Why I love "shopping" for Sophie Kinsella's books!

Image from Sophie's Facebook page

To celebrate International Chick Lit Month right here, we're all doing tributes to some of our favorite authors. Here is what Melissa A. had to say about Sophie Kinsella...

When I first heard about "Confessions of a Shopaholic," I thought it was going to be frivolous and silly. Then a friend loaned it to me and I devoured it, laughing and smiling the whole time at Becky Bloomwood's moxie and all the crazy situations she got herself into. I knew I had to read the following books in the Shopaholic series after that! Then she put out "Can You Keep a Secret?" and I read it in about two days. It was so cute and hilarious and I just HAD to know what happened and whether or not Emma would have a happy ending.

The following year, I received "The Undomestic Goddess" for my birthday, and again, I read it in two days because it was just THAT good. I loved the whole "Maid to Order" concept of it and all the controversy that Samantha got herself into. Then there were more Shopaholic books to read. I really enjoyed all the craziness in "Shopaholic and Baby."

"Remember Me" was the first of the many amnesia/losing years books I would like later on down the road. It was definitely thought provoking and the ending was not what I expected at all. For some reason, I missed reading "Twenties Girl" when it came out, but when I finally got to it, I fell in love with that story, as well. So many laugh out loud moments, especially when Lara asks for a "swizzle stick." I loved the air of mystery to it, as well. And of course, who could miss "Mini Shopaholic" which led me to think that there may be more Shopaholic stories in the works. (Bring Becky back!!!) Finally, I got to read "I've Got Your Number" earlier this year and enjoyed every moment of it, especially the really funny parts. It was a clever story and I loved the way it was told.

I have a feeling Sophie is going to continue to produce clever, funny stories with an underdog heroine and a gorgeous romantic interest. I see a glorious future for her. When I think of chick lit, Sophie Kinsella's name is the first that comes to mind! I know she's really a pseudonym for which Madeleine Wickham can write some lighter and fluffier stories, but they contain a lot of substance and are very entertaining! If you haven't picked up a Sophie Kinsella novel yet, what are you waiting for?!? She's so great that "Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic" (same as "Confessions...") was chosen for World Book Night 2012.

You can find Sophie at her website that just captures her essence perfectly. She's also on Facebook and we hope she'll make an appearance on Twitter soon, as well.