Handle with Care

by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

Three women walk into a post office. No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the beginning of a hostage situation.

On an ordinary spring afternoon in a small-town post office, a domestic dispute spirals out of control. The husband pulls a gun and barricades himself inside with four hostages--his wife, a young woman searching for her purpose in this world, a midlife mom facing her only daughter's graduation and imminent departure, and an elderly woman hiding a secret about her life at home. Outside, even the negotiator is forced to put aside her own personal baggage in order to find a peaceful resolution to a volatile situation . . . using exclusively words.

Each of the three women who walked into the post office is carrying something that, if mailed, would profoundly change her life. Through the course of the daylong siege, these strangers will forge unforeseen bonds and reveal things to each other they haven't even told those closest to them. And none of them will ever be the same.

Genres: Suspense, Contemporary, Crime, Thriller

288 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 14, 2026

About the author

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the author of When We Were Worthy, The Things We Wish Were True and five previous novels. She speaks to women's groups around the US. She is the co-founder of the popular women's fiction site, She Reads www.shereads.org. Marybeth and her husband Curt have been married for 26 years and are the parents of six children. The family lives in North Carolina. Marybeth spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She is always at work on her next novel. You can find her at www.marybethwhalen.com.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 14, 2026.

2 stars

This book about a hostage situation at a post office was a little too achingly sweet for my tastes and the shout out to a racist country star didn’t help. It wasn’t a horrible book, there just wasn’t much going on (and, um, hostages!). Sunset Beach sounds nice. Except for the crime.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub)]

Full RTC!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a precious little gem of a novel. A love letter to connection, forgiveness, honesty, friendship, grace, and above all hope. And everyone could use some hope in their heart.

[cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

i wanted to like this a lot more. the premise reminded me a bit of anxious people by fredrik backman, which is a surefire way of capturing my interest, but maybe my expectations were too high and i screwed myself over. oops

the beginning of the book was slow enough to nearly make me lose interest, filled with details that should have fleshed out the main characters, but it felt like i was being force-fed information that may or may not matter. by the time the action picked up, my brain was elsewhere. the only character who felt distinguishable from the others was sylvie and she was by far the most interesting, while everyone else felt undercharacterized.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. i received a complimentary copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay. That was a really disappointing ten percent.

The premise promised a one-day post office holdup, but the first ten percent of the book droned on and on with LOADS of telling about things that didn’t really matter before jumping into the holdup. Couldn’t the backstory have been layered in little by little after the holdup began?

I’m hoping there was actually a holdup, but it hadn’t shown up in the first ten percent of the story. That was much too late in the story for such a promise in the premise. Maybe next time, drop us practically right into the holdup within the first three to ten pages if it’s supposed to be the main event of the entire book.

Also, most of the first chunk of the book was presented in present tense. Not my favorite presentation! In fact, it’s my least. So that did not help at all.

It’s really a shame that the amazing cover and premise were so disastrously wasted on a lackluster opening.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

[OutlawPoet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon has this listed as a domestic thriller. Amazon is lying.

This is a quiet little small town book that, yes, features a domestic situation, but is really more about 4 women - their lives, their sorrows, their hopes, their dreams and disappointments. Are they hostages? Well, yes. Is it suspenseful? Not in the least.

I liked 3 out of the 4 women. Oddly, I liked our husband with a gun more than I did his aggrieved wife - which may not have been what the author intended.

(Almost forgot: There's a 5th woman who is not a hostage. Sorrows, hopes, dreams, disappointments - yep, same.)

The thing is that this is just a quiet little book where people talk and remember and nothing much happens. It's sweet, but not quite enough.

BTW - those life changing packages? There's not much to that.

So, an okay read. If you're in the mood for a quiet interlude, it should be fine.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

The narrative voice of this book almost starts off like a storybook teller, which told me two things about the nature of this book: one, that it would probably be a little less suspenseful than I had expected on just the premise, and two, that this book would probably be a fairly easy read. I was right on both marks.

The story happens mostly in one room: a post office, where four women, each with their own story and secrets, get held hostage by the ex of one of the women. As the siege continues we get to know all five people inside of the building, and their reasons for being inside the post office, as well as officer Hope outside, and her assistant/helper Bo, a retired FBI agent.

