I love that this came out just prior to Banned Book week. It was a good conversation starter for my high school seniors. The book was beautifully written and I really enjoyed all the characters!!

A digital copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Parts of this book really kept me engaged. I couldn't put the book down at the beginning when I was trying to figure out if Mr. Hart or Gia was telling the truth. It was also interesting to see how everyone acted when the truth came out. But honestly, this felt like it should have been three different books: One about what happened with Gia and Mr. Hart, one about Margot and Sheldon, and one about the book club. And honestly, there wasn't enough detail about the book club for it to have its own book, which seriously makes me question the title. Barely anything was said about the Banned Book Club. There were no flashbacks to when Mia was in high school, showing her and Mr. Hart's interactions when it was being created. There were also about two lines about the two actual club meetings that took place before some sort of drama happened. The title definitely made me think the book club would be a bigger part of the story, which was disappointing. And as for the other two story lines, there was very little crossover. It felt like it would have been much better if they were each their own stories. I enjoyed each of the plots, but not together. I also felt the book has a lot of internal dialogue and not enough description. It definitely made it an easy read, but without a lot of detail, it lacked some substance I wanted.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed parts of this book, but don't think all of the plots worked together as intended.

Brenda Novak is an auto-read author for me, and this book was another excellent story. Gia Rossi loved to read and when she was just a teenager, she started "The Banned Books Club" where she and her friends would read and discuss books that had been banned over the years for various reasons. She loved English and admired her teacher, Mr. Hart. When he became predatory towards her, she told the principal in order to get out of his class. He was charged and convicted, lost his job and his wife. Many people in town did not believe Gia, so she moved away for college and never returned, until now. Her sister called to tell her that her mother's cancer was advanced and that Gia needed to come home and see her, as well as help with her care in her last days. Gia agrees with trepidation. Meanwhile, what she doesn't know is that Margot is planning to leave her husband when Gia gets there. What will Gia's reception in town be? What is going to happen to Margot? Will the Banned Books Club get together while she is there?

There was a lot happening in this book, yet it is all realistic. My heart broke for the seventeen year old Gia and what happened to her. She is a strong woman, one who stood up for herself and did what was right. Mr. Hart, on the other hand, is a lying you know what. I can't believe he stayed in town. His children also made Gia's life terrible, but they believe their father. The storylines of spousal abuse (verbal), fear, family, friendship, moving one, selfishness/narcissism, dying family members and more were all well presented and tied together so well. There is a romance, but boy is that a sticky situation that must be kept secret for various reasons, but I did like the way it turned out. When the author adds some suspense near the end, it brought this book up to 5 stars easily. This is a story that grabbed me from the start and didn't let go until a satisfying conclusion.

While the title leads readers to assume this is a story about a banned books club, the story really centers itself around one extended family's drama, growth, and romances. Gia returns to her hometown after a scandal digs up some complex relationships and past traumas involving her family. The characters are well-written and the story is told through multiple perspectives, which is a storytelling device I enjoy. Some of the content is serious but it's handled with care and sincerity.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

I honestly expected a story about a book club and got so much more. The story revolves around Gia and all the relationships she has to navigate when she returns to her hometown to help with her sick mother. It was a very engaging read as I couldn’t put the book down once I stated.

I enjoyed The Banned Books Club, though the title is slightly misleading. It's less about banned books and more about how Gia's past haunts her when she returns home after being away for years. The club she started in high school is still going, but the real focus is on the emotional journey she goes through with her family and the fallout from the accusations she made against her former teacher.

The story hooked me, especially as it dove into the dynamics between Gia’s family and the unresolved trauma from her past. Margot’s side of the story had me worried for her the whole time, and I kept wondering how everything would be resolved, especially with her controlling husband. The romance was a bit messy, but that’s what made it feel more real.

There were a lot of emotional and suspenseful moments that had me on edge, but I flew through this book in a day! It kept me engaged, though I would have loved more closure on some storylines, especially between Margot and Max, or Gia and Cormac. Overall, this was a gripping read, with plenty of heart and drama. 3.5/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Brenda Novak for the ARC!

Banned books are just mention to get characters together. What follows are action with unexpected consequences. Interesting read. Great plot. I was pulling for the two sisters.

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance.
Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasn’t spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and it’s Gia’s turn to be the caregiver.
The residents of Wakefield aren’t all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacher’s fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and he’s still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia ‘s story wasn’t true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia.
Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margot’s lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends.
I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a “you’re smiling more” comment.
Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

The Banned Book Club is a small-town family drama with a bit of romance.
Gia is returning home for a bit of an extended visit to see her mother who was diagnosed with cancer.
She hasn't spent that much time in her hometown since she left after graduation following a scandal that rocked her small town and kind of split the town in two.

