Set in the richly detailed world of 1895 London, it follows three very different women who find unexpected freedom and power in a most unlikely place: a clandestine book club.

Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia are compelling, vividly drawn characters, each trapped in her gilded cage. Their emotional journeys are rendered with nuance and empathy, from Eleanor’s quiet resistance as a mother under her husband’s control to Rose’s battle to reconcile her American identity with British aristocratic expectations and Lavinia’s poignant search for artistic expression and safety from her past. Their bond—rooted in shared stories, whispered truths, and growing defiance—forms the heart of the novel.

With its perfect blend of suspense, historical detail, and emotional resonance, this novel is more than just a charming period piece—it’s a fierce ode to women who dare to reclaim their voices in a world designed to silence them.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review of The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (Published by HarperCollins)
5/5 stars

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is a heartwarming, empowering, and utterly gripping historical novel set in the late Victorian era. With elegant prose and fast-paced storytelling, Martin brings to life the harsh realities women faced in the 1880s and 1890s—when their choices were limited, their voices often silenced, and their passions (especially for reading) discouraged or outright forbidden.

At the center of the novel are four compelling women: a noble Countess (Lady Duxbury) with a bold secret, a blunt and misunderstood American, a flawless socialite hiding deep trauma, and a young woman battling anxiety and panic attacks. Each perspective is richly written, and the shifting points of view allow readers to connect deeply with their individual struggles—and triumphs.

Brought together by a shared love of books, these women form a secret society that becomes both sanctuary and rebellion. Their courage, intelligence, and friendship light up the pages, and the novel beautifully illustrates how even a single sentence—or book—can spark change. It’s a story of female empowerment, solidarity, and the transformative power of literature.

The historical details are vivid and at times shocking. I was fascinated—and horrified—to learn how easily women were institutionalized, and how harmful “treatments” like arsenic wafers or mercury were once seen as cures. Martin skillfully weaves these facts into the plot, making the novel as educational as it is emotional.

With secret gardens, hidden book compartments, dark pasts, and forbidden knowledge, this story has everything I love in historical fiction. I laughed, I learned, I was moved, and I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend The Secret Book Society to anyone who enjoys stories about brave women, the healing power of books, and reclaiming one’s voice.

Such a powerful read! The plot moves at a steady pace, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are compelling and truly engaging.

Y’all, take my advice when I say don’t grab a “read now” copy of a book in a genre you wouldn’t typically read, blindly, just because the cover is gorgeous. I’m guilty. I’m bad. But it was too tempting.

I’ll likely pick this one up in a few years but I am not a fan of historical fiction in general.
The language is hard to adjust to when reading other genres (and books with servants make me feel weird, but this book is historically accurate).

This book is beautifully written, caught my attention, and I think historical fiction fans will love and cherish this one for a long time to come. A gem of a book.

Thank you for this ARC! I am leaving my honest feedback voluntarily.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong emotional depth and found family energy, this book delivers a powerful and heartfelt story.

Set in Victorian-era London, The Secret Book Society follows four women whose lives have been shaped by repression, abuse, and societal limitations. Each of them carries their own wounds, but when their paths cross, something magical begins to happen. Through shared pain, loyalty, and a blossoming trust, they form a bond that becomes their greatest source of strength.

What I loved most was the exploration of female friendship and how, even in a time when women were often silenced, they found their voices in each other. The writing beautifully captures the slow, vulnerable process of healing and solidarity. It reminded me how essential community is, especially in moments of despair.

I gave it 5 stars because the novel was a powerful testament to resilience, sisterhood, and the courage it takes to reclaim your story.

Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a book that’s both emotionally moving and deeply empowering—without needing any romance to drive it.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I am a sucker for books about books and book clubs so the title and pretty cover definitely caught my eye. I am so glad I got the chance to read this title. It was an enjoyable read with likable characters who each had their own depth and background. I loved the idea of a woman using a secret book club to connect with like-minded women and how the connection allowed them to support and encourage one another at a time when society was unfavorable towards women.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC!
TW: Domestic Abuse & off-screen harm to a child

The Secret Book Society is a thoughtful and beautiful piece of historical fiction that balances a compelling narrative with meaningful commentary on women's autonomy in the late Victorian period.

