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.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, published by Jane Oppenheimer

Brilliant! This is definitely a book you will want to binge, I listened to the audiobook and kept finding chores so as to keep listening.  Such an amazing book that takes place over the period of an afternoon.  It takes a special author to be able to accomplish that, to keep the reader engaged and the characters interesting. I love the way each characters story unfolds and we learn about them, present and past and why they have all come to be together at the post office. I liked the relationships that were developed and the way the characters felt the trust developed between them. There were moments at the end that really tugged at my heart and brought tears to my eyes. There is so much emotion packed into this novel.
The narrator (Jane Oppenheimer) is amazing and adds believability to each character
I would label this as women's fiction and not mystery/thriller.
This is the first novel I've read by this author, but not the last.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.


gobbled this story UP 👏 it's by a local to me author, coastal setting, a hostage situation at the local post office, multiple characters with backstories and has short chapters!
it also was my third book this year with Jane Oppenheimer as narrator and her voice is very soothing and keeps you wanting to listen

This novel completely drew me in with its richly layered storytelling! The atmosphere feels immersive and vivid, capturing the warmth and subtle complexities of a small community while seamlessly weaving together a group of women whose lives become intertwined in a surprising, traumatic way. The premise felt fresh and unique, and I really appreciated how it all unfolded.

What makes this story so compelling is the way it balances deeply emotional, character-driven moments with suspense. Each woman carries her own secrets, and watching those layers delicately unravel was very impactful. Their voices feel authentic and relatable, and I found myself invested in every one of them—rooting for their strength, their growth, and the bonds they form under pressure. The relationships feel genuine, shaped by fear, resilience, and a shared determination to protect each other.

While there’s a steady undercurrent of tension throughout, I’d place this more in the realm of women’s fiction, with suspense serving as a powerful backdrop rather than the main focus. The audiobook elevated the experience even further—I think it’s the perfect format for this story, as it keeps the pacing strong and engaging while bringing each character vividly to life. (Jane Oppenheimer is an amazing narrator, as always.)

By the end, everything comes together in a thoughtful and emotionally satisfying way, and I was genuinely sad to leave these characters behind. They’ll definitely stay with me for a while. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy stories in this space!

First, I want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this ALC (Advance Listener Copy). The following are my own honest opinions.

The suspense in this book was done so well, with a hopeful touch. What I loved most was how personal each woman’s story felt with each of their packages, hence the title. The themes of letting go, hidden truths, and that powerful call for change really stood out to me. This highlighted the fact that hurt people hurt people. How that hurt can grow to a very unhealthy situation. It felt real and emotional. My favorite was the old woman’s story the best. It really touched my heart.

The ending was beautifully done. I loved that each storyline came to a meaningful and satisfying resolution. They were honest and hopeful.

“Handle with Care” by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen @marybethwhalen

🎧 Format: AudioBook
🎙 Narrator: Jane Oppenheimer
📚 Pub Date: 04.14.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

“Handle with Care” by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a poignant novel that begins in a quiet post office, and the entire novel unfolds there. On an ordinary afternoon in a small town, a husband walks into the post office where his estranged wife works and holds her and all the customers hostage.

Each of the women have a personal reason that brings them into the Post Office. Each woman faces the fact that if they mail their package, it will change their lives permanently.

The hostage negotiator that is brought in is struggling with the circumstances of her own life and her own past choices that can’t be altered. Throughout the story she must confront her inability to move forward.

As the situation lasts for hours, all the women create deep friendships forged as they support each other while being held hostage. The camaraderie that they share is touching. The characters in this novel are so richly developed, and the issues faced by the women are often nuanced and complex.

“Handle with Care” is a moving story that reminds us of the fact that everyone in life is going through something. It’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of our own life and not fully appreciate that everyone has their own issues.

“Handle with Care” left me thinking about the choices we make, personal growth, and being brave enough to seek self-awareness to make the right choices for ourselves.

Jane Oppenheimer is a fabulous and well known narrator who brings so much to the experience of listening to this book by audio.

I highly recommend “Handle with Care” by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen (which is going on my “Best-of-2026” list) and I will be thinking about these women for some time.

I have only read one other book by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, which was “Every Moment Since” and I also really enjoyed that book. I plan to read more from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for access to this Advance Listener Copy in exchange for an honest review.

#HandleWithCare
#MarybethMayhewWhalen
#JaneOppenheimer
#NetGalley
#ThomasNelsonFictionAudio

One day listen! I absolutely loved every single thing about this book. The way the story is woven together and the way we see into the lives of each woman is stunning.

Audio version was perfect and narrator was exactly the person needed to bring these characters to life.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the chance to listen and review this wonderful book.

Thank you, Net Galley, for the advanced audio of HANDLE WITH CARE by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. This was an excellent book. I listened with much anticipation waiting to hear each secret revealed and the doubts each character had about whether or not they should be sending the item. The author did an awesome job of describing each character and how they were handling the situation. they found themselves in. While the main focus of the novel was on the characters inside, we also got to know a couple of the characters outside and how they were working to resolve this situation. The narration was excellent and the feelings of every character came through.

