What do you think?
Rate this book
The Banned Books Club
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.
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.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
563 people are currently reading
18135 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,963 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,103 reviews
April 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️? It’s hard to write a review of this book because, on the whole, I really enjoyed it! It was a page turner, I liked the characters, wanted to know what was going to happen with the romance and the disappearance and the conflicts and the darling elderly parents… The overall plot was compelling and tight.
The first third of the book, the dialogue felt forced and amateurish, trying to squeeze backstory into dialogue into ways that felt stilted and unrealistic. But once the story was underway, the dialogue became more natural and I stopped being distracted by that.
The thing that really hung me up throughout is that this book has absolutely the wrong title! The Banned Book Club itself is an underdeveloped plot line that, at best, was meant to tell us something about the main character’s rebellious nature, relationship with an English teacher, and tie her back to a group of former classmates in her hometown. But there wasn’t enough development to make that real. There was next to no discussion of the books themselves, no commentary or illustration of what book banning does/what is wrong with it, and zero big picture relationship between what was happening in the main plot and the overall concept of book banning (except maybe an inference from the author’s note that this is the kind of story that might be banned because it touches on some difficult subjects?).
It almost seems like it was added later so it could catch people’s eye and sell books. If so, it worked on me! I requested this ARC because I was excited to read another book about banned books (read two great ones this year: Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller and middle grades book Ban This Book by Alan Gratz)(and in 2025 The Book Club for Troublesome Women - also great!). So for me, this distracted and detracted from what was otherwise a really great book! I’d still recommend it - just don’t expect something like Lula Dean.
The first third of the book, the dialogue felt forced and amateurish, trying to squeeze backstory into dialogue into ways that felt stilted and unrealistic. But once the story was underway, the dialogue became more natural and I stopped being distracted by that.
The thing that really hung me up throughout is that this book has absolutely the wrong title! The Banned Book Club itself is an underdeveloped plot line that, at best, was meant to tell us something about the main character’s rebellious nature, relationship with an English teacher, and tie her back to a group of former classmates in her hometown. But there wasn’t enough development to make that real. There was next to no discussion of the books themselves, no commentary or illustration of what book banning does/what is wrong with it, and zero big picture relationship between what was happening in the main plot and the overall concept of book banning (except maybe an inference from the author’s note that this is the kind of story that might be banned because it touches on some difficult subjects?).
It almost seems like it was added later so it could catch people’s eye and sell books. If so, it worked on me! I requested this ARC because I was excited to read another book about banned books (read two great ones this year: Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller and middle grades book Ban This Book by Alan Gratz)(and in 2025 The Book Club for Troublesome Women - also great!). So for me, this distracted and detracted from what was otherwise a really great book! I’d still recommend it - just don’t expect something like Lula Dean.
September 24, 2024
The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
Contemporary romance.
Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasn’t spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and it’s Gia’s turn to be the caregiver.
The residents of Wakefield aren’t all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacher’s fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and he’s still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia ‘s story wasn’t true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia.
Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margot’s lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends.
I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a “you’re smiling more” comment.
Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance.
Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. She’s now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasn’t spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and it’s Gia’s turn to be the caregiver.
The residents of Wakefield aren’t all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacher’s fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and he’s still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia ‘s story wasn’t true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia.
Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margot’s lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends.
I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a “you’re smiling more” comment.
Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
September 17, 2024
I absolutely LOVED The Banned Books Club! I had been picking up and setting aside several books, none capturing my attention and then I started it and was hooked from the very first page!
Gia loved reading, part of that passion was ignited by her favorite teacher, Mr. Hart, but then he crossed boundaries. Gia reported him and things changed when he lost his job. Some believed Gia and some believed Mr. Hart and so Gia left town after graduating and rarely came to visit. However, she can’t avoid her hometown anymore since her mother is losing her battle with cancer and Gia doesn’t want to miss the precious time she has left with her. Plus, her sister Margot has appealed to Gia to come back and help, which is uncharacteristic. Gia’s worried something’s off with her sister, but Margot is mum on the subject.
Margot has her own story, and I was worried for her! She was clearly in danger, and I wondered how it would be resolved!
The Banned Books Club was part romance, and that was a messy situation but so good! It was also emotional on so many levels and suspenseful with a situation that had me on the edge of my seat! I started the story and read straight through in one day! Five stars all the way!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of MIRA. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Gia loved reading, part of that passion was ignited by her favorite teacher, Mr. Hart, but then he crossed boundaries. Gia reported him and things changed when he lost his job. Some believed Gia and some believed Mr. Hart and so Gia left town after graduating and rarely came to visit. However, she can’t avoid her hometown anymore since her mother is losing her battle with cancer and Gia doesn’t want to miss the precious time she has left with her. Plus, her sister Margot has appealed to Gia to come back and help, which is uncharacteristic. Gia’s worried something’s off with her sister, but Margot is mum on the subject.
