Of course, at this time of year it rings even more true because the reader is generally experiencing the same things as Becky is.

The overall theme of the book is very, very relatable – the excesses of Christmas (spending, opinions, parties, and general over the top-ness). I think she has toned it down a bit during the series, as well as having gained some wisdom. I must admit to occasionally finding Becky’s overspending in the early books annoying, because she didn’t have the money to spend. He’s now a rockstar and he’s very keen for Luke and Becky to get to know him and his girlfriend better… Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend has appeared in the village. Soon the barbs get deeper and Becky can’t please anyone. Then Becky’s WhatsApp Christmas group starts to bicker, as people argue over which vegetables should be served and how they are served. First, there are all the extra people who invite themselves – her mother’s best friend and Becky’s own best friend. Of course, it does offer a lot of new shopping opportunities (Table settings! Baubles!) but Becky finds out that organising Christmas is really stressful. So, that makes it Becky’s turn to host Christmas. They are temporarily moving to a flat in London (hip Shoreditch of all places) and Becky’s sister Jess will be living at home with her husband. Except this year, her parents have decided to change things in a big way. For Becky, it’s the one time of year she can rely on to be the same with Christmas at her parents and the same familiar faces.

You don’t need to have read any of the Shopaholic stories to ‘get’ this book as things are summarised nicely.Īs you might suspect from the title, Christmas Shopaholic centres around…Christmas. It was a joy to be back in Becky’s world and I’m definitely going to catch up on the books I’ve missed. It certainly doesn’t matter though when picking up Christmas Shopaholic though as settling back into Becky’s life is as comfortable and easy as a good pair of Ferragamos. I think the early Shopaholic books are a must read for any young woman who likes shopping and reading! Unfortunately, like Becky I’ve gotten older and busier and missed out on a couple of books in the series. It’s a while since I’ve caught up with Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood). Why I chose it: Haven’t caught up with Becky for ages. The not-so-good: Where can I get an Alexander McQueen dress at that kind of discount? The good: Very funny and captures the crazy stresses of the holiday season perfectly. Although there are new shopping opportunities, things don’t go to plan with her guests inviting themselves and then fighting. In brief: Becky is hosting Christmas at her house for the first time ever.

Sophie kinsella christmas shopaholic