Shopaholic & Sister: A Novel

The delay in shipping annoyed me. I think ten days is ridiculous. I received another book ordered on the same day from another vendor four days earlier. I will go with the more efficient vendor in the future.

Rebecca Brandon, formerly Bloomwood, was in for a big surprise after her around-the-world honeymoon with Luke. No, not the two truckload of items she had gregariously bought during her shopping spree. She's already married to one of the richest men in London so money wasn't an issue with her anymore. But there's one thing she discovered when she got back and met with her parents.

She's got a sister! Well, A half-sister, that is!

Just when I thought Becky would mope around and get mad at her father, she decided she would befriend her because she thought Jess would love shopping too! Little did she know that she would never be able to drag her to Harrods shopping maven nor at Barney's!

I think this book’s much better than the last one I read when Becky got married. This time, we meet Becky’s long lost sister Jess, who happened to be her exact opposite! I'm telling you - Becky and Jess are the bomb! Just think about this - Becky the shopaholic, who couldn't last the day without buying new items for her closet, had finally met her frugal sister Jess, who wouldn't want to buy anything at all, unless she really, really, really needed it. I really thought Becky & Jess were the perfect pair! Hilarious even!

This was the fourth in the Shopaholic series.

Of all the Shopaholic books, this is my favourite so far. This one has a little more depth to it than the previous ones did, and I feel like Jess's character added a really fantastic foil to the book.

Jess is revealed to be Becky's half-sister, and as such Becky is absolutely ecstatic to gain another best friend, especially as her old friend Suze has recently made another close friend.

I am much more similar to Jess, who was frugal, stoic at times, and rather academic, than I am to the flamboyant Becky, and in a lot of ways I felt like Jess was coming and giving Becky the slap in the face that I've been wanting to give her through the last three books.

This book said a lot about friendship and the power that the people around us can have. As again it could probably stand alone with ease, this would be a great book for someone looking for a fun read with less romance.

I have read several in this series of books. They are all great but I have found this one to be my favriote. It was full of twists, turns and laughter which made for a very enjoyable adventure. I like that though I didn't read the books in order I was still able to understand each of them. In this book Becky and Luke come back from their honey moon to discover that her parents have a very big secret. Her father has another daughter. Becky was thrilled as she thought about all of the things she and her sister could do together including manicures and shop. If only things had gone as planned things might have gone perfectly only they don't and this creates problems for Becky as she tries to figure out everything. There's lots of twists and turns in this story some I expected others I didn't.

I loved the Shopaholic series but I think after reading Shopaholic Gets Married, I started getting jaded. I honestly thought after the last book (and the crazy fiasco to end all fiascos) that Becky finally realized what was most important in life - and it was not material goods.Sadly, from the start of the book, I found myself getting irritated with Becky. Her money problems are over now that she pretty much has Luke as her sugar daddy covering all her expenditures (and he does "scold" her for it but it was like a light slap on the wrist). Maybe I would've overlooked her silliness and shallowness but reality came in the form of Jess.
Jess is everything Becky should be by now - responsible, down to earth, financially adept, and thoughtful. Becky, compared to Jess, is like an excitable puppy - sure she's cute for a while but at a certain point, she becomes very very annoying. Jess, unlike everyone else in Becky's world, is not forgiving of her half-sister's antics and money issues and it definitely changed how I thought about Becky. The charm of the Shopaholic series is Becky herself but after a while, you start wondering how many books it'll take for her to learn her lesson once and for all. This was the point where I had enough of her.

In Shopaholic & Sister Becky meets her half-sister, Jess. Becky has been spoiled rotten all her life and has never wanted for anything. In contrast, Jess was raised by a wealthy but strict, miserly, emotionally unavailable father who insisted Jess live a life of frugality. Jess could easily be representative of unemployed, poor and struggling people (which in the United States would be millions). I related more to Jess' character and actually found myself resenting Becky's snotty, privileged attitude and lifestyle. Becky's profound sense of entitlement just seems so wrong in this day and age when so many people are jobless and struggling financially -- but I have to bear in mind the book was published in 2004 NOT in 2011. I'm also tired of Becky's constant lying. It's as if she'll never become an adult, like she's emotionally stunted. Instead of being grateful that she has a wonderful man like Luke she deceives him and lies to him. She also does truly irrational, stupid and dangerous things -- like climb a mountain in high heels. That's just dumb. Becky is selfish, self-centered and self-absorbed and thinks nothing of squandering thousands and thousands of dollars EVERY SINGLE DAY on unneccessary expenditures. In every sense of the word Becky is an addict and a hoarder. Usually I can deal with that but in Shopaholic & Sister it got to me, probably because comparisons were drawn between Becky's obscenely privileged lifestyle (think Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian) and Jess's deprived one. The contrast between their lifestyles is truly stark. In this book I LIKED Jess. I was annoyed by Becky who whines and complains because the honeymoon is over and Luke has returned to the real world where he actually has a job. Becky expected the fantasy and euphoria to linger indefinitely and is offended when reality intrudes. When Becky doesn't get her way she does what she always does -- makes irrational decisions, thinking only of herself. I was a little dismayed when once again Luke, Suze and everyone else rallied around Becky pouring love and adoration her way. I gave the book 3 stars because it is well written. I also very much enjoyed the introduction of Jess. And I always appreciate Luke's character. Even though I was disappointed with Becky in this book, I still recommend it. November 2011

I read Confessions of a Shopaholic (the first in the series) a couple of weeks ago based upon the strong recommendation of a friend. It was a very funny, light-hearted read that I was sad to see end. Typically, I am not one to go through a series very quickly since I rotate genres and will often go three or four months before going to the next installment in a series. That hasn't happened here at all --- I just finished this fourth installment and have already downloaded the fifth to my Kindle. I can't exactly put my finger on why this has captured my interest, but I am enjoying this group of books immensely and find them highly entertaining.

Shopaholic & Sister (Shopaholic Series) is the fourth entry into this entertaining series. The characters are continuing to evolve and Becky is maturing (sort of) as the novels progress. I have been very interested to see how Ms. Kinsella has managed to come up with fresh story lines and new situations while staying true to the characters --- she has done an amazing job at this. By introducing the character of Jess, she has added a new dynamic and some twists and turns. These books fall into the category of funny, entertaining, fluffy reads that have me chuckling with disbelief. As narcissistic as the main character is, I think I would find her irritating but don't. She is funny and crazy and I love seeing how she gets herself into and out of all these ridiculous situations

Good, lighthearted read.

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella was probably my least favorite of the Shopaholic series thus far. After a whirlwind wedding and YEAR LONG honeymoon, Becky Bloomwood and her new husband Luke Brandon are back in England and ready to start their lives together. Expecting a warm and wide welcome, Becky is thrown back when her parents seem dismayed to see her so early.
The Bloomwood's sit Becky down and tell her she's got a sister... a half-sister, from her father... and Becky is ELATED. She's always wanted a sister to go shopping with and chat with at coffee houses! Jess is nothing like what Becky was expecting. Struggling through her first year of marriage and her new relationship with Jess, Becky has a lot of growing to do. Surprise Surprise! Becky is slow to learn and quick to spend... always endearing, we still find a way to forgive Becky for her shortcomings.

