All we need heartfelt, laugh out loud, smart, genuine, entertaining Sophie Kinsella book to see the life through a kaleidoscope!

This book is a big win for me! I always have a great interest to read about dysfunctional family stories and this plot line resonated with me a lot, it made me remember how compelling to say goodbye your childhood house. There are so many similarities with me and Effie: When I witnessed the selling process of my own family house when I was in my mid twenties, I was recently resigned from my job, breaking up my long time boyfriend, third baby of the family( always baby, stubborn, fiery one) my parents weren’t divorced but they were getting estranged so when I read the plot, fireworks start to explode in front of my eyes! I screamed “yes” ! I’m reading something similar to my young-unwise-emotional wreck times!

Dear Effie’s last Christmas family party ends with broken heart reminds us of George Michael song and not so bright screenplay Emma Thompson wrote which turned into semi satisfying-bitter romcom with the same title!

She learned that her parents were getting divorce and later she finds out her father has younger girlfriend Krista( 41, Instagram star, acting like ruthless gold digger from the beginning) and when she also finds out they’re selling their childhood house, throwing a farewell party, she gets frustrated, hurt, sad, lost.

Her father stops talking to her after her last argument with his girlfriend, rejecting to turn back to her messages and her probably soon to be step- witchy mother a.k.a. bitchy girlfriend Krista anti-invited her to the party! Effie is stubborn enough to reject her unkindly invite!

But then she remembers her Russian dolls who have sentimental value for her( we don’t know why but when I learn at the end, I have a long “awwww” moment till my neighbor screamed to shut my mouth! Yes, I can be a little exaggerated when I get ultra emotional)

So she decides to crash her childhood house, acting like a fly on the wall, lurking around corridors, checking whereabouts of those dolls, taking them back and running away which approximately takes not more than 10 minutes!

But she didn’t count the bouncer her sister Bean hired. As she hides behind rosebuds to show her dedication to Citizen Kane ( okay I made this up! She couldn’t find any better camouflage) she sees the traitor ex- her childhood sweetheart-her love of her life Joe who broke her heart 4 years ago- now a successful TV star, surgeon is also invited to the party. She thinks he owes her big by breaking her heart into million pieces and needs his help to distract the bouncer as she secretly sneaks inside.

But turning herself into fly like Jeff Goldblum is not easy task. Each time she attempts to search for dolls, somebody interrupts her and as an inexperienced spy she eavesdrops so many conversations and learns more about her family : her father seems like so happy with his new life, her soon to be stepmother Krista plans to drag his father to Portugal, her sister Bean cries out secretly, her brother Gus might have a scandalous problem with authorities and Joe seems like he’s keeping a big secret from her.

Effie rethinks everything she’s known about her family. Maybe she looks only from her own perspective and now it’s time to confront with everyone to see everything from wider vision.

This book was hilarious, heartfelt, enjoyable, quirky, sweet, realistic showing the different aspects of family life.

Romance parts were also sweet, adorable. Sister Bean was my favorite character, protective, diplomatic, genuine older sister who finally snaps back and shared her darker, sarcastic side with her family. She’s my true hero!

Giving my full humorous, family feud, spying, action packed, true romance, father- daughter stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Dial Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Sophia Kinsella always delivers - a fun, light read for when the world is anything but! I enjoyed this fresh new take on the romance genre and it was perfect for late summer!

A departure from the Shopaholic series. Effie is about to lose her family home. Not only that but relationships within the film are close to being in shambles due to Kitty the new wife. A humorous and entertaining take on redemption and reuniting. A fun and wonderful read.