The Beach House

by Jane Green

So, like Jennifer Weiner, Jane Green has changed her focus from chick lit to women's lit. I didn't know what to expect from The Beach House, but I was definitely not disappointed! It sort of felt like a juicier Maeve Binchy novel, but set in the United States.

Nan is 65 and the local eccentric in Nantucket. She owns a fabulous old house on the bluff (named Windermere) and has recently discovered that her finances are not so great. What's an old gal to do? How about taking in boarders for the summer? Brilliant!

The novel basically revolves around the stories of the boarders, and how they all intertwine once the individuals come to Nantucket. Briefly:

• Daniel has just asked his wife, Bee, for a divorce.
• Daff, recently divorced, is looking for some time to herself.
• Michael, Nan's son, has just ended a relationship and is looking to start over.

Of course, everyone and everything will come together in an interesting and fairly predictable way. But that's okay. It was a breezy summer read, and I really enjoyed it!

7/20/08