Margot has her own story, and I was worried for her! She was clearly in danger, and I wondered how it would be resolved!
The Banned Books Club was part romance, and that was a messy situation but so good! It was also emotional on so many levels and suspenseful with a situation that had me on the edge of my seat! I started the story and read straight through in one day! Five stars all the way!
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of MIRA. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 10, 2025
As an avid reader, I love books about books, but this wasn't that. With a focus on abuse of may kinds with some mystery and romance thrown in, The Banned Books Club was a book about family and small town drama much more than about any book club and the rating reflects my opinion of that.
August 18, 2024
1.5⭐️ thank you NetGalley and HA for this advanced ebook.
I originally was drawn to this book because of the title. The topic of banned books is definitely prominent in the world today and I was curious to see an authors approach to discussing it. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
I’ll start with what I enjoyed: it had a good mix of classic characters of mystery, romance, and litfic books. I think the premise of the story was intriguing.
However… this story wasn’t executed well in my opinion. So many plot points felt underdeveloped and messy. Truthfully, I also don’t feel that the topic of SA and DV was approached with the sensitivity that it deserves. Additionally, the dialogue felt so unnatural. Like painfully so. And that detracted from the emotional connection the characters. Lastly, this book quite literally has nothing to do with banned books other than the mention of a Banned Books Club that came up minimally.
Overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to any one of my reader friends.
I originally was drawn to this book because of the title. The topic of banned books is definitely prominent in the world today and I was curious to see an authors approach to discussing it. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me.
I’ll start with what I enjoyed: it had a good mix of classic characters of mystery, romance, and litfic books. I think the premise of the story was intriguing.
However… this story wasn’t executed well in my opinion. So many plot points felt underdeveloped and messy. Truthfully, I also don’t feel that the topic of SA and DV was approached with the sensitivity that it deserves. Additionally, the dialogue felt so unnatural. Like painfully so. And that detracted from the emotional connection the characters. Lastly, this book quite literally has nothing to do with banned books other than the mention of a Banned Books Club that came up minimally.
Overall, I don’t think I’d recommend this book to any one of my reader friends.
January 10, 2025
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
The Banned Books Club
Plot:
Gia Rossi returns to her hometown to care for her sick mother. She navigates her past (sexual misconduct with a past teacher) and supporting her sister face her demons. Gia falls in love and finds a future in a town that once rejected her.
Fiction | Romance
My Thoughts:
What a plot! It instantly reminded me of *My Dark Vanessa*, though it was less intense, offering a more nuanced exploration of complex themes. The story weaves two distinct storylines that ultimately converge, yet at times it felt as though I was reading two separate narratives. While the circumstances and the love interest may seem a bit far-fetched, I really appreciate Brenda's boldness in writing a novel that pushes boundaries and challenges the norm.
Reminds Me Of:
My Dark Vanessa
The Banned Books Club
Plot:
Gia Rossi returns to her hometown to care for her sick mother. She navigates her past (sexual misconduct with a past teacher) and supporting her sister face her demons. Gia falls in love and finds a future in a town that once rejected her.
Fiction | Romance
My Thoughts:
What a plot! It instantly reminded me of *My Dark Vanessa*, though it was less intense, offering a more nuanced exploration of complex themes. The story weaves two distinct storylines that ultimately converge, yet at times it felt as though I was reading two separate narratives. While the circumstances and the love interest may seem a bit far-fetched, I really appreciate Brenda's boldness in writing a novel that pushes boundaries and challenges the norm.
Reminds Me Of:
My Dark Vanessa
November 16, 2024
I am typically attracted to books about books. Especially if it is emphasizing banned books, considering today’s “political” climate. But this book was not about this subject, exactly. There is a connection to a banned books club, but it wasn’t the focus of the story. So, if readers are looking for this, they may be disappointed. (And, I thought I had this on my "currently reading" shelf. But apparently I forgot to post it there. I guess this book is being disparaged in more ways than one.)
This is more a family drama that encompasses a past that one sister was escaping, and a marriage another sister seeks to escape.
Gia, the sister that escaped home, is now returning to help sister, Margot who stayed, because their mother has terminal cancer.
