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.

Set in London 1895, beneath the glamour of Victorian high society, three women struggle under the weight of duty, silence, and suffocating expectations. A mysterious invitation to Lady Duxbury’s estate introduces them to a secret book club and a daring sanctuary where forbidden words spark courage and hope. Eleanor Clarke longs to escape her cruel husband, American Rose Wharton battles isolation in aristocratic society, and Lavinia Cavendish hides a dangerous family secret. Bound together by friendship and the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, they must face shocking revelations and take deadly risks.

3 stars!

Before diving in, let me first disclaim that when I started reading this book I had (a) just come off a 5-star obsession read and (b) started the back to school chaos! I also knew it had a glowing Goodreads rating, so my expectations were sky-high.
The premise sounded perfect for me, and while I admired the writing, the richly drawn setting, and the strong female friendships, I struggled to fully connect with the characters and plot. The difficult dynamics between husbands and wives, though historically accurate and purposeful, were tough to read and distanced me further from the story instead of pulling me in.

I’ve read a few novels this year about women coming together in solidarity, and for some reason, this one felt slower to reach that emotional core. By the time the tension ramped up, I had already checked out a little.

That said, I completely understand why so many readers are loving it and I think it will resonate deeply with others, even though it wasn’t quite the right fit for me!

Thank you to UpLit Reads and Hanover Square Press for the gifted copy of this historical fiction novel.

A Beautiful and Empowering Read

Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is beautifully written and emotionally resonant—her storytelling has a way of pulling me in and tugging on my heartstrings from the very first page.

Set in the Victorian era, this novel follows the lives of four women whose paths intertwine through a secret book club. At a time when women’s freedoms were severely restricted—where reading could be deemed “dangerous” for a woman’s mind and even lead to accusations of hysteria or confinement in an asylum—this story shines a light on the quiet rebellion that comes with knowledge, friendship, and the written word. Martin sensitively explores the suffocating societal expectations placed on women, as well as the emotional and physical abuses that were often dismissed or hidden behind closed doors.

While no scenes of abuse are explicit, their painful aftermath is portrayed with grace and authenticity. Each woman’s journey is heartbreaking in its own way, yet ultimately filled with hope, love, and resilience. Through sisterhood and the transformative power of books, they reclaim their voices and their futures.

Also—good riddance to Cecil (truly, what a relief), and Lady Meddlesome… I mean, Meddleson? Absolutely detestable!

I wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone who loves stories about secret book clubs, intelligent women, and the power of female solidarity in the face of oppressive times.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, and I've put her on my very short auto-buy list. I was super excited about The Secret Book Society because I love her strong female characters and their responses to powerful literature. It happens in every single one of her books, and that's why I love them so much. Unfortunately, I am unable to finished this book. The writing is lovely, as always, but I was not expecting the amount of triggering domestic violence that is in it. I have an extremely difficult time reading these kinds of scenes, and there's a very large focus placed on them in this book. I'm so, so sad to have to set it aside but it's just not in my best interest to continue.

Set in Victorian London, 1895, The Secret Book Society introduces us to three women—Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton, and Lavinia Cavendish—each chafing under their restrictive societal roles. A mysterious invitation to afternoon tea with the enigmatic Lady Duxbury blossoms into a secret book club; a haven where literature becomes both comfort and catalyst for change. Madeline Martin has crafted a vivid portrait of Victorian England, complete with its rigid social hierarchies and the limiting expectations placed upon women. The novel brims with evocative details—from the secret language of flowers to stately libraries—that immerse the reader in its time and place. Beyond aesthetics, the story carries a strong feminist core: it foregrounds how literature becomes a radical force for self-expression and autonomy in an era that demanded women's silence.

I found Martin’s writing to be graceful and accessible, striking a balance between period authenticity and readability. She conveys emotional depth without drifting into sentimentality and brings out the transformative power of books themselves. There is no doubt this is a novel about how the written word and female connection can become revolutionary.

I found the novel’s leisurely pace felt slow in comparison to more fast-moving historical thrillers and although the characters are compelling, the central plot may tread familiar ground in historical fiction.

All in all, The Secret Book Society is a lush, emotionally resonant tale of female empowerment, friendship, and the sacred act of reading. Madeline Martin invites readers into a world where words become weapons against oppressive norms, and where women help each other reclaim autonomy through shared stories. If you're drawn to richly atmospheric historical fiction with a feminist core, this novel deserves a spot on your reading list. It’s perfect for thoughtful book clubs, fans of Bridgerton-style settings, or anyone longing for a story where sisterhood prevails.

This is an incredible story of girlhood, sisterhood, and the power of togetherness. We follow several women in Victorian London, as they prop each other up with the strength to overcome the obstacles in their paths. I loved the premise of this story - Lady Duxbury's Secret Book Society becoming the crux for each women's survival and success.

I enjoyed the clever ways in with Lady Duxbury and her group utilize the rules of Society, often unfair and suffocating, against Society itself to propel themselves forward in solutions to their individual challenges. The way they band together to help one another was lovely.

I appreciated each of the characters and their individual stories, and felt myself balancing between enragement on their behalf, and joy and relief at their fellow Book Society members' ability to be there for one another.

I loved the twist at the climax of the book - based on the starting point of the story, I'd definitely spent most of the book trying to determine how we would get from Point A to Point B, only to discover we were actually going to Point C.

I liked that we are immediately thrust into the action at the start of the book, and that Lady Duxbury has a series of mysteries surrounding her that we get to unravel as readers throughout the book.

