I was really looking forward to this book because Madeline Martin is one of my favorite authors, especially because it has to do with a book society. While this was an well-developed story, I missed the war timeline of what I have come to love about Madeline Martin books. The pace was a little slower than I thought it would be, with the middle half really slowing down. Once I got to the last quarter, I didn't want to put it down, but it took me a while to be that invested in the characters.

Again, this was an interesting story, it just didn't grab my attention as quickly. I am glad I read it (hence the 4 stars) but I probably won't pick it up to read again.

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

Madeline Martin has written another wonderful novel! She remains one of my favorite authors so I was thrilled to be approved on NetGalley to read her latest masterpiece. I am grateful to the author, HarperCollins Publishers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Secret Book Society. Thank you.

The Secret Book Society is an absolute delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Madeline has a way of inviting you into the story with her interesting plot twists, historical intrigue and multi-leveled characters that burst forth from the page. It is a book about the power of literature, the power of friendship, and the bonds that form when a group of women in Victorian London form a secret society to read together. They find much more than just the words on the pages of the books they share - they find strength and a new sense of fortitude they didn’t know they possessed.

It was fascinating to learn about the oppressive strictures placed upon women during the Victorian Era in terms of books and learning. I knew that the social mores of the day required a woman to be the epitome of gentile and ladylike but I had no idea that it was commonplace for the men of high society to restrict women from reading as a way to keep them from having a voice. The women in the Secret Book Society faced scrutiny, danger, and overwhelming pressure if they exerted any type of independent thinking and pursuits. They overcome these challenges with wit, determination, and with the help and support of each other.

When the women of the story finally believe themselves capable of fighting for the kind of life they desire and deserve to live, they find they will have to rely on the trusted friendships of the group to get them through scandal, threats, danger, adversity and hardship. They find there is a strength within themselves they didn’t know they had and they begin to find a sense of who they are and stand up for what they believe in.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how Madeline weaves in the importance of books and the power that reading has in changing one's life. It made me think just how lucky we are to have the gift of literature and the freedom to choose when and what we’d like to read.

If you enjoy historical fiction that is enlightening, and espouses the ideals of love, friendship, independence, hope, and empowerment, then this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

I was hooked by the end of the first chapter!

Lady Duxbury invites three women—each facing their own challenges within a restrictive society—into her secret book club, giving them a chance to take control of their destinies.

The character development in this story is rich and deeply satisfying; watching each woman grow into her power was an incredible journey.

The theme of female friendship really resonated with me, and the story beautifully balances emotional depth with uplifting moments.

If you're looking for a feminist historical read with strong Bridgerton vibes and a secret society twist, this book is for you.

A huge thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC!

The Secret Book Society is a beautifully written story following four different women, in Victorian era England. Martin weaves together a story of heartbreak, hope, friendship, and empowerment with each of the women facing different situations in their lives. The setting of the book has a great Regency era feel, along the lines of the Bridgerton books, but it deals with a lot of heavier subject matter. The chapters switch POVs between each of the female characters, along with diary entries from Lady Duxbury, and I thought this helped to keep the story interesting.

All of the female characters were well-written, and the situations they each faced were believable for this time period. Lady Duxbury was the stand-out character and well layered from her past experiences, and now working to help other women who are facing hardships and challenges within their families. I loved that at the heart of the story, books were used to empower the women, who lived during a time when their reading was limited or completely removed.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Historical Fiction
* Female Friendships
* Victorian Era Society
* Secrets & Betrayals
* Control/Abuse

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)

I would highly recommend The Secret Book Society if you love female characters who grow to overcome adversity and hardship, women who lift one another up, and the life-changing effects that books can bring to one's life.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fierce women, forbidden books, and a secret society worth fighting for.

The Secret Book Society is a stunning love letter to women’s resilience and the power of story. Set against the rigid backdrop of Victorian London, this novel pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go.

Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia each bring their own heartbreak and hopes to the secret book club, and watching them form bonds of trust, strength, and sisterhood is as moving as it is empowering. Lady Duxbury is a total scene-stealer—mysterious, sharp, and the exact kind of woman you’d risk it all to have tea with.