The thriller plot of this book wasn't necessarily very exciting, the tone of the book made it quite clear how this would end, but I found myself engrossed by the stories of the women inside, the way they found similarities and ways to support each other. Especially Sylvie's story made me shed a few tears towards the end, reminding me a lot of my grandparents back in better days.

The characters felt very real, and while the stakes were never raised as high as I would love to see in a thriller, the stakes felt very real, especially those behind the packages they were there to mail.

The book was an easy read, with short chapters and switching POV's without it becoming hard to distinguish whose perspective we were seeing. I definitely liked it!

**Special thanks to NetGalley for the E-ARC**

[Chris Jager · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I can say one thing about this book, it will be, read this book! What an interesting idea behind a book. What if 4 women were kind of accidentally taken hostage one day at the post office? What if 3 of them were there mailing something they really didn’t want to? The 4th one asks the question, is there anything fragile in your package and the answer is yes.

This was one of those books that even though it all takes place in one small little room, I had a hard time laying it down. I not only had to know what was going to happen, I had to know why each one was there. It made for a fascinating story.

If you have never read one of Mary Beth Mayhew Whalen’s books this is an excellent one to start with. If you have read others of hers, you will enjoy the Easter eggs she leaves through out the book. Whalen pens stories that leave you kind of breathless even without the being any heart stopping action. She makes the read long to meet her characters and even visit the places she writes about.

I am already eagerly looking forward to Whalen’s next book. Yes, I know this one isn’t even out yet, but trust me you are going to think the same thing.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for this ebook ARC of 'Handle with Care' by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen - expected release date of 04/14/2026

ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a huge fan of Mayhew Whalen, I've loved all of her books so I was thrilled to be approved for this ARC. Her writing is always exceptional and her storylines and characters are always well thought out and well written. This book was a bit of a slow burn, it took a little time to develop which isn't typical of her writing. If you can be patient, it's worth the wait to read. It's not an action packed, exciting book but she did a great job of setting it up nicely throughout for the end to be tied up in a neat little bow. The reveal with the retired FBI "partner" was a surprise, I didn't see that coming and enjoyed that little nugget. Another solid novel by one of my favorite authors!

[Shawna Briseno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five women living in a small town…nothing to connect them, nothing in common, no reason their paths should cross. Each woman has her own inner struggles she’s dealing with-the death of a parent, an ailing husband, a dissolving marriage, a fractured relationship with a child, a meddling mother. Those issues all take a backseat when a hostage situation breaks out at the local post office. Four of them women are trapped inside while the other woman is in charge of negotiating their release.

I really enjoyed this book. In addition to the tension of being pulled into the tense atmosphere in the post office, the author does an excellent job of weaving their personal woes into the story as well. Lots of life lessons to be found in this one!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best book to end the year with!
while some scenes broke my heart and made me tear up, others honestly terrified me. but the characters and their warmth kept me calm.
so heartwarming, full of hope and has the sweetest character ever (sylvie!!). i enjoyed it a lot.

thank you netgalley and thomas nelson fiction for this arc.

[Cathy Cermele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was slow, but became interesting after a few chapters.

The characters became endearing the more I read. An interesting premise that came together with a satisfying ending.
I received a copy through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Handle with Care
✍🏻Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Blurb:
Three women walk into a post office. No, this isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the beginning of a hostage situation.

On an ordinary spring afternoon in a small-town post office, a domestic dispute spirals out of control. The husband pulls a gun and barricades himself inside with four hostages--his wife, a young woman searching for her purpose in this world, a midlife mom facing her only daughter's graduation and imminent departure, and an elderly woman hiding a secret about her life at home. Outside, even the negotiator is forced to put aside her own personal baggage in order to find a peaceful resolution to a volatile situation . . . using exclusively words.

Each of the three women who walked into the post office is carrying something that, if mailed, would profoundly change her life. Through the course of the daylong siege, these strangers will forge unforeseen bonds and reveal things to each other they haven't even told those closest to them. And none of them will ever be the same.
My Thoughts:
When Morrow, Sylvie, and Blythe walk into the Sunset Beach post office, they're all carrying heavy secrets in the things they want to mail out. Nadine, the post office worker is carrying a secret of her own, as she helps the group. Eventually all those secrets will come out, when Nadine's husband shows up with a gun and holds the women hostage. Standing between the group and freedom is Hope, a former Philadelphia police officer with her own burdens that sent her running to Sunset Beach. By the end of the event, secrets will come out and bonds will be formed.

