A wonderful story set on Martha’s Vineyard during WWII. It’s the story of a family that is proud and hardworking, and a Bookclub they develop to pass the time during the war. However, as the Army descends upon the island for training, there are mysterious happenings all around - a sighting of a German Uboat off the coast, a mysterious death, an unknown visitor to the island that could be a spy. There’s also love - first love, familial love, love of country, and deep abiding friendship love. Thanks to NetGalley for the read!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into this book - I find that WWII historical fiction is extremely hit or miss for me, depending on how the books deals with the subject matter and what it chooses to focus on. I thought this book was extremely well written and well crafted, with a lot of great characters. I loved Cadence, Briar, and Bess and was rooting for them to succeed, and I got sucked into the mystery aspect of the story, as well as the small hint of romance.
I haven't read much WWII historical fiction that takes place in the United States, so I found this to be fascinating, because I didn't previously know about the troops that used Martha's Vineyard as a training ground. I loved the setting, I loved the troops storyline, and I loved the hint of espionage. The sisters were extremely loveable and had fun arcs, and I did get a little (okay, more than a little) emotional about the ending.
I think the only part of this book that keeps me from giving this five stars is the present day timeline - it wasn't present enough, and I think it either needed to be more frequent or not there at all. By the time Mari and her story came back into the fray, I had forgotten all about her and found the plot to be a nuisance getting in the way of the rest of the plot. It wasn't that I didn't like her or that I didn't find value in her part of the story, I just don't think her part was interjected often enough to keep me caring about her.
Overall, though, I really liked this story and these characters. I can't believe this was my first Martha Hall Kelly book (it's shocking that I haven't picked up Lilac Girls yet), but it certainly won't be my last!

🏖 BOOK / REVIEW 📚

Fresh off reading the fantastic new novel, #themarthasvineyardbeachandbookclub by @marthahallkelly.

And I absolutely loved it 🥹. I had the pleasure of meeting Martha in Pittsburgh when she spoke a few years ago at @riverstonebookstore. She was absolutely transfixing, and I gained a whole new level of appreciation for authors in the #historicalfiction genre.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club was a wonderful novel. It was WW2 focused, but such a different storyline than we are used to. There is romance, heartbreak, family secrets, and a lot of tension that ebb and flow throughout the whole book. Briar was probably my favorite character given her tenacity, but Cadence's story struck more of a cord for me.

This was a super quick read for me - there is enough "suspense" to keep you completely invested the entire time. I would describe this one as more character driven than knee deep in historical happenings of the time. Its a bit different from her other books, but still wonderful nonetheless!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - thank you so much @mbc_books for having me on tour. This one is OUT now!

Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls is one of my favorite historical fiction books so when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped to read it.
As with Lilac Girls, this book is very well researched and the fiction is weaved beautifully with the nonfiction. The story Ms. Kelly crafted is multi layered and has so much depth, but there were parts of it I just enjoyed more than others.
The way the historical part of the book is told, via two vastly different sisters, works beautifully. One tells the story of the book club and focuses on the army troops that used Martha’s Vineyard to practice the Normandy invasion and the other focuses on the American Hitler sympathizers who attempted to act as spies for Germany. I love that this book focuses on topics I haven’t heard about and it helps to solidify the fact that not every WW2 story has to take place in Europe and the concentration camps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballentine for an advanced copy of this. I’m sorry it took so long for me to get to. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club hit the shelves on May 27th.

I absolutely loved <i>The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club</i>—it’s the perfect blend of historical fiction, mystery, and emotional storytelling. As a historical fiction lover, the WWII timeline drew me in with its vivid setting and strong female characters, while the present-day story added heart and connection across generations. The Vineyard’s history comes to life throughout the book in such an engaging way, and the community of women and the hint of suspense kept me hooked.

What worked for me:

- The vivid historical setting—who knew Martha’s Vineyard was home to WWII landing rehearsals?

