I loved every single character I met in this book! An antiques dealer and an elderly heiress become unlikely friends (with arguments but grudging respect) as Claire and Hanna help the staff/townspeople find answers they long for.

Hanna is such a beautiful soul. She has a soft heart for orphans and helps them in amazing ways. Claire has a hard time at first breaking through Hanna's stubbornness but then she eventually gives as good as she gets. The journals Claire found and the way they worked through them to give some answers was nice. I felt bad for what it did to Clyde but it's outside forces that are to blame. I could see this story continuing in some way but if it's a single book, it's great too.

Although I have heard of Christine Nolfi’s books in the past, I hadn’t picked one up to read. The summary for The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves sounded so interesting to me, that I finally read one of her books and have entered the Christine Nolfi fan club.

I really enjoyed her writing style, her wonderfully created characters and the interesting plot. I hoped for a believable and satisfying ending to the book and I am thrilled to state that it was all that I wished for.

I found myself one day while reading, suddenly saddened. I stopped what I was doing and had to think about this weighing emotion I felt. After thinking for a while, I concluded that I was thinking about the characters in this book. Even though I was not consciously thinking about the story, my mind was. That is the greatest compliment I can give to an author. Their story is part of my life now, and I care so much about the characters that I carry them with me.

I am happy that there are many books that Ms. Nofli has written, and now I can explore all of them.

A sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Christine Nolfi is a new author to me, and when I saw the title on NetGalley, I had to check out the description. I adore books where someone in the present discovers a secret and through alternating chapters readers also learn what happened decades ago. This book is no exception, especially since it took place in Maine, a place I want to settle in years from now. Good character development, well-structured plot, and solid writing. I found myself eager to get to the truth, and even though the secrets weren't extraordinary, I felt a connection to the book. Will read more from the author.

Christine Nolfi has given us another story with a writing style that allows the reader to visualize both the characters and their surroundings as they lead us into their worlds. Claire Shelton is a young woman who, raised by her grandfather, developed a love of reading books - but also of the book itself. Hanna Reeves is an older woman who has found the need to catalogue and auction the many historical antiques she has in her home. As an employee of the antiques shop that Hanna has reached out to and asks to take on this project, Claire finds herself temporarily living in Hanna's home to complete the job. Learning to live and work for the sometimes garrulous and excentric Hanna, Claire hears rumors of a "secret" that Hanna's deceased father had given her.......a secret hidden library full of first edition books....and sets out to find the library and its contents. What follows, and told through episodes of Hanna's life, leads Claire into finding Hanna's journals and making a mistake that she comes to regret, but which also builds a relationship between Claire and Hanna that is sometimes funny, sometimes brusque, and mostly endearing. The peripheral characters in this story, the employees of Hanna's estate and Claire's love-interest Nate, are purposeful in telling the life of Hanna, but also of building the character of Claire. As Nolfi writes an ending that makes the reader want more.....I was delighted to learn that there will be a sequel so we can follow along as Claire and Hanna learn more about each other and the families that Hanna has written about in her mysterious journals. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheSecretLibraryofHanna Reeves

It's 1973, and twenty-six-year-old Claire Shelton works at Holbrook & Kinney, an antiques and collectibles shop in Maine. Having been raised solely by her recently deceased grandfather, shop owners Louis and David have become like family to Claire. When Hanna Reeves summons them to Rose Hill, her fabled mansion, Claire is asked to join them. Holbrook & Kinney is given the coveted opportunity to manage the auction of the reclusive 77-year-old Hanna's vast collection of antiques. Claire is tasked with cataloging the items and residing at the estate during this process. While conducting her research, she finds a hidden library filled with valuable books and journals. When Claire reads the journals, she learns about Hanna's past as well as the legacies of those who have worked at Rose Hill through the years. Will revealing these secrets turn out to be a great discovery, or cause havoc? And will it threaten Claire's growing closeness with Hanna as well as her job?

