Book Review: Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

When it comes to a cosy, funny, festive read, you can't go wrong with the Christmas instalment of Sophie Kinsella's bestselling Shopaholic series. I've loved all of the Shopaholic books; they're brilliant for settling down with a big mug of tea and blitzing through in a few hours. What I love most about them, though, is that they don't feel just like 'fluff' with no substance. There are really lovely moments in this and great lessons to be learned.

Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) is happily married to Luke and living with him and their daughter, Minnie, in a sleepy countryside village. When her parents suddenly decide that their usual Christmas plans have changed, they ask Becky if she'll host Christmas this year instead, and before Becky knows it, everyone has invited themselves round for the big day. Feeling increasingly under pressure to be the perfect Christmas hostess, and with WhatsApps pinging in from all directions with requests for 10 different types of stuffing, Becky is struggling to keep her cool. Can she please everyone? Can she be the perfect host, get everyone the best presents, and still make a costume for Minnie's nativity play? Or is she just missing the whole point of Christmas?

I really loved this one, as I knew I probably would! It's quick, funny, observant, and really heartwarming. Becky is a brilliant character - infuriating at times with her seemingly uncontrollable desire to buy ALL THE THINGS, but someone who truly only has her loved ones' best interests at heart. She'd do anything to give them the perfect Christmas, even it means pushing herself to the brink and changing a century old tradition at a fancy London club... (I'll say no more!)

Chaos, mishaps and general hilarity ensue in this latest Shopaholic adventure. Becky's Mum actually reminds me a bit of Bridget Jones' Mum, and I love the Bridget books and films so this really makes me smile! I also love the difference between this book and the first book in the series - all Becky's shopping is now online, there are WhatsApp groups and social media, and she's Googling things every five seconds. The books are so great and have managed to move with the times while retaining the humour, drama, and warm fuzziness of the earlier books.

This may be a Christmas read but I'd say it's perfect all year round!