The Personal Shopper of the title is Annie Valentine. A single mother of two children, Annie works at an exclusive London department store. She's also sick of handling absolutely everything on her own, and is looking for love.
Fashionista Annie is a very endearing heroine. She works hard - with property development projects and ebay selling as well as her main job - to keep her two children in a good postcode and private school.
Annie wants to better her situation and give her children an idyllic schooling (something she had just a small taste of when she was young). She is a brilliantly determined character and you can't help but root for her.
Carmen Reid has the magical light touch, coupled with humour and plenty of warmth. Even though The Personal Shopper is somewhat predictable - with a boss from Hell and dating woes - it's very readable, too.
However, one fairly major plot twist felt rather forced (and false), which spoiled things for me a little.
Still, the plot romps along at a good pace, making this a great beach read.
Rating: 3/5
Like this? Try: The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella