I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This novel was a brief journey into a period of history when women's ability to read books and novels were restricted by husbands or fathers. The story is interesting even though it was a bit predictable as far as plot. I think a lot of the characters were under-developed, and the story doesn't really delve into deeper details of the historical era. Overall it was an interesting read and it brought women together in solidarity, so it will be a good read for many fans of historical fiction.

The period details could have been more deeply incorporated into the story. For example, in this era it was perfectly legal for a husband to beat his wife so long as didn't use a rod thicker than his own thumb. This fact is never raised during the story, and although the characters feel rage at their plight, the novel is missing the reasons why women would stay with abusive husbands, or put up with the control exerted by a father/husband. Loss of their children was the primary reason a mother would not leave an abusive husband, but also in that era it was common for the husband to have all the property, money, and the children belonged to him under the law. The hysteria discussion in the book is pretty accurate for the period, but it was more likely a husband would imprison a spouse for several years before sending her to an asylum. Private nurses and a controlled environment were usually the first step to manage a mental health issue in a wealthy family.

Recommended for readers of mass market historical fiction novels.

Victorian women and freedom!

Three women are brought together by Clara Chambers, the Countess of Duxbury, ostensibly for afternoon tea. In reality they are being invited to form a Secret Book Society, encouraged to read literature, and discuss a variety of issues. Whatever they like. As they meet the women unfurl and friendships are formed. All hide shameful secrets.
Elenor Clarke has a controlling husband who tells her what to wear, forbids her from reading, monitors her time with her son and beats her.
Lady Lavinia Cavendish has a passionate nature whose family are fearful she will suffer from hysteria and have to be committed to a lunatic asylum.
Rose Wharton is an American. She and her husband are in love but when her husband becomes the heir to the current Earl, he changes. Both her husband and his brother berate and belittle her. They require Rose to change, to fit into society.
A sympathetic tale that exposes the harsh realities of Victorian England thought about women and hysteria. The story exposes the use of asylums for families to rid themselves of troublesome females. It also highlights the power of women supporting each other, bearing each other up.
A formidable read!

A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I couldn't put this book down. It's is an absolute five-star read that combines the power of literature with a beautiful story of female friendship and empowerment.

The story, set in late 19th century London, follows three women who find themselves in a secret book club. Confined by society, this club becomes a lifeline, a place where they can safely read what they want and be themselves. As they bond they find the courage to change their lives.

What I appreciated most was the friendship between these women. I enjoyed seeing them support each other and find strength in their shared passion for books. The author beautifully shows how their struggles echo across generations, making their story feel both deeply personal and universally powerful.

I'd say this is a definite must read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for the ARC of this book. My reviews will be posted to my socials on August 23, 2025, (Fable and Goodreads).

Wow! Book lovers, take notice! This was a great read! It takes place in London at the end of the 1800s when individual and family stature in society was very important. Men had control, and women were subservient to their husbands. And often, women in the Victorian era were discouraged and/or restricted in their reading and other aspects of their lives. Hence, the start of The Secret Book Society.

This story tackles many serious subjects including abuse, control, the power of reading and writing, friendship, allegiance, societal rank, courage, dangerous secrets and more. I had a hard time putting it down. My one complaint: the book gives the impression that the large majority of men were bad people at this point in time. Was it really this way back then? I don’t know, but I hope there were more than just a random few decent guys. In any case, I loved the female characters and how they grew, transformed, and supported one another. I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for the digital ARC.

As a fan of historical fiction. and previous works for this author I was excited to read this new release

I have not read a lot of books set in Victorian England but I just did not connect with this book at all. The writing was well done and poetic but I was not invested in this story whatsoever. The characters didn’t interest me and the story was just a little flat. I did love reading about the book element and how women were discouraged from reading but that’s the only element of the book I enjoyed.

I think the writing was well done in this book but this book just wasn’t for me. I am giving this an average 2.5/5 rounded to three.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and Net Galley for a Digital ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

I flew through the first ~30% of the book, but once I put it down, I couldn't find the motivation to pick it back up. I think it's just a matter of good book, wrong time, and I'll likely come back around to it at a later date.

4.5 female power stars

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, this was my first Madeline Martin book, but it won’t be my last!

The setting is Victorian London, and women were treated so badly! Some men choose to control everything in their wives’ lives – what they wear, what they read (if allowed to read at all!), how much time they spend with their children, whether their hysteria should be treated at the asylum. It was really quite appalling.

Lady Duxbury is a fascinating character at the helm of the story. She has survived three previous husbands, and there are rumors that she killed them all. She starts the Secret Book Society, issuing invitations for certain women to join her at tea. This is the perfect invitation, as their husbands won’t suspect that they are really a book club.

We meet the other women and see how they are mistreated. I loved Rose Wharton, a wealthy American woman, who was trying to figure out the royal world. Can she convince her sketchy brother-in-law that she means well?

This was a great story about the bonds of female friendship and how those friends can really help you. And how some enemies never forget. I enjoyed the book discussions and how these women grew stronger as a result of their time in the Secret Book Society. They had to dig deep for courage, but once they found it, they reveled in the power.

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.75
Publishing August 26th, 2025

There are few books I love more than a historical fiction novel centering women fighting for their rights and autonomy, and this one did not disappoint. Whether it was fighting for their right to read, to have moods without being called hysterical and sent to an asylum, or to voice an opinion without being beaten by their husband - the ladies of Lady Duxbury’s secret book society had much to fight for and I cheered for them through every step of the way.

This book begins with a mystery, then goes back to the beginning of these unlikely connections between the women and the bonds they begin to form to help each other and I was captivated throughout.

For those who loved (like I did) Looking for Jane and The Women on Platform Two, as well as any book set in Victorian London - this is for you.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautifully written story about the true strength and endurance of women during a time in history when men held all the power. The story centers around four women, each of whom is facing a hardship that has to be kept secret from the rest of society. The women are brought together and build an unlikely friendship over their shared love of books. I really liked that the story unfolds through the eyes of each character and you see the world through their individual perspectives. By the end, I felt truly connected to each woman and the sisterhood they created. Fair warning, you will become emotionally invested and may become enraged by what is acceptable behavior in this time period.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing| Hanover Square Press for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

I've read many historical fiction books but not one with this kind of spin, it was so eye opening! London, England 1895 we meet 3 special ladies: Eleanor Clarke, a loving mother under the thumb of her abusive husband, Rose Wharton, an American trying to fit in English society, and Lavinia Cavandish an artsy lady with a family secret. Bringing them all together is Lady Duxbury the hostess of the book club. When Elanor tries to make a bold move and finds herself in an insane asylum things really get intense!!! The author's note is also a must read! The fact that women were discouraged to read during this time period is appalling! Thank you netgalley and Hanover Square Press for the book to read and review!

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin


Thank You NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
While this novel is a historical fiction, it is based off real-life occurrences in the Victorian Era. Women were restricted in what they could read, and even talking back to their husbands to stand up to their point of view was seen as “hysteria”. They’d risk being sent to an asylum. They could not stand up for themselves or they’d be seen as crazy. This novel is about one woman’s endeavor, Lady Duxbury, to help fellow women who were being oppressed and silenced by their spouses. Three women – Lavinia, Rose, and Eleanor – are invited by Lady Duxbury under the guise of teatime to not arouse suspicion from their husbands. It’s more than just teatime – it’s a secret book club that serves as a haven for these women. Lavinia herself writes poetry and her family possess a secret. Eleanor is a mother to a young boy, but her husband is extremely strict and hits her. Rose is an American who relocated to London when she married an Englishman. And Lady Duxbury, the hostess, is a widow, three times over, therefore suspicion arising to their cause of death.
This novel speaks of courage to stand up for oneself and not remain silent! Do not miss this inspiring novel when it comes out August 26, 2025!

I liked THE SECRET BOOK SOCIETY, though I wasn’t as moved by the content as I expected to be.

What I enjoyed:

➛The female friendships
➛The immersive setting
➛The focus on how books help connect with others and understand ourselves

What didn't work for me:

➛I didn’t feel enough connection to the characters. We have four women, all in difficult circumstances with complex backstories. With so much to delve into, I felt we got only a superficial look at each one’s life.

➛As is becoming typical of this sort of book, the men are awful, giving the women reason to band together and empower one another.

Lots of readers are loving this book, so please ignore my grumpiness and give it a read if the premise appeals to you.

4.25 stars "A captivating historical novel set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.
 You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society…
It is London, 1895, and Lady Duxbury starts a ladies' tea to assist women in society who are restricted by controlling men. She offers them access to her library as most women are forbidden from reading fictional novels. They range in age from late teens on. Lavinia, Rose, and Eleanor captured my heart immediately. They all have different backgrounds but are similar in that a man in their life is trying to control them. What starts as a book club quickly becomes a master class in self-reliance, confidence, sisterhood, and friendship, helping the women achieve more together than they ever could alone.

I loved the themes of women's rights in an era when women had so few but were on the cusp of achieving it. These women at the turn of the twentieth century were brave, and women today who have many more rights owe this generation a lot for our freedoms. Of course, weaving classic books and the importance of reading and writing is just icing on the cake in this beautiful story of courage and friendship. Highly recommend this delightful novel with a bit of mystery and suspense that transports you to Victorian London.🇬🇧

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing (HTP), and Madeline Martin for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

#TheSecretBookSociety #MadeleinMartin #HarlequinTradePublishing #HTPBooks #HTPHive #ARCreview #bookreview #bookrecommendations #Bookstagram #2025TBR #historicalfiction #NetGalleyReviewer #bookinfluencer #bookclub #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booklover

📖🎧 Book Review 🎧📖 What would you do if an invitation arrived for a Secret Book Society? Something in my gut tells me this is a group that would eagerly jump at the chance to be a part of the opportunity, especially in the Victorian Era where there was certainly no bookstagram and the place for women to freely discuss world views was limited.

Madeline Martin pens a gripping piece of historical fiction that is truly one for the ages. As we (unofficially?) celebrate the year of Jane Austen in 2025, a woman ahead of her time and so revered, Madeline Martin beautifully layers in her works along with so many amazing female authors through the ages. It is such a humbling experience to reflect on the true power held between the pages of a book and the relationships between readers. Even in a time when everything can feel so divisive, The Secret Book Society brings us a beautiful read with the hopeful message that literature is an eternal driving force of unity across the centuries. And if you get the chance to listen to the audiobook, prepare to be swept away by Saskia Maarleveld

LOVED TIS!!!!! The way these women built friendships and supported each other against the societal norms of the era was wonderful! I love how some things were not tidily wrapped up at the end. Fun read.

If Madeline Martin writes it… I will read & LOVE it. The Secret Book Society was an easy 5 stars read that had me hooked from the beginning. This is a forbidden bookclub I want to join. Lady Duxbury was and the other women she invited to her secret bookclub and what they had to deal with just to read a book was so eye opening in this oppressive time. The bond, friendships and strength each had and how they overcame their individual issues was done so well. I highly recommend this book if you love Historical Fiction and strong female characters.

📜Quick Summary: When three women receive an invitation to a secret book society, they have no clue what havoc is about to unravel. It’s 1895, and they are all trapped in a family dynamic where they are not happy, and are seeking a sisterhood that they have yet to encounter. The recluse Lady Duxbury is their host of this enigmatic secret society where the norms for women can be let go. Eleanor, a loving mother, but trapped by her ignorant husband. Rose, a trophy wife from America just trying to fit in with the riches. And an artistic woman by the name of Lavinia, not living up to her family’s expectations. Secrets, friendships, fears, and risks become their norm…because if they want to break free, some risks will have to be taken.

❣️Initial Feels: I am loving every minute so far! Cannot put it down!

👀Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, loss of child, loss of loved ones

🌶️Spice Level: not much is happening out in the open

📖Read if you want: Victorian England era, forbidden book clubs, female friendships

🙋🏼‍♀️Moving Character: Okay….at first I wasn’t sure who I would be rooting for but now I am torn on who is my favorite! Lady Duxbury stole my heart throughout this whole novel, and her story pained me! And Lavinia…for some reason, I pictured her as this little daughter, trying to get her family…well, father’s…approval, and just this quiet personality that truly shines through. And then Rose, her boldness and strength appeared when she needed it most. But truly Eleanor, who experienced more than any woman should and grew into a force to be reckoned with.

🗨️Thoughtful Words:

💡Final Sentiments: This is my third book my Madeline, and my third 5 star read. These worlds she creates are researched, thorough, and so very well written. I would love to see any of her books come to life as a series! The way Martin wove together these four women’s stories was masterfully done, and I found myself rooting for them to break free. I wish there was more development in the part of the story where Mr. Wright steps in…and I won’t elaborate so it doesn’t ruin the story. I feel like I would have loved to see that in action and how it all played out. The last 20% had my pulse racing and my heart hurting!

🌟Overall Rating: 4.75 stars

🔉Special thanks to Madeline Martin, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this arc of The Secret Book Society.

📘Grab yourself a copy on August 26, 2025!

This story follows three women - Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton, and Lavinia Cavendish - who are brought together in a world where appearances, marriages, and societal roles often mask the darker truths lurking beneath. Each woman comes from a different background: Eleanor, trapped in an abusive marriage but fiercely protective of her son; Rose, an American navigating the pressures of English nobility while quietly battling her own struggles; and Lavinia, the emotional and misunderstood daughter who longs for freedom and acceptance.

When the mysterious Lady Duxbury invites them into her orbit, the women discover not only her eccentricities but also her hidden strength - and perhaps her secrets. Together, they find courage, resilience, and a surprising sisterhood in an era that sought to silence them.

With themes of power, abuse, resilience, and the importance of women supporting each other, this is a richly layered novel that blends gothic suspense with historical drama.

⸻

Spoilers Ahead

<spoiler>As the story unfolds, the women’s struggles deepen. Eleanor’s husband, Cecil, reveals the full extent of his cruelty when he has her committed to an asylum. Though she endures five harrowing days inside, Rose, Lavinia and Lady Duxbury refuse to abandon her, working together to secure her freedom. Meanwhile, Rose faces her own challenges when she discovers she is pregnant, straining an already fragile marriage. Against expectations, she and her husband ultimately reconcile, finding strength in each other.

Lavinia, long dismissed as “too emotional” and threatened with being locked away for her poetry, finds a kindred spirit in Mr. Wright, a man who embraces her eccentricities and intellect. Their connection grows into love, offering her the stability and acceptance she has always craved.

Lady Duxbury remains a compelling figure throughout - part protector, part enigma. Her odd rituals, from hatpin fighting lessons to seances, create an unsettling atmosphere, yet she empowers the women to reclaim their lives. In a twist of fate, Eleanor is finally freed when Cecil chokes to death on a date, leaving her at last able to step into her independence.

The novel closes with each woman in a better place: Lavinia happily married, Rose’s marriage restored, and Eleanor free. Lady Pemberton (invited in the beginning but didn’t show) makes a late appearance, while Lady Duxbury continues her mission of aiding women across London, cementing her role as both mentor and survivor.

⸻

Final Thoughts (Spoiler-Free)

This novel is equal parts haunting and empowering, weaving together gothic atmosphere, hidden diaries, dangerous secrets, and the strength of women who refuse to be broken. It’s a story of survival, friendship, and fate - with a truly satisfying conclusion that left me turning the last page in awe.

With its 4.46-star average, I can see why readers are connecting so deeply with this book. I was gripped from the first chapter to the last and can’t wait to recommend it to fellow historical fiction fans.

✨ Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC copy in exchange for this honest review. Opinions are entirely my own.

I loved this! The characters felt so real, and I was right there with them feeling their rage and fury over the behavior of men and the injustices they caused in their lives, and if you care about any woman at all, you should too. I'd definitely be a "hysterical woman" being sent to an asylum because I'd riot if anyone, especially a MAN, tried to take my books from me. Each woman in this book was oppressed by a man in some way, and each one had to fight for her freedom. But because of the bond they formed at the secret book club and their sense of community and friendship, they didn't have to fight alone. This book reminds us that women are strong and powerful, which is why men oppressed us for so long, and continue to do so today in different ways. It reminds us how important it is to know our history, and how much we have to lose. The Secret Book Society is emotionally charged with rich characters and compelling writing. I flew through it and books like this remind me why I love historical fiction so much.

This book was phenomenal! A beautifully well written regency piece that shown a spotlight on how women were treated for reading and showing passion in the 1800s. The men had all the control, women had to marry to survive and were locked away in silence and misery. This book was a great display of life prior to the women's suffrage movement and a beautiful display of bravery and found family. I will be recommending this to my historical fiction lovers and even those who aren't.

Thank you to netgalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of this book. The above review is completely my own and honest opinion of the book.