Engrossing story set in Victorian England at a time women were expected to obey their husbands, have children, and keep house. Lady Duxbury, a widow three times over, sees things differently after a lifetime of experiences with men taking away her freedom, including her books. Books were seen to cause women to have too many ideas and feelings. Lady Duxbury forms a book club and invites three women who she knows need help. Eleanor is married to a tyrant who often beats her, but has a hold over her because of their son. Rose is an American, married to future royalty and seen as too brash and outspoken. Lavinia feels too much, too many feelings and passions, worried that she will be deemed hysterical. Many women were institutionalized, diagnosed with hysteria, often if the husband decided he wouldn’t put up with any defiance. The friendship that grows between the women as secrets are told and revealed, was the best part of the book. References to various books enhanced the story. Highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I have read a few books by Martin and they have all been 4 STARS reads. The beginning was intriguing, and I became instantly invested in the lives of these ladies. However, as more of the storyline unraveled, the more annoyed I became. It was a modern perspective told in a historical setting; men were villains and women were powerless. I would never discourage any book buddy from reading this one, but it is not a favorite from Martin.

Madeline Martin has crafted a truly delightful story in The Secret Book Society. The setting and atmosphere pulled me in right away, and I loved how the book centered on the power of stories to connect people and create a sense of belonging. It’s a novel that balances heart, resilience, and a deep appreciation for literature in such a warm, uplifting way.

The characters felt authentic and easy to root for, each adding depth to the overall story. Although the pacing dipped in a few places, the payoff was worth it, and by the end I felt both moved and satisfied. This is one of those reads that stays with you, not because of shocking twists, but because of the comfort and hope it offers.

A beautiful tribute to books, community, and the strength people find in one another. Perfect for fans of historical fiction with heart, or anyone who loves a story that celebrates the magic of reading.

I have enjoyed reading Madeline Martin's historical fiction about WWII. In this novel, she travels back in time to 1895 London, where women are controlled by their husbands. Books are considered frivolous. As Lady Duxbury has been married and widowed several times, she wants to bring these women together in a Secret Book Society, where they can borrow and read books from her private library. The women develop a friendship and a bond where they know they can rely on each other for help and advice.
Men at this time could commit their wives to an asylum, simply if the man didn't think his wife was behaving appropriately. When one of the men committed his wife, the Society got together to plan her release.
Horrifying to know that men could do this so cavalierly, without any regard to the person.
I look forward to her next book!

I love it that Madeline Martin’s books are about books. She has become a go-to author for me. This one features Lady Duxbury in England 1895, who starts a secret book society to meet with and assist women who are in need of assistance. This story focuses on three ladies who are all in bad situations at home, often abusive and threatened by husbands or fathers. Love to see women helping each other.

Rating: 4 stars

I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.

The Secret Book Society was an enjoyable read for me. What I enjoyed about this book was reading the stories of these women during this time and seeing the friendships they developed with each other as the book progressed. Even though all these women’s stories were different, what they had in common was being suppressed by the men in their lives and not being able to enjoy a hobby that they loved. I really loved seeing these women come together in sisterhood and watching their friendship with each other blossom into a support system that was there for each other when needed.

I especially enjoyed reading this book because I found I could relate to the struggles one of the characters was dealing with. Having big emotions that you don’t always feel like you have control over is something I can definitely relate to, so I deeply felt for Lavinia when the book was from her perspective. I felt like I could relate to both Eleanor and Rose as well, but not quite as much as the struggles Lavinia was facing when it came to her emotions and how she handled situations she found herself dealing with in this book.

I also enjoyed that this book was from these women’s perspectives, and getting to learn more about Lady Duxbury through her diary. Hearing each of these women’s voices during this time was wonderful, even when I found myself feeling frustrated by the men in their lives. I enjoyed getting to learn more about Lady Duxbury, too, because you were able to see how she became the character you see in The Secret Book Society. Yes, she still ends up having some mystery to her character, but I feel like getting to read her diary was a great way to learn more about her.

If there was anything I didn’t particularly enjoy with this book, it would be the ending. I enjoyed that things worked out for all of these characters, but I wanted to see more of their story after the events that transpired, instead of getting a little snippet about what happened. This is mostly because I enjoyed reading their story, but also because I wanted to see how their friendship continued to grow with everything they’d gone through.

