Vera Stein Is Fine

by Julie Murphy

From #1 New York Times bestseller Julie Murphy comes a heartfelt and hilarious tale of a woman who thinks life and love have passed her by until she’s thrown into her grandmother’s quirky world of octogenarian free love and gets a second chance with the one man she never expected to see again. Perhaps it’s never too late to play the opening credits…

Welcome to Starlight Palms, a favorite retirement facility among Hollywood actors and industry professionals tucked away just outside of sunny Palm Springs. Filled with forgotten scream queens, eccentric screenwriters, and heartthrobs of the past, it has a brand-new resident: Vera Stein, age forty.

Vera knows she’s missed her chance at a life worthy of the silver screen, just like she missed her chance at ever finding true love. But Vera isn’t one to take chances. She’s spent most of her adult years caretaking for her dying mother and her movie star boss’s ego. Now abruptly houseless and jobless, Vera has nowhere to land, so to grandmother’s house we go!

The Starlight Palms Senior Living Center is midcentury Hollywood down to its pastel-painted bones. This desert gem isn’t lacking in saucy plot twists (swinging seniors, anyone?) or a leading man: Elias Buckley, the on-site doctor and Vera’s former ill-fated college fling and—for reasons that will stay in Vegas—legally her ex-husband according to the state of Nevada.

It’s not long before Vera falls into a job as the activities coordinator and under the spell of a certain smart-mouthed doctor… Suddenly all those empty years in LA look less like mistakes and a lot more like backstory. With a fresh start at her fingertips, Vera begins to see that even with all the detours she’s taken, there’s still a Hollywood ending (and maybe even a happily ever after) in sight…

TROPES
- Second Chance Romance
- Workplace Romance
- Multigenerational Family Drama
- Forced Proximity
- New Lease on Life and Spice

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 21, 2026

About the author

Julie Murphy lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her and her cats who tolerate her. After several wonderful years in the library world, Julie now writes full-time.

When she’s not writing or reliving her reference desk glory days, she can be found watching made-for-TV movies, hunting for the perfect slice of cheese pizza, and planning her next great travel adventure.

She is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the young adult novels Dumplin’ (now a film on Netflix), Puddin’, Pumpkin, Ramona Blue, and Side Effects May Vary. Her middle grade novels include Dear Sweat Pea and a forthcoming 2023 title. She is also Disney's If The Shoe Fits, a modern day romcom retelling of Cinderella. Her writing partner is Sierra Simone and their romance debut is A Merry Little Meet Cute.

Julie has been featured in places liek Good Morning America, The New York Times, and Teen Vogue. Dumplin' was also named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time Magazine.

Reviews

[Book Riot Community]

Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:

Julie Murphy is an auto-buy author for me, simple as that. In this adult romance, the titular Vera winds up at her grandmother's Palm Springs retirement village full of aging Hollywood eccentrics. There, she reunites with Elias: her college fling, the facility's on-site doctor, and technically her ex-husband! I love second-chance romances, romances between fortysomethings, and stories peopled with quirky retirees, so this promises to be an unabashed delight. —Isabelle Popp

[Lindsay Brogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was specifically written to check all the boxes of things I enjoy. Main characters older than 25 - check! Takes place in my hometown that I love and miss - check! Delightful found family of retirees - check! For a romance to really win me over I do expect to see the characters grow instead of just diving into bed with each other and it was nice to see Vera stand up for herself.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Julie Murphy for the chance to read Vera's story a little early!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera Stein is Fine is Julie Murphy's best book, or rather, it's my new favorite of hers. From the moment I read the first half of the dedication, “To everyone who ever woke up to a birthday, looked back on their life, and thought, who the hell am I and how did I get here?” I felt like the book was written for me. Vera will do for 40-something women what Dumplin’ did for plus-size girls who didn’t believe that they would ever be the main character or that they deserved a happily ever after. I actually thought a lot about Dumplin’ while I was reading Vera’s story. Although I read Dumplin' as an adult, I felt like Dumplin’ had been written for my long-ago teenage self. Willowdean and her group of misfit friends healed something in the leftover parts of my teenage heart, and I'm convinced that Vera Stein is Fine is for all the grown-up Dumplin’s out there that need to know it's okay if you don't have it all figured out, and that the journey is what makes life so exciting. Really, Vera’s story is for all women at any age who feel like life has passed them by, have regrets about missed opportunities, or aren’t really sure what to do with their lives.

We meet Vera right after her mother has passed away from a long illness, and her former scream queen grandmother, Ruby, has sold the only home she's known. On top of this huge loss, she's stuck in a dead-end job as an assistant for her sometimes-best friend from college, sometimes friends-with-benefits-turned movie star, Brody. When Vera realizes that Brody is never going to appreciate her the way he should or make their relationship anything resembling official, she packs up and follows her grandmother to the retirement haven of old school Hollywooders, the Starlight Palms in Palm Springs.

Vera’s arrival in Palm Springs is not exactly how she imagined her fresh start beginning. Ruby’s reaction to Vera’s appearance is less than receptive. A typical grandmother, Ruby, is not (also, I would love a novella or even a whole novel with her in Hollis' story). Vera is also unpleasantly surprised to find her college nemesis,/one night stand, Elias, is now the head physician at Starlight Palms. Can you say unfinished business?

Elias or Eli comes off as a grump, but really, he's a total softy, especially when it comes to Vera. My heart palpitated the first time he called her “love,” and my jaw dropped when he said, “The categorical truth? Ruby invited me. I have an ungodly amount of vacation time stored up and I like this city. The actual truth? I want to be everywhere you are, and I'm not apologizing for that.”
Eli has been pining for Vera since they met in college, but Vera isn't sure about the timing of everything. Who wants to fall in love when their life is a complete mess? But maybe just maybe it's actually perfect timing.

