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.

Back in the day, I devoured all of the Shopaholic books as soon as they came out. And I’m thrilled that on audio, they’re even better; the stream of consciousness narrative perfectly lending itself to the spoken word. Full marks to narrator Nell Hudson (of Outlander fame) for her pitch perfect rendition.

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.

Here in book six, Becky and Luke are married and have a two-year-old daughter, Minnie, who, surprise surprise, has inherited her mum’s passion for shopping and is turning into a proper madam.

As if Becky didn’t have enough on her hands, she’s instructed by Luke to severely curb her spending, as there’s a financial crisis and they have to watch the pennies.

I chuckled all the way through Becky’s attempts to tighten her belt, from shopping in the Pound Shop to planning a surprise birthday party for Luke on a shoestring. I loved her irrepressible optimism, flights of fancy, and particularly her creative ‘budgeting’, which included the brainwave of giving Minnie (multiple) advances on her pocket money so as to justify letting her ‘buy’ new clothes.

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 fluffy escapism best and a series I’ll return to every time I need a pick me-up.

I wasn't really interested in the story; I didn't care for the characters or their day to day shenanigans. I can see why these novels are so well loved, but it just fell flat for me. It was bland and her daughter was annoying (oops). I wanted to like this- a sweet fun chic lit read, but it just didn't work for me :(

DNF at 25%
I'm not sure if it was due to listening on audio but I just felt like I was hearing a whole lot of fluff. It is unfortunate as I've enjoyed reading the shopaholic books in the past. I might try again but not on audio to see if that makes a difference.

Shopaholic used to make me laugh but now she just seems like the most self-centred person on the planet. She's still lying and cheating her way through life with no consequences. I've no idea why Luke married her or why her parents put up with her. And the "ideas" that float through her head in any given situation are beyond ridiculous.

The general theme of this book is the 2 year old Minnie, who's wildly out of control and Becky has no impetus to get a grip. Becky, Luke and Minnie are staying with Becky's parents (thoroughly unbelievable that Luke would agree to stay there indefinitely) because their house purchases keep falling through. Luke employs nannies to try to bring Minnie in to line but Becky as usual, can't see sense and sets out to sabotage the plan.

Sad to say that I think Shopaholic has had her day and she's out-of-date.

Narration by Nell Hudson is impeccable.

I enjoyed this story, it was light and heralded a lovely return to the Shopaholic series. The main character is a people pleaser and ends up lying in order to protect those she loves. Not my favourite, but I am sure many fans of the series will be thrilled with this book.

A wonderful and enjoyable re-read (or re-listen). I first read this ten or so years ago; the shopaholic stories are so iconic and this narrated version was brilliant, really brought the characters to life.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
(Narrated by Nell Hudson)

Easy and fun read. I love the story plot - shopaholic. The characters are nicely created, especially for Minnie. I like her interaction with Becky. A few parts made me giggle. The narrator did a well done job for Minnie. I love the intonation and pace

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy.

Pub date: Jun 6, 2024

I first read this series when it was originally published, 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 these audiobooks were being released I jumped at the chance to listen to them. 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

An absolutely fabulous story, with brilliant characters, especially Becky and Minnie, hilarious. I enjoyed it so much I would give it ten stars if I was able, but I am limited to Five. It was very well narrated as well. Highly recommended.