- Strong female relationships and a sense of community, from the wartime book club to Mari’s modern-day discoveries

- Engaging mystery and surprise twists (even in the last chapter)

What was a struggle for me:

- The present-day portions felt lighter and didn’t land as fully. They work, but the historical arc is the book’s real heart

- The pace is intentionally gentle—if you prefer tightly plotted thrillers, some chapters may feel leisurely

This was a perfect summer read with depth and charm—I highly recommend it to anyone who loves layered, character-driven historical fiction. And suddenly, I'm wondering if I too can move to a vineyard.

Don’t be fooled by the title and cover—while there is a book club, Martha Hall Kelly’s latest historical novel is far more about relationships, resilience, and wartime sacrifices.
Cadence and Briar Smith are doing everything they can to keep their family farm afloat on Martha’s Vineyard, with the help of their grandmother and close friend Bess. Their older brother, like so many local young men, has gone off to serve in World War II. Though Bess comes from wealth, the Smiths are no strangers to hardship, and together these women do their part to pay the bills and support the war effort.

Briar, imaginative and often dismissed, claims to have seen a German U-boat—an accusation that earns her the nickname "Briar the Liar." But she’s convinced something is amiss and refuses to let it go. Meanwhile, Cadence is falling for a British soldier stationed nearby to help train commandos for the D-Day landings. And Bess is forced to confront her future with some unexpected news. The book club itself begins as Cadence’s attempt to create a sense of normalcy in a chaotic, uncertain time.

Told through a frame narrative with a modern-day opening and closing, we gradually learn how Mari is connected to the Smith sisters and the island’s history. Though set during wartime, this is ultimately a story about the women left behind—their struggles, strength, and unbreakable bonds. Martha Hall Kelly once again reminds readers of the power of perseverance, community, and family in the face of adversity.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballatine Books, and of course the author Martha Hall Kelly for the advanced copy of the book. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is out now. All opinions are my own.

3.75 I really enjoyed this slice of life historical fiction set in ww2. In this book we follow the Smiths as their brother goes off to war and the two girls Cadence and Briar try to survive running the farm themselves with their brother’s fiancé and elderly grandma. We also follow Marci in 2016 as the story about the Smiths is being told to her. I really enjoyed the perspective of this ww2 novel about the women who had to be tough to survive while the men were away. The characters were so well fleshed out and I really cared what happened to them. My only complaint about the book was the modern day timeline kept pulling me out of the story. I really enjoyed this authors writing and have in the past as well. I hope to read more from this author in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

This was a great book touching on many relevant issues of the times. The characters were great - interesting and quirky! There was enough mystery to keep be guessing and the importance of family was appreciated. Thanks #NetGalley

Review will be posted on 6/13/25

Mari Starwood is going through her deceased mother's belongings and finds something very curious. She finds the name and address of Elizabeth Devereaux, a famous painter who lives on Martha's Vineyard. What is her mother's connection to this woman? Elizabeth, who is a known recluse, invites Mari to meet her on Martha's Vineyard and thus begins the journey of Mari learning more about her mother and her connection to the island. The story flashes back to two sisters, Cadence and Briar, who live on Martha's Vineyard during WWII. Their older brother, Tom, has been shipped off to the Navy, so it's up to the two women to run the family farm. Cadence is an aspiring writer and to raise spirits on Martha's Vineyard during the war, she starts a book club. Briar, on the other hand, is obsessed with locating German U-boats, which she spies off the coast of the island. There are many twists and turns in this novel as it isn't a light beach read, but rather, a heavier historical novel. Nonetheless, fans of historical fiction can't go wrong with Martha Hall Kelly and her latest, The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club.

Kelly uses two storylines from different time periods to weave her story and for the most part it works, but I will say I found myself more interested in the WWII plot. Cadence and Briar are very interesting characters and I especially liked Briar's interest in spotting U-boats off the coast. No one is taking her seriously, but readers know she is telling the truth. The plot thickens in The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, especially concerning their brother Tom, and I was glued to the pages. While I usually like my beach reads heavy on the beach and low on stressful times in history, I will say this is a good option for those who like beach reads that include meaningful moments in history. Also, I recommend it to fans of Kate Quinn.

What a beautiful (and slightly tragic) story this was. It starts off in 2016, when Mari finds the name of a woman named Elizabeth Devereaux in her deceased mother's belongings. She travels to Martha's Vineyard to see what connection she may have to her family and boy was she in for a surprise! Most of the novel is set in 1942 during WWII and follows the Smith sisters, Cadence and Briar along with their best friend Bessy and how they are surviving when their brother is sent off to War.

They LOVE reading (hence the title) and start a Book Club that turns into so much more for themselves and the soldiers located near their farm.

This is a historical fiction book, but it does accurately depict what went on at Martha's Vineyard during the war and the characters are based on real people that the author knew.

I highly recommend!

I’ve long been a fan of Martha Hall Kelly. Her deep love of history, meticulous research, and vivid attention to detail shine through in everything she writes.

This novel unfolds in a dual timeline. In the present day, Mari travels from California to Martha’s Vineyard to meet reclusive painter Elizabeth Deveraux. Her reasons are unclear at first, though we learn she believes the island holds a connection to her recently deceased mother.

In 1942, Cadence and Briar Smith, along with Cadence's best friend Bess, are living on their grandmother's farm. The Army has taken over part of the shoreline for training exercises. Cadence dreams of a publishing career in New York City, but family responsibilities keep her anchored to the farm. With their brother Tom serving overseas as an Army Ranger, the women are left to manage things at home. Bess has given up her privileged life after falling in love with Tom, and Cadence’s younger sister, Briar, is grieving the loss of her dear friend, Conrad Schmidt, an elderly neighbor. As tensions rise, Briar becomes obsessed with uncovering the identity of a suspected Nazi spy on the island.

This novel opened my eyes to the little-known presence of Nazis in the U.S. during WWII and the German U-boats off the East Coast. I also had no idea that troops trained on Martha’s Vineyard for the D-Day landings in Normandy—fascinating historical context I wasn’t expecting.

While I found the historical storyline compelling and rich with tension, the modern-day narrative felt a bit underdeveloped and, at times, unnecessary. The 1942 timeline offered plenty of intrigue and emotion to carry the story on its own.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to @netgalley and @ballantinebooks for an advanced reader copy of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly. It’s out now!!

I love historical fiction novels, and this book was a unique twist on the typical WWII historical fiction that I typically read. Set in Martha’s Vineyard, with a dual timeline, this book kept me engaged and I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story. For me, this was a solid and enjoyable read!

#netgalley #themarthasvineyardbeachandbookclub #historicalfictionbooks #bookworm

Five stars! I began to read it at 8 PM and was so drawn into this incredible historical fiction that I kept reading until the end...at 2 AM. Bess., Cadence, and Briar Rose were people that a reader wants to know more about. Their lives were believable and entertaining, and Martha's Vineyard is described so well that readers will think that they had been there.

This book has a dual timeline. Although Mari, the present day character, doesn't have a lot of "screen time", the stories of the past and present are seamlessly and easily drawn together.

I will be buying a hard copy of this one!

I was really looking forward to this one - the title initially drew me in. I didn't really care for this book... I really wanted to like this more than I ended up liking it. The pacing, the time periods and characters just didn't work for me.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishing for an early copy of The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

Author Martha Hall Kelly delivers again as readers cannot help but become completely engrossed in both the characters and the multiple plot lines of The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club. Present day Mari has arrived on Martha's Vineyard on the pretext of painting under teacher Mrs. Devereaux but is in fact searching for answers to a family puzzle.

The setting both during World War II and the present day make it clear that Martha's Vineyard is a place of unique beauty, and the inhabitants of the island remain close knit and caring. This certainly comes to light as the island lies in the path of German U-boats that prowl the area to possibly drop off Nazis bent on creating havoc in the United States in order to weaken its position on the War. Present day Mari has arrived on Martha's Vineyard on the pretext of painting under teacher Mrs. Devereaux but is in fact searching for answers to a family puzzle.

With the Smith sisters Briar and Cadence running their grandmother's farm on the island, they, along with a strong group of friends, will remain vigilant. However, personalities clash when a German man shows up in bad shape on their beach. Turning him in will cause problems; so will keeping him hidden.

Much of this story revolves around a local book club that comes up with the idea of providing soldiers leaving for Europe with lightweight books they can carry in their knapsacks. While this idea was already in production, the book club ladies follow through on their commitment.

Cadence Smith writes a column for the local newspaper and dreams of becoming an editor in New York City. When circumstances keep her from her goal, a relationship develops between Cadence and Major Gilbert who has been assigned to train recruits pretty much in the Smith's backyard.

There is so much happening in Kelly's well crafted and informative latest novel that one will be looking forward to a reread.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is part beach read and part historical fiction novel. It wasn't too heavy on the historical fiction but it laid the foundation for the story. The book is primarily told through the point of view of 2 sisters in the 1940s as well as more present day through a young woman trying to find a connection to her long-lost family. The sisters brought a lot of heart and character to the story and I enjoyed seeing the pieces come together as the book wrapped up.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Martha Hall Kelly, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC of #TheMartha'sVineyardBeachandBookClub in exchange for an honest review.

Editor's note: This roundup is scheduled to publish in Georgia June 11 online and June 14 print in several newspapers. Will also publish in Mississippi and Alabama during the month in newspapers and magazines, timing up to local editors. Link below will be active June 11.

From new series starters (Michael Connelly’s “Nightshade”) to the tried-and-true (Kendra Elliot’s “Her First Mistake”) our beach bag is already overflowing, and what we offer here are just a few — OK, actually 25 — of the best beach reads published through the end of June. Later this season we’ll round out the list, but for now, find an old favorite, a debut thriller or just about anything in between — including a North Alabama favorite who you just might see dining at a Cullman restaurant.

“Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man” (Berkley) by Jesse Q. Sutanto: A lovable Chinese tea shop owner stumbles upon a distressed, young woman — and a murder, the investigation of which she decides to serve up herself. With lots of tea and nosy charm, Vera tackles the project unasked as a “favor” to her (hoped for) future daughter-in-law. Sutanto mixes cozy mystery with smart humor and heartfelt moments.

“When She Was Gone” (Blackstone Publishing) by Sara Foster: When a young nanny working for one of Perth’s wealthiest families disappears, a tense investigation unravels the secrets of a seemingly perfect family, forcing everyone to confront the lies they’ve told themselves and each other. Foster delivers a taut, emotionally resonant thriller that lingers. And as expected from Blackstone Publishing, the story itself is packaged beautifully with subtle and tactile cover art: Buy the hardcover of this one.

“Follow Me” (Thomas & Mercer) by Elizabeth Rose Quinn: An eerie digital breadcrumb trail leads a tech-savvy woman into a web of deception and danger. Quinn crafts a smart, suspenseful mystery that taps into our modern fears of surveillance and online identity. “Heathers” meets “The Stepford Wives” in this tale of twin sisters.

“The Book That Held Her Heart” (Ace) by Mark Lawrence: In this final chapter of The Library Trilogy, a mysterious book bridges love, loss and literary magic in a haunting story that defies time and tests the bond between Livira and Evar — one that has never been more taut. Lawrence blends fantasy and emotion in this lyrical, genre-bending tale.

