Review: Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich

Author: Stephanie Evanovich
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: July 2013

They say that big girls don't cry. But when the chips are down and the dip is gone, what can you do? Pull up your BIG GIRL PANTIES and change your life.

Holly Brennan didn't expect to be a widow at thirty-two. She also didn't expect to be so big. Through her husband Bruce's diagnosis and death, food was the one thing she could always count on. Now, those extra pounds make flying coach more than a little mortifying-especially since she's sitting next to Adonis himself, aka Logan Montgomery, a personal trainer to the country's most famous pro athletes.

Though Holly doesn't make the grade on his first-impression meter, Logan finds himself intrigued by her sharp wit and keen insight-a welcome change from the beautiful bubble-headed dolls he usually dates-and impulsively offers to get her back in shape. Ready to make at least one positive change in her life, Holly agrees.

I have to admit that I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book.  I was happy to say that I was sucked right into the story and finished it in one day.   The best part about this book is Holly.  She is a character with whom I could easily relate.  In the beginning of the book,  we don't know a lot about her.  We learn more about her as the story unfolds.  She is a grieving widow, but her marriage isn't all that it seemed to be.  When she meets Logan on the plane, she decides to make a change and begin to train with him. Given her background, her lack of confidence and low self-esteem came across as very genuine.   I found myself cheering her on as she makes changes in her life to get to a healthy place.

This story isn't just about a woman's transformation, it's about figuring out what is truly important in life.  Image isn't everything.  Through his relationship with Holly, Logan is able to find himself and what he really wants out of life.  I admit, I was suspicious of him throughout most of the book.  I was really hoping he would figure it all out in the end.  I love seeing two people who are so opposite figure out that they are so right for each other.

There was one thing about the book that I thought was unnecessary.  The story-line involving Logan's friends, Chase and Amanda and their spanking lifestyle just seemed out of place.  I think the book would have been fine without it.  Although it did allow for a very amusing scene between Logan and Holly.  This book is the author's debut.  I can see a bright future for her.  I look forward to her next book.

About the author:

Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she's an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.