Recently, I read Nancy Thayer’s new book  “Family Reunion,” which I said was like a warm blanket and a cup of tea. Comfort reading, perfect for the pandemic. Despite my shudder when I hear the phrase “women’s fiction,” I actually enjoyed it. So when I had the opportunity to receive a copy of  Miranda Cowley Heller’s  new book “The Paper Palace,” from Riverhead Books and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, I jumped at it. 

“The Paper Palace” is the name of the summer resort compound that Elle’s family has been visiting for decades. Actually, WASP-y families would probably refer to it as “summering” rather than visiting or vacationing, but whatever…Elle is now in her fifties and is happily married with three children and Peter, her genuinely beloved and very interesting husband. As the story opens, Elle is waking up wallowing in the afterglow-ish  memory of the previous night. Elle and her oldest friend Jonas snuck out of the multi-family gathering and had mad passionate sex — FINALLY, after decades of deep friendship and lust.  

Now what? Jonas has admitted he has loved her FOREVER. The entire book looks at what brought Elle (and the other characters, but primarily Elle) to her current dilemma. The story builds to what we know will be Elle’s BIG DECISION. Does she leave her family and current life to be with her soulmate Jonas? Or does she suck it up and make the best of things, accepting that she has a good life? 

Along the way, there are issues of abuse, crimes, tragedies — this book has a lot going on! It isn’t a warm blanket and a cup of tea. More like a heated throw and a Diet Coke. But it is an entertaining read, with well developed characters and a good plot. Four stars.