reveal their secrets. There are going to be some betrayals on the way, some brief affairs and many, many unexpected events - especially the one with Elinor, Janice and Becky's mum - this was an EPIC scene! EPIC! But what is also great, even if the things complicate and seem to be going all wrong, you know that there is no way they are going to end like this - there is always going to be a happy end.
What's so comfortable for me is the fact that I can expect what Becky's going to do - I mean, not literally, because she has this talent and ability to put herself into different awkward and unexpected situations - but that's the feeling that Becky is going to stay her true, old self, that she's not going to change, and this must be the key to Becky being so successful. I know, we can say she's an adult, she's a woman, she's a wife and a mother and she should change and grow up, but it wouldn't be the same Becky then, right? So really, for me, no matter what Becky does, she's going to stay me hero for ever. Full stop. She's probably never going to grow up, but I can take it on my chin, and I'd be probably disappointed when one day I saw Becky as reasonable Rebecca.
There were many laugh - out - loud moments in the book, and the first that comes to my mind is almost at the beginning of the book, the interaction with the police - Janice was hilarious! Yes, I do realize that the situations were mostly too far - fetched and overdrawn, but oh my word, I didn't expect anything different from Shopaholic book. But this time our Becky has also had some truly sad, tender and disheartening moments and I've never thought that I'm going to experience them with Becky, the queen of optimism having a glass always half full.
Becky, even though she's a little calmer this time, and there is also a period that I couldn't believe my eyes that THIS is Becky (ha! Curious? I know :) - and believe me, it was a really nice change to see her like this, but later it made me feel really nervous and I was slowly starting to panic), she's still her old self - first saying and doing and only then thinking, digging deep holes for herself and putting herself into many troubles, but this is her charm, and you can say whatever you want, but she has one of the nicest personalities in women's literature. Yes, I sometimes feel desperate with Becky, but the way she perceives the world, her family and friends is just priceless and so genuine and innocent. I also adored to see all the characters that I feel so acquainted with in this book (was this a kind of closure? To see all of them for the last time? I hope not!) - Suze and Tarkie, Alicia (not that I was missing HER), Janice, Becky's mum and dad, Danny and Elinor, and of course Minnie and Luke. To be honest, I couldn't watch how bad Becky felt in this situation with Suze, and I couldn't believe that Suze could be like this, and add to this Alicia Bitch Long - Legs and my heart went to Becky. I really couldn't believe that it's a real Suze, I have never seen her like this, and as much as I wanted more from her in the last book, I was not sure if I wanted her like THIS. Because I also love Suze and her antics with Tarkie.
This book was full of a crazy chasing after Graham and his secret, full of mysterious Rebeccas and gambling in Vegas. It's colourful and there was not a single second flat, there was something happening all the time, and we even had Minnie riding on a sheep. As usual, the descriptions of the settings and places are brilliantly vivid and I could easily picture all the things in my mind. The way LA, then the road trip and all the places the gang stopped by, and finally Las Vegas are pictured is plausible, and it made for a perfect setting.
"Shopaholic to the Rescue" is a light, compulsive, funny read that I didn't want to put down. There are a lot of snorting moments that usually took me totally by surprise, and I was bursting out with laughing in very unexpected moments, which made my husband looking suspiciously at me - and this is the whole idea of a Shopaholic book, methinks, that they're genuinely funny, and can't be taken too seriously. Reading this book was like being back with best old friends, and it's a truly great feeling. Yes, the plot is crazy and far - fetched, and we kind of know where it's heading, but well, that's half the fun, right? Knowing that we can expect a happy end is one of the elements that makes me love Shopaholic series so much. It was a great read and I really recommend it to all fans of shopaholic series.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
October 30, 2015
Okay, WHAT? First things first, I looove Shopaholic. It's my go-to comfort. Sick in bed? Day at the beach? Long airplane ride? Nothing else around the house to read? Shopaholic every time. I've read each book countless times. But this one was so different. I read Shopaholic because it's lighthearted fun but with incredibly endearing and likable characters that I've come to know and love. I loove Becky and Luke. I love Suze and Tarquin!
I guess I just can't imagine ever picking up and rereading this book for comfort the same way I do the others. There's something less magical about it.
I guess I just can't imagine ever picking up and rereading this book for comfort the same way I do the others. There's something less magical about it.
May 17, 2016
I wish I could give this 3.5 stars.
Becky Bloomwood and a hilarious cast of beloved family and friends (plus one enemy!) set off in a van to find her missing father, last heard from in Las Vegas.
This was miles better than part 7, funnier, and cuter but still not the level that Sophie Kinsella used to write this series. I think it's time that maybe Becky Bloomwood should be done.
