Perfect book for a cold rainy day. (I think it would be equally perfect for a hot sunny day. Or an airy spring day . . . you get the idea.)

You know what you're getting with this kind of cover art: the kind of light-hearted romance with a heavy dollop of wish fulfillment and maybe a hefty side-order of product placement for whatever is currently trendy, often called chick lit.

This book starts out no different, as Katie, who--a new assistant researcher in a company that does branding--rebrands herself as Cat, straightening her hair, wearing glasses, and trying to pretend to a much more glam lifestyle than the grim truth: a horrible commute on the tube each day, and living in a flat she shares with a woman who doesn't "do friends" and a computer nerd guy who's a bit of a letch. ("how about a pity shag?")

But at least she's living the dream, right? She made it to London!

It doesn't help that Demeter, Cat/Katie's boss, is older, perfect, dynamic, wealthy, powerful, dominating, hipper than hip--and a total nightmare to work for. Or that the irresistible, funny guy named Alex who Katie meets and thinks she sparked with turns out to be not who she thought at all.

And that's before trouble hits, in the worst possible way.

Katie goes home to help her dad and his girlfriend in their latest business venture, which is glamping. Unlike all her dad's other ideas, this one looks like it might be a success--but that's because Katie is there, first inventing the brand, and then taking over with her so-far-unused management skills to help the older folks make the reality fit closer to the hype.

They're just getting things rolling when a new guest family shows up . . . and Katie considers revenge.

The character development in this one is much more complex than I've seen in a lot of similar books, the dialogue funnier, the pacing tight, the emotions truly a roller coaster. Kinsella's sharp commentary on high-powered jobs, family dynamics, relationships, and faking the hip front hit squarely on target. There was a chapter or so when I wasn't quite sure about the ending, though the implicit promise of those covers is HEA.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Sophie Kinsella writes great characters and great dialogue. makes you want to read anything she writes!

I received a copy of "My Not So Perfect Life" from NetGalley for an honest review. I wish to thank NetGalley, The Dial Press, and Sophie Kinsella for the opportunity to read this book.

This is my first book by Sophie Kinsella - I actually laughed out loud in many places!!! This is a FABULOUS book for a great time and when you want to escape. It was enjoyable and most of all, it was FUN! The premise was great and love how it ties in with the title - brilliant! I definitely want to read more of her books and will be anxiously waiting for her next novel. Definitely see many more of her books in my future on vacation or by the pool/beach with a yummy cocktail in hand.

I definitely would recommend this book to my friends as an escapist and easy novel. No, it was NOT the great British novel, but I was not looking for that - it was exactly what I needed.

The tone of this book brought me back to some of the earlier Sophie Kinsella books. I loved everything about this book. Katie was an amazing character that I connected with from the first page. I loved the story from beginning to end- the cast of characters, the settings, the ups and downs.

Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.

Ok, so the real truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.

But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?

Until her not-so perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.

Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams? Or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman with everything – have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.

And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?

I've never read a Sophie Kinsella novel before, as "chick lit" is not my typical go-to, but I will say that I did enjoy My Not So Perfect Life! I found the main character, Katie, very relatable and her motivations throughout the book were all very real, true, and believable. I loved that every character in the book was fleshed out to give readers insight into their motivations and why they may or may not act a certain way. Even though you know from the beginning that everything will be wrapped up in a pretty bow at the end with a "happily ever after" it's still enjoyable along the way. I'd love to see this made into a movie one day!

I’ve read many of Sophie Kinsella’s books and was excited to be given the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this one in exchange for this review. (Thank you Penguin Random House and NetGalley)
If you are looking for a deep, thought-provoking book, then this is not the book for you. This book is a casual read, full of laughable situations, which is just perfect for when you want something light and funny. Katie Brenner is an independent young woman whose dreams of a life in London seem to have come true. Her Instagram feed suggests to family and friends that her London life is great; however, the reader knows otherwise. Although her salary supports only a very modest existence, she goes to unbelievable lengths to maintain the illusion that she is living her dream. When her job situation takes a turn, the opportunity for happiness presents itself in a way she does not expect. A lot of laughs, a few cringes, boy meets girl, girl takes on boss... this book is classic Kinsella! Chick lit at its best.

