Banned books are just mention to get characters together. What follows are action with unexpected consequences. Interesting read. Great plot. I was pulling for the two sisters.

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance.
Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasn’t spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and it’s Gia’s turn to be the caregiver.
The residents of Wakefield aren’t all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacher’s fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and he’s still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia ‘s story wasn’t true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia.
Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.

Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margot’s lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends.
I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a “you’re smiling more” comment.
Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

The Banned Book Club is a small-town family drama with a bit of romance.
Gia is returning home for a bit of an extended visit to see her mother who was diagnosed with cancer.
She hasn't spent that much time in her hometown since she left after graduation following a scandal that rocked her small town and kind of split the town in two.

Now she's back and it becomes obvious that the person who was on the other side from Gia in the scandal as well as his family isn't happy she's back and they make it known.
While this didn't have as much to do with banned books as I was expecting from the title, I really enjoyed Gia as our MC, and how strong she was through half the town trying to make her admit she lied about the scandal, as well as taking care of her mother in her final days. And while the romance was definitely an unlikely coupling I really rooted for their romance, and the rest of the town finally realized the truth about what happened in the past.
We also get a side plot about Gia's sister Margot that I didn't expect but really enjoyed how it all played out.
I enjoyed many of Brenda Novaks past books and look forward to whatever she comes out with next.

I enjoyed this book! I felt like the characters were relatable, the storyline kept my interest and I wanted more!

I enjoyed this book so much! The storyline was amazing. I enjoyed the characters as well . I couldn't put the book down. The cover drew me in. This was such a feel good story.

I had a hard time putting this book down, a compelling family drama with suspense and a romance that I didn't see coming. Gia has returned home after many years to help with her dying mom. Margot, has her secrets that she has kept from her mom and sister and this is a much needed break for her. Gia left town after a scandal and now it resurfaces, will there be forgiveness within the families that it affected.

This is a thought provoking novel that I could not put down. Loved all of the family drama from two different families. Loved how Cormac and Gia struck a friendship. Margot turned out to be so strong!
There are trigger points of student/teacher misconduct and spousal abuse. I highly recommend this book.

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak explores themes of truth, healing, and moving forward in life, drawing subtle parallels between the concept of banned books and how society ostracizes those who speak uncomfortable truths.

After a scandal forces her to leave her hometown, Gia Rossi builds a new life. But when her sister Margot calls with news that her family needs her, Gia must return and confront the accusations that branded her as the one who destroyed a family despite having told the truth. Now, juggling her mother’s care, Margot’s strange behavior, growing feelings for Cormac, and the sting of small-town gossip, Gia must face her fears and decide if she can finally move on.

This novel offers a compelling mix of small-town family drama and romance, with strong characters at its core, particularly Gia and Margot, each showing strength in different ways. However, the title feels somewhat misleading, as the banned books club plays a minor role, with little discussion of books. While I can see a symbolic link between the title and the story’s themes, it remains subtle.

Overall, The Banned Books Club is an enjoyable read with well-drawn characters and an engaging plot.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Mira, and The Hive for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brenda Novak’s The Banned Books Club is a charming, heartfelt and addictive women’s fiction novel from one of the best writers in the business.

When Gia Rossi had graduated high school at eighteen, she had packed her bags and vowed never to return to the small Iowa town of Wakefield ever again. Having always marched to the beat of her own drum, Gia had not hesitated in setting up The Banned Books Club in high school after the PTA had decided to prune the reading list of any titles they deemed controversial. Gia had hoped that her former favorite high school teacher Mr Hart would support her, but she had been sadly disappointed. Her teacher had a habit of disappointing her and when he had seriously stepped out of line, had left Gia with no choice but to inform the school of his sexual misconduct which had resulted in his dismissal. She had hoped never to set foot in her hometown again, but when her sister Margot had asked for her help to look after their mom, Gia had not hesitated in returning to Wakefield.

Gia has not always had the easiest relationship with Margot, but even she has to concede that her sister has done much of the caring for their mother and that now it’s Gia’s turn. Only Gia never imagined that her sister who take her children and leave town the second she set foot in Wakefield to get some much-needed distance from her emotionally abusive husband. Coping with a seriously ill parent is hard enough, but there are plenty more challenges in Wakefield for Gia: not only does she have to face the members of The Banned Books Club, but she also must contend with Mr Hart and the locals who believe that she had ruined his life by falsely accusing him of misconduct.

