Handle With Care
- Judith D Collins
- 4 days ago
- 13 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Narrator: Jane Oppenheimer
ISBN: 978-1400345069
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Publication Date: 04/14/2026
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars + (ARC) (ALC)
Apr featured #LitLiftMiniAuthorChat
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.
About the Author
Photo by Kristee Mays Photography
Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is the author of Handle With Care and 10 previous novels. Marybeth received a BA in English with a concentration in Writing and Editing from NC State University a long time ago and has been writing ever since. Marybeth and her husband Curt are the parents of six kids who are now all in various stages of adulting. A native of Charlotte, NC, Marybeth now calls Sunset Beach, NC home. When not spending time with family and friends, or working on her next novel, Marybeth can usually be found watching true crime. More info is available at www.marybethwhalen.com
Connect with Marybeth
Visit her online at: www.marybethwhalen.com
Instagram: @marybethwhalen; Facebook: @marybethwhalen
Praise
'HANDLE WITH CARE is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride in the most everyday of settings--a local post office, a place where humanity intersects, where we usually keep our heads down, unaware of each other's private pain. Marybeth Mayhew Whalen crafts a gripping story around this idea, 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 STRANGERS: A MEMOIR OF MARRIAGE
'I am a huge fan of Marybeth Mayhew Whalen and will read everything she writes! HANDLE WITH CARE manages to be a pulse pumping thriller but also a women supporting women heartwarming tale. I can't wait to sell this gem at Fabled.'
-- Elizabeth Barnhill, adult book buyer at Fabled Bookshop and Cafe
'In HANDLE WITH CARE, Whalen delivers a heart-thumping story with her signature warmth and insight. This moving novel reminds us that every life is a balance of hope and heartbreak, resilience, and regret. 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
'On an ordinary afternoon in a small Southern town, four women's lives collide at the worst possible time. In HANDLE WITH CARE, Whalen delivers an emotionally charged hostage drama where no one's walking out the same. Cleverly written and unexpectedly tender, this one's unforgettable in all the right ways.'
-- Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of THE EXPAT AFFAIR
'This beautiful novel gives readers what we most need these days--a deep breath of humanity and hope. It's a story taught with suspense and uncertainty, but it's also filled with bursts of joy, kindness, and connection. You will love these women. You are these women.' -
- Gin Phillips, author of FIERCE KINGDOM and RUBY FALLS
Exceptional Authors,
Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
Welcome to the April #LitLiftMiniAuthorChats, a part of the #AuthorElevatorSeries. Joining us today is the bestselling author and a long time favorite, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen and her upcoming captivating new novel, HANDLE WITH CARE. Out April 14, 2026 by Thomas Fiction in paperback, e-book and audiobook narrated by the talented Jane Oppenheimer.
Welcome, Marybeth!
Behind the Book
Q. DESCRIBE your novel in three words.
I will borrow three words from the oft-repeated post office phrase that inspired the story: fragile, perishable, potentially hazardous
Q. PATIENCE: In a high-tension hostage situation, both Hope and Sylvie display incredible patience. Was it a challenge to write 'stillness' into such a high-stakes plot?
That was probably the hardest part of writing the story—to render those moments where the women being held hostage are just biding their time as they wait for resolution without doing a lot of navel-gazing on the page. As the hours tick by, they are bored at times, just sitting there—so I worked to strike the balance of expressing the feeling of ennui setting in, yet not make the book boring.
Q. THE HIDDEN BURDEN: Each character is mailing a life-changing secret. If you were in that post office, would you have the 'spunky' courage of a Sylvie to follow through, or would you be more like the cautious Hope?
I think I’d be more like Blythe— second-guessing my decision and scheming over how I could change things.
Q. TOPICS: Name 1-3 topics or themes addressed in the novel?
Hope in the face of hard times, forming unexpected connections with strangers, and finding compassion for others by learning their stories. You never know who is standing in front of you in the post office line, or what they carried in there.
