YOU'LL BE FINE

A city girl goes back home after the death of her mother in Michalski’s novel.

Alex Maas lives in Washington, D.C., where she writes for the lifestyle magazine Capitol Metropolitan. After the death of her mother, with whom she had a contentious relationship, Alex ventures back to the family home in Maryland. She spends time with her brother, Owen, while going through their old belongings, and she starts spending time with Carolyn Pusey,the editor of the local newspaper. But Alex is confronting something else in addition to the complicated grief she feels about her mother’s passing; she’s also writing a piece on a local chef for her magazine. The chef, Juliette Sprigg, happens to be Alex’s closeted ex-girlfriend from her teenage years. Alex grapples with the feelings she still has for her as well as the chemistry she feels with Carolyn. Michalski’s accessible prose is peppered with expressive details: “They stayed up half the night…covering the stains and scratches on the old white eggshell paint with several coats of the dark, murky truffle brown.” There’s also a great sense of balance to the story: Although there’s some quite heavy material, there are also humorous characters and romantic comedy–infused moments that keep the story light enough to be an engaging beach read. Additionally, the story has plenty of heart as characters own up to the choices they make in life. Although the basics of the plot—protagonist visits her hometown, faces her past, and runs into a former flame—are familiar, Michalski uses them to conjure up a very charming tale.

An enjoyable story about an adult trying to grow up.