My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an advance copy of this novel dealing with life on the homefront of the Second World War, for a group of sisters, their friends, and the surprising legacy they leave behind.

World War II has always been a rich setting for thrillers and spy stories, history and biographies, however with rare exceptions these books always seem to deal with war, espionage, and the men who fought. Recently live during wartime has become a popular fictional setting, looking at war close up, the women who fought, died, and those that took care of things on the homefront. There have been many books but Martha Hall Kelly seems to do it best, with her mix of research, and interesting characters. The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is no exception. Set in both 2016 and 1942, this story looks at life for a pair of sisters living, dealing with war, family, spies, U-Boats and books.

The book is told in two different times, the year 2016 and 1942. In 2016 a woman comes to Martha's Vineyard, with only a name on a slip of paper and vaguest of ideas of what to do. Mari Starwood is in her early thirties, and at a loss since the death of her mother. She has come to the vineyard looking for an artist, Elizabeth Deveraux, world famous for her works, and renowned in the area for not suffering fools gladly. Deveraux takes Starwood in, and offers to teach her lessons. These lessons become more about Elizabeth Deveraux sharing stories of the two sisters, the Smiths, who worked the farm where Deveraux paints, a beautiful estate, and life during the Second World War. In 1942 Cadence, 19 and Briar, 16 were doing their best to run the family farm, but with the drafting of their brother, things were only getting harder. Cadence had dreams of being a writer, while Briar was addicted to war news and every rumor that she heard. Cadence needing an outlet formed a book group in the area, one that drew the attention of a publisher in New York who helped support it. The group grew quickly, and soon was becoming the in thing to be a part of, until rumors began to spread about German U-Boats being spotted, and a mysterious stranger who entered all their lives.

Martha Hall Kelly really is very good at what she does. Kelly does the research and it shows, discussing the U-Boat war and all the losses that America suffered in the early days of the war. The paranoia of the coast fearing shelling, or troops being landed, or even worse infiltrators. Kelly has a way of writing about the times that seems real, along with characters that one feels could have lived and loved in that time. Even the smaller characters have something about them that makes a reader want to know more. The book is told from different points of view and different times, but this is not hard to figure out, and adds to the story, allowing different view so events to be presented. One wonders how the two parts will come together, but they do, and really makes for a very good story.

Kelly is an author that I have seen grow in readers from book to book. This is a good starting book for new readers, as well as something older fans will enjoy also.

I love how MHK weaves present and past and multiple character's storylines. This is another enlightening historical fiction story of WWII when I may have started thinking what more could I learn about that war? It has been a fascinating topic for me and this novel did not disappoint in adding even more puzzle pieces to the WWII board. Such a beautiful story of resilient women doing the best they can at a very difficult time.

Thank you Net Galleyfor an advanced copy of this book. I’ve just started reading historical fiction books and this book has become one of my favorite historical fictions. What really drew me in to read the book was the setting taking place in Martha’s Vineyard in 1942. I liked the characters and I will be reading more of this author’s books.

I really loved this book! I knew a book about a wine drinking , beach centered book club would have my heart, but add in the romance and Briar’s Nazi hunting and I could not stop turning the pages. I will definitely be recommending this one. Thank you for the ARC!

I enjoyed reading this fascinating historical fiction that takes place in Martha's Vineyard during WWII. Wonderful storytelling about the Smith sister's family and friends who start a wartime book club. They also try to take care of the farm while their brother is fighting in the war. The U.S. army arrives and the book club provides books for the soldiers. A German U-boat is offshore, a mysterious man washes on the beach and a spy is in their community. This is such a good book! Thanks, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, by Martha Hall Kelly, was a wonderful historical women't fiction novel, set in a place I have visited often. My in-laws have a cottage in Oak Bluffs, the next town over from Vineyard Haven, and it's my husband's favorite place in the world. I loved this story of a familiar place, set during an unfamiliar era. Kelly is a beautiful novelist, and I also thoroughly enjoyed her heartfelt Author's Note at the end of the book. Highly recommend!!!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the Martha’s Vineyard setting and a good historical fiction. The characters were lovable and interesting, and I loved how the story tied in at the end. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Wonderful read of strong women! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! And I love the historical background of this story!

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club was a breath of fresh air for me! It read like a literal breeze despite it's length. Cadence and Briar (sisters who are local to the Vineyard living with their grandmother) are both well developed and truly unique characters. As is so often the case, the sisters are polar opposites, but their brother Tom along with his girlfriend Bess are uniting characters. While the story was dual timeline, the present timeline was truly "almost" unnecessary and a significantly smaller portion of the book; nevertheless, it kept the plot moving along nicely and kept me wanting to keep reading. I truly enjoyed this being a WWII novel with a completely different and unique perspective compared to what I am accustomed to reading about. German spies and uboats in one of America's most well-known beach towns...who knew? Definitely worth the read.

