Mari goes to Martha's Vineyard to paint with a famous artist Elizabeth Deveraux. Mari's mother is dead and she finds the name among her papers. She is trying to find out how she may be connected to the artist. This is the story of two sisters and a brother who lived at this farm during World War II. Most people don't know that the Germans had subs off the coast of the United States. This story is about regular citizens keeping on guard and reporting any suspicious activity. Also, there were German sympathizers in the US who were giving away information. The book is historical fiction told from an American viewpoint.
I highly recommend reading this book if you like historical fiction or want to give it a try.

Thank you to #NetGalley, @MarthaHallKelly and #BallantineBooks for a copy of this book.
#TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub

Martha Hall Kelly is an auto-read author for me and this book didn't disappoint! This story was a really great historical fiction because it has so many engaging elements (the mystery, family, a book about books, romance) but also included a portion of World War II events that I never knew about and was unique! Learning about the beach landing and beach assault training the Army and Navy did on Martha's Vineyard shores was so fascinating. I also liked learning about ASE books (Armed Services Editions) and their influence on the soldiers and the scope these titles had even after the war. I really enjoyed and appreciated the author's note at the end and how this story ties into Kelly's family.

Quick summary: This book follows Mari who is travelling to meet with a famous artist at her home on Martha's Vineyard, Elizabeth Devereaux, after finding Elizabeth's name amongst her deceased mother's things. By meeting Elizabeth, Mari's life will change forever. Elizabeth tells Mari the story of the family who lived in the home before her during World War II and all that happened there.

Overall, I enjoyed the chapters with the past characters (Briar and Cadence) more than the present chapters with Mari. I just didn't feel as connected to Mari because there weren't many of her chapters,. Even though I wish there was more of Mari's story to read, how all the characters tie together in the end was satisfying and well done. Honestly, I would totally read a sequel of these characters, I wanted more!

I highly recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction and women's fiction!
*Thank you Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine and NetGalley for the eARC of this book!*

I absolutely love reading books from a different perspective of WWII. As much as the subject matter can be difficult to process, it was refreshing to read one that I never knew about which is what was going on in our own country during this time. This book does just that through the worlds of two sisters on Martha’s Vineyard during the height of WWII. Through the love of reading as well as understanding the past, these sisters leaned on each other to navigate the world beyond the island through relationships, friendships, and family. A sisterhood between sisters and friends through loss, triumph, and love - this was a good book to read and little plot twist at the end.

Thanks to Netgallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The cover and title of this book was what drew me to this one. I'm happy to say I also enjoyed the premise! It's a quick read with likeable characters. Told through two timelines, 2016, and 1942. In 2016, Mari's mother passed away and she travels to Martha's Vineyard to meet Elizabeth Deveraux at her farm at Sea. She's not sure what her connection is to her, but found her name in her mother's notes. While there, Elizabeth tells Mari about the Smith sisters who lived on this farm during WW2.

In 1942, the Smith sisters, Cadence and Briar, are trying to hold the family farm together during WW2, Cadence and her friend Bess start a book club to try and make life feel as normal as possible. But there are things happening that could put everything at risk.

These characters are well developed and their stories are compelling. I liked that this was different from other WW2 books I've read. A little predictable, but still an enjoyable book.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I received this novel as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I had a hard time getting into this book initially, but found it to be more interesting as it went on. As a lover of Martha’s Vineyard, the setting was amazing with all of the detail of the author included. As I was reading, though, I just did not know if the things happening could’ve possibly been true I wish that the afterword information had been given in a forward, and then I would’ve known some background to make sense of things.

The cover looked like a perfect summer read and I was thrilled when Olivia Haase, a publicist, from MB Communications reached out to me to read and review this book.

This story is set in both 2016 and 1942 on Martha’s Vineyard. It starts out when Mari Starwood travels from California after her mother’s death. She found artist, Elizabeth Devereaux’s name, in her mother’s possessions. Mari’s plan was to meet briefly and return home to California.

Instead, Elizabeth pulls the reader as well as Mari into the story of two sisters, Cadence and Briar. The other characters from the past are the girl’s brother Tom, Bess, his fiancé, and their grandmother. The family is struggling to make ends meet on the farm during the war. When Tom is called up to serve, life becomes even more desperate.

Cadence wants to escape to a job in publishing in New York, but she feels compelled to stay and help the family. Briar who is more of a tom boy who loves the farm and wouldn’t think of leaving.

Though life is difficult they manage until Tom leaves to serve as a Ranger overseas and before she can tell him, Bess is pregnant. Gil, a British officer and Cadence become attracted to each other and Briar finds evidence of a spy in the area.

