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.

Madeline Martin’s The Secret Book Society is a delightful blend of sisterhood, mystery, and the quiet rebellion of women daring to rewrite their stories. Set against the foggy backdrop of London in 1895, this novel invites you to join Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia—three women yearning for freedom from societal chains—and discover that sometimes, the greatest secrets are the ones we find within ourselves. The mysterious invitation to Lady Duxbury’s hidden book club becomes a beacon of hope for these women, offering more than just books—it’s a sanctuary where they can breathe, dream, and plot their escape from oppressive marriages. The characters are richly drawn: Eleanor’s quiet strength, Rose’s fiery independence, and Lavinia’s artistic soul all shine through as they navigate dangerous truths and hidden dangers. While the story explores the weight of societal expectations, it also celebrates the power of sisterhood and the courage it takes to break free. With secrets lurking in every shadow, the stakes feel high, but the warmth of friendship illuminates the way. Martin masterfully balances intrigue and heart, creating an uplifting tale that encourages us all to find our voice and write our own new chapters—even when the world whispers otherwise. If you're a fan of historical fiction packed with empowerment, mystery, and a dash of secret society magic, The Secret Book Society will inspire you to believe in the transformative power of friendship and the written word.

The Secret Book Society has a lovely premise: book lovers banding together during difficult times always makes for a heartwarming read. Madeline Martin’s writing is accessible and the story moves along at a steady pace, but overall, it felt a bit light on emotional depth and character development. I enjoyed the setting and the general message about the power of books, but I was hoping for a stronger connection to the characters and a more layered plot. A pleasant read, especially for fans of gentle historical fiction, but not as memorable as I’d hoped.

This is a beautifully written story set in Victorian London about three women who feel trapped by the roles society expects them to play. Everything changes when they receive a mysterious invitation to a secret book club hosted by the intriguing Lady Duxbury.

What begins as an afternoon tea turns into a safe haven where these women find friendship, courage, and the freedom to speak their minds. Each character’s story is emotional and powerful, and their journey toward independence is inspiring.

Madeline Martin does a wonderful job blending history, mystery, and heart. The Secret Book Society is a moving tale about sisterhood, secrets, and the strength it takes to break free.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended
Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy!

Although I’m usually a sucker for stories about the power of books and women banding together, this one did nothing for me. I found the women characters pretty thin and the male characters wholly negative villains.

It is set in Victorian times. There are four main characters. The woman who calls this group together is Lady Duxbury, widowed three times, single now and rich enough to do good in the world. Eleanor Clark, emotionally and physically, abused by her husband. Rose Wharton an American married into an aristocratic family who is belittled by her husband’s brother and not welcomed into this closed society. Lavinia Cavendish a hypersensitive, emotional woman living under threat of being sent to a lunatic asylum like her grandmother.

When Lady Duxbury brings the women together to share true friendship and exchange books previously denied, these new found friendships profoundly influence the course of their lives. No longer isolated, they help each other free themselves of their untenable situations.

It was very predictable and repetitive. The one upside is that my relief in living now and not then!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this historical, Victorian era secret society of bad-A women! Lady Duxbury creates a forbidden book club where she intends to bring women in who need help in their oppressive marriages or are cracking under societal expectations. The women become fast friends and the secrets revealed are dangerous, especially for those that need to break free!
I thought the multiple POVs was great as well as the depth in each character. Each woman had her own struggles and once they opened up and shared with one another, you could see the almost instantaneous bond between them.

The Secret Book Society
Madeline Martin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. It's London 1895 and these women are trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, but soon they will see things can be different. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club. Basically a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their own stories

Eleanor Clarke is a devoted mother who's suffocating under the tyranny of her husband.
Rose Wharton is from America and is struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife.
Lavina Cavendish is an artistic young woman who is haunted by a dangerous family secret.
They all are drawn to Lady Duxbury who is thrice widowed. Her husband's deaths having all sparked whispers of murder.

