Handle with Care: A Novel

by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

"This beautiful novel gives readers what we most need these days--a deep breath of humanity and hope." --Gin Phillips, author of Fierce Kingdom and Ruby Falls

"Rich with complex characters, a tightly woven plot and natural suspense that will keep readers hooked until the very last page." --Belle Burden, author of A Memoir of Marriage

"With each twist and turn, Whalen reveals that life is fragile, love is fierce, and we are far more alike than we imagine." --Elizabeth Bass Parman, author of Bees in June and The Empress of Cooke County

Three women walk into a post office. This is no joke--it's the spark that ignites a life-altering hostage crisis.

On a quiet spring afternoon, an ordinary small-town post office becomes ground zero for a domestic dispute. A husband draws a weapon and seals the doors, holding four hostages his terrified wife, a young woman searching for meaning amid uncertainty, a mother on the brink of letting go as her only daughter graduates, and an elderly woman concealing a secret that could shatter everything she knows.

Outside, the negotiator works to keep a fragile peace, forced to confront her own baggage as every word becomes a lifeline.

Each of the three women who walked into the post office is carrying something that, if mailed, would profoundly change her life. As minutes become hours in this daylong siege, these strangers forge lasting bonds.

Handle with Care shines a light on hope found even in the darkest moments, and illuminates how even strangers, thrown together by chance and hardship, have the power to change each other's lives.

A perfect book club read that includes discussion questions.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

Kindle Edition

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!

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Handle with Care by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a beautifully layered, deeply engaging novel set in the charming small coastal town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Whalen beautifully captures the feel of a close-knit community while bringing together a group of women whose lives unexpectedly intersect during a single, life-changing ordinary afternoon as a domestic incident spirals into a tense hostage situation at the post office.

What truly makes this book shine is how expertly she balances suspense with heart—layering rising tension while exploring the depths these women are willing to go to in order to survive, protect one another, and find hope. Every character carries both a moral and personal secret, and watching those truths slowly unfold is incredibly satisfying. The bonds formed under pressure feel authentic and moving, and Whalen ties everything together beautifully in the end.

Heartwarming, mind opening, and full of emotional insight, this is a novel readers will absolutely love in their book clubs and talk about long after the final page.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary)]

DNF at 20% due mostly to an unexpected handful of swear words which was surprising to me coming from a book published by Thomas Nelson. Also very slow paced.

[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**

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read two books so far by Marybeth Whalen and they are both among the best books I’ve had the privilege to read and review!

The idea of this book is gripping—-a man holds four women hostage in a small post office, can you imagine? There’s a bathroom, a countertop, and not much else in that front room. We’re never allowed to go in the back, where there might have been a break room and a coffeepot. There are stools, but only enough for the women, who are varied in age from young (that one happens to be the hostage-taker’s wife) to a retired teacher. And the hardest part—-the man has a gun and he arrives holding a handle of whiskey (minus a large amount that he’s already consumed). It’s definitely not a pretty situation and after a short time, when some folks happen to try to come to the post office and they see what’s going on, the local police get involved. It so happens that a retired FBI agent volunteers to help, and then a negotiator who has a background working in another state eventually starts talking to Tommy, the hostage-taker.

By then, the stage is set, and we spend the entire day trying to get to resolution. There’s so much to learn about these hostages! Tommy’s wife is Nadine, and she’s the post office clerk who was working when all this started. All this is against the rules, because Nadine is new in her job and the other two women working with her went out to get lunch (not allowed). The other three women brought something to mail, and they all have mixed feelings about the items they brought. Do they really want to send them? Tommy has reasons for being upset, but what was he thinking? How is this going to solve anything?

When I started this, I couldn’t figure out how the account would provide enough fodder for a whole book, and how wrong I was! It’s definitely a page-turner and one you shouldn’t miss! I just wish Marybeth Whalen would write faster! I’ve waited a long time since Every Moment Since😊.

Five bright stars! I highly recommend this one!

I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[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.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three women walk into a post office. It sounds almost ordinary. But in Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s *Handle with Care*, that ordinary errand becomes the fault line where several lives begin to shift.

On a quiet spring afternoon, a domestic dispute escalates into a hostage situation, trapping four women inside a small-town post office with a desperate man and a gun. Outside, negotiator Hope works to keep everyone alive, her words the only fragile thread connecting safety and catastrophe. Inside, time stretches, fear sharpens, and the private burdens each woman carries begin to surface.

What makes this novel shine is Whalen’s remarkable balance of suspense and heart. The tension builds steadily, but the story never becomes merely about danger. It becomes about the interior lives of these women—the secrets they carry, the griefs they conceal, and the quiet courage that emerges when survival is no longer theoretical.

The entire novel unfolds largely within a single room, and yet it never feels confined. Instead, that small space becomes expansive through memory and revelation. Each of the women has arrived at the post office carrying something—both literally and figuratively—that could change her life if delivered. As the hours pass, those hidden truths begin to surface, and watching those layers unfold is deeply satisfying.

Whalen excels at creating characters who feel both particular and universal. Each woman is navigating her own private crossroads: a marriage unraveling, a future uncertain, a child on the verge of leaving home, a love shadowed by the slow erosion of memory. The oldest of the women, especially, is rendered with extraordinary tenderness. She is grappling with the possibility of her husband’s dementia, trying to hold together a lifetime of shared meaning while confronting the terrifying prospect of losing him piece by piece. Her storyline carries a moral and emotional complexity that feels profoundly true to life.

Outside the post office, negotiator Hope and retired FBI agent Bo bring their own emotional depth to the unfolding crisis. They are not merely observers, but participants in the story’s exploration of responsibility, compassion, and the weight of past choices.

One of the novel’s most creative elements is its structure. Rather than conventional parts, the story is organized according to the components of a friendly letter: heading, greeting, body, closing, signature. What initially feels stylistic gradually reveals itself as thematic. Midway through the story, when one of the women—a former English teacher—explains how to write a friendly letter, the metaphor becomes clear. This is a story about communication: about what we say, what we conceal, and what we long to deliver but cannot.

Under pressure, the women begin to see one another clearly. The bonds that form feel authentic and deeply moving—not sentimental, but forged in shared vulnerability. Each character carries both a moral and personal secret, and Whalen allows those truths to emerge with patience and compassion.

By the end, the novel delivers not just resolution, but something more meaningful: a reminder that even in moments of profound crisis, connection remains possible. Hope is not presented as naïve optimism, but as something chosen. Forgiveness, too, is offered as an option we can choose.

*Handle with Care* is both suspenseful and deeply humane. It is a story about survival, certainly. But more than that, it is about the fragile packages we carry through our lives, the courage required to face what is inside them, and the unexpected grace that can emerge when strangers become witnesses to one another’s truth.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy. So glad I got to read this and to let people know!

[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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

What was supposed to be a quick stop at the post office turns into a life-or-death standoff—and an unexpected story about hope and connection.

Handle with Care follows four strangers trapped in a small-town post office after a domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation. As tensions rise, each woman’s secrets and struggles come to light, revealing unexpected strength, connection, and hope amid the chaos.

Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s writing is emotional and character-focused, using multiple perspectives to explore how ordinary people face extraordinary situations. Her prose is heartfelt and reflective, balancing quiet tension with moments of hope and connection

Even with all the tension and high stakes, what I really liked was how this story focuses less on the violence and more on the strength, vulnerability, and connection between people—how even in the darkest moments, strangers can change each other’s lives. Even more, I really liked how the narrative focused on the emotional side of a tense situation rather than just the action. The multiple perspectives added depth and gave insight into each woman’s fears and regrets, and the theme of connection in dark moments felt powerful and real. That being said, the pacing was on the slower side at times, and a few of the character voices blended together. All the same, the heartfelt writing and hopeful tone made it a meaningful and memorable read.

All in all, Handle with Care is a heartfelt, character-driven story about resilience, connection, and finding hope in the darkest moments. I’d recommend it to readers looking for a more emotional and refreshing take on a suspenseful story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[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.

[Laura Doyle]

Wow was I so incredibly excited about this one. I have to say the synopsis feels a little misleading after reading this one, but this may also be my fault. I had no idea this was a hostage situation relating to a domestic issue. I did see some people said on Amazon it’s listed as a domestic thrilled, which I hadn’t heard but the “domestic” piece is accurate. The thriller aspect on the other hand…. Not sure where that’s really coming from.

First, I didn’t love any of the characters. I felt disconnected from all of them except Sylvie, but as I was going I was reading less and less about her. The characters (again except Sylvie) did not at all feel distinct to me. This also leads to a lack of connection.

Another thing, with the domestic conflict…. I’m sorry but she paid so much for these papers to be written up but she can’t rip this copy of them. If you paid so much, wouldn’t they be saved somewhere. Or wouldn’t there be a way to get a copy… I don’t necessarily know what exactly the papers were because I didn’t finish the book, but it’s very easy to save and make copies of things for this specific copy to be the only ones.

Also, if this was a real hostage situation, no way would the characters be able to sneak their phones. Not one, but two do.

Overall, I would say I was going into this thinking it was going to be a fast paced, higher stakes read and it wasn’t that. DNF for me.

[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

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book drew me in, a hostage situ in a post office, why? What's in the package? Is what I initially thought... Must be juicy!
But no, I found it a hard read, the pacing was really slow, that would have been okay, but the slow was padded with faff, faff that was clearly meant to build backstory and reveal the characters’ burdens, they didn’t add enough depth or atmosphere to justify how much they interrupted the tension of the hostage scenario.... Of which I never felt much tension really, the constant detours drained the urgency from what should have been a gripping situation.
The themes: connection, personal crisis, and the idea that everyone carries unseen weight are worthwhile if you like that kinda thing, I do not, I do not care for anyone's burden and guilt and forgiveness etc etc.
This might work for readers who enjoy slow, reflective, character-driven narratives, but if you’re expecting a taut, suspenseful read, you may struggle as I did.

[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.