A great story of several POV intermingled as their lives converge through a singular traumatic event. The author takes you hostage from the start and holds your attention the entire way through. The different POVs are written differently enough that you don’t get lost in the events. Don’t be like me and finish the book right before work…the way it wrecked me!! Such a well written book with various character arcs all converging at the same time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I received this book as an ARC and was hesitant to read at first. I didn’t think I sounded interesting. Bit was I wrong. Such a great read from start to finish. Great character building, a little bit of humor. Plot line flowed perfectly. Loved all the characters. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, MaryBeth Mathew Whalen and Thomas Nelson (publisher) for this ARC.

I really loved this book. It centers around four women caught in a hostage situation, along with a female officer serving as the negotiator—and at its heart, it’s such a powerful reflection of womanhood and connection.

What stood out most to me was how, even in such an intense and unexpected situation, these women found ways to connect, support, and care for one another. There’s something so beautiful about that—how, when given the space, women can build understanding and compassion even in the most difficult circumstances.

I also loved learning about each woman’s story and what brought them to the post office that day. Each of them was at a major turning point in their life, for very different reasons. That same depth extended to the negotiator as well, which added another meaningful layer to the story.

It was such a strong reminder that everyone is carrying something significant, even when it’s not visible on the surface. What looks like an ordinary day—four women running errands and one woman working—can actually hold so much more beneath it.

This was a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking read that highlights connection, empathy, and the unseen weight we all carry. I definitely recommend it.

Handle with Care is about 4 women held captive in a post office at gunpoint by a man who one woman is very familiar with. Each woman has a story which is told beautifully and they bond during their hostage situation. The negotiators of the hostage situation are great additional characters even though Hope is almost hinted at as the main character.

Although hinting that the negotiator is the main character and holds “hope” for all, I think the women are the powerful main characters in this story as well as Tommy who although holding the women captive, has layers to his character which makes him hard to hate.

There are a few twists and turns in the narrative which surprised me and I enjoyed the audiobook throughout. Although almost the entirety of the book is set inside the post office during the hostage, it doesn’t feel slow and there are no “buffer” moments like many books nowadays. Whilst covering some difficult topics, the relationships formed between the women and how they handle Tommy almost make moments wholesome.

I was sceptical reading previous reviews, however I do disagree with many lower star reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook and would highly recommend to anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the advance audiobook of Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. I requested the audio in part because it is narrated by Jane Oppenheimer, who never fails to deliver a thoughtful and engaging performance. I have also long enjoyed Whalen’s work in women’s fiction, making this an easy choice.
Expected publication date: April 14, 2026.
Whalen brings together four women at very different stages of life and places them in a tense, contained hostage situation. The setting is unexpected. This is not a bank or a convenience store, but a small-town North Carolina post office, where very little typically happens.
The story unfolds over the course of a single afternoon. After two employees step out for lunch, the remaining postal clerk is left alone with a male customer whose behavior quickly escalates. When another customer questions the delay, a gun is drawn and the situation spirals. In the chaos, two women manage to escape, leaving three others trapped inside, frozen in fear.
Enter Hope, a police negotiator who has been on leave following a traumatic event. She has retreated to this quiet town to recover, not expecting to be pulled back into a high-stakes crisis. With the FBI delayed due to a fatal accident on the interstate, Hope is forced to step in despite her emotional exhaustion and lingering vulnerability.
Inside the post office, the three remaining women are strangers to one another, yet each carries her own secrets and burdens. The packages they are mailing are more than routine errands. Each represents a pivotal decision, a moment of reckoning in their lives.
What Whalen does particularly well is her pacing. As the tension of the hostage situation builds, she carefully weaves in the backstories of each woman, allowing the reader to understand not only what is happening, but why it matters. Even the hostage taker, the husband of the postal clerk, is given depth and context. His actions are not excused, but they are explored with nuance.
Although the novel is marketed as a thriller, it reads more as a character-driven exploration of choice, consequence, and empathy. Each woman’s story is distinct, relatable, and handled with care. Whalen reminds us that people are often far more complex than their worst moments.
I especially appreciated how the narrative gradually reveals the perspectives of both the postal clerk and Hope, bringing emotional resolution to the story’s final moments.
The audiobook is excellent. Jane Oppenheimer’s narration adds warmth and dimension, capturing each character’s voice with clarity and sensitivity.
A compelling blend of suspense and women’s fiction, elevated by strong narration. Highly recommended in audio format. 🎧📚

I absolutely enjoyed this book in audiobook format.The storytelling was simply amazing and well presented. I thought the plot was suspenseful and very entertaining. I will highly recommend this in the future.

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 by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

Handle with Care is a tense and emotional read that follows five women brought together during a hostage situation. I really enjoyed getting to know each of their lives and perspectives, and seeing how this intense event pushes them to confront difficult choices and personal struggles.
The story is engaging and character-driven, with a strong emotional core that kept me invested throughout.
A great read—I would definitely recommend it!

Handle With Care is such a thoughtful, emotional and well-crafted story. This was an interesting read for me because of the different layers. At the core, it is a thriller, but by the time I got to the end it felt more like a warm embrace…though I say this in the most beautiful and special way.

