HANDLE WITH CARE by MARYBETH WHALEN is a brilliantly laid out and highly inspirational story about hope and hostages, marriage, family relationships and deeply hidden secrets. All the seven people involved in a very emotional situation taking place inside a post office in a normally quiet seaside town have something they are hiding. Each of the packets that the three ladies have come to post contain something that, once posted, could cause untold harm…….
We see what happens when seven strangers are bound together in a tense situation. These are very different people who would not normally have socialised, drawn together in a potentially explosive situation. We see how secrets are shared and emotions run high. Even Hope, the well-named negociator, has her secrets……
I love the subtle Christian message running through the story and cannot recommend this most enjoyable novel strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book was amazing the way the characters interacted and how to find strength at a dark time. I loved the buildup and overall the plot is fantastic. I was so swept away I couldn’t stop reading! Absolutely loved the takeaways from this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Review will be posted on Instagram and Amazon on pub day and links added to NetGalley.

Who would believe that so much could happen in one setting? And a post office at that? The author takes such beautiful and heart wrenching stories from each of the characters and weaves it together beautifully! Praise for this author and this book!

Lovely drama. Don't miss this book.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

This gripping and emotionally layered novel unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a small-town post office in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Nadine, the newest postal clerk, finds herself alone at the counter while her two coworkers step out to grab lunch. A few customers trickle in, but one man is holding up the line—and he’s not just any customer.
Sylvie, whose husband is showing early signs of dementia, promises him a quick trip to the grocery store. But first, she stops at the post office to mail an oversized envelope—one she hasn’t told him about. She’s eager to get in and out, but the delay at the counter grows more tense by the minute. Three other women waiting in line are equally frustrated, each carrying an item that could change the course of their lives.
The man at the counter turns out to be Nadine’s estranged husband, from whom she’s filed for divorce. Drunk and desperate, he waves the divorce papers in her face, demanding she tear them up. Then, in a terrifying turn, he pulls out a gun and locks the doors—turning the post office into a hostage scene.
Enter Hope, a seasoned hostage negotiator who recently relocated to Sunset Beach from a big city. As she works to defuse the situation, she’s also grappling with personal demons of her own.
What makes this story truly compelling is how each hostage begins to open up, sharing the burdens they’ve been carrying and questioning whether they should go through with mailing the items they came in with. It’s a powerful exploration of vulnerability, choice, and the unexpected ways lives intersect.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

HANDLE WITH CARE is a remarkably crafted novel with many layers of character development and a super intriguing plot. I think it will appeal to a wide variety of readers. The action unfolds at a small southern post office. I'm in awe of how Whalen designed secrets for each of our 7 characters and also incorporated packages that may change the course of their lives. The atmosphere is tense as it turns into a hostage situation. When the hostage negotiator enters the scene, she is another character to get to know. If you are worried there are too many characters to keep track of, rest assured, you are in good hands. Each character is easy to tell apart. I loved seeing how people opened up and began to share about their burdens and secrets.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

Bonding through crisis is the central theme for Marybeth Mayhew Whalen's book, Handle With Care, being published April 13, 2026 by Thomas Nelson (a trademark of Harper Collins Christian Publishing). Four women, caught in a hostage situation brought forth by a domestic matter find comfort and allegiance together as they work to be released. Each woman has a personal dilemma to work through, and through their interwoven experience they are able to support each other as well as find answers to their personal challenges.

There are many facets of Whalen's book that I enjoyed. The novel is set up as the parts of a friendly letter, as taught in school. In lieu of numbered parts to break the story into sections, the novel begins with the "heading", then progresses to the other parts of a letter (greeting, body, closing, and signature). Chapters are introduced , yet the major sections of the novel are separated the letter elements. Why the author chose this format is made clear in the middle of the story when one of the main characters, a past English teacher, explains how to write a friendly letter, which brings the whole concept together.,

The story was poignant, well written, and thought provoking. The characters came to life and were engaging. As the reader, I became involved in their circumstances, and was on edge to see how it was going to work out. Whalen's ability to transport a reader to her character's world creates an engaging escape. Look for Handle With Care next spring and enjoy.

I received a preview copy of Handle with Care from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When four women are thrust into a hostage situation, their own personal sorrows mingle with their terror. Hope, the hostage negotiator, is there to help, but she has problems of her own. Captivating story, with a good message.

Handle with Care is a beautifully emotional story that pulls you in with its gentle pacing and honest look at the complicated parts of life. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen writes in a way that feels very real—her characters are relatable, imperfect, and easy to connect with. You feel their worries, their hopes, and those quiet moments of self-reflection that make the story so meaningful.

What makes the book stand out is how naturally everything unfolds. The relationships—whether strained, healing, or somewhere in between—feel authentic, and the choices the characters face are the kind you can imagine happening in real life. It has the perfect mix of family drama, personal growth, and those small emotional details that stay with you.

