Broken Country

by Clare Leslie Hall

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.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Book Club, Romance, Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist who lives in the wilds of Dorset, England, with her family. Under the name Clare Empson, she published two domestic noir thrillers, Him and Mine, that were published in the UK and Germany. She has always loved The Go Between by LP Hartley and Broken Country is a nod to it, featuring a forbidden love affair with catastrophic repercussions. Broken Country is her US debut.

Reviews

[Sara Carrolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story!!! We follow our FMC as her first love comes back into her life after a tragedy, and we see her be drawn back to him all while she has a current husband and new life she’s built

The different timelines kept me invested as the past was revealed in pieces, and as the current court room case unraveled. I had so many questions I wanted answered so i couldn’t put it down!!! I do think the FMC made some bad decisions & it was hard to see her validate them, but I enjoy reading stories about characters that aren’t picture perfect & plots that don’t have the happiest of endings.

I do wish we dove a little deeper into the emotion of the story, I felt like we only skimmed the surface. But other than that, it was such a gripping read!

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕊𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕜𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜! ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

This book. WOW. This book is mf INCREDIBLE! 😭😭 sobbing. It was so fucking beautiful.

Masterpiece! All the stars!

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

Gripping and atmospheric, with a perfect mix of love, mystery, and tension. And already optioned for film!

A stellar, literary masterpiece that is sure to be the top read of 2025! I'm honestly speechless after finishing this book.

I took the night to kind of process it all. Because it is A LOT. I did however text a bunch of my close friends right after finishing it and demand they add it to their TBR right then and there lol.

And listen - this is being compared to the likes of Where the Crawdads Sing which is fine and all, but I loathed that book and loved this one. So pay no mind to that comparison if you weren't a fan of Crawdads.

⨾༊󠀺 Quick Summary ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

In 1955, Beth meets Gabriel Wolfe, the son of the wealthy family in her small English farming village, and they begin a summer romance.

In 1968, Beth lives on a sheep farm with her husband Frank and his younger brother Jimmy, in the same village they grew up in. One day, she learns that Gabriel has returned to his ancestral home, with his young son, Leo, after divorcing his American wife.

Beth becomes wrapped in their lives, after a tragic accident requires Jimmy to shoot Leo's dog to save their newly born lambs, when she gives Leo a puppy and promises to help train him.

The dual timeline follows the beginning of the romance between Beth and Gabriel in 1955, and the rekindling of their relationship in 1968 as well.

From the beginning of the novel, we know someone is dead, and someone is on trial for their murder. The book fills in the pieces of exactly what happened as the timelines move forward.

Love triangles are always complicated, but this one is one for the ages. Sex, lies, and an irreversible accident that sends a small town spinning.

⨾༊󠀺 My Thoughts ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

This book. Besties! No words I can say will do this book justice. I'm just totally blown away. The prose - BEAUTIFUL and EXQUISITE. The story is so atmospheric and really just whisks you away to this small country town.

I think the author did an incredible job at concealing many things from us. For a good while I wasn't sure who I liked and who I didn't. They're authentic and real. So well rounded and relatable.

I sobbed so many times reading this - this book wrung me out emotionally. I was so invested with every single one of the characters over here biting my nails (which I don't do) just dying to find out what happened.

From cover to cover this was an amazing story. Short chapters, beautiful writing, an engaging and consuming story that will have you flipping the pages into the wee hours in the morning to find out what exactly happened on this farm... you will want to untangle the entire thing and when you do - you will be shocked.

Packed with twists and unbelievable revelations. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Anticipated Release - 03/04/25

╰⪼ 🧡Young Love
╰⪼ 💛Love and Loss
╰⪼ 🌳Torrid Affair
╰⪼ 🧡Murder Trial
╰⪼ 💛Dual Timeline
╰⪼ 🌳Coming of Age
╰⪼ 🧡Forbidden Love
╰⪼ 💛Family Drama
╰⪼ 🌳English Country Side Setting
╰⪼ 🧡Emotional Tear Jerker
╰⪼ 💛Mystery/Romance/Tragedy

Please read the TW's if needed. I'm sure there's a ton in here.

Buddy reading with my lovely Fairuz Please be sure to check out her thoughts as well! 💐

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

✨ Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced digital copy - all thoughts are my own. ✨

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 1 out of 5]

i’m so sorry 🫣😶‍🌫️

this is a VERY UNPOPULAR OPINION!!!!!!

