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When I Fall in Love
Funny, feisty Lily Benjamin has it all-as a top television comedy writer she juggles her demanding job, single motherhood, and a satisfying romance with a well-respected doctor. But suddenly her life is turned upside down. Her relationships grow lackluster, her housekeeper ups and quits...and,tragically, her mentor and boss dies-leaving her at the mercy of her new boss. Charlie Roth, known as the God of Jokes, is heartless, hilarious, and off-the-wall crazy...and with terrible problems of his own. But when a new tragedy strikes Lily's life, Charlie's coldhearted exterior melts away, revealing the sensitive spirit of a man who understands heartache as no one else can...who helps Lily and her son rebuild their lives...and makes her believe that love can happen when you least expect it.
- GenresFictionRomanceDisability
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 17, 1999
About the author
Iris Rainer Dart
22 books65 followersIris Rainer Dart is the author of eight novels, including the much-beloved New York Times bestseller Beaches. The mother of two children, she lives in California with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 29, 2014
I've read this multiple times over the years. A funny, quirky, heartwarming story that is different than every other one I've read. Iris Rainer Dart goes where no author has gone before and her characters are wonderfully imperfect.
March 26, 2023
This is an old book I read many years ago-several times. I loved the unusual romance with the unlikely love interest. I remembered it because a book I'm reading now reminded me of it. I see she also wrote the book "Beaches" which I was not aware of. This one has a happy ending.
July 28, 2013
This is another Chick-Lit but very special. It has handicapped characters so you know The Lenster is there! I read this twice and it is a damn good book as well as romantic, bittersweet and wonderful.
June 22, 2017
Interesting story revolving around main characters with disabilities. (Audio version had reader speaking as person with C.P.). Also found it interesting to have evolve around comedy show writers. Made me think of the behind the scenes talents of such shows.
July 21, 2019
I picked this up just before a long flight and read the entire book on the flight. I laughed the whole way and loved the way disability and real life are discussed and shown in action while making me laugh almost non-stop.
Read
September 11, 2023It's funny because when we look at where we are as a society, it invariably sucks.
And then we get a look back at what was okay behavior twenty or so years ago.
And we realize how far we've moved forward.
And then we get a look back at what was okay behavior twenty or so years ago.
And we realize how far we've moved forward.
March 31, 2009
This was brain candy for me - I needed a light read and knew this would fit the bill. It was a drama/romance and totally predictable. I hate predictable.
May 15, 2019
4.4 This wasn't perfect, but was really cute. I thought it was very interesting to read about how a family copes after a life changing tragedy, and are able to move on and even flourish.
It was really interesting the way that Dart delved into the topics of dealing with disability.
The ending was really cute, but then also very silly. The protagonist and her love interest have never had sex (or even kissed) former to their engagement. I don't doubt her love, but I somewhat doubt whether she will be able to be physically attracted to her future husband. I think perception can greatly affect desire, but if your initial reaction to someone is disgust, then there is not much to build from there.
It was really interesting the way that Dart delved into the topics of dealing with disability.
The ending was really cute, but then also very silly. The protagonist and her love interest have never had sex (or even kissed) former to their engagement. I don't doubt her love, but I somewhat doubt whether she will be able to be physically attracted to her future husband. I think perception can greatly affect desire, but if your initial reaction to someone is disgust, then there is not much to build from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2013
Started off very slow, then finally became engrossing & interesting, only to get a quick, hokey finish that left a bad taste in my mouth.
The book opens with an overused trope from tv - a suspenseful, dramatic scene - then up flashes the caption "one month earlier" (or 5 days or 48 hours or whatever). I HATE this structure. It only emphasized the slow mundane opening chapters. Plus anyone who's read the book's recap can figure out what's coming. It was completely unnecessary & actually made the opening worse because you knew what was coming & wished the author would get to it already.
Once the story catches up to that event is when the story gets going. It is totally predictable like others have said, but I did like the view into the tv writer's world. A great deal of the story actually takes place at the main character's job including describing the hacky story lines and lines that are written for their show.
I was reminded of the brief show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Much of it's downfall was due to it being about the "best of the best" comedy writers, but when we saw what they actually wrote, it was pretty bad. That's what happens here. One character is repeatedly referred to as The God of Jokes. There are Emmy nominations. But the best they come up with for their sitcom is stuff like "a very special episode" where a main character declares out of the blue he's illiterate. Or a flashback episode. With tons of bad jokes.
Not to mention, though the story came out in 1999, the main character makes constant references to shows like Taxi, Rhoda, The Dick Van Dyck Show, and George Burns as her comedic ideals to use in modern tv. She literally says stuff like "they did this & that on Maude, let's redo it on our show." The story's very dated in terms of the type of comedy & writing that are used.
So there's that to get past. Also the point of view narration jumps from character to character constantly, including often just a few paragraphs from minor characters that are not heard from that way again.
