The Tennis Party

Madeleine Sophie Wickham (née Townley) (1969-2025) was an English author known for her novels of interwoven lives and secrets, including notable works such as The Tennis Party (1995), A Desirable Residence (1996), Swimming Pool Sunday (1997), The Gatecrasher (1998), The Wedding Girl (1999), Cocktails for Three (2000), and Sleeping Arrangements (2001). Before adopting the pen name Sophie Kinsella for her blockbuster Shopaholic chick lit series—which sold over 50 million copies worldwide, was adapted into films, and earned shortlistings like Author of the Year at the 2025 British Book Awards and a New York Times Notable Book for What Does It Feel Like? (2024)—her debut The Tennis Party became a top-ten bestseller. Read more →