The narrative features a cast of characters with multiple storylines that touches on family tension, a budding romance, and typical character struggles that will explore such issues as sexual misconduct, and domestic abuse. The characters are relatable and have depth. The author shows compassion and sensitivity in addressing these complex subjects that convey no easy answers.
Still, even when exploring such depth in subjects, the book did not quite meet up to the story I was looking to read. Which means, if this is your type of story, this may work better for you than it did me. I could be an outlier, so check others reviews, as well.
3.5 stars rounded down.
This is more a family drama that encompasses a past that one sister was escaping, and a marriage another sister seeks to escape.
Gia, the sister that escaped home, is now returning to help sister, Margot who stayed, because their mother has terminal cancer.
The narrative features a cast of characters with multiple storylines that touches on family tension, a budding romance, and typical character struggles that will explore such issues as sexual misconduct, and domestic abuse. The characters are relatable and have depth. The author shows compassion and sensitivity in addressing these complex subjects that convey no easy answers.
Still, even when exploring such depth in subjects, the book did not quite meet up to the story I was looking to read. Which means, if this is your type of story, this may work better for you than it did me. I could be an outlier, so check others reviews, as well.
3.5 stars rounded down.
January 5, 2025
This book takes on heavy topics like sexual harassment and domestic abuse but fails to handle them with any sensitivity. The delusional and victim-blaming perspective of some of the characters made the story incredibly frustrating. While I initially thought this was a deliberate approach to depict a sadly realistic situation, the “romance” subplot suggests otherwise, and left me deeply concerned about the author’s approach to these topics. The title is completely irrelevant to the plot and the dialogue and overall writing style was very unnatural and robotic. The only positive takeaway was that I plan to read more banned books. I would not recommend this book to anyone. One star is generous.
September 17, 2024
• ARC REVIEW •
Release Date: tomorrow !! 9/17
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. It blew me away the entire time with how each character’s story and development. I had no idea what this book was truly about + my expectations were surpassed. This book broke my heart in many ways but also healed it all at the same time. It was such a beautiful and redemptive story that was hard to put down. I am team Cormac + Gia for lifeeeee 🤝🏼 Please read trigger warnings below!
Expect:
-enemies to lovers
-slow burn
-protective MC
-dual POV
-domestic violence *trigger warning*
-sexual abuse references from the past *trigger warning*
-small town
Thank you NetGalley, the author and MIRA/Harper Collins publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨
Release Date: tomorrow !! 9/17
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. It blew me away the entire time with how each character’s story and development. I had no idea what this book was truly about + my expectations were surpassed. This book broke my heart in many ways but also healed it all at the same time. It was such a beautiful and redemptive story that was hard to put down. I am team Cormac + Gia for lifeeeee 🤝🏼 Please read trigger warnings below!
Expect:
-enemies to lovers
-slow burn
-protective MC
-dual POV
-domestic violence *trigger warning*
-sexual abuse references from the past *trigger warning*
-small town
Thank you NetGalley, the author and MIRA/Harper Collins publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨
November 25, 2024
The Banned Books Club really has very little to do with banned books, but a lot to do with how society treats victims of sexual and domestic violence/abuse. Gia was molested by her high school English teacher, and he was convicted and sent to jail, but many of the people in her hometown believe his claim of innocence. She left town after high school and rarely came back. Her sister, Margot, is in a marriage with an emotionally abusive and controlling man, who is from a “pillar of society” family and feels powerless to truly escape him without losing her children. While their mother is nearing the end of her life because of terminal cancer, Margot asks Gia to come home and help their father, and Margot, with their mother’s care. Gia does come home, but can feel the townspeople’s disapproval of her return. Margot takes the opportunity, when her husband goes away for his annual week long hunting trip, to take her boys and leave town forever, since she knows her sister is there to help their father. What I love about Brenda Novak’s books is that her stories are not cookie cutter and always have several layers of relationships & situations. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley for an advance reader’s ebook to review.
September 22, 2024
What to expect:
Multiple POV
Family drama
Small town scandals
Past trauma
A bit of romance
🔥Steam level: Open door but no descriptions
On a side note, I feel like I should mention that this title doesn’t really speak to what this book is about. There was next to no discussion of banned books and only brief moments moments when the “Banned Book Club” met, but no real discussions as a group or incorporation of the harm from banning books. Basically, banned/banning books did not play a part in the plot.
3.5 stars
Full review coming soon
Multiple POV
Family drama
Small town scandals
Past trauma
A bit of romance
🔥Steam level: Open door but no descriptions
On a side note, I feel like I should mention that this title doesn’t really speak to what this book is about. There was next to no discussion of banned books and only brief moments moments when the “Banned Book Club” met, but no real discussions as a group or incorporation of the harm from banning books. Basically, banned/banning books did not play a part in the plot.