Treated as a pariah, worried about her sister’s well-being and her mother’s health, Gia doesn’t know which way to turn. But she’s about to realize that there are good people in this world willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when the going gets tough. As Gia begins to find a community willing to help her out, she begins to wonder whether she might also find a future in the town she thought had rejected her all those years ago…

Brenda Novak never disappoints her readers. She writes with candor, humor and heart and in The Banned Books Club has written a captivating tale about healing from the past, the power of reading, the ties that bind and finding happiness in the most unexpected of places that will touch readers’ hearts and make them laugh out loud.

A superb page-turner from a writer who never lets her readers down, The Banned Books Club is the unmissable new novel by Brenda Novak.

This was okay, just okay because there was so much going on that it felt a little unrealistic. A woman returns home to help her dying mother and has to come to terms with a difficult past. The small town thinks they know what happened all those years ago but did they? Her sister trying to find her way out of a terrible marriage and that barely scrapes the surface of everything going on. I liked the sisters, was rooting for them, but overall, this book is a bit messy.

I have been excited about this read for months but others kept cropping up that I needed to read sooner. I wish I had made the time sooner or had not read it, just to be able to experience it for the first time.

This is so much more than a romance. Gia returns home for the winter, at the urging of her younger sister, to spend time with her mother, who is dying of cancer. Gia caused a lot of scandal in high school when she accused her English teacher of sexual misconduct. While he was fired and a judge found him guilty, the town seemed to believe him, even Gia's family. His three children were upset with Gia and carried that grudge into adulthood. Gia starts meeting with her old Banned Books Club, which brings up the old drama.

Meanwhile, her sister Margot is trapped in a loveless, controlling, and abusive marriage. She asked Gia so she could plan her escape.

Cormac Hart, the eldest child of the molesting teacher, lives behind Gia; 's family. He starts to see the holes in his father's story.

Honestly, there are parts of this that were ROUGH. It was emotional and wrecked me. It was SO well done, and I loved every minute of this story. It was not a typical formulaic novel and deserves recognition for being amazing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!

Brenda Novak's The Banned Books Club is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that tackles the important themes of censorship, friendship, and the power of literature. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the story follows a group of diverse characters who come together to celebrate banned books, ultimately forging deep connections while challenging societal norms.

Novak's writing is engaging and vivid, drawing readers into the emotional lives of her characters. The sharp and realistic dialogue makes their struggles and triumphs feel genuine. Each character brings a unique perspective, enriching the narrative and highlighting the importance of diverse voices in literature.

The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader invested in the unfolding drama and the club’s courageous quest to promote freedom of expression. While some plot points feel predictable, the heartfelt moments and the strong sense of community overshadow minor flaws.

Overall, The Banned Books Club is a heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of books and the friendships that can arise from shared passions. It’s an inspiring read that encourages readers to reflect on the value of free speech and the stories that shape our lives.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

Gia Rossi comes back to her hometown to help out with her mother who is dying from cancer after her sister Margot asks for her help. Gia has been gone for seventeen years after her teacher sexually abused her. Margot has suffered from abuse by her husband and uses an annual hunting trip to take her children and disappear to a new life. This book was well crafted and beautifully written in dealing with these heavy subjects.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mira for the advanced digital copy of the book.

This book was nothing like I expected—and in a good way! Despite its title, The Banned Books Club isn’t really focused on banned books, but rather how the fallout from one life-altering event can ripple through people's lives for years. It’s a powerful story about family, trauma, and redemption, with a touch of sweet romance to round it out.

The story follows Gia Rossi, who returns to her hometown after nearly two decades to help care for her ailing mother. But coming home means facing the ghosts of her past, particularly the accusations she made against her high school teacher, Mr. Hart, which split the town in two. What I loved about this book is how it explores the long-lasting effects of that event, showing how it impacted not only Gia and Mr. Hart but also the entire community, even 17 years later.

While the romance between Gia and her new love interest adds a nice touch to the story, it’s the drama between Gia and her sister Margot that truly hooked me. Margot’s storyline, with her troubled marriage and secret plans, was suspenseful and had me on edge, wondering how it would all play out. Both sisters’ struggles felt raw and real, making their eventual victories that much more satisfying.

Brenda Novak does a fantastic job weaving together family drama, suspense, and a sweet romance in a way that feels seamless and engaging. The emotional depth of this story, along with its thought-provoking exploration of truth and consequence, makes it a standout read.

If you’re looking for a story that’s as much about healing as it is about love, with plenty of emotional and suspenseful moments, The Banned Books Club is a great choice.