Becky Bloomwood and a hilarious cast of beloved family and friends (plus one enemy!) set off in a van to find her missing father, last heard from in Las Vegas.
This was miles better than part 7, funnier, and cuter but still not the level that Sophie Kinsella used to write this series. I think it's time that maybe Becky Bloomwood should be done.
Want to read
April 5, 2016Yay another one!
November 14, 2015
I CAN'T WAIT. ♡♡ I love the Shopaholic series and I loved the latest book. If you ask me, Sophie Kinsella could write about Becky until retirement.
UPDATE:
I LOVED IT! Such a fun, exciting, lovely read :)
I kept a very close eye on whether it was "the same Becky", because some reviews said it wasn't. Well, to me, it was her! **SPOILER** But in this book, she first experiences the feeling of not wanting to shop, because of her suppressed guilt towards her friends and family. Which doesn't mean she's not the same Becky anymore - quite the contrary, she has grown as a person in general and now she learns about her boundaries. I really wish we would've known if Luke was in on having another baby though. But that's calling for another book, so... ;)
UPDATE:
I LOVED IT! Such a fun, exciting, lovely read :)
I kept a very close eye on whether it was "the same Becky", because some reviews said it wasn't. Well, to me, it was her! **SPOILER** But in this book, she first experiences the feeling of not wanting to shop, because of her suppressed guilt towards her friends and family. Which doesn't mean she's not the same Becky anymore - quite the contrary, she has grown as a person in general and now she learns about her boundaries. I really wish we would've known if Luke was in on having another baby though. But that's calling for another book, so... ;)
May 12, 2025
Strange enough. A book which pretends to be hilarious does not even make you smile. Not even once. A bunch of wandering people make the fool of themselves, Becky the parsimonious is more unfriendly than her over-spending variant, the plot is very, very thin.
So, the line of Mrs.' Kinsella writings, at least when we are talking about this series is quite a clear one: nice, decent, poor, poorer...
So, the line of Mrs.' Kinsella writings, at least when we are talking about this series is quite a clear one: nice, decent, poor, poorer...
July 3, 2016
Sollte es jetzt wirklich keinen 9. Teil mehr geben, und so etwas hat Sophie Kinsella auf ihrer Lesung vor 2 Wochen ja angedeutet, dann war es ein wirklich schönes Ende der Reihe! :) Obwohl ich ja auf den letzten Teil so geschimpft habe, jetzt werde ich doch ein bisschen wehmütig.
June 18, 2016
Ik heb er van genoten omdat ik in het verleden ook zo heb genoten van de andere Shopaholic boeken. Maar ik merk dat ik Becky en haar avonturen toch wel wat te bizar en een tikje dom en ergerlijk ga vinden. Het zou goed zijn als dit de laatste was.
November 19, 2017
Shopaholic to the Rescue is about Becky and her best friend, Suze, dropping everything to search for Becky's dad and Suze's husband Tarquin. They don't go alone due to the whole entire family and friends want to help these two girls as well. Becky is totally out of her element while on this adventure because she's in a motor home, eating at diners in the middle of the desert, and Suze is keeping her distance from Becky during the whole thing. Of course Becky puts on her detective shoes and tries to solve all of the mysteries that have popped up during their wacky ass trip to Las Vegas.
Overall, I really liked the book. It was a pretty quick read and I have a feeling I would probably reread this series again in a year or two. Just so I can get more Minnie - obviously.
Overall, I really liked the book. It was a pretty quick read and I have a feeling I would probably reread this series again in a year or two. Just so I can get more Minnie - obviously.
November 19, 2015
I'm really disappointed and I can't say how happy I am to be done with this book. it was so boring and ridiculously long. they say that this is the last book in the series maybe this for the best consider the last two were such a huge disappointment for me.
February 13, 2019
Throughout the whole series I have enjoyed the letters and I'm pleased Derek Smeath returns as the topic.
The road trip bound to be a disaster when even Luke is panacing. Luke is so the long suffering husband in this one he's much more likeable than at the start for me. Can't say the same about Suze this book ruined her for me even worse than when she'd made the new best friend. Alicia again is such a cow
Becky in this story finds out her dad didn't want to call her Rebecca all will be revealed however I didn't take to the dad story much I skim read it tbh.
Like I've said before Luke has grown on me he's lovely to Becky when she's on about Suze used to be her 3am friend. "This is not ALL your fault." Suze should take some responsibility too. I love how he calls Alicia a witch.
My favourite part was the fair and after that I started to loose interest a little. When Minnie road the sheep and Becky was the responsible adult. I wish Jess had been in this one I liked her it's like it didn't really end as other stories to me have ended better. I'd have liked the second baby to be mentioned more often.