Kinsella's newest title begins like the good-girl-vs-evil-boss-lady tale "The Devil Wears Prada." Kinsella takes it a step further by exploring the boss lady's life and the main character coming to the realization that no one's life, no matter how perfect on the outside, is truly as trouble free as it seems. Katie, the main character, has readers rooting for her resilience and laughing out loud at the revenge antics she engages in when the boss visits her parents' "glamping" farm. I always look forward to Kinsella's new releases and this one did not disappoint.
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I've been a fan of Sophie Kinsella for years, but had definitely reached my limit on the Shopaholic series. When I started "My Not So Perfect Life", I was a little worried. Katie, a young woman, living in London is employed in the lowest level job at a branding agency with a not-so-nice boss. It had a bit of a "Devil Wears Prada" feel at first. I was pleasantly surprised when introduced to a host of endearing characters. This is much more of a "feel-good" story and less comedic than the Shopaholic series. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.

Katie grew up on a farm but her dream was to work in London, have a great job and fabulous friends. She does indeed move to London and becomes "Cat", gets a low paying entry level job, shares an apartment with two odd strangers and can't afford to have a glamourous life. Just when things couldn't get any worse, her boss, Demeter, fires her. Unable to find another job, she heads back home to the farm and helps her parents start a glamping business until something else comes along.

The business is a success and and Katie is shocked to discover that Demeter and her family are vacationing at their glampground. Demeter doesn't recognize Katie so she takes this opportunity to get revenge. But Katie discovers the real Demeter and she realizes the Demeter doesn't have it all after all.

Though I've read a lot of Kinsella's books, it's been a couple years since I read one. I've been reading a lot of heavy murder mysteries lately and was looking for something light ... and this did the trick. I liked the author's writing style and found the storyline predictable but fun. Her father and stepmother were caring and humorous. It's written in first person perspective in Katie's voice. As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity.

Confession: I don't think I've ever read a Sophie Kinsella book. I thought I had, but I just looked through my GoodReads list and saw I've never reviewed one. After reading this book, I can see why people like to read Sophie Kinsella so much. The book started off slow (Katie doesn't get fired until 30 percent into the book. This isn't a spoiler since it says it happens in the book description), but it gets so much better. I loved Katie, Demeter, and Alex. This is a good, cozy read by the fire kind of read. If you like women's fiction, I would highly recommend it!

Pretty fun although the romance was definitely more of a sideshow. Not sure the first person point of view worked as it resulted in a lot of Debbie Downer thoughts which were rather wearing.

Katie is quirky and well-rounded. Demeter is your typical "Devil Wears Prada" boss. Alex seems sexy but his character is not well developed. I liked this book, but there was too much, non-essential information. This book is a fun read, but because of this extra information, it became a very long, fun read.

This was my first Sophie Kinsella book, and unfortunately, it was not for me. I never really got into it, and I was just bored. I could not connect with the character or the story line. From chapter one, I was dreading reading on, as I prefer not to keep reading if something does not capture my interest. For me, it just did get any better as I kept reading.

Sophie Kinsella is usually hilarious and this time, not so much. Kind of sad really. She thought that the grass was greener elsewhere, i..e. in the city but found that not to be the case. Unwilling to accept that, perhaps she made a mistake, she portrays her dream as her reality. Entertaining Read.

Wow! If I had been watching TV, I would have watched most of this book from behind my fingers. In fact, I did actually read a lot of the book that way - with my left hand partially covering my eyes, while my right hand held my Kindle (yay for one-handed reading!). I couldn't look, and yet I couldn't NOT look! I didn't know it was possible to read this way, yet it's exactly what I did for a huge portion of the book. And yes, this is a very good thing.