Now she's back and it becomes obvious that the person who was on the other side from Gia in the scandal as well as his family isn't happy she's back and they make it known.
While this didn't have as much to do with banned books as I was expecting from the title, I really enjoyed Gia as our MC, and how strong she was through half the town trying to make her admit she lied about the scandal, as well as taking care of her mother in her final days. And while the romance was definitely an unlikely coupling I really rooted for their romance, and the rest of the town finally realized the truth about what happened in the past.
We also get a side plot about Gia's sister Margot that I didn't expect but really enjoyed how it all played out.
I enjoyed many of Brenda Novaks past books and look forward to whatever she comes out with next.

I enjoyed this book! I felt like the characters were relatable, the storyline kept my interest and I wanted more!

I enjoyed this book so much! The storyline was amazing. I enjoyed the characters as well . I couldn't put the book down. The cover drew me in. This was such a feel good story.

I had a hard time putting this book down, a compelling family drama with suspense and a romance that I didn't see coming. Gia has returned home after many years to help with her dying mom. Margot, has her secrets that she has kept from her mom and sister and this is a much needed break for her. Gia left town after a scandal and now it resurfaces, will there be forgiveness within the families that it affected.

This is a thought provoking novel that I could not put down. Loved all of the family drama from two different families. Loved how Cormac and Gia struck a friendship. Margot turned out to be so strong!
There are trigger points of student/teacher misconduct and spousal abuse. I highly recommend this book.

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak explores themes of truth, healing, and moving forward in life, drawing subtle parallels between the concept of banned books and how society ostracizes those who speak uncomfortable truths.

After a scandal forces her to leave her hometown, Gia Rossi builds a new life. But when her sister Margot calls with news that her family needs her, Gia must return and confront the accusations that branded her as the one who destroyed a family despite having told the truth. Now, juggling her mother’s care, Margot’s strange behavior, growing feelings for Cormac, and the sting of small-town gossip, Gia must face her fears and decide if she can finally move on.

This novel offers a compelling mix of small-town family drama and romance, with strong characters at its core, particularly Gia and Margot, each showing strength in different ways. However, the title feels somewhat misleading, as the banned books club plays a minor role, with little discussion of books. While I can see a symbolic link between the title and the story’s themes, it remains subtle.

Overall, The Banned Books Club is an enjoyable read with well-drawn characters and an engaging plot.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Mira, and The Hive for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brenda Novak’s The Banned Books Club is a charming, heartfelt and addictive women’s fiction novel from one of the best writers in the business.

When Gia Rossi had graduated high school at eighteen, she had packed her bags and vowed never to return to the small Iowa town of Wakefield ever again. Having always marched to the beat of her own drum, Gia had not hesitated in setting up The Banned Books Club in high school after the PTA had decided to prune the reading list of any titles they deemed controversial. Gia had hoped that her former favorite high school teacher Mr Hart would support her, but she had been sadly disappointed. Her teacher had a habit of disappointing her and when he had seriously stepped out of line, had left Gia with no choice but to inform the school of his sexual misconduct which had resulted in his dismissal. She had hoped never to set foot in her hometown again, but when her sister Margot had asked for her help to look after their mom, Gia had not hesitated in returning to Wakefield.

Gia has not always had the easiest relationship with Margot, but even she has to concede that her sister has done much of the caring for their mother and that now it’s Gia’s turn. Only Gia never imagined that her sister who take her children and leave town the second she set foot in Wakefield to get some much-needed distance from her emotionally abusive husband. Coping with a seriously ill parent is hard enough, but there are plenty more challenges in Wakefield for Gia: not only does she have to face the members of The Banned Books Club, but she also must contend with Mr Hart and the locals who believe that she had ruined his life by falsely accusing him of misconduct.

Treated as a pariah, worried about her sister’s well-being and her mother’s health, Gia doesn’t know which way to turn. But she’s about to realize that there are good people in this world willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when the going gets tough. As Gia begins to find a community willing to help her out, she begins to wonder whether she might also find a future in the town she thought had rejected her all those years ago…

Brenda Novak never disappoints her readers. She writes with candor, humor and heart and in The Banned Books Club has written a captivating tale about healing from the past, the power of reading, the ties that bind and finding happiness in the most unexpected of places that will touch readers’ hearts and make them laugh out loud.

