Publishers Weekly
Palmer debuts with the latest sprightly entry in the ever-expanding category of light romantic comedies starring plus-sized heroines. Maggie has been best friends with fellow fat girl Olivia since they were 12. Following gastric bypass surgery at 22, however, Olivia grows increasingly unrecognizable. Now 27, she's engaged to Adam, a fat-phobic Ken doll, and although Maggie is to be the maid of honor, she feels less and less a part of Olivia's skinny new life. After Olivia disappoints her old friend again and again, Maggie sets in motion a long-overdue and explosive confrontation and walks into the arms of the colleague—busboy to her barista—whom she's had a crush on for ages. By that time, in true chick-lit style, Maggie is both earnestly at work improving herself and being loved for her true, unimproved self. And though Palmer doesn't moralize, it's when Maggie starts to make her own, more realistic wishes come true—by taking a better job and signing up with a trainer instead of a surgeon—that she sees her love requited. It turns out her instincts were good—as are Palmer's. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Booklist
Palmer's lighthearted debut traverses territory familiar to chick-lit fans--a young woman lets self-doubt undermine an opportunity for romance. A lifelong battle with her weight, a disastrous dating life, and a going-nowhere job have taken their toll on Maggie's self-esteem. To make matters worse, her best friend, Olivia--once a fellow plus-size shopper--has a new svelte body thanks to gastric bypass surgery and a handsome surgeon fiance to boot. A great boyfriend and the perfect job are within Maggie's reach, but first she has to feel like she deserves them. Palmer's likable characters and snappy dialogue make this novel stand out from the crowd, and it's sure to attract fans of Jennifer Weiner and other authors who offer slightly imperfect heroines. Palmer manages to infuse a message of self--acceptance that isn't heavy-handed or cloying. This quick-witted author is sure to develop a following. Aleksandra Kostovski

MyShelf.com
“Buried inside every woman with a poor self-image lays a mistress of her own fate, and never before has the unearthing been as engaging!

Maggie has fought and lost the battle of the bulge more times than she cares to count. Comparing herself to others has done a number on her self-esteem. However, she refuses to submit to gastric bypass, as her best friend Olivia has. She just needs to take control of her life. A piece of cake? More like a vat of Ben and Jerry's just waiting for her resolve to melt.

She has a master's degree in art and she works in a coffee house. When the opportunity to acquire her dream job arises, will she hesitate too long and miss the brass ring? She has the hots for a shy guy and memories of a string of failed romances. Will history prevent her from taking a chance on love? She has a handful of friends, but the only one who really knows her is re-writing their history and taking their friendship for granted-big time! Will Maggie let Olivia continue to treat her like a doormat?

Liza Palmer's debut novel belongs on the bestsellers lists. The author's exploration of her character's relationships, values and misperceptions will strike a personal chord in most readers. Ms. Palmer's fresh, bold voice doesn't allow readers to sit at a table sipping espresso. Through excellent characterization, the author fosters the ultimate relationship and blurs the line between protagonist and reader. You might want to reach through the pages and shake some sense into Maggie or throttle Olivia and her new friends. However, have no fear. Maggie wises up in her own way, in her own time. Don't miss the ending. It's priceless!”