Julie's Review: The Actor and the Housewife

Summary: This successful sophomore turn at chick lit (after Austenland) from YA and graphic novelist Hale sets up a platonic relationship between a dashing movie star and a Mormon housewife. While in Los Angeles to ink a deal for a script she's written, pregnant Becky Jack holds her own against her big screen crush, Felix Callahan, known the world over for charming his way through romantic comedies. Witty banter draws them together, and though they debate what their fascination with one another could mean, an improbable friendship is born. Their alliance weathers the occasional break, Felix's disinterest in children and his indifference toward Becky's Mormon faith; spousal jealousy and the chasm separating their lifestyles also throw an occasional curveball. Hale keeps the prose crackling with humor and has a sure hand in creating nuanced, believable characters, so when otherwise unlikely plot turns creep up—Becky getting cast opposite Felix—they're, well, likely enough. Though Becky just wants to keep her best friend and her normal life, readers will hope she gets nothing less than a fairy tale ending. ~amazon.com

Review: I will admit I've always had celebrity crushes. I had them as a youngster and I have them now. My dream guy back in the day ranged from Ricky Schroeder, Kirk Cameron and River Phoenix. Today it's pretty much Michael Vartan, Adam Levine, Matt Damon and Justin Timberlake. So, when I read the premise of The Actor and the Housewife: A Novel was right up my alley. I mean if you've ever had a celebrity crush, you've probably thought about this scenario a dozen times.

We are quickly introduced to Becky Jack and Felix Callahan and how they fall into an easy, yet sarcastic friendship. Becky is happily married to Mike with kid number 4 on the way when she befriends Felix. Felix is happily married to Celeste and enjoys being a Hollywood heartthrob. So, yes the friendship is unlikely as it is likely but somehow these two are destined to be in each others lives.

The novel takes us through 11 years of their friendships. Their ups and downs in life and in their friendship. There were a couple of twists in the plot line that I didn't see coming and for that I was happy.

I will say that I found Becky a tad annoying. I guess it comes from me thinking that no one is that witty all the time and well that wholesome. For me, she was a throw back to the 1950s wives and I just couldn't relate to that. I didn't connect with her but in the end I wanted her happy and fulfilled. I found Felix to be charming and adorable.

I did find that the 1st part of the book started plodding along but then it started to pick up the pace again. This is when the story took flight and where you see changes in the characters.

I will say, while the ending was satisfying in a realistic and charming way; I really wanted my Hollywood ending.

If you've ever fantasized about a celebrity then you should pick up The Actor and the Housewife: A Novel . Although maybe the stories in your head are better.

Final Take: 3.75/5