Mari’s stay is stretched out when Elizabeth tells the story to her in pieces, each day leaving a cliffhanger. Mari finally agrees to stay so Elizabeth can finish the story.

This is a story within a story. The mystery in the past is discovering who the spy is and trying to prevent them from connecting with the German U-boat in the area. In the present day, we find out if Mari has a connection to the family in the past.

This is a heartfelt story of family life during the war on the island, the strength of family and the difficult choices that were made. It is a story that you will think about often.

My full review will post on my blog site Book Love - Book Reviews at Virginia-Gruver.com. It is scheduled to post on May 26th.

Thanks so much to Olivia Haase for reaching out to me to read and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a new to me author for my honest review.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is a terrific historical fiction novel set during WW2. Two sisters and their grandmother are working hard to save their family farm while their brother/grandson is away in the war zone. The older sister starts a book club to try to raise spirits and occupy minds. I liked the mention of various novels throughout the book. I'd have loved a bit more discussion from the characters about the books. Overall, it was a pleasant reading experience with a great setting. Read and enjoy!

Martha Hall Kelly’s forthcoming novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, offers a blend of historical fiction, family secrets, and WW2 espionage.

The narrative unfolds across two timelines. In 2016, Mari Starwood journeys from California to Martha’s Vineyard, seeking answers about her late mother’s past. Her quest leads her to the reclusive painter Elizabeth Devereaux, who unveils a wartime tale from 1942. During World War II, sisters Cadence and Briar Smith strive to maintain their family’s farm amidst the island’s transformation into a military training ground. Their lives intertwine with soldiers, spies, and the formation of a women’s book club aimed at boosting morale.

The author’s personal connection to Martha’s Vineyard, outlined in the author’s note, adds a special element to the story.

Mari arrives at Martha’s Vineyard for a paint lesson with artist Elizabeth Devereaux; instead, she hears the story of the Smith sisters, Cadence and Briar, and the events of World War II. It involves military maneuvers, spying U-Boats, rampant suspicion and profound grief. There is a common link among the women of the story which Martha Hall Kelly uses to frame the task of identifying a traitor and averting more tragedy. As Mari’s questions are answered, the reader through the details of alternating viewpoints shares in her discovery of how she fits into the puzzle. As in her previous novels, Hall has given us the opportunity to learn another chapter of our history. This is my fifth experience and I look forward to the next.
I look forward

This was a complex story told by Martha Hall Kelly. She is great at character building and this showed throughout the story. The book begins with Mari traveling to Martha’s Vineyard to meet up with Elizabeth. Mari didn’t know her connection to Elizabeth and Martha’s Vineyard. Elizabeth began telling Mari the story of the Smith sisters and their book club. The Smith sisters were trying to keep their farm going during WWII. They have some friends join their book club. The story weaves through all of the girls lives, loves, and losses. In the end, it is revealed that Elizabeth is Mari’s grandmother. Mari learns her connection to the Smith sisters and vows the fight to keep the farm since she is the only living heir. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for an advanced e-copy for an honest review.

Overall nice quick read. Very clean and slightly mysterious.

I enjoyed it but it was highly predictable.

The story line was good and the characters were pretty great overall.

Would definitely recommend

Thank you NetGalley for the copy

“The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club” should be the first pick for a summer read for fans of historical fiction and cozy mysteries. The book is told from multiple points of view and is partially based on true stories.

In 2016, Mari’s mother has just died and in attempt to feel closer to her she heads to Martha’s Vineyard to meet with a woman, Elizabeth Devereaux, whose information was in her mother’s notes.

When Mari meets Elizabeth, Elizabeth says she has a story to tell her, the story of two sisters, Briar and Cadence, living on Martha’s Vineyard in 1942 amidst the chaos of WWII. Briar and Cadence live on a farm with their grandmother and their brother Tom’s girlfriend while Tom is off fighting in Europe as an Army Ranger. But Tom isn’t the only one experiencing the action of WWII – the island is surrounded by German U-boats and the U.S. Army is using the island to train and practice maneuvers. With so much happening on this small island, intrigue and shenanigans ensue.

As the story plays out, Mari begins to develop her own relationships on the island and pieces together an understanding of why Elizabeth Devereaux is telling her this story.

The pacing of some of the storylines felt a little bit haphazard and off – for example, a lot of time was devoted to the plot featuring the FBI agent, and then that plot point was resolved randomly and quickly. And the endings (both in 1942 and 2016), felt rushed to me.

But this story is fun and felt different to me than any historical fiction I’ve read before. I think readers who enjoy both Elin Hilderbrand and historical fiction will like reading this book this summer!