“The Great Pyramids: Collected Stories” (Arcade Publishing) by Frederick Barthelme: This sharp, wry collection captures small-town oddities, human longing and ironic twists with Barthelme’s signature minimalist flair. A masterclass in short fiction that’s both grounded and subtly surreal.

“The Boomerang” (Thomas & Mercer) by Robert Bailey: Big Pharma is on trial as Eli James, chief of staff to the president, attempts to rescue his daughter from a cancer diagnosis while simultaneously stumbling upon a cover up that could affect millions of lives — and more importantly to the bad guys, billions of dollars. Bailey keeps the thrills high and the emotional stakes higher. He also lives with his family in Huntsville — and has been know to visit Cullman County now and then. Let him know what you think of his latest if you see him around town.

“A Thousand Natural Shocks” (Blackstone Publishing) by Omar Hussain: A reporter fleeing his past while investigating a serial killer becomes entangled in a cult that promises a pill to erase his memory. The story turns to a test of time as dark secrets about the cult and the serial killer surface in an attempt to reconcile everything he’s learned with his past — before his memories evaporate.

“My Friends” (Atria Books) by Fredrik Backman: Backman returns with a moving meditation on friendship, aging, the quiet heroism of everyday people and a famous painting picturing an isolated moment of time of three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier. Tender, funny and unmistakably human, this is Backman’s most eloquent and lyrical story to date about how lives intersect in unknowable and unpredictable ways. An engaging read from the author of “A Man Called Ove.”

“The Language of the Birds” (Ballantine) by K.A. Merson: Arizona is no average teenager and when she finds a cryptic ransom note, she sets out to solve the riddles — and save her mother. Unwittingly, she becomes entangled in a worldwide treasure hunt that involves a centuries-old secret her father took to his grave. A quirky, surprising story soars in an introspective mystery.

“The Eternal Warrior” (Blackstone Publishing) by Ari Marmell: An immortal fighter who defies even death — an Eternal Warrior — is caught in a conflict that spans centuries, grappling with his past sins and the future of humanity in an attempt to reclaim everything that has slipped from his personal history. Marmell delivers epic fantasy with grit, heart and unrelenting pace.

“Nightshade” (Little, Brown and Company) by Michael Connelly: Done with Bosch and Ballard, at least for now, Connelly’s new series starter centers on another one-name detective, Stilwell. Due to department politics, the Los Angeles County sheriff detective has been exiled to a low-level post on Catalina Island, where he promptly begins to ruffle local feathers as he unearths secrets the natives would rather keep to themselves. Hopefully Connelly’s flair for backstory and depth will surface in future offerings, but for now, our first meeting with Stilwell offers a familiar, fun summer read.

“Kaua’i Storm” (Thomas & Mercer) by Tori Eldridge: In the lush Hawaiian landscape, a repatriated national park ranger uncovers a mystery surrounding the disappearance of her two cousins. Unfortunately for her, it’s a mystery and investigation that neither the family, the locals nor the police truly want exposed. Eldridge blends action and cultural depth in a uniquely tropical thriller.

“Rockets’ Red Glare” (Blackstone Publishing) by William Webster and Dick Lochte: A high-octane political thriller unfolds against the backdrop of a potentially explosive Fourth of July. Lochte’s sharp storytelling and fast pacing make for a perfect July 4 holiday page-turner. The book is the first in a series with Tribal Police Deputy Sage Mendiluze. Reacher and Pickett fans will find common ground here.

“Written on the Dark” (Ace) by Guy Gavriel Kay: Kay returns with an evocative, elegant historical fantasy set in a world where poetry, memory and fate collide. Centering on a tavern poet who must cater to both rogues and courtiers, Thierry Villar must also navigate churning political waters in a game of assassins and armies. Richly imagined and beautifully told storytelling.

