
Member Reviews

A wonderful look at the depth of wonwna relationships and how circumstances can change things in an instant. Wonderdully plotted, detailed characterization, and a beautiful setting. Cheers to thr the power of female bonds. Not to be missed.

I love a world War Ii nivel, but having one set here in the US was a nice change- a different way of telling it and I love it- Mari is going Martha's Vinyard to meet a painter, but the story unfolds through the telling of the story both present Sammy and 1942, the story of two sisters who are left to take care of the family home and keep things going (with gma and brothers fiancé -who enlisted) the sister start a book club to get soldiers in a nearby base books is there more going on with that sub off ahore, who can be trusted, this was a great book!
Thank you net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

Martha Hall Kelly can do no wrong. She somehow makes you feel like you are in both timelines - 1942 & 2016. Well done!

A story in two timelines - with a wonderful twist at the end. The story of Cadence and Blair, two sisters that as different as night and day. But they have the love of books and family in common. The characters are well developed and keep you interested! I could not put it down!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy.

I have never actually wondered what happened on Martha’s Vineyard during WWII, so everything in this book was a complete surprise, and quite fascinating. Martha Hall Kelly took many diverse aspects of life in this period and how the war affected the lives of everyone, and wrapped them into an amazing story of love and friendship, determination, and resilience. It did take me a while to get into the story—there is a lot going on at the beginning—but once the action heated up it was exhilarating! While it is a dual timeline tale, the modern timeline is much briefer; everything comes together very well at the end. Highly recommended! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

I received a free copy of, The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, by Martha Hall Kelly, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its 1942 WWII is going strong, and sisters Ginny and Briar are living in Martha's Vineyard. Its 2024 and Mari is on Martha's Vineyard to meet a painter, but thats not all she is there for. A really good read.

After Mari's mother passing, she discovers the well known artist's name; Elizabeth, in her mom's house. Her mom was planning to meet Elizabeth. Wondering why her mom wanted to travel to Martha's Vineyard to meet Elizabeth. Full of questions, Mari goes in her mother's place to find out some answers.
Upon arrival locals tell Mari that Elizabeth doesn't just teach anyone art. That it's a privilege that she was choosen. To Mari's surprise she is welcome with open arms from Elizabeth.
Elizabeth tells Mari the life story or two sisters who used to live in the very house they are at. War takes place and the sisters do their part to help the war effort. You meet a number of characters in Elizabeth's story. As the story continues, Mari has even more questions. Why is Elizabeth telling her this? From a previous family back in the 1940s to current times of 2016. Lives connected and questions answered.

I love Martha Hall Kelly’s precious books, but this one didn’t resonate with me as much. She wrote amazing characters and the plot was interesting, but something didn’t connect for me. It might have just been a timing issue. I’ll try again when it’s published.

Two sisters on Martha's Vineyard navigate life in World War II, dealing with fears for their brother overseas while trying to keep their grandmother's farm going and dealing with fears of spies, as well as potential romance. A modern-day thread ties the story together and fills in loose ends. Despite the serious subject matter, this had more humor than Kelly's previous works, and I enjoyed the look at Martha's Vineyard during the war.

Interesting history of Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoyed watching Briar’s character develop. I liked how the author connected the characters through the use of a bracelet.
I initially thought it would be a great beach read; however, as the plot developed it became more interesting. Lots of surprises at the end which were treats!

A world War II novel set on Martha's vineyard, where troups were stationed due to uboat activity in the surrounding ocean. Two sisters and their book club try to find out who is feeding a nearby uboat military secrets.

I must say that I love this author's books. This one is no exception. It is a dual timeline story, WWII era and present day, that is extremely easy to follow as both stories are intricately connected, The characters are well thought out and extremely likable. It is the story of a young woman grieving her mothers death traveling to Martha's Vineyard and her discovery of long ago family secrets.

