Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club
By Martha Hall Kelly
Pub Date: May 27, 2025

Books, sand, U-boats and war preparation bring sisters and best friends together only to break them apart over betrayal and loss. Not even book club meetings and tea can save everyone in this coming-of-age WWII story. How will the book club beach flag continue to fly after the days of WWII? A must-read beach read for the Summer!

Martha Hall Kelly brings her signature trademark storytelling to the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, Her writing gift is bringing circles of strong women together to overcome the unthinkable. This novel, like her others, does not waiver in the strength of that circle of women. Witnessing World War II through the eyes of two teenagers living on Martha’s Vineyard was an interesting approach. The circle made up of Candence and Briar Smith and their friends has the power to change the course of the war from their island farm.

Each of the women have their own demons to overcome and the mystery of the German U-boat off their coast, there to pick up a German VIP, drives them all to do things they would never have dreamed of doing. They grow up way too fast and lose too much through that accelerated growth.

Told from two timelines-1942 and 2016, we learn what really happened and who survives. Mrs. Devereaux shares the secrets of the Smith family with painter, turned smoothie maker, Mari Starrwood. Mari is quickly drawn in. She wonders why she is drawn to the island, what her connection to the Smith sisters is; and what the unveiling of the truth will mean to her future.

FOUR Stars! Available now!

Net Galley and Ballantine Books have provided me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved the dual timeline story. I was so satisfied with the way the stories were wrapped up at the end of the book. This was based on the author's family members and was such good historical fiction. Loved the descriptions and the way I felt a part of Martha's Vineyard during WWII, hiding a spy and everything!

I enjoyed my time with "The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club," and can see it being a favorite summer read for historical fiction lovers. There wasn't as much of the book club as I would have liked and it was a bit dialogue heavy, but wrapped up nicely.

**Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**

I love all of Martha Hall Kelly's books. I've been on a kick lately of reading books that have books (or bookstore or library) in the title so it was definitely a bonus that this book is also about books.

With its Martha's Vineyard setting, it is the perfect beach read. I love reading about Nantucket but I've been branching out to the other towns in my reading. I think this is the second Martha's Vineyard set book and the town is growing on me - at least the historical town.

When I picked up this book, I couldn't remember when it was set. From the cover, I thought perhaps the 1950s or 1960s. So I was confused when it opened in 2016.

This isn't really a dual timeline book. There are only like 3 chapters set in 2016. The majority of the story takes place in 1942.

I love WWII stories, and I enjoy it when I get a different kind of story. I've read a few homefront books set in the U.S. In a lot of ways, life didn't change much for the people living in the US. There are little things like rationing, and for Martha's Vineyard, the presence of the military. But it wasn't really the WWII aspects that drew me into the story.

The characters are wonderful. They are so life-like. If you have read any of Hall Kelly's other books, then you know she does a ton of research, so the story is authentic. She also provides wonderful descriptions so you feel like you are there with the characters.

I became so invested in the characters. I was right there with Mari when Mrs. Devereaux broke off from her storytelling at a critical point in the lives of the characters. I was so impatient to learn what happened to them.

There is some mystery - both in the 1942 timeline as well as in 2016. I was able to figure some of it out before it was revealed, and other things I was close to putting the pieces together, and it made perfect sense when it was revealed.

If you are planning long days at the beach or pool this summer, you will want to pack this book in your bag.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/06/the-marthas-vineyard-beach-and-book.html

This dual timeline story caught my attention quickly and kept me reading because I had to know how the characters from the modern timeline were related to the past timeline characters. As the book progressed, I needed to keep reading because I became invested in the past characters and had to know what happened to them. With its unpredictable twists and anxiety inducing close-calls, plus some family drama thrown in, I highly recommend this historical fiction novel.

A grieving woman travels to Martha’s Vineyard in 2016, seeking answers from a reclusive artist and uncovering a hidden family connection. As the past resurfaces, the story of two sisters in 1942—struggling to save their farm during World War II while launching a book club and navigating love, danger, and whispers of espionage—reveals the island’s powerful legacy and secrets that still echo through time.

Don’t be fooled by the dreamy beach cover—The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is far more than a breezy summer escape. What I expected to be a light read turned out to be a richly layered and emotionally powerful WWII historical novel.

Martha Hall Kelly once again delivers a beautifully told story, this time capturing life on the American home front with vivid detail and heart. There are no battlefields here, but the stakes still feel high as sisters Briar and Cadence, along with their loyal friend Bess, navigate love, loss, and secrets on Martha’s Vineyard.

I especially loved how the 2016 timeline wove into the narrative, deepening the emotional resonance and revealing long-buried truths. Moving, atmospheric, and full of heart—this is not your typical beach read, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your summer TBR.