I have loved everyone of Martha Hall Kelly’s books. However, I can’t say that about this one. I found the first half of the book a real slog. There were so many characters and she kept switching around in time periods and places that it was extremely difficult to keep track of the storyline. I think this really detracted from the novel . I really enjoyed the second half of the book. I thought she brought everything together nicely. I found it interesting in her afterward of who the characters were based on and the history of the area.

4.5 stars.

I loved this book! It starts off in 2016 with Mari, who arrives on Martha's Vineyard to meet the reclusive painter, 'Mrs. D', for a private painting lesson at the artist's home. Mrs. D is not what Mari expects (based on rumors of the painter's life), and she begins telling Mari the story of Martha's Vineyard natives, sisters Cadence & Briar Smith, throughout 1942 and the end of WWII. The sisters live on a farm with their grandmother, brother Tom, and his girlfriend, Bess. Tom is an Army Ranger and ships out, leaving the women on their own to run the farm.

Cadence writes a column in the local paper and loves all things literature related. It is her dream to one day work for a publishing house in New York. Her best friend Bess supports her, but she is also content to live on the farm with Tom. Briar is the younger sister and is unique in spirit and mind. She is highly intelligent and inquisitive, traits that tend to get her made fun of by the local community. She takes all of this in stride and remains true to herself.

Cadence and Bess work at the local club during the summer and come across some of the women in publishing. This motivates them to not only form their own book club (the title) but also to find ways to bring literacy and books to aid the war effort.

The Army begins sending soldiers to train on Martha's Vineyard, and the locals are also under the treat of German U-boats patrolling their coast. The story that unfolds is one of mystery, intrigue, adventure, and drama. There is love, loss, murder, and books. More importantly, there are deep friendships, there is familial loyalty, personal sacrifice, and strong female leads.

I enjoyed the first half, but could not put down the second half! Initially, I did not like the Mari storyline, but that changed as the story developed, and I understood the reason for its presence. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with great characters and an excellent story.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Martha Hall Kelly’s *The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club* is a beautifully layered novel that effortlessly weaves together the power of storytelling, the bonds of sisterhood, and the resilience of women during times of profound upheaval. Set against the idyllic yet tension-filled backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard, the book alternates between a gripping wartime tale and a present-day journey of healing and discovery, delivering a story that is both heartwarming and suspenseful.

In 2016, we meet Mari Starwood, a grieving thirty-something who travels from California to the windswept beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. With nothing but a name scribbled on a piece of paper, Mari arrives at the doorstep of the enigmatic Elizabeth Deveraux, a renowned but reclusive painter. What begins as a supposed painting class soon evolves into something much deeper as Elizabeth recounts the extraordinary wartime story of the Smith sisters who once called the Vineyard home. As the tale unfolds, Mari discovers connections to the island that shake her to her core, pulling her into the legacy of this place and its people.

The 1942 narrative is where the novel truly shines. Cadence and Briar Smith are two sisters left to manage their family’s faltering farm as World War II looms large over their quiet island. Nineteen-year-old Cadence dreams of being a writer, and sixteen-year-old Briar is captivated by the war effort, especially when she spots German U-boats lurking offshore. The sisters’ lives are irrevocably changed when the U.S. Army arrives on the island, bringing a mix of danger, romance, and opportunity. Cadence starts a book club with her best friend Bess, offering women an escape and a sense of community during uncertain times. But the arrival of a mysterious man who washes ashore complicates everything, raising questions of loyalty and betrayal in their close-knit community.

Kelly’s writing is immersive and atmospheric, capturing both the beauty and the tension of life on Martha’s Vineyard during the war. The dual timelines are masterfully handled, with the wartime narrative pulsating with intrigue, romance, and suspense, while Mari’s contemporary story offers a quieter but no less compelling exploration of grief and identity. The transitions between past and present are seamless, and the connection between the two timelines unfolds with satisfying revelations that keep readers turning the pages.

The book’s exploration of the power of storytelling is a highlight. The wartime book club becomes a lifeline for the women, a place where they find hope and camaraderie amid the chaos. Kelly skillfully uses the club as a metaphor for the strength that comes from shared stories and collective resilience, both during the war and in Mari’s personal journey decades later.

The characters are richly developed, from the determined Cadence and the passionate Briar to the mysterious and complex Elizabeth. Even secondary characters, like Bess and the women of the book club, are vividly drawn, adding depth and warmth to the story. The romance is tender yet fraught with conflict, perfectly balancing the tension and heart that drives the narrative.

*The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club* is a moving and evocative novel that celebrates the courage of ordinary women in extraordinary times. With its vivid settings, compelling characters, and expertly woven plot, Martha Hall Kelly delivers a story that lingers long after the final page. Fans of historical fiction, dual timelines, and books like *The Nightingale* or *The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society* will find much to love in this five-star gem. It’s a book that reminds us of the enduring power of connection—through community, family, and the stories we tell.

