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Annie Valentine #4
Celebrity Shopper
Personal shopper Annie Valentine is presenting her own popular TV fashion series. But with success comes pressure, plus the expensive PA, personal trainer, driver and make-up artist.
As Annie comes to terms with fame, her boyfriend Ed is left at home looking after their brand new twin babies. Not to mention Annie's children Lana and Owen and their increasingly dotty granny.
Ed was almost coping but now Annie's booked in the builders to do a conservatory, a wet room and somehow, somewhere, a golden cupola . . .
And then just when Annie least expects it a stranger arrives, forcing her to think twice about everything she's ever wanted.
As Annie comes to terms with fame, her boyfriend Ed is left at home looking after their brand new twin babies. Not to mention Annie's children Lana and Owen and their increasingly dotty granny.
Ed was almost coping but now Annie's booked in the builders to do a conservatory, a wet room and somehow, somewhere, a golden cupola . . .
And then just when Annie least expects it a stranger arrives, forcing her to think twice about everything she's ever wanted.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
227 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Reid
68 books233 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 44 reviews
April 20, 2024
Another 5 star read as Annie is evolving and realizes family and friends always come first!
November 30, 2010
I really loved this series of books as soon as another one came out I was desperate to read it... But I'm saddened to say that I think the series has run it's course and I really distant enjoy the book.
Annie who's character I loved in previous books seemed to turn into this woman who no longer put her family and friends first... I found her too moany and she seemed to leave poor ed with the kids whist she went off on her important mission.
Read it for yourself but I was just disappointed and felt I didn't like Annie anymore.
Annie who's character I loved in previous books seemed to turn into this woman who no longer put her family and friends first... I found her too moany and she seemed to leave poor ed with the kids whist she went off on her important mission.
Read it for yourself but I was just disappointed and felt I didn't like Annie anymore.
January 25, 2012
I enjoyed this read much more than I thought I would. I like how each chapter starts with the cost of each item someone is wearing. I just want to know if a wig can hid an adams apple?!?!
Like goes too well and not too well for Annie-but she gets through it all. I cared about the characters, for a change in this type of book. This is mid series, but they give you enough back-story to read with ease, yet also entice you to try the rest of the series as well .
,
Like goes too well and not too well for Annie-but she gets through it all. I cared about the characters, for a change in this type of book. This is mid series, but they give you enough back-story to read with ease, yet also entice you to try the rest of the series as well .
,
February 19, 2023
Sadly I must admit that some of thr excitement is gone with the books now. Its all to much "this and that", so it feels like there hardly are any story at all.
I am getting more and more annoyd with Annie's "wants", it's like she forgets there are more people around her than only her.
I would still like to give it 3* though, because I liked the whole job story.
I am getting more and more annoyd with Annie's "wants", it's like she forgets there are more people around her than only her.
I would still like to give it 3* though, because I liked the whole job story.
December 29, 2025
Stylist Annie Valentine, now the host of a fashion advice TV show, is often thinking about finding the perfect outfits for her viewers, not to mention herself. For me, finding this book was the same kind of feeling.
It had been on my Kindle for a while, bought sometime after I'd read the first novel in this series and saw that this one was on sale (it turns out that each book more or less can be read as a standalone). A week or so ago, I was looking for a fun, light read with some smarts and heart, and I knew it was time to try this one on for size. I was not disappointed.
The book's hectic, funny, and nonstop style perfectly suited what was going on my real life; lots of waiting around during travel and family visits, plus needing a comfort read for a lonely night or two. Like many romcoms, this one did get silly and over the top at times, but the family feelings, insights into what it's like when our bodies change, as well as issues like grief and dealing with a parent with dementia, kept it grounded and real. As with the first book in this series, I laughed a lot, sometimes rolled my eyes, sometimes found myself on the edge of my seat, and even teared up once or twice. It's a light read with some weight to it.
Celebrity Shopper isn't totally perfect. Notably, like an annoying tag that pokes you from a shirt collar, there were several storylines or threads that were built up to be a big deal and then sort of...petered out, and on to the next thing. I was also really disappointed that
So, okay, this novel isn't without its flaws. But it was the ideal read for me during a stressful yet sometimes boring time where I needed an engaging comfort book. If that's the sort of thing you're looking for, give it a try -- it might just be a perfect fit.
It had been on my Kindle for a while, bought sometime after I'd read the first novel in this series and saw that this one was on sale (it turns out that each book more or less can be read as a standalone). A week or so ago, I was looking for a fun, light read with some smarts and heart, and I knew it was time to try this one on for size. I was not disappointed.