3.5 stars
Full review coming soon
September 24, 2024
2.5 stars
The title was a bit misleading. The “banned books club” part made up about 3 % of the book; the other 97% was family drama, with some romance thrown in.
Trigger Warnings:
Sexual harassment by a teacher of a minor child; spousal abuse
Steaminess Rating:
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Rating” chart!)
The title was a bit misleading. The “banned books club” part made up about 3 % of the book; the other 97% was family drama, with some romance thrown in.
Trigger Warnings:
Sexual harassment by a teacher of a minor child; spousal abuse
Steaminess Rating:
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
(Check my profile for my “Steaminess Rating” chart!)
November 15, 2024
Ok ok.
Let’s get this out of the way first. This book has nothing to do with banned books and barely holds onto a thread of anything to do with a book club.
I can not state how disappointed I was about that…
Next, I did listen to the audiobook. I mention that because I’m trying to be calm about my extreme irritation at this book. I think in part it was the narrator. She was amazing at changing her voice for characters, so really this shouldn’t have been an issue… the thing is, as I tried to pinpoint why this book was irritating me so much, I realized I was hearing almost every. Single. Sentence. In an ironic tone, with an eye roll. Let me explain. The narrator ended every sentence with a strong emphasis on the last syllable of the last word. So every sentence ended with this odd emphaSISsss. It felt like everything was an annoyANCEeee.
Once I realized it, I couldn’t unhear it.
Now the story, the one not at all about banned books, Unless you count just naming maybe three randomly in the storyline, was …. A romance? A trauma romance? Filled with small town gossip and drama? Serious subjects were turned into fodder for the local gossip’s to take sides over. It was odd. The characters were not endearing.
I continued on to give it a chance, mostly, to find out the conclusion for a minor character, and it was as anticlimactic as could be expected.
Let’s get this out of the way first. This book has nothing to do with banned books and barely holds onto a thread of anything to do with a book club.
I can not state how disappointed I was about that…
Next, I did listen to the audiobook. I mention that because I’m trying to be calm about my extreme irritation at this book. I think in part it was the narrator. She was amazing at changing her voice for characters, so really this shouldn’t have been an issue… the thing is, as I tried to pinpoint why this book was irritating me so much, I realized I was hearing almost every. Single. Sentence. In an ironic tone, with an eye roll. Let me explain. The narrator ended every sentence with a strong emphasis on the last syllable of the last word. So every sentence ended with this odd emphaSISsss. It felt like everything was an annoyANCEeee.
Once I realized it, I couldn’t unhear it.
Now the story, the one not at all about banned books, Unless you count just naming maybe three randomly in the storyline, was …. A romance? A trauma romance? Filled with small town gossip and drama? Serious subjects were turned into fodder for the local gossip’s to take sides over. It was odd. The characters were not endearing.
I continued on to give it a chance, mostly, to find out the conclusion for a minor character, and it was as anticlimactic as could be expected.
April 9, 2024
Everyone has always encouraged me to read Brenda Novak, and I never have until now. The Banned Books Club has left me a huge fan of her work. I mean what book lover is not going to love a book about a book club? This one had mystery and romance both- I was not expecting the romance. Compelling story lines and lovable characters made this an easy 4 star read for me. I highly recommend both this book & the author!
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, & MIRA for the ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, & MIRA for the ARC copy of this book.
October 15, 2024
What I thought would be a novel about banned books instead is a book about romance and healing.
Gia Rossi left home after college 17 years ago. When her sister asks her to come home for the winter to spend time with their dying mother Gia agrees even though it will be difficult after what forced her to leave town at the end of her senior year of high school.
Her arrival home causes chaos with many but also helps her sister who's world is falling apart.
A heart-breaking and heart-warming story.
There is a book club in this novel however it is not as prominent in the story as one might believe from the title.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Gia Rossi left home after college 17 years ago. When her sister asks her to come home for the winter to spend time with their dying mother Gia agrees even though it will be difficult after what forced her to leave town at the end of her senior year of high school.
Her arrival home causes chaos with many but also helps her sister who's world is falling apart.
A heart-breaking and heart-warming story.
