The Paper Palace (Reese's Book Club): A Novel By Miranda Cowley Heller

"The Paper Palace" unfolds over an idyllic August day at Cape Cod's cherished family retreat. Elle, a content 50-year-old mother of three, wakes up to a morning that deviates from the norm. The previous night, Elle and Jonas, her oldest friend, clandestinely explored a new dimension in their relationship. Now, within the ensuing 24 hours, Elle confronts a monumental decision—weighing the life she's built with her beloved husband, Peter, against the alternate reality she envisioned with Jonas, her childhood love. This fantasy was disrupted by a tragic event that forever altered their destinies.

As Elle navigates her past, delving into the experiences that shaped her choices, readers witness the complexities that lead to her pivotal decision. The narrative explores the intricate dance between desire and dignity, examining the enduring impact of abuse and the intricate web of family dynamics.

Heller crafts a tale that is both tender and devastating, blending the yearning for a parallel life with the stark realities of a complex, imperfect family. "The Paper Palace" is a meditation on love, secrets, and the intricate tapestry of relationships. Against the backdrop of this cherished family haven, where every nook holds a memory, Elle grapples with the conflicts within herself and the consequences of choices made over decades.

In Heller's masterful hands, the Cape Cod setting becomes a canvas for the characters to unravel their past, exposing the intricate crimes and misdemeanors that shape the tapestry of family life. 📚❤️