This novel was nothing great. Just another book about overspending and under-earning. A bit too real-life and heart-pounding for me.

-Sarah
[...]

Becky Brandon is loving her honeymoon. She and new husband Luke are traveling the world, and the last ten months has just been like a never ending shopping spree filled with exotic goodies. Only hitch- Luke is slightly unaware of the extreme purchases Becky has being shipped to their home. Such as huge giraffe statues. But who doesn't need them? When the newlyweds decide it is time to get back to London and real life, Becky is slightly jilted on her return. Her best friend Suze has found a new BFF, the horrible condescending Lulu who seems to keep pushing Becky out of the way. But even more shocking- she has a sister! Turns out Becky's father had a fling with a train stewardess back in the 70's and Jessica is the result of that. Becky is thrilled! She now has someone that she can shop with, have sleepovers with, and have sister's night out together. What isn't great about that?

Well, it isn't so great if your sister turns out to be a frugal environmentalist that - no!- hates shopping? How can that be? But it's true- Jess has no interest in designer labels and worse, doesn't seem to have any interest in getting to know Becky. Becky is crushed- but is also trying to untangle herself from another messy situation involving her, a purse, and Luke's professional reputation.

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella will bring you the usual laughs from Becky's antics, but the ending will also teach a nice lesson on the importance of friends and family. This installment was actually one of my favorites; my interest was held until the very end with all the different situations playing out in the chapters. If you love the `Shopaholic' series, this novel will not disappoint.

Well, the fourth book in the series starts off with Rebecca (Bloomwood)Brandon still stuck in her aggressively shopaholic ways, and to my great dismay and disgust, she repeats behaviors from the past that only land her in a heap of hot water!!! Can't she ever learn? Rebecca tells a huge white lie, which always snowballs rapidly into a glacier of deciet and consequently ruins the trust of everyone around her. She is the ultimate woman that nobody wants to know any longer! Honestly, it starts to get old, but the author, Sophie Kinsella is still able to keep the story line spinning in a most entertaining fashion. It's nice to hear of her best friend Suze, grow up to be a mature modern mother and wife, and the story sparkles most of the book through. The problem is that her newfound half-sister is a miserly tight-wad, and doesn't enjoy the shopping whims of Rebecca. They clash, and then something extraordinary happens that brings them close to one another. It's a bit far-fetched and somewhat unbeleiveable, but her sister saves the story line because she causes Rebecca to examine her immature freewheeling spendthrift ways and corrals her into being frugal. YES - frugal!
I ended up not liking either person at all, but the story still held my intense interest throuhout the book. That's the thing about Sophie Kinsella's writing; she really knows how to draw a reader in, hold them suspended in disbelief, and then she lets them down for a surprise ending again and again! Amazing writing! I enjoyed this book, but honestly, Rebecca needs to quit the spending act and become a more responsible, economical shopper; one who realizes she can only use so much in her lifetime, and what about the rest of the world who isn't so endowed? I LOVED the book, especially the parts that made me laugh aloud.Now you go ahead and buy the 4 book series like I did. Easy and fast reading that all shoplucky gals will LOVE!!!!

I have to admit that the novels in the Shopaholic series are some of my absolute favorite chick lit books around. So, be aware that this review is based on the UK version of this book, since I couldn't wait for it to be released in the USA and had bought it the moment it became available in the UK.

So here we are at book four. Becky is now happily married to Luke, is traveling around the world with him on an extended honeymoon, and still has a desire for shopping. However, after about nine months of schlepping around the world, they decide to return to reality. Overnight Luke turns from the hippie-like nomad he'd been on the honeymoon into his old business-like self again. Becky meanwhile can't wait to get home and surprise everyone and share stories about their world travel.

Upon Becky and Luke's return to London, however, she discovers things aren't quite the way she expected. Her good friend Suze has a new best friend named Lulu, who doesn't seem to enjoy Becky's company much. Luke has discovered the extent of Becky's shopping to such a degree that he's put her on a budget. Worst of all, Becky's parents drop a bomb - she has a long lost half sister! At first Becky is extremely excited, as she's always wanted a sister. However Jess is the exact opposite of Becky. She is frugal, cheap, and not very open. After a few disastrous meetings, it doesn't seem much will come out of their relationship. They just have nothing in common.

Things take a turn for the worst when Becky's spending, as usual, gets completely out of control and threatens to destroy their marriage. On a whim she decides to go visit the small town her long-lost half sister lives in and make peace, no matter what it takes. Will she succeed, or will she make an even bigger disaster out of things? Or has Becky truly gone too far this time?

"Shopaholic and Sister", I have to say, is now one of my official favorite book in the series. It had the truly insane adventures and hilarity that only Becky Bloomwood could get herself into. This time, they include: a horse-ride which Becky managed to turn into an impromptu shopping trip that had me rolling with laughter; an exciting shopping trip in Milan that resulted with Becky buying a purse for $2000 Euros; and the scenario between Luke and Becky when the two lorries full of junk Becky had purchased on their honeymoon arrived at their tiny new flat. And that's only the beginning. Sophie Kinsella outdid herself with Shopaholic and Sister in my opinion. I cracked up with laughter more than once, shook my head at Becky's antics, and even found myself touched with some of the issues Becky had with her sister and best friend Suze.

As the other books in the series, "Shopaholic and Sister" is well-written, engaging and full of colorful characters. There are a few over-the-top scenarios in Shopaholic and Sister that some may shake their head at, and some may get annoyed with Becky's obsessive-compulsive behavior, but I didn't. I absolutely loved the book and highly recommend it to everyone. People who have enjoyed the Shopaholic books until now won't be disappointed with this latest installment.

Another great addition to the Shopaholic series - Sophie Kinsella once again brings Becky, a quirky but lovable character back into the fray with a wonderful mix of weary world traveling, sisterhood and of course, more shopping!!

We pick Becky up at the end of a 10-month honeymoon with her new hubbie Luke - they've been all over the world and Becky's got a lot of shopping to show for it - but it's easy - she just buys and has it all shipped home - she'll worry about where to put it all later! Becky decides to surprise her parents and her best friend Suze - by arriving in England unexpectedly. Becky's in for a rude surprise - she seems to have been forgotten by her best friend Suze, who's had twins since Becky left for her honeymoon. Along with the twins, Suze's got a brand new buddy that doesn't seemed too thrilled about Becky's return. Even her parents don't seem too thrilled to see her and there's some girl lurking in the background - who can she be? Well, Becky finds out that she's got a sister! It seems that before her parents met, Becky's dad had a romance with a flight attendant and never knew that she'd had a baby girl that she named Jessica. Becky is thrilled to hear about her sister and decides that the best way to bond is by...what else? Shopping!! She quickly learns that Jess doesn't like shopping (Gasp!) and basically finds Becky to be irresponsible and shallow. Becky is determined to change her sisters' mind and travels to the English countryside where Jess lives in order to bridge the gap and find her way into her sisters' heart. Will Becky and Jess become soul mates? Will Jess learn to love shopping? Sophie Kinsella delights her readers once again as she takes us on adventure to find out!

