The Complete Sophie Kinsella Book Order: A Definitive Guide To Her Iconic Rom-Coms And Final Works

For millions of readers, Sophie Kinsella was the undisputed queen of feel-good romantic comedy, delivering witty, sparkling novels that defined the 'chick lit' genre for a generation. Her work, characterized by relatable, flawed heroines and laugh-out-loud situations, created a literary escape that spanned over two decades. As of December 2025, the world of literature mourns the loss of this brilliant author, whose final works continue to resonate with profound depth and her signature humor.

The sheer volume of her work—encompassing the beloved Shopaholic series, numerous best-selling standalone novels, and books written under her real name, Madeleine Wickham—can make figuring out the best reading path a delightful challenge. This definitive guide provides the complete, chronological order of Sophie Kinsella’s books, ensuring you can navigate her vibrant literary universe seamlessly, from her very first novel to her powerful final publications.

Sophie Kinsella: A Life in Books (Biography & Profile)

Sophie Kinsella was the pen name of English author Madeleine Sophie Wickham (née Townley). Born on December 12, 1969, she first embarked on a career as a financial journalist before transitioning to writing fiction.

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• Full Name: Madeleine Sophie Wickham (née Townley)
• Pen Name: Sophie Kinsella
• Born: December 12, 1969
• Died: December 10, 2025 (Aged 55)
• Cause of Death: Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer)
• Education: New College, Oxford (PPE - Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
• First Novel (as Madeleine Wickham): The Tennis Party (1995)
• Breakthrough Novel (as Sophie Kinsella): The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000)
• Iconic Character: Rebecca Bloomwood (Becky B.)
• Other Notable Works: Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, The Burnout, What Does It Feel Like?
• Total Books: Over 20 novels and novellas across both pen names.

Kinsella's passing in December 2025, after a private battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer (glioblastoma), was a tremendous loss to the literary world. Her legacy is one of joy, resilience, and the power of a well-told story, making her books more cherished than ever.

The Essential Reading Order: The Shopaholic Series

The Shopaholic series is the cornerstone of Sophie Kinsella's fame, introducing the world to the endearingly chaotic financial journalist, Rebecca "Becky" Bloomwood, and her complicated relationship with shopping. While each book can be enjoyed on its own, reading them in chronological order allows you to follow Becky’s evolution from a debt-ridden Londoner to a global financial guru, mother, and wife.

Chronological Order of the Shopaholic Books

Here is the definitive reading order for Becky Bloomwood’s adventures:

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1. The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic (2000) (Published as Confessions of a Shopaholic in the U.S.)
2. Shopaholic Abroad (2001) (Published as Shopaholic Takes Manhattan in the U.S.)
3. Shopaholic Ties the Knot (2002)
4. Shopaholic & Sister (2004)
5. Shopaholic & Baby (2007)
6. Mini Shopaholic (2010)
7. Shopaholic to the Stars (2014)
8. Shopaholic to the Rescue (2015)
9. Christmas Shopaholic (2019)

LSI Keyword Insight: For fans of the movie adaptation Confessions of a Shopaholic, the film is based on a blend of the first two books in the series.

Sophie Kinsella's Bestselling Standalone Novels

Beyond the world of Becky Bloomwood, Sophie Kinsella captivated readers with a stellar collection of standalone novels. These books often explore themes of identity, secrets, and second chances, maintaining her signature blend of hilarity and heart. There is no specific reading order for these; they can be enjoyed in any sequence, but following their publication order gives a sense of her evolving style.

Standalone Novels in Publication Order (Sophie Kinsella)

The following list includes her novels published under the Sophie Kinsella pseudonym, ordered chronologically:

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• Can You Keep a Secret? (2003)
• The Undomestic Goddess (2005)
• Remember Me? (2008)
• Twenties Girl (2009)
• I've Got Your Number (2012)
• Wedding Night (2013)
• Finding Audrey (2015) (Her first Young Adult novel)
• My Not So Perfect Life (2017)
• Surprise Me (2018)
• I Owe You One (2019)
• Love Your Life (2020)
• The Party Crasher (2021)
• The Burnout (2022)

Her Final Works and The Madeleine Wickham Collection

To fully appreciate the breadth of Kinsella's talent and her complete body of work, it is essential to explore the novels she wrote under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. These books, often categorized as more traditional women's fiction, showcase a slightly different tone—more focused on family drama and social observation—yet still contain her trademark wit.

The Most Recent and Final Publications

The last books published under the Sophie Kinsella name hold a special significance, particularly the short, extraordinary novel released in the wake of her health battle.

• The Burnout (2022): A charming story about a woman who flees her high-stress life for a seaside retreat, only to find herself sharing a cottage with a cynical stranger. The paperback release in 2024 brought it back into the spotlight.
• What Does It Feel Like? (2024): This poignant, short novel is one of Kinsella's final published works. It is a story that explores grief and celebrates life, demonstrating a remarkable shift in tone—by turns heartbreaking and life-affirming—and was named a New York Times Notable Book.

Books Written as Madeleine Wickham (Chronological Order)

Before Becky Bloomwood, there was Madeleine Wickham. These novels offer a compelling look at her early career and diverse storytelling capabilities:

• The Tennis Party (1995) (Re-released as 40 Love in 2011)
• A Desirable Residence (1996)
• Swimming Pool Sunday (1997)
• The Gatecrasher (1998)
• The Wedding Girl (1999)
• Cocktails for Three (2000)
• Sleeping Arrangements (2001)
• A Desirable Residence (2002)
• The Gigolo and the Gown (2003)
• The Undomestic Goddess (2005) (This book was later re-released under the Sophie Kinsella name)

Topical Authority Note: While The Undomestic Goddess appears on both lists, it is crucial for collectors and new readers to understand that it was originally published under her real name before being rebranded under her more famous pen name.

Starting Your Sophie Kinsella Reading Journey

For readers new to Sophie Kinsella, the best way to begin depends entirely on your preference. If you crave a long, continuous story with an iconic character, start with The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic. If you prefer a quick, contained story that showcases her sharp wit without a series commitment, a standalone novel like Can You Keep a Secret? or the more recent and deeply moving What Does It Feel Like? is an excellent choice.

Her works have sold millions of copies globally, cementing her status as a literary icon whose influence on modern romantic comedy is undeniable. By following this complete chronological order, you can fully appreciate the remarkable career of an author who brought immense laughter and comfort to the world, right up until her final, poignant farewell.