4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc

I’ll be honest, I hadn’t read any of Christine Nolfi’s work until stumbling across ‘The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.’ And really, she had me at “secret library”—am I a criminal? We all have bookish hearts here.

But through her intricate writing, Gatsby-like setting, and a healthy pinch of mystery, Nolfi created a world that felt enchanting.

The story follows our protagonist, Claire, as she’s unwittingly recruited to catalog the antiques of philanthropist, Hanna Reeves. As a socially reclusive 80-year old with a ‘dynasty’ of her own, Hanna’s reputation proceeds her. Or at least, the gossip does.

Gossip is its own currency within the elegant world Nolfi created—not only heightening the stakes, but also seamlessly progressing the plot. What starts as an innocent opportunity—or as innocent as our 26-year-old, short-tempered Claire can be—quickly becomes haphazard exchanges of information along the grapevine. They say money is the root of all evil, and with gossip as its kin, there’s no wonder some exchanges can lead to ruin.

And yet, beneath it all, Nolfi expertly reveals that there are things far more important than the enigmatic activities of upper-class… and begrudgingly, I’ll admit, more important than secret libraries, too.

A beautifully written, enchanting novel. I loved the characters of Claire (a bookish and cautious antiques dealer) and Hanna (the mysterious and reclusive owner of the Rose Hill estate). The shifting points of view and time periods moved together seamlessly. I particularly enjoyed Claire's search for Hanna's rumored secret library somewhere within the walls of Rose Hill, as well as Hanna's journals and the evolving dynamics/friendship between Claire and Hanna. The novel's ending was full circle and overall satisfying - though I could happily have read another hundred pages. Fans of Kate Morton will enjoy this.

I would like to thank you for being approved as an arc reader.

The book is about the development of a friendship between Claire and Hannah, two very different ladies in society. This beautiful story is about uncovering the hidden pasts and learning to adapt to their pasts. The characters have surprising backstories and this story in many way reminded me of greats such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. If you are a fan of either book then this is a must read. The story itself mixed together beautifully a blend of different times as well as makes it very clear when there’s a shift in pov. It has been well wrote using a variety of anecdotes across time and the world building of the different societies within the book has been very well constructed. Highly recommend.

Characters are memorable and the themes within this book are well put together. I particularly enjoyed the historical elements of this novel and can't wait for the official release to add it to my personal library.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is a sweet story of finding your own family. The book tells the story of a Hanna Reeves and the staff of her estate. Hanna is well respected for taking care of her staff. The story focuses on how Hanna has quietly served others.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by new to me author Christine Nolfi, published by Lake Union, is a full length, stand alone. A story that spans decades, is beautifully thought out and beautifully written with twists and turns that had me guessing till the very end.
Loved the story and characters, 4,5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.
This is a very uplifting book about two women who start out with a difficult relationship, but end up having so much in common (especially books) that it unites them completely.
Their friendship, the history of the books, the characters in the story ... it's quite wonderful and brought an occasional tear to my eyes.

Secrets and books, yes please! The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves bh Christine Nolfi was an amazing book. I loved it!

Following Claire on her journey of working as an antique dealer for the sole descendent of the state’s most notable families. Discovering the secrets of the past and forming unexpected friendship, this novel brings a cozy mysterious feel. The novel captures the essence of friendship, family secrets, and self-discovery. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys intricate family dynamics, found family and hidden histories.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the opportunity to read The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi, A lovely story about friendships and found families.

Books written by Christine Nolfi have a way of latching onto my heart from the very first page, and I find myself completely absorbed until the last page is turned. In her latest novel, we meet Claire Shelton, a young woman who, having never known her parents, was raised by her grandfather. Now an adult, Claire works at an antique shop, where fate soon leads her to Rose Hill, the opulent home of the wealthy and reclusive Hanna Reeves. Nearly eighty years old, Hanna is well-known for her philanthropic endeavors, and her house—and its attic—hold a treasure trove of valuable antiques.
Hanna requests that Claire move into her carriage house, enabling her to be on-site daily to catalogue the extensive collection. As Claire settles into her new temporary home, she encounters various members of Hanna’s staff. While most are warm and welcoming, a few pose challenges, much like Hanna herself, whose vast staff serves as her only family.
While diligently working with the antiques, Claire makes a remarkable discovery: a hidden library built for Hanna by her father when she was a child. Both Claire and Hanna share a deep love of books, and when Hanna discovers Claire has been in the library, she questions her about it. There are years of secrets tucked away in the library that nobody other than Hanna and Claire are aware of. Once revealed some of the well-guarded secrets unite families and friends and some have the power to destroy them.
This is a captivating, heartfelt story I found impossible to put down. It is a reminder that those we consider family, aren’t necessarily always the family we are born into.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi. The Secret Library by Christine Nolfi I found an interesting read. The story of antiques was very interesting and informative. Her search for the Library was very interesting. Read the book I think you will like it.

The book is about the development of a friendship between Claire and Hannah, two very different young ladies in society. This beautiful story is about uncovering the hidden pasts and learning to adapt to their pasts. The characters have surprising backstories and this story in many way reminded me of greats such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. If you are a fan of either book then this is a must read. The story itself mixed together beautifully a blend of different times as well as makes it very clear when there’s a shift in pov. It has been well wrote using a variety of anecdotes across time and the world building of the different societies within the book has been very well constructed. Highly recommend.

Characters are memorable and the themes within this book are well put together. I particularly enjoyed the historical elements of this novel and can't wait for the official release to add it to my personal library.

This is a beautifully written novel about unlikely friendships, family secrets, and uncovering the past. The bond between Claire and Hanna grows as they delve into the mysteries of Hanna’s family history, leading to both heartwarming and shocking revelations. It’s a compelling story of belonging and the power of discovering the truth. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!