In a modern retelling of “While You Were Sleeping,” Alice has a two year long crush on Nolan Altman, a rich lawyer in the building where she works as a night receptionist. She just hasn’t spoken to him yet. Then, he collapses right in the lobby, and she performs CPR which ends up saving his life.
The EMT mistakes Alice as Nolan’s girlfriend, and soon his entire family believes it too. Since Nolan is in a coma, they are thrilled to hear he has a girlfriend and she reluctantly agrees to spend Hanukkah with them. It’s only a matter of time before Alice falls in love with his big family. Since both of her parents died from long term illnesses, Alice talks herself into the charade so she can be around a big family again.
And then there is Nolan’s sister, Van. Alice can’t deny the chemistry between them. But is she somehow cheating on her fake boyfriend Nolan by having feelings for Van?
Like the movie, this book takes place over the holidays, which has a lot of opportunities for togetherness and nostalgia. Instead of Chicago, the novel takes place in Portland. And I truly appreciated the fresh story and so many more mature and serious elements of this version. Alice and Rue had great chemistry, and the minor characters are very memorable and add a lot of comic relief.
“This is the worst idea anyone has ever had, but also already the best thing that’s ever happened.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC. Book to be published 10/26/25.
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