The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

 The Secret Book Society

Book Summary

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.

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society…

London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.

As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

My Thoughts

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin is a story that quickly drew me in and had me curious to see what would happen next.  I thought The Secret Book Society was well-written with developed characters.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable. The story moves along at a steady pace. We get to see a realistic view of what upper class women faced in Victorian England.  Woman had few rights in the Victorian era (next to none unless they were a widow).  The father, brother, or husband controlled their money, property, and what would happen to them (whom they would marry for example). 

We get to see the control a man has over a woman in The Secret Book Society, but also how one woman helps empower them.  The women see that they are not alone.  They get a chance to make friends, share their love of literature, and learn some helpful tips (I particularly liked the different uses for a hatpin).  I liked that the author showed that not all men are bad. Interspersed throughout the story are entries from Lady Duxbury’s diary.  They are quite illuminating.  The author’s love of literature shows. I found myself cheering for these women and hoping that they would overcome their situations.  The Secret Book Society is a heartbreaking and heartwarming  historical tale about the rules of society, bullies, importance of appearances, friendship, a love of literature, and courage.

The Secret Book Society is available from Amazon*.  You can find Madeline Martin's other novels here.  This is the first book that I have read by Madeline Martin and it will definitely not be the last.  The next book that I want to read by this author is The Booklover's Library which is available through Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for popping by today.  

The ducklings are doing great.  They are growing by leaps and bounds.  Mama Duck lets them have some independence now and then (in other words, she gets a minute to herself).  The other day, one of the ducks lingered too long on the porch (eating) and got separated from the rest of the group.  The little thing was distraught and quaking up a storm.  Since I did not see Mama Duck or the other ducklings, I called "Mama Duck" and she came flying in from around back (I am not kidding).  The little duckling ran quickly to her side.  The rest of the duckling soon came waddling along from the back to join Mama Duck and their sibling.  I get a kick out of watching the little duck family.  I like that the neighborhood cats do not bother the ducks (even when they steal their food).  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino.  I hope that you have a magical day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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