K L Crear’s The Reinvention of Lottie Potts delivers exactly what contemporary women’s fiction should: a relatable protagonist facing real challenges with humour, heart, and ultimately, hope. This series opener for Teapots & Tequila Shots introduces readers to a character who feels refreshingly authentic in a genre often populated by unrealistic heroines.
Lottie Potts begins the story in a state many readers will recognise—comfortable complacency masquerading as contentment. At forty-something and overweight, she’s settled into a routine until her husband Daniel’s midlife crisis forces her into an unwanted awakening. What could have been a tired “woman scorned” narrative instead becomes a genuinely empowering journey of self-discovery.
The author deserves particular credit for creating a middle-aged, plus-sized protagonist who never feels like a caricature or object of pity. Lottie’s struggles with self-worth and body image are handled with sensitivity and authenticity, making her transformation feel earned rather than convenient.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of relationships, particularly the refreshingly mature dynamic between Lottie and her son Jacob. Rather than following the typical “child of divorce” playbook where kids either desperately try to reunite their parents or create dramatic scenes, Jacob responds with surprising wisdom. He acknowledges his father is an idiot without making excuses for him, yet maintains their relationship. His approach—retreating to his room and music during arguments while genuinely rooting for his mother—feels authentically teenage.
What also makes Jacob’s character so compelling is his focus on what his mother needs rather than his own desire for family reunification. This anti-Parent Trap approach creates genuinely heartwarming moments that never veer into sentimentality, showing how children can be both protective and perceptive without being unrealistic.
Lottie’s circle of girlfriends serves as more than just a support system—they’re fully realised characters who bring both comic relief and genuine wisdom to her journey. Their unwavering loyalty through Lottie’s heartbreak feels authentic, reflecting the kind of female friendships that sustain women through life’s upheavals.
Daniel makes for an effectively despicable antagonist without becoming a cartoon villain. His actions feel frustratingly believable, making readers’ investment in Lottie’s journey all the more satisfying.
The author demonstrates a keen ear for contemporary dialogue and current vernacular that makes the entire narrative feel immediate and relatable. The wit and humour woven throughout prevent the story from becoming overly heavy despite dealing with betrayal and self-doubt. The author strikes an excellent balance between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth.
The central theme—that loving oneself must precede finding true love—never feels preachy thanks to the author’s light touch and Lottie’s gradual, realistic growth.
The author’s decision to donate proceeds to Epilepsy Society and Great Ormond Street children’s hospital adds an additional layer of purpose to an already meaningful story.
The Reinvention of Lottie Potts succeeds because it treats its characters—and by extension its readers—with respect and intelligence. Rather than offering quick fixes or fairy-tale solutions, the author presents a woman’s genuine journey toward self-acceptance while surrounding her with believable, supportive relationships that feel true to life.
This is feel-good fiction at its finest: funny, touching, and ultimately uplifting without sacrificing authenticity. Readers looking for characters who feel like people they might actually know—and genuinely want to succeed—will find exactly that in Lottie Potts and her refreshingly realistic family dynamics.
A brilliant debut that promises great things from both author and series.
I award 5 stars.