Every time I read a novel by Martha Hall Kelly, I’m transported into the story. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to read The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club and was thrilled to do so, as reading her work is such a pleasure.
Before they married my grandfather was a Marine in WWII and I’ve long been curious about what my grandmother’s younger life in an Eastern coastal town might have been like - she’s no longer here to ask, so I read this also for the relationships between the sisters and their friends, their grandmother, and neighbors.
A dual timeline story (2024 and 1942) - chapter one found me intrigued. By chapter two, I was already invested and looked forward to finding out what lay in store for Mari and Elizabeth, Briar, Cadence, and Bess - all the characters.
Although this left me with some unanswered questions, this was still an absolutely utterly enjoyable read.
A full recommendation from me.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

This is everything I want from historical fiction! The intertwined storylines all made sense and tied together throughout the story - not just at the end. I didn’t feel lost hopping between narrators and really enjoyed the alternating perspectives. All the characters were developed well and likable. I loved the sprinkle of romance, but none of the romance storylines overshadowed the rest of the story.
There were a few little breadcrumbs that made the ending a bit predictable, but that didn’t make it any less impactful.
Would highly recommend to readers fond of historical fiction, WWII era stories, and sisterhood.
Thank you to Random House and Ballantine Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a must-read in 2025! I LOVED this story from the author of the Lilac Girls, one of my all-time favorites. With a dual timeline between 2016 and World War II, this story follows two sisters on Martha's Vineyard who have to navigate the turmoil of wartime while trying to hold together their family, farm, and each other through their book club.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is Briar's introspections, specifically this one: "Why did people just believe everything they were told without questioning and not think for themselves? Hitler had done pretty well with that. The German people swallowed whatever he told them. Mr. Schmidt had always said that's what would eventually be Germany's downfall- hearing only what they wanted to believe."
Powerful, and poignant today, in my opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books, Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Thanks for my copy, NetGalley! Another interesting read by Martha Hall Kelly. This book was a compelling blend of historical and fiction. I'll be brutally honest, as a reader I am gritting pretty worn out of encountering historical fiction set during WWII, and feel that at this point, it's very hard to tell a new story that would keep my attention. Somehow, this book managed to exceed my skepticism and deliver. The story felt fresh, the characters well written, sympathetic and believable to the point I kind of race read through to find out that twist! Also, who knew there were U boats so near the coast of Eastern United States? I didn't! I also had very little understanding how many Nazi sympathizers and full on colonies there were in US during the pre war years. So this is 100% a read where not only you will learn quite a few things, but will also find rich, vibrant women whose stories you will want to see to the very end!

I did not think Martha Hall Kelly could top "Lilac Girls." She ended up surpassing my expectations. The characters were impeccably drawn, and the backdrop of Martha's Vineyard was the cherry on the sundae. I loved the romance and the way the author tied up the ending in a pretty bow. This is the BEST historical fiction novel that I have read in a long time. I have already preordered this book for my girls and two of my friends.

Two timelines done in an incredible way!
WWII timeframe (1942-1945) tells the story of two sisters, Cadence and Briar, living and working a farm on Martha's vineyard. They build their own book club, and are always trying to find ways to earn money to keep the farm going. All the while, paranoia about spies is gripping the nation, and the Army has moved onto the island for training and preparation.
The 2016 timeline tells of artist Mari Starwood coming to visit an esteemed painter (Elizabeth Deveraux) at the same farmhouse. After losing her mom recently, Mari is broke and barely able to scrape together enough for the trip. But considering her reclusiveness, she needs to jump at the chance. As the lessons begin, Mari begins to learn more about the history of the island and the farmhouse.
Extremely well done - each chapter is from one of the characters points of view, and most have a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, making the book SO hard to put down! I also really appreciated how she wrapped things up and included Author's notes at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books, and Martha Hall Kelly for the eARC.
Pub Date May 27 2025 | Archive Date Jul 27 2025 #TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #NetGalley

I love most all fiction books that are related to WWII. It's interesting to see how the war affected all kinds of people. This book will definitely tug on your heart strings and I LOVED the twist on the present day timeline as well!!

I received a free copy of, The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, by Martha Hall Kelly, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its 1942 WWII is going strong, and sisters Ginny and Briar are living in Martha's Vineyard. Its 2024 and Mari is on Martha's Vineyard to meet a painter, but thats not all she is there for. A really good read.