“A Dead Draw” (Thomas & Mercer) by Robert Dugoni: In book 11 of the Tracy Crosswhite series, a pair of cold cases stir ties to the murder of Tracy’s sister in the form of suspect Erik Schmidt. When Schmidt is freed due to an investigative error, the lives of her friends and family are under direct threat. Schmidt is a master of taunt and tease as he draws Tracy deeper into his dark world. Wonderful character building in this story and the sensitive drawing of Lydia, a young woman on the spectrum whose mannerisms echo those of Tracy’s murdered sister, is exceptionally done. One of Dugoni’s best works, the author brings in just enough backstory to both start the series here, and reward long-time readers with vintage Crosswhite.

“The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club” (Ballantine Books) by Martha Hall Kelly: In a story told through dual timelines, Kelly’s narrative is a personal ode to her mother’s heritage. Involving a contemporary mystery, set at Martha’s Vineyard, whose only answers will come from the past, the story taps a wartime romance set in 1942 — and a beach read written for today. Kelly is touring extensively for this book through the end of July. Meet up with her at marthahallkelly.com/events/.

“The Turn” (Blackstone Publishing) by Christopher Ransom: An heirloom, of sorts, following his father’s death sends Casey Sweet into his dad’s past — and a current country club where Casey might just have met the long-lost son he never knew he had. Written in the tradition of “Caddyshack,” Ransom’s new novel is an engaging summer break.

“The Afterlife Project” (Podium Publishing) by Tim Weed: Humanity is facing extinction. A group of scientists with the capability to send a test subject 10,000 years into the future. One of the last women on Earth capable of getting pregnant. All of this portends that the survival of humankind is at stake in a futuristic setting evoking the ills of today.

“It Takes a Psychic” (Berkley) by Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle: A psychic investigator — actually, a para-archeologist — with a flair for romance and the paranormal dives into a case filled with danger and sizzling chemistry. Castle delivers her signature mix of mystery charm in a story centering on a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. “It Takes a Psychic” is No. 18 in Castle’s A Harmony Novel series.

“The Ghostwriter” (Sourcebooks Landmark) by Julie Clark: An author’s past returns to haunt her in the form of a ghostwriting project undertaken for her estranged father. When the project turns out to be just another one of dad’s lies, writer Olivia Dumont is forced to confront her relationship with her father … and a web of family secrets.

“Stop All the Clocks” (Arcade) by Noah Kumin: Kumin’s debut is a meditative, poetic novel about time, grief and the modern-life moments that define us … in ones and zeroes. The death of a colleague and the collapse of her AI company send Mona Veigh’s life in directions not determined by any algorithm.

“Plays Well with Others” (Blackstone Publishing) by Lauren Myracle: A bout of social media betrayal forces Jake Nolan from her job, house and husband and into a receptive bungalow on Sweetwater Lane. There, she befriends those just like herself — people itching to act on entrenched thoughts of retaliation.

“Her First Mistake” (Montlake) by Kendra Elliot: Elliot has written nearly two dozen thrillers set in her home state of Oregon and this latest offering features a minor character from the Columbia River novels: Here, Deschutes County sheriff’s detective Noelle Marshall gets her own origin story. A cold case murder mystery, this is the tale that explains what happened to Marshall to make her the detective she is today, or at least what she becomes in later storylines. A fulfilling storyline delivers much more than backstory in a captivating summer read.

“Jill Is Not Happy” (Scarlet) by Kaira Rouda: In this darkly comic tale, Jill and Jack live an enviable life in South California and, as recent empty-nesters, an unbearable marriage. A road trip “to reconnect” is really a cat-and-mouse game unknown to each other as they unwittingly match their cunning to pull one in … and push the other over, the more-than-metaphorical ledge.

“The Farm House” (Poisoned Pen Press) by Chelsea Conradt: Looking for a fresh start after her mother dies, Emily Hauk and her husband depart for a farm in rural Nebraska. Learning nothing from centuries of thrillers (“The Amityville Horror,” anyone?), they should have asked why the asking price was so low. Unknown to them, everyone who has ever lived on this farm has died. The lure of the soil is compelling, though, as Emily digs into the mystery enveloping her new home.