I should have known I was in for a rollicking good time when at *2%* of the way through, there was a situation on a train involving Katie (our main character) and a stranger's panini. I'm pretty sure that was the first time (of many!) my jaw hit the floor with laughter.

Our girl Katie manages to make a bunch of not good (ok, really bad - and by really bad, I mean horrible) decisions, yet you still fall in love with her and root for her to be happy. She's surrounded by a strangely adorable cast of characters, whether it's her roommates or her family or her colleagues. As I mentioned, the situations she finds herself in are jaw-dropping, yet they come about completely organically. I would think the plot was moving along and then, WHAM - awkward hysterical situation! And if you think about it, isn't that how it happens in real life? You're humming along, things are going great, and then - wait a minute, what just happened?? I found it very realistic (yet still cringe-worthy funny), even if it was more condensed than real life.

I love Sophie Kinsella's books, whether it's the Shopaholic series or her standalone works. I admit I didn't read Shopaholic #7 due to the ambivalent reviews. If you are uncertain whether to read this new book, I can tell you unequivocally that it is all you know and love from Sophie Kinsella. Hysterical, guffaw-out-loud, wake-up-your-significant-other funny.

This was easily the funniest book I've read in years, and it leaves me eagerly awaiting more.

I'm sad! Not because this is a horrible book but because now I have to wait for the next one.!! This was another fantastic book by Mrs. Kinsella. I love how the many ying and yangs the story line plays with. I just can't say enough about it !!

My Not So Perfect Life was delightful! I am a longtime fan of Sophie Kinsella and was thrilled to see this new title!
At first, I was afraid there were going to be too many comparisons to The Devil Wears Prada, given that the beginning took place in an office and there was an overbearing female boss. The storyline took a turn however, and I was so pleased!
The characters were realistic and the settings were masterfiully detailed - I'd like to book a stay at Anster's Farm right now!

I look forward to recommending this title! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn't read a Sophie Kinsella book in quite a while. Judging by my enjoyment of this one, it had been far too long. Our heroine Katie was very likeable. I admired her ambition. Although there was a romance in the book, I liked that the focus was much more on Katie learning about herself and that appearances aren't always what they seem. I especially loved how everything came full circle with Demeter.

can you keep a secret? and i've got your number are two of my all-time favorite comfort reads--they are laugh out loud funny, romantic, and after i read them i can't stop smiling. my (not so) perfect life hits all the right notes and joins the other two in my re-read pile for when life gets stressful or depressing.

katie brenner is finally living the london life of her dreams. except her boss, demeter, is crazy demanding. and her flat is miles away from where she works and she's got terrible roommates. her salary barely covers her rent, and so mostly she pretends to herself and the world that her london life is perfect. doing so by instagramming picture-perfect moments that don't reflect the reality--filtering out imperfections and cropping out the reminders that, actually, if she sits down and takes stock, she's pretty miserable.

so when she is unceremoniously fired, she retreats back to her family farm in somerset where her father and stepmother are setting up a glamping vacation business. still pretending that all things london are perfect and she's just on a sabbatical from the job in order to help them out things do haywire when her ex-boss ends up in a yurt with her kids. at first katie is intent on revenge, especially since demeter doesn't even recognize her.

but as demeter withstands the humiliating customized retreat that katie puts her through, and katie realizes that all is not necessarily golden in demeter's world, they begin to come to terms. when alex, katie's crush from london, and demeter's rumored boy-toy shows up, demeter recruits katie in order to help her save her job.

katie, demeter, and alex manage to untangle the very knotty web that has grouped them together, and they all grow as their relationships and understanding of one another deepen. katie is our delightful narrator, and her voice, her sense of the ridiculous, make the novel so charming while also ringing true about how we all have the moments of pretending life is perfect, when it is anything but.

This book is lots of fun. It was a great read if you are in the mood for something light. I had read heaps of deep reads before picking this one up and it was just what I wanted.