I absolutely loved this book. Why? It is about books. It is about women helping other women. It is about overcoming the restrictions that men put on women. Yes, this book is set in 1895 but many women are still oppressed in 2025, which makes It significant to our current world.
What fun it is to read about these oppressive gents getting their comeuppance. This book was perfectly paced. I could not put it down. There was magic woven into this book--I could feel it. I just could not put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the complementary digital ARC. This review is. my own honest opinion and not coerced in any way.

I am extremely grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this new release in exchange for my honest opinions.

Set against the backdrop of high society Victorian London, The Secret Book Society invites us into the world of a group of three well-heeled women of nobility as they struggle to overcome the limitations and oppressions of being born a woman. Despite their magnificent estates, liveried servants and and glamorous couture fashions, they are perpetually held down by oppresive husbands, fathers and brothers. The women endure varying levels of abuse, neglect and restrictions from the men who reject their desire to have any aspirations apart from obidient wife and genteel mother.

These women are drawn together by the mysterious Lady Duxbury, a reclusive widow with a string of dead husbands in her wake. The guise of gathering them together for a ladies' high tea soon falls away as the Dowager Duxbury reveals her wish to initiate a secret book club for women - a place of sanctuary and respite where the women can form true friendships and partake of all of the knowledge ensconced in Lady Duxbury's vast personal library.

Will the wisdom of books be a bridge to freedom and empowerment or will the women be put at even greater risk of being declared hysterical and sent to an asylum to live out their days? How did Lady Duxbury manage to be a widow three times over and what secrets does the keep hidden among the books in her library? A secret garden and hidden country estate? Sure - we have those, too!

I admit that this book started off a little clunky for me but it definitely got better as it went. I think the beginning is just a lot of adjustment to the "Lady So and So" dialogue that felt a little forced and repetitive. However, this is Victorian England and the fussiness sort of fits with the setting and characters. I did find the characters to be a little wanting - we have the brash American heiress who is our square peg, an abused wife who has turned meek at the hand of her brute of a husband and the artistic young maiden who is brilliant and passionate and utterly misunderstood. Nearly all the male characters are absolute ogres with little depth. There is some soft, open door romance and the whole book has a very "romantic drama" feel to it.

I mostly enjoy reading historical fiction to learn new things and be transported into another place and time. I did learn some things about the Victorian era and this book was clearly well-researched. Unfortunately, the characters of the women weren't terribly interesting to me and I found some of their actions and decisions to be far-fetched. The ending is terribly tidy and pat for having suffered through all the agony they experienced to get there. It was fun to imagine such a society existing but also hard to believe.

It is quite a fast paced read, especially once we get past all the titled introductions. Great for fans of Belgravia or The Buccaneers and probably a good read for fans of romance and drama. Some absolutely lovely descriptions of period fashion and food. 3.5 stars

Thank you @htpbooks @madelinemmartin @netgalley for this ARC!

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️.

After reading books about golden retriever MMCs and shadow daddies, this book is a sobering reminder on how women have fought and are continuing to fight against the restrictions & expectations put upon them. The story centers around 4 women in Victorian London and their shared love of books. Their courage, resilience, ingenuity, & friendship are tested, then fortified through their quiet rebellion against constraints & oppression. Martin’s prose is lyrical and moving. She is amazing at conveying powerful messages through grace & subtlety. This inspirational women’s story is highly relevant today.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is a thrilling novel set during Victorian England, In London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of Lady Duxbury. Beneath the facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom and courage to rewrite their stories.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, a young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder. As the women form friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

Martin does a wonderful job creating an inspirational story of women's bravery and courage during the Victorian era. The Secret Book Society had me turning the pages to the very end. This book is an easy 4 stars. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received a free advanced copy and all opinions are my own. I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

The Secret Book Society is a beautifully written historical novel set in 1895 London, where three women trapped in oppressive circumstances find freedom, friendship, and quiet rebellion through a secret book club. Martin blends rich atmosphere, emotional depth, and a touch of mystery to explore themes of autonomy, sisterhood, and the transformative power of literature. Though a bit slower paced, it’s an empowering and moving read perfect for fans of historical fiction that centers around strong women and hidden courage.

