Another amazing historical fiction from Kelly, who turns her focus to Martha’s Vineyard where her own family comes from. The novel’s time frame shifts between present day and WWII, and opens with a grieving daughter, Mari Starwood, whose beloved mother died suddenly of an aneurysm in L.A. Going through her mom’s things, Mari comes across the name and address of an older famous painter, Elizabeth Devereaux, who lives on an estate on Martha’s Vineyard. Intrigued and unsure of the connection, Mari travels to the island under the pretext of wanting a painting lesson.

Elizabeth has agreed to meet with Mari as she has history of her own to share, that will eventually tie Mari to the island. Over the course of several days, Elizabeth shares the stories of two sisters growing up impoverished on a farm on the Vineyard: Cadence, a 19-year old aspiring writer and editor who has a beloved and humorous column in the island’s newspaper, and Briar, her 16-year-old brilliant sister who spots German U-boats off the island’s coast. There’s also their beloved older brother Tom, who enlists in the war as a front-guard ranger and leaves behind his posh and unexpectedly pregnant girlfriend who’s left her family to live on the farm with Cadence, Briar and their intrepid grandmother.

Add into the mix an escapee from a German sub, a budding romance for Cadence during WWII with the Brit in charge of training troops on the island to prepare for the Normandy invasion, a suspicious FBI agent keeping a close watch on Briar, and a budding romance for Mari in present day Martha’s Vineyard, and the intrigue, thrills and secret revelations cascade together. Another phenomenal achievement by Kelly.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

This was my first book by Martha Kelly Hall. I really enjoyed "Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club"—it’s the kind of historical fiction that drops you off in another era and keeps you there. The 1942 storyline was especially rich, with vivid details about life during WWII on the island, and the sisterly dynamic between the Smith girls was both believable and moving. I loved how the book club offered a sense of hope and normalcy in such uncertain times—all the literary references were an added bonus.

The 2016 timeline added an intriguing layer, especially as Mari unraveled her connection to the past. That said, I found myself wishing there had been just a bit more depth or time spent on Mari’s story. It felt like we only scratched the surface of her emotional arc compared to the wartime narrative.

Perfect for beach reading or a lazy day on the couch. If you love books about books—and resilient women—go get this one!

Thank you to Martha Kelly Hall, NetGalley, and Ballentine for the ARC!

THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB is the latest sweeping historical novel by Martha Hall Kelly. I have enjoyed all of this author’s books and this one is no exception. It is a dual timeline story set on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II. Inspired by true events and real people from the author’s own family, it is a story of family, friendship, love and loss with plenty of drama, romance and wartime intrigue. In 1942, Two sisters, Cadence and Briar Smith, are trying to keep the floundering family farm afloat, along with Cadence’s best friend, Bess, who is also their brother Tom’s fiancée. With Tom serving abroad, and the U.S. Army on the island for training, unlikely alliances form that will change the lives of all involved. And with German U-boats being spotted off-shore, a mysterious man found on the beach and rumors of a spy in their midst, everyone in this normally quiet community must decide who they can trust. In 2016, Mari Starwood is grieving the recent loss of her mother. Desperate to know more about her mother’s past, she travels from California to Martha’s Vineyard with only a name from a slip of paper - Elizabeth Deveraux, a famous but reclusive Martha’s Vineyard artist. How is the artist connected to her mother? As Elizabeth recounts the gripping tale of the Smith sisters, Mari learns of ties to the island that are deeper than she could ever have imagined. I really enjoyed this beautifully-written and engrossing story. Don’t miss the Author’s Note at the end that reveals the author’s own ties to the actual history behind the book. This is another winner from Martha Hall Kelly and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

Calling all historical fiction and book lover- put this one on your TBR immediately.

I was able to do a combo of reading and listening and neither format disappointed.

The book is set in two timelines 1942 and 2016 both on Martha’s Vineyard. The 1942 timeline is the most prevalent with the more current timeline a conduit to tell an amazing story.

Two sisters, Briar and Cadence, are the main focus of the book. There is so much to this read. It is a family story, a story of how close the war felt on our American shores, and a story of friendship.

There is also a character named Bess, whose love is Briar’s and Cadence’s brother, Peter. Peter is off fighting the war. Bess’s part in this book is pivotal as well.

The author’s note at the back is very interesting as she tells her inspiration about this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group | Ballantine Books | Megan Beatie Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the latest historical fiction novel by a favorite, Martha Hall Kelly. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In 1942, the Smith girls - aspiring writer Cadence and younger sister Briar - are trying to keep their family farm together during WWII as the US Army arrives on Martha's Vineyard. Their older brother, Tom, has gone off to war and their grandmother is in failing health. To keep things normal, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club that catches the attention of a NY publisher. But when a man washes ashore, their lives become filled with danger.

Martha Hall Kelly has done it again - made a gripping novel about true events that happened on Martha's Vineyard. Along with glimpses of the mystery continuing into 2016, we learn of the events during the war that shaped a family and an island. While there are hints at romance and mystery, this book centers on the strong women who do what they think is right, especially when that involves making hard choices. I like how the story played out, with characters in 2016 shining light onto what happened in the past and how it will affect the future. It's also a story of the power of books. Be sure and read the fascinating author's note at the end to see how much of this story is based in reality. Love the beautiful cover too - highly recommended!

If I could give Martha Hall Kelly's The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Boat Club more than five stars, I would. I fell into this book, the setting, the characters. I could practically smell the salty air of Martha's Vineyard and see the custom burgee of the book club. There is mystery and intrigue, but there's also love and hope, all set among the tragic and scary early 1940s, I hope I see this book in beach bags everywhere this summer, and it would be the perfect pick for your own book club.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club begins in 2016, when Mari travels to Martha’s Vineyard to track down a retired artist whose name she found among her late mother’s belongings. Upon Mari's arrival, Mrs. Devereaux shares a story from the Vineyard’s past during World War II—and hints at Mari’s own mysterious connection to the island.

The heart of this story takes us back to the summer of 1942, following sisters Cadence and Briar as the Vineyard community adjusts to life during the war. Young men are shipping out, the Army conducts training missions along the rocky coast, and rumors spread of German U-boats nearing the Vineyard’s shore.

I was captivated by this fresh perspective on WWII. I often read books set in Europe, and it was fascinating to explore what life was like on the home front. I also appreciated the personal touch in the author’s note, as Martha Hall Kelly shares the connections to her own family history—it’s always fun to see where story ideas originate. While I would have loved more emphasis on the book club itself, I enjoyed the nods to popular books of the time and the addition of Cadence’s articles in the local newspaper. This novel is a great pick for fans of historical fiction who are looking for a unique and lesser-known WWII story!

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy!

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is Historical Mystery Fiction with a dual timeline. I really enjoyed the history of the World War II era and reading about conflicts that happened in the USA. Well woven into the story were mysteries involving the characters much of which kept you guessing to the very end. The characters were realistic with flaws and imperfect lives. Another excellent book by Martha Hall Kelly!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this AMAZING book. WOW- I thought. As reading a cute beach read- I really need to read the synopsis. I loved this story of Bess, Tom, the Smith sisters Cadence and Briar. The story of living on Martha’s Vineyard during WW2- the hardships, loves and losses. I could not put it down! Martha Kelly is such an amazing author.

4.5stars!
This historical fiction was a pleasant read. Thank you to Random House via Netgalley and PRHAudio for the complimentary copies for review.
I adore this multi-POV, dual timeline gem of a novel. I was very impressed of how smooth the flow was laid out. The beautiful writing that was both captivating and vivid that just realistically takes- you to the scene on the beautiful coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Though the war was not graphically described here, the counter part scenario of the families left behind by those who bravely served to protect the American soil was presented in great detail. I love the voices of both Smith sisters but my heart is drawn more towards Blaire. The author’s note in the end explained the inspiration of this book and it was indeed researched in careful and accurate comprehensive facts and even to the very last minutiae.
This was a perfect read for Memorial Day weekend and I highly recommend this book!