As a whole, though, I enjoyed reading The Secret Book Society. I think it’s a book women should read to learn about what happened to women during that time and to see how they were treated by men because of their gender. Especially because each of these women are very relatable too. The Secret Book Society was published on August 26, 2025, for anyone interested in giving this book a read.

I loved the historical setting and the women in this story—their struggles and circumstances all felt so well represented and thoughtful. I felt something was missing from the writing though—it felt a little too lighthearted for the narrative.

While this book brings to light a period of time where women were treated as the lesser gender, it didn't hold my interest. I couldn't connect with the characters and the prose was too formal for my tastes. I'm sure other readers will find it appealing, it just wasn't for me. My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Victorian London ~ Forbidden Book Club ~ Secrets ~ Strong Women ~ Afternoon Teas ~ Friendship ~ Abusive Males ~ Societal Expectations ~ Murder ~ Book about Books ~ Suspense ~ Memorable Characters ~ Class & Sexual discrimination ~ Well Researched ~ Recommended

I’ve read other books by Madeline Martin and greatly enjoyed them. I’ll be adding this book to that group.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

The Secret Book Society is an absolute delight from start to finish. It’s the kind of story that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place full of charm, warmth, and just enough mystery.
I found the premise is irresistible and very on brand for a book that I would love: a hidden society of women readers that are bound together by their love of books? Yes please. But what really makes it shine are the characters each one feels like someone you’d want to share a cup of tea with while talking about your favorite stories.

The writing is cozy without being saccharine, laced with witty dialogue and tender observations about friendship, belonging, and the power of stories to change our lives. I especially loved how the book celebrates community and how books can draw people together who might otherwise never meet.

If you’re a fan of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or anything by Jenny Colgan, this is a decent comfort read.

THE SECRET BOOK SOCIETY by Madeline Martin

Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton, and Lavinia Cavendish are invited for afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive, and thrice widowed, Lady Duxbury. Though these women don’t know each other, they were selected because they’re being mistreated and/or oppressed by those around them.

I love the way Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose develop a bond over their love of literature, reading and writing. Their time at Lady Duxbury’s becomes a safe space to be themselves in a time where women were mistreated, restricted, and oppressed.

While I appreciate the author’s message as a whole, I felt the plot was predictable, and too much of a “Hallmark HEA” book. Not that there’s anything wrong with that —it just isn’t my favorite.

That said, this is a well researched, and heartfelt story of female empowerment, friendship, and found family. Recommend for cozy historical fiction fans.


Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

Pub Date: 08.26.25

**ARC courtesy of Netgalley and HarlequinBooks

With "The Secret Book Society" Madeline Martin has created an absorbing meta novel about a group of women in Victorian England who use books and friendship to reclaim their power and is in itself an empowering book for women. Based on real-life stories Martin shines a light on how the women have been repressed and abused by their male relatives and delivers four satisfying endings to each woman's struggles.

The book centers around Lady Duxbury who after suffering enormous personal losses, uses her fortune and influence to create "The Secret Book Society" and help women who are abused and repressed by their husbands and fathers. The book follows three such women - Eleanor, Rose and Lavinia - while also telling Lady Duxbury's story through her diary entries. You will be rooting for these ladies and plotting ways to off their husbands and send them away to safety like I was. There is also at least one swoony male suitor - Props to Mr. Wright! - I wanted more of him!

I listened to the audiobook so please forgive any misspelled names. This was a great listen and whizzed by. Once I had the four ladies' names and situations straightened out in my head (it took a couple of chapters per character) it was easy to follow. The chapters switch between each character but stay third person.

This is the first Madeline Martin book I've read, but I've been circling her for years. Now I'm sorry I waited so long!

Madeline Martin delivers a charming and empowering tale in The Secret Book Society, where four women from very different backgrounds come together in Victorian London over something as simple, and as life-changing, as a book club.

At first, their circle feels mismatched, but as the meetings continue, barriers break down. They trade secrets, share laughter, and ultimately form a bond strong enough to withstand society’s judgment and the dangers of controlling men.

