Vera Stein is Fine - a 40-year-old woman decides it's time to start over.

Vera Stein has dedicated most of her time to caring for others. At forty, she had been her mother's caregiver until her recent passing. For the past twenty years, she has lived in Los Angeles, working as an assistant to her college friend Brody, an actor. Vera has excelled in her role, going above and beyond typical assistant duties. She has been in love with Brody since college, but he has never reciprocated her feelings, aside from occasional encounters he initiated more to keep her content than out of shared affection. One day, Vera decides to move forward with her life. She ends up working and living near her grandmother Ruby at Starlight Palms, a retirement community in Palm Springs, home to former Hollywood actors and writers. Ruby, a free spirit and once a famous "scream queen" in horror films, doesn't want Vera's presence to restrict her lifestyle. Vera is surprised to find that the resident doctor is Elias Buckley, her ex-husband. Their marriage was a spontaneous result of a Las Vegas dare and was quickly annulled. However, the chemistry between them remains strong. Elias is well aware of Vera's feelings for Brody, whom he has disliked since college. Could there be a chance for Vera and Elias to reconnect?

Vera Stein is Fine by Julie Murphy wasn't initially on my reading list, but the cover caught my eye. Vera is a wonderful character. She is loving and talented, yet as a larger-bodied woman, she feels insecure. Being Brody's secret lover for so many years didn't help with her confidence. All the characters are well-crafted. As Vera attempts to write a movie script, she is mentored by Leonard, a successful retired writer living at Starlight Palms. Their relationship is a highlight of the book. And Ruby is truly a unique character. This book has so much heart that you will be smiling and cheering for Vera every step of the way.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Contemporary Fiction | Romance.

Publication Date: July 21, 2026.

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