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A Novel
by Martha Hall Kelly
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—a spectacular novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.
2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving as she travels to the storied island of Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She's come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Deveraux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux's stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Deveraux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.
1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old, wannabe writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old, war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha's Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island's shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend Bess start a book club, which grows in both number and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence's dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war… before it's too late?
What are you reading this week? (8/28/2025)
...These are both ebooks. I'm reading book One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter. I like it, but just harder for me to read actual books. And about to finish The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly on audio. Another good week of reading.
-Melinda_J
What are you reading this week? (4/3/2025)?
THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly. :blush:
-Elizabeth
"This twisty tale is not to be missed." —Publishers Weekly
"Inspired by true events, Kelly's new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn." —Library Journal
"Martha Hall Kelly's tale of the home front is simply irresistible. Coming of age in dangerous times, the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!" —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
"A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension ... another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
"A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II." —Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
This information about The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Martha was inspired to write this novel by her mother's family, the Smiths, who settled on Martha's Vineyard in 1891. She received journalism degrees from both Syracuse and Northwestern Universities and worked as an advertising copywriter for many years before becoming a novelist. With more than two million copies of her books sold and translated in fifty countries, Martha lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Hobe Sound, Florida.
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