The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

My Rating: 4.9

Set in 1942, the story follows the Smith sisters—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—as they struggle to hold their family farm together while the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. In the midst of wartime uncertainty, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club to bring some normalcy to their lives. What begins as a small gathering quickly grows in members and influence, especially after they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make Cadence’s literary dreams come true. 

The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious man who washes ashore and whispers of a spy in their midst. Suddenly, trust becomes a precious commodity in this tight-knit island community. Could a small book club really change the course of the war before it’s too late?

I am sorry to say that I judged this book by it's cover (and the fluffy title) and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it , but knowing that I’ve enjoyed most of Martha Hall Kelly’s previous books, I decided to give this one a try—and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

I found this book to be an easy page-turner with surprising depth. I learned a lot about the WWII activity in Martha’s Vineyard—a piece of history I hadn’t known before—and was completely captivated by the characters. Each one felt fully realized and memorable, from Cadence and Briar to the supporting cast of islanders.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong, relatable characters, a touch of mystery, and a love of books woven into the story, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a must-read. It’s charming, wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking—all at once.

The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory

The King's Curse My Rating: 5.0

As an heir to the Plantagenets, Margaret Pole is viewed by the King’s mother - the formidable Red Queen - as a threat to the Tudor claim to the throne. Married off to Tudor loyalist Sir Richard Pole, governor of Wales, Margaret lives a quiet life in service, becoming guardian to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, and his young bride, Katherine of Aragon.

But Margaret’s bloodline was never meant to stay hidden. After tragedy plunges her into poverty, a royal death brings her back into the glittering but dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, where she serves as chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. From this unique vantage point, she witnesses the queen’s early influence over Henry, her heartbreaking decline, and the slow unraveling of the Tudor dynasty.

As the court grows more unstable and Henry VIII becomes increasingly tyrannical, Margaret is forced to decide where her loyalty truly lies—with the unpredictable king or with the queen she loves. All the while, she carries the knowledge of an ancient curse said to rest on the Tudor line… and watches as it begins to unfold.

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine’s reign through Margaret’s eyes. What a time to be at court—though honestly, was there ever an easy season at the Tudor court? 

We all know the broad strokes of Henry VIII’s reign, but I was fascinated by the glimpse into his childhood and what may have shaped him into the man (and monarch) he became. Don’t skip the author’s note - there’s a genetic theory discussed that completely captivated me.

Margaret’s journey is a true emotional rollercoaster, full of loyalty, loss, and resilience. The trials her family endured were overwhelming, and the ending absolutely wrenched my heart. Such a powerful and incredibly sad conclusion.

Highly recommend this one for anyone who loves Tudor history, strong heroines, or Philippa Gregory’s richly imagined world.

 

I loved this retelling of Queen Katherine's reign through Margaret's eyes. What a difficult time to be in court (not that there ever really was an easy time lol!)  I think we all know about Henry the VIII but I didn't realize his childhood and what made him into who he was. Don't miss the afterward telling about a genetic possibility that made him into who he was. Fascinating! The rollercoaster that Margaret and her family went through was so timultous. My heart was wrenched at the end - so incredibly sad. 

Surprise, Kill, Vanish by Annie Jacobsen

Surprise, Kill Vanish My Rating: 3.6

Surprise, Kill, Vanish dives deep into the CIA’s Special Activities Division (SAD), the highly classified, elite branch responsible for some of the most daring black operations in American history. From sabotage and subversion to the morally complex world of assassination, the book explores how SAD has evolved from the president’s guerrilla warfare corps to today’s covert defense force. Jacobsen clearly did her homework, offering fascinating insights into operations that most Americans will never hear about.

However, despite the meticulous research, the book had noticeable flaws. Factual errors: like misidentifying Bob Dole as Speaker of the House, were distracting, and the slow, heavily detailed pace made large sections feel tedious. While there were moments of genuine intrigue and compelling anecdotes, overall the book struggled to maintain momentum.

For those deeply interested in intelligence history and covert operations, Surprise, Kill, Vanish may offer some worthwhile insights, but for readers seeking a gripping narrative, this one might feel more like a slog than a page-turner. We listened to this in the car and Mark enjoyed it more than I did so this may be a "guy's book". 

The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd

The Indigo Girl My Rating: 4.6

Set in 1739 South Carolina, The Indigo Girl tells the compelling story of sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas, a young woman thrust into an impossible role. When her father leaves her in charge of their family’s three struggling plantations, Eliza suddenly carries the weight of their survival on her shoulders. Political tensions, the threat of war, and unrest among the enslaved community all simmer beneath the surface while her mother longs to abandon the colonies and return to England.

When Eliza learns of the French desire—and high price—for indigo dye, she becomes convinced it could save her family from financial ruin. But indigo is a guarded secret. Everyone insists it can’t be done, and those who can help refuse to share their knowledge. Undeterred, Eliza forms unlikely alliances: an elderly horticulturalist, a married lawyer, and a courageous enslaved man who agrees to teach her the ancient, intricate process of creating the dye… if she will risk everything to teach the slaves to read, defying the laws of her time.

I’ll admit—this book took a little time to draw me in, but once it did, I was completely immersed in Eliza’s world. Her perseverance, her courage, and her willingness to defy expectations—especially as a young woman in the 1700s—made her journey both inspiring and deeply engaging.

What I enjoyed most was learning that many parts of her story are rooted in true historical events. That gave the novel an extra depth and richness, reminding me how often “ordinary” people in history did extraordinary things through quiet, steadfast bravery.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, rich detail, and a story that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page, this one is worth adding to your list.