Madeline Martin delivers a deeply emotional, suspenseful, and inspiring historical read with high stakes and unforgettable female leads. If you love secret societies, slow-burning tension, and books that celebrate women finding their voices, this one’s for you.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin.
You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society...Lady Duxbury.
When you receive a note like this, you must attend!
The women were also asked to hold the correspondence in the "strictest of confidences".
The invited women not only had literary interests in common but their life circumstances alerted Lady Duxbury to cordially invite them to join the Secret Book Society because she was in a position to help them.
These were women whose books were being restricted by their husband's and fathers but she felt strongly that so, too, other aspects of their lives were restricted as well.
We meet the women of the Secret Book Society..
Lady Lavinia, Eleanor, and Rose and they believed that the more the bond between them grew, the more they would learn about friendship which is "the balm that has let us begin to heal".
Is this time, a woman could be accused of being afflicted with ‘hysteria’ and sent to a lunatic asylum. Hysteria was a frequent diagnosis for women in this time period with symptoms such as depression and anxiety.. What I found fascinating was in the Author's Note, she describes a true account of a woman throwing a shoe with a note tucked inside for someone to help her as she's being taken away.
I absolutely loved how these women came together for each other.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! I have never read anything like this. I read a lot of historical romances that usually have the London ballrooms and characters of nobility. This has some of that too, but it’s far from a flowery love story. No. It’s gritty, edgy, scary at times, and mired in reality.

The story centers around four women, all of whom are a part of high society. Eleanor Clarke is married to a despicable man. Rose Wharton is an American woman who is married to a man who is in line to b e come an earl. Lady Lavinia is young and a little troubled. Lady Duxbury was the heroine in the story and brought these women together to form a secret book club and what a Godsend that was.

The friendship these ladies forged was unshakable. They helped each other overcome adversity, empowered each other, were loyal even when the men in their lives forbade it and manipulated the situation and tried to keep them under their thumbs, then came together when it really mattered.

This isn’t for the faint of heart. The main characters were sorely put upon and abused in one way or another, but everybody has a breaking point, which catapulted this to a surprise ending that was more than satisfying,

This is probably the best book I’ve read so far this year.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was given a copy of this in exchange for a review.

Another great historical read from Madeline Martin!

In The Secret Book Society three women are invited to Lady Duxbury's house. Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton and Lavinia Cavendish are trapped by the rules of society or marriage. Lady Duxbury suggests a secret book society and offers her library of books to the ladies to take home and enjoy. As the book continues a strong friendship develops between the ladies and each lady becomes more confident in herself and the desire to make changes in her life. Grab you copy in August 2025!

The Secret Book Society
by Madeline Martin
Pub Date: August 26, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this fantastic novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.
Martin’s storytelling resonated deeply with me, a poignant reminder of the strides women have made throughout history. She vividly portrays the harsh realities women once endured treated as mere property, their voices stifled and autonomy denied. Yet through her characters, she breathes life into their resilience, courage, and the transformative power of female friendship.
The Secret Book Society is an exceptional tale of friendship, defiance against societal constraints, hidden truths, personal growth, and the heart-wrenching decisions required to claim one’s destiny. As a relatively new reader of Madeline Martin’s works, this novel has undoubtedly secured her place on my must-read list. It's a profoundly moving and unforgettable tale, one I will treasure and return to time and again.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release date: 8/26/25

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC! The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin follows three women after they receive a mysterious invitation to a secret book club from Lady Duxbury. The women find a space where they can come together, form friendships, and find the courage to stand up for themselves and change their lives despite the oppresive expectations of society.

The Secret Book Society is proof that when women work together, support one another, and lift each other up good things happen. This an easy read that sucked me in right from the start. The different POVs are done extremely well as the stories of each member of The Secret Book Society intertwine. The characters are easy to like and root for. I think that sometimes we forget, or might not even realize, that women were not always permitted to read or had access to the books they wanted to read. This story demonstrates some of the reasons that women in the Victorian era may not have been allowed to read and the consequences they may have faced at home or in society for something so many of us enjoy without a second thought today. The Secret Book Society has the likeable and deep characters and character growth that I have come to expect in Madeline Martin's novels.

This story is a powerful reminder that we should never take for granted our easy access to books and the ability to read what we want when we want to without the the fear of judgement or persecution. It is a very appropriately timed message given what is happening with libraries across the country. Especially in the state I just recently moved out of.

Overall, I recommend The Secret Book Society! If you enjoy books about books, historical fiction, and strong female characters than this is the book for you!

Title: The Secret Book Society
Author: Madeline Martin
Length: 336
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: Aug 26 2025
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Level: closed door
Summary:
London, 1895: Three women—each trapped by stifling marriages and societal expectations—are drawn to a secret book club hosted by the mysterious Lady Duxbury, a countess with a scandalous past. Amid whispered rumors and hidden truths, they find friendship, freedom, and the courage to reclaim their lives. But in a world where secrets can be deadly, one wrong move could cost them everything.

