Member Reviews
I have a genuine love for Sophie Kinsella books. She is great at writing a fun romcom. She provides beautiful imagery with complicated, funny characters. Her protagonist is always surrounded by people who are kind and quirky. It’s not hard to find yourself lost in one of her books.
There were moments reading this where the main character, Sasha, strongly resembled Kinsella’s Becky from her Shopaholic series. So if you’ve been a fan of those books, you’re sure to be a fan of Sasha Worth. Sasha is burned out from work having completely lost herself to her job. Everything in her life is on autopilot until she reaches a breaking point. Sasha finds herself (figuratively and literally) back at her childhood vacation spot, Rilston Beach. Along for her journey are the Rilston Beach residents and a man who also spent the same summers at the beach as Sasha.
There’s a formula to these books. I find it so comforting to know that I’m going to get a great will they/won’t they story with genuine laugh out loud moments. Sophie Kinsella delivers once again. And as usual, just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, she surprises me. While I did feel the book got a little drawn out in some areas, it wasn’t hard to fall in love with the variety of characters. I’d love to see Sophie Kinsella write a book devoted to updates in Rilston Bay with the townspeople.
I love that Sophie Kinsella writes relatable characters and gives the reader a heartwarming story. She always leaves you wanting a sequel and giving you a smile at the end.
Thank you to Random House for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie Kinsella is the author of the first book I ever bought with my own paycheck. I have been reading Sophie's books for years, and I've adored them all. This one may be my favorite (outside of Twenties Girl because that book is perfection). I was cackling from the first few pages, and I was instantly transported to the shack by the sea. I loved the to do list Sasha attempted, and felt a kinship with her as she justified her actions to check items off the list. Been there, done that. I've already purchased this for my mom and I'm sure I will be buying it for several others this holiday season.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
Sophie Kinsella has done it again with her latest book, and let me tell you, it's a riot of laughs mixed with some really sweet moments. Right from the start, I was cracking up at the crazy things the characters get up to. There's this one bit with a nun chase that had me in stitches, and don't even get me started on the antics at Pret! The crew at the Rilston Bay Hotel are just as funny, especially Simon who can't stop saying sorry, Nicolai who's super sensitive, Cassidy who's all about starting a panty business, and Herbert who's always napping or strolling around slowly.
But it's not all just laughs. The heart of the story is about these two burned-out characters who go back to their childhood spot, Rilston Bay, and end up rekindling an old flame with their surf teacher. Their romance goes from enemies to friends to lovers, and it's really sweet and genuine.
Then there's Sasha Worth, this high-flying marketing exec from Zoose, who's totally burned out from her job. She ends up at Rilston Bay thanks to a booking her mom made, and it turns into this whole journey of self-discovery and healing for her. She meets Finn, this grumpy but kind of charming guy, and they start unraveling this mystery involving weird notes and gifts left by a couple. Their bond over shared experiences of burnout and rediscovering the joy of surfing is really touching.
All in all, this book is a perfect mix of humor, romance, and a bit of mystery. Sophie Kinsella has a way of making you laugh out loud one minute and then really feel for the characters the next. It's an awesome read if you're looking for something that's funny, heartwarming, and just a really good time. Definitely recommend it if you need a pick-me-up or just love a good rom-com!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a chance to read this eARC!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I hadn’t read a Sophie Kinsella book in quite some time. I loved her Shopaholic books at the beginning- but after a while, they were meh. I gave myself a bit of an SK break.
I saw there was a new book and decided to give it a shot. I have to admit - at the beginning I was afraid it was going to go the way of the Shopaholic books - so much chaos - but the book quickly redeemed itself once the story started hitting its groove. I liked the cast of characters. It was a definite fun and quick read.
It’s made me think I should go back and read some of the other SK books I might have missed.
If you’re looking for a cute, quick, light read - definitely grab this book.
#TheBurnout
#NetGalley.
As a huge Sophie Kinsella fan - having devoured most, if not all, of her previous novels - I was overjoyed to receive an ARC of THE BURNOUT in exchange for my honest review. Thank you thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, The Dial Press.
THE BURNOUT, Kinsella's newest novel, follows Sasha, a young English woman who is burned out at work and just generally feeling lost. Sasha escapes to the English countryside, to a town she used to frequent with her family for annual summer holidays, and finds so much more than she expects!
I loved this story from start to finish - I think I was laughing out loud within the first five pages - and didn't want it to end. The characters were delightful, the love story believable and lovely, the character growth genuine, and the writing divine, as ever. A new favorite of 2023, and of Kinsella's work, I will recommend THE BURNOUT to any and all.
this is what I would classify a fluff book - nothing super intense but overall cute. Onpar with her previous books
Sasha is already on the verge of a breakdown over her current workload when her manager reprimands her for not being involved enough in another one of management’s lame team building exercises. Her mom gets her set up at a sea side resort they used to dream about when Sasha was a child so that she can mentally recoup and things go down from there. But somehow, the ridiculous crew at the resort and Finn, who’s going through something similar, get her back on track!
This had many laugh-out-loud moments and was generally a very cute story. It was kind of hilariously depressing until she starts to mend, if that’s a thing. Couldn’t put it down.
My beef:
*As a Catholic, the nun part was funny but also unrealistic when the nun calls her boss. I can definitely see her being turned away and brought to the chapel though.