Q. SETTING: Tell us more about your special quaint town of Sunset Beach, and any special places that stand out?
I did base the setting on the actual Sunset Beach post office, although I did take some liberties with it for the sake of the story. The beach itself was recently named one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic. There’s also the town park, which has swings and a walking path by the Intracoastal Waterway, and, in season, hosts a weekly outdoor market.
Q. LETTER format: How clever! What gave you the inspiration for this creative format?
It came to me as I was thinking about how best to structure the story. The post office concept just fit perfectly with the idea of the letter format so I looked it up (to make sure I remembered all the parts in order!) and then did a rough outline of what parts of the story could go where. It worked, and it helped to give me a framework as I wrote.
Q. THE VOICE OF THE STORY: I’ve read all your books, but the audio for this one really struck me. Jane Oppenheimer (narrator) is legendary for that "soothing yet drawing you in" quality—she has that perfect mid-tempo pace that makes even a hostage standoff feel intimate and atmospheric.
How much input did you have in finding a narrator who could capture that specific 'soothing but urgent' tone that she portrayed so eloquently?
I actually did have some say in the narrator choice, thanks to my gracious team at Thomas Nelson. I had read a post on the top female narrator voices out there. Out of curiosity I went through them and listened to samples from each one. Then I selected four or five of those on the list, and sent those names to the team kind of “just in case you’re thinking about this yet…” Jane Oppenheimer was my top choice, but I didn’t want to seem pushy about it. I cheered when my editor responded to that email stating that Jane was her top choice. I was so thrilled when everything fell into place and she was confirmed as the narrator.
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things that readers may, (or may not know) about your book, or are not included in the book.
1. The inspiration for the book came from the question they always ask you at the post office: “Is there anything liquid, fragile, perishable, or potentially hazardous?” in the package. I guess I was feeling philosophical that day because I thought to myself, “Aren’t we all?” That got me thinking about how that could be in a book, and it went from there.
2. When I knew that this story would be centered around a hostage situation, I knew it needed to be different—not a straight police procedural-type story. I wanted depth and darkness, but I also wanted light and laughter to be woven in. I thought of it as “Steel Magnolias… but in a hostage situation.” Like the women of Steel Magnolias, in spite of what they’re going through, the characters in Handle With Care, still find a way to laugh, to talk, to encourage each other. That, to me, is the heart of this story.
3. When I started writing the book, I quickly realized that I knew nothing about how law enforcement would handle a hostage situation. I went to Google “hostage negotiation” and the second hit that came up was a hostage negotiation conference happening soon in Ohio. My husband said, “They will not let you go to that. It’s for law enforcement personnel, not civilians.” And I told him what I’ve always told my kids. “Never hurts to ask—the worst they can do is say no.” But they said yes, and I went… twice! This book would not be this book without that experience.
Behind the Author
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 3-5 things that readers may, (or may not know) about YOU, the author.
1. I am a proud graduate of NC State University. Go Pack!
2. I am a third generation North Carolina native. Originally from Charlotte, I now call Sunset Beach home, which is where the book is set.
3. My husband Curt and I are the parents of six children and will celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary this summer. That one sentence represents years of highs and lows, joy and pain, resolve and surrender. I write about hope because I believe in it.
4. If I am not spending time with my family or working on my next novel, I am probably watching true crime.
Q. BOOK REC: A book you would recommend.
I just read Elizabeth Berg’s new one, Life: A Love Story and loved it. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Correspondent or Theo of Golden.
Fascinating and so much fun! I love the hostage negotiation conference—your firsthand homework is reflective in the novel.
Thank you, Marybeth, for spending time with us today.
My Review
What’s Inside the Package?
What Would You Mail If It Were Your Last Day?
We’ve all stood in line at the post office, clutching a package and checking our watches, lost in the mundane mental loop of to-do lists and dinner plans. But in Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s latest captivating novel, HANDLE WITH CARE, that ordinary errand becomes the backdrop for a life-altering collision of secrets and survival.