Always enjoy reading about different perspectives of World War II and this is somethiing I did not know. Set in dual timelines on Martha's Vineyard with a group of ladies trying to do the best to get through tight war years and make a difference. This is a WWII story and while we don’t see the battlefield, we see the impact that the war has on the people here and it’s not all light with German u boats seeking glimpses of Allied practice maneuvers, a spy on the island, young men sent off to war who don’t return home or return forever changed. In 2016 we meet Mari she travels to Martha's Vineyard on the heels of her mother's funeral. Her finances are tight and her heart is tender. She arrives there to paint as the famed Elizabeth Devereaux"s student. Baffled locals can't figure out why Devereaux takes Mari on. Elizabeth begins to regal Mari with stories of the island's past particularly its involvement in WWII. The second timeline, 1942 is brimming with life and vibrancy. There are two sisters Briar who is younger and more of a tomboy she has spunk, Cadence is the older sister with lofty dreams of leaving the island and pursuing a job in publishing. Lots of different plot lines from the U boats, to disserters, love, Army drills and espinoage, this one will keep you engaged and reading. Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, the author and Netgalley for the opportunity. #TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one day. I loved the characters and the storyline. I thought the characters had great growth. I would definitely recommend this book.

I think this one just wasn't for me. I liked the premise but I think I don't gravitate towards historical stories set during war times.

This book is right up my alley & it delivered. I loved the characters & the setting of the farm & now I have to visit Martha's Vineyard. Seeing a different side of the war was interesting, and how it affected the community in a unique way.

The author kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, I wasn't shocked at the ending but I enjoyed how we got there. I will say it was devastating to a certain extent, and a lot to process by the end. Made me think about the consequences of decisions over the generations.

Would definitely recommend this book! Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! I must say the cover was the first thing that drew my attention to this book. I like to read family stories that take place in the 1940's. This story is told in dual timelines. In 2016, Mari Sherwood makes a trip to Martha's Vineyard to meet with reclusive painter Elizabeth Devereaux. When she arrives, Elizabeth tells her a story about the Smith sisters. The Smith Sisters, Cadence and Briar, lived in Martha's Vineyard during WWII. The girls start a wartime book club to cope with all that is going on in their lives. I enjoyed meeting all the characters, but Briar was my favorite because she was just a little different. The ending was also very good. This was my first book by Martha Hall Kelly, and I plan to read more.

This is dual-timeline historical fiction. In 2016, Mari is mourning her mother’s death. She travels to Martha's Vinyard to see Mrs. Devereaux, a woman whose name she found in her mother’s files. Mrs. Devereaux tells Mari a story that took place in 1942, when the US Army was training nearby, a German U boat was spotted offshore, and some local girls started a book club. Mari is enthralled by the stories of love and treason, even as she struggles to understand how they're connected to her own history.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach in Book Club is a step back in time to relatively unknown events that happened during World War II on American soil. The fact that the book is based on real people, adds to the depth of the characters and their roles in securing the freedom of Martha’s Vineyard from Nazi invasion. The book club element was a little too secondary and I wanted much more time spent with Mrs. Devereaux. However, the descriptions of the islands evoked such a strong feeling of being there, that you could well imagine the smell of the saltwater and the scream of the seagulls. Not to mention all that sand! I recommend it to book clubs because the opportunity for discussion is high. Thank you to NetGalley for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author Martha Hall Kelly has crafted yet another captivating and sweeping historical fiction story with a touch of mystery. The dual timeline story opens in the year 2016 with the bulk of the story residing in 1942 Martha's Vineyard.

It's 2016 and Mari has just arrived on the island, presumably for a bit of private painting tutelage. Elizabeth, Mari's instructor, advanced in her years, tells a long engaging story, which she implies is connected to Mari's own. It centers around the two Smith sisters and their Gram Smith during WWII. The sisters' brother is off to war, serving his country. In an attempt to maintain some normalcy during meager and anxious times, these women along with their friends start the MVBABC (Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club). The soldiers down the road are readying for their deployment while German U-Boats circle the island. There are many challenges and tough choices for these young women forced to grow up quickly in time of war.

The story is very well written with a tremendous amount of historical research put into its telling. The characters are well-developed and the mise en scène is vibrant. It was so well laid out that one could see the magnificent vistas from high island promontories, smell the enticing aromas of home-baked donuts and cookies in Gram's kitchen, as well as the tangy salt air brought in with the rising tide. The tension remains taut right through to the book's conclusion. As a long ago visitor of Martha's Vineyard, this was a wonderful trip down memory lane while learning yet more of the island's history than was previously known. If you have an interest in island life, the roles of women during WWII, and enjoy well-written and well-researched stories about such women, then this may well be the book for you.

I am grateful to Ms. Kelly and her publisher, Ballantine Books, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-0593354919