While I did enjoy this book, the title is The Secret *Library* of Hanna Reeves, and I feel like the library really took a backseat to a majority of the plot, which left me a bit unsatisfied. The pacing was quite slow overall, and I found myself almost wanting to skip chapters just to move the story along. Admittedly, the ending was underwhelming for me; it felt a bit rushed and short, and while I understand Nolfi is planning to write a sequel to this, it still felt like it was not a tidy ending.

As I said, I did enjoy the book; mystery mixed with historical fiction with a dash of romance, it is a wonderful blend. I do look forward to the sequel to this book. (And with a hopefully faster pacing.)

I was first introduced to his author when I read and loved The Road She Left Behind about 5 years ago. This story is about an antique store employee named Claire Shelton who is hired to catalogue the possessions of Hannah Reeves. Hannah is nearly 80 years old, but she's a very strong-willed and opinionated woman. She and Claire clash at first, but then Claire finds a secret library. For book lover Claire, this is the be-all end-all. In the library Claire finds the Reeves family journals and Claire is sucked into Hannah's family's past and all the secrets that are revealed.

This book is an absolute gem to read. It was such a captivating story of family secrets. Right from the start, I was drawn into the world of the Reeves' with Claire. It has small town charm, family secrets, mysteries and of course all those books. I loved how the author shows how difficult relationships can be, but if you work at it, things can come out well in the end. Every family has secrets, and the weight of those secrets can have an impact for generations. Nolfi has such an amazing ability in creating characters, even ones you don't like at first, you come to empathize with. This was a beautifully written story of healing from the past, human connection and finding a way forward. And the best part? It proves how the magic you can find in books and the power of stories. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I hugged my tablet when I turned the last page. All. The. Stars.

Christine Nolfi is an automatic read for me. Her books never disappoint. They are always thought provoking and emotional, with an ending that never leaves you hanging.

This is about a woman, Claire, who takes a job cataloging antiques to sale. They belong to Hannah Reeves. A very rich woman who has been almost elusive since her father's death many years prior. While working, Claire, learns there is a secret library in the mansion. She is adamant about finding it.

This book will make you want to keep reading well into the night. It was so hard for me to put down. I wanted to know everything. All the secrets. The characters are so wonderful and likable. Everyone that works for Hannah is so protective of her. Everyone who works there is a descendent of someone who had already worked there. Or at least most all. Hannah it seems is also very protective of her employees. You'll learn enough about each to get to know them. And a few other characters.

The story is so well written and pulls you in from page one. There is nothing about it that will let you down. It was one that I absolutely loved. A heartfelt story of a woman who helped out people without wanting anything in return. From her heart. The love story part made me weep. I do mean Hannah's love story.

I look forward to the sequel to this one. Please hurry and get it written....

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.

Claire is in her twenties and a shrewd antiques dealer at Holbrook & Kinney in Maine. She is outspoken and often vocalizes her thoughts, refreshing to some, embarrassing to others. She is surprised to get chosen by formidable Hanna, nearly 80 and from a wealthy family, to catalog a treasure trove of antiques at the Rose Hill estate. While living there, Claire is chastised for her lack of manners. But she is mesmerized by the antiques and the astonishing secret library she discovers. She also meets a man she immediately connects with.

Hanna is a force and "old school" but she remembers what youth is like, hence the flashbacks to several decades earlier. Claire's character grated on my nerves and I much preferred Hanna's wisdom and life experiences. But I was glad to see Claire learn and grow. There is a bit of a mystery as well which is enjoyable. Historical snippets such as publishers are intriguing.

Though mostly set in the 1970s, I did not get the feeling of the era. But I liked that the generational differences between the two women are pronounced, yet the chasm is also a bridge. My favourite aspect of the novel is the profound expressions written by the author which made me take notice. All in all, an enjoyable read on a deliciously rainy afternoon.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christina Nolfi publishing on June 24th, 2025 is a story of found family, friendship, and love. Set during the Nixon era, it follows Hannah Reeves, a famous philanthropist who wants her antiques evaluated. Enter Clare, who’s initially reluctant to stay on the estate but she’s quickly drawn in by the reclusive Hannah and the many secrets the estate seems to hold.

This book was such a delight to read. Hannah’s backstory is heartbreaking, yet she never lets it turn her bitter which made her especially endearing to me. Clare came off as a bit of a busybody at first, but her character growth by the end made her more likable.

The plot is simple, but the themes of found family, friendship, and the love that grows around Hannah are beautifully done. I was thrilled to read in the author’s note that a sequel is planned. I’m definitely curious to uncover more secrets hiding beneath Hannah Reeves’ sleeves and in her hidden library.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Amazon Publishing for the book.