However I enjoyed the series and in the end liked Luke and Becky together and of course Minnie.
The road trip bound to be a disaster when even Luke is panacing. Luke is so the long suffering husband in this one he's much more likeable than at the start for me. Can't say the same about Suze this book ruined her for me even worse than when she'd made the new best friend. Alicia again is such a cow
Becky in this story finds out her dad didn't want to call her Rebecca all will be revealed however I didn't take to the dad story much I skim read it tbh.
Like I've said before Luke has grown on me he's lovely to Becky when she's on about Suze used to be her 3am friend. "This is not ALL your fault." Suze should take some responsibility too. I love how he calls Alicia a witch.
My favourite part was the fair and after that I started to loose interest a little. When Minnie road the sheep and Becky was the responsible adult. I wish Jess had been in this one I liked her it's like it didn't really end as other stories to me have ended better. I'd have liked the second baby to be mentioned more often.
However I enjoyed the series and in the end liked Luke and Becky together and of course Minnie.
December 6, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Unlike most of the books in this series, you definitely need to have read the previous book to get a full appreciation of what this one is about. Kinsella continues the American adventure as Becky and her friends are on a quest to “save” her Dad and Tarquin. It’s another new, different story to add to the series.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Unlike most of the books in this series, you definitely need to have read the previous book to get a full appreciation of what this one is about. Kinsella continues the American adventure as Becky and her friends are on a quest to “save” her Dad and Tarquin. It’s another new, different story to add to the series.
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
November 8, 2015
The last book had a major cliff-hanger, so I look forward to reading this one!
August 23, 2018
2.5*
"Implausible, farfetched, unbelievable" ... These are the words that I would use to describe the plot and characters in this book.
First of all - I think that the author has milked this cash cow to death! There is clearly nothing interesting left to add about Becky and the gang, so the author started writing entire books about random characters now ?!?! Why are we getting a whole book on a random Corey and Brent ?! Yeah, I just read a WHOLE book centered around Becky's dad's college buddies (from 40+ years ago!!) and how one scammed the other, and Becky (and her dad) are righting this wrong! Who cares?! This is certainly nothing I cared to read about. Especially because it took over half the book to get to the point!
Becky's dad and Tarkie mysteriously disappear (with only a "toodles, don't look for me, i'll be back!" to their wives, btw!!!!) and Beckie and the gang travel through the whole USA in hopes of finding them. No one knows where they've went or why! They won't answer their phones and when they do - they tell them to go back to England and wait for their return. Excuse me ?! If my husband did this, he'd be greeted by divorce papers upon his return - not a loving , crying wife, saying "I've missed you so much, where have you disappeared off to?!" Anyways - we have 70% of the book talking about this nonsense cross-country search and then finally we get to the reason - the Brent and Corey story. At this point, not only did the Brent and Corey not make any sense, but also - I didn't care!!
What makes the LEAST sense is that, for some reason, it was impossible for Becky's dad to say to Becky's mom: "listen, I have these old college buddies and one has screwed the other out of millions of dollars and I want to try and fix it! So off I go to America! Just FYI! " No ? He couldn't just say that ? No ??? He just decided that off he goes on a huge wild goose chase and he will leave his wife at home worried, not knowing wtf is happening... !!! Ridiculous!
The other thing I strongly disliked were Suze's marital problems !
The "heist" that Becky's 11 pull at the end of the book is nonsensical and implausible ... Totally laughable in it's ridiculousness... So - zero points for that...
And finally - we get almost ZERO Becky and Luke time!!! Sure , in a few instances we see Becky grow as a person (finally), but as for their relationship - nope ... They get no alone time, they have no problems of their own that they are solving in this book ... It is pretty much smooth/boring sailing .... This book isn't about them and I guess that's what I disliked the most about this book! It's not about the main characters - it is about EVERYONE and EVERYTHING BUT THEM! Janice, the neighbor, gets more page-time than Luke and Becky !
"Implausible, farfetched, unbelievable" ... These are the words that I would use to describe the plot and characters in this book.
First of all - I think that the author has milked this cash cow to death! There is clearly nothing interesting left to add about Becky and the gang, so the author started writing entire books about random characters now ?!?! Why are we getting a whole book on a random Corey and Brent ?! Yeah, I just read a WHOLE book centered around Becky's dad's college buddies (from 40+ years ago!!) and how one scammed the other, and Becky (and her dad) are righting this wrong! Who cares?! This is certainly nothing I cared to read about. Especially because it took over half the book to get to the point!
Becky's dad and Tarkie mysteriously disappear (with only a "toodles, don't look for me, i'll be back!" to their wives, btw!!!!) and Beckie and the gang travel through the whole USA in hopes of finding them. No one knows where they've went or why! They won't answer their phones and when they do - they tell them to go back to England and wait for their return. Excuse me ?! If my husband did this, he'd be greeted by divorce papers upon his return - not a loving , crying wife, saying "I've missed you so much, where have you disappeared off to?!" Anyways - we have 70% of the book talking about this nonsense cross-country search and then finally we get to the reason - the Brent and Corey story. At this point, not only did the Brent and Corey not make any sense, but also - I didn't care!!
What makes the LEAST sense is that, for some reason, it was impossible for Becky's dad to say to Becky's mom: "listen, I have these old college buddies and one has screwed the other out of millions of dollars and I want to try and fix it! So off I go to America! Just FYI! " No ? He couldn't just say that ? No ??? He just decided that off he goes on a huge wild goose chase and he will leave his wife at home worried, not knowing wtf is happening... !!! Ridiculous!
The other thing I strongly disliked were Suze's marital problems !
The "heist" that Becky's 11 pull at the end of the book is nonsensical and implausible ... Totally laughable in it's ridiculousness... So - zero points for that...
And finally - we get almost ZERO Becky and Luke time!!! Sure , in a few instances we see Becky grow as a person (finally), but as for their relationship - nope ... They get no alone time, they have no problems of their own that they are solving in this book ... It is pretty much smooth/boring sailing .... This book isn't about them and I guess that's what I disliked the most about this book! It's not about the main characters - it is about EVERYONE and EVERYTHING BUT THEM! Janice, the neighbor, gets more page-time than Luke and Becky !
August 18, 2018
I've read all of the Shopaholic books and this was not one of my favorites. I hadn't read one in quite awhile so it was fun to catch up with Becky and her friends and family. Maybe the series is just played out.
May 5, 2016
Sophie Kinsella has been one of my favourite authors ever since I first read The Undomestic Goddess donkeys years ago. I have read EVERYTHING she's written, and there's not many authors I can say that of, and I look forward to whatever she brings out - her young adult debut Finding Audrey was astounding. After finishing Shopaholic to the Stars I was dying for the next one, after it ended on such a cliff-hanger, but it's actually taken me until the paperback publication day to read it, because I'm forever worried this might be Sophie's bad book, something that's never happened, especially as I've gone off a couple of authors I've always enjoyed. But I'm so mad at myself for waiting for so long because Shopaholic to the Rescue was amazing.
I will forever love Rebecca Bloomwood. (Sorry, Brandon.) We've had eight books featuring the ever-loveable shopaholic, and I could easily read eight more. I love her. I love Luke. I love Minnie. I love her mum and dad, Jane and Graham. I love Suze and Tarquin. I love Danny. I even love Janice, the Bloomwood's neighbour! She was actually hilarious in Shopaholic to the Rescue. MORE JANICE, PLEASE. Reading a Sophie Kinsella book is like putting on your favourite jeans or favourite slippers, it's so warm and comforting, it's like being home, and it's been like that for me for so long. I could literally never tire of Sophie's books. She just has that knack that a lot of authors strive for, but very rarely manage.
Shopaholic to the Rescue was a hoot. I loved the road trip vibe, I loved seeing that Becky finally seems to have grown up. She's had so many adventures, so many crazy things happen, but this is by far the craziest and it just seemed way more serious, but it still had the laughs. I loved that for once Luke and Becky's marriage was not in trouble at all. I mean, it never REALLY is, and I would literally die if Kinsella broke them up because it would just never be believable, ever, but they have their moments, at least once a book, but this time around they seemed rock solid. It genuinely feels like you know them both, and you would never meet two people more perfect for each other and I still want to marry Luke Brandon. He's still the perfect guy, years later.
I'm gutted the book is over. Because I don't know when the next Sophie Kinsella is coming out. *Sobs* We were clearly spoiled having two books out last year, but hopefully if there isn't one this year, we'll get one next year. Another Becky adventure? Who knows, because Becky is ALWAYS the perfect magnet for adventures. Another YA? I sincerely hope so, because Sophie smashed it with Finding Audrey. A stand-alone? YES! It's been too long! Well, Wedding Night, but that seems like ages ago. Whatever, I will read it, and I loved Shopaholic to the Rescue, and I had nothing to worry about.