If you enjoy heartfelt stories about overcoming challenges, understanding yourself, and rebuilding what matters, Handle with Care is a tender, thoughtful read that lingers after you’re done. It’s one of those books that feels both honest and comforting at the same time.

This was a fantastic book that I did not want to end. This story took characters that would not normally spend time together, but since they were being held hostage, created relationships between them that would bond them for life.

Three ladies who walk into a post office about to mail packages that will change each lady’s life, are unexpectedly held hostage as they are thrown in the middle of a domestic dispute. As they are forced into submission by the assailant, they create friendships and help one another decide whether to mail the packages that will change their lives.

This book was written like the parts of a letter and the author was incredibly creative in how the storylines and characters developed. It was a beautiful story of growth, aging and creating the life you want by making decisions that are sometimes difficult.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #HandleWithCare @ThomasNelson

Handle with Care is a well written novel. I enjoyed the plot and the interactions of the hostages. I definitely recommend this book. I was given the opportunity to read this book by the publisher and Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

If I can say one thing about this book, it will be, read this book! What an interesting idea behind a book. What if 4 women were kind of accidentally taken hostage one day at the post office? What if 3 of them were there mailing something they really didn’t want to? The 4th one asks the question, is there anything fragile in your package and the answer is yes.

This was one of those books that even though it all takes place in one small little room, I had a hard time laying it down. I not only had to know what was going to happen, I had to know why each one was there. It made for a fascinating story.

If you have never read one of Mary Beth Mayhew Whalen’s books this is an excellent one to start with. If you have read others of hers, you will enjoy the Easter eggs she leaves throughout the book. Whalen pens stories that leave you kind of breathless even without the being any heart stopping action. She makes the read long to meet her characters and even visit the places she writes about.

I am already eagerly looking forward to Whalen’s next book. Yes, I know this one isn’t even out yet but trust me you are going to think the same thing.

I really loved this book. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The author really fleshed out the characters. Iy kept my interest and I definitely would recommend it.

"Handle with Care" is a novel by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and the thoughts expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Sunset Beach is a quaint little town where not much tends to occur. However, on this particular day, Tommy received divorce papers at work, which sparked his deep-seated anger issues.

Martha, Stacey, and newcomer Nadine work at the post office, and during their lunch break, they left Nadine to manage things on her own when Tommy entered the post office to confront her about her behavior.

As Tommy stood at the counter, Sylvie, Blythe, and Morrow walked in with their packages to send. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted drastically when Tommy lost his temper, turning the post office into a hostage situation.

I found this novel to be well-crafted and thoroughly edited, resulting in an engaging read filled with strong emotions. I would give it a solid five stars. Nice work!

A highly original thriller. What happens when women go into a post office and suddenly find themselves held hostage? Fast paced and propulsive.

Forgiveness
Can you imagine walking into your local post office to mail a letter or package, and end of fearing for your life? That is what happens to these women whom innocently end up being held hostage in Sunset Beach, NC.
We soon really care for the four women being held hostage, and we really get to know the man, and in some ways felt sorry for him, but?
Then we meet the hostage negotiator whom is named Hope, quite appropriate, and soon a helper, a retired FBI agent, Bo.
Loved how this story meshed together, how they opened up about their lives, and you could see some healing in the time of trauma. We find some healing when times seem to be the darkest.
I loved and recommend this read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

This story centers around several strangers who are unexpectedly caught in a hostage situation at their local post office. Rather than the story turning into a thriller, the author turns it into an emotional saga where strangers spill their secrets, connect with each other and even have compassion for the situation they’re in.

The dialogue is real and the reader can feel the struggle, the emotion and the hope. As these strangers confront their pasts, they connect in unexpected ways. The writing is heartfelt and easy to read. I fell in love with these characters and highly recommend this book, not for a thriller aspect, but rather for the emotional resonance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader copy of this five-star book.

Readers meet three women as they enter a small-town post office in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. What begins as a routine errand escalates into a life-altering hostage crisis. Strangers Sylvie, Morrow, Blythe, and Nadine were detained there for several hours because a marital argument spiraled out of control.

Each lady was there to deliver a package or a letter, and whatever was inside had the ability to change their life forever. They might have a second chance not to send it.

This high-stakes story delves into the hostages' thoughts as they wonder if they will survive. This is an excellent "hostage drama" that serves more as a character study of the bonds that develop under times of crisis. Hope, a seasoned negotiator, is outside, attempting to keep everyone alive while facing her own wounded past.

This novel surprised me in a positive way; I had never read anything by this author before, and it sparked my interest in her earlier works. The story contained more foul language than I expected, but it was understandable given the situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I always enjoy books by this author so was eager to read this. I enjoy her writing style. The characters in this book are well developed and multifaceted. The book has both heart and suspense.

Marybeth Whalen delivers a thought-provoking story wrapped in a charming location. Relatable characters, who all have their secrets and flaws. Fans of Fredrik Backman will definitely enjoy this Southern take on a hostage situation.

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a beautifully layered, deeply engaging novel set in the charming small coastal town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Whalen beautifully captures the feel of a close-knit community while bringing together a group of women whose lives unexpectedly intersect during a single, life-changing ordinary afternoon as a domestic incident spirals into a tense hostage situation.

What truly makes this book shine is how expertly she balances suspense with heart—layering rising tension while exploring the depths these women are willing to go to in order to survive, protect one another, and find hope. Every character carries both a moral and personal secret, and watching those truths slowly unfold is incredibly satisfying. The bonds formed under pressure feel authentic and moving, and Whalen ties everything together beautifully in the end.

Heartwarming, mind opening, and full of emotional insight, this is a novel readers will absolutely love in their book clubs and talk about long after the final page.

This book reminded me a little of "Anxious People" - the locked room mystery, the slow burn of learning the humanity beneath the surface of each of the characters' initial impressions, the care and intention of those trying to resolve the situation. Gorgeously told!

I’ve read two books so far by Marybeth Whalen and they are both among the best books I’ve had the privilege to read and review!

The idea of this book is gripping—-a man holds four women hostage in a small post office, can you imagine? There’s a bathroom, a countertop, and not much else in that front room. We’re never allowed to go in the back, where there might have been a break room and a coffeepot. There are stools, but only enough for the women, who are varied in age from young (that one happens to be the hostage-taker’s wife) to a retired teacher. And the hardest part—-the man has a gun and he arrives holding a handle of whiskey (minus a large amount that he’s already consumed). It’s definitely not a pretty situation and after a short time, when some folks happen to try to come to the post office and they see what’s going on, the local police get involved. It so happens that a retired FBI agent volunteers to help, and then a negotiator who has a background working in another state eventually starts talking to Tommy, the hostage-taker.

By then, the stage is set, and we spend the entire day trying to get to resolution. There’s so much to learn about these hostages! Tommy’s wife is Nadine, and she’s the post office clerk who was working when all this started. All this is against the rules, because Nadine is new in her job and the other two women working with her went out to get lunch (not allowed). The other three women brought something to mail, and they all have mixed feelings about the items they brought. Do they really want to send them? Tommy has reasons for being upset, but what was he thinking? How is this going to solve anything?

When I started this, I couldn’t figure out how the account would provide enough fodder for a whole book, and how wrong I was! It’s definitely a page-turner and one you shouldn’t miss! I just wish Marybeth Whalen would write faster! I’ve waited a long time since Every Moment Since😊.

Five bright stars! I highly recommend this one!

I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Three women walk into a post office. It sounds almost ordinary. But in Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s *Handle with Care*, that ordinary errand becomes the fault line where several lives begin to shift.

On a quiet spring afternoon, a domestic dispute escalates into a hostage situation, trapping four women inside a small-town post office with a desperate man and a gun. Outside, negotiator Hope works to keep everyone alive, her words the only fragile thread connecting safety and catastrophe. Inside, time stretches, fear sharpens, and the private burdens each woman carries begin to surface.

What makes this novel shine is Whalen’s remarkable balance of suspense and heart. The tension builds steadily, but the story never becomes merely about danger. It becomes about the interior lives of these women—the secrets they carry, the griefs they conceal, and the quiet courage that emerges when survival is no longer theoretical.

The entire novel unfolds largely within a single room, and yet it never feels confined. Instead, that small space becomes expansive through memory and revelation. Each of the women has arrived at the post office carrying something—both literally and figuratively—that could change her life if delivered. As the hours pass, those hidden truths begin to surface, and watching those layers unfold is deeply satisfying.

Whalen excels at creating characters who feel both particular and universal. Each woman is navigating her own private crossroads: a marriage unraveling, a future uncertain, a child on the verge of leaving home, a love shadowed by the slow erosion of memory. The oldest of the women, especially, is rendered with extraordinary tenderness. She is grappling with the possibility of her husband’s dementia, trying to hold together a lifetime of shared meaning while confronting the terrifying prospect of losing him piece by piece. Her storyline carries a moral and emotional complexity that feels profoundly true to life.

Outside the post office, negotiator Hope and retired FBI agent Bo bring their own emotional depth to the unfolding crisis. They are not merely observers, but participants in the story’s exploration of responsibility, compassion, and the weight of past choices.

One of the novel’s most creative elements is its structure. Rather than conventional parts, the story is organized according to the components of a friendly letter: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature. What initially feels stylistic gradually reveals itself as thematic. Midway through the story, when one of the women—a former English teacher—explains how to write a friendly letter, the metaphor becomes clear. This is a story about communication: about what we say, what we conceal, and what we long to deliver but cannot.

