Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events.
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| May 2025; Ballantine Books; 978-0593354919 audio, ebook, print (336 pages); historical fiction |
I love all of Martha Hall Kelly's books. I've been on a kick lately of reading books that have books (or bookstore or library) in the title so it was definitely a bonus that this book is also about books.
With its Martha's Vineyard setting, it is the perfect beach read. I love reading about Nantucket but I've been branching out to the other towns in my reading. I think this is the second Martha's Vineyard set book and the town is growing on me - at least the historical town.
When I picked up this book, I couldn't remember when it was set. From the cover, I thought perhaps the 1950s or 1960s. So I was confused when it opened in 2016.
This isn't really a dual timeline book. There are only like 3 chapters set in 2016. The majority of the story takes place in 1942.
I love WWII stories, and I enjoy it when I get a different kind of story. I've read a few homefront books set in the U.S. In a lot of ways, life didn't change much for the people living in the US. There are little things like rationing, and for Martha's Vineyard, the presence of the military. But it wasn't really the WWII aspects that drew me into the story.
The characters are wonderful. They are so life-like. If you have read any of Hall Kelly's other books, then you know she does a ton of research, so the story is authentic. She also provides wonderful descriptions so you feel like you are there with the characters.
I became so invested in the characters. I was right there with Mari when Mrs. Devereaux broke off from her storytelling at a critical point in the lives of the characters. I was so impatient to learn what happened to them.
There is some mystery - both in the 1942 timeline as well as in 2016. I was able to figure some of it out before it was revealed, and other things I was close to putting the pieces together, and it made perfect sense when it was revealed.
If you are planning long days at the beach or pool this summer, you will want to pack this book in your bag.
Buy The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club at Amazon
Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.
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