I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. I actually think the cover and title make it seem like it will be a lighthearted beach read. Instead it is a very well written story about what it was like to live on Martha's Vineyard during WW2 when residents were on the lookout for U-boats and dealing with military operations being practiced on their beaches. A piece of American history that is probably only known to those who lived in the area or who had family in the area during this time period.

Drawn to the vintage photo on the cover, I found myself compelled right from the start by this beautifully written time slip novel set on Martha's Vineyard.

Mari Starwood, grieving her mother, visits the island in 2016 to meet renown artist Elizabeth Devereaux after she finds the painter's name in her mother's belongings. What she learns ties her mother back to 1942 on the Vineyard, when German U-boats were spotted right offshore.

This glorious read features romance and suspense, irresistible characters, a war-time book club, a forbidden relationship with a member of the enemy, loving sisters fighting to safeguard the family farm, and gorgeous descriptions of the Vineyard that render it as important as any character. Histfic fans will adore it!

I am in the minority with book, that is why I kept reading. I kept thinking there must be something I am missing. I just could not get into this book. There were too may characters that blended into each other. I couldn't follow who was who and it just became too confusing. It was just so slow. I just didn't care about anyone or what was happening. It was a DNF for me.

- [ ] I DNF this book, I just couldn’t get into the story. Too slow moving for me. I have tried to read it two different times. Therefore, I will let other reviewers who enjoy this book promote it, so I will not be posting on social media or reviews on retail sites. That way, this book gets much deserved attention from those reviewers who loved it!

I havent finished this book yet. As a matter of fact I have just gotten started on it. But I have found an inaccuracy that I find warrants letting someone know now. In chapter 2, that takes places in 1942, Tom is being shipped out to war from Fort Moore, GA. Fort Benning, GA was not renamed Fort Moore until 2023. It was renamed Fort Moore after Hal Moore who wasn't even in the military in 1942. He started Westpoint, at 20 years old in 1942. He wasn't the famous Hal Moore that we all know and love now until the 1960s when he was in Vietnam.
I really love Martha Hall Kelly's books but this inaccuracy needs to be addressed. As an Armywife whose husband retired from Fort Benning in 2016 and a family that currently lives a few miles away from the current Fort Moore, this is a huge disrespect to the soldiers that have served at the army post..
I am going to finish the book solely because I love her books. I will do another review when I finish.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Ramey
Wife of a 100% disabled Retiree out of Fort Benning, GA

Martha Hall Kelly is one of my go-to authors of historical fiction. I was excited to receive an ARC of her newest release.

The book opens in 2016 and then switches to 1942. The 1942 has three main characters' point of view on Martha's Vineyard. Every chapter switches the POV and often leaves the reader with more questions. I know that I am in the minority and that this book is loved by most. I found that the main characters fell flat. There was not one character that I found myself rooting for or even enjoying. Besides too many POV there were too many different topics.

Maybe the author's note should be at the beginning of the story. I found the note more interesting than the book.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy of Mary Alice Monroe's The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a delightful escape into a world of friendship, self-discovery, and the joys of reading. Set on the charming Martha’s Vineyard, this novel combines the soothing allure of a beachside setting with the warmth of human connection, making it the perfect beach read.

The story follows a diverse group of women who come together at the local beach club. Each of them is dealing with their own life challenges and personal struggles, but their bond over a shared love of books creates a sense of camaraderie and healing. The novel weaves in themes of second chances, the power of literature to connect and inspire, and the importance of community.

One of the highlights of the book is its vibrant characters. Monroe does a fantastic job of developing multi-dimensional women, each with their own unique backstory and personality. The dynamic between the club members feels genuine, and readers will quickly find themselves invested in their lives. Whether it’s the mature and wise Eleanor, the free-spirited and adventurous Grace, or the more reserved and introspective Lila, there’s a character for everyone to root for.

Monroe’s writing is warm and engaging, and she excels at capturing the beauty and peacefulness of Martha’s Vineyard. The setting itself is almost like a character in the novel, with its scenic landscapes and quiet charm. It’s easy to imagine yourself lounging on the beach, surrounded by the sound of the waves and the scent of saltwater, as the women read and discuss their latest book.

The book club aspect is also a wonderful touch. The novels they read serve as both a source of entertainment and a means of exploring deeper life lessons. This gives the story a reflective quality as the characters’ lives mirror the themes of the books they read.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club isn’t just about fun in the sun; it’s about the transformative power of friendship, literature, and personal growth. There are emotional moments that tug at the heartstrings, but there’s also plenty of joy and humor to balance it out.

Overall, if you’re looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read that celebrates friendship, life’s challenges, and the magic of books, Mary Alice Monroe’s novel is a perfect choice. Whether you're lounging on a beach or curled up at home, this book

This is not your typical beach read. I found the time period and topic interesting. It moved a bit slow for me.

