Book Review and Giveaway: Mini Shopaholic

**Giveaway is now closed**

I have always been a Sophie Kinsella fan, ever since I first read "Confessions of a Shopaholic." When I found out that "Mini Shopaholic" would be heading to bookstores, I couldn't wait to check it out for myself. And thanks to Sharon and Alexandra at Random House, I didn't have to wait too long. And even though the book is available for your purchasing pleasure today, they have also promised two copies to give away to readers (and fellow shopaholics) right here!

"Mini Shopaholic" picks up two years after "Shopaholic and Baby." Becky is now the proud mother of a toddler who takes after her shopaholic tendencies. Since two years have passed, Ms. Kinsella takes the time to fill us in on all the big events during the time between these two books. The story starts out at a department store, where Minnie (a.k.a. Mini Shopaholic) has her clutches on a toy pony. Becky finds a way to justify buying Minnie whatever she wants and that's where all the fun and havoc begins.

There is a lot going on in this book, which explains why it is almost 400 pages. It is full of house-hunting, an economic crisis, a clever marketing scheme, toddler behavior management and a surprise party that becomes overwhelming because Becky is the one planning the highly anticipated event. There are also family issues and (of course) a lot of shopping!
I originally thought that Ms. Kinsella crammed a lot of situations into one novel because this could be where the Shopaholic series ends. However, she surprisingly left open some room for a potential sequel.

Overall, this was a fun novel and I laughed out loud often while reading about Becky's crazy schemes and adventures. She manages to get herself into a few messes in every story but finds a way to sort them out. She usually has good intentions though. She does come off as younger than her 29 years because of her impulsiveness and her child-like view of the way the world works. However, she is just as charming and lovable in "Mini Shopaholic" as she has been in the past five novels. I even find that I am able to relate to her in some ways. While some things felt a bit unrealistic, I just went along with them for the sake of the story. I do want to point out that while there was an economic crisis going on in the story, it seemed a bit short lived compared to how much spending was taking place throughout. I would have liked to see more consistency there, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the novel by any means. I consider this to be a light novel that is easy and enjoyable to read. I had a hard time putting it down! I definitely think "Shopaholic" fans will enjoy this new chapter in Becky's life.

Thanks again to Sharon and Alexandra at Random House for the review copy of "Mini Shopaholic" and for providing two more copies for this giveaway.

How to win "Mini Shopaholic":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What store or item (clothing, books, shoes, etc.) makes you into a shopaholic?
OR
2. Please tell us: What is the biggest way you have ever surprised someone (or have been surprised)?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Sunday, September 26th at midnight EST.