Sunny Greene is 35 and newly divorced. She is a boss bitch that runs her own PR firm in New York City. She has gained 40 pounds since her divorce. Being plus size in NYC is rough. She has a hard time finding anything decent to wear in stores and contemplates starting her own clothing line. Sunny Greene is not on the search for love. She’s looking to find her own happiness with her group of new friends. She’s searching to love herself and feel confident and comfortable in her own skin. She’s also downloading dating apps and trying to have some fun while she’s at it.

I really enjoyed this book. Sunny is an utterly relatable character. One of my favorite shows of all time is Sex in the City and this was giving that vibe.

I started this book last night and finished it this morning, it’s a fun and quick read that gave Carrie Bradshaw if she was a size 14, which is 100% working for me.

While this is the author’s debut novel, she isn’t new to body neutrality and size inclusivity. She has a platform here at katiesturino and TT with regular series #SuperSizeTheLook and #MakeMySize as well as innovative beauty brand MegaBabe, which offers nontoxic, solution-oriented products that allow people to feel more comfortable in their own skin.

I also wanted to check out the audio, and did a hybrid method of listening/reading while starting my day today. I loved the narration and was easily wrapped up in this performance. The narrator really portrayed all of the characters well, even nailing Dennis’ Queen’s accent.

I hope everyone has a chance to read Sunny Side Up, it was a really refreshing to read about such a relatable character, who happens to be plus size but can do so without all the self-loathing that sometimes comes along with a larger bodied FMC. The humor was funny without being patronizing and the fashion bits were fun without being too pretentious.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize until I had almost finished it that the author is the founder of Megababe. The body positivity message felt natural and authentic to the story but now it makes even more sense knowing the author. I enjoyed hearing the business side of the MC's startup and PR career, as well as the romantic side of her life and her dates. The audiobook narrator does a really nice job as well.

If you need your next beach read, look no further. In fact, if you need your next feel good read, look no further. This title says it all-Sunny tries to find the good in life. Especially when she is traumatized by not fitting into swimsuits at her favorite department store. Instead of beating herself up about it, she uses her skill set in PR to work on making body acceptance not only for herself but for women of all ages and sizes more widely known. But starting her own all inclusive swimsuit line seems to be easier than making a decision about her love life.
My favorite thing about this story is the relatability of the FMC. I mean, I think every woman can relate to dealing with insecurities no matter her size thanks to social media. But Sonny also deals with personal feelings and issues that are familiar to most of us as well. Sonny’s lighthearted and humorous approach to life made even the tough moments easier to digest.
I read a lot of thrillers, so this was a great change of pace for me as it was filled with positivity and warmth. Definitely recommend.
Thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino is an honest, relatable, and often funny look at body image, confidence, and the complicated relationship many of us have with ourselves. The writing feels approachable and conversational. She shares personal stories with a lot of vulnerability, and while some parts are light and funny, others are deep. What stood out most to me was how she tackles self-acceptance, there’s a refreshing realism to the way she talks about body positivity and the pressure to conform—not just in terms of appearance, but also in life choices. That said, some sections did start to feel a bit repetitive toward the end. A few ideas circled back in ways that didn’t add much new, which slowed the momentum for me. It’s a thoughtful, empowering read that left me with a few moments of real introspection—and more than a few laughs. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts heartfelt and humorous, Sunny Side Up is worth picking up.

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino was an enjoyable read! I thought Sunny was a delightful character and her story is one that so many (myself included) people can identify with. Pick this up for a day at the pool or on the beach and enjoy!

Sunny Side Up was such a good, positive book that I devoured over the last weekend at the beach! I love how positive Sunny is as a character, very upbeat and uplighting. I also really loved how relatable Sunny was, as body size and image is such a prevalent topic for many women. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Writing this review has me very torn. On the one hand, it was refreshing and meaningful to read a story with a plus-size lead that gets it right. There were times the thoughts felt like they were pulled directly from my head, so spot on to what it means to be fat in 2025. But a lot of this book didn’t work for me. It felt too autobiographical to Katie’s life that detracted from getting to know Sunny as a character. I couldn’t not picture her as Katie and Dennis as her IRL husband John. Finally, the writing style didn’t land with me. The entire book was written in a “telling” style where everything was too on the nose. I finished the book in 24hrs so it held my attention but I credit some of that to being a Katie Sturino fan.

