In the late 1800’s London, where men controlled if women had access to books and what they read. Lady Duxbury and three other women take matters into her own hands and form a secret book society.

If Madeline Martin writes it, I will read it. The characters were so wonderful and felt so real. If you like fans of Bridgerton, or The Gilded Age you should read this!

Thank you NetGalley & Hanover Square Press for an advanced reader copy. #TheSecretBookSocietyTheHive #NetGalley #TheSecretBookSociety

4.5 I went into this fairly blind thinking it would just be a historical fiction about a group of women in 1800s London in a book club. And while that is technically… kind of what it was? Oh my it was so much more than that. This story of these women was heartbreaking, and traumatic, while also being about strength and resilience and about doing whatever you need to do to protect yourself and your children. I was teary eyed for the last 30% of the book and found I couldn’t read fast enough. It also really reminded me of The Buccaneers… season two specifically? IYKYK. And similar to Weyward (sans Magic)

This is a VERY good one. Highly recommend! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

The Secret Book Society gave me total Bridgerton vibes. And it’s not a fast-paced novel, but rather a mid-tempo read that allows you to soak in the details and truly connect with the characters. The women in this story are what make it shine. They’re complex and fleshed out, far more than just figures in fancy dresses.

Martin captures their struggles so well that the loneliness they feel practically leaps off the page. You can sense their isolation, which makes their friendships and small acts of courage all the more powerful. What I loved most was how books became a lifeline for them. Reading wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way to reclaim their voices and remember their authority and autonomy in a world determined to silence them.

I found that message especially moving. Overall, this is a heartfelt and empowering story that balances period drama with themes of resilience and hope. If you love historical fiction with rich atmosphere, relatable characters, and a celebration of the power of books, The Secret Book Society will be a memorable read.

Thank you Harlequin for the ALC and ARC!

This is a beautiful historical story for fans of Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and the Buccaneers. The entire story revolving around using books to get women freedom was so beautifully done. I loved how each woman worked to earn their freedom, not just having it given to them. I do appreciate the attempt of the author to be as historically accurate to the situation women were in at the time, it added to the depth of the story.

A very beautifully written story of four women, I enjoyed reading this book a lot.

It was not easy at times, my heart breaking for these women, who went through a lot and were so unhappy.

The idea of a secret book club is what interested me when I saw the description, but what I found more fascinating were the friendships the women made and how they were protecting each other.

It truly saddens me that it’s based on the real events in part, and that women had to go through such lives just a couple of centuries ago. Truly makes you reevaluate everything and think about women’s lives now, also.


Great read, definitely recommend, even if you’re not a fan of historical fiction, this book had lots to offer.

With thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC.

A harrowing but ultimately hopeful historical novel set in Victorian England about three women brought together by another older woman for a secret book club. All of the women have been/are victims of the powerlessness of women in that time in different ways. Two have controlling or abusive husbands, and another has a controlling father. The host of the book club has her own tragic past, revealed through intermittent diary entries. I enjoyed this novel, but all of the plot lines wrapped up very tidily and, although very satisfactory, also unrealistically. Still, readers of historical fiction and books about the love of reading should definitely give this book a read. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for a digital review copy.

Based off the synopsis this book had a lot of potential but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Perhaps it was because there were too many different people, each with their own troubles, to keep track of but it was difficult for me to emotionally attach to any one particular story, which left me disinterested in nearly the entire book. The only story I cared about was Eleanor’s and I wish the focus has been more on her and Lady Duxbury instead of including Rose and Lavinia, whose stories felt a bit trivial in comparison. The ending for everyone was a bit of an eye roll for me too, as everything cleaned up too nicely.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Secret Book Society" by Madeline Martin is an absolute masterpiece that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. This story will leave you feeling empowered and deeply moved, thanks to its excellently well-written narrative that weaves together the power of friendship and unwavering resiliency.

The characters are incredibly wonderful, each brought to life with rich, authentic details that make them feel like old friends. Their personal growth and the bonds they form highlight the enduring strength found within human connections. The story effortlessly captures the beauty of solidarity, especially in challenging times, making it both heartwarming and inspiring.

Madeline Martin’s storytelling is nothing short of brilliant. She crafts a world that draws you in from the first page, holding your attention with vivid descriptions and emotionally charged moments. The themes of courage, hope, and the transformative power of books are seamlessly interwoven, leaving a lasting impact long after the final chapter.

If you’re looking for a novel that celebrates the strength of the human spirit and the magic of friendship, "The Secret Book Society" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be uplifted and inspired by this remarkable story!