During all the action, we get the story from Luke's perspective a little more - we see why he loves Becky so much and in seeing her through his eyes, we learn to love her just a little bit more!

I read a few books between the last book (...Ties the Knot) and this one, but I found myself falling back into the story easily - It was nice to hear about Becky again! This was a fun story and the ending leads you right into the next book in the series - that's right, I think it might be time for our Shopaholic to have a Baby!!

I must declare that KINSELLA IS BACK! The author is just as witty and humorous as the first two Shopaholic novels, and I truly enjoyed reading her fourth book!
One of my favorite scenes is reading Becky's obsession with acquiring the limited edition `Angel Bag'. Becky compares the rarity of the Angel Bag to the Bengal Tigers, wherein she describes the former as being even more extinct! So true! I have had many experiences like this in my when I justify my shopping splurges with `I have to have this no matter what!' or `this is a collector's item!' These are what I call the `FF' moments...aka Fashion Fanaticism!
I also enjoyed the introduction of Jessica, who is Becky's long lost sister. She is also a fascinating character, and it is really nice to see how different she is from Becky, which often results into petty arguments between the two! Note that Ms. Kinsella barely made mention of Danny, who is Becky's NYC best friend. Thank goodness! He was absolutely annoying in the previous Shopaholic book that I truly wished he would not appear in the future novels. Perhaps Ms. Kinsella received a lot of negative feedback on him. There is also more of Suze in this book, who is Becky's longtime best friend. I like her, and she is definitely more endearing in this novel.

This fourth installment in the 'SHOPAHOLIC' series was, as usual, laugh out loud funny and will keep you wanting more of that ever lovable Becky Bloomwood Brandon! All of the characters you have grown to love are back in this one with a couple of new equally off the wall characters sprinkled in.

When Becky and Luke return home from their ten-month long honeymoon around the world Becky expects nothing to have changed. However, quite to her surprise her parents seem to be a bit distracted, her best friend Suze has found a new best friend and Luke has gone right back to his old work obsessed self. So saying that Becky's homecoming was not exactly what she expected would be an understatement. But when Becky's parents inform her that she has a long-lost sister by the name of Jess, Becky is through the roof! This is the answer to all of her problems she now has a soul mate who will never let her down. Someone who will be there for her through thick and thin, someone to eat peppermint creams, watch chick flicks and, of course, shop with. But when she meets her sister Jess she turns out to be the exact opposite of Becky, she hates shopping, has no overdraft and knows how to stretch a dollar until it can be stretched no more. Needles to say that Becky and Jess have a hard time connecting. And after a big blow up she and Jess decide that they are just too different and to go their separate ways. However when Becky feels her marriage is in trouble she knows that Jess is the only one who can help her.

When Becky goes to Jess' hometown of Scully the real fun begins. We are introduced to a host of new characters. And Becky manages to get herself into more trouble than ever and finds her true passion...frugality?!

I am such a huge fan of this series! And I love it that Kinsella left us die hard fans with an opening for a fifth `SHOPAHOLIC' book...I will be pre-ordering that one!

Can Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) be anymore like me?!?! I love her!!!!! She is the best character to appear in a book since sliced bread. Hats off to Sophie Kinsella who once again brought our heroine Becky back with full force, ready for another adventure.

Becky and Luke return from their 10 month-long globe trotting honeymoon to find situations not quite the way they left it. Here she is thinking that things will fall right back into place when the pair of them get back home to their friends and family... Little did she know, her last name wasn't the only thing that changed.

When her best friend Suze befriends another "best friend" Becky feels left out and distances herself away from her. She later on comes to find out from her parents - who have been acting EXTREMELY weird since she's been back - that she has a long lost sister. This is great! Now that Suze has moved on with her life, and found a new friend she has a SISTER to replace her... and this time it will be extra special because they are family and they will have that "special bond" that sisters have... She couldn't be more wrong. Becky's sister is THE complete opposite. She is frugal, plain, and HATES to shop! Becky is sure that this cant be possible. She tries any and everything to get along with her sister, but any and everything just isn't good enough. They simply cannot get along, and as time goes on they begin to despise each other... But the reason they cant get along maybe the fact that they are more alike than they think.

This was such a good book. Becky hasn't changed one bit. She is the same wacky shopaholic we know and love.

The ending was great... Complete with a surprise and room left for a Shopaholic Pt 5.

SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER is yet another great book by Sophie Kinsella. Kinsella has created a character that is incredibly quirky and somewhat annoying, but is still loveable. SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER breathes new life into the Shopaholic series, and gives the readers a fun and carefree read.

Becky and Luke are on their honeymoon - in fact, they've been honeymooning for ten months. They've gone to India, South America, North America, Denmark, and many more countries. The book starts off with the two in Sri Lanka, where they're participating in a yoga/meditation clinic. Becky and Luke have never been happier - Luke's relaxed (instead of being busy and worried about his business) and having a good time, and Becky can't believe how great the shopping is in all these countries!

When Becky decides that she would like to go home earlier than planned so she can attend her best friend Suze's twins' Christening, Luke is all for it. That way he can get a head start on some more work.

Their surprise visit to Becky's parents doesn't go too well, but she's so excited to see Suze that she ignores the weird way her parents were acting. But Suze has changed too! Her new best friend, Lulu, has totally changed her!

Just as Becky thinks things can't get worse, her parents tell her something. She has a long lost sister named Jess! Becky is excited - now she'll have someone to joke around with, shop with, and have sleepovers with...until she meets Jess, who isn't anything like Becky imagined she would be.

SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER is hilarious. Becky is still a strong, funny character that everyone can relate to in one way or another. Highly recommended.

Overall grade - B

What can we expect when Sophie Kinsella publishes yet another instalment in the Shopaholic series? A lot of shopping, of course, strains in her relationships, quirky parents, more shopping, increased debt, etc.

In this book, intitled Shopaholic & Sister, the story opens with Becky and Luke ending their ten month honeymoon around the world and returning to London, where Becky finds that the people around her have gone on to find new friends and even a new family member! Since her faithful readership had never heard of a sister before, they will quickly have figured out that it can only mean that Becky's father learns of a child he never knew existed.

Becky tries to cope with her return to the real world and to Luke going back to working long hours. So she keeps herself busy finding homes for the mountain of souvenirs she purchased on the honeymoon. And so she discovers eBay! As well, she is determined to get to know her new-found sister and that they should be soul mates, but they are complete opposites of each other.

This story is filled with the usual antics that are to be expected by the warm character that is Rebecca Brandon (née Bloomwood). All the ingredients are there, as well as an opening at the end to lead the way for another novel in this series. In my opinion, this book proved to be more interesting than Shopaholic ties the knot. It is a quick paced, entertaining story about a woman you will not so soon forget... especially on your next shopping spree.

Enjoy!