Told from multiple points of view. this is the story of a man who takes his wife and three other women hostage in a post office. Each person is harboring a secret. As tension builds, the secrets begin to come out and one by one they share their stories, forging a fast and unique bond.

A story about love and friendship, it explores the importance of community as well as forgiveness, grace and supporting one another. With such richly developed and genuine characters, it is so easy to connect with these women and their captor.

An intense and emotional read. Handle With Care was the gift I didn’t know I needed.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the audio version of this book. Narrated by Jane Oppenheimer, this was such a brilliant dramatization, and I found myself lost in it. .

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!

5/5⭐ — I’m still reeling from HANDLE WITH CARE by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. What an incredibly moving and beautifully crafted story! I picked this one up after a book bestie recommended it, because it’s narrated by Jane Oppenheimer (one of our favorite narrators) and I’m so grateful I did!

I’ll admit, I had my doubts going in. A full-length novel centered around a hostage situation unfolding over just a few hours? I wasn’t sure how that would hold my attention. But any hesitation I had disappeared almost immediately. The writing is gripping, emotional, and quietly powerful, weaving suspense with deeply human storytelling.

Oppenheimer delivers an exceptional performance, reminding me exactly why I love her narration so much. Each character felt vivid and real, and my heart ached for the women trapped inside the post office. The subtle symbolism and layered details throughout the story were masterfully done, truly a chef’s kiss!

What stayed with me most were the individual backstories of the women, each one adding depth and emotional weight. And that ending… I was in tears. My hubby asked me what the book was about and as I was explaining the book, I started crying all over. This is one of those stories that lingers long after you’ve finished it.

I’ll be recommending this book for a long time! Thank you to NetGalley, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, and the publishers for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book’s ability to make you anxious and laugh simultaneously is a real credit to the author’s writing ability. The characters are relatable in the funniest ways. Their internal dialogue is really what kept me going. The best part of the entire book is Nadine’s phone call with her mom, and how ridiculous it may seem, yet I could see my mom doing the same. The audiobook’s narrator made everything even better. Her inflection somehow perfectly depicted both humor and panic. I can’t call it a comedy because it’s clearly deals with serious subject matter, but I laughed aloud regardless. By the end, I was fully sobbing because of the beautiful endings of so many of their stories.

Handle With Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen completely pulled me in and did not let go.

What starts off feeling like an ordinary, almost quiet setup, a few women in a small-town post office, quickly turns into something tense, emotional, and honestly unforgettable. The moment everything shifts, you realize this isn’t just a story… it’s an experience.

The fact that the entire book unfolds in one setting makes it even more powerful. There’s no escape, no distractions, just raw emotion, rising tension, and layered characters all forced into the same space. You feel the pressure building with every page.

Each woman walks in carrying something, physically and emotionally, and that detail alone adds so much weight to the story. The idea that what they’re about to send could change their lives? That concept was executed so well. As everything unravels, you start to see how deeply connected they all are, even as strangers.

The characters felt incredibly real. Messy, human, vulnerable. No one is perfect, and that’s what makes it hit harder. Even the negotiator, who’s supposed to be the steady one, is dealing with her own internal struggles, which added another layer of depth I wasn’t expecting.

This isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy thriller, and it doesn’t need to be. The tension is emotional, psychological, and constant. You keep reading because you need to understand these people, their choices, and what they’re holding onto.

There’s a quiet but powerful message woven throughout about connection, forgiveness, and the weight of the things we carry. It doesn’t feel forced, it just naturally unfolds as the characters begin to open up in the most unexpected circumstances.

By the end, it’s not even about the hostage situation anymore it’s about transformation. About how lives can collide in one moment and leave a lasting impact.

And listening to the audiobook version? That took it to another level. The suspense felt sharper, the emotions hit deeper, and every moment felt more intense 😩. It honestly made the story feel even more alive.

This is one of those books that lingers. The kind you sit with after finishing, just thinking about everything it made you feel.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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

This book was absolutely captivating, I did not want to stop listening!

From the very beginning the characters grab your attention and don't let go till the end!

These women walk into a post office expecting to quickly run their errands but when they get stuck in the middle of a domestic despite, they find friendship in the other women during a time of hardship.

I hope the author has great success with this book as it is beyond well written and i truly enjoyed this story.

If you are on the fence about reading it, I highly recommend giving it a shot!

<i><u>Handle With Care</i></u> by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen was unlike any female-led story I’ve ever read. Three women are about to cross paths in a way none of them expect to. Each woman will enter the post office with a package, if that package is mailed, their lives will change forever. This is under domestic thriller, but it isn’t your typical one. It’s much deeper than that. <i><u>Handle With Care</i</u> is a poignant study of three women navigating their own unique hardships. Ultimately, it’s a story of survival, and most importantly, hope.

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
Top Audiobooks of 2026
Apr featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat

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!

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Narrated by Jane Oppenheimer

What a delightful and uplifting story! Hope sums up so much of this story and there is a police officer named Hope who is on the outside of the post office where a hostage situation is taking place. Her name and her presence lends HOPE to those who are inside the post office. Alongside Hope is a retired FBI agent who acts as her partner during the time of the kidnapping and he, too, is a important part of this story.

