FINAL DECISION: A thoughtful exploration of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, though the multiple storylines, lessened the impact of any of them. Too much was going on, and the story was too superficial sometimes.

THE STORY: Gia Rossi reluctantly returns to her hometown of Wakefield, Iowa, at the request of her sister Margot to help care for their dying mother. Seventeen years after leaving town following a painful accusation of sexual misconduct against her teacher, Mr. Hart, Gia finds herself confronting old wounds and divided loyalties. As she navigates the town’s lingering judgment and her past, Gia discovers unexpected allies in her old Banned Books Club. Meanwhile, Margot seizes an opportunity to escape her emotionally abusive marriage, leaving Gia to face the challenges of her homecoming alone. Through standing up for the truth, Gia finds a path to healing, love, and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.

OPINION: THE BANNED BOOK CLUB showcases Novak’s ability to tackle complex themes, but there are too many storylines for any of them to really resonate. While the book offers a nuanced exploration of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, the “women as victim” narrative, which has become prevalent in contemporary women’s fiction, felt overdone to me.

Novak’s strength lies in her thoughtful portrayal of complex subjects. The parallel stories of Gia’s past trauma and Margot’s current struggle with emotional abuse are handled with sensitivity but lack depth. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the complicated aftermath of Gia’s accusation, illustrating how such events can divide a community and have long-lasting effects on all involved, but I wish that the story had focused on Gia’s story. Margot’s was not needed and ended up distracting from Gia story. Not only does the book deal with the harassment story and domestic abuse but also adds the impending death of the mother. For me, there was just too much drama going on, and I was disappointed because I really enjoyed Gia’s story and thought that a deeper, more intense focus on her life and budding romance would have made this a better book.

While the book tackles heavy themes and offers moments of hope and healing, the persistent focus on trauma and victimhood may be draining for me. The drama, while realistic, becomes worn over the course of the novel.

One of the book’s strengths is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it presents a realistic portrayal of the messy, complicated nature of healing from trauma and the challenge of confronting long-held beliefs. However, the multiple traumatic storylines just don’t give enough space for the story to breathe and be the most impactful.

WORTH MENTIONING: The title of the book is somewhat deceptive if readers are expecting a focus on banned books. While there is a book club group in the story, it is not as prominent as one might expect from the title. The book primarily deals with themes of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse rather than literary censorship.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone book.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

FINAL DECISION: This well-paced story about a woman’s growing doubts about the men in her life is a good read despite an ending that may not fully satisfy.

THE STORY: Ismay Chalmers decides to spend her summer at her fiancé Remy’s family’s opulent cottage on Mariners Island. However, her plans for a tranquil getaway are disrupted when a hurricane strikes the island before Remy’s arrival. As Ismay weathers the storm alone in the spacious house, she stumbles upon an unsettling secret hidden in Remy’s childhood closet. Amidst the chaos, the estate’s caretaker, Bo, comes to Ismay’s aid, repairing the cottage and providing a sense of security during the tumultuous weather. With his own home damaged, Bo temporarily moves in with Ismay, and an unexpected bond begins to form between them. Ismay starts to question her feelings for Remy as she finds herself drawn to Bo’s quiet strength and genuine nature. Just when she thinks she can trust Bo, she finds out that he has secrets, too.

OPINION: TOURIST SEASON is a suspenseful contemporary romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and the pages turning. While the cover may suggest a light, romantic read, the novel delves into darker territory as Ismay finds herself questioning the motives of the men she encounters and whether they might pose a danger to her.

Throughout the story, Ismay’s discoveries and interactions with the characters, particularly her fiancé Remy and the enigmatic caretaker Bo, lead her to question the trust she has placed in them. As secrets are unveiled and the plot thickens, Ismay’s suspicions grow, and she begins to wonder if anyone is truly who they seem to be. This element of suspense adds a layer of tension to the story, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside Ismay.

Novak’s pacing is well-executed, with a gradual buildup that allows readers to become invested in the characters and their struggles. The luxurious beachfront cottage on Mariners Island serves as an atmospheric backdrop.

While the ending may not fully live up to the potential established by the story’s buildup, TOURIST SEASON remains an engaging read and a good choice for a summer read. Novak’s ability to craft relatable characters and explore the complexities of relationships, particularly in the face of doubt and potential danger, makes this novel a satisfying choice.

WORTH MENTIONING: The cover of this book is deceiving. It is a great suspense/mystery and pretty creepy for quite a bit of the story.

CONNECTED BOOKS: TOURIST SEASON is a standalone. It takes place on Mariners Island, the same as BOOKSTORE ON THE BEACH, but the books are not connected otherwise.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.