About the Book Poppy Banks would rather be writing mysteries than writing listicles for her dead-end job at Thought Buzz. But after a series of rejections, shes ready to accept life on the sidelines as a plus-size woman. Her aunt Margot is the one person unwilling to give up on her nieces dreams and tells her so at their secret yearly lunches. But all of Poppys beliefs about herself are challenged when her beloved aunt dies and leaves her niece a grand surprise-a trip to her villa in the French Riviera. There, she learns her aunt intends to leave her stunning villa and secretive writers residency to Poppy-if she can finish her novel in six months. When the writing countdown begins, Poppy realizes she has more to confront than her writers block. Family drama, complicated romances and self-doubt all threaten to throw her off course. In this fun and heartwarming debut, Poppy must decide if she can live up to her aunts-and her own-desire to be the main character in her own life --]cProvided by publisher. Book Synopsis Poppy is bright and complicated and utterly enchanting in Jamie Varons debut. -- Ashley Poston, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Dead Romantics Poppy Banks would rather be writing mysteries than writing listicles for her dead-end job at Thought Buzz. But after a series of rejections, shes ready to accept life on the sidelines as a plus-size woman. Her aunt Margot is the one person unwilling to give up on her nieces dreams and tells her so at their secret yearly lunches. But all of Poppys beliefs about herself are challenged when her beloved aunt dies and leaves her niece a grand surprise--a trip to her villa in the French Riviera. There, she learns her aunt intends to leave her stunning villa and secretive writers residency to Poppy--if she can finish her novel in six months. When the writing countdown begins, Poppy realizes she has more to confront than her writers block. Family drama, complicated romances and self-doubt all threaten to throw her off course. In this fun and heartwarming debut, Poppy must decide if she can live up to her aunts--and her own--desire to be the main character in her own life. Review Quotes Main Character Energy absolutely dazzled me from the opening scene until the very last page. Poppy Banks is an immensely relatable and likable heroine on a journey of self-discovery with the potential to achieve her dreams and live her very best life in the French Riviera. Needless to say, I was hooked! I read this wonderful novel compulsively and with great joy. Highly recommend! --Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading Main Character Energy embraces the best and worst parts of writing with candor and heart. Poppy is bright and complicated and utterly enchanting in Jamie Varons debut. -- Ashley Poston, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Dead Romantics A smartly crafted and spunky romantic comedy...Varon delivers an immensely fun travel adventure. This well-plotted, lively rom-com is populated by a large cast of diverse, colorful characters, beguiling romance, and lots of pleasant surprises. --Shelf Awareness Varons debut features a likable, plus-size heroine capable of achieving her dreams... This uplifting novel is ideal for fans of Beth Morrey and Kate Clayborn. -- Booklist Sparkling fiction debut... Varon crafts fully realized protagonists whose authorial ambitions and frustrations will resonate with bookish readers. Varon has a promising career in fiction in front of her. -- Publishers Weekly [ Main Character Energy ] deftly captures how it feels to be of a certain age without possessing the life one had hoped for. -- Kirkus Reviews