The book's hectic, funny, and nonstop style perfectly suited what was going on my real life; lots of waiting around during travel and family visits, plus needing a comfort read for a lonely night or two. Like many romcoms, this one did get silly and over the top at times, but the family feelings, insights into what it's like when our bodies change, as well as issues like grief and dealing with a parent with dementia, kept it grounded and real. As with the first book in this series, I laughed a lot, sometimes rolled my eyes, sometimes found myself on the edge of my seat, and even teared up once or twice. It's a light read with some weight to it.
Celebrity Shopper isn't totally perfect. Notably, like an annoying tag that pokes you from a shirt collar, there were several storylines or threads that were built up to be a big deal and then sort of...petered out, and on to the next thing. I was also really disappointed that
So, okay, this novel isn't without its flaws. But it was the ideal read for me during a stressful yet sometimes boring time where I needed an engaging comfort book. If that's the sort of thing you're looking for, give it a try -- it might just be a perfect fit.
September 15, 2019
I’ve read #1 & #2 of this series, but I can’t find #3 and just stop right there for so many years until I found #4. Contemplated if I should get this book and I did in the end. Overall, quite a good read but there is a time that I find the story turns boring for a brief moment. No regrets though ..will keep looking for #5 now...
January 27, 2024
Oh my gosh, so this is booked four in the series of six and it is so good. Just a really good down to earth kind of home story of a family they could totally be real life.
She is a really good writer. My first time reading her things but I really like her, hoping to like more and highly recommend the series.
She is a really good writer. My first time reading her things but I really like her, hoping to like more and highly recommend the series.
March 8, 2024
Annie Valentine Series is perfect
I loved this entire series so far from Book 1 to Book 4.
I fell in love with Annie and her entire family, plus all the eccentric characters that come to life in these down to earth, laugh out loud, perhaps shed a tear books. I will definitely continuing reading from this series
I loved this entire series so far from Book 1 to Book 4.
I fell in love with Annie and her entire family, plus all the eccentric characters that come to life in these down to earth, laugh out loud, perhaps shed a tear books. I will definitely continuing reading from this series
February 9, 2025
3.5
This installment has Annie in her own tv series choosing styles on a modest budget. Her twin babies are giving her and her husband sleepless nights. The family decides to do a remodel. Stevlana and her daughter to create a fashion line that premiers at fashion week. Chaos, hijinks and shenanigans abound from cover to cover.
This installment has Annie in her own tv series choosing styles on a modest budget. Her twin babies are giving her and her husband sleepless nights. The family decides to do a remodel. Stevlana and her daughter to create a fashion line that premiers at fashion week. Chaos, hijinks and shenanigans abound from cover to cover.
January 10, 2020
First read of this author. She did a good job, better than I could do I am sure, but this is not my type of novel. A bit too fluff, a bit too contemporary women's lit.
Enjoyable enough once. But not a second read type of book.
Enjoyable enough once. But not a second read type of book.
April 28, 2023
Fabulous Series
I am binge reading Annie Valentine after finding the series on Kindle Unlimited. I love these books and do not want the series to end but can’t stop myself from delving into another installment . Bravo Carmen.
I am binge reading Annie Valentine after finding the series on Kindle Unlimited. I love these books and do not want the series to end but can’t stop myself from delving into another installment . Bravo Carmen.
July 11, 2024
A beautiful love story Annie style!
I absolutely love every page of Celebrity Shopper! It was entertaining, interesting, sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes choking back tears. The characters are so real. Thank you Carmen Reid once again for a brilliant book!
I absolutely love every page of Celebrity Shopper! It was entertaining, interesting, sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes choking back tears. The characters are so real. Thank you Carmen Reid once again for a brilliant book!
July 30, 2024
Celebrity Shopper is another good book by Carmen Reid. I was wondering how things would go for her. I did wish she could have balanced work and life more, and felt bad for her family that she didn't.
Still 5 stars because I am excited about every part of Annie's journey in these books.
Still 5 stars because I am excited about every part of Annie's journey in these books.
August 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book, I found most of the characters quite likeable and there was a good balance of sad moments and laughable moments.
August 29, 2020
A fun light read for the summer!
September 14, 2021
This style of novel is a great break from more challenging works or readers' fatigue. I am grateful for them.
February 23, 2024
Pure holiday read. Busy mum calamities and triumphs. Thoroughly enjoyable.
September 14, 2024
Another Annie Valentine. Love it
Read
April 23, 2025Good book, ideal holiday reading.
March 6, 2010
Annie Valentine has hit the big time, and she’s thrilled! Years of hard graft as a Personal Shopper at The Store have paid off, and now Annie fronts her own show about how to dress and it’s a massive success. She loves doing working in fashion, but didn’t bank on being quite so busy.
Annie’s boyfriend Ed is feeling slightly left out because Annie’s left him at home holding the babies – literally – as well as Annie’s older 2 children Lana and Owen. He’s not keen on the house renovations Annie’s planning either, never mind the fact she never seems to want to marry him.
Will Annie’s career continue to get in the way of her personal life, or is the fame and glory everything Annie has ever wanted?!
Carmen Reid’s ‘Personal Shopper’ series have been a very popular set of books, and this is the 4th title in the list so far! The Personal Shopper, Late Night Shopping and How Not To Shop have all featured the fabulous character of Annie Valentine, and luckily for fans of her, Carmen has brought her back for another adventure! I’ve enjoyed each of the books so far with them getting better as they go alone so I had high hopes for this book. I was excited to get the gorgeous green hardback through my door the other day and quickly set about reading it!
Being that this is the 4th book of a set, I would definitely recommend you read the previous books first because they set the scene for this book, and lots of references to past books are in this one and they might not make sense if you just dive into this book. However, back story is explained enough for you to get the jist of it but I feel it’d be better if you’d read at least one Annie Valentine book previously.
Annie is as fabulous as ever, but I did actually find her a tad annoying at the beginning of the book. She seemed to be putting her friends and family last which is quite a contrast to Annie in previous books, but as the story progresses, I felt like the “proper” Annie was back and I was able to settle into the book fairly easily. Carmen Reid seems to write Annie with such ease, you can slip back into the whole story very well and Annie is like a friend who has never been away, and this is because Reid really brings her to life. She’s a great heroine, especially for those who love their fashion and its not different in this book!
As with each of the Annie V books, there is a bit of drama in the middle and this book is no different. One of my favourite characters, Svetlana makes a comeback in a big storyline that I loved reading. The book travels to Paris for a while, and I was completely lost in the fashion capital of the world for a good chunk of the book and I loved it… I bet Reid had such fun doing the research for this book! Svetlana and Elena are great characters, totally bonkers and larger than life, but they are comic relief for the book and make me laugh a lot which is great.
The relationship between Annie and Ed is somewhat pushed to the back burner in parts in this book because of the story and their busy lives, but you can still sense the love story throughout. I loved the glimpses into life at home for Ed and his kids, and I think Reid captures Ed’s hectic life perfectly – Ed is such a perfect man, you can’t help but love him! All of the relationships in the book develop really well and are believable, and the last few scenes in the book were so well written and incredibly touching, I actually had a tear in my eye because it was very emotive and well done by Reid.
As I mentioned the book does travel to Paris for a while, and it made for great reading. You can imagine the big fashion shows, the not-so-nice side of France and everything that comes with it here, and seeing it through Annie’s eyes was fab. I also loved the scenes on the set of Annie’s television show, Reid describes it really well and its clear she’s done her research on the subject. I love how comfortable she makes Annie – clearly this is a character who has found her niche and its brilliant because you can just sit back and enjoy the read!
If you’ve loved the previous books in the “Annie Valentines” series, then you’ll definitely want to pick up the latest installment of the saga! Annie is a character that hasn’t changed at all but one that you love even more than before. The pace of the book is really good, it keeps you interested all the way and there’s always something happening to hold your attention. There’s a great cast of familiar faces, and a few more love interests to hotten it all up and make it a bit fresh. It’s very well written, highly enjoyable and just really fun to read, recommended by me!
Annie’s boyfriend Ed is feeling slightly left out because Annie’s left him at home holding the babies – literally – as well as Annie’s older 2 children Lana and Owen. He’s not keen on the house renovations Annie’s planning either, never mind the fact she never seems to want to marry him.
Will Annie’s career continue to get in the way of her personal life, or is the fame and glory everything Annie has ever wanted?!
Carmen Reid’s ‘Personal Shopper’ series have been a very popular set of books, and this is the 4th title in the list so far! The Personal Shopper, Late Night Shopping and How Not To Shop have all featured the fabulous character of Annie Valentine, and luckily for fans of her, Carmen has brought her back for another adventure! I’ve enjoyed each of the books so far with them getting better as they go alone so I had high hopes for this book. I was excited to get the gorgeous green hardback through my door the other day and quickly set about reading it!