There is a book club in this novel however it is not as prominent in the story as one might believe from the title.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Let me start by saying this: the cover is very deceiving compared to what you are about to dive into. This book had me on the edge of my seat once Gia went back home to see her sick mother. I had to know how everything would play out. I did predict some things as the story went on, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It evoked strong emotions, leaving me heartbroken and angry as I read more about Margot’s story with her husband and her plan to free herself from her situation, as well as her sister Gia’s situation with her old school teacher. Both women were strong and went through so much throughout this book, and they both even have a HEA. I couldn’t put this book down, and this is my first read by this author. If you love suspenseful and emotional reads, this is the one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Let me start by saying this: the cover is very deceiving compared to what you are about to dive into. This book had me on the edge of my seat once Gia went back home to see her sick mother. I had to know how everything would play out. I did predict some things as the story went on, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It evoked strong emotions, leaving me heartbroken and angry as I read more about Margot’s story with her husband and her plan to free herself from her situation, as well as her sister Gia’s situation with her old school teacher. Both women were strong and went through so much throughout this book, and they both even have a HEA. I couldn’t put this book down, and this is my first read by this author. If you love suspenseful and emotional reads, this is the one.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2024
More than just a simple women's fiction beach read type of story, rather this one tackles tough topics like domestic abuse (emotional) and sexual harassment/misconduct between a high school teacher and his student, plus a parent dying from cancer. Gia reluctantly returns to her hometown when her sister Margot calls to tell her their mother doesn't have much time left. There are a lot of bad memories though that get dragged up by Gia's return. Moving and full of emotional depth. I really enjoyed the Banned book club part of the story (although it is a minor subplot) and the romance between Gia and Cormack (the son of the man who blew up her and his family's life by his misconduct). Great on audio and definitely worth a read!
September 25, 2024
This book is a little weird to rate. So I am thinking I am gonna go with 3.5 stars rounded up because it is high 3.5 rather than a low.
On the one hand, I liked the messy family stuff and all soapy elements. I really liked Gia and Margot, the two sisters who are the main characters in this.
But the other hand, there were some frustrating elements about the story that pulled me out one in awhile. And the romance piece was rather, eh.
And, oh yeah, the title had NOTHING to do with the storyline. Sure, Gia started a Banned books club when she was in high school, but we only get a couple of tangential mentions of a book or two and two meetings of the club where they didn't really talk about books and both were just set pieces to act as a backdrop for messy character drama.
The story follows the two sisters, Gia who when she was 17 accused a popular teacher of sexual misconduct. It went to trial, he was found guilty, was fired and had to register as a sex offender. As is often the case with stuff like this, there are people who believed her and there are people who did not. The non-believers tend to be more vocal, blaming her for ruining a good man's life. Gia also feels like her family didn't stand as ten toes down for her as they could, so as soon as she could she got out of town and forged a life on her own, only seeing her family rarely.
The other sister Margot, was the quieter, well behaved daughter who married well, had two lovely kids and has been a dutiful wife.
But their mother is dying of cancer and Margot has asked Gia to come home and help with their mother's care.
Gia returns and Margot waves her husband goodbye as he leaves for a week-long hunting trip, packs up her kids, and gets the hell out of dodge leaving no tracks.
So a lot is going on: Gia coming back, the old scandal getting fresh life, new scandal as Gia gets involved with the son of the teacher she accused, lot of public chest beating. And then there is Margo's entire deal. And her husband, who is a nasty piece of work. It is all a delicious mess.
So where's the frustration?
First there is constant yelling at Gia for ruining a man's life. It is believable that people still wouldn't believe her, but during the constant confrontations you'd think Gia would point out that she had nothing to gain by accusing him. Also some of the people who are loud and wrong claim to be her friends. yikes.
And then there is Margot. Now granted, I am not from Iowa, so I don't know how people from Iowa act. But you can't tell me, in the Year our Lord Beyonce, 2024, that there would not have been way more whispering and uncomfortable side-eying that what we actually got?
Anyways.. the ending/vindication for both sisters was nice. The Epilogue was sweet.
On the one hand, I liked the messy family stuff and all soapy elements. I really liked Gia and Margot, the two sisters who are the main characters in this.
But the other hand, there were some frustrating elements about the story that pulled me out one in awhile. And the romance piece was rather, eh.
And, oh yeah, the title had NOTHING to do with the storyline. Sure, Gia started a Banned books club when she was in high school, but we only get a couple of tangential mentions of a book or two and two meetings of the club where they didn't really talk about books and both were just set pieces to act as a backdrop for messy character drama.
The story follows the two sisters, Gia who when she was 17 accused a popular teacher of sexual misconduct. It went to trial, he was found guilty, was fired and had to register as a sex offender. As is often the case with stuff like this, there are people who believed her and there are people who did not. The non-believers tend to be more vocal, blaming her for ruining a good man's life. Gia also feels like her family didn't stand as ten toes down for her as they could, so as soon as she could she got out of town and forged a life on her own, only seeing her family rarely.