A tense, heart-wrenching exploration of the secrets we mail, and the burdens we keep. Whalen transforms a small-town post office into a pressure cooker of redemption, proving that even in our darkest hours, there is a way to find the light.
Highlights...
Set in the sleepy coastal town of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, the story begins with a desperate act: a man named Tommy, fueled by heartbreak and intoxication, walks into the local post office to confront his estranged wife, Nadine. Within minutes, the doors are locked, a gun is drawn, and three strangers—each there to mail a package that could irrevocably change their future—become hostages in a high-stakes standoff.
~Nadine: The postal clerk and Tommy's wife.
~Sylvie: An elderly woman hiding a significant secret.
~Morrow: A mother struggling with her daughter's upcoming graduation.
~Blythe: A younger woman searching for purpose in her life.
Each of the three customers (Sylvie, Morrow, and Blythe) is in the process of mailing something that would irrevocably change her life. As the day-long siege progresses, the women reflect on these choices and wonder if they should follow through.
Outside the building, a seasoned negotiator named Hope works to defuse the situation, joined by Bo, a retired FBI agent. While trying to save the hostages, Hope is forced to confront her own "personal baggage" and past mistakes.
My thoughts...
If you’re expecting a gritty, pulse-pounding police procedural, think again.
Whalen has crafted something far more delicate and daring. At its heart, the book is about characters finding a second chance or a way to move forward from their pasts.
HANDLE WITH CARE is a "closed-room" character study that subverts the traditional thriller genre. Rather than focusing on the mechanics of the crime, the narrative dives deep into the "moral and personal baggage" of the women inside.
While the setup is high-stakes, the execution is introspective. The real action happens in the characters' memories and moral dilemmas rather than through gunfire or stunts.
From Sylvie, an elderly woman guarding a decades-old secret, to Hope, the negotiator outside battling her own past mistakes, the novel explores a profound truth: we are often far more alike than we imagine.
The "Five Parts of a Letter" Structure
A unique and clever framing: The book is divided into sections—Heading, Salutation, Body, Complimentary Close, and Signature. This adds a layer of literary depth that makes the "postal" setting feel integral to the story's soul, not just a backdrop.
The book asks a haunting question that lingered with me long after the final page: If you were facing your final moments, would you still send the package that reveals your darkest truth?
Part domestic drama and part soul-searching journey, HANDLE WITH CARE is a poignant reminder that even in the midst of a crisis, there is room for grace, connection, and—most importantly—hope.
Whalen explores that while we often "package" our secrets and traumas to keep them hidden from the world, true healing requires the bravery to be seen.
More Than a Thriller: Finding Hope in Whalen’s Latest Hostage Drama The unmailed packages serve as a metaphor for the emotional weight we carry.
The "care" in the title refers to how we must handle both ourselves and others when those secrets are finally revealed. Even in a literal life-or-death crisis, the characters find that they have the agency to choose forgiveness and grace over fear.
Themes ...
~Subverting the Thriller Genre:
A slow-burning and "introspective" read rather than a high-octane action book.
~The Power of Connection:
How trauma bridges the gap between strangers
~Structure: Creative:
"Five Parts of a Letter" framing serves as a unique "love letter" to connection and honesty.
Audio 🔉 Spotlight...
The narration for HANDLE WITH CARE is absolutely top-tier. Jane Oppenheimer's performance captures the distinct 'Southern grit' of the Sunset Beach setting, providing each of the women a voice that feels authentic to their age and emotional baggage. If you’re a multi-format reader like me, the audio version adds a layer of visceral tension that makes the hostage situation feel incredibly real.
Jane Oppenheimer's excellent narration (a favorite) is often praised for her ability to give each character a distinct "voice" and emotional depth, which truly brings the tense atmosphere to life, especially with these two top characters. She is legendary for that "soothing yet drawing you in" quality—she has that perfect mid-tempo pace that makes even a hostage standoff feel intimate and atmospheric.
