The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella comes out next month & it is SO GOOD! Starring a burned out heroine, a moody hero who steals her rock seat at the beach, & the delightfully quirky, rundown hotel they both visited as kids. This satisfying novel contains a swoony romance, a bit of cozy sleuthing, and an important message about the complexity of self-care. A+.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

Nothing clears the literary palette like a good will-they-won’t they, especially if backed with intelligence and charm. No one does this better than Sophie Kinsella. Yes, she writes the “Shopaholic” books, but she really shines when working with fresh material.

This book focuses on Sasha. She has an all-consuming career as a PA. Her “career” takes up her life, leaving her without energy for anything else. The first third focuses solely on Sasha, leading up to a full office meltdown. The meltdown lasts several pages and is nothing short of hysterical - using both meanings of the word. This leads her family to suggest that Sasha take a well-deserved break. She plans a trip to Rilston Bay, the location of her fondest childhood memories.

Unfortunately though, Rilston isn’t what it used to be. The now dilapidated hotel has a supporting cast of “characters”. The manager recites the same apology on a daily basis. The desk staff creates thongs on Etsy. The bellboy falls asleep constantly, but he is also pretty old.

What worked for me most wasn’t necessarily the romance. That is the ultimate goal here, no question. But you need more. This ensemble moving through Sasha and her intended, Finn’s visits adds all the needed depth. There’s also a subplot involving sand messages that even adds a bit of mystery to the already layered plot. Even her mom is quirky!

I love Kinsella, especially in either the spring or fall. She resets my taste quite nicely, serving as a bridge from the fluff of summer to the Important Reading I usually do in winter. Highly recommended!

I am a long-time fan of Sophie Kinsella, and this book is no exception! I couldn't put it down and was the perfect light read for a crisp fall day.

This was so much fun! Perfect for getting out of a reading slump! It made me laugh out loud multiple times. I really enjoyed this one.

Sophie Kinsella is back, baby! I was so excited to get my hands on her latest and I am so glad I did. She can really never go wrong. 5 stars for me!

Wow! This was such a sweet, emotional story. I think many of us can relate to burnout at work. Then they find love. A true happily ever after. I highly recommend this book.

Right away I felt Sasha’s stress along with her—working at a place where she initially loved her job, but then it became so poorly managed and understaffed that there was no possible way she could stay on top on top of her work, let alone buy groceries and make dinner or hang out or even call friends. It was all too much.

Finally, an (amusing) event lands her in the hospital with a minor injury, and her mum intervenes. Sasha’s got the time off, so she heads to a beach resort she went to every year in her youth. A beach resort, in February. A VERY off time to go. One of the only other guests there is the handsome but onery Finn (he screamed at a toddler!)

There is a lot of implausible stuff that happens, but it’s for comedy, and it is a fun and touching read.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES OCTOBER 10, 2023.

This is an adorable rom-com to pick up for fall!

The main character is both quirky and loveable (in true Sophie Kinsella fashion), and the conflicts in the story were relatable. The book was a bit of a slow burn and a tad too long overall, but still a fun choice!

Long time fan of Sophie Kinsella here! I grew into loving romance with her books, and will always have a place in my heart for them. Her more recent ones though haven’t been my favorite. So, I was a little trepidatious going into this one. But, I’m so happy I received an ARC because I really enjoyed it! It felt like some of her old ones that I loved! We have a relatable female lead in an unfortunately relatable situation, and in some romance, some outlandish side characters, a cute setting, and comedy that’ll make you LOL, and you have a perfect romcom read!

I received a digital copy from NetGalley/Random House in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars - rounded up to 4
Do not let my review or star rating deter you from reading this book. I can see how this story could be an awesome autumn adventure for many readers. (alliteration unintended)

There was a time (or two or three) when I was burnt out at my job. For years. So the beginning of Sasha's story was rough to read. I almost stopped reading then, but having experienced it, I don't need to relive it during my down time.

A few things that I found obnoxious in the narrative were personal pet peeves, like <spoiler>my mother would NEVER pretend to be my PA and insist they make me organic kale smoothies. Not okay. And the first time I was served that concoction, I would politely but firmly edit any instructions my so-called PA had given the staff so as to save them time and energy. /spoiler>

I would definitely consider this a slooooow burn - which I enjoy as a romance trope. But I also feel that the vast majority of novels published in the past decade could benefit from some editing. There was a lot of walking on the beach in this book. <i>A lot.</i>

The supporting characters were hilarious if a little one-dimensional. And that's okay because of lot of people we come in contact in life are one-dimensional in the context of our life journey. Herbert, for example, is an elderly porter... who tries to play an instrument... <spoiler>and is the subject of a massive nude statue by a famous local artist...?</spoiler> All hilarious, but confusing.

If you enjoy slow burns, beaches, surfing, third-act breakups, and surfing, this book is for you!

(I refuse to summarize the plot in reviews. If you're reading this, you probably have access to the synopsis.)

"Sparks fly in this delightful novel about two burned out professionals who meet at a ramshackle resort on the British seaside - from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher.

She can do anything...just not everything.