Inside the post office are five people: the hostage taker, a young female postmaster, an elderly woman who wants to get home to her husband because he needs her so much, a mother who feels she's ruined her relationship with her daughter, and a young woman who can't help trying to please a mother who cannot be pleased. Never would I have thought I could have compassion and hope for Tommy, the hostage taker, but as the slow going story unfolds, during the times when I thought I might even be getting bored (a time when Tommy gives a fake yawn to show bored he is and that made me laugh), this story was building the foundation for what becomes my 5 star review. I'm so glad the story is written just the way it is written because we need all the words and thoughts we get in this story. We need to know these people and what got them to this point, we need to know more than just what we can see from the outside.

I've enjoyed Jane Oppenheimer's narrations before and she is excellent here. Her narration is very calm and deliberate, just what we need for this story. I'd say more about the characters but don't want to give anything away. I love the way the story ends and the story extends, in my mind, in a very hopeful and fulling way. I was able to discuss this story with Jayme as we both listened to the narration and I'm glad she suggested I grab this audiobook.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Narrated by Jane Oppenheimer
Audiobook is 8 hrs 35 minutes at 1x, 5 hours 43 minutes at 1.5x
Genres: Book Club Fiction, Family Fiction, Domestic Suspense

DON’T expect a thriller just because four women are being held hostage in a small-town post office.

Despite the setting, this story is much more a character study, and a study of family dynamics than the adrenaline thriller you might expect-although suspense drives the plot.

And, it’s also a story about Hope.

Stacey and Martha just wanted a hot dog for lunch. And, maybe the chance to get outside for just a bit to enjoy the Spring afternoon in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. They convinced the new girl, Nadine that she could handle things on her own, when they snuck out of the Post Office, promising they would bring a hot dog back for her…

But, a man at the front of the line is taking up more than his fair share of time, making the three restless women behind him wonder where the rest of the staff was, and giving them more time to question if they SHOULD even be mailing the items that they had brought into the Post Office with them.

Each of the women-Sylvie, Morrow and Blythe-walked into the post office is carrying something that, IF mailed, would profoundly change their lives. And, they are second guessing themselves.

And, then the angry man takes them hostage!

Outside, a woman named Hope is thrust into the role of negotiating with the hostage taker for their release.

They might need a little Lady Luck to intervene.

If she does, it will most definitely change the outcome for all four women, while also bonding them for life.

Everything felt genuine about this story from the Post Office setting to the characters we spend time with, both inside and outside of the building and I became emotionally invested from the opening pages.

In fact, I was so immersed that I listened to the entire audiobook in one day!

I will definitely be watching for future titles from this talented author and hoping for time to sneak in some backlist titles, which I already own, but never found the time to read. YET.

Available April 14, 2026.

Thank You to Thomas Nelson Audible Audio for the gifted Audiobook provided via NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

I went into this book thinking it would be more about the situation itself, but what really made it stand out was the characters.

Every single woman felt fully developed, with her own secrets, struggles, and layers slowly unfolding as the story went on. I loved how you didn’t just watch what was happening, you really got to understand who they were and what they were carrying, both literally in the things they were getting ready to mail and figuratively.

The setup is intense—a hostage situation in a small-town post office—but the story is so much more about connection, growth, and the unexpected ways people can impact each other. There’s this underlying thread of hope running through it, even in the middle of something really difficult, and I thought that was handled beautifully.

By the end, I felt like I had really been through something with these characters, and I was honestly a little sad to leave them.

This would be a great book club pick. There’s a lot to talk about. Definitely one I’d recommend.

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!

Jane Oppenheimer was also an amazing choice in narrator. The audio version was made even better with Jane's ability to express emotion and intensity... her voice was an incredible addition to an incredible story.

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen was such a beautifully written and emotional read. The story really pulled me in, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and their relationships. It handled heavy topics with so much care and depth, without ever feeling overwhelming.
I especially loved how the author slowly revealed layers of the story, keeping me engaged the entire time. There was a quiet intensity to it that made it hard to put down, and the emotional impact really stayed with me after I finished.
Overall, this was a powerful, heartfelt read that I’d absolutely recommend.

“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.

The audiobook, narrated by Jane Oppenheimer, is excellent. She brings depth and emotion to every character and was a perfect choice for this book.

Thank you to the author, Thomas Nelson Fiction and UpLit Reads for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

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.

Handle with Care is a beautifully written story, heartwarming with just a touch of suspense. It’s a story about humanity, and hope, and compassion, and empathy and understanding- all things we could use more of these days. And it’s entertaining to boot. Highly recommend picking this up when you need a boost or some renewed faith in humanity.

Jane Oppenheimer did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Some stories rely on twists. Others rely on what happens when people are pushed too close for too long.

Handle with Care had twists, yes—but what made it powerful was the layering. This was an expertly crafted story of forced proximity, where tension doesn’t just come from the situation, but from what each person brings into it.

Trauma, survival, perception—everything starts to blur when there’s no escape. And that’s what this book captures so well. It reminded me of the way war stories unfold—not because of the setting, but because of how quickly strangers become entangled through shared stress and unspoken understanding.

Nothing here felt surface-level. Every reveal had weight because it was built on something real.

