The writing of the author is lyrical and evocative, balancing the poetic descriptions effortlessly with the snappy dialogue. Her talent to create rich imagery enables the reader to walk into the mystical realm of the hidden library. The book has been written with warmth and delicacy that gives more power to the themes of the book. The novel has a focus on healing, discovery about oneself, and the transformative ability of books to change lives. By following Hanna, the author sends a strong message regarding the necessity of accepting vulnerability and deriving power from solidarity.

Christine Nolfi uses several literary devices, such as dual timelines and intertwined narratives, to create suspense and emotional resonance. The rhythm is well-constructed, switching between periods of stillness and tension relief. Her symbolism, particularly about books as agents of memory, enriches the narrative. The flow of the novel is well-maintained so that the narrative moves without being hurried or dragging. The structure, with its seamless transitions between timelines, enhances the narrative complexity while remaining accessible. The readability is high, thanks to Nolfi’s clear and engaging style.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is a stunningly written novel that will speak to readers who hold dear the wonder of books. Its combination of mystery, emotional resonance, and literary appreciation makes it a unique and compelling work of contemporary fiction. Though some readers may find the introspective nature a trifle slow at times, the reward is clearly worth the effort. I highly recommend this book to readers of character-based novels, book lovers, and anybody looking for a positive read about grit and the power of the written word.

Claire’s curiosity combined with Hannah’s secrets makes for a very interesting relationship between the two of them. And while Hannah seems a bit cold she has a heart of gold and looked out for her staff. Claire, who was raised by her grandfather, benefits by Hannah’s actions and a truly wonderful friendship flourishes. Another great book by Christine Nolfi with strong characters and a great setting.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

i really liked this book! I love the familial secrets that sneak out and become uncovered, I loved the cozy feeling of a little bookshop in Maine, and I like the way this story unfolded. It kept me entertained, and it was good!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

A mysterious woman who has hidden herself away for years, with hidden treasures. Sign me up! This book was so good! The premise was so interesting, and the ending was perfect!

While I enjoyed reading certain portions of this book, it overall lacked much depth or plot. I could have read an entire book about Hanna, but I found Claire to be an incredibly shallow character (not shallow as a personality trait, just not well developed). I also felt that the decision to place this novel in the 1970s added nothing to this book (other than, I suppose, being able to have a character who was alive in the late 1800s. Although I was not alive in the 1970s, there is nothing that seems to actually place the book in that decade, except for a few uses of the word "groovy" and one hippie that appears momentarily (oh, and I guess some talk of "rock and roll"). The book also is about a "secret library," but there is not much about the actual secret library itself.

The "love story" was also very strange - why bother? I appreciate that it was not a central part of this novel, but it seemed completely pointless and underdeveloped.

The good: Hanna's back-story was a compelling read. There is not much of it, though, so it's few and far between. Also, I appreciated the setting in Maine, but the town itself was not described much and it could have taken place anywhere.

In all, an easy read, but am left wondering what the point of the story was.

This book caught my eye when I saw it was about a Library.  Immediately I was hooked.  I spend my days working with books, but still get excited when I find stories that involve libraries. The story centered around the mysterious Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.  Claire Shelton is chosen to reside at Hanna's Rose Hill Estate.  Although her priority is to catalog the historical treasures found within the walls of the Estate, Claire finds the hidden library which holds many unique literary treasures. Among those treasures are Hanna's journals that hold the rich history of the residents she has surrounded herself with. The journals hold great power that can either bring together or tear apart the residents. Claire and Hanna also form a friendship that will help both women understand and heal from their pasts.

For me, this is a must read!  It is a must for every Library!  I highly recommend.

The book tells the story of Clair, a 26-year-old female character, who spends a month in the house of Hanna Reeves, a 77-year old female character, for work reasons.

It was a pleasant book to read, I've never got bored! There were some time transitions between 1900's to 1970's in it. It was very enjoyable to read the discoveries Clair made during this one month, the friendships she made, and the secrets she uncovered. Reading this book was like watching a cozy, family movie on a Sunday morning.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance reading copy of this book.

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.

I have to say that I am disappointed in this book. I wanted to read more about BOOKS! I also felt that the story was left unfinished. Is this a setup for a sequel? I did expect this to be a romance/light mystery. Definitely not my usual read. 2.5 out of 5 ⭐️ rounded to 3

From the title of this book, how could I resist this new book from Christine Nolfi. I loved the mystery, the dual timeline, and the relationship of Hanna and Claire. I loved the blending of Hanna's history, which gives Claire more insight into Hanna. The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is a very well crafted novel that left me wanting to read more about Hanna and Claire.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

“ if you’re fortunate enough to live as long as I have, you’re given the opportunity to become many people in one lifetime. To evolve, grow and change.”

This book was everything!!!
We meet Hannah when Claire is asked to catalog 100s of years of family heirlooms and antiques to be sold and cataloged.

It is in the 1970s, but we get to go back to the 1900s and learn more about Hannah and her background.

This book was amazing, the characters, the time period, the story, the secrets!!

It definitely needs more, the reader needs more and I am here for every part of this journey.

This was my first ARC read that I am very grateful to get from the author/publisher/NetGalley. My interest peaked from the title, secret library? Yes please, who wouldn't want a secret library with rare books?!

In 'The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves' you follow Claire learning the life story of Hanna Reeves. In doing so, we get to read about the developing friendships, hardships and romances whilst uncovering secrets held within and outside the library. The use of flashbacks fitted perfectly within the story building & helped support what was happening in present day.

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read. The story felt light and an easy read. The world building and character development had me itching to turn the next page. If I could say anything about it I feel like I need to know what happens with the antiques and the romance. Hopefully that means a sequel!!

Wow, Christine has done it again. I really enjoyed this book. I was honored to be an ARC reader, and this is my personal opinion. Well done story. Claire, an employee of an antique shop, is invited to catalog the antiques of reclusive Hannah Reeves, the dependent of one of Maines' most well-known ship builders and ship captains of his time. His daughter has maintained his estate and philanthropy in the many yrs since he passed. While living in close proximity, Hannah and Claire develop a relationship despite the age difference. I really enjoyed this story. Thank you, Christine Nolfi, for choosing me to be part of your advance reader team.

I took a chance on this when requesting, and I am so glad I did. It has been a while since I have read a historical fiction novel. This book will stay with me for a VERY long time. I adored it! It was the perfect escape read and I fell in love with the characters. This was my first book by Nolfi, and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this for any lovers of historical fiction.

A big thank you to Christine Nolfi, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Secret Life of Hannah Reeves. I was thrilled to dive into this book, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint. One of the aspects I loved most was watching the friendship evolve between two women who are at completely different stages in their life. This made the story feel even more special. The book was a quick read for me, offering a wonderful mix of historical fiction with a cozy mystery vibe.

The Secret Life of Hannah Reeves will be released on June 24, 2025, so be sure to grab your copy then!

Thank you once again!

This story was incredible. Claire was such a relatable and interesting character. She’s chosen to go and catalog belongings from the famous Hanna Reeves at her fancy estate. Claire finds a hidden library that contains some family documents and journals, and secrets are starting to come out. Hanna was also a very very interesting character with so much depth and history. I loved seeing them grow and bond throughout the story and see how they handled all the information that is starting to come out. Drama!

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is a wonderful book. Claire is the most likeable, trouble making, young adult! She doesn't mean to be troublesome, it just happens! Sometimes her brain and mouth connect but don't listen to each other. Daniel and Louis are wonderful father figures and have helped Claire through a rough patch.
When they receive an invitation from socialite Hanna Reeves to meet to discuss a business arrangement, Daniel and Louis are over the moon! Claire mentally makes plans, but everything changes at the meeting.
They arrive and the meeting with Hanna begins. They have tea and cakes, discuss the selling of the antiques in the house, and that Claire will stay at Rose Hill to catalog everything.
Claire is not thrilled with this arrangement. There are some ups and downs in this relationship. Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I really hope that there is a sequel. There are so many stories within the story to tell. I absolutely loved this book.

Through #NetGalley, I read an ARC about a family, and a proud, stoic, and compassionate woman named Hanna Reeves. Hanna is in her seventies; she has no partner, no siblings, no heirs. Hanna inherited an elaborate estate from her father, and keeping the loyal staff came as part of the deal. An avid reader and private person, Hanna has a secret library that contains hundreds of valuable first edition books. She also has a hidden room where she keeps her personal journals. In them she documents the important details of the lives of her family; her family of choice. This is a tale of romance, passion, heartbreak, and connection. I think you’ll grow fond of these worthy characters. I certainly did!

A lovely vacation read! I loved this story about Claire, an orphan who grew up with her grandfather and now works for an antiques dealership in Maine. (It’s the 1970’s). And she has a yellow VW Bug!

Claire goes to work at Hannah’s estate, cataloging her antiques for an auction. She ingratiates herself into the household there; the servants, staff, and groundskeepers all play roles in the story.

My only flaw that threw me is there is not any character development for Claire, and no repercussions for her poor choices. It made me not like her very much, and she exhibits no self control as a woman in her mid-20’s.

The story and all the other characters are glorious and I loved it. Recommended!

Wow! There are secrets and there are secrets among the pages of this wonderful story!
Claire is a young antique appraiser who receives a request or perhaps I'd say a command to catalog an entire estate of a wealthy, single, elderly recluse named Hanna Reeves. Why Claire?
Hanna has a staff that tend to her every need and in return she truly cares for them in her own way. However, there are boundaries.
Claire and Hanna are generations apart and yet there are many similarities in their personalities that help to create a friendship and admiration for each other.
Will Claire be able to cut through the long standing hidden secrets within this old house?
This is a fabulous, emotional, mysterious story that I truly enjoyed. I adored each character and would love to see a sequel to this book.

Thank you to Christine Nolfi for allowing me to read and review this ARC,
If you like women's fiction, friendship, mystery and just a great story, this is for you!