This was a fun read, it drew me in right away and kept the business and romantic drama coming. I’m familiar with the author, Katie Sturino, from her Instagram presence and have more than once reposted her body neutrality commentary. It’s wonderful seeing a plus sized heroine in a fantasy-like rom-com. I think the fantasy part is what’s a bit sticky for me, and honestly something I should explore in therapy. Do plus size women deserve happily ever afters? OF COURSE! But the constant barrage of men, from hot construction workers to business financiers to regular guys next dooor throwing themselves at Sunny, particularly highlighting how hot she was, took me out of the story a bit the third or fourth time it happened. I haven’t really had to date since I got married in my twenties but from my friends stories (and tik tok) methinks that’s not quite what it’s like for anyone, let alone bigger bodies. I could still understand and I don’t think it would have rubbed me the wrong way so much if Sunny weren’t also stratosopherically rich and successful. Again, I don’t know why this turned me off, just the constant “what? I’ve built a second extremely successful business?” of it all. Is this my internalized misogyny? I know our fiction heroines don’t have to be relatable, but I think that was the missing piece for me. Everything went so well for her all the time it felt so far outside the realm of experience of anyone I knew.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the character of Sunny. She is recently divorced, and the prospect of going to her brother’s wedding alone is making her very upset. Her ex-husband really did a number on her head. She actually has a lot going for her, but she isn’t seeing that side of it. She’s a very successful businesswoman, has a beautiful apartment and everything going for her. She’s met two recently divorced women, and they have become close friends. When she goes shopping at Bergdorf’s with one of them, she can’t find a bathing suit in her size range. When she finally does, her sizes are in a dark corner and are absolutely horrible. She decides that it’s time to accept herself as she is and work on her confidence. Meanwhile, she is still looking for a date. As she’s rushing home one afternoon for a furniture delivery mishap, she meets Dennis, her mailman. He manages to help her solve the issue and she is quite attracted to him. Meanwhile, she takes a swimsuit she bought to her tailor and they manage to redesign it into something really special and attractive. With some of her newfound confidence, she and her tailor decide to start a swimwear line. Since she needs some capital to proceed, one of her friends introduces her to Ted, who is looking to invest in a new venture. There is a mutual attraction and now she is interested in him, but also in Dennis. You’ll have to read the book to find out if either of them is a candidate for a wedding date. I know who I was rooting for!

Also reviewed on B&N (1IrishEyes430) and Kobo (IrishEyes430)

A great inclusive romance. Avoided many of the tropes and cringey moments. I enjoyed learning about a strong multifaceted woman and not just a "hot mess" girl. Sunny had her shit together and had many layers. There was maybe too much in depth on her business talk and what everyone was wearing in every scene. But I loved the variety of love interests, a working class man thick man being hot, etc.

I love everything Katie Sturino does, so I was so excited to read her debut novel! Her brilliance and sensitivity shine through every page! Highly recommend.

**Sunny Side Up** delivers exactly what it promises: a breezy, body-positive beach read that champions self-acceptance and second chances. Katie Sturino crafts a relatable protagonist in Sunny, a recently divorced PR executive in her mid-thirties who transforms a frustrating swimsuit shopping experience into the foundation for her own plus-size swimwear business. The premise is both timely and empowering, addressing the very real struggles many women face when trying to find clothes that fit and flatter their bodies. Sunny's journey from feeling diminished by her ex-husband's criticism to building something meaningful resonates authentically.

The book's strengths lie in its celebration of female friendship and entrepreneurial spirit. Sunny's relationships with her supportive friends Noor and Brooke provide genuine warmth, while her determination to create an inclusive swimwear line feels both personal and purposeful. Sturino does well capturing the excitement and challenges of starting a business, though some aspects of Sunny's success feel almost too effortless. The body-positive messaging is woven throughout without feeling preachy, and there's something satisfying about watching Sunny reclaim her confidence and worth.

However, the romantic elements prove to be the book's weakest link. The love triangle between Sunny, her charming postman Dennis, and investor Ted feels underdeveloped and somewhat scattered. While the setup has potential—particularly the sweet, slow-burn connection with Dennis—the execution lacks depth and emotional investment. The romantic conflicts feel manufactured rather than organic, and it's disappointingly obvious which suitor will ultimately win Sunny's heart. More frustrating is how easily most obstacles in Sunny's path are resolved, robbing the story of meaningful tension or growth opportunities.

