Book Review for The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi

 

The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi

Published:  June 24, 2025 by Lake Union Publishing

Genre:  Historical, Mystery

Taken from Goodreads:  An antiques dealer and an enigmatic heiress embark on a revelatory friendship in a haunting and hopeful novel about family ties, secrets, and belonging by the bestselling author of A Heart Like Home.

Cautious Claire Shelton, employee at a Maine antique shop, is surprised when she’s recruited to catalog the treasures of reclusive Hanna Reeves, sole descendant of the state’s most colorful shipbuilders and industrialists. Hanna’s retreat from society years ago is just one of many mysteries behind the walls of Rose Hill, her fabled estate.

Settling into Rose Hill’s carriage house, Claire finds Hanna, nearing eighty, to be a still-formidable woman. She’s demanding, judgmental, and protective of a mansion that is a veritable shrine to her ancestors. Then, diving into her work, Claire discovers a hidden library that is the stuff of legend among locals. An avid booklover, Claire is in heaven. More enthralling are Hanna’s leather-bound family journals that open Claire up to the past—and soon forge a rich and unexpected bond between two very different women.

A legacy is coming to light. All of Maine is talking. Because the revelations in the journals are enlightening enough to unite old friends, lovers, and families. And shocking enough to tear them apart forever.

 

My Thoughts:  Christine Nolfi is a must-read author, and this book proves it. From the moment Claire Shelton had to work with Hanna Reeves, I knew it would be an engrossing tale full of secrets, history, and drama. I was so captivated that I didn't want to stop reading or for the story to end. 

I love Hanna Reeves' character. Her life began enchantingly but lost its charm after some bumps. She's my favorite in the book, and I rooted for her to escape her self-imposed cage and find happiness again. I hoped Claire would help her achieve that. 

I highly recommend this book , just look at the title The Secret Library, it pulls at any historical fiction reader.

Thank you to the author for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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About ChristineNolfi (taken from her website):  Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels, including A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick, The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards. Look for Christine’s 2024 release, which will be available for preorder soon.

Other works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines, and the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings.

Earlier works include Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards and Put Your Heart in a Book Awards.

The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”

A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband. She is currently working on her 2025 release.