I had a big problem with the fiancé who is portrayed as super bland, boring, & disengaged (the usual clichéd character of Mr. Wrong). Yet all of a sudden at one time we're told how madly in love he is with the main character. It's way too late & comes out of the blue. He doesn't seem at all genuine or sympathetic. Otherwise most of the other characters are likable.
Overall book's entertaining enough but I wouldn't seek out anything else by the author.
The book opens with an overused trope from tv - a suspenseful, dramatic scene - then up flashes the caption "one month earlier" (or 5 days or 48 hours or whatever). I HATE this structure. It only emphasized the slow mundane opening chapters. Plus anyone who's read the book's recap can figure out what's coming. It was completely unnecessary & actually made the opening worse because you knew what was coming & wished the author would get to it already.
Once the story catches up to that event is when the story gets going. It is totally predictable like others have said, but I did like the view into the tv writer's world. A great deal of the story actually takes place at the main character's job including describing the hacky story lines and lines that are written for their show.
I was reminded of the brief show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Much of it's downfall was due to it being about the "best of the best" comedy writers, but when we saw what they actually wrote, it was pretty bad. That's what happens here. One character is repeatedly referred to as The God of Jokes. There are Emmy nominations. But the best they come up with for their sitcom is stuff like "a very special episode" where a main character declares out of the blue he's illiterate. Or a flashback episode. With tons of bad jokes.
Not to mention, though the story came out in 1999, the main character makes constant references to shows like Taxi, Rhoda, The Dick Van Dyck Show, and George Burns as her comedic ideals to use in modern tv. She literally says stuff like "they did this & that on Maude, let's redo it on our show." The story's very dated in terms of the type of comedy & writing that are used.
So there's that to get past. Also the point of view narration jumps from character to character constantly, including often just a few paragraphs from minor characters that are not heard from that way again.
I had a big problem with the fiancé who is portrayed as super bland, boring, & disengaged (the usual clichéd character of Mr. Wrong). Yet all of a sudden at one time we're told how madly in love he is with the main character. It's way too late & comes out of the blue. He doesn't seem at all genuine or sympathetic. Otherwise most of the other characters are likable.
Overall book's entertaining enough but I wouldn't seek out anything else by the author.
June 4, 2018
Book Bingo Category: So This Is Love
Pages: 258
Summary: "When I Fall In Love" is a story about a comedy writer named Lily Benjamin. Everything was going fine in her life - her son, Bryan, was excelling in school and tennis and she was was happily engaged to a cardiologist named Mark. Until one day, her beloved boss passed away from cancer and a new and strange man named Charlie Roth was hired. Not long after, Lily's nanny, Elvira, had to leave because her husband was becoming too abusive. Lily often found Elvira's husband parked outside her house, waiting there for Elvira to come out. One night, Lily decided to confront him and he pulled out a gun, and shot it at Bryan. Everything from there went downhill: her engagement to Mark, Bryan's mental and physical health, and Lily's own wellbeing. Throughout the story, Lily struggles with her feelings about Mark and Charlie and trying to raise Bryan, while maintaining her career at the same time.
Explanation: I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars because it was an entertaining story and I haven't read anything similar. Although, I did not enjoy the writing style and I got bored occasionally. The end was kind've predictable, so I skipped ahead sometimes so I could see the outcome.
Pages: 258
Summary: "When I Fall In Love" is a story about a comedy writer named Lily Benjamin. Everything was going fine in her life - her son, Bryan, was excelling in school and tennis and she was was happily engaged to a cardiologist named Mark. Until one day, her beloved boss passed away from cancer and a new and strange man named Charlie Roth was hired. Not long after, Lily's nanny, Elvira, had to leave because her husband was becoming too abusive. Lily often found Elvira's husband parked outside her house, waiting there for Elvira to come out. One night, Lily decided to confront him and he pulled out a gun, and shot it at Bryan. Everything from there went downhill: her engagement to Mark, Bryan's mental and physical health, and Lily's own wellbeing. Throughout the story, Lily struggles with her feelings about Mark and Charlie and trying to raise Bryan, while maintaining her career at the same time.
Explanation: I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars because it was an entertaining story and I haven't read anything similar. Although, I did not enjoy the writing style and I got bored occasionally. The end was kind've predictable, so I skipped ahead sometimes so I could see the outcome.
April 3, 2007
Touching story about a screen-writer whose son is paralyzed and whose professional life is made more difficult by a new boss. It's definitely a growing experience for her. Her boss, a hard-ass funny man who happens to have cerebral palsy, helps her son adjust to his new realities and opens her up to possibilites in her own life.
September 1, 2009
This book proves laughter is the best medicine and we shouldn’t judge every book by its cover. This book is about Lily Benjamin and Charlie Roth, two Emmy level TV comedy writers that face the turbulent times that occur in Lily and Charlie’s life with humor.
June 27, 2015
This was another “clean off the shelves” book and it was not too bad.
June 10, 2017
I was looking forward to reading this ever having learned that Beaches was originally a book. I love that movie, so I wanted to give this novel a try.