I will forever love Rebecca Bloomwood. (Sorry, Brandon.) We've had eight books featuring the ever-loveable shopaholic, and I could easily read eight more. I love her. I love Luke. I love Minnie. I love her mum and dad, Jane and Graham. I love Suze and Tarquin. I love Danny. I even love Janice, the Bloomwood's neighbour! She was actually hilarious in Shopaholic to the Rescue. MORE JANICE, PLEASE. Reading a Sophie Kinsella book is like putting on your favourite jeans or favourite slippers, it's so warm and comforting, it's like being home, and it's been like that for me for so long. I could literally never tire of Sophie's books. She just has that knack that a lot of authors strive for, but very rarely manage.
Shopaholic to the Rescue was a hoot. I loved the road trip vibe, I loved seeing that Becky finally seems to have grown up. She's had so many adventures, so many crazy things happen, but this is by far the craziest and it just seemed way more serious, but it still had the laughs. I loved that for once Luke and Becky's marriage was not in trouble at all. I mean, it never REALLY is, and I would literally die if Kinsella broke them up because it would just never be believable, ever, but they have their moments, at least once a book, but this time around they seemed rock solid. It genuinely feels like you know them both, and you would never meet two people more perfect for each other and I still want to marry Luke Brandon. He's still the perfect guy, years later.
I'm gutted the book is over. Because I don't know when the next Sophie Kinsella is coming out. *Sobs* We were clearly spoiled having two books out last year, but hopefully if there isn't one this year, we'll get one next year. Another Becky adventure? Who knows, because Becky is ALWAYS the perfect magnet for adventures. Another YA? I sincerely hope so, because Sophie smashed it with Finding Audrey. A stand-alone? YES! It's been too long! Well, Wedding Night, but that seems like ages ago. Whatever, I will read it, and I loved Shopaholic to the Rescue, and I had nothing to worry about.
October 11, 2019
HAD to pick this up because I didn’t realize there’s a new book coming out. This was a 3.5 rounded up. Love Becky and her shenanigans
November 7, 2015
I'll read anything she writes as Sophie Kinsella. And the Shopaholic has been one of my favorite series.
I was disappointed with the last book as I felt it was just a stepping stone to this one. I was afraid with all the "mystery" surrounding Becky's Dad's Secret and the whole built up (it was going on till almost 60% of this book and I guess 30% of the previous one) , I'd be left disappointed.
And in way I was. It would have been a normal plot but the amount of clue searching and importance everything was given, the final reveal felt flat.
Becky wasn't even the crazy spender, story maker and good natured woman that we have grown to love. I think this was more of a transformation to an adult Becky Sophie Kinsella wanted. But it didn't work out well because she just stopped wanting to shop at one moment. And the actual why and struggles weren't addressed until much later in the book.
But this book did bring along ALL the characters at one go. I thought that would make it a real fun fest. And in the start it did give me some giggles. The book had some typical Sophie Kinsella laugh moments through out, but not too many. I did wish there was more.
There were so many mature issues to be considered with Suze and Tarkie's marital issues. Becky's parents relationship. Seeing both Becky's Dad and Tarkie left without saying a word and then doing it for the whole book. The reasoning why they did it didn't even fit.
Also, this wasn't Becky's story as much as it was of her Dad and some random people. Becky and Luke were just there along with the other characters. While Becky's Dad story unfolded. (where Becky's Dad wasn't even in present)
Every book in the Shopaholic series was centered around Becky and how she messed up and then did it again and again and how she saved the day. This wasn't like it. This was about everyone and Becky just seemed to be narrating it.
I feel the series has to end because now it's not the funny fluffy read it used to be. The plots are done, there is not much story left to tell. The end of this book with all the characters and the whole philosophy of friends and family being important -I felt it was a goodbye of sorts. But who knows?
If another book comes out, I'll definitely read it. Who am I kidding? But I really hope we get the authenticity of the Shopaholic series back. :)
I was disappointed with the last book as I felt it was just a stepping stone to this one. I was afraid with all the "mystery" surrounding Becky's Dad's Secret and the whole built up (it was going on till almost 60% of this book and I guess 30% of the previous one) , I'd be left disappointed.
And in way I was. It would have been a normal plot but the amount of clue searching and importance everything was given, the final reveal felt flat.
Becky wasn't even the crazy spender, story maker and good natured woman that we have grown to love. I think this was more of a transformation to an adult Becky Sophie Kinsella wanted. But it didn't work out well because she just stopped wanting to shop at one moment. And the actual why and struggles weren't addressed until much later in the book.
But this book did bring along ALL the characters at one go. I thought that would make it a real fun fest. And in the start it did give me some giggles. The book had some typical Sophie Kinsella laugh moments through out, but not too many. I did wish there was more.