📖 Perfect for fans of: character-driven suspense, emotional depth, and stories where connection is forged under pressure
💎 Bookshell Pearl: When people are forced into the same space long enough, the truth doesn’t just come out—it binds them.

@bookshell_f #Bookshell_F #BookReview #PsychologicalSuspense #ThrillerReads #Bookstagram

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!

Imagine =going about your "business" with everyday life - going to work and running errands when everything changes. This is exactly what happened with the women in Handle With Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen.

On a beautiful spring day in a small town, one woman goes to work in the post office while 3 other women (of various ages) come to "mail" something. Across town, one man receives devastating news and now a hostage situation later.... The world is upside down for these individuals.

Everyone has a hidden secret that could change their lives forever and this hostage situation, brings things to light.

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, and how the antagonist was given a compassionate, humanistic arc. I also really enjoyed the audiobook narrator—she made it very clear who was speaking at all times. The pacing was a bit slow at standard speed, but it was perfect at 1.25x. Overall, it’s a warm, hopeful novel that moves quickly and leaves a lasting impression.

Audio 5 Stars. Release date 4/14/2026.  Thank you Netgalley for the Arc audio.

I absolutely loved this story and the way it unfolded—beautifully written, gripping, and completely engaging from start to finish.
What begins as a simple task—mailing a package—quickly spirals into a terrifying, high-stakes situation. A husband suddenly pulls a gun, barricading himself inside with his wife and three other women, all connected by a piece of mail that holds life-altering secrets. As tension rises, a negotiator is brought in to handle the rapidly escalating crisis.
With the clock ticking, the story masterfully blends suspense, fear, and emotional depth. At its core, it’s about survival, the power of shared secrets, and the unexpected bond formed between three women in the face of danger.
Intense, fast-paced, and full of twists—this one keeps you on edge until the very last page.

I listened to Handle with Care by Marybeth Whalen, narrated by Jane Oppenheimer on Audible, and I absolutely loved it.

The story begins when a new girl is left alone in a small-town post office, and everything suddenly changes when an angry, desperate man takes the people inside hostage. What follows is a tense and emotional situation, but the heart of the story isn’t just the drama—it’s the people.

Hope steps forward and begins negotiating with the hostage-taker, trying to keep everyone safe and find a way out. As the story unfolds, you get to know each character more deeply—their struggles, emotions, and what brought them to that moment.

Although it has elements of tension, this book leans much more into contemporary fiction than a fast-paced thriller. It’s very character-driven, focusing on relationships, emotions, and personal journeys, which made it feel real and believable.

The narration by Jane Oppenheimer was excellent—she brought the story to life in such a natural and engaging way. I felt completely immersed and connected to the characters throughout.

I loved this audiobook so much—it was incredibly engaging, emotional, and really stayed with me after it finished. I would highly recommend it.

✍️ Mary Beth Whalen
🎙️ Jane Oppenheimer
👉 Contemporary Fiction
🎧 8 hrs 35 mins

Publication date: April 14th 2026

I’m honestly not sure what I was expecting… but this book was certainly not it!

If you are looking for a ‘feel good’ book that deals with many difficulties, involving multiple everyday people, who are forced together in an unimaginable situation… well, look no further. You have found the perfect book!

But, going into this, I didn’t expect it to be a book that would tug at my heartstrings along every step of the way… and yet, it did!

Imagine small town life… a small post office where the only person working there during lunch is a relatively new woman who takes her job very seriously. Now imagine that she’s had some hardships recently that forced her to REALLY look at her life and make some tough decisions!

Add to this three women from very different walks of life. Each of them enter the post office to mail a package/ letter… each of them will have changed their lives once the parcel goes out. Each of them are seriously considering if what they are doing is ‘the right thing’…

Add to this a husband who has just received a piece of mail that will change his life!

And, a police woman who has recently moved to a new town, to try to forget what happened to her life… in her old town!

Put all of these people in a pressure cooker (of a situation) and see what comes out on the other end… 🫣

This one made me FEEL…ALL THE FEELS!
And, I have to say, that I was definitely NOT expecting that with the synopsis… and yet, here we are.
I’m not even sure who I was actually rooting for anymore. 😩😢

This book really makes you think, and brings you an up close and personal view of each of the characters…which in my eyes, makes this a very special read! It’s not often that you fall in love with each and every one of the characters… even the bad guys… because guess what? Even the bad guys have a heart… sometimes.

#HandleWithCare by @MarybethMayhewWhalen and narrated beautifully by @JaneOppenheimer.

All the stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫💫💫

*** This one HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! Look 👀 for it starting on 4/14/26!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @ThomasNelsonFictionAudio and @ThomasNelsonFiction for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

Handle with Care was beautifully written with care. In some situations, all you need is “HOPE.” While it does only take place in one day, you think… what can you write about? So, so, so much. You dive deeper into the lives of the four women who are held captive in a post office. As the day goes on, these four women learn more about one another, support each other, and build a friendship.

The story is written in 3rd person, and I think Jane Oppenheimer did a wonderful job narrating the story. I felt like I was there in the story, watching it all go down.

** Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Maybet Mayhew Whalen, for an Audio ARC copy ‘Handle with Care’.

It's not a high anxiety thriller but it hooked me in and didn't back down. I felt like it's more of a suspenseful character driven drama.
On the inside: Three women who thought they were making a quick stop at the PO with potentially life altering packages, one fairly new postal clerk left alone while her coworkers stepped out to grab lunch, and one husband (of postal worker) filled with alcohol, anger, and regrets.
On the outside: Hope (in more ways than one) and Bo. Hope is a police negotiator who recently moved from the big city carrying her own share of sadness and regrets. Bo is a retired FBI agent who volunteered to assist. Plot twist coming, but shhhhh, no spoilers.

I thought it was great storytelling where each character took turns being the main character. I couldn't help but to feel a connection with all the women and wanted to give Bo a big (((hug))). Tommy, on the other hand, was the least likeable but wasn't he supposed to be?

My only critique was Hope crossing the invisible professional line confiding in Tommy, revealing her big secret regret as part of her negotiation tactics. I get she was trying to make a connection with him. I was ready for them to start making plans to roast marshmallows at a beachside BBQ.

Speaking of a beachside BBQ, it left me hoping that these women would keep in touch because they were certainly trauma bonded and understood each other's crossroads. Maybe their new found friendships will actually help Sylvie, the elderly hostage, while her and her husband adjust to their Golden Years.

Sylvie: "Quit call me the old lady!" You go girl!

In the World According to Patti - Life is Fragile. Handle with Care.

I listened to the audiobook. Narration by Jane Oppenheimer was great, as always. She's one of my favs.

Not yet published. Expected 04-14-2026
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was moving and insightful and I did not want it to end. At first glance it is a story about a hostage situation in a post office and it is this but there is so much more to it. It is the story of the four women hostages and Hope, the police negotiator. All of them are dealing with emotional decisions involving family and life choices and the situation has them reexamining their decisions. Especially since for three of the hostages what they came to the post office to mail will change their lives and they are torn about whether to mail it or not. The women are at different stages of their lives but the experience and other women change them. The characters are interesting and I enjoyed learning more about them and I wanted the best for them. It has been several weeks and many, many books since I read it and I am still thinking about it which highlights how much I enjoyed it and what an impact it had on me.

The narrators did a good job bringing the story and the characters to life. I was immersed in the situation and did not want to stop listening.

I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy books about life changes and relationships.

“I want you to have a PS.”

ARC review copy received from NetGalley.

I listened to the audio book version expertly narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. Her voice was perfect for this read; soft, smooth, and easy to listen to.

The book itself was a very heartfelt read that I would recommend to others for sure.

A group of women are held hostage inside of a post office. Though this was described when I chose it as a “thriller”, I think it’s more accurate to call it a character-focused drama.

The characters were enjoyable, with Sylvie and Hope being my two particular favorites. I think the book even did a fantastic job of humanizing our main antagonist, Tommy.

It would have been fairly easy to make this story formulaic or predictable, but I was actually pleasantly surprised with every reveal for the contents of the individual packages and letters. I thought they were each interesting and unique.

While I would not describe this book as a thriller or particularly fast-paced, I still think it did a wonderful job with its premise and did have me tearing up on multiple occasions. Very enjoyable read.

I also adore the cover.

Thanks again to NetGalley for providing me this free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Three women walk into a post office. No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the beginning of a hostage situation.
Description-Handle with Care is set in a small-town post office in North Carolina, the story centers on a tense hostage situation that forces four women to confront the heavy personal "packages"—secrets, burdens, and life-altering decisions they were waiting to mail.
Slow paced. It focuses on character development and emotional nuance. This would be a great book for a book club to discuss. I enjoyed it.
Jane Oppenheimer's narration made it easy to follow each character.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my audible ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this book with realistic expectations from other reviews I have seen and knowing exactly what I was getting - an intense action, women's fiction read with a suspenseful hostage situation plot. This was one of those books that pulled me in, immediately, and didn't let go. It was SUCH A FAST READ. I read this in 1 day!

The audio narrator is fantastic, very much a good storyteller where it felt natural and emotionally involved with the tension of the plot. I listened to the first 40% and then read the e-book copy for the remaining portion, just because I was reading faster than I was listening in that "I need to know" feeling.

The majority of the book happens inside a post office, where a woman is working there...and she is covering while her co-workers have left briefly. Several other woman are there to mail something that each contain something important to their lives to get out to who they are mailing them to. In comes her husband, drunk and upset about the divorce papers he was just served to the girl working at the Post Office. She shuffles him outside and then he comes back in with a gun and holds the women up hostage inside the post office....

What stood out to me most was the character driven focus of this book. As the situation unfolds, we get layered glimpses into each woman's lives...their choices, relationships, struggles. You learn so much about each of the women and their stories while they are held hostage inside the post office that you really become invested in the whole group and situation. Those details added so much depth to the book.

This book reminds us of why reading fiction matters. It gives us empathy, compassion, understanding, puts us in someone else's shoes...and we learn from their experiences.

