4.5stars!
This historical fiction was a pleasant read. Thank you to Random House via Netgalley and PRHAudio for the complimentary copies for review.
I adore this multi-POV, dual timeline gem of a novel. I was very impressed of how smooth the flow was laid out. The beautiful writing that was both captivating and vivid that just realistically takes- you to the scene on the beautiful coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Though the war was not graphically described here, the counter part scenario of the families left behind by those who bravely served to protect the American soil was presented in great detail. I love the voices of both Smith sisters but my heart is drawn more towards Blaire. The author’s note in the end explained the inspiration of this book and it was indeed researched in careful and accurate comprehensive facts and even to the very last minutiae.
This was a perfect read for Memorial Day weekend and I highly recommend this book!

I love a dual timeline and this book delivered on that. The story is set both in 2016 and 1942 on Martha’s Vineyard. I adored the characters from 1942, Briar and Cadence and was rooting for their sisterhood, literal and figurative the whole book. The WWII plot lines were great and not anything I’d read about before, especially being set in the US. There are lots of subplots within the main storyline too, and each are quite fun. While we know there is a connection between 2016 and 1942, it’s not revealed until the very end, and most of the story takes place during the WWII timeline. I felt the ending was left open enough to get another book, following up on 2016’s Mari. I’d certainly read it. I’d give more stars if the 2016 timeline had more character development and depth. Overall a lovely read with enough scenic detail to really take you into the life of the town and its people.

A perfect addition to your beach bag! Martha Hall Kelly’s latest transports the reader to exquisitely charming and interesting Martha’s Vineyard and serves up a page flipping, fun and entertaining tale filled with both mystery and history - including in regard to the island’s role in World War II. The characters are vividly drawn and memorable. The prose is well crafted. And the pacing is perfect. Also, as with Kelly’s prior novels (all of which I’ve read), the story appears to be very well researched but salted with just the right amount of historical detail in a manner that serves the story well.

Highly recommended! Extra credit for the insightful author’s note and that delectable vintage styled cover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Ballantine Books for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

This book focuses on the history surrounding a Martha’s Vineyard family during WWII and a modern- day woman struggles to find her connection with the family. Told in dual timelines, the past overshadows the presents, which is a good thing, as the story is rich and interesting. I love historical fiction, but this one did not strike that 5-star chord with me. This was the first I have finished by the author ( the other I tried, but did not like, was the ultra-popular Lilac Girls) and I think it is just the author’s style does not jive with me. Character development was not complete enough for me to fully invest myself into the plot; it took me awhile to finish. That said, my overall opinion of the book is that it has a great plot, subplots, and lovely characters, which is why I rounded my rating up to 4 stars.

Mari has just lost her mother, but in her things discovers a name on a piece of paper - Elizabeth Devereaux and so she goes to Martha’s Vineyard to learn why. Elizabeth tells her the story of three girls during WWII, Bess and sisters Cadence and Briar. When the army comes to Martha’s Vineyard, Briar views a U-boat off the coast, except no one believes her. The women form a book club with some others on the island which not only enriches their lives (with friendship and literature) but becomes well known enough to gain the attention of the NYC publishing world (Cadence’s dream). With a British Major and a German deserter becoming part of their lives, the women have their hands full while they determine who on the island can be trusted and if anyone is actually a German spy.

This was my first hall Kelly novel, but I have heard about her for a while. I don’t know what I was expecting but I have to say the cover does not represent the book (I really like the cover, but it seems like a light carefree read and it’s really not). This is really a story about found family, survival and love (romantic, platonic and familial) and in the end I really enjoyed the characters, their journeys, and their intra-dynamics. This had strong female characters as well as a mystery to solve and I am always here for both of those. The audio was a really well done multiple cast recording (with the author as one of the narrators, always a bonus) - I listened while I made the first strawberry rhubarb crisp of the season. I look forward to reading more of Hall’s novels, luckily there is a backlist and I don’t have to wait for her next one.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I am thrilled and honored to have received this advance copy of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine. I am sorry it has taken me so long to read it and write this review.
Have you ever picked up a book and, after reading the first several pages, realized that you were going to just love that book? Well, this was one of those rare gems for me. I just loved this book!
Mari Starwood travels to Martha’s Vineyard shortly after her beloved mother’s death in hopes of getting some answers. She meets with Mrs Deveraux, a somewhat eccentric artist who is living on a farm on the edge of the North Shore of the island. Over the next two days Mrs Deveraux tells her the story of two sisters, Cadence, 19, and Briar, 16, who lived in that very farmhouse with their beloved grandmother in 1942 and their story of that tumultuous summer.
Once again I was sent to search Google on my phone to find out that many of the events in the story really did happen. I won’t ruin it for you by telling you about them. Just believe me when I say you must read this book!

Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club shifts between two timelines; 2016 and WWII on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. Martha Hall Kelly sets the stage in 2016 with Mari Starwood arriving on Martha’s Vineyard on the pretense of attending an art workshop with the reclusive and famous artist Elizabeth Devereaux. But that is not really why Mari is there. Her mom recently passed and while going through her mother’s thing found Elizabeth Devereaux’s name. Elizabeth is about to tell Mari a story about the people that once lived in this house during WWII and the connection her mother had to the house and the people.

This story centers around the Smith family, Gram; sisters Cadence and Briar, brother Thomas and his girlfriend Bess, during WWII and their struggle to keep the family farm together. It is a story about Cadence and Bess starting a book club and a plan to get miniature books to the soldiers that are stationed on the island. It is a story about young Briar and her obsession with German U-boats off the coast of the island. And as their brother Thomas goes off to fight there are rumors of a spy living amounts them.

While Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a work of fiction Martha Hall Kelly weaves in actual event of soldiers practicing beach landing to German Subs off the coast. Blended in this story is a little romance, mystery and a few surprises.

Thank you, Martha Hall Kelly, Random House Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Mari travels from California to Martha's Vineyard searching for answers following the passing of her mother. There to meet one of the island's famous authors, whose name she found in her mother's belongings, she begins to listen to a story, not knowing how the U.S. Army's completion of training exercises on the island more than 70 years ago relates to her. German U-boats, spies, baked goods, a book beach club, and the Smith girls at the center of it all.

It is no secret that I love a good historical fiction read, and this definitely fits the bill. While the pacing could be slow at times, the Smith girls kept me interested. All of the characters were so likable yet so suspicious at the same time. Joyful and heartbreaking all at the same time, much like I imagine the end of the war was. While I didn't love that everything wasn't wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end, I understand that the story wouldn't exist if it were.

Martha Hall Kelly's "Lilac Girls" is one of my favorite reads of 2025 so far, so I was ecstatic to see that she had a new novel being published. Ballantine is known for captivating stories, and although I did not love this one as much as the other, it was still a decent read. If you are looking for a short historical fiction set during WWII, this is a good choice. I liked that it was set in the United States. Martha's Vineyard is not a place that I have traveled to or heard about in connection to WWII before, so it was unique in that regard. The characters were lovable, but as the story switched between points of view, it felt like none of them were as deeply explored as they could have been.

Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

*Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books for ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. *

4.5 ⭐️

I have been a huge fan of Martha Hall Kelly's books since I read Lilac Girls in 2019. A story that remains one of my favorite books in historical fiction to this day. I’m always excited when I find out that she has a new book coming out. When I found out about Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, I couldn’t wait for a chance to read it. I adore reading stories set during WWI/II; it's a fascinating subject for me, and Kelly did an outstanding job with it. The vivid descriptions are my favorite features of her books. I could see myself there with Cadence, Briar, and Bess even though I had never visited Martha's Vineyard. I wished I had been there when I turned the last page. I adored that this book featured a book club, especially during the war. I was always curious about what book they would end up reading next. I became so captivated in the story that I didn’t realize the hours I spent reading.

Most World War II novels I've read are set in Europe, so I like that this one was set in Martha's Vineyard since it provided a unique perspective on the war. I like how the narrative was written from both sisters' perspectives; it allows readers to get to know both sisters and connect with them. I adored both Briar and Cadence. I was always eager to see what happens with them next. Although I like Mari's viewpoint and wanted to know why Mrs. Devereaux told her the story, I found the Briar and Cadence story to be more captivating. Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club had everything from war to mystery and even some romance. All of those are my favorite genres, and I found it impossible to pull myself away from the book. A part of me, however, didn't want the story end because I grew so attached to the characters.

I loved the mystery aspect in the book, and I found myself wondering. The character development in this book was phenomenal. The book club also made me think of the virtual book club I’m running with my friends now, which warmed my heart in so many ways. I could go on about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club </b> is a story that will stay with you, a story that you will talk to your friends and family about. I’m already eager to see what adventure Martha Hall Kelly will take us on next!

It took me awhile to get into this but I’m glad I stuck with it because by the 50% mark I couldn’t put it down.

Mostly taking place in 1942 (with a little 2016 as well) the author does an incredible job describing the Vineyard at that time. I could picture it all, and felt like I was there with them. You can tell Martha Hall Kelly did her research.

I especially loved the theme of supportive women and girlfriends that ran throughout in also embarrassed to say they despite living a few miles from Joint Base Cape Cod, it never occurred to me to look into how they came to be. Well, I learned it in this book.

A few storylines felt rushed (Gil…) or unexplained (Ronan) but that didn’t take away from the story. And even though you know where this ultimately goes from the beginning it’s still a fascinating way to get there.

Thank you Ballantine and NetGalley for this book in exchange for my honest review.

If you can't move heaven you have to raise hell

Such is the credo of the women in this dual timeline work of historical fiction. In 2016, Mari Starwood arrives via ferry on the island of Martha's Vineyard in search of famed artist Elizabeth Devereaux. Mari's life isn't where she'd like it to be in general....she's nearing 40 but works at a Jamba juice bar back home in LA and has a half-hearted boyfriend...but more to the point she is mourning the death of her mother. In her mother's things Mari had found a slip of paper with Mrs. Devereaux's name on it, and reached out to the woman under the guise of possibly taking an individual painting class with the notoriously private artist. Surprisingly Mrs. Devereaux agreed, but what should have been a quick daylong visit turns into a slightly longer stay; as it turns out Mrs. Devereaux had an ulterior motive in agreeing to Mari's request. There is a story that Mari needs to hear about the family who used to live at the farm where Mrs. Devereaux is now living, Copper Pond Farm, Ginny Smith and her three grandchildren Tom, Cadence and Briar. During the World War II era, the lives of this family (Tom off to serve his country overseas, Cadence desperately wanting to head for New York and make her mark in the publishing world but tied to home because of family demands, and Briar the unconventional youngest sister with a penchant for unusual attire and an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure topics) and their circle of friends will be a witness to and a part of history as it unfolds...and as Mari hears their stories she will discover why she felt compelled to visit the island herself.
I started this latest novel by Martha Hall Kelly with a strong predisposition to like it...I have been a visitor to Martha's Vineyard for many years, and have a great fondness for it. It turns out that Ms Kelly also has strong ties to the Island, and that coupled with her research have resulted in a fascinating work of historical fiction. The Smith family in the story are blue collar year-round residents whose roots on the island go back to Ginny's grandparents, but they are definitely the "have nots" when compared to the wealthy families from Boston, New York and beyond who visit the island each summer and spend time socializing at the various clubs where people like the Smiths work to make ends meet. The main characters in the book are: (in 1942) Cadence and Briar, the two sisters who couldn't be more different; the hardworking but ailing Gram Ginny; Bess, daughter of a wealthy but cold Boston family who has fallen in love with Tom Smith and has left her disapproving family to be with him; and Tom, who leaves in order to serve in the war at the beginning of the book but who remains present in the thoughts and hearts of the women he left behind; in 2016, it it Mari and Elizabeth Devereaux. Each are distinct, often quirky characters whose relationships with one another are the emotional underpinning of the book. Layer in a possible German spy, U-boats circling the island, and military troops training on the island plus some New York literary types who might just be able to help Cadence's dreams come true, and the reader has quite the tale on their hands. Romance, intrigue, heartbreak, and sacrifice are woven into the plot, and while the ending isn't terribly hard to predict it is tremendous fun getting there. I loved learning bits of the VIneyard's history that I either didn't know or only knew a bit about (my father-in-law, I discovered a few year's ago, actually trained on the island himself back in the day during his military service, so that element of the story was of particular interest to me). Readers of historical fiction in general, particularly of this time period, and fans of Kristin Hannah, Lisa Wingate and Kate Quinn among others should definitely make this one of their summer reads. By the beach, if they can do it...I actually read part of it while sitting on a beach on Martha's Vineyard, which thrilled me no end. A strong 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to a 5 given my Vineyard connection. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books for allowing me access to this delightful tale in exchange for my honest review.

Years after her mother’s passing, Mari Starwood uncovers a forgotten name—Elizabeth Devereaux, a once-celebrated artist—hidden among old letters. Her search for answers takes her to Martha’s Vineyard, where echoes of the past still linger. As she digs deeper, Mari begins to unravel a long-buried story set in 1942, when the island sat on the edge of war and danger drifted just offshore.⁣
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What follows is a layered narrative of love, betrayal, and resilience. A forbidden relationship, a secret book club offering quiet rebellion, and two sisters determined to protect what’s theirs all come to life in this evocative, dual-timeline tale. With lush, atmospheric writing and characters that feel achingly real, this novel captures the enduring pull of history and the quiet strength of women who refuse to be forgotten. The perfect summer read for all historical fiction lovers; especially those who live a little mystery thrown in! ⁣
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Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely a new favorite by Martha Hall Kelly!! I loved this intergenerational dual timeline WWII story about the Smith family and their experience living on a farm in Martha's Vineyard during the war. Filled with female friendship, romance, intrigue and family secrets, this was fantastic on audio with a full cast of narrators too. Highly recommended, especially for fans of books like The girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny LeCoat. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you Ballentine Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy.