Make sure you read the author’s note to find out her inspiration for these characters.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is an historical fiction novel. The book contains parts of actual events from WWII, however they are so intertwined with the story that it reads like a fiction novel. The story is told in two time periods (2016 and 1942). Martha’s Vineyard is described with such detail and warmth that it almost becomes one of the characters.

Mari Starwood comes from California to Martha’s Vineyard to see a painter. Elizabeth Devereaux is a famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. Mari finds a scrap piece of paper with Elizabeth's name on it and asks for a private session with her. Instead what Mari gets is the story of the Smith sisters from WWII.

The Smith sisters work their family's farm with help from others (Tom and Bess). Their farm is located near the cliffs where they can see out over the ocean. Cadence writes columns for the local paper and Briar becomes obsessed with German U-boats in the coastal waters. Not that anyone believes her! Both Cadence and Briar start a book club (hence the great cover).

The WWII story is intertwined with a spy on the island, the army troops and the practice of a beach invasion, and the Armed Services Editions (Books in Action). All the events are slowly revealed by Elizabeth to Mari instead of a painting class and as the story progresses more information comes out.

I enjoyed the book The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly tremendously and would strongly suggest others would enjoy it!

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly came out May 27th.

I loved this audiobook! (Fun fact: Martha's daughter, Mary, voices one of the characters.) It was fascinating to learn about island life during WWII (did you know that Martha's Vineyard was used as a training location for the D-Day attack on Normandy?), but beyond the riveting history I've come to expect from this author's books, it also includes some romance and mystery. This fun combination makes it a great pick for a day at the beach or your book club!

Thanks to Ballantine Books and PRH Audio for the copies to review.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club had a bit of everything: ‘instant’ romance, family dynamics, spies and a touch of mystery. While the plot was somewhat predictable, it was enjoyable, much like Hall’s other novels. Her writing transported me right to the scenic beach setting and she seamlessly connected the dual (1942 and 2016) timelines.

One of the highlights was how the author wove in lesser-known aspects of World War II history, such as U-boats off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard and soldiers training along the shoreline.

I was surprised that the book club wasn’t more central to the plot, its role turned out to be quite minimal. I also wish that we could have had more of the 2016 timeline.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early digital copy of this novel.

“We will make the world a better place by first being better ourselves by reading, then sharing what we know with others, simply and humbly”

WWII is raging on and the Smith girls are sending their brother off to fight. Cadence want to make it in the publishing world, and Briar is obsessed with the war, but both are stuck on Martha’s Vineyard helping to run the farm and keep the family afloat for Gran. Briar is positive she sees a u-boat waiting near the shore, even if nobody believes her. Meanwhile her sister Cadence is falling in love. To feel like there is some sense or normalcy, they start a book club and discuss ways to bring books to their soldiers.

This synopsis doesn’t feel right, but I also don’t know how to truly give a quick overview of this book! While books are one of the central plots, it felt like the book club really just brought together out main characters, so there was a little less book club of it all, which in the end was just fine, just not what I expected going in. This is a book about family, and found family, in the time of war and uncertainty and it was exactly what we all expect from Martha Hall Kelly. There is also a more present day timeline which I loved, but while it is super important to the story line, was not a huge part of the book. I was so attached to each and every one of these characters, and wants the best for (most) of them. I have had a difficult time with WWII novels right now since you know…we are possibly repeating it, but this one the war was not the main focus of the book which I really loved! If you enjoy Martha Hall Kelly, this one will be no different!

Thank you to @ballantinebooks for my gifted copy of this book!

THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly (Lilac Girls) was a popular topic at our book club last week – everyone who had read a preview copy was independently recommending it. The story takes place primarily in 1942 (with some modern- day chapters, too). Two sisters, Briar and Cadence (lovely names) and their brother Tom's girlfriend Bess are trying to run the farm after Tom enlists with the Army Rangers. Meanwhile, Martha's Vineyard is being used as a training base for amphibious landings so some romance with a soldier is sparked. Suspense develops, too, due to rumors of a local spy and the presence nearby of an enemy submarine. The young women are distinctive and strong characters; the story reads quickly – highly recommended. Praised by writers like Charmaine Wilkerson, Adriana Trigiani, and Kate Quinn, THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB is a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for May 2025. Enjoy!

In her Author's Note, Kelly explains that Cadence is based on her own mother who grew up on Martha's Vineyard and other characters echo friends and family. In addition, Kelly references Books in Action by Cole which recounts the introduction of Armed Services Editions of books for troops during WWII; interested readers should also look for When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill, another non-fiction account filled with fascinating information about censorship and the publishing industry at that time.

This is a work of fiction but the details throughout the book, followed history of this time period. As well, it was so well written, it sucked you in, to the point, I could visualize the screens so vividly and smell the salt air.

