I loved "watching" Poppy leave her comfort zone and a toxic family to find herself. Everyone deserves to be their own main character, and the journey for Poppy was fun and well written!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

In full disclosure, I have been a long time fan of Jamie Varon’s work. Her Instagram posts have been saved and screenshot more times than I can count (if you don’t already follow her, do yourself a favor and go now). When she started posting about publishing a work of fiction, I knew I had to get my hands on it. Turns out not only is the plot incredibly soul searching and life changing, but the backstory of how it came to be is as well. Jamie literally wrote a book she wanted to read. It sounds so simple and yet we know it’s not. So while Poppy is the hero of the novel, I think the real life hero of this story is the author.
Main Character Energy introduces readers to Poppy. Poppy is thirty-two and about one second away from giving up on all her dreams. She’s burnt out at a dead-end job, bogged down with rejection letters from editors and caught up in an endless cycle of family drama. It turns out that a half-hearted promise she made to her estranged aunt lands her with the opportunity of a lifetime. Fueled by her aunt’s surprise passing and her legacy of living life to the fullest, Poppy jets across the ocean from LA to France. She’s thrust into a life that she feels she doesn’t deserve and is surrounded by a slew of incredible characters. Jamie has done an amazing job writing a romance novel filled with depth. She tackles incredibly complicated issues with care and charisma. I inhaled Main Character Energy, highlighting passage after passage, rooting for Poppy, but making notes for myself. This book is for all women in all the seasons of life. It’s a reminder, a nudge if you will, that it is ok to set boundaries, that we should be seeking out new experiences and to live fully, not waiting in the wings. I finished Poppy’s story on a true book-high, I was genuinely sad to see it end, but eager to put the messages to play in my own life. I’m following Margo’s advice and saying yes to “doing it for the plot!”
Main Character Energy is the feel-good novel I didn’t know I needed and it is out today!. It is one of my favorite 2024 reads for sure.

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Not only did I love the romance element of this book (of course I did, I love a romance), but I came away feeling very inspired. Poppy was written in such a way that I really empathized and even saw bits of myself in her. In turn, that really made me root for her and made this story such a page turner for me!

Jamie Varon's "Main Character Energy" whisks you away to the sun-drenched French Riviera for an adventure of self-discovery with Poppy Banks, a plus-size writer grappling with a mountain of rejection letters and a heaping dose of self-doubt. When her beloved aunt bequeaths her a charming villa in Nice, it becomes the catalyst for a hilarious and heartwarming journey of reinvention.

Embrace the "Do it for the Plot" Mentality: Poppy's inner monologue is a relatable roller coaster of insecurities and aspirations. You'll giggle at her quirky observations, cringe at her awkward moments, and cheer for her as she embraces the "do it for the plot" spirit and takes on challenges like learning French and navigating a glamorous French marketplace.

More Than Sunsets and Romance: Sure, the setting is picture-perfect, and there's a sprinkling of charming romance, but this book is about so much more. It's about finding your voice, breaking free from societal expectations, and building unshakeable friendships. The supporting cast, from Poppy's sassy BFF Becky to the eccentric residents of the villa, provides a vibrant tapestry of personalities that add humor and depth to the story.

A Few Clouds on the Horizon: The pacing can feel a bit slow at times, and some subplots don't fully reach their potential. However, these are minor bumps in an otherwise delightful read. The ending, while heartwarming, might leave some readers craving a touch more closure.

Verdict: Overall, "Main Character Energy" is a feel-good escape full of sunshine, soul-searching, and enough self-love affirmations to fill a baguette. It's a reminder that everyone, regardless of size or past rejections, deserves their own grand adventure – complete with stunning sunsets, unexpected connections, and the courage to finally write their own happy ending.

Main Character Energy had all the things I'd thought I'd love in a book. The setting was beautiful and the side characters were interesting. The secrets her aunt was hiding were enjoyable. As someone who is Poppy's supposed age, I wasn't a big fan. She wasn't a really nice person.

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this book!

Poppy is an interesting character but I wasn't a big fan. There was just...something about her that I couldn't handle. I did finish it and it was alright. Just not for me!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book from the very first page!

Poppy is at a crossroads in her life and needing something good. Then her aunt dies and leaves her a chance to head up a writers residency in France and her confidence and resolve is put to the test.

While I always knew where this one was headed, I enjoyed rooting for Poppy to blossom. I appreciate that Poppy is an unconventional character and is part of an underrepresented group, I do wish her inner monologue didn't remind me she was fat and not confident a little less often.

Overall a heartwarming coming into one's best self novel.

A writer's residency in a gorgeous home in France? Sign me up! As the main character, Poppy, is writing on a fixed time frame, this is the perfect read during National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo!) Poppy is a Bridget Jones-esque MC, dealing with relatable issues such as body positivity, productivity, and creative insecurities. She's entertaining and witty, while still being a down-to-earth narrator that you root for. This novel is the ideal mix of fairytale situations (inheriting a beautiful home in the French Riviera out of nowhere) and realistic moments. I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along on Poppy's grand adventure of self discovery!