While trying not to fall too hard for Eli, Vera kinda falls into a job at Starlight Palms as the new activities director and befriends a resident named Leonard, who helps her to start writing again for herself, and she discovers that she has a whole new story to tell and life isn't mapped out like a well-written screenplay, but it happens at its own perfectly imperfect rhythm.

I deeply identified with Vera in many ways, and because of that, this book felt like meeting a new friend at exactly the right moment. Of course, the priceless banter and humor that Julie brings to all her books made this book a joy to read. I was sad to say goodbye to the wild and wacky characters of aStarlight Palms, and I hope there might be some more stories from this fantastical community in the future.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.

[Linda Ayala · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars (ARC via NetGalley)

I really wanted to enjoy Vera Stein Is Fine more than I did, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully resonate with me.
At the center of the story is Vera, a 40-year-old woman who feels stuck, professionally, emotionally, and personally. However, I struggled to connect with her character. Much of her behavior came across as immature and frustrating. She spends decades pining after a college crush who is clearly not worth her time, shaping her life around him in ways that felt more self-sabotaging than compelling. Watching her continuously people-please, second-guess herself, and avoid growth made it difficult for me to stay emotionally invested.

The turning point of the story, discovering she’s about to be replaced and abruptly running off to her grandmother’s retirement community, had potential, but the execution felt rushed and somewhat forced. From there, the narrative leans into familiar territory, including reconnecting with a former acquaintance whose role in her life becomes increasingly predictable.

The pacing was another challenge for me. The story felt overly long, and I found myself skimming through large portions, especially where certain relationships and plotlines felt underdeveloped or unconvincing. The emotional payoff didn’t quite land, and the ending felt expected rather than earned.

That said, there were elements I did appreciate. Vera’s grandmother, Ruby, and her decades-long romance with Hollis were far more compelling to me. Their story carried a depth, history, and emotional richness that I found myself wanting more of, it added a layer to the book that felt genuine and lived-in.

Overall, this was a mixed read for me. The themes of self-worth, reinvention, and breaking out of long-standing patterns are there, but the execution didn’t fully connect.

Tropes & Themes:

• Midlife reinvention
• Unrequited / unhealthy love
• People-pleasing protagonist
• Self-discovery journey
• Starting over
• Second chance at life
• Found purpose later in life
• Past vs present relationships

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

These are my notes and in reading order.

Gasp! Awh.. OHHH?! Eeee!! LOL!! Wait, WHAT?! Ugh. Nooooo. *evil smile* Well, damn… Shit! *happy sigh* Well it’s about time!

To say I loved reading this was an understatement. I’ve been waiting for Julie’s first solo adult novel for just a little bit now. It was beautify written. Julie Murphy is a masterclass in sad boy literature.

Eli, the reformed grump, is getting his second chance with the love of his life and his transformation into the black cat and golden retriever. I can understand Vera’s hesitation but, Girl… Girl!

Vera has a lot on her plate, family issues, toxic situation-ship that went on for far too long and the reboot of her life in her 40’s brought her right to where she needed to be. Let Vera be the example that having nothing left can bring you everything.

[Marissa Pekurny · Rating 5 out of 5]

i truly enjoyed this entire story so much. vera was amazing and i loved how much her character grew throughout this story. i loved eli and how his character fit in with vera so well. ruby pissed me off the entire story and made me want to scream on more than one occasion. i truly loved vera but good lord if she didn’t quit her nonsense with brody and how she felt for him, i was gonna toss my kindle. i loved the ending and how everything fell into place for vera, and im sad it’s over. i seriously couldn’t put this book down. definitely recommend reading!! thank you so much to the author and publisher for the early copy!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera Stein is a character after my own heart. A woman who has pined for her friend/boss since college, while he treats her like a convenience at most. After quitting her job, she takes on the role of activities coordinator at her grandmother’s retirement community, where she reconnects with Eli, the guy she married in Vegas on a date in college.

This romance was sweet, heartfelt, and funny. The flashbacks were appropriately spread throughout and gave just enough information to provide context for the characters. The romance was sweet and hot. A few minor issues, including underdevelopment of some side characters, like Tess, Vera’s best friend, were present, but forgivable.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a Julie Murphy book in awhile, but I'm glad I decided to read this one! I loved the premise of the book. It was refreshing to read about a woman in her 40s dealing with feeling lost in life and trying to find her footing again. I hope people give this book a chance because Vera felt like such a real and relatable character who shared all her flaws with the readers and I think that is so important for women to read.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I could not have loved this more.

There is just something about the way Julie Murphy writes that hits me and touches me every single time. Her prose is sharp, tender, funny, and painfully honest all at once. She has this ability to make her characters feel so raw and real, like you could run into them at the grocery store and immediately know their entire backstory just by the way they hold themselves.

Vera Stein is forty years old, grieving her mother, freshly houseless and jobless, stuck in the aftermath of a failed situationship, and carrying around the quiet ache of never quite becoming who she thought she would be. And that? That felt so real. Vera isn’t some perfectly polished FMC who just needs a pep talk. She’s messy. She’s bitter in places. She’s tired. She’s deeply loving but doesn’t always know how to receive love back. She has spent years caretaking, between her dying mother, her egotistical movie star boss, men who didn’t deserve her, even her own grandmother... and she doesn’t even fully realize how much of herself she’s given away.

Watching her land at Starlight Palms, a retirement community full of aging Hollywood actors, eccentric creatives, and delightfully chaotic seniors, was such a unique and brilliant premise. A forty year old woman starting over in a pastel midcentury desert oasis populated by former scream queens and washed up heartthrobs was incredible and something I have never read before, which is refreshing. And Julie executes it flawlessly! The setting feels alive, vibrant, and slightly unhinged in the best way.

