Surprise Me

A Novel

By: Sophie Kinsella

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Party Crasher and Love Your Life comes 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

“Sophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter.”—Jojo Moyes, author of The Giver of Stars and The Last Letter from Your Lover

After ten years together, Sylvie and Dan have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, and 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

“A delightful take on the mixed blessings of marital longevity.”—People

“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

Critic reviews

“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

“Entertaining and comical with questions we can puzzle over . . . Kinsella is a master at engaging storytelling, entertaining quips, and developing nuanced, interesting characters.”—Bookreporter

Easy to jump into

I pretty much love all Sophie Kinsellas books. I normally do get frustrated with the main character by the end, just want to yell just communicate! But the main character was definitely more even and steady. Always an easy listen and this was no different.

This book DID surprise me.

I was interested in the book but then thought it may be too cheesy or just a romance novel. I eventually used a credit on it and I'm glad I did. Starts off a bit cheesy but has much more substance to it than anticipated. It deals with many different important topics and it was a great story. The narrator Fiona was incredible as well which made it even better.

Bridget Jones Cousin

There is a class of chick lit which seems to exist entirely in the upper classes of London. Feather headed blondes do impossibly stupid jealous things and continue to win the undying Amorous attentions of their beloved. this is one of those.

Good book

I liked this book and could relate to the main character. I also enjoyed the funny way the author described the little nuances of marriage and addresses how some small issues can really be blown out of proportion when things aren't confronted head on or communicated.

Gotta love Sophie!

I love Sophie Kinsella's books! They are always fun, a little serious and a little quirky!