Set in late 1890s London, the story follows three women who each face oppression in different forms: their husbands, their father, or the generally restrictive societal norms and pressures placed on them by other women. Couple that with the ever-present threat of being institutionalized for "hysteria" (aka any behaviour not deemed "womanly" such as passion, reading, speaking out, etc.) adds a constnat tension reflective of the very real dangers women faced during this era.

As a professor of early American history who focuses on the mid-late 1800s and institutional treatment (especially of the Deaf), I found Martin’s portrayal of the time period impressively grounded and well-researched. She captures the societal constraints of the era without romanticizing them, offering readers a refreshingly honest look at the realities beneath the corsets and drawing rooms.

What worked for me:
>Historical accuracy. Martin did her research, and it shows in the language, setting, and character behavior. I truly believed I was in Victorian London with the way the characters spoke, acted, and treated each other and the Society around them.

>Gradual character development. The protagonists grow organically, and their emotional journeys are nuanced and believable.

>Feminine strength is portrayed authentically. In an age where over-the-top, snarky, overpowered FMCs are common, Martin’s characters find strength in subtlety and persistence.

>Balanced storytelling done through "showing" and "telling." Martin uses diary entries sporadically to "tell" us context that is useful to the current situation. The rest of the story outside of the diaries is "shown" as a growing, breathing, world. I think when done correctly (as Martin did in this instance), the diaries offer a brief change of pace to give the reader necessary context without taking us out of the world or overwhelming us with information all at once.

Why I gave it 4.5 instead of 5 stars
>Some pacing issues. Key plot threads occasionally wrapped up too quickly, undercutting emotional payoff.

>I wanted more Lady Druxbury. Actually...I want an entire book based on the brief snippets of her backstory that we got!!

This is a rewarding, feminist-leaning historical fiction that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy for drama. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys feminist fiction, historical fiction, or just a genuinely good story without catty drama for drama's sake.

I plan to buy a copy once this book hits the shelves and if you're one of those people curiously scanning the comments while still on the fence, give this book a chance, you'll love it!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Madeline Martin is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her books, but I think this one might be my favorite. It takes place in 1895 London, at a time when women had very few rights. They were under the rule of society and their husbands. Three women who are living in adverse circumstances are invited to The Secret Book Society by Lady Duxbury. Through a mutual love of books and a developing friendship, they help each other. The writing is superb, and all the characters are very well represented. This book just got better and better, and I liked the end. Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Captivating Journey I Couldn't Put Down!

From the very first page, The Secret Book Society pulled me in with its enchanting storytelling and richly drawn characters. The author’s ability to weave a tale that is both heartbreaking and uplifting had me completely hooked. I started the book last night and literally fell asleep with it in my hands—unable to tear myself away. This morning, I dove right back in and couldn’t stop reading until I reached the final paragraph.

The characters felt so real and vulnerable that I found myself cheering them on through every twist and turn, feeling their pain and triumphs as if they were my own. This book is a beautiful blend of mystery, emotion, and hope that stays with you long after the last page. If you love stories that grip your heart and soul, this is a must-read!

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing an early copy to review.

Four and a half stars rounded up to five. 1895. Lady Duxbury has invited three women to her Secret Book Society: Eleanor, whose husband abuses her and limits her access to her son, Rose, the American heiress that English society scorns, and Lavinia, whose shyness is crippling but hides a secret passion.
I read this book in one sitting. It was fabulous! Crisp writing, and the characters practically leapt off the page. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is historical fiction set in 1895 London. Three women who are trapped in marriages/lives which are truly oppressive are invited to Lady Duxbury’s home for tea and to be a part of a secret book society. Through the meetings and the books they read, the women begin to learn more about who they are and what they need.