The multigenerational dynamics absolutely shine here. Vera’s rocky relationship with her grandma Ruby is layered and complicated and full of history. Their interactions are funny, sharp, and deeply emotional. You can feel the generational differences, the unspoken resentments, but also the undeniable love. And the residents were characters I adored. Leonard in particular was such a standout. He was hilarious, and surprisingly insightful. Every side character felt distinct and intentional, not just filler. That’s one of Julie’s strengths: no one exists just to prop up the main couple.

And speaking of unforgettable scenes... the sex toy class? I was crying laughing. It had major chaotic sitcom energy, like something straight out of Parks and Recreation. The humor in this book is bold and fearless without ever feeling forced.

I just absolutely loved Elias Buckley. Sweet, steady, fiercely loving Elias. Julie ALWAYS writes amazing MMCs and Eli was no exception. The history between Elias and Vera, which is the classic “right person, wrong time”, was one that absolutely gutted me in the best way. The fact that they were once young and in each other’s orbit, that Las Vegas mistake lingering in the background, that years of missed timing and unfinished business… it added so much depth. This isn’t instalove. This is years of yearning, regret, and so many what ifs finally getting a second chance.

Eli loves Vera so openly, so consistently. Even when she can’t fully accept it. Even when she doesn’t see her own worth. And that dynamic was beautiful. Because yes, Vera is independent. But she also tolerated the bare minimum for far too long. She over functioned for men who underappreciated her. Watching Eli step in, not to save her, but to stand beside her and show her that she doesn’t have to beg for scraps and that she can let someone take care of her too and is worthy of being chosen without hesitation was perfect.

“You think I'm rawdogging this flight on two watered-down mimosas so that you and I can just be friends?”
“I think not, Vera Stein.”
Well, shit.

That is such a perfect encapsulation of how Elias loves her. Persistent. Patient. All consuming in the gentlest way.

I also deeply appreciated the queer representation woven naturally into the fabric of Starlight Palms. It’s joyful, normalized, and celebratory without feeling performative. The plus size representation deserves applause too because Vera’s body exists, is desired, is loved, but it is not the sole focus of her identity. It’s just one part of who she is, and that balance felt so refreshing.

But beyond the romance, what really moved me was Vera’s growth. She changes so much over the course of this book. She starts out feeling like her life is over before it’s even properly begun. By the end, she sees that her past wasn’t wasted time, but was backstory. It was character development. It was everything that led her here. That theme of “it’s never too late” hit hard.

And the candle. THE CANDLE. Elias Buckley, you absolute menace. I will not elaborate further but just know: THAT IS A MAN.

This book is sweet, emotional, hilarious, spicy, deeply human, and ultimately hopeful. It’s about grief. It’s about caretaking burnout. It’s about second chances. It’s about realizing that forty is not the end of your story but that it might just be the opening credits.

I loved this so, so much! And I truly think so many readers will too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Murphy, and Avon for the eARC of this book.

[Jazelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vera Stein is Fine Book Review 🦇

Predictive text: Here lies [your name], who was best known for ___❗

Vera Stein doesn't take chances; not with her career as a potential scriptwriter, and certainly not with love. After spending most of her adult years caretaking for her dying mother and movie star boss’s ego, she's suddenly houseless and jobless, only to follow her scream-queen-star grandmother to Starlight Palms Senior Living Center. There, she crashes into her college fling/ex-husband Elias Buckley. With a fresh start at her fingertips, Vera begins to see that even with all the detours she’s taken, there’s still a Hollywood ending (and maybe even a happily ever after) in sight. Too bad she doesn't know the whole story. 🦇

Listen up. Put down your Kindle or that paperback your trudging through. You NEED to pick up Julie Murphy's Vera Stein is Fine instead. Julie Murphy is stepping into her adult fiction era and she is KILLIN IT! This story, like any woman, is no one thing. Vera Stein is Fine is a romance, a late bloomer story, a second chance at love and life, a reminder. It's about owning who you are, forging your own path (even if it's a bit messy, even if it takes longer than expected), and recognizing those stumbles along the way weren't failures; they were preparing you for the future. Here's what I loved: ⤵

The dual POV / dual timeline format works WONDERS. We see Vera through the eyes of someone who loves her, but also recognize that everything is about PERSPECTIVE. And the tension? Ugh, the TENSION.

Vera Stein is messy and realistic in a world of glamour and eccentricity. Throwing her into a retirement community for old Hollywood stars was the perfect catalyst for her to put the pieces of her life together.

Cucumber melon. Iykyk. A perfect show, don't tell that really helps the pieces click for Vera.

Ruby is a freaking HOOT. I loved seeing the messy chaos of her relationships with Hollis and Leonard. Her realizations are proof that you're never too old to make a change, to fix what was broken, to give yourself the chance for a happily ever after.

I couldn't stop annotating, which is always a good sign. Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Recommended for fans of Daddy Issues and Cherry Baby. 🦇

The Vibes ✨
second chance romance
workplace romance
forced proximity
new lease on life / self-discovery
spice
multigenerational family drama
dual POV / dual timeline
he falls first (and harder)
grief

Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #VeraSteinisFine 🦇

Quotes 💬
“You’re incredibly gifted at creating things for other people, Vera. But not everything you do has to be in service of other people.”

Brody’s been keeping you like a fucking houseplant. Giving you just enough light to stay alive, but not enough to grow...Vera Stein, you deserve all the light.”

Is it still a love story if he doesn’t love her back?

Do. Fail. And then do again. Words to live by are just that: words. They mean nothing if you’re not waking up every morning and living.

God, I wanted to drown in her. Put it on my death certificate. Cause of death: willfully drowned in his desire for Vera Stein.

Waiting for him to decide if he loved me hurt more than leaving ever could.

His attention was a flowering weed. So beautiful. So invasive.

Some people don’t ghost you. They haunt you.

"'Marry me for a day or a thousand,’ she told me. ‘I just want the paper trail to say that you and I loved each other.’”

"Maybe the only way for us to have a second chance was for us to fail so miserably the first time.”

[LostinthesTori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book is written for an older adult. As a reader in her 30s, I couldn't help but feel connected to our FMC who is in her 40s. This book truly reminds me of my best friend whose does everything for everyone. She takes care of her elderly parents and never really seemed to find a set career path or even a real relationship. At 43, she's only just recently bought her own house and is in a relationship that I can't help but be happy about. She reminds me so much of Vera. That in itself made this such an enjoyable book. I may only be in by 30s, married and a homeowner but someone how I've dealt with so much and can't help but ask the same questions Vera is. Ultimately, it comes down to asking if I'm enough, did I do enough, and if I died tomorrow who would even care? In a blink of an eye, years of your life can just fly by. Enough of my reflective thought from the book and let me tell you a little about it.

Vera Stein (40) is a smart and super funny caregiver. She takes care of everyone, Ruby aka her Grandma, her mom, and her employer/best guy friend. She does so much for everyone around, it hard to see what she even does just for her. The first chapter of the book, Vera is already looking at where her life is and where 20yr Vera saw it. Dealing with grief and up and losing her house, Vera ends up at her "Grandma's" retirement home, Starlight Palms. Starlight Palms being a Hollywood royalty retirement home.

Queue in our super-hot MMC, Dr. Elias Buckley (42). Elias aka Eli works as doctor at Starlight Palms. He was a broody asshole from her college days and ex-best friends with her former employer. These two together were amazing. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them. Both working at Starlight Palms, giving us that forced proximity tension. I love that even though Eli tries to, he somehow is always helping Vera. Less broody and more golden retriever like. Two things to note: Cucumber Melon (So middle school) and NOLA. Swooning over them.
I really like all the characters Vera encounters along the way. I thought they were witty, interesting and overall added the drama to the story. For this emotional journey, there was also a lot of spice. More spice then one would expect from a retirement home.

Overall, it was nice to see how this whole story came together. Each character she interacts with brings a layer to the story. I was so happy to see her grow and finally choose herself. Only Julie Murphy can add humor to trauma in such a beautiful way. I love that she chose to tell the story with present day chapters and flashbacks. It was neat to see the younger Vera and Eli interact. Crazy to know where it all leads to.

The last thing, I want to mention is the beautiful dedication (Praying it doesn't change before publishing). It reads: "To everyone whose ever woke up to a birthday, looked back on their life, and thought, "who the hell am I and how did I get here?" And to the caretakers. It's okay to let someone take care of you too." This dedication speaks volumes about the story and damn if it's not the most relatable thing.

Thank you Netgalley, Avon, and Julie Murphy for the chance to read Vera's story!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I would read a retelling of the phone book. If it was written by julie murphy, - i love her writing. I love her storytelling. And this book was no exception. It had kind of everything that you want in a book a little bit of mystery, not like mystery mystery, but trying to figure out what's going on witg the characters past, unrequited, love, past relationship, best friends, family trauma, its got everything- we start out with our girl vera., as in the title vera sten- she has put her life on hold. So quite some time, taking care of her terminally, ill mother and living with her (putting off her goal and dream of writing her movie - she has a script but its not quite ready) And her grandmother and working for her best friend since college/friend with benefits (Brody) as his assistant, he happens to be a famous actor.- after her mothers passing (not a spoiler) her grandma (who is a D list movie star from the 70s and does not want to be called grandma...its Ruby) drops the bomb that she has sold the west hollywood home.They live in- she has plans to move to Palm Springs in the Starlight Palms retirement home- home to retired industry folks- ok Vera needs a plan B she moves into her boss/FWB pool house, she finds out some troubling news about him (no spoiler) and hightails it out of there, where is she to go her best friend Tess is living her own nightmare redoing her house with her husband and four kids - so off to Palm Springs it is - where she surprises Ruby and gets a surprise herself- after crashing on ruby's velvet chaise and breaking the rules because Ruby's not supposed to have company without permission - somebody literally enters her life again after almost twenty years by walking into Ruby's apartment to change the light bulb - it is her one day ex husband from twenty years ago- hes the facilities doctor- she somehow ends up getting a job interview. To be the activist director and then it gets an invite to move in with said exhusband at his home employee housing apartment- i'll probably a good time to mention that Eli. The ex husband slash doctor and vera and her best friend tess and the ex boss/FWB all went to college together, as Vera settles in to her role as activities director she gets the feel of what her residents want.Because this is not your average retirement home, mix in the feelings that she's having for Eli, Brody showing up and Ruby's secret past coing out - one thing that Vera needs is to understand herself worth. And eli is trying to get that into her head.But she reverts to that same trauma.ridden girl- oh, girl who doesn't think that she's good enough.Because maybe she's not a size six. I don't want to give out. Because I hate that, but this book is about realizing that sometimes our loved ones aren't up perfect. And there we are all work in progress
And then when I'm old, I want to live in a place like the Starlight Palms, It's so good I loved it i read it in one night.Could not put it down, could not put a sleep

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[Emily Marmarou · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something fascinating about Julie Murphy’s writing. This is the second book I’ve read by her and I had the same feeling in both: I found the characters a little unhealthy, toxic light, poor communication, acting a little immature for their age, you kind of just want to scream through the pages at them, but I cannot stop reading! She knows how to pull me in despite my discomfort with these characters she creates these flawed stories and relationships. There are unhealthy aspects to several of the relationships in the book and most of them do not get resolved by the end but they find minor improvements. I wish the relationship between Vera and Eli had deeper communication and time to really strengthen the foundation because you could tell they’d both cared for each other over time but they both have been hurt and they have not dealt with their past in a way that will allow them to move forward. It seemed like they avoided each other for large portions of the story and their communication felt stunted until the very end of the story. I will say my man Eli is the definition of actions speak louder than words and he does show up time and again for Vera, but when it comes to talking he (and she) could use a crash course. I devoured this book in 24 hours, I could not put it down, I had to know - will they figure out how to talk to each other like normal people? Will they communicate like the 40 year old beings they are?? The relationship goes from 0 to 60 to 0 back to 60 and whew boy was it a ride. But I loved it.
I found the representation of grief and its many forms to be well done. I absolutely adored the retirement community, the characters present there, the whole vibe of these awesome human beings living their best lives and I need this place to exist in real life.
I will definitely continue to read her work and recommend this book to any romance lover who likes a real, flawed characters with a little emotional tug to their stories.

