The Secret Book Society Review

Hello, all!

Let's chat about The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin.

Pub Date: 8-26-25
Adult - Historical Fiction

The only thread tying Eleanor Clarke, Rose Wharton, and Lavinia Cavendish together is their places in London's high society, but the trio soon learn they have more in common than they think. Eleanor is a struggling mother living with an abusive husband; Rose is an American transplant stifled by the strict rules of the ton; and Lavinia is a young woman who feels deeply and is scared her emotions will send her to the asylum like her grandmother. The trio unexpectedly receives invitations to tea by the mysterious Lady Duxbury, but instead of scones, they're met with the offer to join a secret book club.

Lady Duxbury has suffered much in her life and is determined to help other women forge better lives for themselves. She takes Eleanor, Rose, and Lavinia under her wing and gives them the tools they need to empower themselves. Through reading, conversation, and less conventional lessons, the woman forge a sisterhood that will change their lives. All three women are facing hardships, but through each other and Lady Duxbury, they gain not only the strength but the courage to fight for the lives they want.

I haven't picked up a historical fiction in a while, but this reminded me that I need to. I loved this. I found the story so compelling. Typically, when a book follows multiple POVs, I tend to gravitate towards a particular one, but that wasn't the case here. I loved seeing each character's perspective. I also loved how strong the themes of sisterhood and female empowerment were. It was so satisfying to watch them all grow and take charge of their lives during a time when women were expected to be seen but not heard. This was my first book by Martin, but I'm looking forward to picking up more from her.

Rating: 5/5

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