Broken Country A Reese’s Book Club Pick by Clare Leslie Hall – A Powerful Story of Family, War, and Resilience | Women’s Historical Fiction & Emotional Literary Drama & Juliet Music Bookmark

A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK | A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives…but it’s also a masterfully crafted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Seriously, that ending?! I did not see it coming.” —Reese Witherspoon

“Stirring and mysterious…fires directly at the human heart and hits the mark.” —Delia Owens, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing

A love triangle unearths dangerous, deadly secrets from the past in this thrilling tale perfect for fans of The Paper Palace and Where the Crawdads Sing.


“The farmer is dead. He is dead, and all anyone wants to know is who killed him.”

Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident.

As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.

A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.

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Average rating: 8.03

953 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

815 Wine and Book Club
Jul 02, 2025
6/10 stars
While the pacing was a little slow, one of the things I loved most was how the book explores the idea of home. I was vested in Beth's story immediately. Not just the place where you live, but the people who shape your identity and how you come to terms with what’s left when they’re gone. The dynamic between community, and in-laws, is complex—sometimes tender, sometimes strained, but always compelling. It’s also worth noting that this book is about survival—not just emotional survival, but the survival of the idea of marriage and love and commitment. The struggle with the idea of preserving what’s left of the legacy of her son while facing her own uncertain future is a beautiful yet painful exploration of resilience. A little clique, yes methinks it is.... If you’re a fan of slow-burn novels that dig deep into emotional landscapes and deal with themes of grief, identity, and rebuilding, then Broken Country is an absolute must-read. It may not be a lighthearted pick, but it’s one of those books that stays with you long after the last page. As for me? It took a while to digest, but I’d totally recommend it. So, if you're in the mood for something that’s more than just a story—it’s an experience—I’d say go for it. It's a book that doesn’t just get read; it gets lived.
Tanja
Jun 25, 2025
10/10 stars


WOW! What a beautiful and heartbreaking story! This book broke my heart into a million little pieces but it back together in the end! This story and the characters will stay with me for a long time!


Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Gail_71
May 18, 2025
9/10 stars
“Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall is an emotional and beautifully written story. The exquisite writing and clever unfolding of the plot captivated me from the start. I found myself wanting to savour every moment, even as I raced through its pages. The book evoked a range of emotions—frustration, worry, and ultimately a profound love for the story. It’s hard to articulate just how incredible this book is; you simply need to experience it for yourself.
MWojo
Apr 12, 2025
7/10 stars
Lots of twists!
Dana Bartholomew
Jun 28, 2025
10/10 stars
I loved everything about this book. The details so well written, all the times I thought I knew what was coming next and then a twist. The characters were so well described. This book warmed my heart so much.

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