Thoughts:
I will say I was weary starting this book since I knew we’d be steering away from the WWII historical fiction and heading into Victorian England historical fiction. I think I might’ve read only one or two other historical fictions set in Victorian England. Madeline Martin did NOT disappoint! ☺️ I loved the theme of women camaraderie, seeing how they could come together and help one another, and also the power of books and how they can impact our lives. It also made me super thankful to not be living in that time period haha. There was drama, there was heartache, there was suspense, and there was a little bit of romance sprinkled in.

Read if you love:
Victorian England
Historical Fiction
Multiple POVs
Books about books

Special thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

In The Secret Book Society, Madeline Martin masterfully weaves a tale set against the rigid backdrop of Victorian London in 1895, a time when societal expectations confined women's roles, thoughts, and even their access to knowledge. This captivating story follows the lives of three remarkable women whose worlds are irrevocably changed by a mysterious, secret invitation.

At the heart of the narrative is the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a reclusive figure burdened by whispers of scandal and loss, whispers accusing her of having a hand in the deaths of her three husbands. Yet beneath her shadowed reputation lies a fierce determination to empower other women. She extends an invitation under the guise of afternoon tea, but in truth, it is an offer to join a secret book club.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother trapped in a cruel, unjust marriage with the tyrannical Cecil, fights silently for her son’s well-being. Rose Wharton, an outspoken American heiress, wrestles with the suffocating judgments of English society and her husband’s disapproving brother, despite her deep love for her husband. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic soul, struggles to reconcile her passions with her father’s expectations while harboring a burdensome family secret.

Martin’s storytelling resonated deeply with me, a poignant reminder of the strides women have made throughout history. She vividly portrays the harsh realities women once endured treated as mere property, their voices stifled and autonomy denied. Yet through her characters, she breathes life into their resilience, courage, and the transformative power of female friendship.

The bond formed among Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia, sparked by Lady Duxbury’s invitation, evolves into a profound connection. Their secret gatherings become a sanctuary where they find the courage to defy societal norms and pursue the happiness they deserve. Each woman’s journey is uniquely emotional, marked by strength, vulnerability, and the unwavering support they offer one another.

The Secret Book Society is an exceptional tale of friendship, defiance against societal constraints, hidden truths, personal growth, and the heart-wrenching decisions required to claim one’s destiny. As a relatively new reader of Madeline Martin’s works, this novel has undoubtedly secured her place on my must-read list. It's a profoundly moving and unforgettable tale, one I will treasure and return to time and again.

Thank you to the Madeline Martin, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The title of the book drew me in- who doesn’t love a book about books or book clubs? And it did not disappoint. I loved this historical fiction set in the late 1890’s in Victorian London. Unfortunately, this time period of history includes the oppression of women by their spouses for the most insignificant things. Sometimes women were denied basic rights, which included reading. Madeline Martin does an amazing job of sharing the story of three women who are invited by Lady Duxbury to join a secret book society. At the home of Lady Duxbury, a wealthy widow, Eleanor, Rose and Lavinia form friendships that will literally save their lives. I loved everything about this book and would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, books, women’s friendships or a little bit of secrecy.

I was completely captivated from the start of this book! What a beautiful, aching story about the impact of friendship and support from others!

The Secret Book Society tells of the oppressive environment Victorian women were in, in regards to having emotion, feelings, brains, opinions… and while fascinating, was also heartbreaking and at times horrifying. Each woman has a riveting story, all intertwined, and each unique.

As a historical fiction reader myself, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and practically inhaled it. The friendships of these woman was just wonderful to witness, and I highly recommend this read.

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

Madeline Martin has an incredible talent for using inspiration from historical events and building a story that perfectly encapsulates the strength of women when faced with oppressive challenges. Her writing rises to the occasion and sheds light on the challenges women endured and the strength they showed in taking a stand for their own lives and the lives of many other women.

The Secret Book Society demonstrates a period in time when women who were perceived to be passionate and willing to express their own thoughts and opinions faced the possibility of being sent away to lunatic asylums as their behavior was perceived as unladylike and challenging to men. Lady Duxbury, who prior to being widowed, had faced many instances of being held captive and treated poorly. However, she was now viewed as independent and seen as a favorable member among high society. Through her own experiences, she felt led to help women who were being mistreated and viewed differently by society, thus leading to her creation of The Secret Book Society.
As the story unfolds, we learn about those invited to join the society in a way that mirrors how they learn about each other. While there is a slower pace to the story, it perfectly aligns with how women at the time would have slowly opened up to each other. Trust and revealing one’s real life took time, and revealing too much too soon could lead to the downfall of a family. In the end, their friendships and trust in each other prove that women are resilient and strong when they are able to come together and reveal their most precious secret: their real and true self.

