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Die Familienfeier
Seit ihr Vater mit der unmöglichen Krista zusammen ist, spricht Effie kaum mehr ein Wort mit ihm. Als das Paar auch noch das Familienanwesen Greenoaks verkauft und nur Effie nicht zu der großen Abschiedsparty einlädt, hat sie endgültig genug. Sie beschließt, sich auf die Feier zu schleichen, um zumindest heimlich ein paar Erinnerungsstücke aus ihrer Kindheit zu retten. Prompt läuft sie in Greenoaks Joe in die Arme – ihre Jugendliebe und inzwischen umschwärmter Herzchirurg. Während Effie unbemerkt von den anderen Gästen durch Greenoaks schleicht, lernt sie nicht nur Joe, sondern auch ihre Familie von einer ganz neuen Seite kennen. Und sie muss sich fragen, ob nicht jeder eine zweite Chance verdient hat?
500 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2021
2226 people are currently reading
25577 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Kinsella
183 books44.6k followersSophie Kinsella had sold over 40 million copies of her books in more than 60 countries, and she had been translated into over 40 languages.
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
Sophie Kinsella first hit the UK bestseller lists in September 2000 with her first novel in the Shopaholic series – The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (also published as Confessions of a Shopaholic). The book’s heroine, Becky Bloomwood – a fun and feisty financial journalist who loves shopping but is hopeless with money – captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Becky has since featured in seven further bestselling books, Shopaholic Abroad (also published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan), Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini Shopaholic, Shopaholic to the Stars and Shopaholic to the Rescue. Becky Bloomwood came to the big screen in 2009 with the hit Disney movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Sophie had also written seven standalone novels which have all been bestsellers in the UK, USA and other countries around the world: Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Fiction in 2017.
In 2014 she published a Young Adult novel Finding Audrey about a teenage girl with social anxiety and her madcap family, and in January 2018, Sophie published her first illustrated book for young readers about the charming adventures of a mother-daughter fairy duo, Mummy Fairy and Me (also published as Fairy Mom and Me).
Sophie’s novel, Surprise Me, published in February 2018, presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Sophie wrote her first novel under her real name, Madeleine Wickham, at the tender age of 24, whilst she was working as a financial journalist. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten bestseller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements.
Sophie was born in London. She studied music at New College, Oxford, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She lived in London, UK, with her husband and family.
Visit Sophie's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SophieKinsell...
Series:
* Shopaholic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,352 reviews
June 2, 2025
All we need is a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud, smart, genuine, and entertaining Sophie Kinsella book to view life through a kaleidoscope!
This book was a big win for me! I’ve always been drawn to stories about dysfunctional families, and this one resonated deeply—it reminded me how emotional it is to say goodbye to your childhood home. I saw so many similarities between myself and Effie. When my family sold our house in my mid-twenties, I had recently quit my job, broken up with my long-term boyfriend, and was the third baby of the family (forever the baby, stubborn, and fiery). My parents weren’t divorced, but they had grown distant. So, as soon as I read this plot, fireworks went off in my head! I thought, “Yes!”—I’m reading something that echoes my younger, emotional-wreck days.
Effie’s last family Christmas party ends in heartbreak, much like the George Michael song, or Emma Thompson’s screenplay that turned into a semi-satisfying, bittersweet romcom by the same name.
She finds out her parents are divorcing, and later discovers that her father has a much younger girlfriend, Krista—41, an Instagram star who, from the start, acts like a gold-digger. When she also learns they’re selling her childhood home and throwing a farewell party, Effie feels frustrated, hurt, sad, and lost.
Her father stops speaking to her after an argument with Krista, who then anti-invites her to the party. Effie, stubborn as ever, declines the unkind invitation.
But then she remembers her Russian dolls, which hold great sentimental value (we don’t know why yet, but when we do find out, I had a long “aww” moment until my neighbor yelled at me to be quiet! Yes, I can be a bit dramatic when I get ultra-emotional).
So, Effie decides to crash the party and sneak into her childhood home like a fly on the wall, just to retrieve her dolls and escape, all within ten minutes!
She doesn’t count on the bouncer her sister Bean hired. Hiding behind some rosebushes (because she couldn’t find better camouflage), she spots her ex—her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Joe, who shattered her heart four years ago and is now a successful TV star and surgeon. She feels he owes her for the heartbreak and ropes him into helping her distract the bouncer while she sneaks inside.
However, turning into a fly like Jeff Goldblum isn’t easy. Each time she attempts to search for her dolls, someone interrupts her. As an inexperienced spy, she overhears many conversations and discovers more than she bargained for: her father seems happy in his new life, Krista plans to whisk him away to Portugal, her sister Bean cries in secret, her brother Gus might be entangled in a scandal, and Joe appears to be hiding a big secret from her.
Effie starts to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her family. Maybe she’s only been seeing things from her own narrow perspective, and now it’s time to confront everyone and gain a wider vision.
This book was hilarious, heartfelt, quirky, sweet, and realistic, capturing the many facets of family life.
The romance was adorable, and Sister Bean was my favorite character—protective, diplomatic, and genuine, with a darker, sarcastic side she finally reveals to her family. She’s my true hero!
I’m giving it five stars for its humor, family drama, spying antics, action-packed moments, and true romance!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Dial Press for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This book was a big win for me! I’ve always been drawn to stories about dysfunctional families, and this one resonated deeply—it reminded me how emotional it is to say goodbye to your childhood home. I saw so many similarities between myself and Effie. When my family sold our house in my mid-twenties, I had recently quit my job, broken up with my long-term boyfriend, and was the third baby of the family (forever the baby, stubborn, and fiery). My parents weren’t divorced, but they had grown distant. So, as soon as I read this plot, fireworks went off in my head! I thought, “Yes!”—I’m reading something that echoes my younger, emotional-wreck days.
Effie’s last family Christmas party ends in heartbreak, much like the George Michael song, or Emma Thompson’s screenplay that turned into a semi-satisfying, bittersweet romcom by the same name.
She finds out her parents are divorcing, and later discovers that her father has a much younger girlfriend, Krista—41, an Instagram star who, from the start, acts like a gold-digger. When she also learns they’re selling her childhood home and throwing a farewell party, Effie feels frustrated, hurt, sad, and lost.
Her father stops speaking to her after an argument with Krista, who then anti-invites her to the party. Effie, stubborn as ever, declines the unkind invitation.
But then she remembers her Russian dolls, which hold great sentimental value (we don’t know why yet, but when we do find out, I had a long “aww” moment until my neighbor yelled at me to be quiet! Yes, I can be a bit dramatic when I get ultra-emotional).
So, Effie decides to crash the party and sneak into her childhood home like a fly on the wall, just to retrieve her dolls and escape, all within ten minutes!
She doesn’t count on the bouncer her sister Bean hired. Hiding behind some rosebushes (because she couldn’t find better camouflage), she spots her ex—her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Joe, who shattered her heart four years ago and is now a successful TV star and surgeon. She feels he owes her for the heartbreak and ropes him into helping her distract the bouncer while she sneaks inside.
However, turning into a fly like Jeff Goldblum isn’t easy. Each time she attempts to search for her dolls, someone interrupts her. As an inexperienced spy, she overhears many conversations and discovers more than she bargained for: her father seems happy in his new life, Krista plans to whisk him away to Portugal, her sister Bean cries in secret, her brother Gus might be entangled in a scandal, and Joe appears to be hiding a big secret from her.
Effie starts to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her family. Maybe she’s only been seeing things from her own narrow perspective, and now it’s time to confront everyone and gain a wider vision.
This book was hilarious, heartfelt, quirky, sweet, and realistic, capturing the many facets of family life.
The romance was adorable, and Sister Bean was my favorite character—protective, diplomatic, and genuine, with a darker, sarcastic side she finally reveals to her family. She’s my true hero!
I’m giving it five stars for its humor, family drama, spying antics, action-packed moments, and true romance!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Dial Press for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium blog
November 13, 2021
Effie's life changed when she least expected. One minute she's enjoying her family's company while Christmas decorating and celebrating her father's birthday. The next minute, her parents announce they're getting a divorce! That's something Effie never saw coming 😬.
What ensues is an entertaining story about Effie's misadventures as she crashes the house cooling party and eavesdrops on family and guests. You know what else Effie didn't see coming? The things she heard and saw while hiding and eavesdropping 😆.
Overall, this is a funny and heartwarming story about family, relationships, and new beginnings. If you enjoy Sophie Kinsella's humor and writing style, you won't be disappointed by this one. There are plenty of awkward situations and quirky characters to keep it entertaining throughout.
The story starts off during Christmas time but extends throughout a few years, so it's not exactly a seasonal read.
What ensues is an entertaining story about Effie's misadventures as she crashes the house cooling party and eavesdrops on family and guests. You know what else Effie didn't see coming? The things she heard and saw while hiding and eavesdropping 😆.
Overall, this is a funny and heartwarming story about family, relationships, and new beginnings. If you enjoy Sophie Kinsella's humor and writing style, you won't be disappointed by this one. There are plenty of awkward situations and quirky characters to keep it entertaining throughout.
The story starts off during Christmas time but extends throughout a few years, so it's not exactly a seasonal read.
January 17, 2022
This was a 5 star read for me, again this is a first read by Sophie Kinsella & it was drop dead laugh out loud fun book i really enjoyed it. The characters were quirky & entertaining especially Effie she was fun & at times immature.
Effie & her siblings Bean & Gus are invited to their dads house for Christmas but her dad Tony has a big announcement to make he is selling the family home, Green Oaks ... but that is not all he has a new YOUNG girlfriend & Effie is not happy then on top of that he is divorcing Mimi , but this is when the fun starts.
Tony & his Krista throw a party to say goodbye to the house ... Another but Krista does not invite Effie she wasn't sent an invitation but Effie decides to show up anyway but not through the front door she comes through hiding spaces in the house what eventuates is secrets that the family are hiding & learning things about themselves Effie looks through riose coloured glasses everything is black & white but what does she learn about herself & Krista?
This was a funny laugh out loud book about finding yourself & forgiveness a 5 star read.
Effie & her siblings Bean & Gus are invited to their dads house for Christmas but her dad Tony has a big announcement to make he is selling the family home, Green Oaks ... but that is not all he has a new YOUNG girlfriend & Effie is not happy then on top of that he is divorcing Mimi , but this is when the fun starts.
Tony & his Krista throw a party to say goodbye to the house ... Another but Krista does not invite Effie she wasn't sent an invitation but Effie decides to show up anyway but not through the front door she comes through hiding spaces in the house what eventuates is secrets that the family are hiding & learning things about themselves Effie looks through riose coloured glasses everything is black & white but what does she learn about herself & Krista?
This was a funny laugh out loud book about finding yourself & forgiveness a 5 star read.
June 16, 2022
I buddy read this with Amanda.
We always like to read Sophie Kinsella together. It is a tradition at this point.
If you ask me, the writing style saved this one. The plot was kind of stupid, pointless and unbelievable, but at the same time this was a funny read perfect for escapism, and I pretty much enjoyed it the whole time.
But I stand by my saying this probably wouldn't ever get published if it wasn't written by one and only Sophie Kinsella.
We always like to read Sophie Kinsella together. It is a tradition at this point.
If you ask me, the writing style saved this one. The plot was kind of stupid, pointless and unbelievable, but at the same time this was a funny read perfect for escapism, and I pretty much enjoyed it the whole time.
But I stand by my saying this probably wouldn't ever get published if it wasn't written by one and only Sophie Kinsella.
December 3, 2021
Thank you for the gifted book, Random House.
The Shopaholic series and other early Kinsella books are pure comfort reading for me and have been so special. I remember when and where I read many of them, and I’m always grateful to have a new one to read at just the right time. I’m happy to report The Party Crasher has the same zany fun and comfort I look for in an escape read from Sophie Kinsella.
About the book: “From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Your Life comes a humorous and heartwarming novel about family, set against the backdrop of the most fabulous party you've ever snuck into.”
Effie’s parents are now divorced, which destroyed the idyllic memories of her early life. Now she fights constantly with her father’s girlfriend, Krista, which has left her relationship with her dad broken. On top of it all, Greenoaks, her childhood home, has been sold.
Krista throws one last gigantic party before the closing and doesn’t invite Effie. Well, she ends up inviting her very last minute. Effie says nope. Not coming. She changes her mind when she remembers there’s something in the house she really wants, but to get it, she’ll have to search during the party. While she finds herself looking in every nook and cranny for the item, she sees Joe, an old heartbreak, and the chemistry is still there along with some past secrets.
I loved every bit of this book from first page to last. As ever with a Kinsella book, I giggled at some of Effie’s antics, and I enjoyed the push and pull dynamics of this interesting family. There’s also a light sweet romance in the background and a good father-daughter story here. Loved it!
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The Shopaholic series and other early Kinsella books are pure comfort reading for me and have been so special. I remember when and where I read many of them, and I’m always grateful to have a new one to read at just the right time. I’m happy to report The Party Crasher has the same zany fun and comfort I look for in an escape read from Sophie Kinsella.
About the book: “From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Your Life comes a humorous and heartwarming novel about family, set against the backdrop of the most fabulous party you've ever snuck into.”
Effie’s parents are now divorced, which destroyed the idyllic memories of her early life. Now she fights constantly with her father’s girlfriend, Krista, which has left her relationship with her dad broken. On top of it all, Greenoaks, her childhood home, has been sold.
Krista throws one last gigantic party before the closing and doesn’t invite Effie. Well, she ends up inviting her very last minute. Effie says nope. Not coming. She changes her mind when she remembers there’s something in the house she really wants, but to get it, she’ll have to search during the party. While she finds herself looking in every nook and cranny for the item, she sees Joe, an old heartbreak, and the chemistry is still there along with some past secrets.
I loved every bit of this book from first page to last. As ever with a Kinsella book, I giggled at some of Effie’s antics, and I enjoyed the push and pull dynamics of this interesting family. There’s also a light sweet romance in the background and a good father-daughter story here. Loved it!
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 20, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up
This was such a cute and touching book about a woman whose parents have split up late in life and her father's new girlfriend is throwing a "house cooling" party as they are selling the family home. Effie, the youngest sibling, is still reeling from the divorce and the perfect picture of her parents that she had in her mind. She doesn't get along at all with Krista, the new girlfriend, who she feels is a gold digger and keeping Effie and her siblings from being in contact with their father. Effie actually doesn't get an invitation to the party, and refuses to go on principle. But when she remembers a beloved childhood item that she hid in the house, she decides to sneak in to claim it while the party is going on. What she hears and discovers while hiding and trying to find her item is quite surprising and gives her a new outlook on her past and present.
I enjoyed the humor throughout the book, and the story of the family is very real. I hurt for Effie, but also felt like she had rose-colored glasses on about the past and really didn't want to confront reality about what happened between her parents. The rest of the family was a bit at fault as well, because they didn't talk to Effie and tried to protect her from the truth, even though she is a fully grown adult. It takes a bit of time for this all to start being revealed in the story, at first I thought that Effie was just a whiny brat, but after it was all said and done I could understand why she was acting the way she did throughout. I liked the growth of her character as she is listening to the conversations and having reality shown to her.
Some of the things that happened were just silly, but overall I enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Fiona Hardingham does an excellent job at giving voice to Effie and her personality. As usual, I did have to speed up the narration to keep my interest.
If you want a light, chick lit type of book, The Party Crasher is a nice bit of fun entertainment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This was such a cute and touching book about a woman whose parents have split up late in life and her father's new girlfriend is throwing a "house cooling" party as they are selling the family home. Effie, the youngest sibling, is still reeling from the divorce and the perfect picture of her parents that she had in her mind. She doesn't get along at all with Krista, the new girlfriend, who she feels is a gold digger and keeping Effie and her siblings from being in contact with their father. Effie actually doesn't get an invitation to the party, and refuses to go on principle. But when she remembers a beloved childhood item that she hid in the house, she decides to sneak in to claim it while the party is going on. What she hears and discovers while hiding and trying to find her item is quite surprising and gives her a new outlook on her past and present.
I enjoyed the humor throughout the book, and the story of the family is very real. I hurt for Effie, but also felt like she had rose-colored glasses on about the past and really didn't want to confront reality about what happened between her parents. The rest of the family was a bit at fault as well, because they didn't talk to Effie and tried to protect her from the truth, even though she is a fully grown adult. It takes a bit of time for this all to start being revealed in the story, at first I thought that Effie was just a whiny brat, but after it was all said and done I could understand why she was acting the way she did throughout. I liked the growth of her character as she is listening to the conversations and having reality shown to her.
Some of the things that happened were just silly, but overall I enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Fiona Hardingham does an excellent job at giving voice to Effie and her personality. As usual, I did have to speed up the narration to keep my interest.
If you want a light, chick lit type of book, The Party Crasher is a nice bit of fun entertainment.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
November 14, 2021
Oh Sophie… I keep reading your books thinking I will enjoy them the same way I enjoyed them when I was a teenager. But alas seems like I’ve moved on. Yet I still cling to this idea that I should buy your books. Oh well.
don’t get me wrong I did enjoy this to some extent. But the depth of the characters, the whole story’s premise and the ending were all just shallow. Then again I still finished it and found a few genuine moments in between the rest so I guess it’s not a waste. But seriously, dear future self, please don’t buy these books anymore as you just don’t click with them the way you used to.
Then again… good plane read, good read if you want to ignore reality for a bit, so can’t give it less than 2 stars…
don’t get me wrong I did enjoy this to some extent. But the depth of the characters, the whole story’s premise and the ending were all just shallow. Then again I still finished it and found a few genuine moments in between the rest so I guess it’s not a waste. But seriously, dear future self, please don’t buy these books anymore as you just don’t click with them the way you used to.
Then again… good plane read, good read if you want to ignore reality for a bit, so can’t give it less than 2 stars…
October 14, 2021
While I haven’t read anywhere near all of Sophie Kinsella’s books I have read enough that when I saw The Party Crasher I knew I needed to read it. This one is of course a contemporary romance or chicklit novel that of if you are familiar with the author you probably know it’s filled with humor and a side of romance.
Effie has been estranged from her father since at the last family gettogether she attended she had it out with his new girlfriend. Effie sees Krista as nothing but a gold digger and really wishes her parents had never divorced at all bringing Krista into their lives. The latest slight comes when Effie finds out that her beloved childhood home is being sold and Krista has not invited her to their goodbye party. Effie comes up with a plan to sneak into the party to retrieve some of her childhood memories before it’s all gone.
The Party Crasher got off to a somewhat slower start for me than some of Sophie Kinsella’s other books have. To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was even going to like Effie in the beginning but I did end up liking her and having all of the laughs that I expect to have from this author. This one is definitely more on the chicklit side as the family feud is the main focus and the romance is barely there. I didn’t mind that fact so much myself but that would be my biggest warning when picking this one up if that is what you are searching out. In the end I enjoyed this one despite the slower start for me and would recommend it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Effie has been estranged from her father since at the last family gettogether she attended she had it out with his new girlfriend. Effie sees Krista as nothing but a gold digger and really wishes her parents had never divorced at all bringing Krista into their lives. The latest slight comes when Effie finds out that her beloved childhood home is being sold and Krista has not invited her to their goodbye party. Effie comes up with a plan to sneak into the party to retrieve some of her childhood memories before it’s all gone.
The Party Crasher got off to a somewhat slower start for me than some of Sophie Kinsella’s other books have. To be honest I wasn’t sure if I was even going to like Effie in the beginning but I did end up liking her and having all of the laughs that I expect to have from this author. This one is definitely more on the chicklit side as the family feud is the main focus and the romance is barely there. I didn’t mind that fact so much myself but that would be my biggest warning when picking this one up if that is what you are searching out. In the end I enjoyed this one despite the slower start for me and would recommend it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 4, 2022
3.5 rounded up to a 4. I went into this a little skeptical because I've never really quite gotten along with Sophie Kinsella's writing, but I gotta eat some crow on this one because it was a hoot! Not a new all-time favorite, but I really enjoyed the hijinks that our main character Effie got up to and honestly just how all around relatably messy her and her family were. If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted mess of a novel (said affectionately), I definitely recommend checking this one out!
CW: death of a loved one, divorce, pregnancy
CW: death of a loved one, divorce, pregnancy
October 13, 2021
I think this is my favorite Kinsella book so far because it's not as fluffy as most of her books, and I could totally see the main character doing everything based on her personality and life history. There were lots of sweet moments, sad moments, and smiles thanks to Effie's family and dad, and the setting of a quirky family home that's about to be sold.
Even the house itself has its own time to shine, with loads of reminiscing details from my own childhood, like secret hiding places and attics and deep coat cupboards.
Kinsella mixes in assumptions, longing, quick judgments, and miscommunication well, and the wrap up to it all is HEA perfect, and not just because of the love interests.
Even the house itself has its own time to shine, with loads of reminiscing details from my own childhood, like secret hiding places and attics and deep coat cupboards.
Kinsella mixes in assumptions, longing, quick judgments, and miscommunication well, and the wrap up to it all is HEA perfect, and not just because of the love interests.
November 2, 2021
Such a well composed family drama! The Party Crasher had Kinsella's trademark quirkiness, but it never tipped over into the "this is getting ridiculous" which many of her previous books have proven to do. I felt so much for this family! I absolutely teared up at the end, which is hard to do! I love Kinsella's ability to let the story unfold in such a natural and realistic way. Each character had their own development and journey. The only character that I thought needed a bit more stage time was Effie's mom. I feel like there is more to the story with her and I needed just a tadddd bit more.
Otherwise, this book came into my life at the most perfect time. It pulled at my heartstrings and reminded me that the people in our lives all have things going on under the surface and we need to offer grace when we can. There is a bit of romance, but if I can remember correctly, everything was closed door and sweet.
Hope you give this one a chance!
Otherwise, this book came into my life at the most perfect time. It pulled at my heartstrings and reminded me that the people in our lives all have things going on under the surface and we need to offer grace when we can. There is a bit of romance, but if I can remember correctly, everything was closed door and sweet.
Hope you give this one a chance!
November 10, 2021
this was fun and not just because i read everything in a british accent. the dysfunctional family trope means everything to me so honestly it was a ride. i loved the romance and the family drama. I liked Effie as a main character she was very childish and i know that can be seen as a bad thing but it was entertaining to me!
November 17, 2021
me: Fixie from I Owe You One is the most annoying, exhausting, and silly Sophie Kinsella's heroine..
Effie from this book
okay, Effie, you win!!
the best moment of the book is when one character asks her if she is seeing anyone (because of her clear daddy issues)
Effie from this book
okay, Effie, you win!!
the best moment of the book is when one character asks her if she is seeing anyone (because of her clear daddy issues)
January 2, 2022
The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella, yet another one of the famous authors work which is a super fun and entertaining read. The book is about family love, family tensions and what you might hear if they didn't know you were in the room.
Effie, our main character who is filled with wit, humor and sassy nature at few places. The party of the year which no one should miss. The book has some very interesting main characters as well as fun side characters.
I've read one or two Sophie Kinsella's works in the past and this one was no different, infact was very fun and same paced. Kinsella's books tend to be fun and joyful on the surface but also holds some emotional family feelings under the surface.
This one was equally good and I guess the perfect book to end the year. I love the underneath romance piling up, along with this some family drama was very fun and also emotional at times.
Effie, our main character who is filled with wit, humor and sassy nature at few places. The party of the year which no one should miss. The book has some very interesting main characters as well as fun side characters.
I've read one or two Sophie Kinsella's works in the past and this one was no different, infact was very fun and same paced. Kinsella's books tend to be fun and joyful on the surface but also holds some emotional family feelings under the surface.
This one was equally good and I guess the perfect book to end the year. I love the underneath romance piling up, along with this some family drama was very fun and also emotional at times.
November 21, 2021
I was listening to this book and had to give up on it. I got to the end of disc 4 with nothing interesting happening. I looked how many discs there were...8...so halfway through the book and falling asleep from boredom?? Time to give up at that point. Effie was an awful lead and I wished she would've been trapped in a closet forever!!
October 30, 2021
This wasn’t for me. I found basically every character annoying and the plot absurdly silly.
June 2, 2024
Effie Talbot heeft drie keer in haar leven het gevoel gehad dat ze uit haar lichaam was getreden: toen ze hoorde dat haar ouders uit elkaar gingen, toen haar vader vertelde dat hij een nieuwe (en veel jongere) vriendin had en toen ze hoorde dat haar geliefde ouderlijk huis, het excentrieke Victoriaanse landhuis Greenoaks, was verkocht. Sinds de scheiding van haar ouders is haar gezin uit elkaar gevallen: ze spreekt haar vader nooit meer, ze is verwikkeld in een vete met Krista, zijn nieuwe vriendin, en haar broer en zus lijken haar niet echt te begrijpen.
Nu is Krista van plan om een uitwijdingsfeest te geven en Effie weigert te gaan, ondanks de aansporingen van haar zus, die denkt dat Effie er spijt van zal krijgen als ze geen afscheid van het huis neemt. Maar Effie is standvastig en ze wil niemand onder ogen komen, totdat ze beseft dat haar matroesjka’s nog ergens in het huis moeten zijn. Haar geliefde schat uit haar kindertijd, die ze goed heeft verstopt in een schoorsteen in de rommelkamer. Er is maar één oplossing: ze moet ongezien het huis binnen zien te komen terwijl iedereen aan het feesten is, haar missie voltooien en weer vertrekken. Maar dat is makkelijker gezegd dan gedaan. Terwijl ze rondsluipt, zich verstopt, gesprekken afluistert en zelfs haar eerste liefde tegen het lijf loopt, beseft Effie dat er meer geheimen in Greenoaks rondwaren dan ze had gedacht.
Om maar met de deur in huis te vallen: wat is dit een HEERLIJK boek! Een ouderwets leuke Kinsella vol personages die allemaal hun eigenaardigheden hebben, scherpe dialogen, verrassende situaties en gebeurtenissen die je hardop laten lachen. De personages worden treffend neergezet en hoewel Effie in het begin wat naïef en rancuneus overkomt, groeit ze zeker gedurende het verhaal. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat een deel van het ware verhaal voor haar is verzwegen, ze leert haar familieleden beter kennen en ze durft zich uit te spreken en de leiding te nemen. Ze is koppig maar liefdevol, ze voelt zich gekwetst en vindt het erg dat sommige relaties zijn verslechterd, ze heeft veel humor en ik ben gek op haar innerlijke monologen.
Samen met Effie maak je je onzichtbaar maar ben je toch onderdeel van dit bijzondere feest, je zult moeten lachen om haar hersenspinsels en verrast worden door bepaalde onthullingen. Het verhaal sleept je helemaal mee, enkele ongeloofwaardige situaties worden toch geloofwaardig uitgewerkt en het geheel is chaotisch, hartverwarmend, origineel, grappig, melancholisch, licht, oprecht en ontzettend vermakelijk! Een echte pageturner die niet alleen maar luchtig is maar ook een mooie diepere laag heeft door de sterke uitwerking van de familiebanden, de onderlinge verhoudingen en de herinneringen. Een voltreffer!
4.5⭐️
Nu is Krista van plan om een uitwijdingsfeest te geven en Effie weigert te gaan, ondanks de aansporingen van haar zus, die denkt dat Effie er spijt van zal krijgen als ze geen afscheid van het huis neemt. Maar Effie is standvastig en ze wil niemand onder ogen komen, totdat ze beseft dat haar matroesjka’s nog ergens in het huis moeten zijn. Haar geliefde schat uit haar kindertijd, die ze goed heeft verstopt in een schoorsteen in de rommelkamer. Er is maar één oplossing: ze moet ongezien het huis binnen zien te komen terwijl iedereen aan het feesten is, haar missie voltooien en weer vertrekken. Maar dat is makkelijker gezegd dan gedaan. Terwijl ze rondsluipt, zich verstopt, gesprekken afluistert en zelfs haar eerste liefde tegen het lijf loopt, beseft Effie dat er meer geheimen in Greenoaks rondwaren dan ze had gedacht.
Om maar met de deur in huis te vallen: wat is dit een HEERLIJK boek! Een ouderwets leuke Kinsella vol personages die allemaal hun eigenaardigheden hebben, scherpe dialogen, verrassende situaties en gebeurtenissen die je hardop laten lachen. De personages worden treffend neergezet en hoewel Effie in het begin wat naïef en rancuneus overkomt, groeit ze zeker gedurende het verhaal. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat een deel van het ware verhaal voor haar is verzwegen, ze leert haar familieleden beter kennen en ze durft zich uit te spreken en de leiding te nemen. Ze is koppig maar liefdevol, ze voelt zich gekwetst en vindt het erg dat sommige relaties zijn verslechterd, ze heeft veel humor en ik ben gek op haar innerlijke monologen.
Samen met Effie maak je je onzichtbaar maar ben je toch onderdeel van dit bijzondere feest, je zult moeten lachen om haar hersenspinsels en verrast worden door bepaalde onthullingen. Het verhaal sleept je helemaal mee, enkele ongeloofwaardige situaties worden toch geloofwaardig uitgewerkt en het geheel is chaotisch, hartverwarmend, origineel, grappig, melancholisch, licht, oprecht en ontzettend vermakelijk! Een echte pageturner die niet alleen maar luchtig is maar ook een mooie diepere laag heeft door de sterke uitwerking van de familiebanden, de onderlinge verhoudingen en de herinneringen. Een voltreffer!
4.5⭐️
April 27, 2025
*Family Saga*
**3.5 Stars**
Although this is a lighthearted story, narrated by Fiona Hardingham who brought the characters to life, it left me with mixed feelings.
I enjoyed the relationship between the siblings, especially the bond between Beatrice (Bean) and Augustus (Gus) and the youngest Etherland (Effie) However, some of the silliness didn’t resonate with me.
The story follows Effie, the youngest sibling, whose mother passed away when she was young, leaving her with barely any of the memories that her elder siblings have. Their father remarries and their stepmother, Mimi, helps to raise them.
The story is narrated through Effie’s eyes, and she has always believed they had the perfect family. However, this belief is shattered when it’s announced that they’re going to be divorced. Effie takes it badly, and things don’t go well with the arrival of Krista, their father’s new partner.
From the moment Krista arrives, there’s tension between her and Effie. While Bean and Gus try to be understanding and accept her, Effie refuses. To make matters worse, their beloved home is about to be sold.
Over time, the animosity between Effie and Krista grows, and a wedge forms between her and her father.
A farewell party is planned for the house, and Effie is not invited. However, she receives a poorly worded invitation from Krista, and she decides not to go. But then, she remembers a sentimental gift and vows to crash the party, but not in full sight.
Effie embarks on a series of hiding and overhearing conversations, which give her pause. But with so much tension, things eventually come to a head.
The question remains: how will this all be resolved? What will come to light in the process? And what will they learn about each other?
**3.5 Stars**
Although this is a lighthearted story, narrated by Fiona Hardingham who brought the characters to life, it left me with mixed feelings.
I enjoyed the relationship between the siblings, especially the bond between Beatrice (Bean) and Augustus (Gus) and the youngest Etherland (Effie) However, some of the silliness didn’t resonate with me.
The story follows Effie, the youngest sibling, whose mother passed away when she was young, leaving her with barely any of the memories that her elder siblings have. Their father remarries and their stepmother, Mimi, helps to raise them.
The story is narrated through Effie’s eyes, and she has always believed they had the perfect family. However, this belief is shattered when it’s announced that they’re going to be divorced. Effie takes it badly, and things don’t go well with the arrival of Krista, their father’s new partner.
From the moment Krista arrives, there’s tension between her and Effie. While Bean and Gus try to be understanding and accept her, Effie refuses. To make matters worse, their beloved home is about to be sold.
Over time, the animosity between Effie and Krista grows, and a wedge forms between her and her father.
A farewell party is planned for the house, and Effie is not invited. However, she receives a poorly worded invitation from Krista, and she decides not to go. But then, she remembers a sentimental gift and vows to crash the party, but not in full sight.
Effie embarks on a series of hiding and overhearing conversations, which give her pause. But with so much tension, things eventually come to a head.
The question remains: how will this all be resolved? What will come to light in the process? And what will they learn about each other?
August 30, 2025
Two and a half stars
When her father and stepmother Mimi, the only mother Effie has ever known, divorce. Effie, the youngest sibling in the Talbot family, struggles to accept what has happened in her family. Older siblings Bean and Gus seem to have less problems dealing with the divorce. And since their dad took up with the younger Krista, things have got progressively worse. Effie sees Krista as a gold digger, after her father for all she can get. Effie worries for him, but she can’t get through to talk to him. He is not responding to calls or texts. Though they used to be close as father and daughter, now adult Effie has become estranged from her father. She blames his girlfriend Krista for everything that has gone wrong with her family. And then comes worse news. Greenoaks, the house Effie has called home her whole life, has been sold. When Krista throws an elaborate ‘house cooling’ party, Effie is not invited.
But then she remembers her beloved set of Russian dolls is still hidden in the house. Effie has to go back and claim them but how will she do that since she is not going to the party? So she comes up with a plan to sneak into the house under cover of darkness and while the party is happening without anybody knowing she is there. But things don’t work out as planned. Effie spends a lot more time sneaking around outside and then inside the house than she planned. She has to hide so she is not caught and finds out things she never knew about her family and also about Krista. As she creeps around, she also meets up again with Joe, her young love, who broke her heart years before. He is now a famous celebrity doctor, Dr Joe.
Told from Effie's point of view, this book started out okay but then it became silly and implausible I know it was intended to be funny, but I couldn’t buy into all the hiding and subterfuge that went on. I was interested enough to keep reading, as I wanted to know how Effie got on with getting her Russian dolls back. And whether she ever connected again with Joe in any meaningful way. Not everything always as it seems. It was interesting to see changes in people as the story progressed, especially in Bean.
A book that will not doubt appeal to a lot of people, for me it was just an okay read
When her father and stepmother Mimi, the only mother Effie has ever known, divorce. Effie, the youngest sibling in the Talbot family, struggles to accept what has happened in her family. Older siblings Bean and Gus seem to have less problems dealing with the divorce. And since their dad took up with the younger Krista, things have got progressively worse. Effie sees Krista as a gold digger, after her father for all she can get. Effie worries for him, but she can’t get through to talk to him. He is not responding to calls or texts. Though they used to be close as father and daughter, now adult Effie has become estranged from her father. She blames his girlfriend Krista for everything that has gone wrong with her family. And then comes worse news. Greenoaks, the house Effie has called home her whole life, has been sold. When Krista throws an elaborate ‘house cooling’ party, Effie is not invited.
But then she remembers her beloved set of Russian dolls is still hidden in the house. Effie has to go back and claim them but how will she do that since she is not going to the party? So she comes up with a plan to sneak into the house under cover of darkness and while the party is happening without anybody knowing she is there. But things don’t work out as planned. Effie spends a lot more time sneaking around outside and then inside the house than she planned. She has to hide so she is not caught and finds out things she never knew about her family and also about Krista. As she creeps around, she also meets up again with Joe, her young love, who broke her heart years before. He is now a famous celebrity doctor, Dr Joe.
Told from Effie's point of view, this book started out okay but then it became silly and implausible I know it was intended to be funny, but I couldn’t buy into all the hiding and subterfuge that went on. I was interested enough to keep reading, as I wanted to know how Effie got on with getting her Russian dolls back. And whether she ever connected again with Joe in any meaningful way. Not everything always as it seems. It was interesting to see changes in people as the story progressed, especially in Bean.
A book that will not doubt appeal to a lot of people, for me it was just an okay read
December 4, 2021
4.5 ⭐
Duhovito, zabavno, toplo. Možda najemotivnija Kinselina knjiga.
Stara Sofi je konačno tu, nadam se da će i ostati.
Duhovito, zabavno, toplo. Možda najemotivnija Kinselina knjiga.
Stara Sofi je konačno tu, nadam se da će i ostati.
December 14, 2021
A quintessential Sophie Kinsella story that was not trying to be anything more or less than expected.
As my best friend has this tradition of reading Sophie Kinsella books during her December holidays, I thought I would take a leaf out of her book and read this in an attempt to trick my brain in believing I am also on holiday already.
Fun easy reading, perfect for the beach.
As my best friend has this tradition of reading Sophie Kinsella books during her December holidays, I thought I would take a leaf out of her book and read this in an attempt to trick my brain in believing I am also on holiday already.
Fun easy reading, perfect for the beach.
October 19, 2021
A new Sophie Kinsella is always welcome, but this one has a “phoned it in” quality. The characters are sketchy and the plot is utterly predictable. But I’ll keep reading her and hope she does better next time.
August 22, 2021
I usually only need a few chapters of a book to realize that I'm not going to love it. However, I read the other reviews and decided to persevere. I'm glad I kept going.
What started out as a childish and very stubborn idea on Effies' part became the crux of this novel. I also have wonderful memories of my growing up days and now at my age, I can see that I was prettying them up. And that is what happened in Effies' life. But, of course, her father's girlfriend Krista didn't help matters...or did she? Well, you won't really know until you reach the end of this book. Let's just say that eavesdropping can be informative as well as hurtful.
This was a great coming-of-age novel that deals with so much more and has a romantic HEA!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
What started out as a childish and very stubborn idea on Effies' part became the crux of this novel. I also have wonderful memories of my growing up days and now at my age, I can see that I was prettying them up. And that is what happened in Effies' life. But, of course, her father's girlfriend Krista didn't help matters...or did she? Well, you won't really know until you reach the end of this book. Let's just say that eavesdropping can be informative as well as hurtful.
This was a great coming-of-age novel that deals with so much more and has a romantic HEA!
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and NetGalley.
April 28, 2022
Not quite as funny as her other books, and it is a tad predictable.
October 28, 2021
4.5/5 stars
I adore Sophie Kinsella and have been reading her books for years. If you're looking for a new quirky heroine Effie is your gal.
The Party Crasher is Chick Lit and it is set in the UK.
This story is charming and fun. Sophie Kinsella definitely excels at writing this type of book. I absolutely loved that the book is full of silly shenanigans.
The narrator is Effie/Ephelant/Euphemia (1st person POV - she is in her late 20s). She has an older sister (Bean) and an older brother (Gus). Effie's relationship with her siblings and dad are a key part of the story.
There is some romance in this book. But it is not the main focus of the story. But I still loved it so much!
There is an epic party and the whole premise of the party crasher is fantastic. I really liked everything to do with this part of the book.
There is also a great villainess. And I thought that this added so much to the book.
Overall if you love Sophie Kinsella then you will like this book. It was hilarious and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to netgalley and Random House Publishing/The Dial Press for allowing me to read this book.
I adore Sophie Kinsella and have been reading her books for years. If you're looking for a new quirky heroine Effie is your gal.
The Party Crasher is Chick Lit and it is set in the UK.
This story is charming and fun. Sophie Kinsella definitely excels at writing this type of book. I absolutely loved that the book is full of silly shenanigans.
The narrator is Effie/Ephelant/Euphemia (1st person POV - she is in her late 20s). She has an older sister (Bean) and an older brother (Gus). Effie's relationship with her siblings and dad are a key part of the story.
There is some romance in this book. But it is not the main focus of the story. But I still loved it so much!
There is an epic party and the whole premise of the party crasher is fantastic. I really liked everything to do with this part of the book.
There is also a great villainess. And I thought that this added so much to the book.
Overall if you love Sophie Kinsella then you will like this book. It was hilarious and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to netgalley and Random House Publishing/The Dial Press for allowing me to read this book.
November 1, 2021
Esse é um dos mais legais dos livros mais recentes da autora :)
November 20, 2021
Mushy and lovey in parts, serious and heartbreaking in others and a happy-ever-after ending this was the typical fluff I know and love from Kinsella, the exact reason why I fell head over heels for her books during my teens nearly 16 years ago!
October 17, 2021
I found the main character super whiney and it was a bit off putting.
October 17, 2021
Ugh I'm so glad I really enjoyed this sophie kinsella novel! I was very nervous after reading my not so perfect life because that one was just bad. But this one? Classic sophie kinsella humor, romance, and family angst!!!!
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