A heartfelt, funny, and sharply observed story about career, family, and the messy beauty of second chances.
Widowed corporate lawyer Charlie Goldwyn has always lived by the rules—until a public meltdown at work derails his carefully controlled life. Forced to take a leave of absence, Charlie returns home to reconnect with his spirited five-year-old son, Caleb, and to rediscover what really matters. Between preschool chaos, old friendships, and unexpected romance, Charlie learns that sometimes the best plans are the ones we never make.
 
In This Was Not the Plan, Cristina Alger, author of The Darlings and Girls Like Us, delivers a warm, witty, and emotionally intelligent novel about balancing ambition and family. Told with humor and compassion, it follows Charlie as he navigates grief, fatherhood, and reinvention in a world that values productivity over connection.
 
Alger’s writing sparkles with insight and heart as she explores how tragedy can open the door to transformation. Both relatable and inspiring, this novel celebrates the imperfect, unpredictable paths that lead us home.
 
Touching and hilarious in equal measure, This Was Not the Plan is a modern story about resilience, love, and the art of letting go.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A moving and funny story about parenthood and reinvention.
Cristina Alger’s prose balances humor with emotional depth.
Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven fiction.
A relatable look at life when plans fall apart—and joy sneaks in.
Full of warmth, wit, and gentle wisdom.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Jonathan Tropper and Maria Semple.
Readers who love family stories with humor and heart.
Book clubs exploring grief, change, and self-discovery.
Anyone looking for uplifting literary fiction with emotional resonance.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed This Was Not the Plan, you might also like:
This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper — dark humor and family drama.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple — reinvention with wit and heart.
The Darlings by Cristina Alger — sharp social insight and emotional storytelling.