CW: child loss, parentification, grief, loss

I chose to read The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves because of the title and the cover—yes, I judged the book by its cover, and I’m not even ashamed. The image of books and the word “Library” instantly called to me. But what I found inside went far beyond what I expected.
At first, I wasn't sure I'd connect with the story. It felt different from what I’d been reading lately, and I doubted my ability to stay engaged. But I was completely wrong. Christine Nolfi has a writing style that gently pulls you in—before you even realize it, you're immersed. I kept saying “just one more chapter” and then found myself fully caught in the story.
The characters are so well written that they genuinely stirred my emotions. I felt real anxiety every time Claire said something bold or out of place—as if I were the one risking embarrassment or judgment. That’s how connected I became.
The story follows Hannah Reeves, a well-known, aging high-society philanthropist who used to be the ultimate hostess. After the death of her father, she withdrew into a quieter life. When she decides it’s time to inventory her estate’s many antiques for auction, Claire—young, headstrong, and raised by her grandfather—is brought in to stay onsite and take on the daunting project.
Hannah and Claire couldn’t be more different at first glance. Hannah is poised and private. Claire is impulsive and unfiltered. But as the book unfolds, we begin to understand both women, and their stories become unexpectedly intertwined. Through Hannah’s past, Claire begins to uncover her own truth.
And then there’s the library—a beautiful metaphor and central piece to the journey. For Claire, it becomes a path to self-discovery and empowerment. For Hannah, it’s her legacy and the emotional weight she must reckon with.
This is a book best discovered on your own, without too much given away. So I won’t spoil anything, except to say it’s moving, human, and quietly powerful.
My favorite quote: “...your future is entirely within your grasp. Seize it.”
Thank you, Christine Nolfi, for letting me be an ARC reader. This one will stay with me for a long time.

I enjoyed this historical novel. It had a little mystery, a little love story, a rich elderly lady in a crumbling mansion in Maine. And lots of secrets to uncover.

What book lover wouldn't dream of a secret library?! Not a single one that I know.... While this book's central plot is finding the secret library, I found Hanna's tale to be exquisite! This book is loaded with history, and yet told in a way that makes it all supremely interesting! I binged this in a day, and my only complaint is that I want more. More of Hanna's rich history. More of Claire and her sneaky sass. More of Claire's "step dads". Clyde, Dominga, the whole cast of extremely likable characters. Just more of Christine's awesome writing!

A secret library? Count me in! I would've been searching for it and examining the architectural plans too. I found Claire to be very relatable and her job to write a catalog of Hanna's antiques fascinating. I liked that we saw flashbacks from Hanna's childhood that really shaped the woman she became. Their connection is interesting and I'm so glad there's going to be a sequel. I can't wait to see what's next and what becomes of the secret library.

Listen, I’m NOT SAYING this book is AI, I’m just saying that if you were to feed all my nerdy little interests into ChatGPT, you’d have this book.

Antiques and history and mystery and dual timelines and characters both old and young and books and books and BOOKS.

It ticked ALL THE BOXES.

My only complaint is not getting nearly enough of her ‘step-dads’.

I need more Daniel and Louis immediately.

And – cherry on top – I’m always pleasantly surprised when a new-to-me author has such an extensive back catalogue.

It’s almost like Christmas.

How many of us book lovers would love to have been in Claire’s shoes? Fun story filled with antiques, a reclusive/mysterious heiress and a secret library filled with treasures! Can’t tell you what kind of treasures, you must read this gem! Very enjoyable!

Set primarily in 1973, this book is a fascinating tale of strength. Hanna is an elderly heiress who invites antiques dealers to assess her homes contents. Claire is an impulsive employee of the antique shop, who stays in residence to catalogue the contents. Gossip and mysteries abound about the heiress and her household. As Claire works, her curiosity leads her to attempt to uncover the secrets. The results of her quest are life changing for many. Christine Nolfi is a delightful storyteller who weaves these characters into a world of mystery, love and found family.

Who can resist a story with a secret library in the title?!!! It is an intriguing story full of secrets, love, and history. I especially loved seeing how the relationship between Claire and Hanna grew. I feel in love with both characters. And as I was reading about the house, the antiques and a secret library, I wanted very much to walk through those halls!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📚 have enough books to start your own library
👀 enjoy dual timelines
📕 love historical fiction
🤫 can keep a secret

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Cautious Claire Shelton, employee at a Maine antique shop, is surprised when she’s recruited to catalog the treasures of reclusive Hanna Reeves, sole descendant of the state’s most colorful shipbuilders and industrialists. Hanna’s retreat from society years ago is just one of many mysteries behind the walls of Rose Hill, her fabled estate.