Martin has again written a profound story detailing a dark point in history with a focus on the strength of women and the healing power of true friendship. The Secret Book Society is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction.

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, The Hive, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Secret Book Society.

If you are looking for a novel that advocates for women's rights, female empowerment, and sisterhood then this is the novel for you. Set in the late 1890's it tells the story of women meeting in a secret bookclub. However this secret bookclub becomes so much more it becomes a place where women can help each other who are in terrible situations with their husband's. However back in this time sometimes defying your husband would put you in a place you didn't want to be.
We are introduced Lady Duxbury who iss the leader of the bookclub and is the main source in empowering these women and doing anything to help these ladies. One of the members is Eleanor who is a loving mother but lives in fear of her husband who threatens to lock her away in a lunatic asylum. However Lady Duxbury will go to great lengths to help her in a time of need. We also meet Rose who has a loving husband but unfortunately her brother-in-law is an unsavory character. Lastly there is Lavina who is unsure if she even wants to marry because of all the mistreatment of others she was witnessed.
Overall this was a very facinating story and the plot was definitely an intriguing one. I enjoyed the friendships in this novel because it shows that women should always support each other rather than tear each other down.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

This story setting is Victorian London, 1895. Women are suppressed and abused in marriage and society. Many people believe that reading books will cause hysteria.
Women are discouraged or prevented from doing so.
This story is about three women trapped in strained/ abusive home situations. One afternoon all three ladies receive an invitation to "afternoon tea" with the reclusive Lady Duxbury.
"Afternoon tea" is actually a secret book club. These meetings are a chance for these ladies to enjoy reading while finding their strength and freedom.
As their friendships deepen, their confidence and courage grow. Secrets are exposed, but true sisterhood has formed.
This book club could cost them everything-including their lives!
This book is an inspiring story about courage and strength.
It also reminds us how far society has progressed.
Release date is August 26, 2025. Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and NetGalley for sending me this ARC!|

Wow, what a story!!

I’m familiar with the fact that in the 19th century England, husbands could have their wives committed to insane asylum for a myriad of reasons, and women’s rights were heavily regulated and their desires suppressed. This book tells the story of Lady Duxbury who, after being thrice widowed, determines to help women have more of a voice. Weekly secret meetings discussing books such as Jane Eyre and Sense and Sensibility, and recipes of herbs that both heal and hurt, these women form an unbreakable bond. Eleanor, who is ruthlessly beaten by her brute of a husband, Rose, an American who feels out of place but trying to find the desire and love she and her husband once shared, and Lavinia, a young woman who feels deeply but needs help voicing her passions when she feels she might be going mad. I loved the friendship these women shared, and when something horrible occurs, they band together to save one of their own.

This was such a wonderful story that highlights the importance of strong women, good literature, and true friendships.

Thank you to the Madeline Martin, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was a very thought provoking and empowering story of four women set in Victorian London in the late 1800s. Lady Duxbury invites three women to join a "secret book society" in the guise of a weekly tea. Here these women get to know each other and learn to trust and become friends and they each learn strengths they didn't realize they had before. They dare to break free of the restrictions placed on them by society (the men in their lives) . I enjoyed getting to know each one of these women and watching them grow and break free of the restraints placed on each of them. I also loved watching the power of True Friendship between women grow. I received an Advanced e-copy through Net Galley and am Voluntarily leaving a review.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is a moving historical novel about the quiet rebellion of women through the power of reading. Set in Victorian England, it follows Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose—three women struggling under societal and domestic oppression. Each finds refuge and strength in a secret book club, where stories offer not just escape, but empowerment. Eleanor endures an abusive marriage, Lavinia grapples with being labeled "mad" for feeling deeply, and Rose questions the cost of love in a controlling relationship. Their emotional arcs are interwoven with literary classics like Jane Eyre and Sense and Sensibility, echoing their inner turmoil. Lady Duxbury, the enigmatic founder of the society, becomes a symbol of hidden strength and survival. Martin’s writing explores themes of passion, silence, and sisterhood with grace and conviction. This novel is a tribute to the courage it takes for women to claim their voices—then and now.