This WWII historical novel is based on real events and real people. It landed on my list when a bookseller in Raleigh gushed about it to me, saying this interweaving tale of three women battling Nazi Germany is impossible to put down and deeply moving.

This multigenerational tale brings a little-known aspect of history to life. Kelly’s starting point was the stories her mother used to tell about growing up on Martha’s Vineyard, especially her WWII-era tales about rumors of German U-boats lurking offshore. From there Kelly crafts a home front tale about two very different sisters whose lives are upended when U.S. Army troops take up residence on the island for training maneuvers. The handsome soldiers bring excitement to the small community, but fear and disruption as well: times were hard enough before these added concerns. When the women start a book club to find solace and community, their lives change in unexpected ways.