The Banned Books Club - by Brenda Novak

Book Synopsis

"A sharply plotted, emotionally intense novel of family secrets, fresh starts and community" --Jayne Ann Krentz

She left her hometown following a scandal--but family loyalty is dragging her back...

Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi's sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot's borne the brunt of their mother's care and now it's Gia's turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.

As expected, Gia's homecoming is far from welcome. There's the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.

When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister's "perfect" life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.

Review Quotes

"A sharply plotted, emotionally intense novel of family secrets, fresh starts and community written with a compelling warmth, compassion and optimism. I loved it." --Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times Bestselling Author on The Banned Books Club

"Novak elevates mystery elements that will appeal to readers of Colleen Hoover." --Booklist on Tourist Season

"The Bookstore on the Beach is a page-turner with a deep heart. You'll cheer for these admirable, complicated women. You'll be breathless (and smiling) when you read the surprising end. (Don't peek!)"--Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Summer

"Novak handles difficult topics with sensitivity, making for a heart-tugging romance. Readers are sure to be sucked in."--Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The Bookstore on the Beach

"Filled with mystery and drama, coupled with themes of family ties and secrets. This page-turner will not disappoint."--Booklist

"The prose is fast-paced and exciting making this a breathless page-turner with the conclusion proving no problems are too difficult to solve."--New York Journal of Books, on The Bookstore on the Beach

"An abundance of heart and humor. The Bookstore on the Beach is an escapist treat with emotional heft."--Apple Books, Best Book of the Month selection