Category: Victorian Era (1837-1901)

In the history of the United Kingdom, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria’s reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. The era followed the Georgian period and preceded the Edwardian period, and its later half overlaps with the first part of the Belle Époque era of continental Europe.
Preceded by: Regency era
Followed by: Edwardian era
Monarch: Victoria

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

On By TracyIn Historical Fiction, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901), Women's FictionLeave a comment

The Secret Book SocietyThe Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: N/A

Release Date: August 26, 2025

After surviving three abusive marriages and unbelievable heartbreak, Clara Chambers, the Countess of Duxbury is finally free. Widowed and wealthy, Clara is determined to save other women from suffering as she has, to that end, she selects four women from society and invites them to join her for tea, all save one accept. She then offers the women use of her extensive library, as well as her support and guidance facing the struggles of being a woman in Victorian England. Clara gently guides each lady, taking special notice of Eleanor Clarke, the wife of a self-made man who married her for her social status. She makes book suggestions to each woman but offers Eleanor a glimpse into her own life by encouraging her to read her personal journals. And so, begins the Secret Book Society…

The members of the Secret Book Society are Eleanor Clarke who is married to Cecil Clarke, a controlling, dominating man, who saved her family from financial ruin, a fact he doesn’t let her forget. He controls every aspect of her life and even limits the time she is allowed to spend with their son. Rose Wharton is an American heiress who married Theodore Wharton, the second son of an earl in a love match, but since learning Theodore’s elder brother the Earl is dying and Theodore is his heir, their marriage has suffered as the Earl doesn’t believe Rose is a proper lady, leaving Rose wondering if her marriage can survive. The final member is Lady Lavinia Cavendish, who accepted the invitation in her mother’s place, Lavinia’s father has banned her from reading, believing that it will encourage her capricious nature and lead to the same madness that her grandmother suffered. Together these women will forge a friendship so strong, that it will ultimately help them save one of their own.

With this book, Madeline Martin has crafted an emotional story of friendship, empowerment and healing. Until they met at Lady Duxbury’s home, each woman in this story is at a crossroads in her life and facing it alone, but thanks to the secret book society, they have each other to lift them up and support them through the challenges they face, and woven within their story is Clara’s tale of heartbreak and loss, which gives readers a powerful and insightful look into the life of a woman in the male dominated Victorian era. I loved this book, not only does it make me proud to see how far women have come but reminds me of the power women have to lift up and support each other through the inequalities we still face today. Before you start this book, I highly recommend grabbing a beverage, a box of tissues and comfy chair, because once you start reading, you aren’t going to want to stop until the last page!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

A Silence in Belgrave Square by Jennifer Ashley

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

A Silence in Belgrave Square (A Below Stairs Mystery, #8)

Barbara’s Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: A Below Stairs Mystery #8
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Setting: Victorian London
Pages: 320

One of my favorite aspects of this series is its focus on characters from below stairs. While aristocrats appear, they remain secondary—allowing the real spotlight to shine on the clever, resilient, and resourceful Kat Holloway, a cook with a sharp mind and keen eye for detail. Alongside her is the ever-enigmatic Daniel McAdam—a charming and wily operative with a hidden connection to a secretive branch of Scotland Yard.

Daniel longs to escape the grip of his manipulative superior, Monaghan, who’s had it out for him for years. Monaghan finally offers Daniel a deal: complete this one last mission—his most dangerous yet—and he’ll be free. The case? Infiltrate the household of Viscount Peyton, suspected of conspiring with the Fenians, a radical group willing to commit mass murder in the name of Irish independence.

Meanwhile, Kat takes on a troubling mystery of her own. Several of Lady Cynthia’s friends have received vile blackmail letters, with promises of further instructions to come. When the second letter arrives, the demands take an unexpected turn—leading Kat down a much darker and more complex path.

Although working separately, both Kat and Daniel find themselves navigating escalating dangers. The risks they face also serve to deepen their personal bond, hinting at exciting developments to come in their relationship and lives.

The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the dual investigations are expertly interwoven. I especially appreciate how the author continues to build on the characters’ growth while laying intriguing groundwork for future installments.

Will Kat finally open her long-dreamed-of tea shop? Will Daniel uncover the truth about his past—and break free from Monaghan’s grasp? So many tantalizing threads left to explore!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews