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.

HISTORICAL FICTION BASED ON ACTUAL EVENTS

Author Martha Hall Kelly has written a time-slip novel that travels between events that happened in 1942 and 2016. In 2016, her character, Mari Starwood travels from California to Martha’s Vineyard, MA, with only a name on a piece of paper, Elizabeth Devereaux. Mari knew she must find a way to meet Elizabeth because somehow their lives were tied together. She couldn't imagine how because Elizabeth was a well-known recluse painter and Mari and her family were nobodies from clear across the country. When they met Elizabeth agreed to teach Mari painting lessons, and during those lessons, the real story tying their lives together began to unfold. It is quite an unforgettable and a life changing tale.

Elizabeth goes back to the year 1942 and tells of two sisters, Cadence and Briar, who find themselves encumbered with the task of keeping the family farm going during WWII. This would be daunting under any circumstances, but even more so considering the U.S. Army is arriving on their shores to practice maneuvers. Cadence is an aspiring writerc, Briar is obsessed with the war, and their best friend (and their brother’s girlfriend) Bess wants to start a book club. Briar spots a U-boat, Cadence makes a connection with someone in publishing that changes her life, and Bess comes up with a plan as to how the book club can print miniature classic books to send to soldiers. There is a rumor of a spy in their close-knit community. Join these friends as they help solve this mystery, and make a major contribution towards changing the course of the war.

Ballantyne and NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own and without influence.

I LOVE the writing of Martha Hall Kelly (Lilac Girls and more), so I was excited to be offered this novel by Random House Publishing. I loved this story of a book club and a small group of friends on Martha's Vineyard during WWII. Kelly is a pro at creating historical fiction that makes the past come alive!

Here's the scoop:

Description

Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events, from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, author of The Stolen Queen

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?

Thank you for my copy through Net Galley! This book publishes 5/27/25.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and Martha Hall Kelly for an advanced copy of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, and I especially love reading books set during WWII. I was drawn to this book because it is set in Martha's Vineyard during the war. I thought this book offered an interesting and new perspective on WWII and how it impacted young women's lives.

Martha Hall Kelly does a wonderful job of grabbing the reader's attention and holding it throughout the book. I love the way she described Martha's Vineyard to the point where I felt like I was there.

I loved reading from Cadence's POV and found her storyline intriguing. Cadence wants to move to New York City and be a big publisher or a writer. She can't wait to leave her small town. So when opportunity comes around, it's hard to see her debate whether she should take it or not.

I struggled with the Briar character and kept wishing she were more mature. So, I had to keep reminding myself that she is, in fact, only 16 years old. It was hard to read her POV at times.

One thing I loved about Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club was all the incredible women who banded together and helped one another during trying times. It seemed like the Smith girls had a woman in their corner at every turn.

Favorite Quote (and one I'll be using from now on): Well, if you can't move heaven, just raise some hell.

Lastly, I enjoyed the mystery of Mari and figuring out how she fits into this story.

This book is the story of the Smith sisters who lived on Martha's Vineyard during WWII. Cadence and Briar are opposites in many ways, but their family farm and the trauma of their brother shipping out to Europe keep them together. Tom's fiance Bess becomes the third of their group and together the girls start an island book club. When a mysterious man washes up ashore the girls are brought even closer together to try and solve the mystery of who this man is and whether or not there's a spy on their little island.

I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this book. Martha Hall Kelly does a fantastic job (again!) of immersing the reader in the time and place. Though all the characters were different, they were all detailed and well fleshed out. I really liked that there weren't really any stereotypical or unlikeable characters, except for one.

My biggest complaint, if you can call it that, is that the title and cover really don't seem to match with the actual story. I felt like the book club part was a strange afterthought and not really tied in well. From the title and cover I thought this would be a more light-hearted, romance in the style of Elin Hilderbrand. But it's not that at all. It's more of a mystery and family drama. I just found the difference a bit jarring.

I would definitely recommend this book. It's a great summer read and a nice jumping off point to investigate the real-life events that inspired it! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for an advanced copy of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach And Book Club.

