Update:
So when this book because available as an audiobook I decided to give it another go as it stuck in my head a bit. I have always been pleased when I do so because it opens up more of the book to me and I tend to enjoy it a bit more and that’s exactly what happened now.

Now my thoughts below are still 100% valid BUT I enjoyed it a bit better and was able to be more engaged with the prose. Enough that I rate it a 3.5⭐️ (from the original 3) and felt comfortable rounding up.

Why? My reaction initially was based on my personal feelings for the type of book it was but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it was nicely written and I think it’ll be enjoyed by many.

Narrator Saskia Maarleveld did a superb job. I always love listening to her and her lovely British accented voice. I love the way she handles the material as her tone fits the prose so well. The speed at which she narrates is perfect for the story. Slightly laid back and while you can speed it up, if you go too far you lose the intricacy of her voice acting. I would give her 5⭐️ on her performance.


Original review from ebook read:
Admittedly, historical fiction is not my favorite genre but sometimes descriptions stand out and the plot overshadows its time period. It’s a balance for me and in this regard the book was a success. I enjoyed reading about the in and out of the Victorian time period for sure but the execution of the book itself is where I was challenged.

I find it really hard to believe that after everything that went down (which was fairly predictable and it was like if Hallmark delved into historical fiction) it was all tied up in neat little bows? The impact of everything they supposedly went through was thrown out the window!

On the good side of it for those that love the era, it’s a fluffy place to pass the time and it’s an early copy so hopefully the prose will be fixed a bit before publication. I felt like I was reading a Bridgerton fanfic side story. Take the concept and throw books at it.

Sadly it just didn’t work for me but it goes beyond that where it didn’t meet its goal.

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Hanover Square Press as well as the ALC from Harlequin Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.

⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as so don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again.

Easily a new favorite by author Madeline Martin!! I loved this book about a secret book club of women angry at the injustices forced upon them by a world controlled by men. Set in the late 19th century, this book follows a wealthy widow, Lady Duxbury, who invites fellow privileged women to partake of the volumes in her library and find solace and comfort among a group of like-minded women.

Told in alternating perspectives we get to know four women who each have their own struggles but are all subject to the whims of the men in their lives, whether it be husbands, fathers or the love they have for their children. The most infuriating part is the story is based on things that actually happened, such as the forced institutionalization of women falsely labeled as mad or hysterical.

This is a book for book lovers and women who are angry at the injustices that still continue in our world. Highly recommended and amazing on audio narrated by the estimable Saskia Maarleveld. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! This one is going on my new favorites shelf and has a great reading guide and author's note included at the end.

Fav quotes:
"The power of women coming together could truly do powerful things."