Settling into Rose Hill’s carriage house, Claire finds Hanna, nearing eighty, to be a still-formidable woman. She’s demanding, judgmental, and protective of a mansion that is a veritable shrine to her ancestors. Then, diving into her work, Claire discovers a hidden library that is the stuff of legend among locals. An avid booklover, Claire is in heaven. More enthralling are Hanna’s leather-bound family journals that open Claire up to the past—and soon forge a rich and unexpected bond between two very different women.

A legacy is coming to light. All of Maine is talking. Because the revelations in the journals are enlightening enough to unite old friends, lovers, and families. And shocking enough to tear them apart forever.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such an entertaining read. While a bit slow to start, it really takes off once the secret library is mentioned and the relationship between Hanna and Claire becomes stronger. I enjoyed the banter between them, and getting to travel back in time to see Hanna’s younger self. She was definitely my favorite character of the two. The secret library was my favorite part, but it was definitely a somewhat small portion of the story. I do love the relationships Nolfi builds with her characters though. They really came to life for me. The book seems to end abruptly, but I hear there is a sequel in the works, so I can’t wait to continue this story!

Claire has been hired to catalogue Hanna's library but this turns out to be about so much more than books. This moves back and forth between the 1970s and Hanna's life over the years to tell the stories in Hanna's journals. There are secrets but they aren't all negative ones. This illustrates how we are all connected in some way. Nolfi is a good storyteller who will keep you turning the pages. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to more of Hanna's stories.

I absolutely love stories like this with a secret library and couldn't wait to dive into this. Clare, works for an antique store and is sent to the Rose Hill Estate to catalog and appraise items. Rose Hill is the estate of Hanna, who is now eighty and a mystery herself. Clare finds a secret library and journals that really open this up to such a beautiful story. I'm so glad there will be a sequel. I can't recommend this enough.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

I thought this was another good book by this author.
I did think it started out a bit slow and I really wasn’t too sure about it. As the story goes on I started to like the characters and the story more. I wasn’t quite ready for it to end and felt like some things were left unfinished.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in the early 1970s in which
the main character, Claire, who works for an antique shop goes to a house to value its items to sell.

This just isn’t any house, but one full of mystery that has Claire the envy of everyone now that she has inside access to the estate.

The book has so many engrossing parts. The house allegedly has a secret library that was built for Hanna by her father. There is a close knit connection to the employees of the house over the years and Hanna’s record of these families including her own.

Claire’s relationship with Hanna develops so organically that it feels like these characters are real. Claire also meets a man and she develops a deep connection.

I loved everything about this read. I enjoyed the time period and references to popular songs of the early 1970s. I loved the kindness of and the interactions with all of the characters.

When I first heard about The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi, I was immediately in! Who could resist that title and cover?!

This book is a dual timeline historical fiction, but the “present” is also historical-ish (it pains me to say this 😂). We meet Claire in 1973 as she is hired to catalog antiques in the historical home of Hanna Reeves. The second timeline is Hanna‘s past, with chapters woven into the story that show us a few pivotal years in her life, beginning in 1907.

My favorite part of this book was the stories of the staff members and their past relatives who worked at Rose Hill. Claire and Hanna each had their own found families, and they were the meaningful relationships they both needed. The family trees and conversations about legacy had me itching to learn more about my past!

I also really enjoyed the descriptions of the mansion, and of course, the secret library. Every part of Rose Hill was steeped in history. I would love to see a house like that in person one day!

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves will be a total win for any reader that enjoys historical fiction, found family, inter-generational stories, and antique furniture and collectibles. There’s also a bit of a mystery! It’s a great book all around!

Plucky Claire Shelton, an orphan who works at an antique shop in Maine, is given access to a reclusive heiress', Hanna Reeves, entire estate collection to catalog and prepare for auction. The catch? She must live on-site in the carriage house and follow the explicit and often demanding instructions of Hanna herself! What unfolds is a unique and unexpected friendship between these two women. Claire discovers a hidden library full of invaluable books as well as journals detailing the estate's rich history.

When Claire's discovery reaches the ears of local residents, everyone wants to learn more as these journals have the opportunity to unite old friends, lovers, and families while also potentially revealing decades buried secrets.

I absolutely adored this read! Claire was a wonderful clever heroine whose curiosity was contagious. I loved watching her clash with formidable Hanna and then watching their relationship grow into one of mutual respect and care. There are some flashbacks to delve deeper into Hanna's past as well as a budding romance for Claire with a local bar owner that had me reaching for this story each night.

Readers who enjoy books with complex characters, family sagas, found family, and historical settings need to fall into this wonderful escapist book!