I love a dual timeline and this book delivered on that. The story is set both in 2016 and 1942 on Martha’s Vineyard. I adored the characters from 1942, Briar and Cadence and was rooting for their sisterhood, literal and figurative the whole book. The WWII plot lines were great and not anything I’d read about before, especially being set in the US. There are lots of subplots within the main storyline too, and each are quite fun. While we know there is a connection between 2016 and 1942, it’s not revealed until the very end, and most of the story takes place during the WWII timeline. I felt the ending was left open enough to get another book, following up on 2016’s Mari. I’d certainly read it. I’d give more stars if the 2016 timeline had more character development and depth. Overall a lovely read with enough scenic detail to really take you into the life of the town and its people.

A perfect addition to your beach bag! Martha Hall Kelly’s latest transports the reader to exquisitely charming and interesting Martha’s Vineyard and serves up a page flipping, fun and entertaining tale filled with both mystery and history - including in regard to the island’s role in World War II. The characters are vividly drawn and memorable. The prose is well crafted. And the pacing is perfect. Also, as with Kelly’s prior novels (all of which I’ve read), the story appears to be very well researched but salted with just the right amount of historical detail in a manner that serves the story well.

Highly recommended! Extra credit for the insightful author’s note and that delectable vintage styled cover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to Ballantine Books for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

This book focuses on the history surrounding a Martha’s Vineyard family during WWII and a modern- day woman struggles to find her connection with the family. Told in dual timelines, the past overshadows the presents, which is a good thing, as the story is rich and interesting. I love historical fiction, but this one did not strike that 5-star chord with me. This was the first I have finished by the author ( the other I tried, but did not like, was the ultra-popular Lilac Girls) and I think it is just the author’s style does not jive with me. Character development was not complete enough for me to fully invest myself into the plot; it took me awhile to finish. That said, my overall opinion of the book is that it has a great plot, subplots, and lovely characters, which is why I rounded my rating up to 4 stars.

Mari has just lost her mother, but in her things discovers a name on a piece of paper - Elizabeth Devereaux and so she goes to Martha’s Vineyard to learn why. Elizabeth tells her the story of three girls during WWII, Bess and sisters Cadence and Briar. When the army comes to Martha’s Vineyard, Briar views a U-boat off the coast, except no one believes her. The women form a book club with some others on the island which not only enriches their lives (with friendship and literature) but becomes well known enough to gain the attention of the NYC publishing world (Cadence’s dream). With a British Major and a German deserter becoming part of their lives, the women have their hands full while they determine who on the island can be trusted and if anyone is actually a German spy.

This was my first hall Kelly novel, but I have heard about her for a while. I don’t know what I was expecting but I have to say the cover does not represent the book (I really like the cover, but it seems like a light carefree read and it’s really not). This is really a story about found family, survival and love (romantic, platonic and familial) and in the end I really enjoyed the characters, their journeys, and their intra-dynamics. This had strong female characters as well as a mystery to solve and I am always here for both of those. The audio was a really well done multiple cast recording (with the author as one of the narrators, always a bonus) - I listened while I made the first strawberry rhubarb crisp of the season. I look forward to reading more of Hall’s novels, luckily there is a backlist and I don’t have to wait for her next one.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC to review

I am thrilled and honored to have received this advance copy of The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine. I am sorry it has taken me so long to read it and write this review.
Have you ever picked up a book and, after reading the first several pages, realized that you were going to just love that book? Well, this was one of those rare gems for me. I just loved this book!
Mari Starwood travels to Martha’s Vineyard shortly after her beloved mother’s death in hopes of getting some answers. She meets with Mrs Deveraux, a somewhat eccentric artist who is living on a farm on the edge of the North Shore of the island. Over the next two days Mrs Deveraux tells her the story of two sisters, Cadence, 19, and Briar, 16, who lived in that very farmhouse with their beloved grandmother in 1942 and their story of that tumultuous summer.
Once again I was sent to search Google on my phone to find out that many of the events in the story really did happen. I won’t ruin it for you by telling you about them. Just believe me when I say you must read this book!

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.