Not being able to read books sounds like a circle of hell I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but the group of women in this book drive home how important and life sustaining that access to books can be. Eleanor, Lavinia and Rose are society women who find themselves unhappy after their husbands or father denies them access to books. Appearances are everything in their world, and women are ornamental pawns for their male counterparts to manipulate at will. Lady Duxbury forms the Secret Book Society, bringing them together to provide them the an outlet for their bookish natures. This group of ladies build a friendship that sustains them through the hardships of lives that aren’t in their control. A very enthusiastic 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Throughout the story, there are parts that are just horrific to consider, but also uplifting in the friendship, caring and support that are evident throughout the story. The lives depicted in the main characters of this story are genuinely brought to life by the author. How women have had to overcome so many struggles and what women have had to endure throughout the years is so monstrous, and even though women have come a long way in today’s society, it is still tragic that we are still not truly considered equal. However, this story leaves you with a feeling that anything can be accomplished. And it allows you to reflect on the fact that the only reason we are where we are today is because of strong women who stood up for themselves and those that supported them regardless of society dictates. Thank you to author Madeline Martin, publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

What a reminder of how important friendships between women are! Ms. Martin’s book was poignant, reminding me that I am blessed today by the women who forged for freedom before me, The Secret Book Society is a a story of the joys that come with true female friendships, as well as a difficult picture of what freedoms women were “allowed” to have. I admit that parts of the book were hard to read, not because of the writing, which was delightful, but because of the subject matter. Fighting for those who can’’t fight for themselves. Fighting for love.

I enjoyed this book, set in the late 1800s, about a group of women who find strength in each other and in the books they share. Each of the women have a heartfelt story, as they struggle to find their place in society. Most of the men do not come off very well, control freaks, abusers, and worse. While the ending was a bit predictable, I loved the story. The writing is good and there is a pretty good twist or two!

Book Review: The Secret Book Society
Reviewed from an advance pre-release copy provided by the publisher

Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is a powerful and evocative exploration of what it meant to be a woman in Victorian England. Through the lives of Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia, readers are drawn into a richly imagined world where social expectations suffocate personal freedom, and even reading is seen as a subversive act. These women, each battling their own struggles within the confines of marriage, reputation, and secrecy, come together in an unexpected sanctuary: a private book club hosted by the enigmatic Lady Duxbury. What begins as a quiet gathering over tea blossoms into a life-changing fellowship that challenges the beliefs and boundaries of their time.

The novel is as informative as it is emotionally gripping. Martin does not shy away from portraying the chilling realities of the era. Women were discouraged from reading beyond texts that reinforced their domestic roles, with literature deemed a distraction that could lead to disobedience and dangerous ideas. Even more disturbing is the treatment of emotional and psychological struggles under the label of “hysteria,” which served as a convenient excuse to silence or institutionalize women who dared to express anger, grief, or defiance. These historical details are seamlessly woven into the narrative, providing context without weighing down the story’s pace.

What makes this book unforgettable is its balance of resilience and vulnerability. The characters are richly developed and heartbreakingly real. Their fears, secrets, and small triumphs draw the reader in, making it nearly impossible to set the book aside. I found myself deeply invested in their fates and moved by the courage it took for them to find their voices in a world designed to keep them quiet. This wasn’t a book I could breeze through. It’s a longer read, but every page kept me engaged. For me, The Secret Book Society unfolded over several days, and I found myself looking forward to settling back into its world each time.

Madeline Martin’s novel doesn’t just tell a story. It offers a place to reflect, to witness the quiet strength of women who refused to stay silent, and to remember how powerful words can be. It’s a story that leaves a lasting impression because of how deeply it resonates.

#TheSecretBookSocietyTheHive #NetGalley #MadelineMartin

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Review of The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing

Set in Victorian England, The Secret Book Society explores the rigid class structures and gender expectations of the time through the eyes of three women: Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose. Each woman faces her own challenges within a society that limits their choices based on wealth, status, and especially gender. The story is centered around a mysterious book club run by Lady Duxbury, a wealthy and sharp widow with three deceased husbands and a reputation that keeps people guessing. The book club serves as a hidden sanctuary where women come together, not just to read, but to push back against the roles they’ve been boxed into. Through alternating points of view, the novel reveals how literature becomes a lifeline—and a form of quiet rebellion—for women seeking agency in a world built to silence them.

I liked that the novel didn’t just focus on romance or drama, but really leaned into themes of personal growth, trust, and female empowerment. The dynamic between the women felt realistic—they don’t instantly bond, but slowly learn to rely on each other, which made their friendship more believable. The book club itself is a great centerpiece—there’s something powerful about women secretly reading banned or controversial books and letting that reshape how they see themselves. That part of the story worked really well for me.

The most interesting part of the novel, though, was actually the Author’s Note at the end. Learning about the real historical fears around women reading—how it was viewed as dangerous, even immoral—gave the whole story an extra layer of meaning. It tied everything together and reminded me how hard women had to fight just to have access to knowledge. I kind of wish that depth had come through even more in the story itself.

If I had one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a little too neat, like everything got wrapped up faster than it should’ve. But overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction with strong women at its center.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an advance copy.

Not my usual type of book but it was very refreshing. I was forcing myself to finish it because I didn't know how it would end bad or good. But overall I really liked the characters and the style of writing.

I loved it so much! Perfect for historical fiction fans, perfect for women- or anyone! It was wonderful. :)

I really enjoyed this book.
Rating 4.5 stars

This book is a love letter to readers, rebels, and the quiet power of words. Set in war-torn France during WWII, The Secret Book Society introduces us to a group of women who risk everything to keep the magic of books alive—even as their world crumbles around them.

Madeline Martin masterfully blends historical fiction with heart, weaving a story of courage, connection, and the deep human need for hope. These women don’t just share books—they share survival, strength, and sisterhood..

An unforgettable tribute to bravery, resilience, and the secret societies built one page at a time.

Beautifully written and emotionally rich—an inspiring read for any book lover.

Interesting take on different ways women were oppressed a century or so ago, with the ultimate punishment fairly easy to enforce: placement in the insane asylum. I had a bit of trouble keeping all of the "Lady" so-and-so's straight in the initial chapters but things coalesced nicely the more the book went on. I enjoyed the last portion more than the earlier part of the book and I'm unsure if it's because I settled in to knowing the characters better or if the story got stronger. I particularly liked the hidden garden of helpful/deadly plants and their useful applications!

I found it slightly convenient that problems were fairly easily wrapped up by simply attending a book club - especially Rose's rather rapid reconciliation with her husband but it served the plot purpose and wasn't detrimental. The hatpin training and attack were entertaining!

It made it frighteningly clear how much power husbands/doctors/men had over women in Victorian London and portrayed that via several different expressions of oppression.

What a great book. I throughly enjoyed it and I could not put it down!

This book shows why we need the power of books, the author does a great job giving these characters life and writing a very well done historical fiction.

4 stars - definitely recommend!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publishers for this arc!

The Secret Book Society finds a myriad of women’s lives from abusive husbands, to supportive suitors, and even parental support with their love of books, identified as crazy to wanting to just love the art of reading, and even the writing of and poetry of. This unputdownable read goes from begins with one boot to the ends with the same boot. Aslyum. And even Death. #netgalley #madelinemartin #arc

Thank you NetGalley and Madeline for this beautiful masterpiece.

I was not sure what to expect but I quickly became enthralled in this story. The women coming together and learning to support each other and themselves was awesome to be a part of.

There is such an array of emotions throughout this story. Happiness, joy, sadness, fear, anger, anxiety. There is a little bit of all.

I quite enjoyed Lady Duxbury's journal entries and
How her horrific past was able to have such a positive impact on not only her, but other women as well and no spoilers but I adored how the story continued on the very last page.

What a page-turning, wonderfully entertaining read! When the elegant and enigmatic Lady Duxbury invites friends Eleanor, Lavinia, and Rose to join her secret book society, none of them have any idea that they’re embarking on a journey of literary subversion and rebellion. Each of them is being stifled by Victorian England’s rules of propriety. Each of them is facing private struggles in their marriages or families. They’re forbidden to read books deemed improper, and boxed in by society’s rigid rules for women. Lady Duxbury unites all of these women in friendship, bringing them courage and a renewed sense of self through their shared love of books. There is hairpin fighting, seances, and asylums; overbearing husbands, hidden poetry, and ballroom dancing. The writing is vivid and transportive, and I loved the nods to JANE EYRE (a personal favorite). Lady Duxbury’s Secret Book Society is one you’ll want to join!

What a beautiful story about the power in female friendship and literature. A reminder to women that our emotions are not too much, and that we have the right to hold space and speak our minds. While this story was set in the past, the discussion of censorship and control over women is still very much a current day issue, and I found myself drawing many parallels as I read it.