“It’s been over two years since Effie’s beloved parents got divorced, destroying the image of the happy, loving childhood she thought she had. Since then, she’s become estranged from her father and embarked on a feud with his hot (and much younger) girlfriend, Krista. And now, more earth-shattering news: Greenoaks, the rambling Victorian country house Effie called home her whole life, has been sold.
When Krista decides to throw a grand “house cooling” party, Effie is originally left off the guest list—and then receives a last-minute “anti-invitation” (maybe it’s because she called Krista a gold-digger, but Krista totally deserved it, and it was mostly a joke anyway). Effie declines, but then remembers a beloved childhood treasure is still hidden in the house. Her only chance to retrieve it is to break into Greenoaks while everyone is busy celebrating. As Effie sneaks around the house, hiding under tables and peeping through trapdoors, she realizes the secrets Greenoaks holds aren’t just in the dusty passageways and hidden attics she grew up exploring. Watching how her sister, brother, and dad behave when they think no one is looking, Effie overhears conversations, makes discoveries, and begins to see her family in a new light. Then she runs into Joe—the love of her life, who long ago broke her heart, and who’s still as handsome and funny as ever—and even more truths emerge.
But will Effie act on these revelations? Will she stay hidden or step out into the party and take her place with her family? And truthfully, what did she really come back to Greenoaks for? Over the course of one blowout party, Effie realizes that she must be honest with herself and confront her past before she’ll ever be able to face her future.” -The Party Crasher, Sophie Kinsella
This book is another win by Sophie Kinsella. I’ll admit that her last book, Love Your Life, was a bit of a miss for me. The characters in the last book were a little weird and didn’t make sense together – I was a little disappointed, and not entirely sure if I had gone off Sophie Kinsella a bit or if I just didn’t connect with that one book. It turns out, I just didn’t click with Love Your Life because The Party Crasher was great!
First, I think Effie was a really fun and relatable character. Her past romance with Joe was really well done and I really appreciate that Joe has depth to him including working through emotional problems, (really trying not to spoil anything!) which is kind of rare for male characters. Effie’s siblings were unique and well thought out too!
Second, Bean. Just Bean. Effie’s big sister (Bean) is an amazing character who deserves a whole book to herself! Every time she came on the scene I was like ‘yesssssss’. She was sweet and the most relatable character for me (i.e. the peacekeeper). I love that she got her own HEA ending as well!
Speaking of siblings, I really like Sophie’s books that have less to do with romance and more to do with everyday life and family dynamics. I don’t know what it is, but I’m always super invested in her books that focus more on family life (which might be why Love Your Life didn’t click for me.)
Content Warning: There is some swearing and talk of the pantless dance. Sophie never writes explicit scenes, but if you’ve read any of her books, this is in the same vein as My Not so Perfect Life (my personal fav. Actually, The Party Crasher may be my new fav now).
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Why: Like I said, this is a Sophie Kinsella classic! Funny lines and mishaps, quirky and cute characters, unique storyline, sweet moments, and a HEA. There was even a little pregnancy-related confusion, which was fun and a neat side story to draw in more of the side characters.
Ending Thoughts: This is a classic Sophie Kinsella read, and I really enjoyed getting to know Effie and Greenoaks. I’m serious when I say this is probably my favorite of her books now! I recommend this book, just be aware of some adult content.
I can’t wait for her next book!
Storm
Storm Shultz 