The other sister Margot, was the quieter, well behaved daughter who married well, had two lovely kids and has been a dutiful wife.
But their mother is dying of cancer and Margot has asked Gia to come home and help with their mother's care.
Gia returns and Margot waves her husband goodbye as he leaves for a week-long hunting trip, packs up her kids, and gets the hell out of dodge leaving no tracks.
So a lot is going on: Gia coming back, the old scandal getting fresh life, new scandal as Gia gets involved with the son of the teacher she accused, lot of public chest beating. And then there is Margo's entire deal. And her husband, who is a nasty piece of work. It is all a delicious mess.
So where's the frustration?
First there is constant yelling at Gia for ruining a man's life. It is believable that people still wouldn't believe her, but during the constant confrontations you'd think Gia would point out that she had nothing to gain by accusing him. Also some of the people who are loud and wrong claim to be her friends. yikes.
And then there is Margot. Now granted, I am not from Iowa, so I don't know how people from Iowa act. But you can't tell me, in the Year our Lord Beyonce, 2024, that there would not have been way more whispering and uncomfortable side-eying that what we actually got?
Anyways.. the ending/vindication for both sisters was nice. The Epilogue was sweet.
January 13, 2025
The Banned Books Club (ARC) Review
My rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 1 🌶️ (Open door little to no description)
This book was fun to read. It followed characters who has gone through abuse and s*xual misconduct (not fun) - which are both heavy topics. Throughout the book, it was annoying to see how many people ganged up on Gia about her supposedly lying about an event which occurred while she was still in school. Reading it over and over again got a bit annoying. Surely Gia would’ve corrected them many times. But maybe she too found it annoying after a while. In saying that, Gia was strong for coming back to the town which held bad memories for her. On top of that, her mother battling cancer and not having a great relationship with her would’ve added another layer of difficulty.
Margot was an interesting character to read about. It was as if her family“image” was slowly crumbling away and she was able to see what her marriage is actually like. Instead of disappearing like she did and causing stress on everyone, she should have just reached out to her friends and family for support and guidance. Maybe she had to take the extreme route and I’ll just never understand. But I’m not sure. It just didn’t feel that realistic? As if she didn’t think of the what-ifs and how her actions of disappearing with her kids could impact the future of her and her kids?
Cormac surprisingly was quite open-minded after a little which was interesting to me considering how deep rooted he was in believing the lie of his dad.
My thoughts:
- The title isn’t appropriate because it’s a book club that’s mentioned once and not spoken about again
- It would have been nice to see the book following Gia and Cormac only and give Margot her own book
- Gia and Cormac’s relationship needs to be fleshed out. While it’s cute, it’s very insta-love and really, there’s no reason for them to be liking each other besides Cormac having a crush on her as a kid
If you like books that contain:
❄️ Small town romance
🐶 Characters learning the truth
❄️ Multiple POVs
🐶 Making amends with each other
❄️ And more
This book is for you.
❄️ This book has since been released ❄️
Thank you to @harlequin for this copy!
⚠️ Just a heads up, this book does contain mentions of s*xual misconduct and domestic abuse (verbal & mental) ⚠️
My rating: 4⭐️
Spice: 1 🌶️ (Open door little to no description)
This book was fun to read. It followed characters who has gone through abuse and s*xual misconduct (not fun) - which are both heavy topics. Throughout the book, it was annoying to see how many people ganged up on Gia about her supposedly lying about an event which occurred while she was still in school. Reading it over and over again got a bit annoying. Surely Gia would’ve corrected them many times. But maybe she too found it annoying after a while. In saying that, Gia was strong for coming back to the town which held bad memories for her. On top of that, her mother battling cancer and not having a great relationship with her would’ve added another layer of difficulty.
Margot was an interesting character to read about. It was as if her family“image” was slowly crumbling away and she was able to see what her marriage is actually like. Instead of disappearing like she did and causing stress on everyone, she should have just reached out to her friends and family for support and guidance. Maybe she had to take the extreme route and I’ll just never understand. But I’m not sure. It just didn’t feel that realistic? As if she didn’t think of the what-ifs and how her actions of disappearing with her kids could impact the future of her and her kids?
Cormac surprisingly was quite open-minded after a little which was interesting to me considering how deep rooted he was in believing the lie of his dad.
My thoughts:
- The title isn’t appropriate because it’s a book club that’s mentioned once and not spoken about again
- It would have been nice to see the book following Gia and Cormac only and give Margot her own book
- Gia and Cormac’s relationship needs to be fleshed out. While it’s cute, it’s very insta-love and really, there’s no reason for them to be liking each other besides Cormac having a crush on her as a kid
If you like books that contain:
❄️ Small town romance
🐶 Characters learning the truth
❄️ Multiple POVs
🐶 Making amends with each other
❄️ And more
This book is for you.
❄️ This book has since been released ❄️
Thank you to @harlequin for this copy!
⚠️ Just a heads up, this book does contain mentions of s*xual misconduct and domestic abuse (verbal & mental) ⚠️
August 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review !
Rating : 3/5⭐️
TW: SA of minor, verbal abuse, cheating, vandalism, murder attempt, intense aggression
*
*
Let’s jump into this by saying the the title of this book is so VERY misleading. Despite it having an actual ‘banned book club’, it’s not the focus of the story. My guess is that the themes in the story are supposed to make it eligible to be banned ? I’m not too sure, that’s just my take.
The plot itself was really good and for the most part, I really enjoyed it! The characters are well written (although some are downright insufferable), I found myself rooting for the two main sisters and wanting to protect them.
Here’s where I had the issues. Within a single chapter, it jumps multiple POV’s with no clear distinction of whose viewpoint we’re reading. I’m talking between one paragraph to the next it changing who’s viewpoint we’re getting. It made for an awkward read sometimes and for people who aren’t used to reading a book with multiple POV’s, this book might be too confusing. If the author just threw in the name of whose viewpoint we were getting before it changed, everything else can stay the same style wise.
Spoiler time ‼️ If you don’t want spoilers, don’t read past this ‼️
When the main character was 17, she was SA’d by her English teacher which is one of the main focal points of the story. She’s now 35? And has pretty much healed and moved past that time of her life which is great. My issue is mainly with the fact that she proceeds to sleep and get together with the English teachers son???? I don’t know, that just doesn’t sit right with me at all. I was disturbed a bit by that, I could never get with my assaulters family but that’s just me.
*
*
Rating : 3/5⭐️
TW: SA of minor, verbal abuse, cheating, vandalism, murder attempt, intense aggression
*
*
Let’s jump into this by saying the the title of this book is so VERY misleading. Despite it having an actual ‘banned book club’, it’s not the focus of the story. My guess is that the themes in the story are supposed to make it eligible to be banned ? I’m not too sure, that’s just my take.
The plot itself was really good and for the most part, I really enjoyed it! The characters are well written (although some are downright insufferable), I found myself rooting for the two main sisters and wanting to protect them.
Here’s where I had the issues. Within a single chapter, it jumps multiple POV’s with no clear distinction of whose viewpoint we’re reading. I’m talking between one paragraph to the next it changing who’s viewpoint we’re getting. It made for an awkward read sometimes and for people who aren’t used to reading a book with multiple POV’s, this book might be too confusing. If the author just threw in the name of whose viewpoint we were getting before it changed, everything else can stay the same style wise.
Spoiler time ‼️ If you don’t want spoilers, don’t read past this ‼️
When the main character was 17, she was SA’d by her English teacher which is one of the main focal points of the story. She’s now 35? And has pretty much healed and moved past that time of her life which is great. My issue is mainly with the fact that she proceeds to sleep and get together with the English teachers son???? I don’t know, that just doesn’t sit right with me at all. I was disturbed a bit by that, I could never get with my assaulters family but that’s just me.
*
*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
After reading the description and seeing the cover for this book, I definitely had a false idea of it stuck in my head. This whole book was just not at all what I was expecting and was very much unexpected. I do worry for some jumping into this that there are so many triggers so please look up all the trigger warnings before reading.
Overall, it was a really interesting read and had a lot of great build up, but the only issue I really had was the ending. It felt like all of these moments were building and building and then was just wrapped up in what felt like 5 minutes. I also felt left with some questions so I really didn’t find complete closure at the end.
Overall, it was a really interesting read and had a lot of great build up, but the only issue I really had was the ending. It felt like all of these moments were building and building and then was just wrapped up in what felt like 5 minutes. I also felt left with some questions so I really didn’t find complete closure at the end.
January 24, 2025
A book called, "The Banned Books Club," should be about a banned books club...
Misnomer aside, this story fell flat. The author tried to incorporate way too many heavy topics into this book and, as a result, did none of them justice.
The characters themselves felt one-dimensional and their relationships felt forced, inorganic, and cringy. The writing itself was repetitive in that I felt it laid out both sides of every issue on almost every page.
Overall, I need to be more careful about picking which books to read based on the title alone.
