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The Secret Book Society

A Novel

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The Secret Book Society

By: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

 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. Friendship Genre Fiction Gothic Historical Fiction Horror Women's Fiction Marriage Heartfelt
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This was such a lovely story and very cleverly written. Set in the Victorian era when women in high society were controlled by their husbands, they were not allowed to have their own opinion a voice or really any self worth. Three women are invited for tea at Lady Duxbury's town house. But the reason is not just for tea it is to create a secret book society, where the ladies are allowed to select books from Lady Duxbury's library, one book being her secret diary, which is hidden in the shelves. In those days women were not allowed to read books, it was frowned upon, especially from their husbands, just in case they might have got ideas to have a mind of their own. This is a story of empowerment and freedom from their repressed lives and abuse, a sisterhood and friendship which gives a healing balm of self worth and strength to these women, a little bit like Jane Eyre, when she found her confidence. I loved all of the women in this book, and I wish that Madeline would write more books from the Victorian era. I love Madeline's passion for her research and her beautiful way of portraying a good story, and not forgetting the fabulous voice of Saskia too. Highly recommend, in fact I recommend all of Madeline's books. They are fabulous stories! 🤍📚

A Wonderful Story, So Cleverly Written

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A fantastic book, well researched and told. At times harrowing and the author commentary at the end is excellent.

Brilliant

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I’m grateful for what women went through in that era. The Prologue was an eye opener to the honesty of the story. Brilliantly written.

Eye opening for Victorian women

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I rarely leave reviews but this book and the authors note deeply resonated with me. It was interesting, touching, well researched and the ending left me cheering and wanting more. Please make it a series. Love it!

Loved this book!

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this beautifully written story had me appreciating how far we've come, and the invaluable of power of friendship.

A stark reminder!

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