The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
on May 27, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Historical / 20th Century / World War II, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 336
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
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Martha Hall Kelly has delivered another captivating historical fiction gem—this time set against the windswept shores of Martha’s Vineyard during World War II. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club blends dual timelines, rich characters, and the enduring power of books in a way that’s both engaging and deeply heartfelt. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to call your own book club and say, “We have to read this one.”
In the 1942 timeline, we meet the Smith sisters—Cadence, a determined aspiring writer, and Briar, whose obsession with the war turns personal when she spots German U-boats off the Vineyard coast. Their bond, resilience, and bravery are at the core of the story, and I couldn’t help but wish I could join their book club myself. Cadence’s unexpected romance and their brush with espionage add layers of intrigue to the island’s already tense wartime atmosphere.
In the present-day storyline, we follow Mari, a grieving artist who travels from California to the Vineyard in search of answers—and a reclusive painter named Elizabeth Devereaux. As the past and present begin to intertwine, I found myself genuinely curious about how Mari’s journey would connect with the Smith family legacy. The way the two narratives eventually come together is satisfying and emotionally resonant without being overly sentimental.
Despite tackling serious topics—war, grief, identity—this novel remains accessible and compulsively readable. It’s a perfect mix of historical depth and beach-read charm, ideal for readers who love character-driven stories with a strong sense of place.
This was a solid 4-star read for me, and I think it would make a perfect book club pick. There’s so much to discuss: the sisterly dynamics, the book club within the book, the romantic threads, and how storytelling can shape generations.
English (US) · 