The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (Paperback)

Publisher and industry reviews

UK Kirkus review

'Very slowly I take the dark green box out of the bag, remove the lid and unfold the tissue paper. Then, almost reverentially, I lift up the scarf. It's beautiful. It's even more beautiful here than it was in the shop.' We can all identify with this to a certain extent: the unique pleasure of buying something new and beautiful. But most of us know when to stop. Not Rebecca Bloomwood. Ironically, she is a financial journalist who advises her readers on how to look after their money. In her spare time, she goes shopping. She spends all her salary and then more; her financial situation is in disarray and she throws away her letters from the bank. Rebecca is that modern phenomenon, a shopaholic. Her irresistible urge to go shopping takes her into some of the most exclusive London stores, for the most up-to-date fashions. Eventually her Switch card is refused and she is forced to stay in the country to escape her bank manager. Yet Rebecca Bloomwood is such a likeable person, you can't help but wish her well. You find yourself hoping (against all the odds) that she will finally realise what she is doing and mend her ways. But this book is also a romance, so we are looking for a happy ending in more ways than one. Does Rebecca get it together with the wealthy and urbane Luke Brandon, or is she forever doomed to fighting - and losing - her financial battles by herself? This book carries a message about self-esteem and how its lack can affect one's behaviour. It is a story of financial disaster and of hope. It is also very enjoyable, very readable and extremely funny. (Kirkus UK)