pickThis historical fiction deals with the power of books, the limited rights women had in the 1800's and the very real practice of the men in their lives (fathers, husbands, brothers) committing them to insane asylums when they were tired or displeased with them. It is a powerful story inspired by real historical events and while it is a frustrating and sometimes dark tale, I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC. 4.25/5
pick
If you love stories that celebrate the power of books, community, and connection, this novel is a must-read. Set in Victorian London, it invites readers into a hidden world where women gather under the guise of tea to share stories, strength, and solidarity. What if your invitation to tea was really a lifeline—a secret book club tucked behind the rigid rules of society? That‘s the premise, and it‘s beautifully executed.
This is a must read. It will be in my top twenty at the end of the year. This book was so good. A sad tale of what life was like for women who loved reading back in 1895. And what happened if they disobeyed their husband. Yes I said disobeyed. Can you imagine?
5 stars
Full review: https://lsmoore49.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-secret-book-society-by-madeline.html
@madelinemmartin
@harlequinbooks @htpbooks @htpbooks_audio
Sitting at the lake, starting a new book absolutely perfect day!#MadelineMiller#TheSecretBookSociety#LakeLife
“A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.”
FULL SPOTLIGHT: https://tinyurl.com/4fc22fd6
@madelinemmartin
@hanoversquarepress
pick💙📚BOOK REVIEW 📚💙
⭐️⭐️THE SECRET BOOK SOCIETY BY MADELINE MARTIN⭐️⭐️
⭐️QUICK THOUGHTS
⭐️Oh the men in this story will make you furious. But the women are outstanding!
⭐️This story will make you thankful for your freedoms!
https://reecaspieces.com/2025/08/27/the-secret-book-society-by-madeline-martin-b...
pickI really enjoyed this one, though it's full of example after example and I can see how that'd get wearing for some readers. It's surprising how much Golden age crime fiction ignored this history of female detection...
so-so2nd in the Northminster Mystery series I found this story to be even more tedious than book one, The Butchered Man. Although it is described as a mystery, a romantic melodrama would have been a better description.There was hardly any area of this book that I found particularly interesting and with very little action it was a relief to reach the epilogue. I can't see myself reading any further novels in the Northminster Mystery series.
pick4⭐️ This audiobook made me laugh out loud! Once I adjusted to the narration style, I was fully on board. I‘ve seen a mixed bag of reviews! Since I got a wicked kick out of it, I guess I‘m just dimwitted enough to have picked this up as a cheeky foray into a subject I know little about and have no emotional or intellectual investment in. 🤷♀️ Lucky me! (I mean, not just for the book but also because I am a woman in the now-times. 😳)
Thank you, Victorian era! I‘m still waiting for a single positive thing you have added to our lives, even beyond sexuality.
#JaneWard #NotGay #normal #heterosexual #homosexual #NormalSexual #VictorianEra #Victorian #reproduction