“ But my grandmother needed her fancy Sunday brunch like I needed to sit in a dark room with peppermint tea and a heating pad after a wild night of eating too much soft cheese.”

“ “Let’s order some takeout,” I said. “And we can watch whatever you want.” “Cats,” she said with a sniff. “I’d like to watch the 2019 feature film Cats.” “I thought you said that movie was an atrocity and an insult to artists everywhere.” She nodded, blowing a sigh through her nose. “Yes, but I’d like to watch someone else’s train wreck right now.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for access to the eARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was messy, chaotic, little frustrating at times… and somehow completely addictive.

Julie Murphy has a talent for writing deeply flawed, emotionally complicated people, and Vera fits right into that space. She’s stuck, grieving, and honestly a bit avoidant when it comes to her own happiness—but that’s exactly what makes her feel real.

The setting? Genuinely one of my favorite parts. Starlight Palms is such a vivid, chaotic little world—full of eccentric, aging Hollywood personalities who refuse to fade quietly into the background. The “swinging seniors” energy mixed with old Hollywood glam gave the book so much personality, and Vera’s grandmother Ruby absolutely steals every scene she’s in. The humor really shines through these side characters, and the sense of found family adds a lot of heart to the story.

The romance, though… is where this lands at a solid four stars instead of higher. Vera and Elias have history—complicated, messy, slightly unbelievable history—and you can feel that tension from the start. There’s definitely chemistry, and the second-chance aspect gives their relationship emotional weight. But wow, do these two struggle to communicate. Like… aggressively. Their dynamic swings between intense connection and complete shutdown, and at times it feels like they’re stuck in the same emotional loop. That said, there’s something very intentional about it. These aren’t characters who have done the work yet. Their relationship feels imperfect and a little unstable, but also grounded in years of unresolved feelings. And while I wish we had gotten more depth and development—especially in the second half—the payoff still works emotionally.

Where this book really stands out is in its exploration of grief, missed chances, and redefining your life at any stage. Vera’s journey isn’t about suddenly becoming someone new—it’s about realizing her life isn’t over just because it didn’t go as planned. There’s something really comforting about that. It’s also worth noting that the story juggles a lot—multiple side plots, character arcs, emotional threads—and while some feel richer than others, they all contribute to the sense that this world is bigger than just the central romance.

Overall, this was a bingeable, character-driven romcom with heart, humor, and just enough emotional messiness to keep things interesting. It’s engaging, heartfelt, and full of personality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this eARC!

[Netasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera Stein is Fine by Julie Murphy

I wish I could tell you how much this book means to me. Truly, I’m crying as I type this and I’m worried my silly little review won’t do this book the justice that it deserves, but I hope you’ll read it anyway (the book, but also yes, please read this review as well).

Vera Stein, our witty and devastatingly funny 40 year old FMC is a giver. She gives and gives and gives to the point where you almost want to throw the book (or kindle in this case) because you’re just like DAMMIT VERA, JUST BE SELFISH.
But worry not, She has Ruby and Leonard and Tess and Eli in her corner begging her to choose herself.

The relationships explored throughout this story had me fawning and tearing up throughout. Sure, Eli and Vera are who we focus on, and I absolutely ADORED each and every flashback and parallel to the present day, but Ruby and Hollis had me digging up my high school cheerleading uniform and dusting off my pompoms because I've never rooted for a couple more.

If there’s a message to take away from this story, it’s that its OKAY to be behind in life, to start over and try again at ANY point. It’s OKAY to be scared. It’s OKAY to want more from the people in your life determined to feed you table scraps then have the audacity to tell you that you’re full.

This read was such a humbling, beautiful experience that simultaneously explored grief, self doubt, deep rooted insecurities, and so much more. Julie Murphy does an excellent job at putting words to seemingly inexplicable emotions, bringing so much depth and making the characters that much more relatable.

But beyond the snarky, obnoxiously horny 80 something year olds, this is a story about second chances. About trusting yourself even when you’re unsure. I wish more than anything I could force you to read this book. IT WAS PERFECTION.

"In the end, we're all sluts and then we die."

This has got to be one of my favorite books of all time and it's not even released yet. Rating it anything other than 5 stars feels like a punishable offense and I will accept ZERO criticism whatsoever.

THANK YOU JULIE MURPHY, HARPER COLLINS, AND NETGALLEY FOR CHANGING MY LIFE WITH THIS ARC. ❤️

[Patti McLetchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Vera Stein is Fine by Julie Murphy via NetGalley and the publisher, and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Julie Murphy has an incredible knack for creating characters that get under your skin—for better or for worse—and this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers journey set in LA and Palm Springs is no exception. The heart of this story lies in the "found family" that surrounds Vera; I absolutely love a novel with a sassy octogenarian, and Ruby was the perfect supporting character to anchor the plot and give the story some wonderful levity.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I found myself genuinely hating Brody, which is a testament to how strongly Murphy makes you feel for her leads. I felt deeply for Vera throughout her struggle to realize her worth outside of her infatuation with him. But the real standout for me was Leonard. Every scenario involving him helped move the story along and ultimately moved me to tears. That letter he leaves for his loved ones at the end? Absolute chef's kiss.

In terms of the romance, be prepared for a real slow burn. Julie really makes us work for the steam, but that tension makes the eventual connection feel much more earned. However, while the character work is top-tier, the book does juggle several different storylines, and a few of them felt like they could have used more room to breathe. Eli's emotional transition in New Orleans caught me off guard; while I was 100% rooting for him to be the "end game," the pivot from us discovering his college crush to a full-on declaration of intentions felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to see a few more beats of development to bridge the gap between their past and their future.