There were so many mature issues to be considered with Suze and Tarkie's marital issues. Becky's parents relationship. Seeing both Becky's Dad and Tarkie left without saying a word and then doing it for the whole book. The reasoning why they did it didn't even fit.
Also, this wasn't Becky's story as much as it was of her Dad and some random people. Becky and Luke were just there along with the other characters. While Becky's Dad story unfolded. (where Becky's Dad wasn't even in present)
Every book in the Shopaholic series was centered around Becky and how she messed up and then did it again and again and how she saved the day. This wasn't like it. This was about everyone and Becky just seemed to be narrating it.
I feel the series has to end because now it's not the funny fluffy read it used to be. The plots are done, there is not much story left to tell. The end of this book with all the characters and the whole philosophy of friends and family being important -I felt it was a goodbye of sorts. But who knows?
If another book comes out, I'll definitely read it. Who am I kidding? But I really hope we get the authenticity of the Shopaholic series back. :)
November 17, 2015
☺ I was a bit afraid to start reading - there are all those 'fans' out there saying, ugh, another stupid Shopaholic book - Sophie should just stop doing them, they're nothing like they were at the beginning... bla bla...
I loved it .... just like I loved every single one of them!!!
It was adorably funny - the whole lot of them in that RV on the way to Vegas - poor Luke driving - it was hilarious!!!
The only tiny thing I'm always missing a bit, is the Luke/Becky romance part... it's a bit like Sophie is a 13-year-old girl, afraid or embarrassed to talk about sexy or romantic things.
BUT - I still loved it and should there be another BeckyBook, I will read that too!!!!!
December 7, 2015
The last book I read in the series was Shopaholic to the Stars and I was so ready to be done with this series, it wasn't even funny. You can see my review
here.
I was so annoyed with Ms. Kinsella for writing a cliffhanger and what I felt was such a disaster of a book I seriously asked myself would I push on through to the last book? I have a thing about finishing things when I start them.
One of the reasons why I cut off a lot of series when they start to go bad is that if I don't, I feel beholden to keep reading even after the bloom is off the rose (looking at you Dean Koontz). So I was pleasantly surprised that this book was so good.
In fact, I think this is the first book in the series that I have really enjoyed since Shopaholic Ties the Knot (Shopaholic #3). The other books in the series after that one Shopaholic and Sister (Shopaholic #4), Shopaholic and Baby (Shopaholic #5), Mini Shopaholic (Shopaholic #6), and Shopaholic to the Stars (Shopaholic #7) were either average to really bad reads in my opinion.
Please don't read if you have not read the last book in the series, Shopaholic to the Stars, spoilers are in this review dealing with that book.
Becky, her daughter Minnie, husband Luke, along with her best friend Suz, her mom, and her moms, best friend, and one of Luke's former workers, Alicia, are out to track down Becky's run away father and Suz's husband Tarquin who left LA for Las Vegas. Becky got obsessed with a wellness center called Golden Peace in the last book and was unpleasantly surprised to find out that Alicia (former nemesis of Becky) is now a wife and mother to the owner of the center. Becky hates the fact that Alicia has seemingly turned over a new leaf and is now a close confidante to Suz. A former worker at Golden Peace, Bryce, has also joined the runaway crowd and Suz and Alicia are both afraid that he is going to prey on Tarquin while he is in a state of denial about his recent failure back at home.
At first I was so annoyed by this book. It didn't make a lot of sense why Becky's dad was off to do something mysterious and why he didn't want Becky or her mother involved. It also seemed weird that Tarquin and Suz who always seemed so together, seemed to be miles apart. Instead the story shaped slowly and I thought everything tied together so well though I thought the actual plot was a bit too flimsy to be believed which is why I gave it four stars.
We have Becky, actually acting like an adult in this book. For once she's not obsessed with shopping. In fact, she is pretty much repelled by the thought of buying things through the whole book. In the end though she and shopping are good, but Becky starts to feel happier when she buys things for other people, rather, than when she buys random things and starts thinking of herself as the girl/woman in the (insert object here). We actually have her being a great mother to her daughter Minnie.
The other characters which I despaired of in recent books actually came across great in this one too.
For example, Minnie, who had the personality of a wet dishrag through the last few books was actually pretty cute in this one. And you get to see how much Becky and Luke adore her.
And even Luke was great in this too. Luke who was a non-entity through so many books I was wondering why he was ever included, has actual in depth conversations with Becky. We get actual dialogue. We don't skip over them talking and have Becky refer to it later (I hate that by the way). Luke was a present person through the whole book, and it was wonderful for the first time to see why he absolutely loves Becky and why they are both a great team together.
And you get to see a change to Becky and Suz's relationship in this one. Suz who has always been the level headed one and the one that no matter what was always on Becky's side, now she and Becky have grown apart with no sign that they can repair their friendship. I was actually surprised by what Kinsella did with Suz's character and thought it fit the book very well.
Becky's mother and Janice were pretty much played for comic relief (per usual) but were actually not annoying or aggravating as usual. We also get the return of Luke's mother Elinoir and it was great to see how much this character has unbended over the years.
The writing is typical Sophie Kinsella. If you have read the previous Shopaholic books, there's nothing new to see here. You can whip through this book pretty quickly and the flow actually works almost through the entire book, until we get towards the end when it just dragged on a bit too much.
The setting of the group traveling in the RV from Los Angeles to Las Vegas was pretty funny. I with that Kinsella had incorporated that element more. They just seemed to stop at hotels/motels along the way so we didn't really get them camping outdoors and using the facilities. Once the group gets to Las Vegas I didn't think that Kinsella utilized Las Vegas as well as she should have. She mentions the Venetian, but she doesn't really mention or showcase the sheer number of people in Las Vegas and it's another city that never really sleeps. I know the group was there to 'rescue' Becky's dad and Tarquin, but I wish we had gotten some more time in Las Vegas with them.
The ending wrapped things up nicely. And I think the way that it ended, I can't see another Shopaholic book happening. Maybe a novella or something if Kinsella really wants to say a final goodbye to the characters. In my opinion, she left Becky and crew in a nice grown-up and more honest place and I would really hate to see another book where Becky is off the rails and shopping and hiding it again. We've read those books, no need for another one.
here.
I was so annoyed with Ms. Kinsella for writing a cliffhanger and what I felt was such a disaster of a book I seriously asked myself would I push on through to the last book? I have a thing about finishing things when I start them.
One of the reasons why I cut off a lot of series when they start to go bad is that if I don't, I feel beholden to keep reading even after the bloom is off the rose (looking at you Dean Koontz). So I was pleasantly surprised that this book was so good.
In fact, I think this is the first book in the series that I have really enjoyed since Shopaholic Ties the Knot (Shopaholic #3). The other books in the series after that one Shopaholic and Sister (Shopaholic #4), Shopaholic and Baby (Shopaholic #5), Mini Shopaholic (Shopaholic #6), and Shopaholic to the Stars (Shopaholic #7) were either average to really bad reads in my opinion.
Please don't read if you have not read the last book in the series, Shopaholic to the Stars, spoilers are in this review dealing with that book.
Becky, her daughter Minnie, husband Luke, along with her best friend Suz, her mom, and her moms, best friend, and one of Luke's former workers, Alicia, are out to track down Becky's run away father and Suz's husband Tarquin who left LA for Las Vegas. Becky got obsessed with a wellness center called Golden Peace in the last book and was unpleasantly surprised to find out that Alicia (former nemesis of Becky) is now a wife and mother to the owner of the center. Becky hates the fact that Alicia has seemingly turned over a new leaf and is now a close confidante to Suz. A former worker at Golden Peace, Bryce, has also joined the runaway crowd and Suz and Alicia are both afraid that he is going to prey on Tarquin while he is in a state of denial about his recent failure back at home.
At first I was so annoyed by this book. It didn't make a lot of sense why Becky's dad was off to do something mysterious and why he didn't want Becky or her mother involved. It also seemed weird that Tarquin and Suz who always seemed so together, seemed to be miles apart. Instead the story shaped slowly and I thought everything tied together so well though I thought the actual plot was a bit too flimsy to be believed which is why I gave it four stars.
We have Becky, actually acting like an adult in this book. For once she's not obsessed with shopping. In fact, she is pretty much repelled by the thought of buying things through the whole book. In the end though she and shopping are good, but Becky starts to feel happier when she buys things for other people, rather, than when she buys random things and starts thinking of herself as the girl/woman in the (insert object here). We actually have her being a great mother to her daughter Minnie.
The other characters which I despaired of in recent books actually came across great in this one too.
For example, Minnie, who had the personality of a wet dishrag through the last few books was actually pretty cute in this one. And you get to see how much Becky and Luke adore her.
And even Luke was great in this too. Luke who was a non-entity through so many books I was wondering why he was ever included, has actual in depth conversations with Becky. We get actual dialogue. We don't skip over them talking and have Becky refer to it later (I hate that by the way). Luke was a present person through the whole book, and it was wonderful for the first time to see why he absolutely loves Becky and why they are both a great team together.
And you get to see a change to Becky and Suz's relationship in this one. Suz who has always been the level headed one and the one that no matter what was always on Becky's side, now she and Becky have grown apart with no sign that they can repair their friendship. I was actually surprised by what Kinsella did with Suz's character and thought it fit the book very well.