As soon as I saw the cover of The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves, I knew I had to read it. Christine Nolfi has written an enjoyable mix of historical fiction and family mystery. The developing relationship between Claire and Hanna was heartwarming. It wasn't until I finished the book that I learned a sequel would be coming, and I'm happy the story will continue.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of this book. My biggest take away from this book is that I saw the author posted on goodreads how she had so much more planned for this story, but decided to break it into two books instead. With that in mind, a lot of my issues with this book make sense. Overall, it felt unfinished--like each plot point is only meeting 40-50% of its potential. For example, the purpose of keeping the library such a closely guarded secret, only for the protagonist to go and tell everyone in town about it as soon as she finds it. The half-baked, shoe-horned romance plotline between Claire and Nate feels like it only exists so that Claire has a reason to hang out at the bar and run her mouth about secret information about her client. Claire and Hanna's motivations make almost no sense throughout the book. For someone whose entire livlihood, found family and identity is wrapped up in her career, Claire does not seem overly concerned about sneaking around Hanna's house, invading her private spaces full of valuables and then telling EVERYONE that she found out Hanna was hoarding mountains of personal information about her employees and their extended families. The relationship between Hanna and Claire feels completely baseless and lacks emotional depth. The book was at its best during Hanna's flashback sections.

Additionally, there is no discernible reason for this book to be in the 1970s. In fact, the book is nearly indistinguishable from any other point in modern time except for random inclusions of the word "groovy," lore drops about LBJ policies and the random mention of a typewriter--and these insertions always took me out of the story because they felt out of place. In the third act of the book, the author speedruns significant plot points to the point that they lack an emotional depth, consequence or climax to the narrative. This is felt keenly during the Pete Shelton letter "reveal" and the Clyde half-sister robbery induced heart attack.

Whatever Nolfi's orgininal plan for this book was, I'd love to see it.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi was a cozy read full of charming characters.

The main character is Claire Shelton, orphaned at a young age and raised by her impoverished grandfather, the library became a haven to her during childhood. After her grandfather’s death, Claire, still enamored with old books, finds work at an antiques store where she occasionally comes across rare prints and first editions.

An unexpected request from a reclusive matriarch of society sets the story in motion. The antique store owners and Claire are asked by the renowned Hanna Reeves to catalog and auction the family heirlooms at Rose Hill. Claire, after hearing rumors of a secret library, is unable to resist the temptation to search it out. What she finds there will change the lives of several people connected to Rose Hill’s history.

This story is easy-paced with a charismatic cast of individuals. I enjoyed the development of the plot, the affection the whole crew of supporting characters had for one another, and the close relationship that eventually grew between Claire and Hanna.

4/5 stars. I was missing an epilogue to the story, so I was happy to hear that the author plans a sequel due out some time next year. Recommended if you’re looking for a low-tension, but moving read about the families we’re born into, and the families we create.

Thank you to NetGalley, Christine Nolfi, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to ready the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved the story and enjoyed the blunt characters with a dry sense of humour. The whole part of secret library, rare books ans the cherry on the cake was the journals with family trees and past records. All of this set in the 70s America was an enjoyable read all throughout.

I know the title caught your attention. Who wouldn’t want a secret library?

What I loved about this story was the atmosphere and the unlikely friendships made. Additionally, the secret library contained something special, more than just classic books, but also family journals that allowed for lost connections to be reestablished.

I love books set in the 1970s, and Christine Nolfi captures the essence and feel perfectly. The atmosphere of Hanna’s estate, Rose Hill, has a bit of a Gothic feel to it, with its imposing architecture, watchful staff, and the indomitable Hanna as its mistress. Claire, the antique appraiser, hired to sift through and catalogue items, was all the while cautiously searching for a hidden library, adding to the mystery and intrigue.

The story, although not dark, delves into some tragic moments from Hanna’s past that have shaped her. As the narrative unfolds, there's a noticeable shift. What initially seemed to be about Claire's task of cataloguing Hanna’s antiques—essentially about things—gradually transforms into a tale of human connections. Bridges are built, bonds form, and suddenly, it's not about the objects, but about the people, our family, the friendships we make, and the legacy we leave behind.

I’m eager to see what the sequel brings!

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @christinenolfi for the gifted book and ebook via #NetGalley.

This book was solid! I liked the mystery that surrounded Hanna and it was really sweet to see the way that she cared for both her staff and the main character.

