For some reason I struggled to get into this book. I did finish reading it and I did like the general statement the author is trying to make about relationships and trust and family. It just wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you netgalley for an Arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5 stars. This read like a very typical Sophie Kinsella book, down to the miscommunication between spouses, the personality and thought process of the protagonist, to the characterizations of the friends, etc. My brain was making very strong Becky Bloomwood comparisons with the protagonist as I read.

I enjoy Sophie's books but I would've been interested in something a little more than her usual story/character template.

I definitely had to work for this one a bit. I’m not sure why, maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this book when I read it. The story was fun though, and I did enjoy the characters. I have recommended it to so many patrons already and purchased several copies for my library. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read it early.

I was pleasantly surprised when Random House offered me an advance reader copy of Kinsella's newest novel - without me even requesting one! I've previously read a bunch of Kinsella's work and it came at the perfect time of needing something relatively fluffy to read, so with excitement, I jumped in.

At first pass, this is a really enjoyable novel, full of the hijinks and miscommunications that one expects from Kinsella. The action begins when Sylvie and Dan, a married couple, go for a physical and receive the excellent news that they are in good health... and can look forward to another 68 years of marriage together. Cue the panic, as Sylvie worries that she and Dan are too comfortable and that boredom has begun to set in, and seeks to bring more excitement into their marriage by instituting a new expectation that they surprise each other, with varying levels of success.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and felt that Sylvie and Dan were relatable as a married couple facing the question of how comfortable is too comfortable. However, some of the plot twists were a little out of left field, and the more I considered them, the more crazy they became. Without giving away too much - Why, oh why, would the family trust Dan to negotiate? And not the attorneys? This bizarre way to tie everything together fell flat for me upon reflection. Given the circumstances, I just don't see this as an even remotely realistic chain of events.

Even with unbelievable plot twists, I enjoyed reading this. Much thanks to Random House for the advance copy!

I know I am behind in the world but this was the first book by Kinsella that I have read. The preface had me interested in the book right away. I found the idea that a husband and wife would freak out that it was predicted they would be married 68 more years, very sad. There were parts of their story that made me laugh out loud. Situations that they found themselves in were funny at times.

I would read more by Kinsella but I think I would save her books for the beach when I want something light.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Surprise Me is a new standalone book by the fabulously talented Sophie Kinsella.

While we loved the concept of this book and the beginning of Sylvie and Dan's story, we felt like this story was similar to other plots that we have read and not that original.

Of course we will continue to read books by Sophie Kinsella, because she is a favorite of ours!

Sylvie wants to spice up her love life so she decides her and her husband, Dan, should plan little surprises for each other. Most of these surprises fall apart but they do reveal a scandal that could shatter their marriage.

The plot was well written with many different side plots. I wasn't sure where Kinsella was going with all the side plots so when they were all woven together for the shocking conclusion I was surprised, I never thought that scandal would have been that! The romance between Sylvie and Dan was a bit too mushy gushy, I hated the fact that they could finish each others sentences. The surprises Dan and Sylvie planned each other were sweet but I found the aftermath even better. I got a few good chuckles as surprises fell apart or had disastrous consequences.

Overall this was a funny and enjoyable novel. I loved the ending and the path Sylvie decides to choose and to whom she showed her loyalty for. I really liked how Sylvie showed sympathy and understanding to someone who could cause havoc for her future. I would suggest this novel to everyone who enjoys humorous romantic/contemporary novel. Thanks to Dial Press and Netgalley for this ARC.

A light hearted and enjoyable book reminding us that even in marriage surprises can still happen from those we love and those we think we know best. Quirky and fun loving characters with surprises along with way make this a must read book! Thank you for the opportunity to have read this book prior to publication.

This is not typical of the author's works which is disappointing. i enjoyed a few of her works but this was not one of them. There was nothing exciting about the characters (which may have been her point but may also be the reason the story did not interest me.) It was a "meh" read. I did not laugh out loud like I did with her other novels.

I will always read Kinsella, even when the story is not so good. I can't help it, I love her Shopaholic series so much that I will read anything she writes. So, I picked up her latest book and found myself underwhelmed by its lackluster drama. This is the story of Sylvie and Dan - a married couple who find out that they are going to live very long lives. Too long apparently - seems that decades of marriage is a frightening thought. The same person, year after year - ack! Of course, that is their initial reaction and then they realize that they do love each other and they will definitely get through this together. Sylvie decides they should plan surprises for each other - to keep their marriage from falling into dullsville. Except, all of the surprises don't turn out that great. And, Dan is being rather secretive and distant lately. Hmm...seems like he's texting his ex-girlfriend, too. What' s Sylvie to do? In typical Kinsella fashion, mixed messages are sent and drama is piled on top of drama with unexpected revelations. All in all, a mixed bag of a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this book. I should disclose that I am a HUGE Sophie Kinsella fan so right off the bat this book earns a star. I think she’s a brilliant writer who manages to write novels that are humorous but also thought provoking without making the story too complex or too emotionally confusing.

If you’re not familiar with her Kinsella has a very natural writing style that is easy to read. She doesn’t try to throw in big words or make the book overly complex word-wise.

The plot of this book is also very refreshing which for an author that has a pretty long list of books already written under her name (and pseudonym) is impressive. Really, her books are akin to having a drink with an old friend: familiar but with conversation that is always new and refreshing.

If your a Kinsella fan OR looking for a new “chick lit” author to try out this book will not disappoint.

Sophie Kinsella is one of my favorite authors when it comes to a humorous look at life. She once again brings humor to a relationship in her latest novel, SURPRISE ME.

Stunned by the fact that she and her spouse might possibly be married for decades longer than anticipated, they come up with a plan to keep their relationship alive by surprising each other. But the surprises begin to backfire and cause trouble instead. It is a laugh-out-loud novel that is sure to lift your spirits. Highly recommended.

This book was interesting. The first half was pretty and frothy. A typical Sophie Kinsella book along the lines of her Shopaholic books. But the second half takes a more serious turn. ThAt said, I thought the author did a good job with the transition and the book was really good. I was on a 20 hour plane trip and the book kept me entertained the entire time.

I'm a Sophie Kinsella fan, and this is another good book for her. It starts out a little slow but the plot picks up, and she draws you in the book. Somehow I always seem to care about her characters; they're well-described and realized.

Sylvie and Dan have been married for 10 years, and when they go to the doctor they find out they could live for 68 years. They are shocked at the thought that their marriage could last that long, it sounds like forever to them! They decide to try some "surprises" for each other to spice up their lives, and the results don't go the way they think.

I really enjoyed this book, it's funny and poignant at the same time. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Edelweiss for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received Surprise Me as an EARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I normally LOVE Sophie Kinsella books aside from one other one. I was excited when she announced that she was having another book come out this year and fell in love with that cover. I mean, look at that cover. That looks like nothing could go wrong, right? The colors are just so pretty and it's cute. The description drew me in also.

But...the first few chapters almost ruined the whole book for me. (Spoiler alert) I just could not understand why Sylvie all of a sudden was like... oh.... I have to be married to my husband for 68 more years? REALLY? Oh my gosh! Whatever British term fits oh my gosh would be good here too. Bullocks? Bloody hell? (Pardon my french there. I really wanted an excuse to sound like Ron Weasley.)

Anyway, she kept going round and around and by chapter five I almost gave up. But I kept pushing through. The surprises parts were really cute, and I did like how her attitude changed towards the last few chapters.

I also really liked Dan as a character and Toby really grew on me. I just wished the beginning could've been written better, but overall I was glad I pushed through that first beginning. It was a fast read for me.

This book was a three out of five star read, but Sophie Kinsella still rates high on my list of authors.