I LOVE the Shopaholic books, and like the others, read this one in just a few days. However, it did not seem to have the same punch as the other books. Becky, back from her honeymoon, finds out from her parents that she has a sister, Jessica--product of a fling her father had before meeting her mother. She is 2 years older than Becky and could not be more different. She is frugal, hates shopping and had a harder time growing up. Yes, the idea is a little far-fetched like some other reviews have mentioned, but it is fiction, and that did not bother me anyway. Luke is also a little furious at the 2 truck loads of honeymoon souveniers that arrive at their flat, and he puts Becky on a budget. Of course our dear Becky finds a way around that. Becky invites her sister Jessica to the flat for a weekend of "sisterly bonding." Jessica sees Becky's problem and offers to help her be more frugal, but Becky tosses insults back at her sister and they fight. Becky, true to herself, gets Luke and his company into a bit of a pickle and they have a huge fight. Suze has also found a new best friend while Becky was away so Becky feels a little alone in the world. Becky is determined to change and be more like Jessica and heads off to make things right. I will let you take it from here--this part was probably my favorite part. They story was still good, easy to read and enjoyable. Just not on par with the first 3 in the series. Though how this ending was left, the next chapter in Becky's life is bound to be hysterical!

I totally disagree with other reviewers saying Becky isn't likeable anymore and this book wasn't as good as the other three. Personally, I think it was my favorite. It seems that as the years have gone by, Becky has stayed the same and been unharmed by the bumbling mistakes she creates by her own idiocy. However, in this novel, the most important thing in her life (shopping??? no) might very well be lost. This is serious in Becky's string of nonstop shopping adventures and Angel bag coups. How she makes it out alive is hilarious, touching and made me feel so good. In the previous three novels, has Becky not been ridiculous? And she delivers full on, bringing unwanted attention to yourself in a public place because you cannot stop laughing out loud, hilarity in the fourth go.

Becky's sister, Jess, is so different different from her. She is such a funny and refreshing contrast to Becky's inaneness. Becky is so ready to love her and be soulmates. Of course she's going to be a little disappointed....and it's hysterical. But as people go, there's always a lot more going on under the surface than meets the eye. Course Becky doesn't realize that...and goes on to feel pathetically sorry for her designer clad self. Poor Bex!

The only thing I didn't like was that more attention wasn't paid to Suze and Bex's relationship. But I am positive that the next go will have more Suze. Yeah! Hurry Sophie Hurry! And Thank You So Much For This BOOK!!!!

I have read all previous shopaholic books,and I think they're all great!!!This book is wonderful for anyone who wants a lighthearted moment in the day.I am a stay at home mom of a 21 month old girl,so after I put her to bed,and after a stressful day,it is nice to curl up and get a good laugh!Becky's adventures always hold my attention.I found it hard to put the book down,and read it in just a few days.

One things I would suggest,particularly to the review before mine,is that books like these are not intended to be taken seriously.I think its very insulting and assuming of someone to put that a writer has a "warped sense of marriage".That is the whole purpose of being a writer.Unless you are writing true stories,the whole point of it is to be in another world.I highly doubt that Mrs. Kinsella lives the same type of marriage that she writes about in her books.If she were doing that,then she would just be writing a story of her life,not a fictional character.If the previous book "pissed you off",I dont think I would have bought the next,so you really aren't in place to review it.Why even finish it if you found it to be so bad.I think that if Becky were a Bridget Jones,then what would have been the point in this series.A writer doesn't write a book to copy ones before it,they want to be unique,which is what this book is.

Once again,a sweet LIGHTHEARTED,book.Not to be taken seriously of couse,and if you a an easygoing fun-loving person,I'm sure you will enjoy it.I cant wait for the next one!!

In this, the fourth installment, int the Becky Brandon (Nee Bloomwood) Shopaholic Series, we join Becky and Luke at the tail end of their "around the world honeymoon." Becky is mastering Yoga and Luke is as relaxed as ever. As a reader I started to think that my friends had changed - maybe this would be a good thing!

Before long, Becky and Luke decide to return to reality and it is very apparent that neither of them really changed, they were just on a holiday from real life!

On suprize return to london, Becky finds Suze has a new best friend and her parents are acting very strange. Maybe the suprize part was not the best idea. Quickly, Luke is fully emersed back into his work and his old 'work obsessed' ways, Suze and Becky are drifting apart now that Suze is the mother of three, and Becky's parents lay on the biggest shocket - Becky has a long lost sister, from a relationship her father had prior to meeting her mother.

This the the wonderfully well written, expertly told story of how Becky adjusts to all the changes in her life, now that she is a Brandon with a sister.

Just like the other books in this series, there will be times that the reader will relate and empathize with Becky but most of al there will be times where the reader will get fed up with Becky's spoiled and Selfish ways. But as always, she learns a valuable lesson and we cannot help but love her a little more in the end.

The story ends with the perfect opening for a fifth book, which this reader is very much looking forward to.

I recommend this book to all the Shopaholic Lovers, you will not be disappointed.

To all of you new to Becky, start with the first book, this series is meant to be read in order. It may take some time to get to this forth book, but it will be worth it!

Keep reading and keep laughing!

Somehow, Sophie Kinsella has managed to write the same book four times and keep it fresh. The story begins on the honeymoon of Luke and Becky Brandon. Becky is up to her old tricks, shopping everywhere she goes. After traveling on her honeymoon for 10 months, she misses home, so she and Luke decide to go home early to surprise everyone. Only nothing goes as Becky planned. Her best friend has found a new pal and her parents are acting strange. Plus, Luke has turned back into a workaholic. Becky's parents finally give her news-she has a long-lost sister. Becky quickly starts planning sleepovers and shopping sprees, but when she meets her sister, Jess, she turns out to be serious and frugal. Eventually, they clash and have a big fight, and then a bargain Becky struck over a handbag causes a rift with her and Luke. Left with nowhere else to turn, Becky hunts down her sister in the village where she lives and manages to wake up the town. Jess rebuffs all of Becky's attempts to reconcile, until Becky follows her up a mountain and sustains a fall. The women end up finding some common ground before being rescued. Becky also reconciles with her best friend and her husband, and everything turns up roses. The book is a lot of fun, just like the others, full of laugh-out-loud moments, and a hint of more to come. A very fun read for a lazy afternoon.

I immediately started reading this book when I received it in the mail and finished it in about 3 hours. I have the other books from the series and loved them all as well. This latest addition is any better than the others, but a great continuation of the trials and tribulations of Becky Bloomwood-Brandon. The author, Sophie Kinsella, once said in an interview how much she missed Becky and that's why she wrote a fourth book. As soon as I started reading I realized I felt the same way! Becky is such a wonderful character and anyone can relate to her, even if you don't like to shop! Everyone has their own flaws they can never seem to get over, but they still have those wonderful people in their lives who still love them in spite of it all!

Anyone who is reading this has hopefully already read the synopsis of the book. As you know, Becky has found out she has a long lost half sister who is her complete opposite and everything of course goes downhill. She also begins having problems with her husband and best friend to boot!

This is of course highly recommended for fans of the other three Shopaholic books and fans of chick lit in general. I dont' want to give away the end, but from what I can tell I hope Ms. Kinsella is getting busy on book #5! :)

I fell back in love with the series reading Shopaholic and Sister. I loved seeing Becky and Luke so relaxed on their honeymoon (especially Luke). It was great to see Luke out of his usual, stress-filled work life. I enjoyed seeing the relaxed side of him. And the humor was in full force in this installment, especially with Becky dealing with all of her honeymoon purchases. As usual, she comes up with an ingenious way to get herself out of trouble. I also really liked the introduction of Jessica and Becky's attempts to bond with her. I loved the part where Becky follows Jessica on the hike, and the discovery of Jessica's secret obsession. I think that Shopaholic and Sister was my favorite book of the series.

There's no other character like Becky Bloomwood! This 4th installment to the Shopaholic series leaves readers happy and begging for more- at least I am!

In this book we find Becky & Luke finishing up on their honeymoon- arriving home with much more than they took- thanks to Becky's shopping. Coming back home is a bit of a downer for Becky though as her best friend has a new friend, her parents are acting weird and Luke has thrown himself back into his work. And once Becky finds out why her parents are acting strange- that she has a long-lost half sister...things don't improve much for her. While she tries everything she can do to get close to the sister she never had, it's obvious that they have nothing in common & are complete oppisites. They don't even get along...

I really loved this book. Kinsella always does a wonderful job of bringing new characters & situations into each book that keep the story interesting & enjoyable to the very last page. And the very last page has a great surprise that has me anxious to read the next installment. If you haven't read this series- you have to run out to the store & buy them all, this is an excellent series that's a lot of fun. Enjoy!

In the Fall 2004 Fashion supplement to Time magazine, writer Joel Stein confessed he has "no idea why so many women are into" shopping. After he proclaims to hate the activity, he goes off for a shopping spree with two expert shoppers, hoping to garner some inside understanding of "why" women do it. By day's end he says, "I am starting to understand how women make this shopping thing more exciting. They turn it into gambling."

Bingo! It's as if Stein spent the day with fictional Becky Bloomwood, world-class shopper extraordinaire and heroine of Sophie Kinsella's fourth installment in her funny and bestselling Shopaholic series. For Becky, shopping IS gambling. Gambling with her credit limits. Gambling with her bank account balance. And, in SHOPAHOLIC & SISTER, gambling with love and family.

After nearly a year of world travel, homesick Becky and her new husband Luke curtail their honeymoon to return to England. Becky soon learns that a year is a long time, and though her shopping tendencies haven't changed (well, maybe they've gotten worse, if that's possible), other things have changed. For instance, in her absence, her best friend Suze seems to have found a new best friend, Lulu. And Becky's mom and dad are acting strange and secretive...for good reason. It's not long after her return that Becky finds out she has a half sister --- a dream come true for Becky.

With Suze distracted by motherhood and her new friend, Becky shifts all her focus and enthusiasm to her new sister Jessica. "The point is," Becky observes on their first shopping excursion together, "we're here! It's a fantastic day, sunny but not too warm, with tiny cloud scudding across the blue sky. As I get out, I look around the sunlit street, feeling all buzzy with anticipation. My first shopping trip with my sister!" Sounds great, doesn't it? Not so fast. Jessica, it turns out, is not the shopping enthusiast Becky is and, in fact, is frugal (a word foreign to Becky).

Becky's high hopes of an idyllic sisterly relationship with weekend manicures and pedicures, forays into Versace shops, and lazy afternoons at outdoor cafes gossiping over lattes are dashed quickly. And, as if familial trouble isn't enough, Becky's novice marriage is on shaky ground too. Not thinking, Becky promises a questionable character that Luke will help him market the opening of a new hotel. When Luke finds out what Becky has committed him to without his permission (and all because the gentleman in question bought her a handbag!), he is livid. And, in Becky's eyes, it looks like Luke is beginning to prefer mousy, practical and cheap Jessica to her.

Everything is on the line for Becky: her marriage, her sister, her friendship, her allowance! As in all the Shopaholic books, Kinsella gives us an over-the-top, almost unbelievable, but highly comical Becky, ever gambling, this time trying to buy time with creditors and win her husband's love back. Kinsella gambles too: Becky verges on formulaic (how much more can she buy, and how many more clever letters can she write to avoid paying bills?) --- but it's a winning formula. Becky is as funny as ever, and you can't help but root for her.

--- Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara

Fans of the Shopaholic series featuring the engaging yet exasperating Rebecca Bloomwood may savor the following rebuke delivered to her face by her ... sister?:

"You're spoiled! ... Your whole life makes me sick. ... You're shallow and materialistic, and I've never met anyone so obsessed with their own appearance and shopping."

In SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER, the fourth book of the series by Sophie Kinsella, Becky is now Rebecca Brandon, wife of successful Luke Brandon, head of his own public relations firm. Just back from their 1-year, around-the-world honeymoon, during which Becky purchased more stuff than even Luke suspects until it's delivered to their London flat in two large lorries, Becky discovers that she has a sister. Half-sister, actually - her father's daughter, Jessica Bertram, conceived with a stewardess employed on the London to Carlisle train before he met Becky's Mum. Becky is thrilled; they can go shopping together, as well as do each other's nails. But to Becky's horror and despair, Jess is cut from different cloth; she's frugal to a fault, e.g. she reuses coffee grounds and makes kitchen scourers out of old onion bags, and carries a week's change of clothes in a brown rucksack. And she loathes to shop.

SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER is perhaps not as lighthearted throughout as the previous three. Through several chapters, Becky is bleakly despondent over what she perceives as a marriage on the rocks and failure to bond with Jess. But Becky's strongpoint has always been her resilience. Upon waking from unconsciousness after falling off a mountain ledge, she can observe the need for a manicure by the person waving a hand in front of her face asking, "How many fingers?"

As much as the reader of the series might want to shout at Becky the reproach heading this review, the woman is unfailingly good-hearted and generous, and you just want to hug her - or shake her until her teeth rattle. Becky is one of the most winning heroines of trashy literature. By the end of the book, it's obvious where the author is going with the next installment. Keep 'em coming, Sophie!

This takes a slightly different tone than the first three Shopaholic books. Returning from world traveling on their honeymoon, Becky and Luke hit some rough patches in their marriage. As the situation develops, you can't help thinking "Oh, noooo, Becky, don't do it." But of course she plows ahead making the situation with her husband and her newly found sister go from bad to worse.

Earlier Becky seemed self-centered, but here her actions seem more selfish. I tried to figure out why it was painful to read some of the developments. Kinsella hits too close to home sometimes with her seemingly light story of regretful situations that everyone falls into at least once in their life. Remember saying something unkind about someone and then turning to find them standing there? How about postponing telling someone you have goofed and their anger when they do find out? Kinsella makes us squirm a little as Becky goes through these situations.

Happily it all works out for the best and the reader ends on an upbeat feeling.

I recommend reading the first three shopaholic books before starting this one.

This takes a slightly different tone than the first three Shopaholic books. Returning from world traveling on their honeymoon, Becky and Luke hit some rough patches in their marriage. As the situation develops, you can't help thinking "Oh, noooo, Becky, don't do it." But of course she plows ahead making the situation with her husband and her newly found sister go from bad to worse.

Earlier Becky seemed self-centered, but here her actions seem more selfish. I tried to figure out why it was painful to read some of the developments. Kinsella hits too close to home sometimes with her seemingly light story of regretful situations that everyone falls into at least once in their life. Remember saying something unkind about someone and then turning to find them standing there? How about postponing telling someone you have goofed and their anger when they do find out? Kinsella makes us squirm a little as Becky goes through these situations.