This was a fabulous read. I really enjoy reading books set in the Victoria Era. I find the time period fascinating. This novel tells the stories of several different women, struggling for some independence during a time when women were to be seen, not heard. Many of their husbands and fathers simply saw them as decoration, a way to secure or save their own family's wealth or just "dolls to be played with and then locked away". Each woman has been been stifled in some way, by society, by the husband's, brothers or by their history. The women also have another thing in common, their love of reading. Women of that era however were discouraged from reading anything other than household management procedural. Fiction and poetry would ruin their fragile minds and cause them to have nervous breakdowns, madness or ideas above their station in life. When a widowed countess starts a secret Book Society, pretending to just be weekly tea parties, these women come together to support and help one another.

The story was very engaging. The author did a wonderful job giving different points of view for each character. I would recommend this book and audiobooks to any lover of historical fiction.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I truly enjoyed this Historical Fiction set in Victorian England about a set of women who were outcasts or on the edges of Society coming together and becoming real friends. Through the Book Society these women found each other and were willing to risk everything to save each member of the group.

This was a lovely book and an easy read.

• arc review: the secret book society •
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Catchy title, right? It drew me in and hooked me with the fact that it's a historical fiction. This was my first hf by Madeline Martin, and it won't be my last.
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Set in the late 1800s (Victorian Era) London, this book follows 4 women and their love for literature in a world where men controlled whether or not women have access and what they read. Lady Duxbury takes matters into her own hands and invites Rose Wharton, Eleanor Clarke, and Lavinia Cavendish to be a part of the secret book society. I loved all the characters, how their stories unfolded, and what the secret book society meant to them.
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The realities of what women experienced in this time are expertly woven. Most importantly, Martin explores the history of "hysteria" and how women who stood out or went against societal norms or the wishes of men they could be sent to a lunatic asylum. Regardless of the time setting the politics behind access to books, reading, and women's rights sat with me throughout this read.
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Page & Pour Rating: 4✨️
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Thank you to Harlequin Trading Publishing for providing me this arc through Netgalley. It's available August 26, 2025 for your reading enjoyment 🫶🏻

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 26, 2025
Madeline Martin’s “The Secret Book Society” is a historical fiction novel, set in Victorian London.
Three women, residing in elite society of London in 1895 receive invitations to a tea hosted by the mysterious and elusive Lady Duxbury. Of course, due to Lady Duxbury’s influential status, it is an invitation they can’t turn down, even if they wanted to. Eleanor, Rose and Lavinia soon find themselves sequestered in Lady Duxbury’s personal library- where they freely share and exchange novels with and between each other. All of the women know that if they are caught reading or sharing their opinions on the stories within, they run the risk of being sent to an asylum by the men in their life, which is just the fate that befalls Eleanor when her abusive discovers her secret. The women quickly ban together to try and free Eleanor, while trying to keep themselves from suffering the same fate.
Martin is a kindred spirit of mine, as the majority of her books feature bookshops, libraries, or simply the pure love of literature and books themselves, and “The Secret Book Society” is another one for the list. It is a beautiful story of the bonds that a love of reading can create, and the influence and power that women can wield when they choose to work together. “Secret” also speaks to the true fears of the time, especially those of women who are deemed to be independent thinkers, going against the men in their lives and sharing their own thoughts and feelings- admission to the lunatic asylum.
All of the three women take a turn at narrating (all except Lady Duxbury, who’s secretive nature prevents her from taking centre stage, but we do learn about her as the novel progresses through journal entries) and they are all so different, yet they connect and bond over their love of reading. All of these women are so relatable, and their situations are easy to sympathize with, especially for those of us life-long readers.
“Secret” is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, and Martin creates a realistic picture of women in Victorian England, while still ensuring that her story is overall uplifting and positive. The power of women working together is inspiring, and it had me cheering loudly.
Martin’s love of reading and books is obvious, and I love how she waves this flag proudly in “Secret”, like the rest of her novels, while still managing to tell a realistic and tragic tale of a (slightly more) dangerous time for women. I adore Martin, and I appreciate her love of books, and any book fan should definitely check out “The Secret Book Society”.

The Secret Book Society sweeps you back to late 1800s England, when reading was often considered improper for women—and in some households, outright forbidden. The story follows a group of young women, each carrying hidden struggles behind their polished society facades, who are taken under the wing of a wise, high-society woman. Through her secret library, she guides, supports, and empowers them in ways the world around them never could. Beautifully told and full of heart, this book will make you pause with gratitude that today we can open any story we choose, without fear of having that freedom taken away.

I really loved the premise of this book. A time when women were forbidden to do so much, including reading what they wanted, a group of women created a secret society for women to read what they wanted. This book simply fell flat for me. It was dull, and the writing lacked excitement.

The Secret Book Society is a feminist work of historical fiction that promotes sisterhood and female empowerment. It follows the lives of 4 women who are invited into The Secret Book Society by the mysterious Lady Duxbury.

The description sounded interesting, which is what led me to request this book for early review. Unfortunately, it didn't end up being my cup of tea. The second half of the novel was much more compelling than the first as the individual conflicts of the women come to a head and we learn about Lady D's past. Even still, the endings were more or less predictable, and I didn't feel particularly bonded to any of the characters.