I thought it was a little slow at times and I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I would have liked, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.

My thoughts
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

The secret library of Hannah reeves.

women historical fiction.

a secret library, a story that takes us back in time.1907 then brings us back to 1973 different time Lines. Multiple time Lines. ❤️
simply amazing story. Hannahin, in her life, goes through so much.

the losses, the loves. the friendships
but the secrets are simply the best.
the up keep of Hannah home.

just simply a phenomenal story.
this story is different from others this author has written and I absolutely Loved it.

a must read.

Christine Nolfi

Claire and Hanna have two very different personalities and from the start they had their disagreements. I loved how much the staff respected Hanna and how they were like family. I really liked Claire and her job. She took it seriously but was also a curious person that could get her in trouble. I also would want to search for a library if I heard there was one so I can’t fault her for that. The way the past was revealed came at the right moments to help Claire understand Hanna better and added some emotion. Friendships between generations are always heartwarming to me and this was no exception. I can’t wait to see where the next book goes.

Thank you @christinenolfi @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

Set in the 1970's Hannah Reeves a daughter of a wealthy merchant - is in her 80's... Rose Hill has always been her home... but is falling into disrepair. She makes a decision to sell some of her antique furniture - stored in the attic after a leak.

Claire Shelton - grew up with her grandfather, her parents young teenagers died just after she was born and is tasked to write the inventory of the antiques by her employers for the sale.

There are rumours that Hannah's father built her a secret library... Claire is determined to find it.

A story - showing money is not everything... and the love of books is a wonderful trait.

I love books about books and libraries and this one was really special. Hannah Reeves was extraordinary in so many ways - - wise beyond her years after losing her mother at a young age, incredibly brave, and a protective daughter who became the heiress of a large household made up of a "found family." Claire was also a wonderful character and I loved her determined spirit. We should all be so blessed to have a grandparent as loving as Pete was to Claire. Their unique relationship tugged hard at my heartstrings. Christine’s writing was wonderfully descriptive as always and I could clearly picture Hannah’s estate and her beloved secret library.

A Beautifully written mysterious historical fiction noVel that takes place mostly during the 1970s. the author does a great job of trANsporting us to other points in timE and different character perspectives to add depth and a seamless connection to the story!

Rest assured, The author has confirmed she is writing a sequel!

“The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves” is by Christine Nolfi. I have really mixed feelings about this book. While it’s set in the early 1970s, I’m not 100% sure why it was set then - other than to have a person born in the late 1800s maybe? I liked the mystery of where the library was located - the information about the house and trying to find the library was really interesting. But once the library was found - for me the story didn’t hold together as well. The mystery was solved - here’s this new plot twist, which wasn’t really a plot twist. While I understand the open ending of the book (though I do wonder if a sequel might be the reason), it really felt awkward and abrupt. I wanted to know more in this book - more about Claire’s employers, more about what happened to the antiques once with her employers, did the local community rally together enabling the house and Hanna to live there longer together? So many unanswered questions - thus why the question of a sequel. I loved the beginning half of this book - but after the discovery of the library it just became uninteresting. The romance felt like it was there to be there, the family mysteries felt thrown in, and the local paper reporter felt really underused after such a strong promise. I wanted to enjoy this book from start to finish and, instead, it wasn’t as strong all the way through as I had hoped. 3.5 stars, rounded down due to the factors mentioned above.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves was a surprisingly heartwarming story about a lovable elderly woman, Hanna, and a young woman, Claire, finding family in each other. The story is set in 1974 but told across the years and from different points of view. I actually didn’t care too much for the main character, Claire, but loved all the other main and supporting characters. There were several hidden nuggets that surprised me along the way. I very much enjoyed this read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fun historical romance novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves
by Christine Nolfi
Pub Date: Jun 24 2025

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.

A story about books, history, and beautiful writing, that’s the perfect combination for me.
This one captivated me from the very first pages: family secrets, an old mansion, and the power of friendship.
I loved watching the connection grow between Claire and Hanna, two very different women brought together by a long-buried legacy.
I’ve read previous books by this author, and this story reminded me exactly why I love her writing; warm, layered, and quietly powerful.