Jenny L. Howe's On the Plus Side is a romance set on a fictional reality TV show of the same name, which depicts in-depth life makeovers of fat people. Everly Winters is not unhappy with herself, though she longs to use her creativity more. When she is nominated for On the Plus Side, she just might get her chance.
Cameraman Logan is a strong supporter of the show and its premise. Initially grumpy, Logan begins to show his true personality when talking about his rescue dogs and defending Everly from overzealous producers.
Sweet and with limited angst, this grumpy-and-sunshine, reality-TV novel nonetheless supplies some spice. Rom-com readers will appreciate the diverse cast of characters, with plenty of LGBTQ+ representation as well as the inclusion of a funny, realistic, and imperfect family. Logan is an adorable love interest, but Howe (The Make-Up Test) keeps the spotlight on Everly.
On the Plus Side explores "plus-size people" and body positivity in a way that readers will understand and enjoy. There is never any question that Everly is attractive, nor are there discussions by others who are fixated on her health. The plot is not about weight loss, and the makeover on the show is not about making her look smaller. (In an author's note, Howe adds that "challenging fatphobia through my stories means creating main characters who love themselves and feel comfortable in their bodies, no matter their size.") The entire idea is for Everly to take up more space in the world, not less, which is as rare and refreshing as it is important. --Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller