NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A witty and emotionally charged novel that delves into the heart of a marriage, and how those we love and think we know best can sometimes surprise us the most“A delightful take on the mixed blessings of marital longevity.”—People After ten years together, Sylvie and Dan have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, and beautiful twin girls, and they communicate so … beautiful twin girls, and they communicate so seamlessly they finish each other’s sentences. They have a happy marriage and believe they know everything there is to know about each other. Until it’s casually mentioned to them that they could be together for another sixty-eight years . . . and panic sets in.
They decide to bring surprises into their marriage to keep it fresh and fun. But in their pursuit of Project Surprise Me—from unexpected gifts to restaurant dates to sexy photo shoots—mishaps arise, with disastrous and comical results. Gradually, surprises turn to shocking truths. And when a scandal from the past is uncovered, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other at all.
With a colorful cast of eccentric characters, razor-sharp observations, and her signature wit and charm, Sophie Kinsella presents a humorous yet moving portrait of a marriage—its intricacies, comforts, and complications. Surprise Me reveals that hidden layers in a close relationship are often yet to be discovered.
Praise for Surprise Me
“Genuinely funny.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Unexpected and wholly satisfying.”—USA Today
“In her signature fashion, Sophie Kinsella brings a cast of quirky, funny characters to this new work. [She] keeps the laughs coming. . . . Readers will follow the story with bated breath as the couple struggle to make their marriage right after everything they thought they knew about each other proves wrong.”—Library Journal
“Heartfelt . . . What at first seems like a light novel about familiar woes turns into a deeper story about trust, family, and perception.”—Publishers Weekly
“Winsome and zesty, Kinsella’s latest delivers all the hallmarks her many fans have come to expect.”—Booklist
“Pure fun . . . a hilariously moving look at marriage and the power of mixing things up.”—Kirkus Reviews
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Fast-paced, witty, and humorous..like Kinsella always is. Parts of it were so funny, I laughed until I cried. But, woven in with this story of a marriage and its ups and downs, is a mystery and hints of BIG trouble. Totally unpredictable, and very entertaining. I think, one of her best…and I”ve read lots of them!!
Good, but not one of my favorites of hers
Some of the scenes we’re so funny, I couldn’t stop laughing. Surprise twist at the end. This author guarantees a witty, emotional and believable story in every book.
Usually, i know what is coming in a book. There is little surpruse. This one surprused me. Great title!
I always enjoy her humor. The central plot was well handled and believable.
It started out a little slow but got better as the story unfolded.
Sophie Kinsella is so dependable! Surprise Me is another in a long line of great reads from her. I love her characters and the situations they get themselves in! While this one had it’s giggles (the “photoshoot” had me crying!) it really had a serious undertone that I truly think that all of us can relate to. There’s not a book from her I wouldn’t recommend.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy for review.
This book surprised me so much that I finished in one sitting! I didn’t want to put it down. What a great concept for a story. Sylvie and Dan are a great couple and the thought of surprising each other to keep their marriage fresh was enlightening. Why don’t couples today do this? A story filled with hope and thought for your next weekend read!
This was my first novel read by Sophie Kinsella, and I really like her! The story was fast moving, interesting, with humor and a twisting plot line. The characters were truly engaging. I really enjoyed reading a book written by a British author, it gave authenticity to the story set in England. Two thumbs up!
Lots of surprises, excellent characters and laugh out loud funny parts. Very well written.
It was a chick lit read people are not always what they seem
Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella is a funny and insightful look into marriage. Dan and Sylvie have been together for 10 years and know each other so well, they speak in short-hand and can finish each other’s thoughts. Everything is perfect. Or is it? After a visit to a doctor for a life insurance policy they find out they are so healthy they’ll be able to be together for another sixty-eight years. 68 YEARS!
The thought of so much more time together seems daunting. If they know each other so well now after 1 decade, how will they keep each other engaged or interested for 7 more decades? Sylvie decides the answer is for them to surprise each other to keep things “fresh.”
“Surprises have a bad habit of going wrong.” – Tilda
Sylvie’s best friend, Tilda, is supportive, but thinks these surprises could end in unwanted and unexpected ways. As the surprises begin they are fun and flirty, but quickly raise questions about each other and their marriage. Dan is reintroduced to a past romance from college and Sylvie begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself, her job and even her father.
Can their marriage withstand all of these surprises? Each surprise seems to raise more questions and causes Sylvie to question if she ever really knew Dan. Does he really know her? I really enjoyed Surprise Me and definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a fun and a little thought-provoking read about marriage. Four stars.
Fast-paced, witty, and entertaining. After reading the blurb, I’ll admit that I went into this one expecting more fluff than substance, but the prologue had me rethinking that assumption. Then I get to the first chapter and was worried again – Sylvie and Dan are just a bit too perfect. And then the story takes an interesting turn. As this couple is faced with what should be good news from a physician, they react differently than what most would expect. They freak completely out. They then set about on a mission to surprise each other in order to keep things interesting in their marriage, but these surprises don’t turn out quite like they planned. Ranging from the simple and sweet to outright hilarious bungles, these surprises lead to some miscommunication and suspicion. That’s when the story takes a more serious turn. While the last part of the book is more serious, that same sharp wit is still present to keep things from getting too heavy. All in all, the story is a bit over the top at times, but it’s well written and a surprisingly entertaining and at times compelling read.
It has been a while since I have read one of Sophie Kinsella’s books and I am delighted that I had the opportunity to read this advance copy provided by NetGalley.
We first meet Dan and Sylvie Winter ten years after they first met at a friend’s birthday party. Now married, they appear to be the perfect couple: married for seven years, they can complete each other’s unfinished sentences, predict what the other will order from a restaurant menu, are the parents of twin girls, and both in good health. Oh, wait! It is the good health issue that creates a panic when the doctor tells them that they are both in excellent health and can expect to have another 68 years together.
Dan and Sylvie decide that they need to spice up their life with a few surprises. What are those surprises? I am not going to say, but will tell you that they add some very real flavor to the story.
As a reader, I enjoyed riding the range of emotions that the author helps us feel. There are moments where I laughed and others where I wondered if this marriage was going to survive. The relationships that Dan and Sylvie have with other characters serve to enhance the story.
I suggest that you pick up a copy of this book. I do not think you will be disappointed.
As mentioned above, I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. However, all opinions are strictly my own.