Under pressure, the women begin to see one another clearly. The bonds that form feel authentic and deeply moving—not sentimental, but forged in shared vulnerability. Each character carries both a moral and personal secret, and Whalen allows those truths to emerge with patience and compassion.

By the end, the novel delivers not just resolution, but something more meaningful: a reminder that even in moments of profound crisis, connection remains possible. Hope is not presented as naïve optimism, but as something chosen. Forgiveness, too, is offered as an option we can choose.

*Handle with Care* is both suspenseful and deeply humane. It is a story about survival, certainly. But more than that, it is about the fragile packages we carry through our lives, the courage required to face what is inside them, and the unexpected grace that can emerge when strangers become witnesses to one another’s truth.

A really beautiful read. quiet and tender ann moving.
The story centres on a hostage situation in a small-town post office, but it’s not really about the mechanics of that. It’s about the women in the room. Their regrets, the things they’re carrying, the choices they’re on the brink of making. There are quite a few characters and backstories, but it’s told so clearly that I never felt overwhelmed. Everything threads together in a way that makes sense.

It’s reflective and occasionally very sad but gentle. I found myself feeling for all of them, even when they frustrated me. The emotional undercurrent is what stayed with me more than the “event” itself.

There’s something quietly hopeful about the way it unfolds. Even in the middle of fear and uncertainty, there’s connection. There’s honesty. There’s the possibility of change.

It felt thoughtful rather than dramatic, and I finished it feeling unexpectedly moved.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an early copy of Handle With Care. WOW PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!!! It started so slow but was keeping my interest. The scenes were very unrealistic BUT what a story!!!! The characters were AWESOME! The emotions were sooooo REAL, if only every hostage situation could go as smoothly. The pizza situation was a TWIST I did not see coming. A complete surprise of a novel. I cried so much at the end. Thank you again so much. PS….Great Cover.

What a fast and fabulous read! A trip to the post office goes wrong. Everyone has a package with special meaning behind it. This is not a high-paced story, but it kept me turning the pages because I just had to know where it was going. Huge props to the author for incredibly developing each character and the setting, so I could see it all play out in my mind. I became so very invested in each of our main characters' stories and the connection they found between each other. The overarching theme felt like hope and made for such a great read! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is about hope and Hope and so much more. Three women enter a post office with three different things to mail. Three different secrets that could change the course of their lives when they mail them. Then Tommy enters the post office everything changes. I loved the audiobook. Narrators was great! No spice. Great palette cleanser for after a hard read.

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen's writing of all the characters was very well done. I connected with all of them. She did an amazing job dropping little clues and nuggets along the way.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction, Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book and the advance copy of the audiobook.

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. I was so captivated by it, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I loved the pace that all the stories and their secrets were revealed. I cried, I smiled. I will take this book on my soul. I couldn’t personally relate to any of the characters lives but the way it was written, I felt for each and everyone of them. I loved every single person in that post office and I cried for them. I rooted for them. I HOPED for them. This is a book that has to be in everyone’s radar and they have to read it. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time could turn into being in the right place at the right time… absolutely perfect.

An absolutely gripping and emotional read! Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has a gift for crafting complex characters and a story that pulls at your heartstrings from the very first page. I couldn't put it down!

I stumbled across this “gem” in NetGalley (thank you) as a free read (thank you too Thomas Nelson Publishing) and took advantage of it. It was a great choice and read.

This is about a hostage situation at a post office in a small town in North Carolina. Four women are held hostage over a domestic dispute that goes awry. Silvie, Blythe, Morrow and Nadine are the hostages and Hope is the hostage negotiator. Each woman is harboring a secret. Of the three women who entered the post office (Nadine works there), each has an item that if maimed could change theirs profoundly. As the hostage negotiations go one these women come together and help each other. Hope as stated in the introduction is there for precisely what her name means.

I liked the omniscient narrator. Having someone outside observe the characters and actions seemed like the best way to tell the story. The moments inside the post office were sharply detailed and the tension slowly built. While not a thriller per se, this had done good elements of one. Finally, this is a fine women’s fiction book.
Highly recommend.

Almost the entirety of this book takes place in one small coastal town post office. The author did a wonderful job of describing each character and their back story to add depth to the setting. I really felt like I knew the characters by the end of the book and was really rooting for things to work out for them. Great book!

I’m not sure if “accidental hostage situation” is a trope, but it should be and this is a perfect example. The author did a tremendous job of developing the characters so that I really wanted the best for ALL of them. Yes, even the “bad” guy. Such a quick, fun read!

Many thanks to UplitReads, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and the author for my gifted copies!

“Oh honey, we are dysfunctional. That’s what makes life interesting.”

Handle With Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the kind of story that quietly pulls you in—and then doesn’t let go.

Three women. One small seaside post office. Three packages that have the power to change everything. But before any of them can walk away, a domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation, locking them—and their truths—inside.

