We chat with author Farah Heron about Just Playing House, which follows a rising movie star who reunites with his high school prom date, now a personal stylist, in this delightful rom-com for fans of forced proximity, second chances, and celebrity romance.
Hi, Farah! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m Farah, and I write YA and adult contemporary romance novels. I live in Toronto with my family and two very spoiled cats. I am a serial hobbyist, and like to try new things often, but my favourite pastimes are traveling, cooking (and eating!), reading, and spoiling my cats.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always written, and once had a popular blog (about sewing!), but I didn’t start writing fiction until I was 39. My first book was published only three years later, and Just Playing House will be my seventh book. This is my third official career, and it is so cool to be doing something that has been a fantasy of mine for so long.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
- The one that made you want to become an author: Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
Your latest novel, Just Playing House, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Stylish, Celebrity, Comforting, Cozy, and Romantic.
What can readers expect?
Marley is a high fashion sales associate who wants to break into personal shopping, but she is a carrier of a BRCA1 mutation and needs to have a preventative mastectomy first. When she finally gets a personal shopping client, it’s Nikhil, her former friend who ghosted her after they hooked up on prom night. Nikhil’s on his way to being a major action star and isn’t coping well with the transition. They make a deal— Nikhil will stay at her house and take care of Marley after surgery so she can style him for his press tour. While living together Marley and Nikhil learn to lean on each other, and soon their rekindled friendship turns to more.
Where did the inspiration for Just Playing House come from?
I myself am a carrier of a BRCA mutation, and years ago I facilitated a peer support group for carriers of the genetic mutation. I was inspired to write this story for the hundreds of women I met through that group. I wanted to write a joyful, romantic story about someone struggling with this difficult diagnosis.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Marley is a character that has been in my mind a long time. She originally appeared in my 2021 release, Accidentally Engaged, and I always intended to write this story for her. But Nikhil was new, and I had a lot of fun delving into his history and family. I specifically loved writing scenes with Nikhil and his sister because he’s such a big brother to her. And I loved writing Nikhil’s father, who is described as carrying every Indian parent stereotype, both male and female. My favourite moments in this book are the quiet ones where Nikhil and Marley are being open and trusting with each other about their struggles. But I also loved writing the funnier scenes, like the pre and post mastectomy parties Marley’s friend’s throw for her— complete with themed decorations and costumes.
What do you love about the romance genre? Any “trends” or hopes you have for the genre over the next few years?
I’ve always been drawn to character driven stories about complicated people who grow because of their relationships, so it’s no wonder that Romance is my favourite genre. There is nothing quite like the feeling of falling in love, and reading (and writing!) about love is almost as good as the real thing. I especially love romances that feature marginalised characters, because it’s often hard to find joyful, optimistic narratives about marginalised groups. One trend in romance that I hope sticks around is the blending of genres and inclusion of speculative elements into romances and rom coms. I love stories with a bit of magic and hope this blending of subgenres continues.
What’s next for you?
I have another book out in October! It’s called Remember Me Tomorrow, and it’s a coming of age, paranormal, time-skip, mystery-romance (I know, it’s a lot). Remember Me Tomorrow was pitched as the movie The Lake House meets the show Only Murders in the Building. It follows a lonely first-year university student who discovers she can communicate with the former resident of her dorm room, — except the weird thing is he’s been missing for months, and she’s talking to him before his disappearance. Together, they investigate what happened to him in her time, so they can prevent it in his time. And of course they fall in love along the way!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
I’ve loved Lily Chu’s The Takedown, Louisa Onomé’s Pride and Joy, and Regina Black’s The Art of the Scandal. And the book I’m most looking forward to reading this year is A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna. The first book in the series was my favourite read of last year.
