Three women are invited by a fourth to visit at her home (Lady Duxbury) in London during the Victorian era. Brought together by for their love of books and reading-which were being forbidden by their husbands and/or fathers. The book is somewhat tragic, not a lighthearted read, so readers please take note. With the constant threat of being sent to an insane asylum for any minor disagreement in the men's eyes, the women find themselves at risk. One is sent off, the other three are determined to save her. The storyline moves along quickly at that point, and does end with everything tidily wrapped up. There is somewhat of a lead in for a possible sequel at the end as well.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Martin, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy reading a variety of historical fiction but usually steer away from the Victorian era, finding the pomp and circumstance off putting, but this one had me hooked. Instead of sensationalizing an era where women were regarded as possessions, Madeline Martin gives us a realistic glimpse of what life may have been like for many women suffering under the repression of their husbands.

The masterfully crafted characters are the heart of this story. Through the guise of weekly tea, Lady Duxbury opens her home and library to Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing their friendship grow. As each of their plights was revealed, I was pulled into their world. I devoured the last half of the book desperate to find out if any of them get their happy ending.


An engaging story with well developed characters, I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A great story on female friendship and support, but I was quite put off by the heavy handed portrayal of (all) men as controlling and nasty. There is plenty of unfairness towards women throughout history without having to make them all quite so thoroughly evil. I've read (and liked) most of Martin's books, but this one seemed more intent on man hating than others and I could not finish. Sorry, but I really feel like writers of historical fiction owe it to their readers to be more accurate and even handed with their research!

Powerful! The plot moves at a steady pace, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are compelling and truly engaging.

Hearing about how women were treated once married in the Victorian era makes me angry. However this is a great story of friendship and perseverance and HOPE.

Fueled by feminine rage and a great plot, I read this in a day! I knew that novels were frowned upon or belittled during the Victorian era but this brought to light how literature could be weaponized against women. A wonderful story about the importance of female friendships and the power of a great book.