Bestselling British author Sophie Kinsella, born Madeleine Wickham, died peacefully on December 10, 2025, shortly before her 56th birthday. Known for her popular romantic comedies and 'chick lit' novels, Kinsella sold over 50 million books worldwide. Her work, often characterized as holiday reads and lent among friends, resonated with readers through shared experiences. Tributes from fellow authors like Jennifer Weiner and Jenny Colgan highlight her significant impact on popular women's fiction, challenging the notion that such stories are lightweight.