Happily it all works out for the best and the reader ends on an upbeat feeling.

I was nervous when I started reading this one due to many of the negative reviews, but I have to say, I was happily surprised! I just became a fan of the Shopaholic series and I just love Becky & Luke! I really didn't think their relationship was given enough attention in this first book, but it picked up from there and I will have to say the reader really gets to get in deep with their relationship in this book. I have to agree with a previous reviewer who compared Becky to Lucy Ricardo - that's exactly who she reminds me of. In Sister, I did not find myself feeling as frustrated with Becky for not owning up sooner. Unlike others, I thought she had grown more in this book. She seemed to own up to her mistakes much quicker (there were just SEVERAL to own up to in this book). I really think this one was my all time fave of the series. I have the next one (Baby) ordered already and can't wait to read it. But I do admit that I'm a little sad that it's the last one. I really hope Sophie Kinsella finds a way to bring us more Luke & Becky!

Becky Bloomwood is back! She is now Mrs. Brandon and have just returned from her ten-month honeymoond with Luke, having travelled all over the world. As usual, she was addicted to shopping, buying multiple of things she don't need and having them shipped secretly back to London, without Luke's knowledge. Eager to return home after her long honeymoon, Becky was in for a surprise when her parents introduced her long-lost sister, Jess to her. Becky was especially eager to have a sister as she felt that her best friend, Suze, had replaced Becky while she way away. Unfortunately, Jess was totally different from Becky and winning her heart would prove to be very challenging.

Even though many people find Becky's behavior to be annoying and irritating, I find that this is still a fun book to read, especially if you have been following the Shopaholic series. It's fast-paced, sweet, and contains many funny moments. The way Kinsella ended her book, there may be possibly be a fifth book of this series. This is definitely a must-read book for all Sophie Kinsella's fans.

If you haven't read any other Shopaholic books, don't start here. Starting at the beginning will endear the reader to the character of Becky Bloomwood and set up the rest of the series. No book so far has been able to compare to the humor and fun of the debut Becky Bloomwood novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic.

For fans, they can expect Becky to be the same, with inaction on the financial front and passive lies to get her way or to avoid dealing with situations. In this book, we're introduced to the complete opposite of Becky, Jess, who is almost a caricature of herself in her thriftiness (a scrub brush made out of an old onion bag and coffee grounds which are re-used for weeks). The dramatic action of this book comes when Becky and Jess inevitably clash.

There's a great twist to the book that I didn't see coming, and I liked the way it wrapped up. Another reviewer has suggested that Kinsella branch out into other characters and have Becky make a cameo appearance in another novel. I think that would be a great idea.

SHOPAHOLIC & SISTER by Sophie Kinsella

January 3, 2006

the store rating 4/5 stars

Here's the 4th installment of the adventures of Becky Brandon (Nee Bloomwood), and she and her husband Luke (the multi-millionaire) are on their 10-month honeymoon around the world. As the novel opens, they are in the middle of a yoga session when she becomes distracted by a jewelry salesman... anyway, Becky is still the same fun-loving fashion obsessed money-spending gal that we've grown to love over the past few books.

Becky and Luke are ready to return to London, and upon arrival there are a few surprises for Becky. She learns that she has a half sister, Jessica, and her best friend Suze has a new best friend, leaving Becky with no best friend. Becky's homecoming does not go as planned, to say the least, and Luke is very upset about all the souvenirs that Becky bought and had shipped to London over the past 10 months. Not a good thing! Becky's spending problems are out of control!

Becky is excited about meeting this sister, thinking she has a new best friend. Unfortunately, this does not go as planned either. Jessica is nothing like Becky. In fact, she's the exact opposite of Becky in nearly every way. Jessica is as frugal as they come, and (heaven forbid!) she doesn't even wear makeup!

As the novel continues on, Becky gets into more trouble with Luke by getting involved with a shady business associate, and soon she thinks their marriage is on the rocks. What is Becky going to do now to fix things?

I loved this 4th book in the Shopaholic series, and I am hoping there will be another one. The book ends with a surprise note, paving the way for yet another book in the series, so I'm crossing my fingers...

This takes a slightly different tone than the first three Shopaholic books. Returning from world traveling on their honeymoon, Becky and Luke hit some rough patches in their marriage. As the situation develops, you can't help thinking "Oh, noooo, Becky, don't do it." But of course she plows ahead making the situation with her husband and her newly found sister go from bad to worse.

Earlier Becky seemed self-centered, but here her actions seem more selfish. I tried to figure out why it was painful to read some of the developments. Kinsella hits too close to home sometimes with her seemingly light story of regretful situations that everyone falls into at least once in their life. Remember saying something unkind about someone and then turning to find them standing there? How about postponing telling someone you have goofed and their anger when they do find out? Kinsella makes us squirm a little as Becky goes through these situations.

Happily it all works out for the best and the reader ends on an upbeat feeling.

Here we go again with Becky Bloomwood, and her obsessive need for always shopping-and running up credit cards! In this book, she and Luke will finish up their honeymoon sooner than they had expected to, and go back home. Becky of course, can't resist buying an expensive angel bag before they leave, and she must keep it a secret from Luke-which she is famous for doing all the time.

When they reach home, things have changed. Becky's best friend Suze, is now tied up with Lulu who also has kids, and seems to have no time at all for Suze. And, that isn't all of course. She has an unknown sister through her father, namely Jess, who is quite the very opposite of Becky. She has a zero personality, and HATES shopping! She is a cheap-o and finds all sorts of ways to harbor her money. So right off, she and Becky don't get along. In fact, when Becky takes her shopping, Jess just stands there bored while Becky is completely, totally enthralled with the mall stores!

Luke and Becky have problems because of Becky's shopping problem. When not one, but several lorries drive up to their apartmenet with all of Becky's lavish items, Luke is horrified. They have words many times over this, so Becky proceeds to sell many of the items over ebay, convincing Luke she can use it to pay off all of these bills. But then she spends more-and more.

When Jess and Becky really have it a big fight over her lying and shopping habits, Jess gives up altogether and doesn't want to be sisters. But an event makes Becky take a second look at what she is doing-and she wants Jess's help. But it may be too late for them to make up, and not only that, but with Luke too.

Never thought in a million years that I would read this type of fictional book! I am more a autobiography type of gal! After my friend gave me Book #1 because she said " I needed to laugh" ,then I was hooked! This author and her writing style is H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S, witty and then she spins a deep message in the end! It was perfect timing to receive this book after dealing w/ some stressful events and the medicine I needed! LOL ...ROTF ...Te Te He He ...Chuckle...Chuckle is what I did while reading this book and the whole series! You will love the series and not want to put down! Get ready to laugh and release some positive endorphins ! Ready...Set...Go get your books!

Becky and Luke are returning from their round the world honeymoon (where, as is typical, Becky has purchased a lot more than she remembers!!)

Their return back home does not turn into the grand welcome Becky has pictured in her head. Her best friend has a new best friend and her parents are very preoccupied and acting quite strange. It turns out that Becky has a half sister and in her mind Becky builds her into a carbon copy of herself and it turns out that nothing could be further from the truth.

