I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. The cover of this book was quite misleading, and trigger warnings for sexual assault and spousal abuse would have been helpful. ,

I really like the direction Brenda Novak has gone with her Women’s Fiction / Romance books, add in a side of suspense. Developed characters and well written plot with a few twists and turns along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so amazing! The three different points of view were done so well and the overall story was such an emotional ride. I am in awe of these characters and the emotional journeys they went on during this book. This was such a great novel with so many emotions. I can’t get over how amazing this book was and it blew my expectations out of the water.

The Banned Books Club really has very little to do with banned books, but a lot to do with how society treats victims of sexual and domestic violence/abuse. Gia was molested by her high school English teacher, and he was convicted and sent to jail, but many of the people in her hometown believe his claim of innocence. She left town after high school and rarely came back. Her sister, Margot, is in a marriage with an emotionally abusive and controlling man, who is from a “pillar of society” family and feels powerless to truly escape him without losing her children

There are two main storylines in the novel. One is about Gia, a woman coming home to help care for her dying mother while facing her childhood trauma and the stigma the town has against her. The other storyline is about Gia's younger sister Margot, who is trying to escape an abusive marriage. The format of the book has the stories overlap within the same chapters, without smooth transitions. This made it more difficult to follow. The ideas were good and I liked the overall stories, but I found myself skimming through it.

I received an ARC of The Banned Books Club from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So I am going to be totally honest. This book has virtually nothing to do with banned books and very little to do with a book club in general. There should. be a trigger warning about this book. It deals with sexual abuse by a teacher, but not in a very sensitive way. A main storyline is that the mother of two young women is dying of cancer. The daughter who was molested by her teacher in high school returns to her hometown to help care for her dying mother, and to give her younger sister a break in caregiving. The younger sister is in an unhappy marriage and wants to leave her angry and controlling husband. She makes a decision to leave in way that I found totally cruel and unbelievable under the circumstances. There's a romantic storyline that seems unlikely. I cannot recommend this book, which should have had a different title.

#thebannedbooksclub
#netglley
#domesticviolence
#sexualabuse
#harlequin

I really enjoyed this book! It was an engaging read from start to finish, and I found it incredibly accessible. The writing was easy to follow, and I appreciated how the story kept me hooked without feeling overwhelming. Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely recommend it!

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that tackles themes of censorship, the power of literature, and the importance of free expression. Set in a small town during the 1950s, the story follows a group of students who secretly form a book club to read and discuss banned books. As they face challenges and danger from those who wish to control what they read, the group learns the importance of standing up for their beliefs and the transformative power of books. Novak’s writing is engaging and impactful, making this an inspiring read for anyone who values intellectual freedom and the written word.

Banned books is an every day reality in my world so I was intrigued to read this book. Was I surprised at the depth of characters and the many layers to this story. It’s so much more than about banned books! The troubled relationship Gia has with her family. And how Gia, her family and community come to terms with past events.

I loved the title, and I always enjoy this author so I figured I would love this book. The first third was a struggle, the middle was decent, and the last third - I couldn't put it down. On the surface it's a romance but beneath the surface it's so much more. How to overcome your past, how important is it to write old wrongs, emotional abuse, & cancer. Overall I really enjoyed it to be honest, I would love to see a follow up to this! I do feel like the ending was both what we expected and had a surprise. Gia's decisions at the end came from out of the blue, wasn't anything she had ever mentioned thinking of doing, wanting to do, dreaming of in the entire book so to see what she decided in the end was a complete surprise. This is what I want to see a follow up on and what might be able to better play off the title "The Banned Books Club" since the club was Not really the main focal point of this book but more of a bit player. 🤞 for a second book!

A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loved by the right audience.

I could not get into this book the first time I tried to read it. After several months I went back to it and once I got past the first few chapters I couldn't put it down. At the beginning I had a hard time with Margot's character because she was so weak but then as the story unfolded I was rooting he on. i loved Gia's character and how she stood up to everyone. Glad they both found happiness in the end

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Sue Novak. So, SO GOOD!

I typically go into a book blind, usually chosen by the author, cover, or as a recommendation. I will say, it wasn't what I thought it would be, but ended up being way more! I've already had what will end up being a top read this year!

Fun fact... Brenda Novak was the first author I ever emailed, and she immediately emailed me back. This was more than 20 years ago now, but it's always stuck with me. I read her book, A Husband Of Her Own, and just knew she needed to know how I felt. She was incredibly kind and gracious, and that interaction has always stuck with me!

I've liked a lot of this authors work. It was great to get to read one of her new ones. I liked this and the romance was cute.

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Gia Rossi left her hometown with no plans of ever returning. She walked away from her life and family in the aftermath of a scandal that made life impossible there. But a call from her sister Margot asking her to come home and help with their mother's care brought her back. Now she must face the friends she left behind and the truth of what happened to drive her away when she reunites with the members of her "Banned Books Club".

This story took a while to get moving, but once it finally did, I enjoyed the story and character development. The Banned Books Club touches on serious issues like sexual assault, familial relationships, and caregiving for parents. It is also a story about truth, redemption, and repairing broken relationships.

I expected this book to be a little lighter than it was, but I am glad I kept reading saw the story through to its end. I will definitely be reading more by Brenda Novak.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak is a moving blend of romance, family drama, and suspense set in a small town rife with secrets and scandals. The story centers on Gia Rossi, who returns to Wakefield to care for her ailing mother after years away. Gia’s departure from her hometown followed her brave decision to report a beloved teacher for misconduct, a choice that left the community divided and Gia ostracized. Now, back in the place that caused her so much pain, Gia must navigate unresolved tensions, her sister Margot’s mysterious disappearance, and the weight of her past.

The novel shines in its portrayal of complex familial and community relationships. Gia’s reconciliation with her family and growing sense of self-worth are heartwarming, while Margot’s dangerous situation adds an edge of suspense that keeps readers invested. The romance subplot, though messy and understated, complements the emotional depth of Gia’s journey. Themes of resilience, standing up for oneself, and finding support in unexpected places resonate strongly throughout the narrative.

While the title suggests a focus on banned books, this element is only tangentially explored, with minimal impact on the plot. Despite this, the book captivates with its heartfelt storytelling, compelling characters, and a richly drawn small-town setting. A touching and suspenseful read, perfect for fans of emotional contemporary fiction.

I am in two minds about this book as I come to write the book review the first thing I want to address is the title can be a bit misleading. Yes, there were talks and a session of The Banned Books Club where they read Stephen King's Cujo and it talked a little about how the group came to be formed. That was it - I assumed with the title that it would be a book about books and book club, maybe each chapter talking about a banned book but nope, this book was more of a family going through a hard time and coming together in the face of tragic circumstances and getting the courage to stand up and be the person that they had read in books that were banned. The type of person who in the face of injustice gets knocked down but gets back up again. We have our two main sisters Gia and Margot. Gia left the town when she was young and never returned as she was caught up in a #MeToo case He Said/ She Said case with her English teacher. Margot's husband is an abuser and also having an affair with his high school girlfriend, she has been trying to get the courage up to leave him with her two sons and when his hunting trip comes up, will she take her opportunity to disappear? Meanwhile, Gia's and Margot's mother is dying of Breast Cancer. This is a book of two sisters coming back and finally facing their problems and issues and being brave enough to face it head-on and get out on the other side. If you love women's fiction with a bit of edge, then check out Brenda Novak's The Banned Books Club.

Aaah this was a lovely read. Loved the drama, the setting and Gia. Well done! Brenda Novak's books are always a joy to read!

I received a free copy from NetGalley. The title is a little misleading but the novel is interesting and worth the read.