Being that this is the 4th book of a set, I would definitely recommend you read the previous books first because they set the scene for this book, and lots of references to past books are in this one and they might not make sense if you just dive into this book. However, back story is explained enough for you to get the jist of it but I feel it’d be better if you’d read at least one Annie Valentine book previously.
Annie is as fabulous as ever, but I did actually find her a tad annoying at the beginning of the book. She seemed to be putting her friends and family last which is quite a contrast to Annie in previous books, but as the story progresses, I felt like the “proper” Annie was back and I was able to settle into the book fairly easily. Carmen Reid seems to write Annie with such ease, you can slip back into the whole story very well and Annie is like a friend who has never been away, and this is because Reid really brings her to life. She’s a great heroine, especially for those who love their fashion and its not different in this book!
As with each of the Annie V books, there is a bit of drama in the middle and this book is no different. One of my favourite characters, Svetlana makes a comeback in a big storyline that I loved reading. The book travels to Paris for a while, and I was completely lost in the fashion capital of the world for a good chunk of the book and I loved it… I bet Reid had such fun doing the research for this book! Svetlana and Elena are great characters, totally bonkers and larger than life, but they are comic relief for the book and make me laugh a lot which is great.
The relationship between Annie and Ed is somewhat pushed to the back burner in parts in this book because of the story and their busy lives, but you can still sense the love story throughout. I loved the glimpses into life at home for Ed and his kids, and I think Reid captures Ed’s hectic life perfectly – Ed is such a perfect man, you can’t help but love him! All of the relationships in the book develop really well and are believable, and the last few scenes in the book were so well written and incredibly touching, I actually had a tear in my eye because it was very emotive and well done by Reid.
As I mentioned the book does travel to Paris for a while, and it made for great reading. You can imagine the big fashion shows, the not-so-nice side of France and everything that comes with it here, and seeing it through Annie’s eyes was fab. I also loved the scenes on the set of Annie’s television show, Reid describes it really well and its clear she’s done her research on the subject. I love how comfortable she makes Annie – clearly this is a character who has found her niche and its brilliant because you can just sit back and enjoy the read!
If you’ve loved the previous books in the “Annie Valentines” series, then you’ll definitely want to pick up the latest installment of the saga! Annie is a character that hasn’t changed at all but one that you love even more than before. The pace of the book is really good, it keeps you interested all the way and there’s always something happening to hold your attention. There’s a great cast of familiar faces, and a few more love interests to hotten it all up and make it a bit fresh. It’s very well written, highly enjoyable and just really fun to read, recommended by me!
June 25, 2024
Very predictable comedy
June 8, 2013
Sophie Kinsella's 'Diary of a Shopaholic' has spawned a generation of chick-lit geared towards girls who love both men and shopping, and Carmen Reid's 'Celebrity Shopper' is sadly one of these books, only more poorly written and aimed at a more limited audience that is much older, fatter, less intelligent and purely British.
It makes for a toe-curling read, not only for its mention of Z-List British celebrities and low-budget high street names, but for the horrifying dialogue between characters, with alienating overuse of the word "babes" and broken English everytime the book's token Ukrainian character utters a word.
The story itself is terrible, with ridiculous slap-stick events at every turn, and drama which could otherwise be quite interesting if the content wasn't so thin, cliche, and just terribly terribly written.
Will definitely be giving Carmen Reid a miss in future, and wouldn't recommend to anyone with any limited intelligence.
It makes for a toe-curling read, not only for its mention of Z-List British celebrities and low-budget high street names, but for the horrifying dialogue between characters, with alienating overuse of the word "babes" and broken English everytime the book's token Ukrainian character utters a word.
The story itself is terrible, with ridiculous slap-stick events at every turn, and drama which could otherwise be quite interesting if the content wasn't so thin, cliche, and just terribly terribly written.
Will definitely be giving Carmen Reid a miss in future, and wouldn't recommend to anyone with any limited intelligence.
November 3, 2010
Annie Valentine is back in The Celebrity Shopper with a hit tv series underway and twins babies to care for we follow Annie's hectic journey once again, including balancing work and family, dealing with her mother who is starting to get ill, having her long lost father turn up on the doorstep, Ed asking her to marry him and hill walking in heels, yes that's right heels!
