Told in alternating viewpoints of sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard throughout WWII, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach Book Club starts with a young woman who has just lost her mother arriving on island. As a reader, you are immediately drawn to this slight mess of a character. Mari is unsure of her exact reason for being on the Vineyard as she goes to meet an older woman, under the guise of a painting class. You can sense her hesitation and trepidation as she ferry approaches land. While the artist and the book club itself are seemingly tertiary characters in the story, they are loosely present as Cadence and Briar take us through what it was like on the Vineyard during the 40s, with a brother overseas and troops in their home. Like most of Martha Hall Kelly’s novels, it is based in fact and keeps you engaged to figure out the connection among the characters.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

The main characters Cadence and Briar “the liar” Smith share the story with Gram,brother Tom, girlfriend Bess and others. It’s 1942 on their land, Copper Pond Farm, on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Cadence loves books and the war has shortened the supply of paper,so books are shared throughout the Island. Each book is a treasure.

The girls start a book club unlike the older ladies on the island, whereby they actually read and discuss the books. Cadence makes some money reading the other ladies’ books and writing summaries for them. Cadence wants to be a book editor or writer herself.

This story is well put together-a good story-and shines the light on some true historical facts of that era. It’s a light read you can zip through, and I found myself reluctant to put the book down to do needed chores. It was a real page turner. Five stars from me, recommended for a late teen to adult audience.

3.5 rounded up
Martha Hall Kelly is one of my favorite historical fiction authors who feature strong women. In spite of the strong women, the unique setting, and so much to learn about Martha’s Vineyard during WWII, this one fell a bit flat for me. I was not driven to read late into the night. When the storyline reverted to 2017, I had to go back to the beginning to refresh my memory. I cannot pinpoint what exactly felt lacking. I do plan to check out the audio version when it’s available in hopes I will enjoy it more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this immersive novel with its dual timeline, the mystery to solve and the Martha’s Vineyard setting. There is an enjoyable cast of characters, and a narrative that I couldn’t get enough of. This will make a great beach read for historical fiction readers.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Get ready to be swept away to the enchanting shores of Martha's Vineyard in this captivating new novel! Set to release on May 27th, this book beautifully weaves together two distinct timelines, drawing you into the lives of Mari in 2016 and the Smith sisters during the tumultuous years of World War II.

From the moment Mari arrives on the storied island, still navigating the complexities of grief, you'll feel the pull of its unique charm. Her quest to connect with the reclusive painter, Elizabeth Devereaux, unfolds with a gentle intrigue that soon blossoms into a much deeper connection to the island's past. The author skillfully uses Mrs. Devereaux's storytelling to transport us back to 1942 and the lives of the remarkable Smith sisters.
Cadence, the aspiring writer, and Briar, focused on the unfolding war, face the daunting task of preserving their family farm as the world around them changes dramatically. Their resilience and the bonds of sisterhood shine through the challenges they face. The introduction of a wartime book club offers a delightful glimpse into their lives, providing both solace and unexpected influence within their community. The arrival of a mysterious stranger and whispers of espionage add a layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning.

What makes this novel truly special is the seamless way the author connects Mari's present-day journey with the Smith sisters' historical narrative. The unfolding revelations about Mari's own ties to the island are both surprising and deeply satisfying. You'll find yourself invested in both timelines, eager to uncover the secrets that link them across generations.

"Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club" is more than just a story; it's an immersive experience. The vivid descriptions of the island transport you to its sandy beaches and charming locales, while the well-developed characters draw you into their emotional landscapes. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of mystery, heartfelt family stories, and the comforting embrace of a good book club. Mark your calendars for May 27th – you won't want to miss this gem!

This was a great WW2 historical fiction that focused on stuff on the home front. I feel like we don't get that often and it was interesting seeing what life was like on Nantucket. The fear of Germans and spies was bigger than I realized. A great book for WW2 lovers

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC! I went into this completely blind, so I had no idea what to expect. This is such a beautiful story that actually brought me to tears! Told in multiple POVs over several decades, this follows the Smith family, living on Martha's Vineyard in 1942 during WWII, and Mari Starwood, 34-years old from LA, grieving the recent death of her mother, and visiting MV for the first time to meet with Elizabeth Devereaux, a famous but reclusive painter whom she thinks she has some kind of connection to. Mrs. Devereaux starts telling Mari the story of the Smith family: how they owned the farm she currently lives on, how the two sisters Cadence and Briar, along with their friends Bess and Margaret started a book club that eventually helped get books into the hands of US soldiers fighting the war, and how their brother (engaged to Bess) was shipped off before finding out that Bess was pregnant - all set on the beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard. Mari is shocked to learn that she actually has more connections to the island than she ever expected. This book started slow, but as it went on I felt myself being unable to put it down. I loved this story, which is actually based on real events (read the author's notes at the end to learn about this!). I found all the characters lovable, and really enjoyed each one's arc throughout the book. I found myself rooting for Cadence and Briar, and even though I kind of figured out what the plot twist was going to be, it was still done beautifully. One thing I do with we got more of is Mari's story, but I understand that wasn't really the point of the book. This is one book you should definitely add to your summer reading list!

Unique WWII historical fiction set on Martha's Vineyard dealing with military reality and the conflicts between residents, wealthy summer people, and the military forces taking control of much of the island.

My first 5 star read of the year and I am not at all surprised that it is for a book by Martha Hall Kelly. The writing style, the character development, everything!
I can’t help but love stories with a dual time line but this one really got to me. I was lured in from the beginning, wondering how our characters were connected.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.

