The Actor and the Housewife

By: Shannon Hale

Narrated by: Christina Moore

New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale makes her adult fiction debut with The Actor and the Housewife. When Becky, a housewife with screenwriting dreams, attracts the interest of Felix, a Hollywood star, the two quickly become friends. Though the sexual tension is obvious, Becky has no intention of cheating on her husband - but would Felix cheat on his wife? As their friendship blossoms, rumors and suspicion threaten to derail their platonic love.©2009 Shannon Hale (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Enchanting

Enjoyed this wonderful story of friendship and love. Delightfully performed. Refreshingly void of anything objectionsble. Easy read.

Thought Provoking

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It makes one think about the lines that should be drawn to show fidelity in marriage and how important it is to always keep one's spouses needs in mind. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, I shook my head in both agreement and disagreement. The question of having a FRIEND that is a member of the opposite sex in addition to your spouse being your best friend is an interesting one that the author deals with very well.

Quirky, Wonderful and worth the listen

Would you listen to The Actor and the Housewife again? Why?

I'd listen again because I loved the story and the narrator did it way more than justice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Becky, but her husband Mike was a true prince of a guy.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end. It was truly not what I expected, yet made complete sense.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was not expecting the scene which caused Becky so much grief. The book began as so funny, but turned more serious.

Any additional comments?

I've often wondered how a marriage withstands and thrives in spite of a close platonic friendship/love. Having had a few of those relationships, I found this book wonderful. The balancing act Becky lives, and her unshakable love for husband and children, and her steadfast clinging to the faith which she holds so firm are refreshing. I suppose many would find this book silly. It is, if you are accustomed to gritty novels where deceit and cheating are the norm. But, if you are a fan of Austen, and other writers where character is important, you'll enjoy this book. The narrator seemed to have fun reading it, which made it come alive.

Enjoyable story with laughs and tears

I love the story though it does require a bit of toleration for the view into Mormon lifestyle bits. It does illustrate how very different becky's life is from Felix's. I found the narrator's voice to be a bit... whiney for my taste. It took me hours into the story to decide I could endure it to the end. She did a great job making all the characters distinguishable which any good narrator does. I guess it's just my own preference that her voice was annoying to me. I do love this story and laugh and cry through it. It moves me.

Cute and Quirky

Cute, quirky, unrealistic at times, kind of goofy. Very Hallmark, with a Mormon twist.