Becky's mother and Janice were pretty much played for comic relief (per usual) but were actually not annoying or aggravating as usual. We also get the return of Luke's mother Elinoir and it was great to see how much this character has unbended over the years.
The writing is typical Sophie Kinsella. If you have read the previous Shopaholic books, there's nothing new to see here. You can whip through this book pretty quickly and the flow actually works almost through the entire book, until we get towards the end when it just dragged on a bit too much.
The setting of the group traveling in the RV from Los Angeles to Las Vegas was pretty funny. I with that Kinsella had incorporated that element more. They just seemed to stop at hotels/motels along the way so we didn't really get them camping outdoors and using the facilities. Once the group gets to Las Vegas I didn't think that Kinsella utilized Las Vegas as well as she should have. She mentions the Venetian, but she doesn't really mention or showcase the sheer number of people in Las Vegas and it's another city that never really sleeps. I know the group was there to 'rescue' Becky's dad and Tarquin, but I wish we had gotten some more time in Las Vegas with them.
The ending wrapped things up nicely. And I think the way that it ended, I can't see another Shopaholic book happening. Maybe a novella or something if Kinsella really wants to say a final goodbye to the characters. In my opinion, she left Becky and crew in a nice grown-up and more honest place and I would really hate to see another book where Becky is off the rails and shopping and hiding it again. We've read those books, no need for another one.
November 17, 2015
There were some elements of the story that I really enjoyed, such as the mystery and how everyone was teaming up to resolve the issue that ran through the story. Becky had some pretty crazy schemes, but she seemed to know what she was doing. I also liked the part where they were in Vegas, as I haven't been there in almost 10 years and it was nice to visualize some of the places again. I enjoyed the dialogue between Becky and Suze, as well.
What didn't work so well was the silliness. Becky wants to be taken more seriously, but she still comes off as having the mind of a teenager sometimes (think Cher from Clueless). I wish Sophie would have gone further with the personal stuff Becky was dealing with. Knowing things weren't 100% perfect in her life made her even more of a sympathetic character.
Honestly, as much as I love Sophie Kinsella and as much as Becky is one of my favorite characters, I think it's time to bring this series to an end or take it in a new direction. Perhaps she could write a spin-off series, such as books for middle-schoolers about when Minnie is a bit older. Or even move Becky further forward in time and have the focus be in planning Minnie's sweet sixteen...or her wedding. (Maybe the new Greek Wedding movie has me in that frame of mind.)
Overall, it was a fun and breezy read that fans of the "Shopaholic" series will enjoy.
What didn't work so well was the silliness. Becky wants to be taken more seriously, but she still comes off as having the mind of a teenager sometimes (think Cher from Clueless). I wish Sophie would have gone further with the personal stuff Becky was dealing with. Knowing things weren't 100% perfect in her life made her even more of a sympathetic character.
Honestly, as much as I love Sophie Kinsella and as much as Becky is one of my favorite characters, I think it's time to bring this series to an end or take it in a new direction. Perhaps she could write a spin-off series, such as books for middle-schoolers about when Minnie is a bit older. Or even move Becky further forward in time and have the focus be in planning Minnie's sweet sixteen...or her wedding. (Maybe the new Greek Wedding movie has me in that frame of mind.)
Overall, it was a fun and breezy read that fans of the "Shopaholic" series will enjoy.
November 22, 2015
Becky is still living in LA and Suze and Tark have been visiting. Becky's mom and dad arrive and shortly after her dad and Tark plus Bryce from Golden Peach disappear. They are convinced that Bryce is trying to brainwash Tark and get his money. They are sure that they have been kidnapped and they must find them. Taking out the map of the road trip that Becky's dad took when he was a young man, they go out in a rented RV to find them.
The trip is full of highjinks. Becky feels worried because it seems like Suze no longer wants to be her best friend and she doesn't know what she has done to cause this. So many things take place as they try to help Becky's father's friend as they travel around trying to fix a wrong that took place years ago among the friends. Lots of twists and turns and a more mature Becky who is full of ideas about how to help everyone.
I have enjoyed the previous Shopoholic books but this one had some more substance and surprises. Well done.
The trip is full of highjinks. Becky feels worried because it seems like Suze no longer wants to be her best friend and she doesn't know what she has done to cause this. So many things take place as they try to help Becky's father's friend as they travel around trying to fix a wrong that took place years ago among the friends. Lots of twists and turns and a more mature Becky who is full of ideas about how to help everyone.
I have enjoyed the previous Shopoholic books but this one had some more substance and surprises. Well done.
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