As soon as I saw this novel by Sophie Kinsella, masterful author of the Shopaholic series, I grabbed it off of the shelf and shirked all weekend chores to polish it off. Kinsella has not lost her ability to get her character into a sticky "I can't believe this is happening" situation.

It was a fun read - that's for sure. But the ending was rather disappointing - lots of build-up for a predictable, not-completely-satisfying conclusion. It almost seemed like Kinsella tried to cop-out of developing the ending, as if she were tired of writing the book.

Emma, the main character, is likeable and believable, but just so similiar to Becky from the Shopaholic series. Sure, she's got her own quirks... but I think the problem is in Kinsella's wonderful writing voice - the writing style between the novels is so similiar that the reader is bound to make comparisons, even when the descriptions are different. I didn't think Emma was quite as engaging as Becky; when reading Shopaholic, I began to feel like I was the one with an overdrawn account.

This is a good read, but some of Kinsella's creativity was lost. I almost wish she'd focused her efforts on a fourth Shopaholic book. I mean, can you imagine what Becky would be like trying to decorate a nursery and preparing for motherhood?

Released on Friday, July 09, 2004 at SilverCity Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

Will be releasing this book near the box office at 7:30pm this evening...happy hunting!

Haven't read it yet but I heard this series was really good.

CAUGHT IN OTTAWA ONTARIO CANADA