I resonated with these two favorite characters. Hope’s professional patience clashes and then aligns with Sylvie’s seasoned, life-taught patience. While the world outside is clamoring for a quick resolution, these two characters understand that certain things—such as healing, truth, and safety—cannot be rushed.
Character Spotlight: The Power of Patience
What struck me most was the quiet strength of Sylvie and Hope. In a situation defined by chaos and ticking clocks, both women display a profound sense of patience.
For Hope, it’s the calculated, professional stillness required to talk a man down from a ledge. For Sylvie, it’s the weary but "spunky" patience of a woman who has lived long enough to know that the hardest truths take time to deliver. Their calm is the anchor of the story, proving that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is wait and listen.
Strangers, Secrets, and Sunset Beach
Why Handle with Care is Your Next Book Club Pick
Recs: Best For…
~Book Clubs:
There are endless possibilities for discussions about forgiveness, aging, and the choices that define us.
~Fans of "Anxious People":
If you loved the "strangers-stuck-together" vibe of Fredrik Backman but want a more serious, Southern-inspired tone.
~The "Emotional Thriller" Reader:
Perfect for those who want the tension of a crisis without the graphic violence of a traditional thriller.
~Coastal Setting Lovers:
Whalen’s love for Sunset Beach, NC, shines through, making the setting feel like a character itself.
~Audiobook Lovers: The tension of the hostage standoff translates perfectly to audio, making for a truly immersive, "edge-of-your-seat" experience.
The core takeaway of Handle with Care is that we are all carrying invisible burdens, and sharing those burdens is the only way to find true relief. In short: You don't have to carry your "package" alone.
Since I have read the author's entire backlist and am a huge long-time fan, HANDLE WITH CARE feels like the "pinnacle" of the author's career—it combines her signature suburban secrets with a new level of high-concept drama.
The Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Handle with Care is a rare masterpiece that manages to be both a high-stakes hostage drama and a deeply comforting character study. Whether you’re turning the pages of the physical book or listening to the audiobook, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen’s storytelling pulls you into that Sunset Beach post office and doesn't let go. It’s a beautifully written reminder that our secrets only have power over us as long as they stay "packaged" and unaddressed."
Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this lovely advanced reading and listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: April 14, 2025
Top Audiobooks of 2026
Author's Work...
If you loved Every Moment Since (top books of 2024) HANDLE WITH CARE is a must-read! Every Moment Since paved the way for the emotional depth we see in Handle with Care. While Handle with Care traps characters in a post office, Every Moment Since traps them in the "aftermath" of a single, tragic moment—the disappearance of a child.
Jane Oppenheimer's narration of that book was equally stunning. She has a way of handling the "heavy lifting" of grief and guilt without making the listener feel overwhelmed.
Common threads between the two books:
~The "Ripple Effect":
Both books focus on how one event (a kidnapping vs. a hostage situation) creates a permanent "before and after" for an entire community.
~Deep Character Layers:
Just like Sylvie and Hope in the new book, the characters in Every Moment Since (like Thad and Davy) are forced to confront the versions of themselves they've been hiding for years.
~Atmosphere:
Whalen is a master at that "Southern heavy-hearted" vibe, and with the right narrator, makes those emotional beats land perfectly.
I highly recommend the author, these two books,
and her entire backlist!
About the Narrator
From mysteries and literary fiction, to romance and biographies, Jane Oppenheimer’s narration style and honest characterizations resonate with her listeners and have garnered her multiple Earphone Awards and nominations with The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. Jane graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a BFA in Theater and has performed in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and regional theaters, as well as on television and film. In addition to audiobooks, her voice can be heard on museum installments, corporate videos, commercials and theme park rides. Jane has also worked behind the camera, as a television publicist at CBS and as Director of Media Relations and Publicity for Columbia TriStar Television. When she’s not in the booth, she is managing multiple investment properties, restoring or renovating upcoming properties, or searching for the next real estate investment. WEBSITE
