Typecast

Callie Dressler thought she'd put her past where it belonged—behind her. But when her ex-boyfriend brings their breakup to the big screen, she can no longer deny that their history has been looming over her all along.

At thirty-one, Callie Dressler is finally comfortable in her own skin. She loves her job as a preschool teacher, and although living in her vacant childhood home isn't necessarily what dreams are made of, the space is something she never could have afforded if she'd stayed in New York City. She knows her well-ordered life will be upended when her type A, pregnant sister, Nina; adorable four-year-old niece; and workaholic brother-in-law move in, but how could she say no when they needed a place to crash during their remodel? As Nina pointed out, it's still their parents' house, even if their mum and dad have relocated.

As if adjusting to this new living situation isn't enough, the universe sends Callie another wrinkle: her college boyfriend—who Callie dumped ten years earlier for reasons known only to her—has a film coming out, and the screenplay is based on their real-life breakup. While the movie consumes her thoughts, Callie can't help wondering if Nina and her friends are right that she hasn't moved on. When a complication with Nina's pregnancy brings Callie in close contact with Nina's smart and funny architect, Callie realises she'd better figure out whether she wants to open the door to the past—or risk missing out on her future.

A smart, endearing heroine; an enjoyable, entertaining story; and a hopeful, satisfying ending. Callie revisits the past with her ex to make sense of her present love life, making Typecast a fun mix of rom-com and women's fiction. Full of heartfelt charm, humour, and truth, Stein's debut is exactly the book I'd been craving. Perfect for fans of Marian Keyes and Josie Silver. A very delightful read! - Angela Terry, award-winning author of Charming Falls Apart and The Trials of Adeline Turner