The opening chapter of this novel, and the structure (it's constructed in the parts of a letter), were the first things that drew me in, as there was an omniscient narrator that previewed some of the things to come, which created more curiosity and tension. All the characters, including the hostage taker, were compelling and sympathetic. This is definitely a page turner that has some nice reveals throughout.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Author Marybeth Mayhew Whalen for the advanced copy of "Handle with Care" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publication and Author Marybeth Mayhew Whalen for the advanced copy
#HandlewithCare
#ThomasNelsonPublication
#MarybethMayhewWhalen
#HandlewithCare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping and emotionally layered novel unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a small-town post office in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Nadine, the newest postal clerk, finds herself alone at the counter while her two coworkers step out to grab lunch. A few customers trickle in, but one man is holding up the line—and he’s not just any customer.
Sylvie, whose husband is showing early signs of dementia, promises him a quick trip to the grocery store. But first, she stops at the post office to mail an oversized envelope—one she hasn’t told him about. She’s eager to get in and out, but the delay at the counter grows more tense by the minute. Three other women waiting in line are equally frustrated, each carrying an item that could change the course of their lives.
The man at the counter turns out to be Nadine’s estranged husband, from whom she’s filed for divorce. Drunk and desperate, he waves the divorce papers in her face, demanding she tear them up. Then, in a terrifying turn, he pulls out a gun and locks the doors—turning the post office into a hostage scene.
Enter Hope, a seasoned hostage negotiator who recently relocated to Sunset Beach from a big city. As she works to defuse the situation, she’s also grappling with personal demons of her own.
What makes this story truly compelling is how each hostage begins to open up, sharing the burdens they’ve been carrying and questioning whether they should go through with mailing the items they came in with. It’s a powerful exploration of vulnerability, choice, and the unexpected ways lives intersect.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Laura Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonding through crisis is the central theme for Marybeth Mayhew Whalen's book, Handle With Care, being published April 13, 2026 by Thomas Nelson (a trademark of Harper Collins Christian Publishing). Four women, caught in a hostage situation brought forth by a domestic matter find comfort and allegiance together as they work to be released. Each woman has a personal dilemma to work through, and through their interwoven experience they are able to support each other as well as find answers to their personal challenges.

There are many facets of Whalen's book that I enjoyed. The novel is set up as the parts of a friendly letter, as taught in school. In lieu of numbered parts to break the story into sections, the novel begins with the "heading", then progresses to the other parts of a letter (greeting, body, closing, and signature). Chapters are introduced , yet the major sections of the novel are separated the letter elements. Why the author chose this format is made clear in the middle of the story when one of the main characters, a past English teacher, explains how to write a friendly letter, which brings the whole concept together.,

The story was poignant, well written, and thought provoking. The characters came to life and were engaging. As the reader, I became involved in their circumstances, and was on edge to see how it was going to work out. Whalen's ability to transport a reader to her character's world creates an engaging escape. Look for Handle With Care next spring and enjoy.

I received a preview copy of Handle with Care from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers meet three women as they enter a small-town post office in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. What begins as a routine errand escalates into a life-altering hostage crisis. Strangers Sylvie, Morrow, Blythe, and Nadine were detained there for several hours because a marital argument spiraled out of control.

Each lady was there to deliver a package or a letter, and whatever was inside had the ability to change their life forever. They might have a second chance not to send it.

This high-stakes story delves into the hostages' thoughts as they wonder if they will survive. This is an excellent "hostage drama" that serves more as a character study of the bonds that develop under times of crisis. Hope, a seasoned negotiator, is outside, attempting to keep everyone alive while facing her own wounded past.