Despite its flaws, **Sunny Side Up** succeeds as the light, entertaining read it sets out to be. It's perfect for a weekend at the beach or when you need something uplifting and uncomplicated. While the romance may not fully satisfy, the themes of self-worth, friendship, and pursuing your dreams make it a worthwhile read. Sturino has created a character worth rooting for, even if her journey could have used a few more meaningful bumps along the way.

A resounding MEH. If you're in the market for an "uplifting", "size positive" romance featuring a wealthy and well-connected FMC whose recent 40 pound weight gain just barely tips her over into a size 14 (a size never mentioned again as our intrepid lead miraculously manages to wear her entire luxurious, massive, not-size-14 wardrobe for the rest of the book), and who goes on to somehow found a size-inclusive swimsuit line from concept to launch, with full size range placement in upscale stores, in less than six months... then honey, this book is for you.

If you prefer your uplifting, size positive romances with a hell of a lot more grounding in reality and centering actual fat people, turn away from this book. This one will make you angry, make you feel unseen in ways that hurt a lot more than the usual, and generally be a massive waste of your time and energy.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy

This novel follows a plus size, divorced, mid 30s woman who finds herself in a bind when department stores don’t carry her size. She takes it upon herself to start a swimsuit business which prompts a romantic spark between Sunny (the main character) and her investor. Meanwhile she is also pursuing her postman. The story follows her navigating each relationship in hopes to find a wedding date for her brothers wedding a few months down the road.

This is a light, easy read. It seems as though there aren’t many struggles for Sunny and a lot of opportunities seem to just land in her lap.

Overall it was a decent read and definitely a light novel you could read in a weekend at the beach.

Review:
Sunny Side Up is a fun, body-positive beach read that brings the sunshine—and the self-love. Sunny is 35, newly divorced, and trying to stitch her life back together (literally) after a fitting-room meltdown inspires her to start her own inclusive swimwear line. With support from her best friends and a couple of unexpected love interests—including a swoony mailman named Dennis—Sunny begins to build a life (and business) that fits her just right.

As a plus-size reader, I really appreciated the message of confidence and self-worth at any size. Sunny’s voice is relatable, her friendships are uplifting, and her drive to create something empowering felt authentic. The nod to real-life fitting room frustrations? Been there.

That said, the romance took a bit of a back seat, and at times the story felt more like an extended brand promo than a fully fleshed-out romcom. I would've loved more development between Sunny and Dennis, whose connection had great potential.

Still, this is a fun, empowering, and inclusive summer read—and one that celebrates women for showing up exactly as they are.

Read if you like:
👙 Size-inclusive fashion
📦 Flirtation with your mailman
👯‍♀️ Strong female friendships
🌞 Second chances
🏖️ Beachy summer vibes

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Sunny is a newly divorced woman, who at age 35, runs her own business and is successful. Sunny is a plus sized woman who struggles with the voice of her ex husband Zack who belittled her. So she's freshly divorced and going a on vacation with her two new besties - Noor and Brooke. While shopping for a bathing suit for her trip, she has an unsuccessful experience that leads her to ordering online and then having the suits she bought altered. This leads to an idea while on vacation and she plans to produce bathing suits for plus size women. The next few months are covered quickly with two romantic interests, Zack reappearing in her life, getting the start up off the ground, etc. Good story.

It was a dnf for me. It started strong but I found myself skimming waiting for something to happen and when it wasn’t I gave up.

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino was such a fun read. This was my first book by Sturino and I cannot wait to read her other books.
Sturino did a great job with the storyline and the characters. It was such a realistic story about the struggles of feeling good enough at any weight. She captures the struggles of being overweight and being with someone who doesn’t think you are good enough. Finding your worth and learning that your weight does not define who you are.

Sunny is like a Carrie from Sex and the City. She is newly divorced and made a new life in NYC. She is learning how to live life as a single woman and trying dating sites. While planning a divorcation with her new friends she struggles with finding a bathing suit for her body size, so she makes her own. Which gives her the idea to make her own plus size line and start doing her blog again. Her blog is about her life experience, dating, and her sex life. She talks about her struggles of dating 2 men Ted who she is physically attracted to and Ben who she is falling for. What it’s like when your ex tries to come back and you resort back to the unhealthy feelings only to find out he has ulterior movies. I laughed a lot more than I thought I would in this book and didn’t want to put it down. You just need to read or listen to the book. I loved and resonated with this book so much. This is just what I needed to read. Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This book was excellent. It was relevant and relatable. As a plus sided woman I could feel exactly how the character was feeling. I knew what she had been through, the thoughts and feelings. The writing was easy to follow and made the reading enjoyable and easy.