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.

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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.

Order Ebook

Harlequin
Amazon Kindle
Apple Books
Nook
Kobo
Google Play

Order Print

Harlequin
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Indigo
IndieBound

Also Available in Audio

The Banned Books Club Audio Cover

Harlequin Audio
September 17, 2024
Narrated by: Amy McFadden
Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins
Apple Audiobooks
Audible
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
Libro.fm

Praise for Brenda and her Books

Dead Right

"As always, Novak grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was left both physically and emotionally exhausted – the story was so engrossing I couldn’t put it down until late into the early morning hours.... Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed by this heart-thudding, spine-tingling, roller-coaster ride of a novel."

Mayra Calvani, Blogcritics Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T19:16:43-07:00

Mayra Calvani, Blogcritics Magazine

"As always, Novak grabs the reader by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was left both physically and emotionally exhausted – the story was so engrossing I couldn’t put it down until late into the early morning hours.... Fans of romantic suspense won’t be disappointed by this heart-thudding, spine-tingling, roller-coaster ride of a novel."

Snow Baby

"AWESOME! I could not put this one down, readers! Highly recommended! Brenda Novak has always been an author I look for on the book shelves, and this one is a perfect example as to why! Her characters are realistic, charming, and have a life of their own! Don't miss out!"

Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-08-31T18:47:49-07:00

Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

"AWESOME! I could not put this one down, readers! Highly recommended! Brenda Novak has always been an author I look for on the book shelves, and this one is a perfect example as to why! Her characters are realistic, charming, and have a life of their own! Don't miss out!"

Trust Me

"No one can send chills down my spine as Brenda Novak can!"

Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T16:51:51-07:00

Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews

"No one can send chills down my spine as Brenda Novak can!"

Her Darkest Nightmare

"Her Darkest Nightmare is as stimulating as it is gripping, and Novak has crafted an exceptional new series that will leave you wanting more."

Real Crime Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T11:32:19-07:00

Real Crime Magazine

"Her Darkest Nightmare is as stimulating as it is gripping, and Novak has crafted an exceptional new series that will leave you wanting more."

Sanctuary

"Reading Brenda Novak is like eating chocolate. Rich in texture. Smooth and fulfilling. And you never get enough."

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-08-31T20:23:53-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars

"Reading Brenda Novak is like eating chocolate. Rich in texture. Smooth and fulfilling. And you never get enough."

Her Darkest Nightmare

"Novak is a master of suspense. She writes... so well that readers will have a hard time putting this book down. The ending will give readers the trademark suspense ending that is expected and so much more. This book is a well-written work of art by a true master of the genre."

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T11:38:35-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK

"Novak is a master of suspense. She writes... so well that readers will have a hard time putting this book down. The ending will give readers the trademark suspense ending that is expected and so much more. This book is a well-written work of art by a true master of the genre."

In Seconds

"Ms. Novak pens a gritty story with her usual superb characterization. In Seconds is well-plotted and compelling. I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. . . well into the wee hours. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Wonderful characters, tense drama, realism and darned good reading are trademarks of Brenda Novak who is possibly my favorite author."

Suzanne Barrett, Lunch Network

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T20:34:48-07:00

Suzanne Barrett, Lunch Network

"Ms. Novak pens a gritty story with her usual superb characterization. In Seconds is well-plotted and compelling. I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. . . well into the wee hours. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Wonderful characters, tense drama, realism and darned good reading are trademarks of Brenda Novak who is possibly my favorite author."

The Perfect Liar

"Gripping, frightening, and intense... a compelling romance as well as a riveting and suspenseful mystery... Novak delivers another winner."

Library Journal

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T17:41:07-07:00

Library Journal

"Gripping, frightening, and intense... a compelling romance as well as a riveting and suspenseful mystery... Novak delivers another winner."

No One But You

"Novak is at the top of her game and keeps the amazing stories coming, especially with this latest installment!"

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T12:08:57-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

"Novak is at the top of her game and keeps the amazing stories coming, especially with this latest installment!"