Cadence and Briar have just been informed that their brother Tom is going off to war. They and there Gram and Tom’s girlfriend Bess will have to take care of the home. The sisters have different ideas of how to be supportive during the war and they make decisions that will be life changing.

I hate to say this but even though there was a lot going on in the book I was bored. I almost feel like so much was going on it was hard to connect to the story.

Well if you can't move heaven, just raise some hell! @16%

This saying was a rallying call that happens regularly through the story and is a perfect sentiment for this amazing group of characters living on Martha's Vineyard and trying to keep their family together as WWII is raging across the Atlantic Ocean but also coming to their own shores when the military moves onto a hill not far from Copper Pond Farm. It is there that the Smiths: Gram, Tom, Cadence and Briar and not forgetting Scout the ever faithful dog, live on the family's farm and are completely supportive of each other. Tom's girlfriend Bess moves to the farm too away from her overly bearing and opinionated mother and after Tom leaves to join the Rangers and finds herself in a family way, the Smiths are more than happy to be there for her when her mother is not. Cadence is a columnist for the local paper and catches the eye of some Manhattan publishing notables who want to hire her to join their publishing firm. She also loves to read and starts a book club with several of the young women left behind when the men have left the island. Sixteen year old Briar is always curious and observing things, especially that U-boat parked out beyond their shoreline though nobody believes her when she calls it in. And their Gram who raised the children when their parents died tragically, is a force, who makes great pies and other confections, and can read the future in tea leaves, but is suffering a health issue. Up on the hill is an Army installation which is headed up by a Brit named Major Gilbert, a handsome but aloof guy who has caught the eyes of all the ladies of Martha Vineyard. In his interactions with the Smiths, it's Cadence who catches HIS eye but she is put off by his haughtiness. The slow burn of their relationship is well played out. And there will be a character who must hide in the attic and could put the family into dire legal problems should they be found out. This was an unexpected character to be sure! And a character right under their noses who has been a family friend but will have Benedict Arnold written all over them.
In the first pages of the story, the author immediately draws the reader in when in 2016, a young woman comes to take art lessons from this famous by reclusive artist but has ulterior motives. Mari is supposed to be picked up at the dock of Martha's Vineyard but her ride is late and so she wanders over to a shop to use the phone and meets the owner of the shop, Ronan. Even though Ronan isn't seen much in the story, the reader knows he's going to have an important role in Mari's life. When she is finally picked up by 90 yr old Mrs. Devereaux, Mari's secret for coming to the island is going to be revealed and the story of Copper Pond is going to fill up the pages as Mrs. D shares how she came to live in this house and why she allowed Mari to come when others have never been invited.
To be honest, I almost forgot that Mrs. D was telling a story to Mari, filling her in on all the background of the farm during the war years and I had to remind myself when the chapter was about Mari 2016 and not Briar or Cadence 1942 because I got so wrapped up in the storytelling. The characters are so endearing and their stories so inviting and compelling. I really got wrapped up in them. To that point, at one point in the story, I didn't feel it was necessary for Mrs. D to drop Mari off in the middle of the night with a flashlight with instructions to walk to the water to meet up with a crowd of young people at a bonfire because the reader knew that those two people would find each other regardless of her matchmaking. But the ending was completely satisfying as Mari has to make a very important decision when she discovers who she is and that made me a happy reader!
I love how Martha Hall Kelly draws so much on her incredible lineage and background for the stories she writes. I envy her legacy! In her afterwards, she shares the influences of her characters and the history of the Vineyard as it played so importantly in the soon-to-be Normandy Beach invasion. She even talks about the dump and the junk her own family retrieved from the castoffs of the "summer people" and still do today only now it's by way of the thrift shop that's grown there.
what I particularly liked was how WWII was brought to the US shores as few books have done so and this was a very important feature.
I have read every one of MHK's books and love them. I even contacted her to speak at our book club when we read her first book "Lilac Girls" but she was so booked up, she couldn't squeeze it in but did receive a lovely note of regret from her which I still have.
Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club will not disappoint, teach and offer some unique characters that will captivate.