Reach book reviewer Tom Mayer at tmayer@rn-t.com or tmayer132435@gmail.com.

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Reading The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly was a delightful experience as she is a "new to me author," and I thoroughly enjoyed her book. The novel is set in two very different timeframes: 2016 and 1942. In 2016, Mari Starwood's life is at odds as her loving mother Nancy had died, and Mari simply has a job, not a career she loves, and her current relationship is less than stellar. She decides to travel to Martha's Vineyard for a short visit to meet with the reclusive artist Elizabeth Devereaux. She tells Ms. Devereaux that she wants to take a private art lesson, yet her real intent is to discuss what link there may be to an item she found in her mother's belongings and the artist. Mari was only planning to stay one overnight, however Elisabeth had different ideas. She began to tell Mari a story that started in 1942 about Virginia Smith and her three grandchildren: Tom, 20 years old, Cadence, 19 and Briar, 16. and life on Ginny's farm. On his 20th birthday Tom announces to his family and guests that he will be leaving to join the war effort by enlisting in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. The women, while proud of Tom are disappointed as maintaining the farm is a struggle with him there; how will they do it without him? His girlfriend, Bess Stanhope is devasted as she expected Tom to propose and announce it that day. After Tom leaves Bess joins the others at the Smith farm to help much to the disappointment and chagrin of her wealthy and prominent parents. The author based the character of Cadence on her mom who grew up in Martha's Vineyard and some of the stories she shared. The book provides insights as to what it was like when English troops were training in your backyard, German U-boats are seen in your tranquil waters and you hear there is a spy amongst your neighbors. It is also the story of 3 young strong and fierce young women pursuing their own goals, yet supporting one another even when they disagree. The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a wonderful and richly- written novel; I highly recommend it for readers of historical and women's fiction. Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine Books and the author for the opportunity to read an ARC; my review reflects my candid opinion. 4.5 stars

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this story, first book that I have read from this author and I will definitely be checking out her others. Past and present timelines in a book can sometimes be tricky, as one timeline winds up being more interesting than the other. While the narrative from the past was more interesting and developed more, that didn't take away from the overall story. The book was engaging and this was an easy book to read in one sitting.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is a masterfully crafted, memorable book by this gifted writer. This is my fourth book by Ms. Kelly. I was overjoyed when I saw that she had come out with a new book.

This book is a dual timeline. It takes place in the ‘present’ (2016) and 1942. Mari Starwood is invited to a painting ‘retreat’ on Martha's Vineyard with acclaimed artist Elizabeth Devereux. In the beginning Mari has different motives than to paint. She plays to stay for one day and just leave. Mrs. Devereux picks Mari up at the ferry. Mrs. Devereux starts telling Mari a story about the farmhouse she is living in and all about the family who lived on the farm. The story goes, that during World War II Martha's Vineyard became a training ground for the US Army. There were rumors that German submarines were located off the coast of New England.

The main characters are the creators and members of the book club – Cadence, Bess and Briar. The entire story revolves around these three women and their grandmother. Cadence, Bess and Briar are brave, bold and refuse to conform to the societal roles that are layed out for them. There is so much going on in this book. There is new love, heartbreaking loss, mystery, determination, fearlessness and the importance of friendship and family.

Ms. Kelly’s characters are relatable, deep, and memorable. The setting is described so well that you can picture Martha’s Vineyard in either time frame and feel like you have been there. The mystery isn’t resolved until the end and it will keep you on your toes. This is what I love about Ms. Kelly’s writing. Her research into the events that occurred during 1942 off the coast of New England is bar none. I know that if I read a Martha Hall Kelly book that the historical part of ‘historical fiction’ is accurate and one of the things she is known for. The fictional side of the story is indeed entertaining. Well done! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

I would like to thank the author, Random House Publishing Group -Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.