"The Actor and the Housewife" by Shann on Hale (Bloomsbury USA, $24) Reviewed by Ealish Waddell It sounds like the opening scene of a romantic comedy: Two strangers meet one L.A. evening when hugely pregnant Utah housewife Becky Jack literally stumbles into the orbit of Felix Callahan, Hollywood heartthrob and everyone's favorite movie star.

The two have nothing in common... except a quick, self-deprecating wit and a surprisingly comfortable rapport with one another. It doesn't take long for them to become pals and eventually, astonishing them both, best friends.

Theirs is a platonic bond, not a romantic one, but it's firm and deep.

But, Becky and Felix both must face hard questions from others – and themselves – about the nature of their relationship, and it's often a struggle to balance their longing for each other's company with the needs of the families they love. Though their worlds don't always mesh, they can never seem to stay apart for long.

Hale does a remarkable job of bringing her characters to life, strengths and weaknesses alike. In their own different ways, the two friends always strive to remain true to themselves, and the story keeps that integrity intact all the way through to its sweetly satisfying ending.

These friends insist on defying stereotypes and writing their own script, reminding us that real life isn't always like the movies – it's better.

(c) 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.