What unfolds over the next few hours is both tense and deeply emotional.

Whalen creates characters that feel incredibly real. Not just the women, but even the man holding them hostage. That complexity added such a powerful layer to the story. These aren’t just characters—we know them… we are them.

The short chapters keep the story moving quickly, building suspense as the situation escalates. But what really stands out is the heart. Beneath the tension is a deeply human story about what we carry—secrets, pain, choices—and how fragile those things can be.

Pairing this with the audiobook narrated by Jane Oppenheimer made the experience even richer. Her performance brought each character to life in a way that made the emotional moments hit even harder.

This is one of those stories that reminds you: we all carry something fragile, perishable… and maybe even a little hazardous.

Handle with Care
Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

Handle with Care is a tense, emotional read following 5 women brought together through a hostage situation. I really enjoyed delving into each of their lives and how this event helps each of them through tough decisions.
Great read, would recommend!

I LOVED it!!! There was just something about this book that got to me. So many parts had me in tears. I still think about it and wonder about everyone involved that day. I loved how the book alternated POVs. This post office reminded me so much of the post office in my town, except for the hostage situation. I'm pretty sure I felt every emotion while reading the book. Blythe, Morrow, Sylvie and Nadine all find themselves in the post office at the same time. Nadine is the only one working while her two fellow postal workers are off buying hotdogs. Tommy definitely didn't think things through. That's what alcohol and anger will get you. He should have just left the gun in the truck. Ripping up divorce papers doesn't solve the problem. I loved how Tommy was afraid of his mother-in-law as she yelled at him over the phone. I never realized who Bo was until the pizza handoff. He was amazing. Without Hope, the situation might have gone on even longer. I loved everything about this book and can't write enough wonderful things about it.

I definitely recommend the book. I loved the story, characters and writing style. I was hooked from the moment I started it. I loved reading about the characters and getting to know them. There were many twists I never saw coming. From now on I will send my husband to mail packages or buy stamps. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

this was such a compelling and capturing book. i was drawn in by every moment of the story. the layers are so beautifully written and build such vivid pictures for me as a reader. i felt so emotional and gripped to what was happening throughout. we enter into this town and suddenly the lives of a group of woman will change forever. just going about their lives will come to mean, be, change into something so much more. because these woman who all enter the post office as individuals are suddenly held hostage. their days become a whole other something.
and so we then get to learn about these woman whilst seamlessly running parallel is the situation they are in. we learn what they do in this situation, who they are, what they can and will do to protect others and themselves. and also learn that each of them is holding something of their own which weighs heavier on them. those linger with feeling just like watching them being held hostage. the peeling back of getting to know these woman is just as gripping as getting to know the current situation they are in. nothing is done with rushed pen. but there is of course the sense of urgency due to being held hostage. it was all balanced and written so well that i truly felt myself now invested and involved on a much deeper level.
we also know the one holding them hostage is one of the woman's ex. this again adds another layer.
and all the womans stories have something to do with just why they have entered the post office that day. i thought this was such a genius way of writing and entering their stories of making them different but also linking them.
this book took me all the way into that room and kept me there. i was hooked to the pages and hooked to needing to see how this would all play out. it was deeper and more emotional side of a thriller read. more psychological and thoughtful. and i love those type.
this book was just brilliant. giving too much more away would carry too many details and give too much of the story away. but i could sit here and think and write so much more about it because it hit me hard and i mean that as a compliment. im so glad i got to read this book.
and that cover? wow, stunning. that cover is everything. when i look at that now it hits deep in the core of what this book feels like too.

Thank you NetGalley for the early edition of this book. This is not what I expected!! I loved the woman power aspect of it and weak man takes people hostage thing. I thought it was gonna go an Anxious People - Fredrik Backman route but I was also wrong about that. Overall it was a really good book

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen was exactly what I needed in a book!

Nadine finds herself alone at the post office, left by her coworkers while they pick up lunch. Being the newest member of the team, she's not shocked she drew the short straw to staying behind. But she's more nervous today because today is an important day. One that she isn't sure how its going to go. Three women visit the post office, each at a different stage of life and each with a life changing package to send out. When Nadine's estranged husband arrive, angry over the divorce papers he was served with this same morning, things take an unexpected turn. Tommy takes the four women hostage, desperate and drunk, and unsure how to make things right with Nadine so she'll change his mind. While Hope, local police negotiator, and her partner Bo, tries to calm the situation and keep anyone from harm, the women inside confront their captor and also confront various internal struggles.

This book was really great and I was swept in from the very beginning. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is amazing at giving us little bits of each character's stories throughout, while keeping us committed to the situation at hand. Each character is loveable, even our desperate hostage taker at timed. Each character learns about themselves, their own strength, and important things in life. I loved it. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better story!

