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 – a spectacular novel inspired by true events from the bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

2016
Fresh from her mother’s funeral, Mari arrives on Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts to study under the enigmatic painter Elizabeth Devereux.

But she soon realises that her relationship to the island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.

1942
It’s World War II, and Smith sisters Briar and Cadence are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together as the US army arrives on their island.

In an attempt for normalcy, the sisters start a book club that quickly grows in numbers and becomes a lifeline for the women who remain on the island.

That is, until a German soldier’s arrival casts shadows of doubt and danger. Who can they really trust in their tight-knit community?

‘A delight!’ Kate Quinn

‘A heart-in-your-mouth tale of family, friendship, and romance’ Charmaine Wilkerson

‘A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.’ Fiona Davis

‘Irresistible . . . This story drew me in, then swept me away!’ Lisa Wingate

‘The glorious Martha Hall Kelly’s most personal novel yet . . . with a surprising turn that will inspire readers everywhere’ Adriana Trigiani

‘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

‘Her characters are so beautifully crafted.’ Genevieve Graham

‘Full of thoughtful and detailed prose, endearing characters, swoony romance, and thriller-worthy intrigue.’ Natalie Jenner

‘A heartwarming novel of audacious women inspiring hope with a dash of heartbreak’ Sarah McCoy

Author Biography

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, Martha 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 lives in Litchfield, Connecticut, and Hobe Sound, Florida.