Typically British Challenge;
released September 21, 2010 in Canada, thanks to Random House Canada for the review copy
Becky Branford, nee Bloomwood drives me crazy in so many ways! Does she never learn? Wouldn't it be easier in to just tell the truth? But, if Becky ever learned, then these enjoyable romps wouldn't be nearly so much fun. It's silly fluff, but well written; the characters are true to form, and Becky, while flighty, has a good heart and just doesn't want to disappoint anyone.
Minnie is now a willful two year old, as obsessed with shopping as Becky is, screaming "Miine, dolly!" in the store and getting banned from Santa's Grotto at the mall. The financial crisis has hit London, and all must do their part. (Becky and her mother discover the joy of the Pound Shop, and 'save' a pile of money with all the deals they discover.) The main story is that Becky is planning a surprise birthday party for the long suffering Luke. All our favorite characters, Suze, sister Jess, Becky's parents, and Luke's estranged mother Elinor, are back to help Becky get the party organized, with several disasters along the way, natch. Kinsella makes great use of the new technology to further the plot (high powered Luke never lets go of his Blackberry, for example) and the fashion names are still being dropped like crazy, even if Becky has to go to the outlet mall to get her discounts.
Kinsella writes this type of story as well as anyone. I wouldn't start with this book, but fans of the series will not be disappointed. While I prefer her stand alone books (Twenties Girl was one of my favorite books from last year), checking in with Becky now and then provides for a weekend of amusing, fun reading. This story left the possibility of another escapade with Becky, Luke and Minnie, and I look forward to it.
my Shopaholic and Baby review from March 2008
also reviewed:
wendy and her sister Paula at caribousmom;
I used to read this series, but I got a bit tired of it. This one sounds cute, though, and I was thinking I might read it... No big hurry, though...
ReplyDeleteLost comments from (my answers are lost tho):
ReplyDeleteJoy - I am not a huge fan of chick-lit, yet I love this series. It makes me giggle and shake my head (in a good way). I have listened to all of them, so I'm going to wait until my library system has the audiobook. Glad to see that this is as good as the rest.
wendy - Glad you liked it! And thanks for the link love :)
joanna - How strange, I was just thinking of you today and here you are reviewing one of the few coming-soon books I can't wait to read! :-) I love Becky, I think Kinsella does fabulous chick lit. I'm glad you liked it, now I'm looking forward to it even more. It's great when all the books in a series are this enjoyable!
caspette - I don't mind this series, it's brain candy for me. Even though Becky annoys me I still get a kick out of it. Glad you liked it.
I've read the first three books in the series and really enjoyed them, even despite Becky, as annoying as she could be. I am glad you enjoyed this one!
ReplyDeleteHow completely shocking, I didn't know this was out. Becky drives me crazy, too, but I definitely have a soft spot for her, so thanks for the heads-up!
ReplyDeletewendy - It just shows how talented Kinsella is - we all say how annoying Becky is, but we keep reading. My theory is that Becky has a good heart, so while she never seems to learn, she is trying to do good things. Luke must love her for some reason!
ReplyDeletetiny ll - it's just newly released. You'll have to stay up to date with series.