Sunny Side Up

Self-help author Sturino (Body Talk) makes her romance debut with this smart, body-positive contemporary. Successful New York City publicist Sunny Greene is “thirty-five, recently divorced, fatter than [she] had ever been in [her] life, and fully haunted by the voice of [her] ex-husband,” Zack, who has convinced her that she’s unattractive. After having a breakdown in Bergdorf Goodman when none of their bathing suits fit, Sunny has her tailor customize an ugly plus-sized swimsuit into a designer suit that any woman would be proud to wear. Buoyed by this success, Sunny decides to create a second business: Sonny, a swimsuit brand for plus-sized women. This decision brings two possible love interests into her life: dashing Ted, a major investor in Sonny, and witty mailman Dennis, who handles the uptick in packages flowing in and out of her apartment—and Sunny can’t choose between them. To complicate matters further, as Sunny’s star rises, her ex reappears in her life, ready to cash in on her newfound success. Zack makes a loathsome villain while both Ted and Dennis prove plenty swoony, but before Sunny can open herself up to either of them, she must relearn how to love herself. Sturino expertly outlines her heroine’s body insecurity and makes a powerful case for feeling beautiful at any size. Readers are sure to be inspired. (June)