Misnomer aside, this story fell flat. The author tried to incorporate way too many heavy topics into this book and, as a result, did none of them justice.
The characters themselves felt one-dimensional and their relationships felt forced, inorganic, and cringy. The writing itself was repetitive in that I felt it laid out both sides of every issue on almost every page.
Overall, I need to be more careful about picking which books to read based on the title alone.
August 18, 2024
The Banned Books Club is the first book I’ve read by this author. The title intrigued me since it’s a hot topic across the country. The core of the book doesn’t deal that much about banned books but it does set the premise for the story. The author thoughtfully explores the topic of sexual misconduct by a teacher and the lives of both the teacher as well as his student 17 years later. It’s a book where the present and the past powerfully collide. The issue of mental abuse by a husband is thoughtfully written into the story. Both Gia and her sister Margot are strong women as they move forward with their lives. Although these are topics might not be for everyone, the author writes them in such a way that you can’t put it down. It’s thoughtful with romance intertwined!
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for an advanced ebook. All opinions are my own and I will be enthusiastically recommending this book!
#TheBannedBooksClub #BrendaNovak #NetGalley
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for an advanced ebook. All opinions are my own and I will be enthusiastically recommending this book!
#TheBannedBooksClub #BrendaNovak #NetGalley
March 8, 2025
Why did I finish a book I gave a one-star rating? Because I kept thinking that surely, it would get better. Reader, it did not. From the clunky dialogue to the ridiculous enemies-to-lovers characters being a SA survivor and the son of the man (her former teacher) who assaulted her, to the woman who fled DV by taking her school-age children to CA without any word of question or concern from said children, this book was not at all what I thought I was getting. And why is that? The title. This has to be the worst title choice I've ever encountered. The cover, too, implies a whole community of readers and a story about the banned books that brought them together, but that is so not the focus of the novel.
October 27, 2024
Wow. Terrible book - I think I am giving it 1 just because it was written and the book kept me intrigued in anticipation for a twist which never comes. I am not the target audience and this book is so not about banned books or any time of social commentary. In fact it misses out on breaking down issues that the book even talks about like domestic abuse and sexual assault!
October 13, 2024
If you have ever been the victim of SA or DV, you know that this book is complete bullshit. In fact, as a survivor of both, I was offended this was not a love story. It was a nightmare.
October 23, 2024
Misleading title, mostly stupid.
November 4, 2024
3.5⭐️ rounded to 4. Like many of the reviews said, this book is less about the book club and more about overcoming the stigma associated with SA. I can see how the multiple POV can be confusing but she put the character who's POV you switched to in the first sentence; and it was always after a mid chapter break of some sort - an extra paragraph spacing, some special symbols, etc.
Cormac's sisters annoyed me because I didn't feel like they had character development. They just switched their opinions like *that.* And even her friends were a little sus.
Cormac's sisters annoyed me because I didn't feel like they had character development. They just switched their opinions like *that.* And even her friends were a little sus.
October 25, 2024
I picked up this book because of the title, but was disappointed to find that banned books have pretty much nothing to do with this story. Instead it takes three very serious topics (sexual assault of a minor by a teacher, death by cancer, and spousal abuse) and mixes them up with a totally unbelievable romance. I didn’t feel one but if connection between these characters the dialogue feels painfully forced. I would have liked it more if it focuses on the connection of the sisters and left out the romance all together. I do not think I’d recommend this book.
January 10, 2025
WUT? It's been clearly established that this book has nothing at all to do with banned books, but that's maybe the least of the problems with this story. The blatant SA that the heroine experiences in high school has a general "You can't really blame him, she's just SO BEAUTIFUL." tone everytime it's discussed. Plus, it takes SEVENTEEN years for the abuser's family to actually consider whether or not he might be guilty? And only after they've spent nearly 2 decades defaming the victim to the whole town? THEN, the heroine ends up in a sexual relationship with her abuser's son because he has also always thought that she's just SO BEAUTIFUL and has wanted her since high school...you know, when his dad actively tried to rape her...the face I made at that turn of events...😵💫
The storylines were weak, character development nonexistent, conflict resolution wishy-washy at best...
I only finished the book because it's a super quick read, but quotes like this will haunt me: "She had so much adrenaline pumping through her body she had no strength, felt limp as a wet noodle." That's...not how it works...
The storylines were weak, character development nonexistent, conflict resolution wishy-washy at best...
I only finished the book because it's a super quick read, but quotes like this will haunt me: "She had so much adrenaline pumping through her body she had no strength, felt limp as a wet noodle." That's...not how it works...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,103 reviews