Until You Loved Me

"Novak scores again with a story of two characters damaged by love. Watching the emotion that Novak pulls out of these characters is both fun and heart-wrenching; it’s a talent that not every writer has. Novak is staking her claim as one of the best writers in romance today!"

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T12:12:42-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine, 4 1/2 Stars and a TOP PICK!

"Novak scores again with a story of two characters damaged by love. Watching the emotion that Novak pulls out of these characters is both fun and heart-wrenching; it’s a talent that not every writer has. Novak is staking her claim as one of the best writers in romance today!"

Home to Whiskey Creek

"If you like stories of friendship, love, and compassion, the whole Whiskey Creek series is for you!"

Unconditional Book Views

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T22:26:55-07:00

Unconditional Book Views

"If you like stories of friendship, love, and compassion, the whole Whiskey Creek series is for you!"

A Matter of Grave Concern

"Brenda Novak’s reputation as a great storyteller remains in place with her latest historical novel. [A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN] delivers a strong-willed leading lady and a roguish leading man facing off against grave robbers and kidnappers... Novak’s eye for detail shows in the carefully unfolding story. Her characterizations and locales bring the narrative off of the page as the reader falls more and more deeply under the thrall of the mysteries within."

Examiner.com

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T21:32:32-07:00

Examiner.com

"Brenda Novak’s reputation as a great storyteller remains in place with her latest historical novel. [A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN] delivers a strong-willed leading lady and a roguish leading man facing off against grave robbers and kidnappers... Novak’s eye for detail shows in the carefully unfolding story. Her characterizations and locales bring the narrative off of the page as the reader falls more and more deeply under the thrall of the mysteries within."

Take Me Home for Christmas

"The worst part of any Brenda Novak book is the last page. I always want more. Luckily there is usually another Novak book in the wings. The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is...so satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Brenda Novak outdid herself in Take Me Home for Christmas."

Fresh Fiction

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T22:35:30-07:00

Fresh Fiction

"The worst part of any Brenda Novak book is the last page. I always want more. Luckily there is usually another Novak book in the wings. The Whiskey Creek series is an absolute delight and this newest installment is...so satisfying I ran out of superlatives. Brenda Novak outdid herself in Take Me Home for Christmas."

Every Waking Moment

"Brenda Novak’s gift lies in grabbing the reader mercilessly by the throat and not letting go until the very end... Fast-paced scenes filled with sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and a series of pulse-racing plot twists bring the story to a heart-stopping climax. An exciting, compelling, entertaining read."

Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-15T19:39:22-07:00

Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Reviews

"Brenda Novak’s gift lies in grabbing the reader mercilessly by the throat and not letting go until the very end... Fast-paced scenes filled with sparkling dialogue, romantic tension, and a series of pulse-racing plot twists bring the story to a heart-stopping climax. An exciting, compelling, entertaining read."

Baby Business

"Brenda Novak displays her unique talent for blending serious situations with compelling and lovable characters to create a romance one cannot soon forget."

Jenna Richardson, Heart Rate Reviews

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-08-31T19:01:14-07:00

Jenna Richardson, Heart Rate Reviews

"Brenda Novak displays her unique talent for blending serious situations with compelling and lovable characters to create a romance one cannot soon forget."

No One But You

"Once again, Novak nails the small-town vibe with her classic combination of unvarnished truth and down-home charm."

Library Journal

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T12:05:57-07:00

Library Journal

"Once again, Novak nails the small-town vibe with her classic combination of unvarnished truth and down-home charm."

Right Where We Belong

"The story is so well written that readers will feel as if they have stepped into the book and are living out the events as they happen. Only a master storyteller can pull a reader into the story this well, and Novak is one of the best."

Romantic Times Magazine

Praise for Brenda Novak and her books
2018-09-16T12:16:55-07:00

Romantic Times Magazine

"The story is so well written that readers will feel as if they have stepped into the book and are living out the events as they happen. Only a master storyteller can pull a reader into the story this well, and Novak is one of the best."
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Praise for Brenda Novak and her books

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