📖 Book Review 📖 From the moment you set foot on Martha’s Vineyard, you are truly pulled into another reality; the scenery is beautiful and the history is rich with a diversity almost unfathomable. And somehow Martha Hall Kelly has managed to add another beautiful layer to the multifaceted chronicles of the island that leaves us all questioning what happens when evil abroad comes to your idyllic happy place. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a beautifully written tale of family connections and their roots, the sacrifices they make in times of turmoil, and the lasting legacy left for future generations.

This book, set in 1942 on Martha's Vineyard, follows the lives of the Smith sisters: Briar and Cadence. The effects of war and their brother's enlistment are the main areas of their focus. While their gran is in the hospital, Cadence and Briar, along with Bess, their brother's fiance, must hold down their home. They decide to start a book club and help get books into the hands of soldiers. The book starts from the perspective of Mari, who is visiting the famous painter Elizabeth Devereaux after her mother dies. There is a connection between the two timelines and this lovely story unfolds to make that connection clear. Another winner by Marth Hall Kelly!

I'm a big fan of Martha Hall Kelly's writing style and this book did not disappoint. The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a dual timeline story with a mystery. Who is Mrs. Devereaux and how is Mari related to her and to the Smith family who owned the farm where Mrs. D now lives on Martha's Vineyard? In the present day, Mari visits the island after the death of her mother and visits with Mrs. Devereaux, who tells her the story of the former owners of the farm: Gram, Briar, and Cadence Smith, as well as their close friend Bess, during the turbulent WWII years. The story unfolded beautifully and the characters really came to life. I could imagine myself taking part in their book club meetings and living with them in the 1940s! I can't say much more without spoilers - but I highly recommend this book (as well as all other books by Martha Hall Kelly). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this book, the storyline, the characters, the setting. This story pulled me in from the first page, the characters were well developed, multi leveled and relatable! It took on parts of World War II, that i was not aware of, I learned a lot from this book. It us a dual timeline book, that moves from current day, and
World War II. If you enjoy historical fiction, buy this book.

Martha's Vineyard, 1942 (mostly) to 1945: WWII is on our doorstep and I don't think many modern day East Coasters realized just how close the war was to home.

We follow Cadence and Briar (sisters) and their Gram in their Martha's Vineyard farm house, struggling to survive as older brother Tom goes off to war, leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend named Bess. The women run the farm; Briar is always off, observing the island's inhabitants and trying to convince the military and her family she has seen German submarines off shore.

Through mostly 1942 we see the war through their eyes and their relationships with one another as love is found and lost, dreams are found and lost and found again, and they learn what "home" really is.

Well written, well researched, and with a fabulous Author's Note about the history behind the story (so much is based on Kelly's family!) this is definitely a recommended read.

I fell in love with this book and these characters. The historical timeline paired with the modern day connection was intriguing. I loved a new take on a WWII story that I haven’t heard, especially as it stemmed from real stories from the authors mother.

The relatable eye-catching cover caught my attention, but the beautiful story captured my heart. I began this one with zero expectations as this was my first experience reading Martha Hall Kelly and I am just impressed beyond words by how much I enjoyed this novel. I now want to read her entire backlist. This one is split into a dual timeline between 1942 which is where the bulk of the book takes place and 2016.

In 2016 we meet Mari she travels to Martha's Vineyard on the heels of her mother's funeral. Her finances are tight and her heart is tender. She arrives there to paint as the famed Elizabeth Devereaux"s student. Baffled locals can't figure out why Devereaux takes Mari on. Elizabeth begins to regal Mari with stories of the island's past particularly its involvement in WWII.

That's where the second timeline comes into play. The 1942 timeline is brimming with life and vibrancy! It was amazing to read. I felt as though the sand was between my toes. There are two sisters Briar who is younger and more of a tomboy she has spunk, I took an immediate liking to her and Cadence. Cadence is the older sister with lofty dreams of leaving the island and pursuing a job in publishing.

The two girls struggle to manage the family farm alongside their brother's girlfriend and grandma. Briar is convinced she has spotted a German U-boat off the coast of the island, but no one believes her. Is she mistaken? A mysterious man washes ashore and tells the family there's a spy in there close-knit town. The family must decide if this is the truth or a ploy by an enemy to gain their trust.

The atmosphere won me over with this book. It was one of those that was immersive from the first sentence. Be sure to read the author's note as well it was informative and lovely as this was a personal novel, and it showed. Such rich storytelling!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for the Advance Readers Copy

I so enjoy Martha Hall Kelly books. The story takes place during WWII on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s part historical fiction and part family drama. The story is so well researched. Her author’s notes are filled with so much of her family history of living on Martha’s Vineyard, the shops, the occupation all of which help bring her book to life. Mrs. Kelly has another blockbuster with this book.

Thank you #NetGalley, #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballantine,
#MarthaHallKelly and #TheMartha’sVineyardBeachandBookClub for the advance readers copy for my honest review.