When I started this book, I didn't know what to expect because it wasn't following the Ferriday family any longer. I hadn't read any plot summaries and went in totally blind. I didn't realize this was somewhat autobiographical in the sense that the characters were based on the author's mother and grandmother. I went in skeptical and quickly was captivated by the imagination used to flesh out these wonderful characters. I didn't want to finish the book because I loved them all so much. The only plot point I didn't like was the small part the present played in the book. I understand the bulk of the story was Briar and Cadence, but I would have liked to know more of Mari and her mom.

Martha Hall Kelly made me a believer in her process and will always be a must read for me. She has meticulously researched her plots and settings and imagines wonderful characters. I look forward to her next works!

As World War II creeps to American shores and after their parents' deaths, their brother's enlistment, and their grandmother's illness, sisters Cadence and Briar Smith are struggling to keep their family farm on Martha's Vineyard. Cadence and her good friend (and brother Tom's girlfriend) Bess work at a local beach club while young Briar does piecework. They all struggle to cultivate the potato crop Tom planted before his enlistment, threatened by soldiers driving their equipment across it.

Briar is convinced there's a traitor in their midst, but everyone dismisses her as a peculiar imaginative teenager. Meanwhile, Cadence's writing catches the eye of publishing executives visiting for the summer, but she must repeatedly refuse their employment offers. She can't leave her grandmother, Briar, and Bess to fend for themselves, particularly as Tom's fate is unknown.

I loved this book--the setting, the characters, the dual timeline, etc. Perfect summer escapist reading with just enough depth. #TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

Definitely a new favorite by Martha Hall Kelly!! I loved this intergenerational dual timeline WWII story about the Smith family and their experience living on a farm in Martha's Vineyard during the war. Filled with female friendship, romance, intrigue and family secrets, this was fantastic on audio with a full cast of narrators too. Highly recommended, especially for fans of books like The girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny LeCoat. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Yes this is a dual time line novel but know that the 2016 parts will eventually reveal the outcome of events in 1942 when Cadence and Briar Smith, their almost sister-in-law Bess, and their grandmother work to keep their farm going on Martha's Vineyard even as US troops train on the island and Germans lurk off shore. This gives off a bit of Little Women vibes with the war time setting, a brother gone to war and the women keeping things together and powering through. Briar, known as Briar the Liar for the number of times she's claimed to have see a UBoat, is actually on the trail of a German spy and it's legit. Cadence writes a column for the local paper while working at the club alongside Bess, the girl first of their brother Tom who has left her wealthy family to live with the Smiths. This has all the feels as the women form a book club and then have a serendipitous contact with glamour women who work for Putnam (and that yacht!). And there's a German who really has washed up on shore. There's a potential love interest in a British officer but this is mostly about the women and their determination to meet their individual and joint goals (the potatoes!). I found myself rooting for all of them. This has good pacing and storytelling with vivid characters and atmospherics. Thanks to netgalley of the ARC. Don't miss the afterword for info about life on Martha's Vineyard during WWII. A good read especially for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Set on Martha’s Vineyard in 1942, two sisters start a book club amidst the hardships of WWII and uncover island secrets that could change the course of the war.

I couldn’t put this book down! It’s the perfect beach read and a fantastic choice for book clubs. Centered around a resilient family of women working to keep their Martha’s Vineyard farm going during WWII, the story beautifully blends history, suspense, and sisterhood.

Despite a large cast of characters, the author skillfully makes each one distinct and memorable. Kelly’s descriptive writing transported me straight to the Vineyard in 1942—I could feel the salt air, the tension of war, and the emotional toll as loved ones went off to fight in Europe.

The mystery at the heart of the story—who’s the spy?—added just the right amount of intrigue, keeping me guessing until the very end. I especially loved the literary and publishing elements woven throughout, and the strong, independent female characters made the story even more compelling.

A gripping historical novel with heart, secrets, and strength—I highly recommend it.

Martha Hall Kelly beautifully paints the picture of life in Martha's Vineyard during WW2. Many of her chapters end on cliffhangers that have you flipping to the next page quickly. Focusing on 3 (well, more like 2.5) main narrators, we see how life during the war affected the soldiers, their families, and the citizens of the towns in MV.

The last 20% of the book had me crying and reading rapidly to see what happened next. I only wish we could know more about the original narrator, Mari.

Overall, a great read and I will be looking into more from this author. Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.