Taj McCoy's delightful debut novel, Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell, is certain to win readers' hearts with its authentic emotion, enticing food and wise yoga philosophies. When Savvy Sheldon's boyfriend dumps her for spending long hours at work and not staying in shape, she's devastated. Sure, she's gained a bit of weight and routinely works overtime at her high-stress job, but does that make her unlovable? His derisive words launch Savvy on a journey to work out, become stronger and reclaim her sense of confidence and self-worth. When she hires a handsome contractor to renovate her kitchen, he adds romance to the chaotic, energizing mix that has become her new life. Savvy faces choices that will determine her future happiness: Will she have the wisdom and courage to keep her current job and find time for exploring creative projects with a fellow chef? Can she make space for a romantic partner while also staying active with her friends, doing yoga, tennis and other healthy exercise? She's a woman with varying interests and talents, so creating a balanced, happy life will be a challenge.
Savvy's supportive family and a group of good friends, mixed into a plot with abundant humor, make for an entertaining read. The delicious food Savvy loves to create adds a mouthwatering layer of vivid color and depth to the characters and the Los Angeles setting. Women will find much to relate to in this excellent tale of Savvy's determined journey to claim her best life. --Lois Dyer, writer and reviewer