Ultimately, I’m giving this four stars because I simply adore the world and the people Julie Murphy creates. Even with the fast-paced shifts in the second half, the emotional payoff and the depth of the relationships made it a truly enjoyable read.

[Topo Chicas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vera Stein is not fine, at least not yet. She just turned 40, recently lost her mother to cancer, and had her childhood home sold out from under her by her grandmother. Now, she’s living in the pool house of her boss, and sometimes lover, Brody, trying to figure out her next steps in life. Fed up with everything, she quits her job and temporarily moves to Starlight Palms, the retirement community in Palm Springs her grandmother moved to. She expected to spend as little time there as possible, but what she didn’t expect was Elias Buckley, her ex-husband and the lead physician on staff at Starlight Springs. In an effort to help out (and to save up some money), Vera takes over as the activities director for the Springs. But the more time Vera spends at the Starlight Springs (and with Elias), the more life begins to look a little bit different from what she ever could have imagined for herself.

Julie Murphy books just make my heart so happy! This book was the perfect mix of romance and women’s fiction, with a strong cast of characters. In particular, the residents of Starlight Springs were a hoot. They had me laughing out loud with their shenanigans. I appreciated that Vera’s character was “older” than most romance novel heroines, which is a testament to the fact that not everyone has their life (and love) figured out by 40.

I also loved the interstitials sprinkled throughout the book, especially because they were from Elias’ point of view. The little puzzle pieces of Vera and Eli’s past relationship made me love the even more!

Additionally, I appreciated that Julie Murphy mentioned the cinematic masterpiece of Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken in the book. This movie deserves all the hype, in my opinion!

Vera Stein is Fine is the perfect book for those looking for a story about a woman who was a little lost in life find herself in a place and with people she least expected. Grab this one when it’s out this summer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera has turned 40 and is taking an about face to her life. She has made herself small to fit the ego oh her long term boss and situationship. When she discovers his plan to let her go in exchange for several 20 something assistants, she sends a resignation letter and heads to her grandmother's retirement community. Vera recently lost her mother to cancer and so her grandmother is her only escape hatch. Soon Vera is crashing on the chaise lounge and discovering what life is like in the community.

Naturally, her ex also works there! and she gets a job as the events coordinator. Vera has an old screenplay from 10 years ago that she sometimes edits. The interstitial chapters are the screenplay (which is kind of awful, on purpose) and through these she is realizing that she is not the same person she was when she originally found this to be a love story.

I found the way Vera left behind Brody to be inspiring! Like many Julie Murphy heroine's, Vera is in a larger body. She is confident and secure in her body, there is no fatphobia or weight loss talk in this book- which is great. I do love some books that handle fatphobia and body acceptance, but in this book her size is mentioned but is not a major plot point. I really hated Brody and was angry at how much he did not appreciate Vera and he was such a dumb, mediocre white man. It was hard to understand why she would allow herself to be in that situation for as long as she did, but you were really rooting for her to find herself.

I would find this a midlife second chance coming of age book. I loved the octogenarians, the descriptions in the banter and the time jumps allowed us to know Vera and Elias and how their characters developed. I loved this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC- I have already pre-ordered a trophy copy!
Book to be published June 21, 2026

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice change from your typical romance. Vera ends up living with her Grandma in a retirement community filled with Hollywood's former movers and shakers. She's a 40 year old 'spinster' whose dream is to become a Hollywood screenwriter, though she's not quite ready to share her one big project, that she's been working on for 20 years. After abruptly quitting her job, she's thrown into the role of Activities Coordinator for that retirement community she's living in. A job which may not be as easy as one might think... we are dealing with Ex-Starlets and Divas after all. There, she happens to run into an old friend, (if Friend can be what you call them with their past.) Meanwhile, she's got her ex boss/longtime friend trying to get her to come back to him.

It's got a love triangle of sorts going on. No cheating happening, especially since none are in official exclusive relationships. There are some laughs, and some tears. Plenty of saucy and sassy characters. In addition to the romance aspect, there is some family issues that the characters are dealing with. Also Vera's whole 'Get Your Life Together' battle. The story has flashbacks to Vera's college days, that explain the dynamics and history between her and the two men of her life. There is some sexual content, and while the act of is there, there are more hints to or talking about than the act itself. There is LBGTQ representation. There is also talk of losing a loved one, and the heartache of watching someone die. (Proceed with caution if this is a sensitive subject for you.) The book reads easily and pretty quickly. It's taken from Vera's POV (with the exception of the flashback chapters, which come from one of the men in her life's POV.) Due to the sexual content and subject matters, I'd say this is best suited for mature readers.

*I received an ARC from Netgalley.

[Lisi Bee (Beth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for a second-chance midlife romance, especially when it's done well. I really liked this one! Vera and Eli were college acquaintances, along with Vera's current boss (and long-time crush) Brody. Then something big happened to separate Vera and Eli. although she remains attached to man-child Brody. Vera is going through some life changes after her mother's death and finds herself on a new trajectory which takes her to her grandmother's assisted living facility and, much to her surprise, towards Eli. This romance ticked a lot of boxes for me, even though it was a touch love triangle-ish with Brody (not my favorite, but it worked fine here). This was a quick and meaningful read, with a nice amount of humor and snark. I liked the use of dual 1st-person POVs: even though Eli's was only used to discuss what happened all those years ago, I thought it was very effective. It also made sense to only use Vera's POV in the current-day since this was more Vera's story. Even though Vera is midlife in age, she was definitely new adult in circumstance at the beginning of the book. And by the end of the book, I loved where Vera ultimately ended up emotionally. I enjoyed watching Vera's long-overdue coming-of-age as she decides what she wants the rest of her life to look like after her mother's death. I really loved Eli and Vera together, so much yearning! There was a great cast of quirky supporting characters once Vera went to Palm Springs, including her prickly grandmother and the aging screenwriter next-door neighbor. Readers who are looking for an open-door second-chance romance with midlife representation, with lots of yearning and life lessons, will love this book. This is a new-to-me author, and I would definitely read her again! 4.5 stars. Publishes July 21, 2026. This review is based on a complimentary DRC of the book, all opinions are my own.

[steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Murphy is one of those writers that can write for any age (kids, teen and adult) and it slaps (as my library teens say), because she gets people and the way we think/function/live. Her latest book, Vera Stein is Fine, might be my favorite book of hers yet.

Vera is a 40 year-old woman living in Los Angeles who has spent the past 18 years putting her own life on hold to take care of her terminally ill mother, and being the underpaid, overworked personal assistant to her college friend who she has been in love since their college days. When she goes through two big life upheavals (the death of her mother and the quitting of her job), she decides to decamp to Starlight Palms - a retirement community in Palm Springs for aging Hollywood actors and industry professionals and where Ruby, Vera's vibrant, larger than life, grandmother lives.

Watching Vera blossom and grow into herself over the course of this book was so satisfying. She has given so much of her life to everyone else, so much of herself to everyone else, it was nice to see her learn to stand up for herself and decide was she wants, not want everyone around her wants. The cast of colorful characters, including Ruby (who does NOT want to be called Grandma) was so well done. Everyone was multi layered and three dimensional, including Eli Buckley, Vera's antagonistic college friend and her ex-husband according to the state of Nevada. There were so many times I laughed or smiled at Eli's and Vera's interactions. It was good to see Vera loved for simple being herself and this book was a good reminder that it is never to late to start living the life you want.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!

[Kristen | Those Book Besties · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Julie Murphy and NetGalley for the ARC. I saw Julie Murphy post that copies were available and immediately ran to request one, and I’m so grateful the NetGalley team helped make it accessible to me in Canada.

Vera Stein is Fine is such a warm, funny, and surprisingly emotional story about second chances and starting over when life hasn’t gone the way you expected.

The side characters were a huge highlight for me. Leonard completely stole every scene he was in, and the residents of Starlight Palms brought so much personality and humor. The setting itself felt vibrant, chaotic, and full of life in the best way.

Vera’s history with Brody hit hard. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, but it made me feel for her. The unrequited love, especially in the flashbacks, felt very real and, at times, frustrating. Brody came across as careless with her feelings, even if unintentionally, and that added a lot of depth to Vera and her emotional journey.

The main romance hooked me early on with a reveal that immediately made me think “how did we get here?” and I was fully invested in watching that backstory unfold.

At times, the romance felt a bit younger in tone, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Vera has spent years putting her own life on hold as a caregiver, so in many ways she’s experiencing things later than most. That “late bloomer” energy actually fits her story.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven read with humor, depth, and a really unique setting. If you love second chance romances and strong side characters, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 and I’m STILL recovering 😭

This was emotional damage in book form and I loved every second of it. 😮‍💨

The story follows a second chance romance filled with years of unresolved feelings, miscommunication, and lingering love that never actually went away. The chemistry between Vera and Eli was intense from the start and only got stronger as the story unfolded.

What really worked for me was how earned everything felt. The angst was not just there for drama. It came from real decisions, insecurity, and timing, which made the eventual payoff soooooo satisfying. By the time we got to the final confession, I was fully invested and completely ready for them to choose each other.

Eli as a character was a mix of frustrating and irresistible. He absolutely made mistakes, but the fact that he never truly got over Vera made his arc hit even harder. The emotional tension between them carried the entire book.

The only element that did not fully land for me was the script excerpts. I understand their purpose in showing Vera’s perspective as a writer, but they did not add much to the overall story for me and occasionally pulled me out of the main narrative. :(

That said, everything else was strong enough that it did not impact my overall enjoyment. The angst, the history, and the payoff all delivered!!!!

This is a great pick if you love second chance romance with high emotional stakes and a deeply satisfying ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review! 💖

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vera Stein is NOT fine. Her mother has died, her grandmother has sold the house they share, and her employer-slash-situationship-partner is about to fire her. What's a girl to do except steal some fancy sheets and move all her worldly possessions to grandma's retirement condo?

Naturally, the first person Vera encounters at Starlight Palms Living Center is Eli, her college-nemesis-slash-ex-husband. (Yeah, these slashes are doing a lot of work today!) Vera always thought Eli hated her, but it turns out that Eli very much did NOT hate her, and now that he's got a second chance, he's not going to waste it on giving mistaken impressions.

I loved the senior community setting and all of the secondary characters (both young and old) EXCEPT Brody, who was gross gross gross enough that Vera having any kind of feelings for him really colored my feelings toward HER. Yes, yes, I know that college kids make questionable pants decisions, but Vera's been making that same decision for almost two decades! Thank goodness Eli is here to give us (and Vera) the perfect counterweight to Brody's grossness.

Vera and Eli are attracted to each other from the start, but the relationship unfolds slowly as they work to build trust with one another. It all builds to a decision point, when Vera has to choose between returning to Brody and staying with Eli. The way that all plays out is really satisfying!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Ashley Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Murphy’s Vera Stein Is Fine was such a fun, heartfelt read — but fair warning: it’s definitely a slow burn. It takes its time settling into Vera’s world, and for me, that meant I wasn’t instantly obsessed… but once it clicked, I was all in. The payoff is in the character voice, the emotional layers, and the absolutely unhinged, hilarious one-liners that only Julie Murphy can deliver.

What I loved most is how Vera Stein Is Fine balances vulnerability with chaos. Vera feels so real — messy, funny, awkward, self-aware, and trying her best in ways that make you root for her even when she’s spiraling a little. And Julie Murphy’s humor? Truly unmatched.