This novel surprised me in a positive way; I had never read anything by this author before, and it sparked my interest in her earlier works. The story contained more foul language than I expected, but it was understandable given the situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Carolynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.
Add four women, one hostage negotiator, and one angry husband, then place them in a post office in a small seaside town. What you get is Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen. Is cozy suspense a genre? This novel is really about the lies we tell ourselves and the secrets we keep. Three women have come to the post office to mail something that they don't really want to mail. Their stories get shared as the hostage situation continues. The fourth woman works at the post office and her husband is angry because she has served him with divorce papers. The hostage negotiator is a police officer who is new to town and is running away from her past. Through the story, all of these characters admit things to themselves and each other that they have never told anyone.

I liked the book, but it is definitely not a thriller or even very suspenseful. Some of the characters are more developed than others, but they all earned my empathy as the story unfolded. This book is about hope. Will all of the characters find the hope they need to do the right thing and be honest with themselves and their loved ones? You'll have to read the book to find out. :-)

It was an enjoyable, easy, fast read. I think it will make some readers pause for some self-reflection. Others may just find it boring. It may lead to interesting discussions within book clubs. Thank you to NetGalley and and the publisher for sharing this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[ImasolReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handle with Care blends tension and tenderness in a story that shows how chance can connect the lives of complete strangers in a single moment. The premise—a hostage situation inside a small-town post office—quickly becomes more than a thriller; it’s a thoughtful exploration of fear, hope, and the hidden stories that shape us.

Marybeth Whalen delivers a character-driven narrative, giving each woman her own emotional journey. While the pacing is intentionally measured, it allows the emotional depth of each perspective to unfold naturally. This isn’t a story about action, but about connection, forgiveness, and the quiet courage found in crisis.

Overall, it’s a heartfelt, reflective read—perfect for those who appreciate novels that balance human fragility with resilience and grace.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

#HandleWithCare #NetGalley #BookReview #ARCReview #ThomasNelsonFiction #MarybethWhalen #ContemporaryFiction #WomenFiction #Bookstagram #GoodreadsReviewer #ReadersOfInstagram

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the beginning of this book challenging, as the pacing felt slow and it took time for the story to gain momentum. To be honest, this affected my engagement early on. I always feel the beginning of a book is what draws you in to both the storyline line and the characters.

Once the story finally got going, we are introduced to women who all carry their own emotional burdens that speak of life as we know it and situations we can all relate to. However, when a hostage crisis erupts at the local post office, all these personal battles are suddenly pushed aside. Four of the women find themselves trapped inside, while the fifth is unexpectedly thrust into the role of negotiator, holding their fate in her hands. A moving blend of tension and tenderness, revealing how a single moment of chance can intertwine the lives of strangers, a poignant narrative that balances fragility and intensity, showing how coincidence can forge unexpected human connections.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader copy.

When Morrow, Sylvie, and Blythe walk into the Sunset Beach post office, they're all carrying heavy secrets in the things they want to mail out. Nadine, the post office worker is carrying a secret of her own, as she helps the group. Eventually all those secrets will come out, when Nadine's husband shows up with a gun and holds the women hostage. Standing between the group and freedom is Hope, a former Philadelphia police officer with her own burdens that sent her running to Sunset Beach. By the end of the event, secrets will come out and bonds will be formed.

The opening chapter of this novel, and the structure (it's constructed in the parts of a letter), were the first things that drew me in, as there was an omniscient narrator that previewed some of the things to come, which created more curiosity and tension. All the characters, including the hostage taker, were compelling and sympathetic. This is definitely a page turner that has some nice reveals throughout.

Handle With Care is out April 14, 2026

[Mindee Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book that I did not want to end. This story took characters that would not normally spend time together, but since they were being held hostage, created relationships between them that would bond them for life.

Three ladies who walk into a post office about to mail packages that will change each lady’s life, are unexpectedly held hostage as they are thrown in the middle of a domestic dispute. As they are forced into submission by the assailant, they create friendships and help one another decide whether to mail the packages that will change their lives.

This book was written like the parts of a letter and the author was incredibly creative in how the storylines and characters developed. It was a beautiful story of growth, aging and creating the life you want by making decisions that are sometimes difficult.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reader copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #HandleWithCare @ThomasNelson

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You just never know what the day will bring, do you?
Certainly this above statement is true when three ladies who don't know each other, suddenly find themselves in a post office waiting to mail their letters or packages.
Out of no where they are locked in and now in the midst of a hostage situation, along with the post office employee who has only just started this position.
How do things progress?