Reeling from her mother’s death, Mari Starwood finds a scrap of paper with a reclusive artist’s address. Anxious to find out more about her family, she books a painting lesson with Elizabeth Devereaux at her home on Martha’s Vineyard. Ms. Devereaux turns out to be nothing like Mari imagined. The old farm where she lives tops a hill overlooking the ocean, seeping peace and tranquility. When Elizabeth asks Mari to forego her evening flight home, and stay another day, she begins to unfurl the story of the Smith girls who owned and worked the farm in the 1940’s.

Details are initially doled out slowly, then more rapidly, as an amazing story snowballs toward its conclusion. Filled with excitement, humor, and romance, this novel will appeal, with a wide range of strong women characters, and yes, it will make the perfect Book Club selection!

I loved this book!! Loving the Vineyard, this was the perfect book. I am not typically a historical fiction book, but this was a well written book I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cadence, Briar, and Tom are three siblings living on Martha’s Vineyard with their grandmother. The US has entered WWII, and Tom enlists. His sisters are left on the island where enemy boats cruise the coastline and allied forces practice war maneuvers. Martha Hall Kelly has incorporated strong female characters with a fresh take on WWII from a totally new vantage point. She includes everything from romance to espionage. The book opens many years later with a young women’s search for information on her family but the majority of the story takes place during the war years. Kelly uses different POVs. This is both an enjoyable and an informative read. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this ARC.

This was a nice story and I liked how the author connected it to her own family’s story. It was a slow read for me and I had a hard time staying in the story. I did like the ending and how it all wrapped up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Based on true events involving the author's family and World War II happenings. The author's notes at the end of the book help bring this story to light.

Present day - Mari finds Elizabeth Devereaux's name in her late mother's belongings, so she leaves California and heads to Martha's Vineyard to try to make sense of it all. All Mari knows is that Elizabeth is an elderly, reclusive painter. The back story is told by Elizabeth, one chapter at a time.

1942 - Cadence and Briar Smith form a wartime book club, sharing books with friends and neighbors and collecting books to be donated to the soldiers stationed on Martha's Vineyard. Cadence is a reporter for the local newspaper and shares her book reviews through the newspaper. Briar is obsessed with all things military and war, and is convinced there is a German U-boat lurking in the water close to their farm. She is laughed off by the wardens whose duties were to keep the island residents safe. There is also a mystery which may or may not involve a spy and a German POW.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, in exchange for a review.

A truly wonderful book of World War II told, not from the European side, but rather what was happening here at home, namely in Martha’s Vineyard.
A fictional story told with true historical features, this book was informative, interesting and a marvelous, heartwarming read of a family of courageous women who were left behind to fight their own battles. Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. This review is my honest opinion.

In The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly, the story of a young woman’s background is slowly revealed. This provides some suspense along with information Mari craves. The book moved along swiftly, holding my attention throughout.

I expected a breezy summer read from the title and cover of this book, but, although it is easy to read, I don’t think it’s a typical beach read. (Don’t get me wrong—I love a good beach read and think authors of that genre are masterful writers, too.) Set on Martha’s Vineyard in a dual timeline of 2016 and 1942, it’s the story of Mari Starwood, Elizabeth Devereaux, and the Smith girls—Cadence and Briar.

There’s romance, mystery, and suspicious characters galore, which dial the tension to just the right level to keep you reading. I love almost any books about World War II, and this was an angle I haven’t read much of—what happened off the Eastern Coast in the United States during the war. In fact, the book was inspired by actual events. Like any good historical fiction, it taught me a thing or two.

Themes of sisterhood, loss, grief, family, books, friendship, and economic class are the backdrop for secrets, spies, and surprises. It’s warm, suspenseful, and engaging, and I highly recommend it. Thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

"If you can't move heaven, then just raise hell".

A bit of history, a touch of mystery and nothing like I was expecting. MVBBC took me by surprise in the best of ways.

The beginning is a bit slow but the story really ramps up around a quarter of the way through, so sit tight and enjoy the ride. Mari, heads to Martha's Vineyard to paint with the acclaimed artist Elizabeth Devereux, after the death of her mother. Turns out Elizabeth knows a lot more than just art. As she divulges the events of the past, Mari gains something significant to her future.

It's the 1940's on the Island and the war is raging, but that won't stop Cadence and Bess from dragging Briar to their book club. These three girls are the heartbeat of the book. They are bold, brave and break through the societal roles of their time period. There is so much going on through the pages like heartbreaking loss, a surprising new love and a dangerous mystery to be solved. There is a traitor among them and the girls must figure out who it is.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is what you get when historical accuracy meets entertaining fiction and one of a kind characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I’ve fortunately been on a roll with finding multiple great books lately, all 5 stars, it’s been a good spring reading for 2025. Martha Hall Kelly is one of my favorite authors so when this came up on NetGalley I jumped at it. She has knocked another one out of the ballpark, what an amazing author.

This story takes us for a ride with the Smith siblings, along with Gram and Bess on Martha’s Vineyard Island. It has it all, love, loss, mystery, murder, suspense and most of all heart. The multiple story lines kept me engaged, we have possible spies, a book club group, an injured German, and a writer in training. I did have to re-read the last chapter just to make sure I understood how the story was tied up with a bow. What a read!!! Another 5 star, just like all her others!

Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley.

5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

Wow! What a beautifully written book about WWII life on Martha's Vineyard. This is loosely based on true people and events which occurred in 1942, along with another timeline in 2016.

The writing is superb, the characters are well-developed, and the plot is fantastic. It had me flip-flopping on characters and guessing to the end of the book, which always makes me happy. I only figured out a small piece, but Martha kept the tension until the end!

Read this book - it is so good, especially if you like historical fiction like I do!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7150779051 - posted 4/27/2025
The StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/52b8fd34-9405-437d-8c12-4be2f6131f2d?redirect=true - posted 4/27/2025
booksbydorothea Blog: https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/04/review-marthas-vineyard-beach-and-book.html - posted 4/27/2025