I was drawn in by bookbinding, it’s been a hobby of mine so it caught my attention that bookbinding is part of the plot for this book, AND it’s a period.

✨ARC Review✨
📖 The Bookbinder's Secret
✍️ A.D Bell
📅 Publication: January 13, 2026

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Every book holds a story this one hides a secret.
In 1901 Oxford, apprentice bookbinder Lily Delaney feels trapped by her limited life. But when she discovers a hidden letter inside a burned book, she’s drawn into a decades-old mystery of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder.
As Lily hunts for more books that may contain clues, her curiosity turns into obsession and danger. From London’s bookshops to private collections, she follows a trail others will kill to keep buried. Now, she must decide how far she’s willing to go for the truth

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I’ll start by saying this isn’t usually the type of book I go for, but something about the synopsis drew me in, and I’m so glad it did. This story blends historical fiction with a touch of mystery, weaving a tale of forbidden love and the price that often accompanies it. It explores how deeply relationships can affect our lives, especially when they're tangled in secrets. While the beginning was a bit slow for me, I ended up really enjoying the read overall.
Thank You @stmartinpress for allowing me to review this book,