Gia Rossi left her hometown in Iowa the second she turned eighteen in the wake of a scandal and hasn't looked back. But now her perfect sister Margot is begging her to come back to help with their ailing mother and Gia finally has to find the courage to face her past.
There's plenty of family drama, town gossip, and even an unexpected romance in this story. I like how these sisters were forced to work on their complicated relationship when Gia realized her sister's life wasn't as perfect as she thought. The banned books club is such a great idea too!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Margot begs her sister Gia Rossi to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help care for their dying mother. Gia, who left town after high school and never looked back, is not eager to re-open old wounds. When she was in high school, a beloved English teacher behaved inappropriately towards her, and although he denied it, he was fired, his marriage ended, and he & his children all demanded that she retract what she said about him. She has had little contact with anyone in her hometown since she graduated. She still runs The Banned Books Club that she ran in high school, although it is done virtually now. As she expects, she gets mixed greetings upon returning.....Mr. Hart & his family are all angry that she has the gall to return, but a few others are happy to see her. When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.

This book was really good, but I will say, I feel like the title was a bit misleading. I expected the book to be centered around a club that read banned books, but really, the story centered around Gia's family drama. There was the issue with her coming back to town and riling Mr. Hart back up, and how he and his grown kids just couldn't let it go. There was the fact that Gia's mom was dying. There was the fact that Gia started dating Mr. Hart's son, and the uproar that caused. Finally, there was the issue with Margot's marriage, her escape from her emotionally abusive husband, and then his escalating violence once he discovers she is missing. Every once in a while a mention of book that has been banned was thrown in, but really this is a story about a family drama in a small town, with a dash of romance on the side.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC!

3.5 Stars!

I went into this one blind, and it wasn't anything I expected it to be. I mean that in a good way. I thought it was going to be about banned books, and while it was mentioned in the book, I would say it was probably only 5% of the plot. This book is full of suspense, drama, romance, and mystery. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how all of the drama was going to play out. I typically don't like drama in books, but the way it added to the mystery in this one was so intriguing. Without giving too much away, you get small town drama, marriage drama, and drama brought up from the past. So, there is lots of drama, but I think it was written well.

I would've liked to see more about the banned books club throughout the story. It is the title, but I felt it to be an afterthought to everything else going on. Also, for the romance at the end, I think there needed to be more chemistry between those two characters first.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. It was my first book by Brenda, and now I want to read more of hers.

I did expect more about books in this one because of the title. So, don’t let the title fool you.

This story follows Gia. Gia left home at 18 because of her high school teacher. He did something totally unforgivable and unexpected. It has divided the town. Now Gia is back. Her mother is dying of cancer and she has come home. But, things have not changed and Gia must be tough!

This tale has more than one story line going at once and Brenda Novak handles it masterfully. Not only is there a story surrounding Gia, there is also one surrounding her sister, Margot.

Margot has decided to leave her verbally abusive husband. She needs Gia to make this occur. And I don’t want to give anything away…so, y’all need to read this to find out!

I enjoyed this tale. The characters, the drama and the little bit of romance thrown in, is a great mix!

Need a book that is more than a romance…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

Great read! This book was brilliantly unpredictable and I loved trying to work out where the story was going for all the characters, With romance and mystery this was a multi layered storyline with strong and really interesting characters. It's not always easy facing your past and personal struggles that have affected others. This story shows that facing obstacles head on might just lead to a second chance and moving on. An intense read at times but overall thought provoking, balanced, very entertaining, packed with emotion and a wonderfully written book. Well done!

I enjoyed this book as I have Brenda Novak’s other books. I liked the mix of characters and the plot overall. There were some parts in the middle that were a little slow and then the end felt a little bit rushed.

I had mixed feelings about The Banned Book Club by Brenda Novak. While the book had potential, it felt somewhat disjointed with multiple storylines that didn’t seem to flow together as smoothly as I’d hoped. The title was also a bit misleading, as the book club itself wasn’t central to the plot and didn’t play as big a role as I anticipated.

One aspect that felt particularly uncomfortable to me was the storyline involving the main character's relationship with the son of a man accused of abuse. The situation felt icky, especially considering the heavy subject matter, and I found the language surrounding the alleged abuse downplayed the seriousness of the situation. It almost seemed like it was brushed aside because the events took place while the character was in high school, which didn't sit right with me.

That said, I can understand how others might enjoy the book, particularly if they’re looking for something light despite the darker undertones. For me, though, the uneven pacing and the handling of certain sensitive topics made it difficult to fully enjoy.