I didn’t like this at all lmao. the audiobook was good and I kept listening so it did have that bingable aspect to it. but oh my goodness me I hated every character. beth was insufferable, gabriel even more, I didn’t even care for the kid. or jimmy or any parents. idk everyone pissed me off except for farmer frank.

which btw, frank u deserve better king.

the twists never got me because they were exactly what I thought they would be which was underwhelming.

this felt like where the crawdads sing and I didn’t like that one either so maybe this vibe just isn’t for me.

[Kail Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tone. The plot. The storytelling. 5 stars. My heart shattered.

[Brady Lockerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Country??? More like broken heart!! but in the best way. i loved every second of this book and this beautiful story

[Kezia Duah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m currently sitting here on Outlier Island, trying to pull my scattered thoughts together and make them make sense.

First things first: I don’t have anything negative to say about this book. Or at least, not in the way people usually mean “negative.” It’s just one of those books that didn’t fully click for me. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t force yourself to love a book. It either hits, or it doesn’t.

That said — I fully understand why people love this. The storytelling? PHENOMENAL. The DRAMA? Actually INSANE. Broken Country is emotional, and honestly, “emotional” isn’t even enough to describe it. It’s devastating in every possible way. You don’t always get to read about characters who show love through pure action — like, they don’t even need to say it, because it’s felt in everything they do. Their actions speak louder than any “I love you” ever could.

It also has a bunch of those elements people love to love : the longing, the aching, the life keeps getting in the way and it’s never the right time! And of course, the classic love triangle. I’m not a love triangle hater — when it’s done well, it can be so messy and chaotic and good. And here? Sometimes it was written well, sometimes I was uncomfortable, but honestly, I could tell the book wanted me to feel all the things. Even the conflicted, messy ones.

So, why isn’t this a 5-star read for me? Ahh buddy, sometimes it’s the characters. I have found that if I can’t fully connect with characters, a book usually never gets a 5 star. I just couldn’t connect. And this book actually made me sit there and ask myself, “What do I even mean when I say I can’t connect to characters?” Because it’s not about them being perfect. I love messy, flawed well written. characters. I don’t expect them to make good decisions, especially when it truly feels like they’re the best at the time. And I’m not saying I need to relate to them either. I haven’t lived through anything close to what these characters went through. But I do need to be able to empathize on some level, and I just couldn’t get there. I was side-eyeing them left and right, unfortunately. I felt that a lot of the actions here were very avoidable.

And every time I felt bad about it, I reminded myself that I’ve loved plenty of books with chaotic, imperfect characters. But these ones? I don’t know, man. I wanted to root for them, but they kept making it hard.

That being said, I’m really glad I read this. It made me think about life, choices, consequences, and honestly, the ridiculousness of it all. There’s even a little mystery woven in here. Not the main focus, but I enjoyed that part. And I’m genuinely happy so many people are loving this book, because I get it. If you thrive on chaos, if you like to eat drama for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — this is absolutely for you❤️.

And I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever Hall writes next.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book has already broken me into a million pieces—in the best possible way! It carries a melodramatic tone but is heartbreakingly powerful, deeply penetrating your emotions.

At first glance, you might think it’s a typical, clichéd love triangle: a grieving woman, still mourning the loss of her son and trying to hold on to her marriage with her kind-hearted husband, suddenly finds her ex—the love of her life—returning to town. He’s freshly divorced and has a son the same age her son was when he died. Cue the whistles and the inevitable “here comes trouble” reaction!

There’s still a spark between the former lovers, and as they rekindle their connection, someone is bound to get hurt. Every action comes with consequences. Despite its simplicity, this book manages to be so much more than just an unfinished love story. Blended with elements of crime, mystery, and courtroom drama, it’s a gripping, unputdownable read. I couldn’t stop thinking about it!

I only had 20 pages left when I realized I had to leave for the 30th-anniversary screening of Se7en. Determined to finish, I downloaded the book on my NetGalley app and kept reading in the theater before the movie started. Yes, I annoyed a few people with my phone’s light, but I couldn’t let it go! When the big revelation scene hit, even though I was expecting it, I screamed—it still shook me to my core. (Trust me, it was as shocking as Se7en’s iconic “What’s in the box?” scene!)