As the women get closer and closer to eachother, they form unforgettable bonds. As they go along they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the horrible risks they face. There is one thing they all have in common and that is their courage which is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent for so long, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

I do believe that this is the best book that Madeline Martin has ever written. I fell into this book so hard that I had a tough time pulling myself out at the end. It was nothing short of a roller coaster ride. I cheered, I railed, I yelled, and I cried at the injustice these women had to endure. It was like I was part of the secret society myself. This book was absolutely phenomenal. I'm still trying to put how I felt into words. The sad part is I'm sure that there are some women still going through this today. If you read anything this year I highly recommend this book. You won't want to miss it. It touched my heart in a way nothing has in a very long time. Ms. Martin, I applaud you for writing such a wonderful heartfelt book.

A secret book club in Vivtoriqn England drives the plot of this well -written and masterfully plotted historical novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Not to be missed.

This book was such an amazing peek into the lives of the women of the secret book society! I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end and found myself rooting for all of the women. Their husbands... not so much! The societal pressures on women to be the perfect wife, the perfect socialite.... without having a mind of their own.... and not being able to read books because they might put ideas in their heads... Thankfully Lady Duxbury saw the needs of those around her and gave them a safe space to express themselves and grow!
Whether you like historical fiction or not, this book is a must read!!

Madeline Martin has done it again. She has written another fabulous story of capable and amazing women who want more than society (men) will allow in the late 1800s. Set in London, a thrice widowed woman, Lady Duxbury had many rumors swirling about her. To fulfill a promise, she sent invitations to several society women to join her for “tea”, but they were really joining a secret book society. Lavinia, Rose, and Eleanor needed to be seen and Lady Duxbury saw them beyond just an obedient wife. Each of the women have their own baggage and their own hopes and dreams. I loved how these very different women learned to care and support each other and gave each woman what they needed. The character development allows the reader to really understand the similarities and differences of each woman. As I was reading, I had so many feelings about what the women did and what they experienced which is something I love in a book. If you are looking for a historical fiction book where you will be immersed in the time and place with complex characters, I highly recommend this book.

Spoilers below:
I don’t usually include spoilers but one male character evoked so much emotion I need to talk about him here. Cecil Clarke is the husband of Eleanor. I know in my head that Cecil’s character is true to the time period, but he was so cruel and disrespectful toward Eleanor, I kept hoping something bad would happen to him. He got what was coming to him in the end! The way he could just throw her away and put her in an asylum made me so furious. Good job on the author for writing such an awful character that could give me all those feelings.

#TheSecretBookSociety #NetGalley #historicalfiction
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reviews will be sent to Amazon on the day of publication. Other reviews are posted in the links below. I will be posted to other Facebook groups throughout spring and summer prior to pub day.

Another amazing 5-star book by Madeline Martin! The Secret Book Society reads like a present day Jane Austen novel. The four amazing heroines - Lady Duxbury, Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton, and Lady Lavinia Cavendish captured my heart from the start. This book shows the power of women supporting women and remarkable strength/confidence gained. This is a perfect book for any book club. Can't wait to read it again!

Thank you Madeline Martin and NetGalley for the the advanced copy

As a big fan of Madeline Martin I had high expectations for her latest novel. The Secret Book Society easily exceeded my expectations. I was immediately pulled into the characters and fell in love with each of them. Rose the bold American, Eleanor the subservient wife, Lavinia, the young woman trying to find her footing in the world, and finally, Lady Duxbury, the three time widowed aristocrat with all of her strength, knowledge and empathy. All four women are very different from each other, but form a beautiful, and strong bond that nobody can break. For me this is one of those books that you cannot stop reading, but you slow down towards the end to make it last longer. Madeline has done it again. This novel is filled with strong women who overcome many obstacles and rely on each other for strength and true friendship .highly recommend this novel to every woman who needs to be reminded how strong us women are, and how much stronger we become when we have other women in our corner.

Exploring strong female friendships, literacy, and societal expectations of women in the late 1800s, The Secret Book Society was a quick, cozy read.

TW: Domestic abuse, child abuse - There are some difficult themes in this book. The Victorian age did not allow for women to have the freedoms of expression or speech that we have today.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be released on August 26, 2025.