With that said, I love the idea behind this book and did find it so disturbing that women were kept from books back in this time period - I don't know how I would have survived!

Thank you, @htphive, and @madelinemartin the gifted ARC! 

Rundown:
✨️London 1895
✨️secret book club
✨️women supporting women
✨️oppressive relationships

Synopsis ✒️
"You are cordially invited to The Secret Book Society..."

The mysterious Lady Duxbury sends out invitations to three women to join her for tea as a ruse for a secret book club.  Eleanor is a devoted mother in a controlling relationship.  Rose Wharton is an American who married for love, but now her husband wants her to act more fitting of her position. Lavinia Cavendish has a family secret that makes her uncomfortable in public.  These women share their secrets and love of books but can't risk being discovered.

Thoughts 💭
Wow! I loved everything this stands for.  We have a central character (Lady Duxbury) who brings three unlikely women together. Lady Duxbury is an interesting character who makes it her mission to help those who can't help themselves. We learn about her story through Eleanor, who is gifted her diary to read. These women share their stories, traumas, and secrets.  Instead of judging or being envious, they use their strengths to help each other. It also doesn't hurt that they have a shared love of reading. The growth these women went through was because of their support for each other, and it's a beautiful thing to see.  Victorian times could be dangerous for women.  They could be committed simply because their husband or father deemed them to be too emotional, and they didn't have a lot of options available to them. The message is clear. We are stronger together. Don't miss this beautiful story!

I'd like to thank Harlequin Audio and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC/ALC of this book!

I think this book was a beautiful feminist work set in Victorian London. I love books that focus on female friendships and a support circle, and this one was told wonderfully. We know that women were highly oppressed during this time period, and sent away for a number of reasons (by their horrific husbands/fathers/brothers ....insert male here). In this book, we get a supportive cast of women, who have all dealt with their own issues and need a safe place to read (novels written by women *gasp*) away from the prying eyes of the patriarchy, as well as just a safe place period. The Secret Book Society is an important book, and I believe if you enjoy historical fiction during this time period, that you'd enjoy this one!

I also listened to the audiobook for this one, for a more immersive experience (my favorite way to read!), and it was done wonderfully!

4 - 4.5 ⭐️

Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is both suspenseful and empowering, set against the backdrop of Victorian London where appearances were everything — and secrets could be deadly. Through Eleanor, Rose, Lavinia, and the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, we’re reminded how books and friendship can become lifelines when freedom is otherwise out of reach. The historical atmosphere is wonderfully drawn, and the shifting points of view allow each woman’s inner world to shine. Their bond grows naturally, and I appreciated how the story balanced tension with moments of hope and warmth. At times the pacing slowed slightly, and one or two twists resolved more neatly than I expected, but those are minor compared to how absorbing the story feels overall. It’s a tale of women finding strength together, and I finished it with a deep sense of admiration for them.

Thanks to Hanover Square Press for the advance copy provided via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If Madeline Martin writes it, I’m going to read it no questions asked.
The Secret Book Society is yet another triumph by an author who never misses. Martin has a gift for crafting compelling, emotionally rich stories, and this one is no exception. Set against the backdrop of war, danger, and resistance, this novel celebrates the power of books, the courage of readers, and the quiet rebellion of sharing stories when the world tries to silence them.
Books about books already have a special place in my heart, and this one captured everything I love about that niche. The characters are vivid, the stakes are high, and the love for literature seeps through every page. It’s impossible not to be moved, not to cheer for the book lovers who risk everything just to keep stories alive.
Heartfelt, beautifully written, and steeped in the magic of reading The Secret Book Society is a must-read. And truly, if Madeline Martin’s name is on the cover, I’m there for it. Every. Single. Time.

“You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society.” Madeline Martin’s novel is an intriguing study of the lives of three Victorian ladies, their personal struggles, and how one person, through kindness and caring, made a life-changing impact on each of them. In London, 1895, the young, widowed Lady Duxbury opens her home and her extensive library to establish a bond of friendship and protection for these women who had each been abandoned in some way. Lady Duxbury encourages and supports the women in finding their voice, expressing thoughts, and discovering passions. As the women continue to meet in secret, bonds are formed, and trust is forged. Madeline Martin’s narrative sinks the reader into the restrictive, stifling lives of women during the 1800’s; a time when choosing what to wear was one of the few decisions to be made and reading was limited to choosing menus and household improvements. Novels were considered a harmful distraction! The hopefulness, inspiration, and motivation each woman finds in truthful sharing gives credence to the popularity of book clubs today. The pleasure of finding kindred spirits is celebrated.
The Secret Book Society is a delightful glance back in time, as we rejoice in knowing that choices in present day reading is a “magical retreat.”