The characters in this book were not extremely dynamic, but they were likable and I found myself rooting for them both as a group and as individuals. Eleanor Clarke is a devoted mother who has no freedom under the watchful eye and harshness of her husband. Rose Wharton is an American who is struggling to fit in to the position of an aristocratic wife in this unfamiliar country. Lavinia Cavendish is a young artistic writer who is haunted by a family secret. Lady Duxbury joins the three of them together along with herself and the ladies are immediately drawn to her. As their friendships grow, they discover courage they didn’t know they had and that it is the only thing that can help them escape their oppressive worlds.

This fast paced novel explores a time period in history where women were not treated as equals and were often physically abused. Some even had a constant threat of being declared hysterical and sent to asylums. During this time, woman were expected to obey their husbands or other men in their lives and were not to show any sign of disagreement. If they did, there were heavy consequences. This is a fact that I had heard of but had not researched or read about very much. The Secret Book Society shed light on this dark time for women and helped me understand how differently women were viewed in society.

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction that is fast paced and doesn’t pull any punches when dealing with tough topics. It is an easy read and one that I feel will hold your interest throughout the book. My only wish is that there had been a little more description in the end. I do understand that the point was to let us draw some of our own conclusions, but I like books to be wrapped up nicely like gifts with a pretty little bow. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Martin’s books.

Last Bookshop in London remains my favorite Madeline Martin title. However, this newest publication took second place.
I thought a great deal about the writings of Nellie Bly while reading this book. Another great read for those who love a book about books. I enjoyed the entrance into a new historical time period for Martin.
I would recommend this title to those who are notof a faint constitution! What a different and encouraging woman friendships story. Curious to see what other readers have to say about The Secret Book Society.
P.S. The ending hints at a sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this title.

This was a deep look into the Victorian aristocracy’s darkness regarding women. The plight of Eleanor was particularly harrowing. I enjoyed reading this very much.

I'm so glad I randomly decided to request this. I was immediately pulled in by the characters, and quickly understood the message of the plot. I loved the focus on empowering women. I was mad, sad, and in tears for these women. I also loved the writing style and am truly thankful that I got to read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for this copy. This review is my own opinion.

This was a very fascinating read. Four women who had been or were currently being abused either socially, mentally, emotionally or physically, show their strength to overcome these odds. This takes place in the 1890’s when women were not encouraged to read for pleasure or have their own opinions. This has some very upsetting moments with regard to physical abuse and mental asylums at the time. It was interesting how the author allowed for each character to have their own voice in a specific chapter. The note to take away from this read is how one person can affect the lives of others either in a good way or a bad way. I would recommend this book.

I really enjoyed the interconnectedness all of the characters in this story. Following Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia, I loved how they all came together through Lady Duxbury's secret book society. Each woman faced unique challenges, from societal expectations to personal struggles, but their relationships blossomed into a source of true friendship and acceptance — truly women supporting women. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Hanover Square Press for the ARC!

Absolutely captivating from the first page! This is the second book I’ve read from Martin and her love for books shines through still. I admire how she illustrates the way women have been intertwined with literature throughout history.

This book was an enchanting look into old London. The desperation of women being able to lead lives outside of the male dominate world comes alive in this story. What better way to present this historical fiction than to write a book about books !

Madeline Martin’s writing makes it easy to envision the glamours gowns, homes, and transportation of this era .

This was my first book to read by this author. I am looking forward to reading more by her .

The story of the Secret Book Society is one of female friendship and the ways in which coming together can empower change for the better. Madeline Martin does an exquisite job of telling the story of these fictional women based on women who suffered in the late 19th century. This story was compelling, empowering, and heart breaking. I couldn’t put it down. I can only hope there are more stories on the way.

Thank you to HTP Books for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was wonderful. It enraged me, but it was so good. The fact that men had so much control over the women in their lives, the disgraceful fact that a husband could decide his wife was insane and just lock her away is revolting. I loved the way these female characters loved and supported each other, and I loved watching their confidence grow as their friendships grew. And the way the book ended leaves room for a sequel, which I really hope is coming.