A superb page-turner from a writer who never lets her readers down, The Banned Books Club is the unmissable new novel by Brenda Novak.

This was okay, just okay because there was so much going on that it felt a little unrealistic. A woman returns home to help her dying mother and has to come to terms with a difficult past. The small town thinks they know what happened all those years ago but did they? Her sister trying to find her way out of a terrible marriage and that barely scrapes the surface of everything going on. I liked the sisters, was rooting for them, but overall, this book is a bit messy.

I have been excited about this read for months but others kept cropping up that I needed to read sooner. I wish I had made the time sooner or had not read it, just to be able to experience it for the first time.

This is so much more than a romance. Gia returns home for the winter, at the urging of her younger sister, to spend time with her mother, who is dying of cancer. Gia caused a lot of scandal in high school when she accused her English teacher of sexual misconduct. While he was fired and a judge found him guilty, the town seemed to believe him, even Gia's family. His three children were upset with Gia and carried that grudge into adulthood. Gia starts meeting with her old Banned Books Club, which brings up the old drama.

Meanwhile, her sister Margot is trapped in a loveless, controlling, and abusive marriage. She asked Gia so she could plan her escape.

Cormac Hart, the eldest child of the molesting teacher, lives behind Gia; 's family. He starts to see the holes in his father's story.

Honestly, there are parts of this that were ROUGH. It was emotional and wrecked me. It was SO well done, and I loved every minute of this story. It was not a typical formulaic novel and deserves recognition for being amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!

Brenda Novak's The Banned Books Club is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that tackles the important themes of censorship, friendship, and the power of literature. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the story follows a group of diverse characters who come together to celebrate banned books, ultimately forging deep connections while challenging societal norms.

Novak's writing is engaging and vivid, drawing readers into the emotional lives of her characters. The sharp and realistic dialogue makes their struggles and triumphs feel genuine. Each character brings a unique perspective, enriching the narrative and highlighting the importance of diverse voices in literature.

The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader invested in the unfolding drama and the club’s courageous quest to promote freedom of expression. While some plot points feel predictable, the heartfelt moments and the strong sense of community overshadow minor flaws.

Overall, The Banned Books Club is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of books and the friendships that can arise from shared passions. It’s an inspiring read that encourages readers to reflect on the value of free speech and the stories that shape our lives.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Gia Rossi comes back to her hometown to help out with her mother who is dying from cancer after her sister Margot asks for her help. Gia has been gone for seventeen years after her teacher sexually abused her. Margot has suffered from abuse by her husband and uses an annual hunting trip to take her children and disappear to a new life. This book was well crafted and beautifully written in dealing with these heavy subjects.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mira for the advanced digital copy of the book.

This book was nothing like I expected—and in a good way! Despite its title, The Banned Books Club isn’t really focused on banned books, but rather how the fallout from one life-altering event can ripple through people's lives for years. It’s a powerful story about family, trauma, and redemption, with a touch of sweet romance to round it out.

The story follows Gia Rossi, who returns to her hometown after nearly two decades to help care for her ailing mother. But coming home means facing the ghosts of her past, particularly the accusations she made against her high school teacher, Mr. Hart, which split the town in two. What I loved about this book is how it explores the long-lasting effects of that event, showing how it impacted not only Gia and Mr. Hart but also the entire community, even 17 years later.

While the romance between Gia and her new love interest adds a nice touch to the story, it’s the drama between Gia and her sister Margot that truly hooked me. Margot’s storyline, with her troubled marriage and secret plans, was suspenseful and had me on edge, wondering how it would all play out. Both sisters’ struggles felt raw and real, making their eventual victories that much more satisfying.

Brenda Novak does a fantastic job weaving together family drama, suspense, and a sweet romance in a way that feels seamless and engaging. The emotional depth of this story, along with its thought-provoking exploration of truth and consequence, makes it a standout read.

If you’re looking for a story that’s as much about healing as it is about love, with plenty of emotional and suspenseful moments, The Banned Books Club is a great choice.

Gia Rossi left her hometown in Iowa the second she turned eighteen in the wake of a scandal and hasn't looked back. But now her perfect sister Margot is begging her to come back to help with their ailing mother and Gia finally has to find the courage to face her past.
There's plenty of family drama, town gossip, and even an unexpected romance in this story. I like how these sisters were forced to work on their complicated relationship when Gia realized her sister's life wasn't as perfect as she thought. The banned books club is such a great idea too!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.