*the stuff with the artist was kind of boring and unnecessary. I think the story would have been good just with them being in this rundown town that holds all of their fondest memories.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
Hey, Sophie, Hey 👋🏾. One of my favorite chick lit authors is back with a romantic comedy titled The Burnout. Sasha has reached her limit. She can't bring herself to reply to another urgent-not-really-urgent email, participate in yet another employee program or even cook dinner for herself.
Sasha heads to a seaside resort for a reset. But it's the off season and the hotel is in shambles. Plus she has to share the beach with a grumpy dude named Finn. Eventually they are forced to talk and find they're both burned out!
I prefer the Shopaholic series to Sophie Kinsella's standalone books but The Burnout was more than tolerable. I suspect readers will either find it hilarious or boring. It started off funny then turned unbelievably silly. If you are a Bookheart that has experienced burnout, this is a lighthearted spin but it may not be entertaining enough.
The Burnout is now available.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
“The Burnout” was a light-hearted contemporary piece of fiction. I didn’t love it nor did I hate it-it was just an okay read for me. Being burnt out at work is certainly a relatable topic and this story had some laughs, but all in all,I didn’t find this novel to be too memorable nor one of my favorite books from Sophie Kinsella. 3 stars. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review.
I’ve loved Sophie since I was a teen and this one did not disappoint. Love the banter and fun in this story it was a different story from most I read. Definitely enjoyed it
ALL THE STARS!!
I absolutely adored this story. Two burned out people that have jobs that were sucking out their souls bump into each other on their forced vacations.
I adored Sasha whose job in Marketing is so understaffed that she snaps. A concerned family and a condescending boss make her take a break from reality. Heading to her childhood vacation spot she is determined to get grounded and whole.
The hotel she is staying out boasted a cast of characters that were hysterically funny, yet endearing. I would love to vacation there. Her forray into a healthy lifesyle has a few bumps along the way.
Finn is also exiled to this beachside resort.
The two bump heads and just plain do not get along until they realize they have a common ground. Fond and loving memories of Terry, their surfing instructor start to break down their walls.
They were perfect together and I love the build up to that realization. Life is never perfect and leaves Sasha second guessing her attraction to Finn.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this well written, quirky and precious romance. You won't regret it.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for my reading pleasure.
I have been a Sophie Kinsella fan ever since I picked up Confessions of a Shopaholic and I still can't get enough of her. While I have enjoyed her past few standalone novels, The Burnout takes the cake for me.
Who hasn't been burned out lately, in one way or another? (Asking for a friend. ;) ) This was such a fun and relatable story and I loved Sasha, Finn, the setting, the premise, and the supporting characters. There's even a mystery to solve. I found myself laughing out loud a lot! Especially when Sasha's plans to eat something unhealthy kept getting thwarted by well-meaning people (including her mom).
Overall, it's just a sweet story and perfect for relieving anyone's burnout. If you need a lighthearted and funny novel, this is the one for you.
Movie casting suggestions:
Sasha: Rose Williams
Finn: Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Cassidy: Daisy Head
Terry: Sean Bean
This was such a wonderful book! I loved absolutely everything about it, although I knew I would because I love everything Sophie Kinsella’s writes.
The author did a great job at creating a relatable main character, Sasha, especially in regard to her feelings of being overwhelmed due to her demanding job.
The Burnout was a great reminder of how important it is to take care of yourself. Even though there was an overall important message, it was perfectly paired with a fun romance and laugh-out-loud moments.
Pick up if you are a fan of:
🐚 Enemies to lovers
🐚 Forced proximity
🐚 Romantic comedy
🐚 Stories about self-discovery
🐚 Vacation romance
This is a good one, I highly recommend it.
I’ve been a huge fan of this author for years and this book did not disappoint! A quick read about a burned out woman who is forced to take a break and escape to the sea where she meets a kindred spirit in Finn. Highly recommend this one.
I will always pick up a Sophie Kinsella books because her shopaholic books just make me laugh so hard. The Burnout was a bit more serious but always has a touch of her humor. When Sasha has a nervous break down at work (which is actually quite hilarious) she is forced to take a leave of absence and spend time at the grand hotel of her childhood memories. Only problem is that is basically reduced to rubble. Finn is also taking some time away from work and this is a fun story of friendship.
Another fun read by Sophie Kinsella. Fantastic and likeable characters. Cute and happy story. Loved it!
I loved the idea behind this book. It was absolutely not what I thought it would be about, but loved how the author incorporated some spice and mystery in to the story as well.
As someone who is learning to live with autistic burnout, this book made me feel so seen. Even though Sasha's burnout is different than the ones I've experienced, her journey is very personal to me. All of the feelings she struggles with, i.e., exhaustion, lack of motivation, brain fog, panic attacks, are one I have experienced too. Having this experience be described accurately and sympathetically means the world to me. I really appreciate that Sasha didn't get better overnight, but that she realistically found many new sources of joy. I love the setting this novel takes place in too. The small town vibes and eclectic cast of characters made me laugh and smile in tandem. It's rare to find a romance novel that addresses mental health in a tactful way, and yet Sophie Kinsella does so in a masterful and admirable way.
There were funny moment, filled with plenty of heart, and a whole lot of I can relate. It was enjoyable!
I enjoyed the unique storyline. I laughed out loud many times. I thought Sasha had a good reason for not pursuing a relationship with Finn at the time - the Olivia addition felt forced to me. Overall I enjoyed this book!