I really connected with each character and their story. We really got to see what they were walking through each individually and each person came out changed from the experience. They will never be the same again after this and neither will I.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a complimentary audio and e-book copy to read and listen to for review. All thoughts are my own.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Language: 4 D*mn, 2 a**, 1 BS, 4 B**ch. (I felt the language was minimal and situationally understandable but wanted to notate either way.) Mentioned of parental death by cancer and another parental death that was an accidental death, mention of possible dementia, domestic violence, hostage situation by gun, intense action, drinking

When a domestic dispute erupts into a hostage situation inside a small-town post office, three women, each carrying life-altering secrets, are forced to confront their truths as a negotiator races to talk a desperate man down before everything spirals beyond control.

This was one of those books that quietly pulls you in and stays with you after you turn the last page. While it’s marketed as a thriller, it leaned much more into contemporary/women’s fiction for me, and honestly, that’s what I loved most about it.

The real strength of this story is in its characters. Each of the women brought something different to the table, and I loved watching them form an unexpected bond in such a high-stress situation. Sylvie was my personal favorite, but every perspective added depth and emotion to the story. Even Hope, the hostage negotiator, had a compelling backstory that made her feel just as layered as the women inside the post office.

The hostage situation definitely added tension, but for me, the heart of the story was in uncovering what brought each of these women to the post office that day. Their secrets, their struggles, and the way they leaned on each other made this feel incredibly human and emotional. I found myself really connecting with them, almost like I was right there alongside them.

And I have to mention the cover - it completely drew me in before I even read the synopsis, and it fits the tone of the story so well.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Jane Oppenheimer was perfectly cast for this story. Her soothing voice added so much depth to the emotional moments, and she made each character feel distinct and authentic. This was such an immersive listen.

Thank you Uplit Reads, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

This was a tense, emotionally driven contemporary drama centered around a hostage situation that becomes a catalyst for reflection, connection, and life-altering decisions 😶

I really liked the structure of bringing multiple women into the same confined crisis—the post office setup is simple but effective, and I liked how each character arrives with her own private emotional burden that slowly gets revealed under pressure.

What I enjoyed most: the interweaving of perspectives during the siege 👀 As the situation unfolds minute by minute, I really liked how the story focuses less on procedural suspense and more on the internal transformations happening within each woman, especially as their hidden struggles and “what-if” decisions come to the surface.

The negotiator’s perspective also adds an external layer of tension, grounding the crisis while still keeping the emotional core on the women inside.

What makes the book work is the idea that none of these women are just victims or bystanders—they are all carrying unresolved choices, and the crisis forces those choices into the open in a very raw way.

If you love domestic suspense, character-driven crisis fiction, ensemble casts, emotional introspection under pressure, and stories about strangers forming unexpected bonds, this is gripping, thoughtful, and quietly powerful 📖⏳💛

I have had an undying love for stamps and the post office since I was a little girl, so I was immediately intrigued by this premise. I initially wondered if a whole novel could be sustained inside a small federal building, but Whalen successfully turned a pedestrian setting into a rich, captivating microcosm.

Watching the lives of four women intersect with a haunted police officer and a secretive FBI agent was a joy. While the pacing slowed slightly in a few spots, the overall experience was lovely. This is the perfect character-driven mystery to pack in your beach bag—it truly feels like a great summer read to enjoy right beside the ocean.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

A trip to a post office feels stressful on a typical day, let alone when there’s a gun involved. Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen hooked me instantly. What starts as ordinary turns into a tense hostage situation, and I felt every ounce of pressure. High stakes, complex women, and so much heart. These strangers connect in crisis and come together.
This read is suspenseful and emotional, with real hope woven in. It is a perfect book club pick as there’s a lot to unpack.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I loved this book so much. I loved the characters and their stories. I loved the narrator. She has such a soothing sweet voice. I really really loved the women in this book.

I LOVED this book so much. It reminded me of a combo of two other books I've loved, Anxious People and The Correspondent. The characters were so easy to connect with and sympathize with. It had me sobbing by the end. Would like to read another by this author!

This is my fourth Marybeth Mayhew Whalen story and I think this might be my favourite one. She really makes her characters come alive for me and always with so much emotion!

People say Disney is the happiest place on Earth when actually Sunset Beach is.

This story is set in the real town of Sunset Beach. It's a small town where nothing much really happens except in this fictional story.

Three woman named Sylvie, Morrow and Blythe set out for their day and head to the post office to send out some packages. Nadine works the counter and is relatively new. Her colleagues have gone out to pick up lunch when her ex Tommy shows up and he's not happy. He holds all the women hostage. Hope is a police negotiator from Philadelphia who has taken a leave of absence and is recuperating in the town. The Sheriff calls her to come and help negotiate until the County can get there. We will slowly learn about all the women and their backgrounds and what has led them to the post office. In turn we will also hear Tommy's story and Hope's as well.

Essentially this is a story about hope. Will the hostage situation come to a peaceful ending? There's some suspense to this one but mainly it's a story about people and life and survival.

Sometimes in life you find common ground in unexpected ways. That's Lady Luck.

I was lucky enough to receive a digital and audio copy of this from the publisher. I love Mayhew Whalen's writing. The audio was excellent and was narrated by Jane Oppenheimer. This author is a favourite of mine but now this narrator is too!

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction and Audio for the Advance Reader's and Listener's Copies.