A few lines that absolutely took me out:

- “I still wasn’t used to the desert heat, but the breeze today felt a little less like Satan’s asshole farting in your face.”
- “In the end we’re all sluts and then we die.”
- “(Granted if you asked me, all thongs might as well be considered crotchless, because my vagina has been known to swallow thongs.)”

Like… come on. That is so Julie Murphy. Sharp, outrageous, wildly specific, and somehow still deeply charming. Those quotes alone perfectly capture the humor and voice that make her books so addictive for me.

If you’re going in expecting a fast-paced plot, just know this one unfolds gradually. But if you’re here for strong character work, emotional depth, and Julie Murphy’s signature wit, Vera Stein Is Fine is absolutely worth the ride.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around Vera Stein, a woman who finds herself in a precarious situation. In a moment of panic, she leaves her personal assistant to her longtime friend and crush, Brody, and ends up crashing at her grandmother’s retirement community, the Starlight Palms. This retirement community caters to progressive, former Hollywood types.

Vera takes a job as the activities coordinator at the Starlight Palms and soon discovers that the doctor on site is none other than her ex-husband, Elias. The story takes a nostalgic turn as it delves into flashbacks, revealing how they ended up married and the subsequent annulment.

While the story is a coming-of-age journey for Vera, I must admit that at times, the main characters seemed to embody more new adult energy than the typical 40-something personalities. This inconsistency made the story feel a bit uneven, as it occasionally lacked the emotional depth and resonance that would have made it more relatable to Vera’s age group.

Despite these minor flaws, the story kept my interest throughout. It’s an open-door story with multiple explicit scenes, so be prepared for that. Overall, Vera Stein is a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on the life of a woman in her 40s.

Thank you, Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Ali Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the arc!!

Omg this was amazing. This was my first book by Julie Murphy and I will definitely be reading more. This book had everything you could possibly want.

Vera is a very likable but messy mmc. You definitely get frustrated with her at times, especially in her relationship with Brody. But the best part of her character is getting to see her grow through her experiences and her relationship relationships and how she becomes a person who knows her in self worth.

Eli is absolutely swoon worthy. I love a man who lines after a woman of years. THE candle….like yes I will eat that up with a spoon every time. Vera is someone who was always taking care of other people so I really adored the way. Eli wanted to take care of her. I also deeply appreciate the way he gave her the space to figure out her life on her own without the pressure and was there and ready once she fully decided what she wanted.

Sometimes the things that makes a book 5 stars from me are the side characters and the side characters in this book were impeccable. I adored the nuance in Vera and Ruby’s relationship. I just loved Leonards so freaking much. I think not only where the side character is full of life, but they also really played apart in Vera story that made this novel feel so compelling

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from Avon and Harper Voyager through NetGalley, which allowed me to share my honest thoughts.

6/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️

Let me start this review by saying that I knew I would love this book. Getting an eARC of it was very exciting because it allowed me to get a head start on reading it multiple times this year. As much as I expected to love this book, I didn’t necessarily know that this would end up being one of my favorites of the year…and now I do.

This book felt like she put so much of herself into it. It just felt so incredibly personal. The authenticity allowed me to connect so much more with Vera as a character. The entire cast of characters felt so fleshed out and three dimensional. Dr. Elias Buckley literally had me screaming at my Kindle multiple times. I have absolutely nothing polite to say about our wonderful MMC aside from this: a man who yearns is a man who earns. And he earns.

Aside from the incredibly hot chemistry between our main characters, this had so much that I love. There’s so much heart here. We see Vera grieving her mother, her job, and a long running friendship/situationship. Her path to reinvention is hard fought and well earned. The setting was incredibly fun and unique. Normally I’m not one for second chance romances, but this was done so incredibly well.

[Kristi Arends · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I love this book is a vast understatement. Julie Murphy's writing is incredibly captivating. Her characters are funny - I literally laugh out loud every time. They're also completely relatable. I have never related to and felt connected to any other character as I have with Vera Stein.

Vera is my favorite fmc. Beautiful, plus size, forty year old Vera is a people pleaser, always giving so much of herself to help and save everyone around her.
By the end of the book, Vera has grown so much in that she now knows she is deserving of love and can be fully happy too. Thanks to the quirky elders at the retirement community and her estranged ex-husband, Eli. Who, as it turns out, has been harboring his feelings for Vera for nearly two decades. Ahh, the banter. the love, the spice.. I am here for it all.
I enjoyed the second chance trope that not just Vera and Eli got to experience. but with some of our elder lovable characters as well. Ruby has my heart.

This is such an incredible, fast-paced, funny as hell spicy story. My new five plus star favorite book of twenty, twenty six and I can not wait to reread this book again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of Vera Stein is Fine, in return for my fair. unbiased opinion and review of the book.

I highly suggest that everyone read this book as soon as available to them.

[Victoria Blusiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍒🍒🍒

This book was a ‘read now’ option on NetGalley and I scooped it up because I’ve come to love Julie Murphy with a fierce passion. Vera Stein Is Fine was an absolute GEM of a book and I wish I could have lived in the world of Starlight Palms. Vera's story really hit home for me in more ways than one. I've had to slip into the role of caretaker for my mom as the single, childless sister/daughter who often times feel like I'm in a career that's just passing time. Julie was able to navigate grief and guilt in Vera and her grandmother Ruby's relationship with levity and passion. (Even if I did think that Vera let Ruby off a little too easily). Murphy artfully created lives for her main characters that honored their previous relationship and continued to pave the way for their reunion 17 years later. I can't fully describe Eli - but I just know that I love him and he's the perfect mixture of tender and a**hole and I'm so glad that the way in which he lived his life only added to his relationship with Vera in the future. I could wax poetic about this book forever - but I'll just say that this was a great book and Julie Murphy did what she does best with her mix of humor and seriousness. Love it!