Sophie Kinsella has stuck with the tried and true in her newest (and supposedly final) Becky Bloomwood book, Shopaholic Ties the Knot. Bloomwood was introduced in Confessions of a Shopaholic and her adventures continued in Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed in book number three as Becky continues her bumbling, shallow ways in the world of high-fashion weddings. Those new to the Shopaholic books may be a bit lost and are advised to start the series at the beginning.

          The book opens with Becky living with her boyfriend Luke in Manhattan (both are from England). She has finally found her career calling as a personal shopper at Barney’s and is happily helping her best friend Suze plan her wedding. Becky is shocked when she catches Suze’s bouquet and finds a marriage proposal from Luke in it. Suddenly, she finds herself caught in the middle between her mother and Luke’s mother, both of whom want to throw her a lavish wedding, one in England and one at the Plaza in New York. The problem? Becky can’t seem to tell either of them no, even as both weddings are being planned for the same day.

          There isn’t much new ground covered in Shopaholic Ties the Knot, as Becky fails to grow up, show much intelligence or make any admirable decisions. As with the other two books, the reader can only watch helplessly as Becky tries her best to ruin her own life. And, even more predictably, Becky gets saved in the end without really having to pay for the stupidity she displays throughout the book. This isn’t a deep book.

          The joy of the book, therefore, does not come from the realistic characters or the in-depth plot. The joy comes from the pure fluff factor. This book is just fun to read. Becky’s life is one of shopping, fashion, and expensive dinners, and it’s enjoyable to get a glimpse of that lifestyle. The characters are fun and entertaining (if not wholly believable) and the reader enjoys the hours she spends with them. Shopaholic Ties the Knot is a great escape for those of us going through the often taxing or depressing issues of life. Although spending a few hundred pages with Becky Bloomwood won’t give you any insights into life, it will at least bring a smile to your face.