Her half sister is a very frugal cautious young woman, so much so that the two seem to have absolutely nothing in common......but will that in fact be the case or can they discover a hidden link between them??

Becky and Luke have those newlywed problems that have to be worked out, but Becky's involvement with a mystery business man may be the downfall of Luke's business and quite possibly their marriage!

This is another good book in the Shopaholic series!

I've always liked the shopaholic series because it's relaxing and funny to read. Reading them is a great break from reading more scholarly works. They are great beach, airplane and weekend books. This one is no exception.

Basically the plot is Becky finds out she has a half sister from before her parents were married and wants to be best buds with her. But Jess hates shopping, spending and Becky's constant (well meaning) lies to her husband Luke.

Set against the backdrop of Becky returning for her ten month honeymoon and Luke going back to the corporate world big-time, Becky's parents on a therapy cruise and Suz, Becky's best friend having twins and finding new friends this book is an equation for Becky to a major shopping meltdown! But our favorite material girl can be surprising and all fans of Becky will love this latest installment in her life.

I'm hoping for another book soon. Four stars.

After reading all 4 books, I found the storylines very similar. I honestly have to lower down my ratings because of the lack of originality. Some people who want new plots and stories better move to another part of the bookshelves and get a book that isn't a series.

Nevertheless, Becky Bloomwood is back from her honeymoon with her new husband, Luke and is funnier than ever. She discovers her "former" best friend Suze has a new best friend, her parents are acting peculiar. She expected a warm family reunion with her friend but it seemed everything was turning upside down.

Then, out of the blue, she finds out she has a long-lost sister. She gets madly excited and plans shopping sprees and makeovers for both her and her sis. As time passes, she realizes her sis, Jess, has nothing in common with her. Jess doesn't like shopping, makeovers or anything that involves spending or wasting money. What can Becky do?

Then she has this huge row with Luke and Jess. Desperate as she was, she did something and of course I'm not telling you what she did. You wouldn't buy the book if I did right?

All in all, I found the book fun and easy to read. I must agree some people won't be able to stand this book because they hate the fact that - as they say - "every page is talking about shopping". Teens will presumably love this book as I do.

Looking forward to Sophie Kinsella's 5th Shopaholic series

Kirstie Mabitad

Having enjoyed the other three Shopaholic books, I wasn't sure how this one would compare - the plot summary left me skeptical that it'd be much good. And while the plot is based on something you'd never expect from her parents, the book itself turned out to be sweet and - I thought - better than the last installment in the series.

There's the familiar shopaholic storyline (she spends too munch, makes a mistake, tries to hide it, mistake blows up, but everything is happy in the end), but the journey to the end was fun. Becky's siter, Jess, is shown to be a tightwad who seems to only be interested in rocks and doesn't want to really get to know her new family, while Becky fantasizes of them going shopping together and laughing the way sisters do. After a disasterous time together, Becky realizes that she had more of a sisterly relationship with Suze. But Suze has 3 children now and seems to be more content to spend time with her new best friend, another mom.

I liked the fact that this book went more into the relationships between the people instead of just focusing on her spending habits. You got a better glimpse into her psyche, which was nice.

If you've read the other three books, definitely check this one out. It may not be the most creative book in the world, but it won't disappoint.

After coming back from her 10 month, around the world honeymoon trip, Becky discovers a change in her universe. Her fashion designer buddy in New York doesn't return her calls. Bestest friend forever Suze (now mother of 3, Ernie and boy-girl twins)has a new bestest friend who would rather ride a horse over the hills than ride a horse to the local shops. Luke is cranky. And Mum and Dad have been acting oddly.

While sorting through the mounds (literally) of mementos from her honeymoon, Becky discovers something that couldn't be picked up in a cute little boutique or the high street. Becky's got a half-sister Jessica thanks to Mr Bloomwood's premarriage adventures. But the biggest shocker isn't the long-lost sister, but the mere fact that Jess loves her beloved rocks more than shopping.

The fourth volume (yes, it has been 4 Shopaholic books) moves along rather smoothly. There's not the same I am Becky, Becky is me (aka addicted to shopping) feeling as in volumes one and two. However the ending leaves wide open fresh adventures in life experiences and of course related shopping for Mrs Rebecca Bloomwood Brandon.

If you loved the first three shopaholic books then this one will capture your attention too. Becky and Luke are on their year-long honeymoon in the beginning of this one and having a wonderful time. Except that Becky can't remember how much she has spent or purchased in each country. The spending (and rationalizing) is enough to make you laugh hysterically. They end their honeymoon a little bit early and Becky is eager to surprise her parents and best friend Suze. However, they surprise her! Her parents tell her that she has a sister from a fling her father had before meeting her mother. And Suze has a new (and irritating) best friend. She thinks her sister will be her new best friend, but they couldn't be more different! Jess is frugal and HATES SHOPPING. The horror! Hilarity ensues as you read on. And definitely read on. It's a great book.

Now I just can't wait for Shopaholic & Baby.

I have to say Sophie Kinsella, I am disappointed. So far, I have faithfully followed the Shopoholic books because they are funny, endearing, and always imaginative. This one? I thought that Becky Bloomwood was scary. Instead of being an overly creative, but always down to earth shopoholic, she was a crazed, 2000$ purse obsessive shopoholic. Truth was, I just didn't relate to Becky. At all. Usually, I laugh about her adventures, this time, I thought: What in the heck is wrong with you? I related more to her straight laced rock loving sister then to Becky. This book was kind of a surprise to me, as I expected the next Shopoholic book to be about a baby. Clearly, the one AFTER is. This book seemed like a cop-out "Make more money" effort. It still had its funny moments (The part where Becky walks across hot coals to get a necklace is Funny!) But for the most part, I just felt bad for Luke. He married a money-crazed compulsive liar. Don't expect to much from this one.

All of the Shopaholic books are great but this one was not as good as the others. Don't get me wrong it is still worth reading and leaves the impression that there is more to come but it simply does not compare to the first three books.

Becky is even more out of control than ever in this installment of the series, when she meets her long lost half sister, who happens to HATE shopping. Becky with her overwhelming desire to be the best sister ever (because she was always an only child) tries so hard to get her new sister (who happens to be everything Becky is not) to be her best friend. The usual hilarity that comes with Becky insues and Kinsella once again provides her reader with great fun and laughs.

Ending gives the impression that there is more of Becky's life to come... can't wait for another book in this great series.

Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic" series is an absolute delight. This installment is just as funny and just as quirky as ever.

I only have one complaint and that is that all of Kinsella's books are Abridged when offered on CD.

In a busy work-a-day world and long drives to and from work, books on CD are the best way for me to get recreational "reading" done, nowadays. I feel somehow cheated when I listen to an abridged version of a book. Thankfully the producers of Kinsella's books have done a flawless job of abridging a book... I just can't help wondering what really great little details and/or sections I've missed.... (heavy sigh)

But abridged Kinsella is better than no Kinsella... So go ahead get caught up in the writing magic of Sophie Kinsella and ENJOY!

