NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events, from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.
“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, author of The Stolen Queen
2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She’s come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.
1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows both in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war . . . before it’s too late?
About the Author
Martha Hall Kelly is the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls,Lost Roses,Sunflower Sisters, and The Golden Doves. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she was inspired to write this novel by her mother’s family, the Smiths, who settled on Martha’s Vineyard in 1891.She received journalism degrees from both Syracuse and Northwestern universities and worked as an advertising copywriter for many years before becoming a novelist.With more than two million copies of her books sold and translated in fifty countries, Martha Hall Kelly lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Hobe Sound, Florida.
Praise For…
“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . Another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
“A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship and romance as a small American island finds itself on a potential frontline of World War II.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
“Celebrates the magic of books, family, and truth as several women—bound by blood and friendship—discover their destinies.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter
“The glorious Martha Hall Kelly’s most personal novel yet . . . with a surprising turn that will inspire readers everywhere.”—Adriana Trigiani, author of The View from Lake Como
“Iirresistible . . . the Smith girls find strength in dreams, family, the land, and in the life-changing power of books. This story drew me in, then swept me away!”—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
“An ode to the human heart and the power of books to connect us—no one writes about the sustaining cords of female friendships quite like Martha Hall Kelly.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller
“I adore Martha Hall Kelly’s books. Her characters are so beautifully crafted—I can feel them in the room, ready to discuss their loves, family secrets, intrigues, adventures, and more.”—Genevieve Graham, nationally bestselling author of The Secret Keeper
“Full of thoughtful and detailed prose, endearing characters, swoony romance, and thriller-worthy intrigue . . . a gift to fans of stories rooted in fascinating history and the bravery of the human heart.”—Natalie Jenner, #1 nationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society “A prime example of Martha Hall Kelly’s knack for bringing the emotional investment of historical women to the forefront, elevating the facts of what we think we know and evoking our deepest empathy . . . a heartwarming novel of audacious women inspiring hope with a dash of heartbreak.”—Sarah McCoy, New York Times bestselling author of The Baker’s Daughter
“Inspired by true events, Kelly’s new novel explores friendship, family dynamics, and the power of books to unite communities. Recommended for historical fiction readers who enjoy the work of Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Kate Quinn.”—Library Journal
