My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

****

From Random House (Dial Press)

Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world. New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has written her most timely novel yet.

 

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

            

Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

            

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

Source:  Electronic Advance Copy in exchange for an honest review.

That moment when you are reading on the treadmill at the gym and start laughing uncontrollably at the standard Sophie Kinsella madness?  Yep.  That's me.  The woman on the treadmill laughing.  And for good reason.  If you've read a Sophie Kinsella book, then you know her trademark hilarity in awkwardness.  If you've not read Sophie Kinsella - what the heck are you waiting for?  

My all time favorite Sophie Kinsella book is Can You Keep a Secret?  Holy crap that book is funny.  My next favorite is Undomestic Goddess.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.  My third favorite is now My Not So Perfect Life, because Katie-Cat's life is sooo not perfect.  It's day-to-day drudgery - that kind when you have a crap job, a crap apartment, and no money to do anything fun.  But, she works in a field she loves, lives in a city she loves, and well, pretends everything is great.  

My Not So Perfect Life is all kinds of fun!  I won't give any spoilers, but there are twists and turns here that are unexpected and entertaining.  Revenge plots and "sunbathing" and a Dad who is a little bit crazy - it all comes together to bring you hours of fun and laughs.  Kinsella's writing is, as always, quick, witty, and hilarious.  Sometimes, you even get a good message out of the laughs, like the grass is always greener and don't believe everything you see on Instagram.  

My Not So Perfect Life is the perfect addition to your TBR.  For more information, visit Sophie Kinsella's website.

~Shel

Waiting on Wednesday (197)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.


By HelenKay Dimon
Publication Date: February 14, 2017

In this steamy novel of seduction and international intrigue, two brave men are stripped of their defenses—and exposed to dangers and desires that simmer below the surface.
 
As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk—and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding—and he requires hands-on attention day and night.
 
Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth—in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden—or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

By Sophie Kinsella
Publication Date: February 7, 2017

Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.

Ok, so the real truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.

But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?

Until her not-so perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.

Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams? Or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman with everything – have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.

And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway? 





By Anna Zabo
Publication Date: February 21, 2017

A man discovers that love can show up when you least expect it—and in a much different form—in this piping-hot romance from the author of Due Diligence and Just Business.

Brian Keppler, owner of Ground N'At, the coffee shop beneath SR Anderson Consulting, doesn't have time for a relationship. His most recent girlfriend broke up with him because he'd become married to his shop, which is falling apart without his favorite barista, Justin.

As he struggles to stay afloat, the arrival of handsome British high-tech whiz Robert Ancroft becomes another complication. Rob quickly becomes a fixture at the shop with his sharp wit and easy charm, and Brian soon finds himself looking forward more and more to Rob's visits—to the point where his heart skips a beat when he walks in.  

But will Brian be able to come to terms with his previously unexplored sexual identity and find happiness now that he has a chance?

Waiting on Wednesday (151)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights future releases that we are excitedly anticipating.


By Sarah Ockler
Publication Date: June 2, 2015

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life. 

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . .






By Sophie Kinsella
Publication Date: June 9, 2015

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Shopaholic series comes a terrific blend of comedy, romance, and psychological recovery in a contemporary YA novel sure to inspire and entertain.

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family. 







By Gina Ciocca
Publication Date: June 9, 2015

Before:
Kelsey and David became best friends the summer before freshman year and were inseparable ever after. Until the night a misunderstanding turned Kelsey into the school joke, and everything around her crumbled—including her friendship with David. So when Kelsey's parents decided to move away, she couldn't wait to start over and leave the past behind. Except, David wasn't ready to let her go...

After:
Now it's senior year and Kelsey has a new group of friends, genuine popularity, and a hot boyfriend. Her life is perfect. That is, until David's family moves to town and he shakes up everything. Soon old feelings bubble to the surface and threaten to destroy Kelsey's second chance at happiness. The more time she spends with David, the more she realizes she never truly let him go. And maybe she never wants to.

Told in alternating sections, LAST YEAR'S MISTAKE is a charming and romantic debut about loving, leaving, and letting go.

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Books When You Need Something Light & Fun


Top Ten Tuesday is a super fun weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

The three of us LOVE a fun story that makes us laugh so we collaborated on this list for you all.  Enjoy!  



Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding – I don’t think it’s possible for this one to get old.  It still makes us laugh.  And we forgive the movie adaptation simply for the hilarious and sexy casting of Colin Firth.  









Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis –  Three words for you.  The puppy, Twinkles.











Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich – Let’s just say that it’s yet again the dogs that make us snort our drinks through our noses.    









Paranormalcy by Kiersten White – Because it’s just so *bleeping* cute!










Let’s Pretend this Never Happened by Jennifer Lawson (a.k.a. The Bloggess) – Grab the kleenex.  You will be laughing so hard that you WILL cry.









Must Love Dragons by Stephanie Rowe – Because Satan is HILARIOUS!










The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella – This one will have you in stitches.









Eye Candy by Tera Lynn Childs – Completely adorable.  All the candy talk will have you reaching for the Jelly Bellies.









You Suck:  A Love Story by Christopher Moore – If Christopher Moore can’t make us laugh then there is something horribly wrong.  









Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins – Happy! Happy! Happy!  Such a HAPPY story!










Hope you enjoyed the list.  Share some of your favorites with us!