When we think of Martha’s Vineyard, we have this image of wealth with tourists and their huge yachts being seen at exclusive clubs.

Yet, there is another fascinating side of this 26-mile island when it was used partly as a military training base during WWII. I learned more about short-wave radios and everything they had to do to maintain normal lives like book clubs.

The story had two timelines. It started in 2016 when 34-year-old Mari departed from LA to Martha’s Vineyard to take a class taught by a famous female artist in her 90s. Then the chapters shifted into 1942 which was the bulk of the story at a farm next to a harbor on Vineyard Haven. This area was used as a lookout for any suspicious activity from the Germans.

It was well written and filled with unexpected twists and romance, keeping me reading late into the evening hours. It had excellent imagery of the women who didn’t find it easy when too many close friends and family members passed. It made me think of the days before the internet when people relied on each other in different ways – worthy of a book discussion.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of May 27, 2025.

I was drawn to this book by both its title and cover. I always look at books that are about books and the 1940s look of this one also appealed to me. True confession-I had never before read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading from her backlist as I very much enjoyed this title.

Martha’s Vineyard…WWII…Sisters…Relationships…Those who may want to stay or leave…Class distinctions…Publishing…Books…all excellent ingredients for (historical) fiction.

The story came to life as a character in the present travels to Martha’s Vineyard to learn more about her recently deceased mother. The artist with whom she connects, Elizabeth Devereaux, has a lot to say and this forms the part of the narrative set in the past. Much happens to Cadence and Briar as readers will discover.

Through this novel, I learned something about what life was like for the islanders during WWII. Think u-boats for one. This was interesting as it was a change from the many stories set in France during the period.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or good stories about women will want to pick this one up.

Of interest is the author’s note about what inspired her to write this novel.

Many thanks to Random House and Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach & Book Report by Martha Hall Kelly was a fun trip back in time on the island! While so much has changed, the natural beauty and magic of the island remains. Despite summering on the island for over two decades, I knew very little about how World War 2 impacted Martha’s Vineyard. The many plot twists had me turning pages until the end! I would love to see a sequel about Mari!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC!

This was a really enjoyable story about WWII and the very real threat of German submarines off the eastern coast of the US. It brought together the characters with the situation in a way that brought more understanding about how the people who really lived through that time might have felt about the threat that existed. The people on the island and coast had a different level of threat and worry than others did and it was interesting to read about how that might have played out.

I loved the idea of the girls creating a book club on the beach and the dream that one of the characters had of working with a big publisher at some time. The fact that dreams can come true in various ways, including someone else's opportunity not working out, was explored well in this story. Opportunities looked different for the characters than we tend to envision and it meant the story was intriguing.

The story was a bit burdened by the dual timeline and I would have enjoyed it more without the present day portion of the storyline. The WWII setting would have been a great story all on its own. In fact, each time the present day came back, I found myself disoriented in the story and had to go back (difficult to do on an ebook) to figure out what was happening within the current day portion and who the people were.

This was a really good story, despite the dual timeline, and I would be pleased to recommend it.

I couldn’t wait to read Martha Hall Kelly’s newest novel The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club inspired by true events. Written in dual timelines 2016 and 1942, a fascinating story about 2 sisters trying to hold down the family farm during World War II. Tying the present into the past is Mari, mourning the death of her mother and drawn to the island by her mother’s plan to visit. Full of interesting facts about German Uboats' proximity to the East Coast of New England during the war and the training exercises on the beaches of Cape Cod. A mix of history, mystery, romance and suspense. This novel is well researched and informative adding new insight into the crowded WWII historical fiction area. This title is sure to appeal to historical fiction lovers and a great pick for discussion in book clubs. I had a hard time putting it down and will be highly recommending it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the advanced reader’s copy.

Fantastic story about two very different sisters on Martha's Vineyard tried to adapt and save their family farm in different ways. All of the islanders had to adapt to having soldiers on the island during 1942 in preparation for invading France in the coming years. The sisters, Briar and Cadence, each had their experiences with the soldiers, and possibly spies, during this challenging time. The other story line was from 2016 and shared how Mari ended up on the island after following the trail of a name. This name didn't mean anything to her but it was a final connection to her mom who recently passed away. Mari was not sure what she would find, but she found some surprising answers she didn't know she needed.
I love learning new things from historical fiction and I didn't know that the military used Martha's Vineyard for exercises. I didn't realize how close the German U-boats had gotten to the shores of the East Coast. Briar was my favorite character because she had a personality that was unique to her and her likes, not what was expected of teenage girls at the time. She enjoyed history, spies, and boating. Some of the secondary characters were fun to read about, such as Winnie and her connections to publishing that helped Cadence and her love of books. The author has done a fabulous job bringing these characters and settings to life. Best of all, I love when an author uses personal connections and the island has been a part of her family lore for a long time. You could feel the love of the island in this story. She explains it all in the very detailed author notes.
If you are looking for an engaging dual timeline historical fiction during the 1940s, I highly recommend this one.
#TheMarthasVineyardBeachandBookClub #historicalfiction
Thank you Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I posted to my review to Goodreads, Bookbub, Storygraph, NetGalley on 3/19/2025 and will be sharing to Amazon, Barnes and Noble when it is published.
I will also share to Twitter/X and Instagram as well as some Facebook groups before the pub date.