The semisweet conclusion, flawed yet compelling characters, Beth’s hesitation between her dependable husband Frank and her old flame Gabriel, Frank’s brother Jimmie’s self-destructive tendencies, and the whirlwind of courtroom scenes made this a truly unforgettable experience. I overlooked some melodramatic misunderstandings and the villainous, over-the-top mother (who felt like she stepped right out of a telenovela) because the emotional depth and the way the story wrecked me outweighed the clichés.

This book had me emotionally invested from start to finish, and I happily rounded up my 4.5 stars to a full 5! Honestly, movie production companies should snatch up the rights immediately. I even started imagining my dream cast while reading: Paul Mescal as Frank and Leo Woodall as Jimmie.

This book is a cinematic masterpiece waiting to happen!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sharing this incredible book’s digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it, my moment of reckoning, and in some ways I long for it.

If characters make or break a story, then it's easy to see why Broken Country has stolen so many hearts.

I didn't really know what to expect going in. When a book is labeled as both a love story and a thriller, with promises of secrets and love triangles and death, it can easily go off the rails in the hands of the wrong author. It can slip into a soap opera, with drama for drama's sake and emotions for emotion's sake. But thank goodness that didn't happen here.

The writing was filled with so much nuance and skill, to fall into the world within was but a foregone conclusion. It took me a few chapters to really get settled, but once I did, I was fully immersed. Every scene felt vividly portrayed, every character sketched in sharp relief. It was as if I was really there, soaring with every joy and suffering through every pain.

I can't get over these characters. To say they were likable would perhaps be a step too far, but I did connect with each and every one of them. I could see bits and pieces of myself laid bare on the pages, in the precipice of the characters' decisions and in the overwhelming emotions that drove them there. They rang so true and touched me so deeply, I'm still reeling in the aftermath.

I have to take a moment to emphasis just how immersive this story was. Sometimes it feels like that's all I talk about, but that's because for me, it's just about the most important quality in a story. There's nothing worse than reading something that isn't grabbing me, while my mind checks out and tallies up chores I have to do and bills I have to pay. So when I come across a truly immersive story, I get pretty darn excited.

The narrative unfolds as a triple timeline. We spend the majority of time in the past and in the leadup to the shooting, and only a little bit of time on the trial. Looking back on it, I can see why the author chose to tell the story the way she did, and it was as effective as it was riveting.

A big deal always gets made about twists and turns whenever we're talking about a mystery, so I just want to set expectations correctly. I think if you're a mystery/thriller enthusiastic, you probably won't be that surprised here (and I wasn't). But on the other hand, if you don't read a lot of the genre, then perhaps there will be a few unexpected developments throughout. But no matter which way you land, it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of this story.

Phew, that's a lot of praise, and hopefully it hasn't scared you off, if you know what I mean. There is a certain category of books out there that seems to attract effusive compliments from readers and award-giving committees alike, but when you try to read it for yourself, they somehow come across as dull as dishwater. Or even worse, they're trauma porn out to batter your emotions simply for better ratings. But that's not this book. This book is as compulsive and unputdownable as they come, and I dare you not to read it in one go.

I think this book set out to achieve the unachievable—to be a love story and a mystery/thriller, a character driven study while being fast-paced, quiet and moving and yet still an utter delight to read—and it somehow managed to achieve them all. What a feat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what reading is all about. It’s been a very long time since a book has captured my attention the way that “Broken Country” has. I was captivated by each page. In fact, I was sad to see this story end. This is by far my favorite book of the year, and I am recommending that everyone add it to your list now. I was filled with every raw emotion available. There was love, heartbreak, grief, anger, intensity, and sadness. In fact, have tissues handy because the ending will probably leave you needing some.

This story takes place in the ‘Before’ of 1955, and also during the present time (of the story) of 1968. There is also a Trial taking place, but we really don’t get a full description of this trial until near the end of the story. Everything flows so seamlessly and flawlessly, that there were no questions left unanswered or any type of confusion. The chapters were short, which in turn made this mesmerizing story easy to keep wanting more. Each character was easy to resonate with, and you couldn’t help but to feel like you personally knew each and every one of them.

I won’t get too much into this story as you can easily read the synopsis, and besides I literally have no words. All I know is that the characters of Beth and her husband Frank (and that of Gabriel) will stay with me for a long while after this.
This book deserves All. The. Stars. 🌟

Many, many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: March 4, 2025
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Mystery & Thriller

[len ❀ [ia bc of school] · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marriage is scary, because what if they turn out like Beth?

I can’t say I loved this, but I also can’t say I hated it.

I originally started this because it’s currently receiving praise and reviews left and right, with it becoming a trendy book at the moment on this app. Broken Country will come off as emotional, tear jerking and heartbreaking to some, but to me it came off as selfishly indulging. I can see how and why people love it, but for me it falls under those “unsure how to feel” books.

The story had a lot of potential for me. It may seem repetitive and unoriginal for some, but I was drawn to the idea of flawed characters making dumb and messy decisions and having a complex relationship with each other. There’s a love triangle that adds drama, reminding me of the telenovelas I grew up watching. I knew this beforehand, and I think it’s important for anyone who wants to read this to know because it’s a big part of the story. I personally don’t like love triangles and stories with them, but I knew this had it going on so I was ready. There’s a side mystery that doesn’t take over the story but adds more relevance to it, adding a very bit of suspension even if it can be obvious who did what and what exactly happened. Was I shocked at the turn of events? Yup! What can I say? I never claimed to be a good detective.

It’s realistic, it’s flawed, it’s complex, it’s messy, it’s humane. I praise the author for the realistic emotions it brings out from the reader. I hated the protagonist, Beth, for what she did, but I don’t think we’re expected to fully sympathize with her anyway. The way I see it, I think it speaks highly of the author for making me hate Beth. Kind of like when you’re watching a movie and you hate the villain. Like, in my opinion, you’re supposed to, and if you do, I personally see it as the actor doing a fantastic job. And I know Beth is the type of character that, if she were real, she would know people would hate her. I was even telling my mom about it and she said “You know this even happens in real life.” And when it’s like that, I’m a big fan of what the author is trying to incorporate. The drama is fulfilling and entertaining. The love triangle adds messy confusion, bringing in media entertainment to the storyline. It’s not toxic, but it’s contradicting, adding a sense of realism to the story, showing the reality of uncertainty, confusion, and hypocrisy. It goes to shows how we as humans are selfish, greedy, and needy.

But at the same time, I think that’s where the author’s spark kind of dies. Despite how relatable or realistic it can come off as, the characters themselves are never really that memorable. I especially felt like Beth is a mix of contradicting and pure selfishness. Her actions were predictable yet emotionless. She claims to have loved both men at the same time, but never once did I feel like the author showed her love for Frank, her husband. Instead I felt like the author herself had a bias with Gabriel, as if we as the readers should also prefer Gabriel. While both men are good men and there’s no toxicity here, I never thought the author was fair with her comparisons. Beth’s decision to have an affair with Gabriel is never drawn out. We never see her struggle, we never see her be confused, we never see her regret what she did. She goes along saying she knows she’s hurting Frank but we never really see those emotions play out. The story itself isn’t that long, but I would have preferred more on the emotions aspect here. It’s as if the author was missing that connection between the reader and main character, like we never really get into Beth’s mind enough. In other words, lots of telling and hardly any showing.

I also thought that because of that, the love triangle is hardly a love triangle. I was expecting more drama, more tension, more severity, but again, the author’s decision to write more about Gabriel as a boyfriend and then secret lover felt biased. Frank is a good man too, but we hardly learned about him. We don’t really know anything about his history with Beth besides the fact that he had liked her since they were 13 and a little bit of his family history, yet nothing relevant or enough. As we make progress in the story, even when we learn about the affair and whatnot, Frank always felt like a second choice. He never felt like he was someone Beth chose and wanted to be with. I felt like Beth chose him because she knew she needed a man in her life and Frank just happened to me there.

I was not a fan of this.

It’s confusing and not in a good way. If you’re gonna give me a love triangle and secret love affair, give me more tension. If you’re going to say your character feels bad and knows what she’s doing is wrong, show that. Prove to me that your character feels this, that your character is experiencing these confusing emotions and doesn’t know what to do. But that never happened. Beth never really felt bad. And in my opinion, once Gabriel came back into the picture, Beth never really loved Frank. It’s not to say she couldn’t love both men at the same time, but in that case, she would be polyamorous. Sorry to say it, but there was no way she loved Frank while doing what she did with Gabriel.

I can’t even feel too bad for Frank, though, because he decided to get back with her. In the end, the drama and love triangle was messy and worthless. It added drama for a moment only, and it wasn’t something that lasted. Hence, that’s why I wanted more drama and tension. It’s as if her affair was meant to last a bit only and then poof! Gone. All that for nothing. Sorry to the author, but it’s a weak decision to write this way.