It was a fun (albeit formulaic) romance. A highly enjoyable read and was funny as well throughout. I struggle, however, with the idea of authors w/o disabilities writing about characters with disabilities. The argument is that they can never really understand what that's like and it can come across as heavy handed. And it did, in some sections, but it was still a fun easy read. Great for a change of pace from some of the heavier books I have read recently.
It didn't have the same emotional power as Bette Middler's singing, but Dart does have her own certain appeal. :)
It was a fun (albeit formulaic) romance. A highly enjoyable read and was funny as well throughout. I struggle, however, with the idea of authors w/o disabilities writing about characters with disabilities. The argument is that they can never really understand what that's like and it can come across as heavy handed. And it did, in some sections, but it was still a fun easy read. Great for a change of pace from some of the heavier books I have read recently.
It didn't have the same emotional power as Bette Middler's singing, but Dart does have her own certain appeal. :)
July 2, 2026
Nobody loves Charlie Roth the way my sister and I do! Literally the best gem you could get off the shelves of Goodwill. Charlie Roth is a household name. Like, I'm so serious, I do not play about that man. This book is crafted so beautifully; I feel the yearning on each page between Charlie and Lily. I love Bryan as if he is my own son. Like, if you aren't a sexy, portable small paperback with a ripped cover and pages almost ripping out, I know you aren't all that. Best reread and won't ever fail to put a smile on my face.
August 27, 2018
The story is beautiful. The main chatacters as well as the secondary ones are amazing.
I loved loved Charlie ❤❤
There is one issue though. It is written in a way that feels like it is a one long paragraphy. There is a problem there that definitely affects the enjoyment of the book. I had to jump a few lines because it was just too much at times.
It would have been 5 stars for me if not for that issue.
I loved loved Charlie ❤❤
There is one issue though. It is written in a way that feels like it is a one long paragraphy. There is a problem there that definitely affects the enjoyment of the book. I had to jump a few lines because it was just too much at times.
It would have been 5 stars for me if not for that issue.
June 6, 2026
a wonderful story everyone should read
Loved the entire book. More people should look at the inside of a person before judging them. Well written by someone that has lived to understand this.
Loved the entire book. More people should look at the inside of a person before judging them. Well written by someone that has lived to understand this.
May 21, 2017
Another great read by Iris Rainer Dart
I have read each book written by Iris Rainer Dart and not been disappointed with any of them. I can't wait to read any new books!
I have read each book written by Iris Rainer Dart and not been disappointed with any of them. I can't wait to read any new books!
June 18, 2018
Romantic story of two comedy writers falling in love. Mindless, but fun.
May 22, 2020
Entertaining and light good story.
Really great characters keep your interest as tgey face unique challenges. Unpredictable which i liked. A love story but with several twists.
Really great characters keep your interest as tgey face unique challenges. Unpredictable which i liked. A love story but with several twists.
November 15, 2021
What s fantastic story - so compelling and beautiful.
May 28, 2022
Fast read, great book to read if you want to get away from it all for a bit. Definitely a chick novel, loved it!
April 4, 2023
I was overdue for a reread...2005 was my last one.
I still love it. Still get teary. Still wish the ending let me languish in the romance longer.
I still love it. Still get teary. Still wish the ending let me languish in the romance longer.
February 9, 2024
***I recently came across a list of books I read in 2008, most with one word or one line reviews next to the titles. I’m copying those reactions here and basing my star ratings on them and/or on my memories of the books if I have any. ***
Ok. Sappy.
Ok. Sappy.
February 16, 2025
Read it for the fourth time last night
Charles has my heart 🥺
This is soo good
I don't know why it isn't more popular
Charles has my heart 🥺
This is soo good
I don't know why it isn't more popular
Read
August 25, 2025I fell in love with this book!
September 1, 2026
The book kept my interest. It was an enjoyable read even though the ending was predictable.
June 7, 2012
A feel good love story and parts did make me tear up. I read this book for the June challenge so I am glad that there was a little bit about the beach in it. But, the book mainly took place in the workplace of a comedy writer. Some parts resonated with me - being a single mom and working - but I didn't have it as rough as Lily. I had a good support system with my family so my childcare while I was working was covered.
[I want to write a little about Charlie and his treatment...but will have to return and edit this review at a later date.]
[I want to write a little about Charlie and his treatment...but will have to return and edit this review at a later date.]
July 22, 2016
The prologue caught my attention from the very beginning so I wanted to keep reading to find out what was happening. As I started the actual book and throughout most of the book I didn't know if I liked it or not. I'm thinking if I had just started out with chapter 1 I probably wouldn't have stayed as interested because the book starts out very slow. I wrestled with my feelings about the characters in this book pretty much throughout the whole thing but ended up loving the book. Towards the end everything really tied together to make it a great read.
April 16, 2010
This book would never have been as good if I had read it myself.
Listening to Susie Breck read it gave me the feeling I knew all the characters personally. It was well written and very funny. A nice, clean romance that wasn't "romantic."
Listening to Susie Breck read it gave me the feeling I knew all the characters personally. It was well written and very funny. A nice, clean romance that wasn't "romantic."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews