Curves for Days

Moher’s sparkling debut kicks off when curvy and gumptious Indianapolis waitress Alice Rose Barnes wins $80 million in the lottery. Beset by people looking to take advantage of her newfound wealth and struggling to cope with a recent trauma, Alice decides to flee her old life for somewhere she’ll feel more comfortable. Landing in Galway, N.C., she reinvents herself as Rose and though she keeps her wealth secret from her new neighbors, she becomes a kind of fairy godmother to the town, anonymously donating to local causes. Along the way, she falls for gentle giant Angus Drummond, an Army vet turned therapist who works as a builder on the side. The pair meet when Rose hires Angus to remodel her new home, and, despite a rocky start, their chemistry is undeniable. But what will happen when Angus learns all the secrets Rose is keeping? It’s easy to root for these deserving and well-matched characters on their bumpy road to love, and the charming small-town setting only adds to the appeal of this complex yet cozy tale. An emphasis on body positivity combines with heartfelt romance to make this a winner. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (Aug.)