Well...it takes awhile as these ladies and the reader learns about each woman and their lives. They also learn about the young man who is holding them at gunpoint.
This has suspense, mystery, fear, heartbreak and some sadness all mixed together to create an interesting story that I totally enjoyed!

Thank you to @NetGalley and @Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine walking into your local post office to mail a letter or package, and end of fearing for your life? That is what happens to these women whom innocently end up being held hostage in Sunset Beach, NC.
We soon really care for the four women being held hostage, and we really get to know the man, and in some ways felt sorry for him, but?
Then we meet the hostage negotiator whom is named Hope, quite appropriate, and soon a helper, a retired FBI agent, Bo.
Loved how this story meshed together, how they opened up about their lives, and you could see some healing in the time of trauma. We find some healing when times seem to be the darkest.
I loved and recommend this read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Janet Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of “Handle With Care” is deceptive because this book is so much more than the typical domestic thriller. While the central plot of the story does center around four women being held hostage by the ex-husband of one of the woman, this novel thoughtfully looks into who these individuals are and what secrets they have to hide. (The reader also gets insight into the mind of the negotiator who has her own baggage.

“Handle With Care” is a character-driven story that while it takes place over the span of less than a day takes the time for the reader to really understand the major players.

This is a short, quick read. While there isn’t much suspense (you sense that the characters will end up fine), it’s still an enjoyable story.

Thanks to Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this novel.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book was so interesting to me as the characters are in the midst of a hostage situation. Each of the characters come with their own story as to why they came to the post office. There were a lot of characters to keep straight, which took away some of my enjoyment of the book.

Sylvie and Hope were my favorite characters. Sylvie was able to keep everyone calm and had such wisdom and insight. Hope colored outside of the lines in the negotiations and that was pretty cool.

The story didn't capture my interest like I thought it would. I also didn't expect as much swearing as there was in the story.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Lisa Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story centers around several strangers who are unexpectedly caught in a hostage situation at their local post office. Rather than the story turning into a thriller, the author turns it into an emotional saga where strangers spill their secrets, connect with each other and even have compassion for the situation they’re in.

The dialogue is real and the reader can feel the struggle, the emotion and the hope. As these strangers confront their pasts, they connect in unexpected ways. The writing is heartfelt and easy to read. I fell in love with these characters and highly recommend this book, not for a thriller aspect, but rather for the emotional resonance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader copy of this five-star book.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow beginning to this book, but from all the slow burns I have ended up loving, I hung in there - and so glad I did!
I am grateful for this ARC to review. Without spoiling too much, the tension in the post office was written fabulously.
The book shows chance is a fine thing! Four women, no common ground to connect them until a hostage situation.
This was more than just a thriller to me! I love the hidden stories and learning how each story shaped each character. I love the emotion of each perspective. I love courageous women!
Again - many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen for providing this ARC in exchange for my review. I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handle with Care is a heartwarming and poignant story that delves into family, loss, and the power of human connection. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen writes with warmth and authenticity, creating characters who feel real, flawed, and deeply relatable.

The narrative balances moments of grief and struggle with humor, love, and hope, making it both moving and uplifting. The family dynamics are especially well-crafted, capturing the tensions and bonds that shape our lives.

This is a tender, emotionally resonant read for anyone who enjoys stories about resilience, family, and the small acts of care that make a big difference.

[Anya Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sunset Beach, a seemingly ordinary day at a small-town post office turns into a tense and emotional reckoning. Sylvie hesitates to send a letter as her husband Robert’s memory fades, Blythe wrestles with mailing a package to her ex, and Morrow searches for a way to reconnect with her daughter. When Nadine’s husband, Tommy, storms in and holds Nadine, Sylvie, Blythe, and Morrow hostage, their separate struggles collide. Outside, officer Hope and a retired man named Bo work together to end the standoff. A perfect blend of suspense and tenderness.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an ordinary errand to the post office leads to a group of women facing a hostage situation, thanks to one woman's angry ex husband taking the law into his own hands, it provides an unlikely opportunity for reflection and making connections.

This is an interesting story and a reminder of the potential that everyday life holds, along with the weight of secrets that people sometimes feel compelled to harbour within themselves. Worth reading, it gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review