While parts of the book were enjoyable—particularly Hanna’s storyline—the overall experience was underwhelming due to its lack of depth and coherent plot. The character Claire felt underdeveloped, and the 1970s setting contributed little beyond superficial references. The "secret library," despite being central to the title, played an insignificant role in the narrative and failed to engage me as a book lover.

Hanna's backstory was compelling but too limited, and the small-town Maine setting was vague and could have been anywhere. The story ended abruptly, leaving several plotlines—romance, mystery, family dynamics—underdeveloped and unresolved. Despite a strong cast of characters and intriguing ideas, the story lacked clear direction or purpose, leaving me uncertain about its intended message or focus.

Ultimately, the novel was an easy read with good narration, but it didn’t deliver on its promises and really left me disappointed and frustrated.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

AN INTERESTING AND INTRIGUING STORY

SUMMARY
Claire Shelton works at an antique shop in Portland, Maine, when she is selected to catalog the furniture in the mansion of the elderly and mysterious Hanna Reeves. Hanna, who never married had retreated from society years ago but still maintained the estate and kept meticulous records, just as her mother and grandmother had done before her.

There are rumors that Hanna has a secret library in the Rose Hill mansion. The inquisitive Claire can’t help but search for the library while she catalogs the antiques in the house. What she uncovers is much more than she bargained for.


REVIEW
THE SECRET LIBRARY OF HANNA REEVES is an interesting and intriguing story set in Portland, Maine, in 1974. It’s a mix of historical fiction, romance, and cozy mystery. The read was enjoyable and quick. I was, however, dumbfounded when the story ended way too soon. The last page left me wishing for more closure.

After I finished reading the book I learned that the author had too much material for one book and does, in fact, plan a sequel in 2026.

The writing is good, and alternates between Hanna’s past and Claire’s present-day sleuthing. The characters are fairly well-developed. I loved Hanna’s character and her backstory. Claire’s character, on the other hand, was full of spunk and tenacity. She often said and did things without thinking that got herself and others in trouble. She was a frustrating character who frequently had me rolling my eyes.

I listened to the audiobook, which immediately sweeps you into the story. The performance sounds effortless, and the voice, tone and pacing was a good match for the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing an advance reading copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed here are my own.


Publisher Brilliance Audio
Published June 24, 2025
Narrated Megan Tusing
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

I know the title caught your attention. Who wouldn’t want a secret library?

What I loved about this story was the atmosphere and the unlikely friendships made. Additionally, the secret library contained something special, more than just classic books, but also family journals that allowed for lost connections to be reestablished.

I love books set in the 1970s, and Christine Nolfi captures the essence and feel perfectly. The atmosphere of Hanna’s estate, Rose Hill, has a bit of a Gothic feel to it, with its imposing architecture, watchful staff, and the indomitable Hanna as its mistress. Claire, the antique appraiser, hired to sift through and catalogue items, was all the while cautiously searching for a hidden library, adding to the mystery and intrigue.

The story, although not dark, delves into some tragic moments from Hanna’s past that have shaped her. As the narrative unfolds, there's a noticeable shift. What initially seemed to be about Claire's task of cataloguing Hanna’s antiques—essentially about things—gradually transforms into a tale of human connections. Bridges are built, bonds form, and suddenly, it's not about the objects, but about the people, our family, the friendships we make, and the legacy we leave behind.

I’m eager to see what the sequel brings!

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @christinenolfi for the gifted book.
Thank you @brilliancepublishing for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley narrated by Megan Tusing.

THE SECRET LIBRARY OF HANNA REEVES is the second book I’ve listened to by Christine Nolfi. This was such a delight to listen to! I was immediately drawn into the life of Hanna and Claire. I enjoyed reading about their friendship and Claire’s determination to find Hanna’s hidden library. It was really neat to learn about Hanna’s past. I think it was my favorite part. When I got to the ending, I was sad it was over. I’d recommend adding this audiobook to your TBR list.

Many thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account @coffee.break.book.reviews in the near future.

A little cozy historical mystery. Claire is an antiques dealer tasked with the job of spending time with reclusive heiress Hannah Reeves while she works on cataloguing her collections. Hannah is a prickly no nonsense character, but it seems she holds a multitude of secrets, Claire just needs to get to the bottom of it!

This was nice enough. A cozy Sunday sort of story, it was a little slow for my personal taste but I still enjoyed it.

Nice narration.

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

This was a much a sweet fun book. First of all I'm a huge sucker for any book that revolves around books it's the reader in me. I also love when we have two characters that seem like they won't get along bur secretly have more in common then what meets the eye. I loved the flashback scenes and the changes in perspective. I also felt this was a cozy read in many ways and it felt like I was wrapped up in a warm hug when I was reading this story. I loved that it took place in the 1970s witch I felt really added to the ambiance and the character backround of one older generation to a newer more liberated one from the previous. The writing was fun and witty and I loved the dialogue and the banter. I found myself smiling laughing and also tearing up more then once. This was such a great read I definitely recommend you check it out.

There are people who will like this book. I am not those people.

It's well enough written, emphasis on 'enough'. The flashbacks should have only in Hanna's POV (not the guy she fell for, unless we actively see her being told by him what he was thinking. The boy from the boat should have been able to tell her how the guy she fell for was behaving but not his emotions). The way they were presented made it feel like we were being pulled somewhere inexplicable, especially in light of the first person POV of the rest of the book. Also there were things the protagonist would have known about if she was actually living in the 60s & 70s (her whole 'well obviously the department and youth and family services!' about life in the early 1900s was incredibly out of touch. Especially if she grew up raised by her grandfather who was relatively poor.) I wasn't even alive in the 70s and I knew she was too out of touch for a character in her circumstances.

Basically, it's a neat concept, the characters are consistent, and the descriptions are good. But it's not for anybody who wants intelligent, likable, or period-appropriate characters. (One good quality and no other depth or likable qualities does not likable characters make, sorry.) I think it will find it's audience.