Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10 

Shopaholic has been in debt up to her Gucci-glasses-covered-eyeballs. She has been to London, New York, and is now living with her millionaire of a boyfriend, Luke Brandon. She has been on TV, wrote a story that appeared in a major magazine, and has also hosted her own auction, raising thousands of dollars. 

She has not yet been married. 

So that's what's next for the shopaholic as she plans her future with Luke. Only one problem: his (super-uptight) stepmom demands that there be an extravagant wedding in New York. Her family wants to hold a quaint backyard wedding in London. 

So what does Becky do? 

She accepts both...without them knowing, of course. 

Kinsella spins yet another tale of Becky's loony adventures through shopping, and now, wedding planning. It's still the same fun story as the other books, and we must applaud Kinsella for coming up with the fresh twist, but there is a problem with this story. 

One: Becky's antics spiral into the realm of downright frustrating. JUST TELL THE TRUTH! We want to scream at her. But, we can't. We have to suffer through pages of her agonizing purchases and lies until she manages to resolve everything in the end. 

Fortunately, Kinsella saves us from putting the book down and revives the story with humor, romance, and subplots that keep it moving. Additionally, the solution and problems Becky manages are realistic. At the start of the novel, I must admit, I was a little worried. I was thinking the solution to the double-wedding crisis would involve some sort of robot clone or even time travel. 

Luckily, that's not what happened. 

Although the heroine tends to get a little frustrating in this book, readers cant help but to still love her and wanting more. The story is new and fresh and keeps us entertained with our favorite group of characters. 

Stay posted for a review on the next novel, Shopaholic and Sister! 

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I took an awesome trip to Europe for three weeks and there was no wi-fi anywhere. But, back to Shopaholic.

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Usually, the sequels to books just don't compare to the original story. But Kinsella managed to take me by surprise. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan was just as good as the first book in the series, if it did not surpass it.
Some similarities: like the first novel, Becky and the other characters and fun and original. They have fresh but realistic personalities. Each person I could imagine in real life: the workaholic, the flamboyant male best friend, the doting and caring mother. Another similarity is Becky's hilarious antics and thoughts.
Just an example: Becky and Luke spend the weekend in a small village. And while Luke is at a meeting, Becky decides to visit the nearby convent. Unaware of the proper behavior for a church, Becky tries to hold a conversation with a praying nun, disturbing and annoying the women. She talks about the movie, The Sound of Music, and then, thinking the nun is staring at her because she doesnt know what a movie is, begins to tell her about modern day technology. What a television is, what a film is, and on, and on, and on, and on.
This scene alone had me in hysterics.
But some differences between the first and second novel: I believe this novel had a stronger plot, for Becky dealt with troubles far greater than wanting to buy the latest pair of Jimmy Choos. I also enjoyed how Kinsella changed the scenery. Although I loved how the first story took place in London, the switch to New York really provided a new feel for the story, and it wasnt as if Kinsella was just dragging the story on.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the first novel in the series - obviously - and for those who like Target Underwear and A Vera Wang Dress: Notes from a Single Girl's Closet, in addition to Can You Keep A Secret?, also by Kinsella.