This is a beautiful story written between several characters view point and dual timelines. In the present setting, Mari Starwood finds Elizabeth Deveruex name, a famous artist, among her deceased mother goods. Mari decides to travel to Martha Vineyard under the premise of taking art lessons. As Elizabeth starts the narrative of the history of the island and its citizens.

Set in World War Two, a farming family are trying their best to make it. Two sisters live with their grandmother and their brother heads to the war. Their brother’s girlfriend giving up her life of luxury to work beside them, as well as.

This is truly a beautiful love story of life & friendship too. I highly recommend this read. Thank you to NetGalley and Balletine Books for this advance read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warnings, provided by reviewers on Storygraph: Graphic: War, Chronic illness, Death Moderate: Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent Minor: Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol

I’m a sucker for stories with dual timelines, so this book was right up my alley. Despite my saying repeatedly that I am tired of WWII historical fiction, I still end up reading many books set at least partly during WWII and still enjoy the setting because there are a million different stories from that era. Set on the United States’ home front, this was a spin that I hadn’t read much about.

I loved the small-town setting, and the book brought forth many emotions. Gun violence is one of the things I don’t like to read about because I am a sane person in the United States. However, because half the book was set during World War II. it’s understandable.

Because I read a lot of history, I knew that German U-boats were off the coast near Martha’s Vineyard, so I’m glad this part of WWII history is being amplified in an historical fiction book, which may prompt readers to seek out more information. And I loved the fact that this book also shed a light on the many ways women helped the war effort. Definitely recommend, with the reservations I mentioned above.

A fabulous book with a story inspired by true events. Could not put it down. Author has a special gift for making characters and story come together for a fascinating read. . Readers might also enjoy When Books Went to War by Molly Guptill Manning for an in-depth look as to the role of ASEs during World War 2.. Thanks to #NetGalley and #TheMartha’sVineyardBeachAndBookClub for advanced digital copy.

3.5 - There’s not a lot of World War II historical fiction - at least that I’ve read - that takes place in America. I hadn’t known that Martha’s Vineyard was used to practice military campaigns such as D-Day or that it was commonplace for German U-boats to be off the coast. I love when I can learn while enjoying a good story and this provided both.

The Smith girls, and I include Bess, were an amazing group of women. So different from one another, but bonded and loyal. They came to appreciate the strengths that their differences brought and embraced them to work together. As most people during that time, they struggled but they worked hard and never gave up. The bits about books, book clubs and discussions of literature were fun as a lifelong reader, but for me this is a story of love and resilience, of never giving up on themselves or each other.

Thanks you to Netgalley, Ballantine and Martha Hall Kelly for the ARC!

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this novel set in Martha's Vineyard during WWII. I found it a little hard to get into but soon became engrossed in then the storyline. Briar was my favorite, so smart and spunky. Books for the soldiers program was a big part of our library system during war time so that was especially interesting. Enjoyable. Recommended.

I really enjoyed this. I love how it was inspired by her mother’s experience living in Martha’s Vineyard. I liked the mystery and suspense. There wasn’t enough of the modern day story. I got confused when it flipped back to that in the middle of the book. The writing seemed a little bit more contrived than her other books but it was still a great story.

Great story, definitely recommend reading this! Told between two time periods, 2016 and wartime 1942 in Martha's Vineyard.

In 2016, Mari Starwood, a 34 year old woman, who just lost her mother unexpectedly, travels to Martha's Vineyard to meet a reclusive painter. Her mother was supposed to be the one meeting her, but Mari is taking her place to find out much needed information.

In 1942, the Smith family: Tom, Cadence, Briar, and Gram are trying to save the family's farm. Tom's wealthy girlfriend, Bess, now living with them, having finally left her parents home to be with the man she loves. When Tom gets his orders to ship out the morning after his birthday, the family needs to hold it together even more so now. Gram is sick, so the work is left to the girls now.

Cadence is a writer, she's had to put college on hold because she was needed at home to care for her grandmother. Her parents died when they were very young. Briar, is a genius, but only in scientific things.

When they propose to start a book club and give books to the men training nearby, the wealthy societies are all for it. But when bad news hits close to home and a spy might be among them, everyone is cautious.

A great read!!

*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was such a good novel! I loved how the author ending up intertwining all of the characters. Such a quick and easy read that I couldn't put down! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly. I was initially drawn to the book by the title but the story was equally endearing. It was a treat to have a WWII story set in the U.S. and to see how the courageous women held things together on the home front. The characters were loveable and the description of Martha's Vineyard was idyllic.

Synopsis:
2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She’s come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.

1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows both in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war . . . before it’s too late?

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced digital copy of the book for my opinion.