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Kelly offers a delightful blend of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, all wrapped in the breezy charm of a coastal setting. The book club dynamic adds a fun and relatable layer, with the characters bonding over books while navigating their own personal chapters of love, loss, and second chances. Kelly’s vivid descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard make you feel like you’re right there, with the salty air and sand between your toes.

While the plot follows some familiar women’s fiction beats, the heartfelt moments and well-drawn characters make it feel fresh. The friendships shine just as brightly as the romance, giving the story an added layer of warmth. It’s the perfect beach read—light but meaningful, with a dash of bookish charm. Four stars for its feel-good vibes and captivating setting, even if it doesn’t break new ground.

Mari is a grieving woman on a quest to obtain information about her family. She travels to Martha’s Vineyard where she encounters a relative who recounts a story of the Smith sisters during WWII. Flashback..these two women, Cadence & Briar, fight to keep their family farm thriving while their brother is away at war. They cherish their family and friends above all and will do anything to protect them. Add a little forbidden romance, a box of mysterious objects and a lot of self discovery.
Pretty good story although I thought it moved a little slow.

This was 3.5 for me, a 4 being generous and rounding up. This historical fiction (loosely inspired by real events) provided me a new perspective to both WWII and life on Martha’s Vineyard. Now, if only my pockets could afford a quick getaway to explore.

Martha Hall Kelly once again delivers a captivating historical novel with The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, blending the charm of a seaside setting with the tension of wartime intrigue. Told in dual timelines, the novel follows Mari Starwood in 2016 as she unravels family secrets on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard, and the Smith sisters in 1942, who form a book club while navigating love, loss, and espionage during World War II.

Kelly’s masterful storytelling brings the Vineyard to life, immersing readers in the resilience of women who found solace and strength in books during uncertain times. The novel’s blend of historical detail, romance, and suspense makes it both a thought-provoking and heartwarming read. Fans of historical fiction and bookish communities will be enchanted by this powerful tale of courage, literature, and the enduring bonds of sisterhood.

Martha Hall Kelly’s latest is a work of historical fiction set in Martha’s Vineyard during WWII. One family of women must do everything in their power to make ends meet on their Vineyard farm while forces beyond their control threaten to wreak havoc. This has a satisfying mix of history, mystery and women’s fiction that will appeal to a vast array of readers. Martha Hall Kelly’s masterful prose will make this a popular pick for book clubs and fans in general.

Martha Hall Kelly’s latest novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, masterfully blends historical fiction with elements of espionage, mystery, and family drama. Set in a dual timeline—1942 and 2016—it explores the lives of two sisters struggling to maintain their family farm during World War II while forming a wartime book club, juxtaposed against a present-day woman searching for answers about her past.

The 1942 storyline follows Cadence and Briar Smith, who, with their brother off at war, must keep their Martha’s Vineyard farm afloat. Cadence dreams of becoming a writer, while Briar, fascinated by military strategy, keeps a close watch on the island’s waters, where German U-boats have been spotted. Their book club, initially formed for soldiers stationed nearby, grows into something much bigger—bringing literature, friendship, and even danger into their lives when a mysterious man washes ashore, and whispers of espionage begin to circulate.

In 2016, Mari Starwood arrives on the island searching for answers about her late mother. She meets Elizabeth Devereaux, a reclusive painter with deep ties to the Smith sisters’ past. As Elizabeth recounts the sisters’ wartime struggles, Mari starts to unravel a personal connection she never expected.

Kelly’s ability to weave gripping historical details with deeply human stories shines in this novel. The depiction of life on Martha’s Vineyard during WWII—especially the lesser-known U-boat threats and the island’s role in military preparations—is particularly compelling. The characters are richly developed, with strong female leads facing both internal and external conflicts that keep the narrative engaging.

While some plot twists are predictable, the novel remains captivating, with well-paced tension and emotional depth. The combination of a war-era book club, an espionage subplot, and a modern-day family mystery makes for a unique and absorbing read. Fans of historical fiction, especially those drawn to stories about WWII’s impact on American soil, will find this book both enlightening and entertaining.