What’s Inside the Package?
What Would You Mail If It Were Your Last Day?

We’ve all stood in line at the post office, clutching a package and checking our watches, lost in the mundane mental loop of to-do lists and dinner plans. But in Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s latest captivating novel, HANDLE WITH CARE, that ordinary errand becomes the backdrop for a life-altering collision of secrets and survival.

A tense, heart-wrenching exploration of the secrets we mail, and the burdens we keep. Whalen transforms a small-town post office into a pressure cooker of redemption, proving that even in our darkest hours, there is a way to find the light.

Highlights...

Set in the sleepy coastal town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the story begins with a desperate act: a man named Tommy, fueled by heartbreak and intoxication, walks into the local post office to confront his estranged wife, Nadine. Within minutes, the doors are locked, a gun is drawn, and three strangers—each there to mail a package that could irrevocably change their future—become hostages in a high-stakes standoff.

~Nadine: The postal clerk and Tommy's wife.
~Sylvie: An elderly woman hiding a significant secret.
~Morrow: A mother struggling with her daughter's upcoming graduation.
~Blythe: A younger woman searching for purpose in her life.


Each of the three customers (Sylvie, Morrow, and Blythe) is in the process of mailing something that would irrevocably change her life. As the day-long siege progresses, the women reflect on these choices and wonder if they should follow through.

Outside the building, a seasoned negotiator named Hope works to defuse the situation, joined by Bo, a retired FBI agent. While trying to save the hostages, Hope is forced to confront her own "personal baggage" and past mistakes.

My thoughts...

If you’re expecting a gritty, pulse-pounding police procedural, think again.

Whalen has crafted something far more delicate and daring. At its heart, the book is about characters finding a second chance or a way to move forward from their pasts.

HANDLE WITH CARE is a "closed-room" character study that subverts the traditional thriller genre. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of the crime, the narrative dives deep into the "moral and personal baggage" of the women inside.

While the setup is high-stakes, the execution is introspective. The real action happens in the characters' memories and moral dilemmas rather than through gunfire or stunts.

From Sylvie, an elderly woman guarding a decades-old secret, to Hope, the negotiator outside battling her own past mistakes, the novel explores a profound truth: we are often far more alike than we imagine.

The "Five Parts of a Letter" Structure
A unique and clever framing: The book is divided into sections—Heading, Salutation, Body, Complimentary Close, and Signature. This adds a layer of literary depth that makes the "postal" setting feel integral to the story's soul, not just a backdrop.

The book asks a haunting question that lingered with me long after the final page: If you were facing your final moments, would you still send the package that reveals your darkest truth?

Part domestic drama and part soul-searching journey, HANDLE WITH CARE is a poignant reminder that even in the midst of a crisis, there is room for grace, connection, and—most importantly—hope.

Whalen explores that while we often "package" our secrets and traumas to keep them hidden from the world, true healing requires the bravery to be seen.

More Than a Thriller: Finding Hope in Whalen’s Latest Hostage Drama The unmailed packages serve as a metaphor for the emotional weight we carry.

The "care" in the title refers to how we must handle both ourselves and others when those secrets are finally revealed. Even in a literal life-or-death crisis, the characters find that they have the agency to choose forgiveness and grace over fear.

Themes ...
~Subverting the Thriller Genre:
A slow-burning and "introspective" read rather than a high-octane action book.

~The Power of Connection:
How trauma bridges the gap between strangers

~Structure: Creative:
"Five Parts of a Letter" framing serves as a unique "love letter" to connection and honesty.


Audio Spotlight...

The narration for HANDLE WITH CARE is absolutely top-tier. Jane Oppenheimer's performance captures the distinct 'Southern grit' of the Sunset Beach setting, providing each of the women a voice that feels authentic to their age and emotional baggage. If you’re a multi-format reader like me, the audio version adds a layer of visceral tension that makes the hostage situation feel incredibly real.

Jane Oppenheimer's excellent narration (a favorite) is often praised for her ability to give each character a distinct "voice" and emotional depth, which truly brings the tense atmosphere to life, especially with these two top characters. She is legendary for that "soothing yet drawing you in" quality—she has that perfect mid-tempo pace that makes even a hostage standoff feel intimate and atmospheric.

I resonated with these two favorite characters. Hope’s professional patience clashes and then aligns with Sylvie’s seasoned, life-taught patience. While the world outside is clamoring for a quick resolution, these two characters understand that certain things—such as healing, truth, and safety—cannot be rushed.

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT: The Power of Patience:
What struck me most was the quiet strength of Sylvie and Hope. In a situation defined by chaos and ticking clocks, both women display a profound sense of patience.

For Hope, it’s the calculated, professional stillness required to talk a man down from a ledge. For Sylvie, it’s the weary but "spunky" patience of a woman who has lived long enough to know that the hardest truths take time to deliver. Their calm is the anchor of the story, proving that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is wait and listen.

