Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell

McCoy’s debut introduces Savvy, who launches a revenge-body regimen, complete with yoga, tennis, healthful recipes, and plenty of “me” time to get back at her toxic ex-boyfriend. She finally remodels her kitchen, accepts the promotion at work, and develops a healthy dose of self-esteem. But the underwriting job promotion means less time for self-care, and Savvy isn’t sure that working longer hours is the correct decision. Savvy’s life journey raises important quandaries that will hit home for many people—dieting for the wrong reasons, the importance of self-care, and work/life boundaries. Narrator Adenrele Ojo superbly voices Savvy and her strong Black female friends, as well as a host of other minor characters, who are often gathered around a table with coffee or wine in hand. Ojo’s satisfying descriptions of the food Savvy prepares and tastes will make readers salivate—it’s obvious that the debut author is a private chef, as well as a writer who celebrates body diversity. While marketed as a contemporary romantic comedy, the relationship between Savvy and Spencer, the kitchen contractor, doesn’t take center stage.