Martin captures the atmosphere of Victorian London beautifully while giving each woman a distinct voice and inner life. What shines most is the novel’s message: that women’s friendships can be a refuge, a rebellion, and a force for change.

The Secret Book Society is perfect for anyone who loves stories about resilience, sisterhood, and the quiet power of books to bring people together. 4/5 stars! Thank you Netgalley for the ebook.

It’s 1985 in London, and 3 women in oppressive marriages receive mysterious invitations to an afternoon tea by a woman named Lady Duxbury. Tea turns into a forbidden book club as their relationship grows and the risks get higher than ever.

Book Yays:
- Rich, detailed scene setting in Victorian Longon
- Strong themes of female empowerment and the power of knowledge
- Strong character development with a multi-POV narrative

Book Nays
- Dialogue is a bit stuffy at times, making for slightly slower reading
- While I enjoyed the different POV’s, it may take some readers a bit longer than necessary to get connect with the main characters
- Male characters have a tendency to be very flat

Lady Duxbury is a thrice-widowed woman who issues an invitation to three women, an invitation to a Secret Book Society. Each of the three women loves to read and yet has been forbidden to do so by a man in her life, but Lady Duxbury gathers them to give them the opportunity to explore her library, but more importantly, to build crucial friendships. Solid character building, a captivating storyline and supportive female relationships. Great combination!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Hive for the ARC copies of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I rarely give books a 5 that didn’t make me cry or laugh, but this book was an exception.
This book took place in a time where women were sent to asylums for “hysteria”. It was the recency era. So the overall content usually makes me so angry I can’t even finish it; however, this book did not do that.
I was angry at their circumstances and angry at the men. But the anger was overshadowed by how happy I was for how much they were growing as women.
I loved that this book was all about the women bonding over their shared experiences and learning how they can live without shame or fear.

This reminded me of witchy books due to the time frame and the plight of women but it was more than that, and there were no witches.

Overall I loved the story. I definitely recommend it.

This is a heartwarming story of friendship and community in a time when women didn’t have the power to stand on their own. I can’t imagine living in a world where I couldn’t read what I wanted to read or worse of being told what I must read. I realize that not everyone is so fortunate. I love the premise of bringing women together to broaden their minds and develop confidence with the support of each other. Book people are the best people and books truly do bring people together.

I had a hard time getting into this book but I’m so glad I kept reading because this was a wonderful story. I really liked all the ladies and enjoyed that they each had a different reality in 1800s England life, Lavinia, Clara, Eleanor, and Rose are all part of a book club that becomes so much more, These ladies all wanted something different from the life they were living and learned to gain support from one another. It was infuriating that the threat of the insane asylum was a real fear because men didn’t want to deal with their wives & daughters who were different from demure, boring English ladies. The story was excellent and the rescue of Eleanor was exciting to read, The ending was amazing and I’m so glad I read this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for a copy of this book.

Why would a wealthy somewhat recluse widow invite three Victorian women to a secret tea for her book society club? Do these women have anything in common? Indeed, they do, and instinctively, the Countess of Duxbury, has selected to communicate through books and conversations with each other that they can either change or alter their current home situations. A story that is, at time, startlingly in its description of each of the women’s home circumstances, it addresses abuse in different forms that might be disturbing to some readers. I felt that the author, Madeline Martin, has her finger on societal issues by using a historical setting so effectively. It also demonstrates the power of books to embolden a person as well of the power of female friendship to trust one another. Many thanks to the author, NetGalley, and HarperCollinsPublishers for an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.

"You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society … "

As a book lover, a book club lover (those girls have gotten me through a lot), and a historical fiction lover, this book was right up my alley. It follows 4 women from all walks of life that form a somewhat strange at first book club. You have Lady Lavina, the daughter of a wealthy family in town, Rose Wharton, the wife of an Earl from America who is criticized by her brother-in-law for being "too American," Eleanor Clark, who has a dark family secret she hides, and Lady Clara Duxbury, the hostess and three time widow. Over the course of the book, these Victorian women bond, share their darkest secrets, and come together to save one of their own. It is wonderfully written, will whisk you back to Victorian London, and remind you why women friendships are so important (especially for those under the thumb of abusive men).

A solid 4.5 stars for me!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an early readers copy of this one.