Although not all my reviews are spoilery, which I do not consider this one to be, here is a little warning just in case.

Review Written: 31st August 2012

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Lots of things have happened in Becky Bloomwood's life. She's battled debt, still fighting a shopping addiction, found out she has a half sister, married husband Luke Brandon after two wedding ceremonies, lived in New York and had a baby all before the age of twenty nine. Things have not gotten any easier. In the novel, Becky spends most of her time organising a huge surprise birthday party for Luke. As anyone who has read chick-lit knows, nothing ever runs smoothly so cue awkward and embarrassing situations. This is Mrs Brandon, nee Bloomwood; there are even more embarrassing situations than found in a regular chick lit.

This book introduces us properly to baby Minnie who was born in Shopaholic and Baby. Her daughter is a...enthusiastic child. Although Becky tries to deny it, there is no mistaking that Minnie is a handful. And, she knows how to shop online...at the age of two. Like mother, like daughter as the cover points out. Although she tries to convince the reader that her child is wonderful, there are moments, especially in shops, where I ended up feeling frustrated at the book. Giving a two year old pocket money is fine, yes, if she didn't keep having an extention!

The book also links to the economic crisis rather well. The Bank of London collapses, so Becky needs to economise. For her, this means wearing outfits at least three times and not buying anything new until October. The book starts at Christmas time! Once again we meet Suze, Becky's best friend and now an official lady, her parents, half sister Jess who has a surprise for the family and Luke's now estranged mother Elinor whose idea of fun is letting a two year old do jigsaw puzzles with her.

Filled with amusing moments, embarrassing moments and 'well, that's life' moments, this Shopaholic book is enjoyable from cover to cover.

NEXT REVIEW: It's a surpriiiseeee.