Sasha has had it. She cannot bring herself to respond to another inane, "urgent" (but obviously not at all urgent) email or participate in the corporate employee joyfulness program. She hasn't seen her friends in months. Sex? Seems like a lot of effort. Even cooking dinner takes far too much planning. Sasha has hit a wall.

Armed with good intentions to drink kale smoothies, try yoga, and find peace, she heads to the seaside resort she loved as a child. But it's the off season, the hotel is in a dilapidated shambles, and she has to share the beach with the only other occupant: a grumpy guy named Finn, who seems as stressed as Sasha. How can she commune with nature when he's sitting on her favorite rock, watching her? Nor can they agree on how best to alleviate their burnout (Sasha: manifesting, wild swimming; Finn: drinking whisky, getting pizza delivered to the beach).

When curious messages, seemingly addressed to Sasha and Finn, begin to appear on the beach, the two are forced to talk - about everything. How did they get so burned out? Can either of them remember something they used to love? (Answer: surfing!) And the question they try and fail to ignore: what does the energy between them - flaring even in the face of their bone-deep exhaustion - signify?"

Might I suggest taking a mental health day because you, yourself, are burned out and read this book...

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/The Dial Press. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up
If the story had started at the 35% mark, I would have given it 5 stars. Alas, it didn't, and I almost gave up. I felt like I had been dropped into a not-funny episode of Fawlty Towers. It's like someone else wrote the beginning - not at all the Sophie Kinsella I've come to enjoy. Anyway, don't let the beginning deter you. The last two-thirds of the book were great. Lots of laugh out loud moments, a fantastic ending, wonderful characters, and personal growth for both Sasha and Finn. I didn't think I could say I'd recommend this, but I can.

I enjoyed Sophie Kinsella's newest book. It was a prevalent and relatable storyline with likable characters. It felt a little disjointed at times, but overall it was a fun and light read that many of us will relate to.

I haven't read a Sophie Kinsella novel in many many years and I thought this might be a fun, light-hearted return to a previously beloved author. I just don't think she's for me anymore. The story had a good premise, which I can relate too (hence requesting it), but I found everything took too long to happen and I just was not invested in the characters or their eventual outcome. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxHcd2XgWtH/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Review posted September 13,2023

✨Available October 10th, 2023✨

Sasha Worth, director of special promotions at “Zoose”, is drowning under pressure and emails at her job. One day she hits her breaking point and her mom tries to lift her back up by booking a stay at Rilston Bay. She enters the stay with an open mind and a 20 step program but ends up at a dilapidated hotel, with an attractive but cranky man named Finn in which they end up having more in common than Sasha would think. Together, they form an unexpected friendship & try to unravel the mystery of strange notes and gifts showing up on the beach for them.

This was a fast, cute read as per usual for Sophie Kinsella. This book dove into mental health and burn out with some laugh out loud moments! I did find it starting to get a bit slow toward the middle and the ending sort of came out of no where, but overall it was a cute easy read! (3 ⭐️)

✨ Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and review ✨

Completely relatable for the overworked and overwhelmed. Sasha loses it at work and runs next door to a convent begging to become a modern nun. The HR lady follows her and the story takes off from there. Amusing yet heartfelt. There is romance and a mini mystery and memorable characters. A fun and fast read with some words of wisdom along the way.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

The burn out is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.
This book had me laughing, taking philosophical life views from surfing a teacher, feeling disappointed and then extremely relived and even a bit teary eyed.
The great majority of this book is a comical look at how one young lady ,Sasha, copes (or doesn't) with the build up of stressors in her life.
After a break down of epic proportions Sasha is medically advised to take a break from work.
Her dreams of reliving childhood vacations meets obstacles creating less than idyllic conditions for peace and pampering. Just when Sasha is finding some solitude another visiting burnout turns her quiet time into a competition. While her journey to calm is the main plot there is a side plot that will tug at the heart strings!
This one is truly worth the read...especially if you enjoy the enemy to lover trope.
I honestly feel that this would be a super fun movie.....(hint hint) !
Thank to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the chance to read & review this charming book.

Sophie Kinsella is always a hit for me, but there’s that’s fear when you go into reading a beloved author’s book that it won’t hit like normal. Lucky got me, that fear was totally unfounded. I adored this cute and funny story about a woman who is burned out and heads to a seaside town she spent summers at through her childhood. Except, it’s pretty worn down now.

I related to the burnout experience and a lot of the work commentary. I did find I got stressed out a few times, especially with the whole kale smoothie and bird food bit. But overall this was a funny and light read and I’d definitely recommend it!

Sophie Kinsella, you gave written this right when I needed it. Sasha is making her way in the world, trying to achieve a work/life balance...unfortunately it has become all work and no life. She is at her wits end and things must change. When her mom helps her plan a much needed break she meets Finn, the grump to her partial sunshine. Thos was a fulfilled read that will keep you laughing.

Very funny read, although may be triggering to anyone who has worked in a high pressure environment and experienced burnout. You may pull your hair out with our main character Sasha, wishing she would just stand up for herself for once, but it becomes clear she has very much lost the plot on who she is and we are seeing her rock bottom. The characters at the Rilston and in town are hilarious and I loved how it all played out. Quick, easy read and inspiration to take vacation and remember, you are not your job! The ride is it!