I love this author’s work, and the audiobook of Handle With Care was no exception. All the intricacies of hostages taken by a troubled, angry young man are explored and each of the women who are prevented from leaving has problems to work out. What started off as an uncomplicated spring day turns into something very different. The narration just added more depth to this moving story.

Five stars!

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

A high energy read with great narration.

We don’t like to think about hostage situations and yet, here, the author drops the reader right into it. You are immediately absorbed the characters and their dilemmas, though you don’t know what they are. As the story unfurls, the reader feels every emotion that is expressed by every character - good and bad. It is simply a terrific story. It doesn’t cover several days time but the period in which it dwells captures your full head and heart throughout.


I received an audiobook from NetGalley. This is no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

situations and the kind of connections that can happen when people are thrown together in a crisis. It all takes place in a small-town post office, where a normal afternoon turns into a hostage situation involving a group of women who are all carrying their own struggles and secrets.
I honestly loved this book. I didn’t expect a story about a hostage situation in a federal building to feel so lighthearted and even funny at times, but it really worked. It was also so heartwarming, and I found myself really invested in each of the women—I wanted to know more about all of them. The story completely pulled me in, and I ended up finishing it pretty quickly because I didn’t want to put it down.
I would definitely recommend this one. It’s such a great mix of emotional, meaningful, and surprisingly uplifting.

I took a shot in the dark by downloading this audiobook as an ARC from NetGalley, despite never hearing about this author before. I was so pleasantly surprised! The premise of the novel (a group of women trapped in a hostage situation in their local post office while all mailing a parcel that they will come to regret) was so intriguing to me. It’s such a great storyline and I began to feel as though I knew each character as a dear friend. I also liked that I felt sympathy for the perpetrator that put these women in the situation in the first place. I will definitely be recommending this book!

Four women are held hostage in a post office by a man desperately trying to keep his family together. Normally when a hostage situation is involved you are reading a thrillers or police procedural but this is definitely contemporary fiction. I really enjoyed the plot. Each person inside the post office and a few outside was weighed down by their past or their present.

I read this book on a day because I was invested in the characters and figuring out what was holding them back. If you enjoy stories about second chances and people trying to protect their loved ones, this book is for you.

Handle with Care written by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen and narrated by Jane Oppenheimer was a satisfying, highly enjoyable listen. It ticked each and every one of the boxes I hope for in an audiobook, and left me feeling satisfied at time well spent

The last thing anybody would expect when walking into a small post office, is for their lives to be fundamentally changed, least of all by being taken hostage by a volatile gunman

Three separate women are involved, each is on their way to post a piece of mail that is life changing., everything is normal until a young couple's dispute spills into the post office and the husband (Tommy) decides that the most appropriate resolution is to pull out a gun and take everyone in the post office hostage, the patrons (Sylvie, Morrow and Blythe) and his wife (Nadine) Thus begins a siege that would require all the skills of negotiator Hope and her retd FBI agent partner.

One of the things I really like about the structure of this story is the interconnectedness of the characters and their back stories. This is written eloquently in a way that makes sense, it fits and it feels natural

The narration is chef's kiss perfection. The narrator is very well matched to the story and follows the nuances in the storyline exactly with a nice tone and timbre

This is the first book I have read from this author and it is a fantastic introduction to them. The story had me asking questions throughout, pondering on the characters themselves, each one being likable in their own way (I especially liked Sylvie and her relationship and even Tommy's wishes to see his fathers dog Covie). The use of the reasons for the characters posting their particular piece of mail was so very well done, it added volumes to an already tight and immersive narrative. All in all, elegant storyline, eloquently written and perfectly executed.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Author and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction for this highly enjoyable ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

📫Audio Review 📫- Handle With Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
This was a surprise, delightful find! When I read the blurb, I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy this book which is about four women who become hostages inside a post office. While there was some suspense in this novel, this book delved into each of the women that are being held hostage and the women, a hostage negotiator, who is trying to free them with everyone getting out safely. Each women entered the post office to mail something that was very significant to them. I found their stories really interesting and I really enjoyed both listening and reading this book.
This book was just released April 14th and I recommend it! Both the audio and physical read were great! The audio was well done and I was engrossed from beginning to end.
Thank you to Uplit reads, Thomas Nelson, and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen for a gifted copy of this book for review!
Rating: 💌💌💌💌💌

Three women are in line in the post office, waiting while a young man argues with the sole employee. The argument turns violent when he pulls out a gun and threatens to kill her. So on this beautiful day in a smallNorth Carolina beach town, there is a hostage situation. The police force does not have a hostage negotiator so they rely on Hope, a troubled officer with problems of her own. But Handle with Care is not, in this country filled with gun violence, a crime novel. It’s a story of hope, of the power of love and of female friendship. Each woman had a reason to be in the post office and suddenly those reasons are no longer important. The women slowly share their secrets and become friends - strong friends who vow not to leave the post office until they can walk out together.

I can’t tell you how much I loved listening to this audiobook. Jane Oppenheimer is an excellent narrator and makes each woman come alive. Handle with Care takes place in only a few hours but will keep you thinking bout it long after the final pages. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen and Jane Oppenheimer for this Audiobook for advanced review.