Would highly recommend to those who enjoy stories of women's empowerment, especially in historical settings.

Strong women, motherhood, love, loss, pain, and literature? It’s a dream of a book! My only complaint is that I wish this had gone on longer. While that should probably earn it five stars, I really did feel like the ending was rushed and underdeveloped.

I tried three times to get through this book. The first time I made it to Chapter 3, then I needed to take a break. The second time, I made it to chapter 8. Then the book came out on audiobook, and I thought that might help me get back into it. It did not help. I had a hard time keeping track of everyone. I finally declared it not worth my time, and I DNF.

I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Much more than a just a book club, this book society is for women in need of help, friendship and safety. Horrible how women were treating during these times. Amazing how strong women are.

In a Nutshell: A historical fiction that goes much beyond a secret book society. Partly a book about books. Mostly a book about male machoism and female frustration. Interesting female characters, stock male characters. Goes wide rather than deep in themes and topics. The final quarter is quite dark and yet the strongest part of the book. A good novel, as long as you aren’t expecting a light-hearted story about a book club.

Plot Preview:
1895. England. Three women receive an unexpected, strangely-worded invitation for afternoon tea from Lady Duxbury. Each of the women is trapped in their social role in some way or the other. Lady Duxbury intends for them to meet regularly under the façade of a casual get-together, and find what they need, be it friendship, solace, books, or freedom.
Eleanor Clarke, who is of noble birth, is married to an abusive nouveau riche blinded by his new wealth and his desire to climb up the social ladder. Rose Wharton is a rich young American struggling to fit into her new role as an English aristocrat’s wife. Lavinia Cavendish is a nineteen-year-old with a longing to be accepted for what she is. All of them are enamoured by what their new patron, the thrice-widowed Lady Duxbury, proposes: a secret book society. As they begin this journey, they discover more about each other’s lives, not knowing that soon, the strength of their new friendship will be tested.
The story comes to us in the third-person perspectives of Lady Duxbury, Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia. There is also a first-person story-within-a-story.

Bookish Yays:
📚 The four women characters. The pillars of this book. Each unique and yet strong in various ways. Eleanor was my favourite.
📚 Rose’s experience as the American outsider in the closed ranks of the English upper class. A well-written example of how discrimination existed even among the privileged.
📚 The accurate portrayal of the rigid requirements in the historical English society not just from women but also from titled aristocrats, outsiders, merchant-class men, and elder siblings. The content captures nicely the pulse of the restrictive social mores.
📚 A related yay for highlighting the male privilege, and the bias against wives and daughters, whether it came to inheritance or hobbies or even the clothes worn.
📚 The depiction of the domestic violence – chilling!
📚 Great vocabulary. In today’s overly-processed and digitally-edited writing world, it is always a treat to see apt words being used. Even if these might have been edited through digital aids, the correct contextual usage made it feel natural rather than a shoved-in higher vocab word.
📚 I think my biggest yay from this book has to be the gratitude I felt for being a woman born in the second half of the 20th century.
📚 The author’s note at the end.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
📖 Somehow, Lady Duxbury always sounds much older than she is supposed to be: in her thirties. I don’t know if my mind muddled her with Lady Danbury from the Bridgerton books. The other ladies always sounded their age, whether the teenaged Lavinia or the twenty-something Rose or the thirty-something Eleanor.
📖 Considering that the title highlights a “secret book society”, I expected more bookish discussions. There are references to books and women authors, but a major chunk of the plot is about the characters’ personal travails.
📖 Given that every single female character is in a troublesome domestic situation, the proceedings get a bit too negative. The only positive depiction of marriage comes through Rose’s perspective, but that is also a partially happy situation. I wish there had been a better variety of relationship situations instead of having a variety only in terms of types of female subjugation.
📖 On that note, there are too many examples of how women are maltreated in society. Every theme was important, yes. But not every single trauma faced by women has to be included in a single book!
📖 Pet peeve: I hate it when characters take ages to read a personal journal. In this novel, it was even more odd as the characters blazed through other novels within a week but took more than a few weeks to read the journal. This contained the story-within-a-story I referred to earlier, and it was fairly interesting, even though it also went overboard in terms of feminist themes.
📖 The middle section is the weakest part of the book, going off track into a random trend of the day, which was boring. The final section saves the book to a great extent. At the same time, this section is too dark and disturbing, which wasn’t expected from the title and the initial chapters.

Bookish Nays:
📕 So tiresome and repetitive to see women-oriented plots show most men being monsters. Rose’s husband is the only one with a few good attributes, and another male character is shown as being a feminist in the modern sense of the word. The rest are all narrow-minded caricatures.
📕 Unrealistic to see modern feminist thoughts and anachronous phrases such as “Not all men” pop up in a historical work. The content felt historical in terms of costumes and social behaviour, but the feminism was not of that century, even counting exceptions.


Overall, I expected a more uplifting and soothing read, but this ended up as an infuriating experience for various reasons. It is still a great book (except for that boring tangent in between), as long as you go in prepared for a story about historical discrimination against women than about a secret book club.
Recommended to historical fiction fans. Triggers galore related to women’s mistreatment, matrimony, pregnancy, and motherhood, so ensure that you are in a strong headspace before picking this up.
3.5 stars, rounding up wherever applicable for the final section.
My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Hanover Square Press for providing the DRC of “The Secret Book Society” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.