I love Jamie’s work but this book missed the mark. The story was cute and hit all the plot points you’d expect in a romcom but the writing fell flat. It was quite pedantic at times and took me out of the story.

Ever since Poppy was a little girl, all she has ever dreamed about is becoming a writer. However, for her life never quite turned out that way especially as her mum is always telling her that if she is thin and pretty - things will turn out great for her. She feels she has no encouragement and then on top of that her perfect older brother - Mr. Golden Child and great at everything Jake. Tried his hand at a romance and just like that, it became a bestseller and now he graces the top authors lists. One day, Poppy gets a message from her Aunt Margo - she has never heard her mother talk about her at all. The two had a falling out when they were younger and so every year, Margo and Poppy have a private lunch. This continues for years until one day Poppy discovers that Aunt Margo has passed away and is heartbroken. The next week, Poppy receives a strange package from Aunt Margo with a ticket to Paris and a set of instructions - very mysterious. Poppy decides to quit her job and then heads on an adventure to Paris where she learns about her aunt’s life and some family secrets. Meanwhile Poppy also learns her aunt ran an exclusive writing retreat for writers and she wants Poppy to inherit it. The catch though is that Poppy must stay there for six months and write her book. During the stay, Poppy meets the new batch of writers and finds her writing muse is back. She also falls in love and reignites her passion for writing, what happens though when a group of investors wants to buy the Villa and offer Poppy a lot of money? Will she end up taking the cash which could solve a lot of problems or will she find herself and boost that Main Character Energy and carry on her aunt’s legacy? Find out in Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon. As a budding writer myself, I did enjoy this book as it made me want to go on a writing retreat, I also would love to own a retreat like this too and a villa in France - sounds amazing.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

1 star for an interesting plot. I so disliked the main character that I had trouble finishing the book. I picked it up and put it down many times. Poppy is that person you hate to be around, bummed and bummer to be around. She miserable and makes everyone around her miserable too, there is one friend who's on the phone mostly. Most of the other characters are not fleshed out enough to be interesting, even the love interest is blah. The aunt, Margot was interesting until she died. They mystery wrapped in a mystery got old real quick. Poppy never pushed anyone for answers, she gave up when they said Margot wouldn't want them to answer. Geeze lady, show some real interest. The ending didn't appeal to me either. It seemed like the number of pages was up and the ending had to come together whether it was ready or not.
#Netgalley #ParkRowBooks #MainCharacterEnergy #JamieVaron #contemparyromance

Fun read!

Jamie Varon's Main Character Energy tackles the themes of being a woman, being a bigger-sized woman, and being a writer in such a beautiful way. As a mid-sized woman writer who has struggled both with my weight and my self-esteem my whole life, this book made me feel so seen. Even with such heavy topics, it was still a fun, heartwarming, and beautiful read. Varon writes the setting in a really lovely way. I felt the characters fell a little flat and much of the dialogue felt undisguisable between the multiple characters and some of the familial relationships felt unrealistic.

Main Character Energy feels very much like a debut novel, but I think that is the beauty of it. With a wonderful plot, important themes, and great writing around the setting MCE is a book that many need to read. It is a great start to a literary career and I can't wait to read what Jamie Varon does next.

This book was so inspiring and exciting to read! Great story in a great setting with great problems. I highly recommend and will be purchasing as a present!

I'll start by saying that overall, I did enjoy this book! I'd give it 3.5 if that was an option, because it wasn't bad or a waste of my time reading. It was enjoyable enough. The storyline was interesting and I liked the characters, with the exception of the main character Poppy. Her self sabotaging got old quick and while I appreciated her growth throughout the book, I felt like the storyline quickly became a bit of a cliché by including so many stereotypical "everyday woman struggles" (with wrapped up in a pretty bow endings). I get that it was written that way so women reading could see themselves in the main character, but I think it was a little too over the top in that regard. It has solid "quick beach read" vibes.

I was really excited when I got this approval, but to be honest it took a few different times to get into it, and even then, it was just lacking that extra oomph.

Delightful story!
absolutely loved the setting of the book.
That was probably my favorite part,

The characters were great!
It was a story of finding yourself and was an emotional ride.


thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC copy

I loved this story of Poppy, but I honestly did not like Poppy at the start of the book. She was so self-centered and throwing a big pity party for herself that it was a bit annoying; but she changes, and that was great to see. I liked the romance in the story and I particularly liked that Poppy was described as plus-size so she seems authentic and real, and her problems and self-doubt and self-pity seemed believable.

This is Varon’s debut novel, so I look forward to others in the future from her!

Thank you for my copy and for making me part of the tour!

Main Character Energy by Jamie Varnin is a wonderful representation of a plus sized woman trying to find herself and her journey to do so. I felt connected to Poppy and related to her imposter syndrome. I loved seeing her grow into a positive and confident woman. The setting was idyllic and I sure wouldn’t mind going to the south of France now! This read as a women’s fiction to me and stands out in that category.

One of my favorite books this year! This book was everything I needed at the moment. It gave me the courage to do things that scare me. Will be recommending this to all of my friends. Can't wait for more fiction novels from Jamie Varon!