Originally published on 12/10/25

Beloved author Sophie Kinsella passed away on Wednesday, December 10, at age 55 from brain cancer. Her passing was confirmed in an Instagram post made by her family, which read, “She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.” 

“We can’t imagine what life will be like without her radiance and love of life. Despite her illness, which she bore with unimaginable courage, Sophie counted herself truly blessed—to have such wonderful family and friends, and to have had the extraordinary success of her writing career,” the post continued. “She took nothing for granted and was forever grateful for the love she received.” 

Following that announcement, several authors took to social media to show their love for Kinsella, including Jojo Moyes, bestselling author of Me Before You, who said she was “struggling to find the words,” to describe how she was feeling about Kinsella’s passing. 

“[She was] not just one of the greatest friends, but one of the greatest people. More talented, more kind, more fun, more full of grace than anyone I’ve ever met,” Moyes wrote. “Everyone who met her loved her. My love and thoughts are with Henry who could not have loved her more, and with her children, who were her world. I was so lucky to know her and we were all lucky to have her.” 

We at Woman’s World feel the same way, which is why we have rounded up the 10 best Sophie Kinsella books that honor the author and her lasting impact.

Read on for our favorites. 

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‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ 

In 2001, Kinsella published her breakout novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic, which was turned into a hit movie starring Isla Fisher and launched a series of followup Shopaholic books. The Bridget Jones-like plot follows Becky Bloomwood, a 20-something  writer who loves to shop. When she ends up as a columnist at a finance magazine, doling out advice about saving money as her own spending spirals out of control, she devises zany plans to get out of debt before her secret ruins her career.   

What readers are saying: “Becky Bloomwood is a one-of-a-kind character, one that I thought I could only dream about reading. Her love of shoes, clothes (and luggage) mixed with her sense of humour is a recipe for a whirlwind adventure that only Becky Bloomwood could manage to get herself into. It’s my all time favourite novel that I encourage every label loving lady to read.” 

‘The Undomestic Goddess’ 

Starting over and self discovery take center stage in Kinsella’s 2005 novel. Samantha Sweeting is an ambitious workaholic lawyer at one of London’s top firms, on the fast track to becoming partner one day. Then she makes a single mistake that throws her life off course. She escapes to the country, where she accidentally falls into a housekeeping job, despite not knowing how to cook, clean or even open an ironing board. Can she learn how to do it all? Only time will tell. 

What readers are saying: “The title of this book grabbed me—try as I might, I don’t always feel like a domestic goddess myself. This book had me giggling constantly—but it struck a nerve, too. It reminded me how easy it is to get caught up in your own ‘life plan’—while forgetting what’s really important and missing out on the things that ultimately bring you the most satisfaction.” 

‘Remember Me?’ 

Filled with unforgettable characters and a heart-tugging storyline, this 2008 novel shines. Lexi Smart wakes up in the hospital, unable to remember the past three years of her life. She has no idea how she went from a snaggletoothed girl with a disappointing boyfriend to a bombshell career woman with a handsome husband. But, as she quickly discovers, her life may have been better off before. 

What readers are saying: “Sophie Kinsella is a masterful storyteller; she mixes real life with just enough drama to carry you along and helps you invest in her characters. She takes Lexi from an average “any woman” to an ambitious, super styler who now has the sleek body of an athlete and makes us all wish that we could be her; then Sophie switches it up and we discover that there are cracks in the perfect exterior and that not everything is picture perfect. 

‘Wedding Night’ 

Second-chance romance? Check! Idyllic Greece settings? Check! Unforgettable main character? Check! This 2014 novel by Kinsella has it all. Lottie knows her boyfriend is going to propose, she just doesn’t know when. But instead of asking for her hand, he asks her to go on a trip with him. Devastated, Lottie leaves him and reconnects with Ben, an old flame,  instead. The two hastily get married—and that’s when the fun begins. 

What readers are saying: “The book is written from Lottie and Fliss’s perspectives, pinging back and forth on what is happening in the book and I really think it makes the book really refreshing and exhilarating! Again, Sophie K manages to create a wonderful cast of characters, from Fliss’s adorable little boy to the moody, brooding Lorcan and heartbreakingly handsome Ben.” 

‘Finding Audrey’ 

This 2015 young adult novel follows 14-year-old Audrey, who suffers from an anxiety disorder that affects her everyday life and her interactions with her family. But when she meets Linus, she forms a special friendship that gives her courage to open up to others. A sweet story of friendship and finding oneself. 

What readers are saying:  “One of my favorite series is Confessions of a Shopaholic, so when I heard the same author wrote this book, I ordered it right away. It’s dubbed as a young adult read, but the story is deep and funny. Best of all, it spotlighted the importance of being understanding of others, since you never know what they’re going through.” 

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‘Love Your Life’

Filled with swoon-worthy moments and witty charm, this unique love story published in 2020 features Ava, who escapes the drama and disappointment of online dating for a writers’ retreat in Italy. There, she meets “Dutch,” a man who seems too good to be true. After the retreat comes to an end, the duo returns to the real world—only to discover that they must overcome their differences to make their fantasy last forever. A sweet, funny escape.

What readers are saying: “This is a funny and entertaining story with all the happy feels. It’s a story about love, friendship, and compromise. A story about being brave enough to do what you love and standing up for yourself.”

‘I Owe You One’ 

Laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet love story make this 2019 novel a must-read. Quirky, lovable Fixie Farr got her nickname because she just can’t stop “fixing” things—from a broken coffee machine to her sister’s marriage—but she pays no attention to her own needs. So when a handsome man in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop, and it comes close to being destroyed, she saves it. In return, he gives her an IOU—for anything in the world. 

What readers are saying: “This book was quintessential Sophie Kinsella! Full of fun flawed realistic characters, witty dialogue and loads of humor… I can always count on a Kinsella book to take me away for a few fun hours, make me feel good and induce me into laughter until tears are coming down my face, and this book was no exception.”” 

‘The Party Crasher’

In Kinsella’s 2022 novel, Effie is still dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ divorce. To make matters worse, she hates her father’s new girlfriend Krista, who has just agreed to sell Effie’s childhood home. To celebrate the move, Krista is throwing a party, and Effie isn’t invited. She goes anyway, hoping to find the long-lost treasure she hid at the house, but instead runs into her ex Joe and learns shocking family secrets. A perfect blend of mystery, romance and family saga. 

What readers are saying: “I’ve read Sophie Kinsella for years, and she always offers an escape from the everyday world. This book is no exception. Effie’s situation is initially sad, but her solution turns into a hilarious romp. I love Kinsella’s happy endings, and this one is poignant and satisfying. Great way to spend an afternoon.” 

‘The Burnout’

Sasha is burned out and escapes to the beach town she used to visit as a child. But it’s the off-season, the hotel she checks into isn’t as fancy as she remembered and she’s one of the only guests—besides the intriguingly cranky and cute Finn, who is on a break after his own career mishap. As the two begin to bond, Sasha and Finn feel a spark that ignites them both.

What readers are saying: “Sophie Kinsella’s The Burnout is a tale of self-discovery and human connection set against the backdrop of a dilapidated seaside resort. It was such a refreshing and relatable story that will resonate with readers for a long time after they close the book. It was filled with humor and heart, while still tackling other tough topics like mental exhaustion, the importance of setting boundaries and what really defines our self worth! A brilliant novel and one I HIGHLY recommend!”

‘What Does It Feel Like?’ 

This 2024 novella, which Kinsella called her ‘most autobiographical work to date’ follows Eve, a novelist who wakes up one day with no memory. Her husband tells her that’s a result of the surgery she just had to remove a brain tumor. As Eve learns how to walk, talk and write again, she rediscovers what is most important to her. This heartfelt story melds Kinsella’s signature humor with heartbreak.

What readers are saying: “This story made me think about my life, choices that I have made, decisions to consider, and what should be my priorities. I have cried, laughed and prayed. It was a great read.”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/best-sophie-kinsella-books-that-made-millions-laugh-and-cry