Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella (2003, Paperback)

Sophie Kinsella's sequel novel, "Shopaholic Ties the Knot," is yet another story about an exasperating and fun character who has a shopping obsession. The novel is a stark reminder that if a pop culture formula works once- Helen Fielding's triumph on both sides of the Atlantic with "Bridget Jones's Diary,"- the knock-offs will keep coming until nary a book, movie, or TV show can be sold.

Becky has moved to New York and, much to the surprise of some readers, is a personal shopper at Barneys! She and rich boyfriend, Luke, now live in a modest apartment on the West Side. When he proposes marriage, she couldn't be more thrilled- until the inevitable conflict begins: marry in England or America. Becky's mother wants her to get married back in Oxshott, while Luke's overbearing mother wants an all-out, no expenses spared, wedding at the Plaza Hotel. In typical Becky fashion, she allows two weddings to be simultaneously planned on the two continents.

"Shopaholic Ties the Knot" is a lightning fast read, and, if you are a fan, you'll certainly want tot pick up "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan," its two prequels. This novel differs from the previous installments because it further develops Becky's character and her relationships with her mother, Luke, and Luke's frosty mother with slightly fewer shopping binges. All three are light-hearted fare, very easy to read, and, for the fan of such hijinks, very difficult to put down.