Part love story, part workplace drama, this sharply observed novel is a witty critique of the false judgments we make in a social-media-obsessed world. New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella has written her most timely novel yet.

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she’s desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

Book Type:

Contemporary Romance

My Not So Perfect Life

As first seen on USA Today

With both warm-hearted and laugh-out-loud moments, Sophie Kisella’s My Not So Perfect Life was a joy to read. Kinsella probes into the life of a young woman who yearns to make it in London.

Country girl Katie Brenner imagines an Instagram-perfect life of late-night pub outings with friends, sipping lattes at chic cafes and a work life full of bright ideas and impactful contributions. Unfortunately the reality behind her camera phone is quite different. With roommates who don’t talk to her, no real friends—or even funds—for pub night outs, and a boss who can’t even remember her name, her life in London isn’t as glamorous as she hoped it would be.

Things start looking up, however, after she unexpectedly meets a guy at work who gives her good advice on how to impress boss Demeter. As a bonus, she’s got a lunch date with him to look forward to. But her dreams shatter to pieces when she’s suddenly fired.

So Katie returns to the farm to help start a glamping business with her family. As weeks turn into months, she tries to stay positive with hopes of returning to London. But when Demeter shows up as a guest, truths behind her former boss’ life paint a much different picture than expected. Worse yet, she’s thrown into a situation that can change her future, and the future of those around her.

With notes of Becky Bloomwood, Katie is relatable, bright and quirky—you’ll find yourself cheering for her from the start, even as she learns that a perfect life isn’t always what it seems, or what it’s cracked up to be.

Themes of friendship, love and living your true life rise to the top in this must-read standalone romantic comedy.