While Broken Country will continue receiving positive feedback from many others, I’m going to be on the minority here. Maybe if the book had been longer; maybe if it felt like the author wasn’t biased; maybe if the author let us dig into Beth’s brain more; maybe if the author let us get to know the other important characters more, then maybe I would’ve enjoyed this more.

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowowowowoowowwwwwww! I read this in 24 hrs! Loved the layers and layers of this story. I loved the character developments. This is a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I went in almost completely blind and loved how things unfolded for me in a gradual way with very little expectations. This book is the best book club pick Reece has had in probably 3 years.

[JanB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb says this book is perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing. I disagree. I was not a fan of Crawdads and I personally see no similarities between the two books.

Straddling several genres, this book has all the elements of a love story as well as a legal thriller but this description fails to capture what makes this book so special. The characters are faced with heart wrenching choices that makes it a propulsive and heartbreaking read.

I am NOT a fan of love triangles but the writing and characterization elevate it far above books with similar themes. I was sucked into their lives from the first page to the last. We know from the beginning someone was killed but we don’t know who or the details until later.

A few plot developments could be seen as predictable but did I care? No! The writing and emotional depth more than compensated for it. And there was still an unexpected surprise (or two) in store.

The setting in a rural English village adds to the atmosphere. The chapters set in the past helps the reader more fully understand the current dilemma.

I was completely captivated with this emotional, heartbreaking story, and finished it in less than 24 hours. I closed the last page with tears in my eyes and a sigh of satisfaction.

This is sure to be on my best of 2025 list.

* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own

[Abbie Konnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg 😭😭😭

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Addictive. Heartbreaking. Hopeful...

Broken Country is set in a small farming village in the Dorset countryside in Southwestern England, where Gabriel Wolfe and Beth fell in love during the summer of 1955. He was her first love, and he broke her heart.

Beth marries Frank, a local sheep farmer. Gabriel marries an American.

In 1968, after divorcing his wife, Gabriel returns to the village with his son, Leo, who reminds Beth of her son Bobby, who died not long ago. Beth is drawn into Gabriel and Leo's lives, not realizing it will trigger events that will change their lives and families, and impact the entire village community...

Broken Country is as much a family story as a love story, and it quickly piqued my interest and stole my heart. Although it is told from the perspective of Beth, the protagonist, it uses a third-person limited point of view. The story is told through her eyes but not directly in her voice. It has a quiet yet distant and reflective feel, with simple writing and short chapters that make the pages flip as quickly as a thriller. The characters were fully fleshed out, making investing in their journey and engaging with the story simple.

This evocative and heartbreaking story is layered with two timelines and themes of love, loss, and the consequences of choices made. Long-held secrets will unfold, tragic events will take place, and the less you know going in, the better your experience will be.

Broken Country is the best book I've read this year. This is Clare Leslie Hall's U.S. debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from her. I love Literary Fiction, and this book is an example of why. I highly recommend it!

5⭐

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Clare Leslie Hall for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Canadian Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts off intense with a pet being shot. As difficult as this was to read, this is the catalyst to a series of events that will change the course of these lives.

Beth is happily married when Gabriel, her first love, reenters her life with his young son, 13 years later. In this time, she has experienced a “see saw of grief”. She’s recovered from the betrayal Gabriel inflicted but also the grief of losing her son. She befriends his young boy, believing him to be the healing she needs, but ignoring the impact it has on her marriage. As first loves always share a place in the heart, many memories flood back to Beth as we witness the ‘before' and the ‘after' as her marriage sits perilously on the edge. And then the trial….

I’m left broken from this Broken Country. I cared for Beth- grieved & ached with her over the loss of her son; felt the pain and betrayal of young love; but also felt the joy of a good man and his family; and finally, the calamity that results from choices made.

The writing stunning and intimate. The ending…I’m devastated.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tracy and I did do this kind of as a buddy read (I'm not a good buddy as I give too many hints!) But thanks for putting up with my messages, Tracy!

[Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

WHAT

[emilybookedup · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 for GR! i DEVOURED this book—if you’re in a reading slump, this will cure it. finished it in 2 sittings and in 1 evening. the best feeling!

read if you like: multiple genre books, murder mystery, books with murder trials, farm settings, love triangles, dual timelines

alsoooo there’s already a 📖👉🏼🎬 adaptation by Hello Sunshine and Sony in the works and i think it will be brought to life SO well. can’t wait to see the cast 👀

another great selection by Reese‘s Book club! this book was not on my 2025 release radar at all until i saw it drop as a March BOTM selection and also a Reese March selection. tbh, under the radar releases always end up being some of my favorite reads of every single year! it was truly a perfect book at the perfect time for me as i was wanting something to grab me quick and also be GOOD lol. like i said above, this is extremely binge worthy. there’s lots of dialogue and there’s short chapters so it moves extremely quick and hooks you in right away with a murderer and the dual timeline point of views.

i went to this book pretty blind and recommend you do it too! there were multiple times where the book took a turn and i said to myself “ok, we’re going there!!!!” and just went along for the ride. i was equally invested in the love triangle as well as the murder mystery.

a lot of people are comparing this to WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING and while i can some similarities with the remote setting and the trial/murder mystery element, i don’t think it’s reallyyyyy close to that book persay, so don’t let that deter you away. in fact, it actually kind of reminds me of a blend of THE LIGHT WE LOST and PRESUMED INNOCENT… If that’s even possible🤣🤣🤣

i will say what fell a bit flat for me was the ending in a few ways—there was something that didn’t sit right with me that i won’t repeat here as it’s a major spoiler but also it was pretty hyped up to have a shocking ending and i personally didn’t find it to be as shocking. buttttt as you know, i am a thriller snob, so it’s pretty hard to shock me with a twist. other readers might find it shocking but i had a shortlist of guesses and the reveal was on my guess list.

this would be a great book club choice as there’s so much to discuss and i think it’ll be a fan for all types of readers!

heads up it does cover some pretty heavy themes, look up trigger warnings if you’d like the warning!

be sure to pick this up the next time you’re at the bookstore or your library and enjoy the ride 💛

[Melissa ~ Bantering Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in the minority in that I’m only giving Broken Country four stars, it seems. It’s rare to see a review for it here on Goodreads that’s less than five stars. Clare Leslie Hall may have written a serious contender for many readers’ best book of the year.

And I’m not here to wholly disagree. The book is immersive and engaging, a real page-turner; it’s a devastating love story, a heartbreaking marital drama, and an intriguing mystery. Hall’s writing is lovely, too, in the way her prose flows across the page, and she knows how to play with the reader’s emotions without dipping into annoying melodrama. I was sucked in from the get-go and darn happy about it.

But the story itself is a bit formulaic and predictable. The twists and turns many have found explosive were, to me, unsurprising. And Hall sticks too closely to the surface of the story – I would’ve appreciated a bit more depth in her writing.

It’s an absorbing, easy-breezy read, perfect for when you want to feel but not think.

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Holy Shooty Diggity Dang! The Sisters are sleeping off one book hangover but that didn’t stop us from rambling about our newest read Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Another book added to my Holy Shooty Balls shelf!! Some books don’t just tell a story—they consume you, and this was one of them. Gripping, haunting, and unforgettable.

Absolutely outstanding! This book gave me absolutely all the feels—tragic, heartfelt, and so emotionally affecting yet powerful. I loved how this story was told, with anticipation and anxiety building at every turn. The tension was through the roof, and I could feel the weight of every decision, every lingering emotion, every unspoken truth pressing in.

Set in an English farming community, this novel masterfully weaves a deadly love triangle with the consequences that ripple through every life it touches. The past and present collide in ways that feel both inevitable and shocking, leading to a trial, a twisty murder mystery, and choices that can never be undone. The story is thick with longing, regret, and the quiet, unshakable pull of first love—wrapped inside a narrative so immersive I lived inside it.

These characters completely captured my heart, and the storyline shattered it. The writing was breathtaking, pulling me deep into the characters’ lives, their histories, and the quiet struggles that shaped them. The way it all unfolded kept me on edge, second-guessing everything I thought I knew.

By the end, I was in tears. This book pulled at my heartstrings, all my emotions were thick while reading. It was haunting. It was powerful. It was everything.

Brenda’s Take: Hot Diggity Dang—The Best Book of 2025 I Have Read So Far
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

If you need us, we'll be clutching our copies of this book, whispering, “Just one more page…”
Highly recommended!!

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Holly B ( slowly catching up) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight to my FAVORITES 2025 shelf!!

He says: "Should I be worried about you spending time with Wolfe and his son?" Oh boy, he knew something when he had the awareness to ask her!

I was all consumed with all the characters and the plot. The pacing was spot on from the beginning to the last page. They were even on my mind when I wasn't reading!