I really liked the "Shopper" series, it's always so light, chick lit and feel good. I love how Carmen Reid has a few storylines going at once because every chapter it always filled and I never seem to get bored. Also writing from different points of view is great. I really enjoyed the Annie, Svetlana and Elena storyline in Paris and obviously the hill walking in heels, i thought that was hilarious! I thought the ending was great and it seemed like the final "Shopper" book but i'm not sure if it is.
I really liked the "Shopper" series, it's always so light, chick lit and feel good. I love how Carmen Reid has a few storylines going at once because every chapter it always filled and I never seem to get bored. Also writing from different points of view is great. I really enjoyed the Annie, Svetlana and Elena storyline in Paris and obviously the hill walking in heels, i thought that was hilarious! I thought the ending was great and it seemed like the final "Shopper" book but i'm not sure if it is.
June 13, 2020
This book (no 4 in the series) follows easily on from my previous read of the Annie Valentine story. Again a light, easy, at times funny read. But I found in the early chapters an unlikeable Annie so taken up with her TV career and spending money, she was oblivious to her patient partner Ed, coping at home with twin babies, teenage step children and Annie's demands for an expensive house renovation. However Annie seemed to undergo a bit of a transformation on her return from Paris fashion week, and I warmed more to her. Svetlana and Elena are great characters and you could not but find Ed likeable with the scenes of family life well drawn. I also enjoyed the behind the scenes revelations of the TV show. I must find the first two books in the series to complete the picture.
July 10, 2012
Laura Everyday
Black Skinny Jeans (Primark)
Beige Off The Shoulder Top (Cute Japanese Fashion)
Underwear (M&S)
Socks(Tesco)
Sliver Heart Neckless with diamond (Christmas present from boyfriend)
Plastic black bracelet (Found in my bedroom)
Total est. cost £45
This is how every chapter started. I can't belive how much some of the characters were wearing!
I love Annie Valentine! In fact I loved the whole Valentine family and their crazy antics :) Well I say crazy, normal run of the mill stuff that doesn't go as planned. I love it when you can fully get behind a character and root for them. Funny, silly chick lit story, guaranteed to have you in tears by the end. Everything 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' wishes it was!
Black Skinny Jeans (Primark)
Beige Off The Shoulder Top (Cute Japanese Fashion)
Underwear (M&S)
Socks(Tesco)
Sliver Heart Neckless with diamond (Christmas present from boyfriend)
Plastic black bracelet (Found in my bedroom)
Total est. cost £45
This is how every chapter started. I can't belive how much some of the characters were wearing!
I love Annie Valentine! In fact I loved the whole Valentine family and their crazy antics :) Well I say crazy, normal run of the mill stuff that doesn't go as planned. I love it when you can fully get behind a character and root for them. Funny, silly chick lit story, guaranteed to have you in tears by the end. Everything 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' wishes it was!
March 8, 2025
Good holiday read.
November 16, 2011
What another great book from Carmen Reid, i really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down.
I was so excited when Annie and Ed finally got married, they have been together a while and they are perfevt together.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in the sequel as its the final book so its going to be good.
I was shocked when Annie's father Mick turns up out of the blue and thinks he can pick up when he left off from all those years ago.
All in all it was a very good and am very much looking forward to the next book.
I was so excited when Annie and Ed finally got married, they have been together a while and they are perfevt together.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the next book in the sequel as its the final book so its going to be good.
I was shocked when Annie's father Mick turns up out of the blue and thinks he can pick up when he left off from all those years ago.
All in all it was a very good and am very much looking forward to the next book.
February 2, 2012
I found this one to be much the same as all Carmen's other books. A good, easy read that I could pick up and down easily when at work or waiting for friends in the car. The storyline as always had the same format which I have come to love (the need at the begining becomes the had at the end) and I felt the end of this book was just as good as in the last one.
I laughed out loud at points and almost cried at others as I followed the book. It's a can't put down book which I love and easier to read than the last book that I read.
I laughed out loud at points and almost cried at others as I followed the book. It's a can't put down book which I love and easier to read than the last book that I read.
May 29, 2011
This is the fourth in the Annie Valentine series, and although an enjoyable and light read, I do get the feeling that Carmen has really done everything she can with Annie and her family without the series degenerating into farce, which would be a shame.
There is, I believe, a fifth book already out, which I will read as it is set in New York, which appeals to me, but I certainly didn't feel that this book had quite the sparkle and humour of the previous three.
There is, I believe, a fifth book already out, which I will read as it is set in New York, which appeals to me, but I certainly didn't feel that this book had quite the sparkle and humour of the previous three.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews