The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000)
Wickham became “Sophie Kinsella,” and the world gained Becky Bloomwood — the woman who put the “iconic” in “economically questionable decisions.”
Becky is a financial journalist who spends like she’s personally responsible for stimulating the global economy. Her fantasies are legendary — like a kindly stranger magically paying her terrifying credit card bill while she politely covers the cost of their cat food.
The hit 2009 film Confessions of a Shopaholic brought her lovable chaos to the screen, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Can You Keep a Secret? (2003)
Kinsella specialized in getting her characters into maximum trouble, and Emma Corrigan is Exhibit A. She has a respectable job, a devastatingly handsome boyfriend, and the general composure of a caffeinated squirrel.
Emma’s life is a highlight reel of tiny disasters — unbuttoned blouses, soda mishaps, and the occasional inconvenient truth spilling out at the worst possible moment. Her secrets range from petty office mischief to deeply relatable quirks like holding back laughter at, well… intimate moments: “just normal, everyday little secrets.”
The book was adapted into a 2019 movie starring Alexandra Daddario and Tyler Hoechlin.
The Undomestic Goddess (2005)
Samantha Sweeting is a high-flying London lawyer who snaps one day, hops on a train, and ends up working as a housekeeper — despite having the domestic skill set of a damp paperclip.
“I had so much fun charting Samantha’s comedy disasters in the kitchen, her battles with the ironing board, her gradual slowing down and relaxing and finding love,” Kinsella wrote.
It’s the ultimate “maybe work-life balance does matter” story — but with more burnt soufflés.
Lakshana is an entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience. She covers a wide range of stories—from community and health to mental health and inspiring people features.
A passionate K-pop enthusiast, she also enjoys exploring the cultural impact of music and fandoms through her writing.