A review of Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic on Honeymoon. Does Becky’s shopping addiction ruin the romance? A personal look at marriage, growth, and outgrowing favorite characters.
As a long-time fan of Becky Bloomwood, I couldn’t wait to dive into her next adventure. Shopaholic on Honeymoon picks up right after the wedding. Becky and Luke embark on a year-long honeymoon, jet-setting around the world.
I was looking for pure escapism, but to be honest? This book didn’t give it to me. Instead, it made me realize how much I’ve changed.
The Conflict: Shopping vs. Connection
In this installment, Becky’s shopping addiction is completely out of control. She is so consumed by the lure of designer deals. She can’t even pause to go sightseeing with Luke. Visiting a museum is also out of the question.
I found myself struggling to wrap my mind around it. You’re traveling the world, yet you can’t stop for one moment to take in the culture? It’s one thing to be impulsive when you’re single, but Becky is a wife now. In my opinion, her marriage is getting off to a very rocky start.
What a Honeymoon Really Means
A honeymoon isn’t about the “stuff” you bring home; it’s about connecting on a deeper level.
When my husband and I went to Charleston for our honeymoon, we were surrounded by amazing shopping and restaurants. We weren’t interested in those things. We just wanted to rest and spend quiet moments together. Even now, our best vacations are in a quiet cabin surrounded by nature.
The Sadness of the Secret-Keeping
The book is written to be funny and charming, but for me, it fell flat. I felt a sense of sadness reading Becky’s inner monologue—the hidden shopping bags and the complicated lies she tells Luke.
This isn’t how a marriage is supposed to work. The book does not emphasize the excitement of those first days as a married couple. Instead, it focuses on the chaos Becky creates wherever she goes. While you can still feel the genuine love between her and Luke, their relationship is constantly tested by her secrets.
Final Thoughts: Have I Just Outgrown Becky?
Maybe it’s me. Since getting married and having a baby, I’ve grown. These books just don’t relate to my life anymore.
The Verdict: If you are a die-hard Sophie Kinsella fan, you still find Becky’s antics funny. But if you’ve “grown up” alongside the series, you find this one frustrating. I’m holding out hope that the next book, Shopaholic and Sister, feels more grounded and relatable.
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