The romance felt so authentic, raw, dangerous! I knew something was going to happen and my heart raced more than once. There was a thriller vibe in many of the chapters. There is heartbreak, sweet moments, unresolved grief, wine drinking, betrayal and regret. I couldn't put this down!

The secrets that blow up were emotional and full of "if onlys".

I didn't want the story to end! There is also a trial and a verdict. All the feels!! Don't miss it!

Released March 4, 2025
A Reese Book Club Pick

[Dutchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Broken Country had the potential to be a really great novel. The bones were there but it seemed like I was just reading the Cliff’s Notes version. The book centers around Beth and how her past relationship with Gabriel affects her current marriage to Frank, culminating into a tragic act of violence. The chapters alternate between the past, up to the incident, and then the after effects of that tragic event.

This is a relatively short novel and I think it could’ve stood to be longer. The characters themselves were well developed, and there was so much to explore within each one. I feel it just scratched the surface and could’ve gone so much deeper. I found myself getting bored at times because it seemed quite repetitious specifically with the love triangle. I think it would have worked better for me had it been longer and it didn’t feel so rushed.

While I really wanted to enjoy this, it just didn’t fully develop for me as a reader. Others have given this glowing reviews and I can see why, as it is a good novel.

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Synopsis: "When her 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 all those years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son Bobby, who died a few years earlier."

"This is a love story with too many beginnings. I refuse to think about how it is going to end."

This will be one of the best books this year. I loved the characters, the farm setting and the suspense. You know someone has been murdered and someone is on trial without knowing who. The scenes are tense forming a love triangle you will not forget. With two timelines, 1955 is the story of Beth and Gabriel's love for one another as teenagers until he leaves to go to college and she finds out about another girl, he later marries and has a son Leo.
1968, The story unfolds with Beth marrying Frank, one of the most gentle and kind sheep farmers. They lost their son, Bobby, in a tragic accident which drove their relationship apart with guilt and sorrow.
With a front row seat to see the mistakes, lies and heartache they ensue, it is hard to know who to cheer for. They are all likable characters with good intentions just living the life they wish they had not chosen. With all on separate paths slowly merging into one, you know it is not going to end well.
It is emotional, yes, you will feel it deeply. I grew up working on my grandparents’ farm. A lot of wonderful memories but blood, sweat and tears were a guarantee.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC and gem in exchange for my honest review.

[Liz Hein · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't like this, but it did have me turning pages. I had to know what was going to happen, but unfortunately, every "twist" was incredibly predictable in its attempts to be unpredictable. I said yikes multiple times. This read like one long cliche to me until the last page. I liked the last page a lot.

[Lindsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars!

2025 Favourites List! 🏆

A woman confronted by her past.

A hard working farming family. A reignited love affair. A deadly combination.

I had an INTENSE IMMEDIATE connection to this novel. The exquisite writing grabbed me from page one and I was thoroughly engrossed until the last sentence.

Farming life held a huge appeal to me and I enjoyed the animal focus. (Note: there is an extremely upsetting animal death at the start of the story, but if you can push past that, it is well worth it.) The characters are beautifully endearing and truly unforgettable.

Told through three timelines, the back and forth was perfectly paced. I was equally invested in all of the timelines and enjoyed how the story unfolded.

There was something so extremely relatable with the characters and their relationship dynamics. There was a strong undercurrent of emotion sparking off the pages that I intensely connected with. My heart broke for these characters and the many circumstances they faced. Grief is a large part of this story and carried a heaviness that had my heart aching.

A main part of this unputdownable story is a love affair. Anyone who follows my reviews, knows romance and love stories are not my thing. However, this totally worked for me! The relationship dynamics were intricately woven and multi-layered, holding a depth and heaviness that had me locked in and fully invested. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew how it all ended. The author had me gripped and consumed.

Some reviewers feel this story wrapped up too neatly but I loved it. The ending worked powerfully well for me. This is a slow burn family and domestic drama that held a thread of suspense throughout and had me utterly addicted.

For me, the standout aspects of this story include:

Farming life.
Raw, honest, heartfelt emotions.
Small town setting.
Old fashioned romance.
Vulnerable, endearing characters.
Heart wrenching prose.
Thought-provoking questions.
Motherhood intricately examined.

Overall, this was a highly anticipated read that lived up to and surpassed the hype for me. I highly recommend it and it will sit on my forever favourites shelf!

