Having never read any of this series before I was really looking forward to this book. The story didn’t disappoint, it was well written along with a healthy dose of humour. Although you also find yourself willing the main character to just stop spending when she is in so much debt. The only downside was, with these stories being around 24 years old now it did come across as dated. With lots of the shops being mentioned having closed down years ago and the monetary values being used in the story being way off compared to current prices. Which did throw me at the start as I didn’t realise the original story was quite so old and that this was a rerelease. That said I still enjoyed the book. I also had the audio version which was well narrated and easy to follow. Recommend.

This was not my first read of the secret dreamworld however it was the first time listening as an audiobook. It has been some time since I had been on an adventure with Becky Bloomwood in fact I read this firstly as a late teen and remeber falling in love with the book, the rest of the series and all works of Sophie Kinsella. It was lovely to revist this character as an adult and find that the book still held a special place in my heart.
Becky Bloomwood, certified shopaholic and class A dreamer, Becky lives in her own world where everything is shiny and lovely and believes nothing bad will happen if you just keep living life the way you had always dreamed and categorically ignore anything that threatens to put a dampener on your day and spirits.
Becky is a loveable character at heart (much more likeable than her film counterpart) and although she has a real serious shopping addiction it isn't the most far fetched storyline i've ever heard, the world has definitley become a darker place since the novels release which is why it perhaps doesn't translate so well in this time of credit crunches and cost of living crisis. But to me it is written perfectly and I love the light heartedness of it all. The book shows her warm relationships with her flatmate suz, her parents and even her old neighbours which the film completely misses.

I first discovered this book series years ago and absolutely loved it. When the opportunity to listen via audiobook came, I couldn't wait. It's funny how when I read it the first time around, she reminded me of myself. Now she's morphed into my daughter!!!

It's the perfect escape to the somewhat chaotic world of Becky Bloomwood, who is absolutely terrible with money. The story is written with Becky narrating her own life, so you know both what she's doing and thinking. I loved watching her meet Brandon again, knowing where it all leads. This is one of my favourite romantic comedy's and I loved her being brought to life on audiobook.

An exciting read with twists that keep you guessing till the end! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

Almost 15 years after Sophie Kinsella published the first Shopaholic book, the iconic Becky Bloomwood has been brought to life on audio. And she’s just as lovable, ditsy and funny as I remember her. Full marks to narrator Nell Hudson (of Outlander fame) for her pitch perfect rendition.

As a book, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic was a delightful piece of fluffy escapism. On audio, it’s even better; the stream of consciousness narrative perfectly lending itself to the spoken word.

Becky is a fabulous character; a caricature most definitely, but one whose foibles are completely understandable. Tell me you’ve never given into an irresistible craving for that scented candle or those on-trend boots, or overspent on your credit card, or had wistful daydreams about living a life of hedonistic luxury.

The problem with Becky is, she doesn’t know when to stop, or how to face up to her problems when her spending spirals out of control. She’s an oxymoron: a financial journalist with no clue how to manage her own money.

I chuckled all the way through Becky’s ill-fated attempts to avoid her bank manager, while dreaming up ever-wilder schemes to earn extra cash. I loved her irrepressible optimism and the outlandish fibbing she resorted to, to get herself out of trouble. Her flights of fancy knew no bounds, and I adored her for it.

I knew there was a love interest in this book, and who it was, but had forgotten how the two get together. So, it was a delight rediscovering this and also the way Becky turns around her fortunes.

Yes, it’s all very OTT and bears little resemblance to reality. But I honestly couldn’t give a fig! This is chick-lit at its best, and I hope plans are afoot to bring the other eight Shopaholic books to audio. I shall be the front of the queue.

I first read this book when it was published in 2000, and it has long been a favourite of mine. OK so certain concepts and certain language choices don't hold up so well by today's standard but I am always happy to escape into Becky Bloomwood's world. When I saw that the audiobook was being released I jumped at the chance to listen to it. Nell Hudson does a fantastic job narrating Becky's often ridiculous internal monologue while finding a great balance between comedy and naivety. Escapist fun with a cast of fantastic characters and hilarious escapades. I will look forward to the rest of the series being released on audiobook too.
Thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd. and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fun audiobook in exchange for an honest review

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Narrated by Nell Hudson

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Limited and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Becky has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it–not any of it.

Her job writing at Successful Savings not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. And lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from the bank –letters with large red sums she can't bear to read–and they're getting ever harder to ignore.

She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Becky's only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something....

Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life–and the lives of those around her–forever.

My Opinion

If you asked me I would have said that I had already read this book, or at least read part of this series - apparently that is not the case. On many occasions I found myself laughing at some of the things Becky was trying to justify as an acceptable expense. This was such an easy book to dip and out of, it really made for a good audiobook when I didn't have a lot of time to listen.

Rating 4/5

I absolutely loved this! Its such a fun and exciting story. Becky is a wonderful character you will definitely love her. Definitely didn't want this to end.

Woohoo! Shopaholic hits audiobook and it is fun, quirky, and full of heart just like the protagonist. I am thrilled that this smashhit from 2000 is now opening up to a much bigger audience via audio. Miss Rebecca Bloomwood graced our world for the first time in this first in the series of shopaholic stories. Our first introduction to Rebecca is a letter from her bank and her panic over a visa bill. She has expensive tastes and is an impulsive shopper. Well meaning and misguided with numbers, She finds herself in a financial fix and the mayhem begins. The audiobook captures her sweet nature and the anxieties she faces following her money mismanagement. A superb narration by Nell Hudson. Such a fun listen #thesecretdreamworldofashopaholic #sophiekinsella #Rebeccabloomwoodbook1 #wfhowes

It is has been a while since I read any of the authors books and delighted to see book 1 on audio. This is a nice easy listen and would highly recommend and now I want to listen to all the others, Thanks to netgalley for sending me this audio arc.