Strangers, Secrets, and Sunset Beach
Why Handle with Care is Your Next Book Club Pick

RECS: Best For…

~Book Clubs:
There are endless possibilities for discussions about forgiveness, aging, and the choices that define us.

~Fans of "Anxious People":
If you loved the "strangers-stuck-together" vibe of Fredrik Backman but want a more serious, Southern-inspired tone.

~The "Emotional Thriller" Reader:
Perfect for those who want the tension of a crisis without the graphic violence of a traditional thriller.

~Coastal Setting Lovers:
Whalen’s love for Sunset Beach, NC, shines through, making the setting feel like a character itself.

~Audiobook Lovers: The tension of the hostage standoff translates perfectly to audio, making for a truly immersive, "edge-of-your-seat" experience.


The core takeaway of Handle with Care is that we are all carrying invisible burdens, and sharing those burdens is the only way to find true relief. In short: You don't have to carry your "package" alone.

Since I have read the author's entire backlist and am a huge long-time fan, HANDLE WITH CARE feels like the "pinnacle" of the author's career—it combines her signature suburban secrets with a new level of high-concept drama.

The Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Handle with Care is a rare masterpiece that manages to be both a high-stakes hostage drama and a deeply comforting character study. Whether you’re turning the pages of the physical book or listening to the audiobook, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s storytelling pulls you into that Sunset Beach post office and doesn't let go. It’s a beautifully written reminder that our secrets only have power over us as long as they stay "packaged" and unaddressed."

Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this lovely advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: April 14, 2025
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Author's Work...

If you loved Every Moment Since (top books of 2024) HANDLE WITH CARE is a must-read! Every Moment Since paved the way for the emotional depth we see in Handle with Care. While Handle with Care traps characters in a post office, Every Moment Since traps them in the "aftermath" of a single, tragic moment—the disappearance of a child.

Jane Oppenheimer's narration of that book was equally stunning. She has a way of handling the "heavy lifting" of grief and guilt without making the listener feel overwhelmed.

Common threads between the two books:

~The "Ripple Effect":
Both books focus on how one event (a kidnapping vs. a hostage situation) creates a permanent "before and after" for an entire community.

~Deep Character Layers:
Just like Sylvie and Hope in the new book, the characters in Every Moment Since (like Thad and Davy) are forced to confront the versions of themselves they've been hiding for years.

~Atmosphere:
Whalen is a master at that "Southern heavy-hearted" vibe, and with the right narrator, makes those emotional beats land perfectly.

I highly recommend the author, these two books, and her entire backlist!

This was my first book to read by this author but it definitely won't be the last! You find yourself thinking about the characters and the story long after you finish it. What a page-turner! Can't recommend enough!!

Handle With Care is an emotional thriller that dissects each character and the reasons for their actions.

Nadine is a post office worker who is left alone while two of the other employees go off on a lunch break. As customers begin to arrive, Tommy walks in with divorce papers he was served. He wants Nadine to rip them. When she refuses he goes to his truck, takes a swig of alcohol for courage and takes his gun back in to the post office. There were several women in line, but two managed to get away. Only Blythe, Morrow and Sylvie are left behind with Nadine. This soon turns into a hostage situation where each woman slowly reveals the secrets they carry and what they were there to ship. This hostage situation allows them to think about their past, their secrets, their relationships and what they took for granted.

As soon as I started reading this novel, I knew that I was going to love it. The whole story, the characters, the information that I learned about the post office, everything was nice and perfect. I even enjoyed Tommy's character. All of the women's back stories were compelling and sincere. Hope was another character I enjoyed though I doubted her sometimes. Overall, this novel was an emotional read, full of secrets, the emotional burdens we carry, shared trauma, honesty and truth.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Umm, wow! The reflective depth and symbolism in this story is like none other. This was my first book by Whalen and it blew me away…I will be looking into her backlist because I really enjoyed her writing style. Writing a story about a hostage situation in a post office incorporating letter writing and using the parts of a letter as the writing structure was unique and incredibly creative. This story is rich in symbolism from the word “hope” to the reflections of the fragility of life (handle with care) and the metaphorical packages/baggage we carry throughout life. I thought the plot was intriguing and had a side of mystery as we didn’t know what was in each of the hostages' packages that they brought to drop off at the post office that day. I enjoyed the emotional depth while reading as each of the characters' back stories slowly revealed through the story of their package. It was easy to make connections with the well developed characters because they were all in different stages of life and dealing with tough realistic life situations. I appreciated the mental health and disability representations as well. This book would be perfect for a book club.

The pairing of the book and the audiobook made for a great immersive experience. Jane Oppenheimer did an incredible job with impeccable tone and inflections that helped set the mood and setting plus gave each of the characters their own unique voice making them easy to distinguish. She delivered a phenomenal performance from start to finish as she brought the characters and story to life.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction, Uplit Reads, and Marybeth Whalen for the gifted ARC and ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has crafted a gripping novel telling the transformative power to be found in recognizing the humanity of each and every person.