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth and Frank’s marriage is forever changed when her first love, Gabriel, returns to town with his young son. As Gabriel begins to rely on Beth more and more when it comes to caring for his son, Leo, deep secrets threaten to be exposed.

I’ve intentionally kept the synopsis at a minimum for fear of oversharing, something I’m sometimes prone to doing. This book is really best to go into completely blind when it comes to the story and characters, in order to achieve maximum impact.

From the start, I was completely captivated by the story and Clare Leslie Hall’s immaculate storytelling. Her prose is as rich and lush as the gorgeous cover. At its core, this book perfectly captures the powerful bonds of family and just how far some will go to protect those they love most. But buried deep, is a fantastic mystery that will keep you guessing through twists and turns until the final page.

🎧 Hattie Moran does an exquisite job of bringing this story to life. For the entirety of the book, I was completely immersed in her beautiful and haunting narration. I cannot recommend this format of this book enough.

Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️literary mysteries
▪️family dramas
▪️dual timelines
▪️books about books
▪️court procedurals
▪️Kia Abdullah

Thank you Simon Audio for the ALC.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book comes a long that just grabs readers and wreaks havoc on our hearts. This is that book.

Readers will no doubt be touched by the well-developed characters. Who even as we learn about them in past and present time, we are never quite sure what the truth is until we as readers find ourselves riveted inside their well-plotted, intriguing journey.

How can we possibly explain what love or grief can do, to hearts looking for explanations and answers? Except to say, in this brilliant page-turning, heart-wrenching and heart-healing story, readers will be moved.

As an anomalous murder mystery, the story builds suspense that haunts and hides from readers, until actions taken are revealed that offer a sense of understanding and tears. Because in those tears, our tears, readers feel and experience everything the author wanted for us. Mostly because the author’s prose is poignant and poetic. A true master-class in writing.

The author will take readers on a journey with these characters that will feel compelling and emotional. Mostly, unforgettable. One that will stay in our hearts long after the last page. Kleenex is recommended.

Side note: This was a Reese’s Book Club pick, and Sony Pictures has acquired the film rights. It is currently in production.

Trigger: death of a dog

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought me to tears at the end.
A love story… I usually don’t read them.. but this is much more.
A love triangle.. a few tragedies including a murder a mystery, a trial, some major twists.
Dual time frames.. all set in an English farming community.
Don’t miss this one!
Publishing on March 4, 2025

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ for the book and a million stars for Frank.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall wrecked me emotionally, and I turned the final page with tears pouring down my face. It’s been over two years since a book hit me this hard; the last one to leave me in tears like this was The Winners, the third book in the Beartown series.

”This is a love story with too many beginnings. I refuse to think about how it is going to end.”

This book has a little bit of everything: a love triangle, suspense, mystery and while the trial isn’t explored in great detail, those parts were still incredibly tense and emotional. It delves into the nostalgia of first love, fractured lives, the weight of choices, and the struggle to navigate overwhelming loss. I’m really glad I went into this one blind without reading the synopsis. The slow unraveling of events was agonizing in the best way. I knew everything was going to implode, and I just had to sit and wait for it to happen. It powerfully illustrates the ripple effect one event can have on so many lives.

Was it a perfect book? No. Were the twists surprising? Not really. Did I want more emotion from Beth? Absolutely. But I’m rating this based entirely on how it made me feel. I didn’t just read this story; I felt every bit of its raw emotion. At just over 300 pages, it really packs a punch. I was captivated from start to finish and didn’t want the book to end.

I alternated between the audiobook and a physical copy of the book and can recommend them equally.

[Kimber Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
~ Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights

From the moment I met the flawed and completely lovable characters in Broken Country, I knew I wouldn't come out of this experience unscathed. Each character's humanity was vividly portrayed, showcasing their happiest moments, darkest hours, and the choices they made—both good and questionable. The narrative felt raw and incredibly real. I imagined myself as a shadow in a corner, watching their story unfold and hoping for a positive outcome because I loved them all: Beth, Frank, Gabriel, and the rest.

Was the plot unpredictable and shocking? For the most part, no, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment one bit. Hattie Morahan narrated the audiobook version, and her expert delivery was impressive.

Broken Country is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and utterly captivating tale. I approached this book knowing very little beyond the blurb, so I'll keep this review spoiler-free, hoping that if you get a chance to read it, you will love it, too. It was a perfect escape.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME😭😭!!!!!!!


My girlie pop Heather said this book made her SOB