There is something so comforting about a new Sophie Kinsella book. It's one of my book, "comfort foods," if that make sense. I can count on a new Kinsella book to make me feel warm and cozy. While, I did stop reading her, "Shopaholic," series quite a while ago, I have continued to read her stand alone novels and have continued to enjoy them. Some I liked more than others and this one was one of those. (FYI, I still think the BEST stand alone novel by her is Can You Keep a Secret?. I reread it every few years and still love it just as much. It's one of my go to, "chic lit," books.)

What I like about Kinsella's more recent stand alone novels is that they have had some pretty deep issues mixed in. They are no longer just romantic fluff. She has evolved as a writer and is not afraid to try new things. This comes through in this book as it tackled grief in a way that was very real and touching. She infuses this without losing her signature sparkle and wit and I think that's pretty terrific!

I got this book for free to review and give my opinion. I've read a few books by Sophia before in the past. This book starts out a bit slow and I find myself not liking Sylvie. Her "perfect life" just how fake it seemed and how much I wanted her little bubble to break.

Sylvie has the perfect life, with her perfect kids and perfect family. Other then her father died, she is rather happy. Then something happens that changes everything, a family secret that she's been in the dark about for many years. I actually like her after she stops being her fake self and starts being her real self. The book ends far too soon. I feel like we should have seen more of Sylvie being real, and less boring stuff before that.

I am voluntarily submitting my review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley.

I should preface my review by saying that I am a HUGE Sophie Kinsella fan and await each of her books with baited breath. Surprise Me, while not my favorite of her novels, did not disappoint. In this latest standalone novel, Kinsella explores marriage, love, trust and the disillusionment that inevitably comes with comparing your life to an ideal built in your mind as well as confronting the truth when the clay feet of your idols are revealed. Necessarily, by virtue of the topic, Surprise Me is somewhat darker than many of Kinsella's previous novels, but Kinsella manages to retain the humor her fans know and love. Her signature style and "snark" pervades the entire novel, keeping the overall tone upbeat and fun. While this book seems to be a move toward more serious subject material, fans of Sophie Kinsella will recognize and appreciate her deft and humorous handling of subject, character and language.

Sylvie and Dan have been happily married for 10 years, and settled into a pleasant routine. But when a doctor encourages them to think about how they'll spend the next 50 (or 60? or 70?) years together, panic sets in. That much time with one person? So Sylvie suggests a plan to keep it interesting: just keep surprising each other with new ideas and plans! What could possibly go wrong?

This started like the typical frothy read from Kinsella (who writes the Shopaholic series), but more became more grounded and serious as the book went on. Fans of her other works might be surprised (ha) but I liked the combo - it reminded more of the stuff she's written under her real name. The premise is a bit sketchy - I can't envision a doctor saying "oh you;ll live to 150! quite so blithely - but it's really just to get the plot going. The characters feel much more well-rounded than in some of her other books (actual people instead of movie cartoons). A side plot about Sylvie's museum job either needed to be more fully developed or eliminated and I would have liked it more if she could have settled on a tone. It felt like she wanted to do the more serious book, but was afraid of turning off readers, so she kept in the slapstick of the Shopaholic books? But overall a much better read than I expected.

I've been putting off reviewing this for SO LONG which is silly because I keep talking about this book, too--the premise REALLY stuck with me, and philosophically, this might actually be the most thought provoking of Kinsella's books.

But anyone who knows my book tastes knows that Sophie Kinsella is my favourite author in the whole entire world (other than Gabrielle Zevin, of course, let's not get carried away.) I don't expect her to be thought provoking, but I expect to laugh out loud. And of course, this had me laughing out loud constantly.

Sylvie is a significantly different character to Kinsella's normal titles, perhaps more similar to later Becky-the-Shopaholic books, but I appreciated that she felt less as though she'd been picked up from other novels. I adored the kids so much. So so much.

This isn't the best Kinsella book (ahem, CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?), but I think it's the best of her more recent books and I'm really glad to kind of see that evolution.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (thank you, Dial, I think I literally cried tears when I received the invite!)