This was an interesting WWII story told from a location that I was unaware of, Martha's Vineyard.

The novel begins modern day, when Mari first arrives on the island in 2016 to meet a well-known painter. The story jumps to 1942 where we're introduced to the Smith family. I fell in love with this family with its likeable, quirky characters and learned so much about what happened there during WWII. It was such a fun read and I'm looking forward to exploring more of the author's work.

This dual timeline, multi-POV historical fiction was a different take on WWII stories than I've read before and I really enjoyed that.

The Book:
Present Timeline - Mari, grieving the loss of her mom, travels to Martha's Vineyard under the pretense of taking a painting class from famed, but reclusive painter Elizabeth Devereaux. Elizabeth convinces Mari to stay with her a bit longer by telling her stories of sisters who once lived there and connects Mari to the island.
Past Timeline - This timelines was told through alternating POVs between sisters Briar and Cadence, who were tasked with keeping their family farm running during the war while their brother had deployed and the army arrives to train on their property.
Cadence is an aspiring writer who starts a book club and Briar is obsessed with the war.

My Thoughts:
I was immediately taken with the first chapter and Mari and Elizabeth and was a smidge disappointed when I didn't get another chapter in this timeline for a while, however, my teeny disappointment was short-lived as I got more and more into the past timeline. I connected much more with Briar's POV - I thought she was so interesting, bold and brave.

Overall, I enjoyed both timelines and all POVs and it was a refreshing WWII story. Plus, I tend to love books set on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, so the location was a bonus for me!

Martha Hall Kelly has written an unforgettable historical timeslip novel with a mystery at its heart. She effortlessly blends Martha’s Vineyard during WWII with a contemporary setting and highlights how the written word connects and comforts us during difficult times.

In the 1942 timeline, Cadence and Briar Smith form a wartime bookclub and donate books to soldiers stationed on Martha’s Vineyard. I learned about The Armed Services Editions (Books in Action) and was surprised at where and how the residents obtained their books - an interesting precursor to Little Free Libraries! I was drawn in by a unique subplot - how Martha’s Vineyard played a role in WWII.

In the 2016 timeline, Marigold ‘Mari’ Starwood’s interactions with the islanders give us insight into the relationships with the visitors and residents as she struggles to understand her mother’s past.

I also enjoyed the mystery that tied everything together and the wonderful characters the author crafted. The setting came alive because of the author’s connection to this island. Don’t miss the notes at the end!

I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a captivating read that will touch your heart.

The story is told in two timelines and in the present Mari arrives on Martha's Vineyard for painting lessons with Mrs. Devereaux who certainly has a story to tell.

In the past WW2 and the island is feeling the effects as the army is present and things are changing
The sisters Candace, Briar and Gram ( (I loved them all ) are like everyone else doing their very best to make ends meet.

The sisters along with Bess decide to set up a book Club .

This is the best book club and I would have loved to join.

Briar spots a German U- boat but nobody believes her. Briar is quite the character and it was fun to see what she would get up to next.

I cheered for the ladies of The Book Club, I laughed with them, I cried with them and most of all I wanted to be them.

Martha Hall Kelly has brought the not only the characters to life but Martha's Vineyard as well and she takes the reader on an unforgettable journey that you wont soon forget.

Please take the time to read the author's notes at the end of the book. They were fascinating and to me they were the icing on the cake.

Clear your schedule because once you start reading The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is hard to put down.

I cant wait to get my hard copy for my book shelves.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) /Doubleday Canada for the privilege of reading and reviewing this wonderful book .

Believe it or not, this is my first Martha Hall Kelly. WWII, a seaside town, and books?! I was in, gobbling it up in one day.

The characters felt really well built, distinct from one another, and I was swept away as if by the tide off Martha's Vineyard. A rare dual timeline historical fiction where the present day timeline doesn't feel manufactured, and does its job of supporting the historical timeline really well.

More, please, of historical fictions with bookish subplots. More, please, of wartime historicals set in North America. More, please, of anything set in a seaside towns.

Fans of Madeline Martin, Kate Quinn, and Jennifer Robson are sure to enjoy!