“Compelling” gets thrown around a lot, but this story truly earns it. It’s a genuine page-turner—emotional, character-driven, and filled with vividly drawn people who pulled me in so completely I felt like I was right there in that post office with them. I cared deeply about each of the women, and even about Tommy, the man holding them hostage.

What makes this novel stand out is how genuinely real everyone feels, and their backstories that gradually come to light. Each character is carrying secrets and regrets, each one quietly in need of healing. The themes of people needing to be handled with care, having hope, and the idea that everyone deserves a kind of “P.S.” in life—another chance—are handled with tenderness and compassion.

The bond that forms between these women, who begin as strangers, is especially moving and beautifully written. Even Tommy is portrayed with such nuance that you can’t help but feel for him too.

This is a memorable, thoughtful, heartfelt story, and one I’d absolutely recommend. It’s easily a five-star read for me.

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is both heartwarming and quietly intense, capturing how quickly ordinary lives can shift in a single moment. I picked it up for the emotional premise and stayed for the way it explores human connection under pressure.

The character work is where this shines, with each woman bringing her own depth and vulnerability to the situation. The pacing is steady rather than fast, but it fits the tone beautifully. This is perfect for readers who love emotional, character driven stories with hope threaded through difficult circumstances.

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a cinematic, character-driven example of literary fiction at its finest!

It was the cover that first drew me in, and from there, I just needed to see, "Three women walk into a post office. No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the beginning of a hostage situation," to know this was a must-read book!

Full of unforgettable characters, themes that pull at your heartstrings, and secrets that get revealed in turn — this book was a real page-turner! While every single woman within this story is strong and resilient, it was Sylvie and Hope that instantly became my favorites. It was fun (and romantic) to discover Sylvie's connection and heartbreaking to learn the truth behind Hope's past.

Jane Oppenheimer was the perfect choice to narrate this audiobook! Her voice was calm, soothing, yet full of emotion— exactly the kind of voice you'd want during an actual hostage situation!

I'm a big fan of character-driven novels, and this book really sums up why! This was an easy five stars!

Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Libro.fm, for the complimentary copies to read and review.

"Every marriage is a country unto itself. And there are only two people there who speak the language."

Five people in a post office stars!🌟📫

Let me introduce you in order from oldest to youngest:

💌SYLVIE - She is 70-something and reluctant to visit the post office. In her hand is a big envelope she does not want to mail. Her husband Robert of 50+ years waits for her at home. She should not leave him alone too long.

💌MORROW - Her package is also one she has mixed feelings about. An argument with daughter Maya this morning created a rift between them and Morrow hopes sending this package will begin to mend fences.

💌NADINE - New at the post office and soon to be divorced. The papers were served to husband Tommy today. Is no text from him good news or a bad omen?

💌BLYTHE - Her package is an attempt to rekindle an old relationship. What is she thinking and what will she tell her fiance' Aaron? Is she making a mistake or is her mother right?

🃏TOMMY - He is the wild card in this mix. All he wants is for Nadine to tear up the divorce papers. How far will her go to get what he wants?

It's a book about HOPE with a character named HOPE.🤗

How have I gone so long without reading Marybeth Mayhew Whalen? This story will break your heart and put it back together again. As the author explains in her notes, a quote from Adam Haslett inspired her storytelling:

For years I've been writing about characters seeking to overcome isolation and connect emotionally with other people.

And I really must share one more gem:

🐕Dogs make everything better.

Read this book for yourself and find out just what that means.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction & Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's just a routine errand - going to the post office - but for the four women inside, things will never be the same. Each of the women are mailing something that has the potential to change their lives, and each is conflicted about mailing their package. Then the husband of the postal worker brings in a gun and barricades himself in with the women.

I loved this story, told using chapters of the classic parts of a letter, which is so appropriate for it taking part in the post office. The title is perfect as well, as this is how we need to treat each other as we all deal with our own stories. We see the women gradually open up to each other, while simultaneously trying to do what they can to change their situation. The negotiator is also a huge part of this story, and she's keeping her own secrets. The story is tense, but quiet, with the action taking place with words rather than violence. The narration was wonderful as well, as she gave each character their own voice. Highly recommended!

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a quick, engaging read that blends suspense with heart. Despite centering on a hostage situation, the novel feels surprisingly cozy and uplifting, thanks to its character-driven focus and quirky, approachable writing style. I loved how the story emphasized connection, empathy, and personal growth, even in crisis. One of its strongest elements is the humanistic treatment of the antagonist, which adds emotional depth and compassion. Overall, it’s a warm, hopeful novel that moves fast while leaving a lasting impression.