Becky Bloomwood is back and this time she is newly-married Becky Brandon, who is shopping around the world on her honeymoon with Luke. When she and Luke return to England, she finds that everything has changed. Her best friend, Suze, has found a new best friend, and her parents have just met her half-sister, Jessica, the product of her father's affair previous to his marriage. Becky fantasizes about the wonderful relationship she'll have with her newly-found sister, but she's disappointed when she discovers that she and Becky have nothing in common. Added to this, Luke is upset with Becky for all of the secret purchases she has made, which are just now showing up at their apartment. It seems that things couldn't get worse, but as usual, everything turns out well at the end. This book is not quite up to the standards of the previous books in the series. Somehow, the fun has gone out of some of Becky's escapades and this series probably needs to end with this book.

This latest Shopaholic adventure was definitely not what I had hoped for and expected. The story starts out in the usual and loveable way - Becky and Luke are still on their honeymoon, and everything is great. On their way back to their normal lives, it starts to go wrong. Both for Becky and Luke and for Sophie Kinsella. Becky overspends (as usual, but this time she REALLY overspends, and it is hard to believe that she has this kind of money) and hides her overspending from Luke. Back in London everything starts to go wrong. As usual one wants to say - but this time it is not cute or even remotely funny. Becky is too much, and it is very hard to believe how Luke can stand her, how anyone can stand her. Her non-shopping sister is more likeable than Becky, and it is in her company, the sister's, that Becky becomes most obnoxious and naive. And yes, it is also very hard to believe how one can be so naive and clueless. It used to be easy to see a little of yourself in Becky, thankfully that is not the case with this book. This one was not good enough, and I only recommend it if you feel you 'need' to read all the Shopaholic-books.

All of the Shopaholic books are great but this one was not as good as the others. Don't get me wrong it is still worth reading and leaves the impression that there is more to come but it simply does not compare to the first three books.

Becky is even more out of control than ever in this installment of the series, when she meets her long lost half sister, who happens to HATE shopping. Becky with her overwhelming desire to be the best sister ever (because she was always an only child) tries so hard to get her new sister (who happens to be everything Becky is not) to be her best friend. The usual hilarity that comes with Becky insues and Kinsella once again provides her reader with great fun and laughs.

Ending gives the impression that there is more of Becky's life to come... can't wait for another book in this great series.

It must say something about me that I sympathized much more with Becky's long lost frugal sister Jess, who at least has some sense. And I feel sorry for Luke--does anyone know *why* he was attracted to somebody who is so completely clueless about money and life in general?

This book does redeem itself in the end, though, with Becky having the incredible revelation that she's been *gasp* spoiled all her life with people around her willing to forgive her faux pas and her goof ups, and parents who unconditionally accept her, and the great luck to get out of her scrapes. Heck, Luke pays off her huge credit card bills!

Jess does exactly what i've been wanting to do to Becky for the past three books---tell her exactly how shallow and superficial her interests and concerns are.

Another chapter in the shopaholic series & Becky is at it again. Not only is she now a happy newlywed, but finds out she has a sister!

This latest addition to the series is simply delightful. Becky is hilarious amidst all her antics & drama. <laughing to myself even now> I must say there are some seriously funny parts in this one. The horse she takes with her shopping is one of my favs.

Can't say enough about this book or the series alone. If you haven't tried the series, this one is fine to start with, as each book gives background from the beginning. Eventually though, it would be ideal to read "Confessions Of A Shopaholic" & go down the series from there.

I am so enamored with adorable Becky. Reading this series gives me a much needed break from reality!

Grab this quickly- you will not be disappointed! Also excellent for a gals bookclub!

While the flighty yet well-meaning Becky is back in similar style to the first three books, Kinsella's choice of contrasting her with the ultra-practical, unbelievably thrifty Jess has made it difficult to enjoy Becky's character as in the previous books.
Perhaps it is that Becky is now married and it is difficult to justify her half-truths towards her husband. Perhaps I'm expecting her to have grown a little along the way. In the first few books, I sympathized with her and saw a little of myself in Kinsella's shop-at-all-cost Becky. It was a little bit of fantasy. Wouldn't it be nice to spend and buy and spend and buy and not feel guilty or suffer the consequences? Now, she just seems immature and irresponsible. The fact that she always manages to land on her feet, despite silly choices, seems unrealistic.
Check your brain at the door and this instalment of the Shopaholic novels is light, fun read, albeit not quite as enjoyable as the first three books. Think about it too much and it may just border on annoying.

After the `not so good' review I gave Shopaholic ties the Knot, I was rather hesitant to read the next Shopaholic book, which is Shopaholic and Sister. By the third book, all readers following these series know that Becky Bloomwood is an only child, so the title of the fourth book does stir up some curiosity.
Well, to sum up my reaction to this book.....I must declare that KINSELLA IS BACK! The author is just as witty and humorous as the first two Shopaholic novels, and I truly enjoyed reading her fourth book!

One of my favorite scenes is reading Becky's obsession with acquiring the limited edition `Angel Bag'. Becky compares the rarity of the Angel Bag to the Bengal Tigers, wherein she describes the former as being even more extinct! So true! I have had many experiences like this in my when I justify my shopping splurges with `I have to have this no matter what!' or `this is a collector's item!' These are what I call the `FF' moments...aka Fashion Fanaticism!

I also enjoyed the introduction of Jessica, who is Becky's long lost sister. She is also a fascinating character, and it is really nice to see how different she is from Becky, which often results into petty arguments between the two! Note that Ms. Kinsella barely made mention of Danny, who is Becky's NYC best friend. Thank goodness! He was absolutely annoying in the previous Shopaholic book that I truly wished he would not appear in the future novels. Perhaps Ms. Kinsella received a lot of negative feedback on him. There is also more of Suze in this book, who is Becky's longtime best friend. I like her, and she is definitely more endearing in this novel.

Before beginning the book, I was very intrigued as to how Becky was going to have a sister out of nowhere. I assumed Luke would have a sister we hadn't yet read about and that they were referring to her sister-in-law. It was not the case and I did like this surprise. It did seem slightly contrived and the image of the Bloomwoods I had previously had was changed a little. But - as usual with this series- I couldn't put the book down and had many laugh out loud moments.

In terms of the Shopaholic Series I think its better than the last one (Shopaholic Ties the Knot) but not as good as the first and the second. I continue to love how Sophie Kinsella always throws in some twist towards the end that I am totally not expecting and am completely surprised by.

I can't wait for the next one!

I thoroughly enjoy the entire Shopaholic series..... I liked this one better than Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Yes - sometimes it can be silly, but that's what makes it so great! It lets you forget about your own problems for a short while and read about the ridiculousness that is Becky Brandon (formerly Bloomwood).

I enjoyed reading about Becky's relationship, or lack thereof, with Jess, and her ever-evolving relationship with Luke as they settle into their marriage. I can think of no better books than the Shopaholic series when you want some funny, enjoyable chick lit to sink your teeth into. 5 Stars! :)

This book by Kinsella is a hoot. Enjoyed reading it from start to finish because it is improbable but easy to understand. Our heroine has many problems she faces but somehow manages to climb (joke) above all of them and come out on top. Have a good time reading this one.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"