So, at first when Elsie threw her lot behind Patches, I was ready to turn off the book entirely because girl, he drew a picture of you and then stabbed out your eyes because you ignored him, and she was so gung ho for him that I knew I wouldn't be able to handle it. Eventually, I got what Boekweg was going for, namely that a guy can just be a douchebag no matter how many sparks you feel, but I just don't think it was executed well. I loved the idea of the book, I loved a secret society of women trying to work within the system that was meant to keep them down, so I added an extra star for the creativity. The ending also seems rushed and...hopeless?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I loved the writing of this book. Boekweg did a great job with creating characters that you can't leave and a perfectly paced story!

I had a lot of hopes for this book but it was a struggle to finish. It felt like the author lost momentum. Loved the characters though!


I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

i enjoyed this for the most part but i feel disappointed because the premies of the book had so much potential but i feel like it fell short in several aspects. it felt really rushed at times and the pacing was really off for me -- it made it difficult for me to finish this in one sitting, which is what i often do with standalones like this. still, this felt like such an interesting concept and very unique!

BOOK REPORT for A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by Sheena Boekweg

Cover Story: Garden State
BFF Charm: Meh
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Talky Talk: Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss
Bonus Factor: Secret Societies
Relationship Status: Out of the Running


Cover Story: Garden State

Look, y’all! Her dress matches the wallpaper! I joke but I do like this cover, and it was the first thing that drew me to the book.

The Deal:

It’s 1926 and the Society has become a nationwide force, puppeteering the most powerful men in the United States through the women closest to them. What started as tea parties and matchmaking is now a secret society of women – Spinsters, who train as fighters; Gossips, who pass messages through coded recipes; and Wives, who marry the power-players in U.S. politics and business. By staying close to the men running their country, the Society is able to control legislation and politics.

Elsie has trained her whole life to become a Wife, and now she and four other girls have been chosen to seduce a boy named Andrew, who is earmarked to become the next President. Andrew thinks he’s meeting these girls by chance, and has no idea that the girls are in competition to have the most powerful position in the Society.


BFF Charm: Meh

When Elsie gets the opportunity to vie for Andrew’s hand, she doesn’t hesitate. Doing her part to make the world a better place is important to her, and she was sure to let everyone know that. There were times when she erred on the side of preachy, and she was always trying to show everyone that she was a good friend who always did the right thing. But at the end of the day, winning Andrew’s heart was a competition and Elsie wanted to win. Even once she realized that one of her friends ACTUALLY made a good match with Andrew, she continued to cockblock for the “greater good.” Overall, Elsie’s ambition felt like a clumsy attempt to make her seem more complex than she actually was.

Swoonworthy Scale: 2

Andrew is about as exciting as a loaf of stale bread, so there’s not really any romance happening there. But Elsie does catch feelings for a boy named Patch. Unfortch, the romance was melodramatic and a bit insta-lovey. And that’s not even taking into consideration that Patch was a bundle of red flags cobbled together in human form. He was always flying off the handle and clearly had some anger issues that made it super hard for me to find him romantic at all.

Talky Talk: Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss

Try as I might, I could not connect with the writing here. I hate when a book reads like the teenagers who are reading it need everything explained to them, especially inclusion. There was a lot of heavy-handed messaging and preachy monologues that made it feel like an after-school special, and for all the talk of inclusion, most of the main characters were white. There was SOME representation here, though, including a character figuring out that she was Ace and a trans character (though I’m not sure that was ever explicitly stated).

I think a book like this required WAY more world-building than we’re given. I had a lot of questions that never came close to being answered. Most importantly: WHY ANDREW? It was never explained why this totally unremarkable boy would be President. Which seems like a huge part of the story.

Bonus Factor: Secret Society

As soon as I read the description about an all-woman secret society who controls men from the inside, I thought “oh heck yes, that is a great idea.” I love a good secret society!

Relationship Status: Out of the Running

If this book were about to become President, I’d be out of the running for First Lady. I think it fell victim to the curse of a good idea without good execution. Ultimately, the writing wasn’t super strong and the story itself could’ve used a couple more revisions before hitting the shelves.

Coming into A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions, I was thrilled to be given a chance to review this book. This book is my first encounter with the author, but I was sure to love it based on the intriguing synopsis - and I was proven correct!

The story is from a first-person POV of Elsie Fawcett, as she describes the secret Society of women she is a member of. This Society categorizes women before they reach puberty on their future based on their specific skill-set. It is a very organized association with rules, purpose, and hierarchy. The group aims to influence men through the group's brand of "manipulation" and "involvement." It may sound sinister, but they do this to save and shape the future to a better one while also "rescuing" other women from troubled situations. They help other women "in need" through secret codes and drop-offs, etc.

Elsie Fawcett is the main focus in the story and, together with her group of "ladies," is on a mission to pursue an important man that will later shape the country. Based on their training, these ladies would support and help their would-be husbands make significant changes in their country. These women are like the "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," but in the female version and with the women's brand of "extra powers" since females are superhumans and are in a category all on their own. They are silent heroes when they are needed, and voices need to be heard.

This book made me think hard and long with everything. It made me revisit scenes and clues that would have the ending be such. Readers like myself want/need/love books that are more than HEA. **Note: this is still considered a HEA ending but with a unique and satisfying twist.

1.) The Society and Limitations
I love the concept of strong women, and the story was spot on with this point. There were many strong women with their skills used for good and a "higher purpose."
Although the Society seems the perfect solution to the world, the story dives into the pros and cons of operating in secret, not being able to rise from the shadows of their male targets, partners, etc. Women who solely dedicate themselves to the Society's cause may seem harsh but reading their points of view made sense. The saying "behind a successful man is a strong woman" is a valid saying, with the formation of the Society.

2.) Soft Skills as calculative weapons
It is important to note that the author highlights the many great women who had made huge impacts with their involvement behind the scenes. Whether it is to maintain a home, rear an heir, share opinions through "light conversations," or just beside their man stirring them to the "right people," - all of these impact potentially significant men. The world may be patriarchal with archaic thoughts, but a woman's guidance of kindness and compassion stirs it to a better and brighter future.

3.) Elsie and the gang
I love the interaction of Elsie and the four other "chosen girls" (all but one are her best friends) in the story. Being the wisest and most observant one in the group, Elsie shares it with the readers to help empathize with their different predicaments. They also come from different female representations from a trans, aromantic, and plus-size heroine, to name a few, that ALL rocked the story!
Each girl had ways of winning over "the target" while making sure not to succumb to her insecurities. It is also interesting to see that they are close friends, but they also compete against each other. They know each other well enough to use their weaknesses to further their agenda. Who will win in the end?
**Each girl's "date location" was a great indicator of their respective personalities. It is pretty varied, from a fancy restaurant to a car garage!

4.) Choices and Accountability
Elsie is NOT a perfect character. She is flawed and selfish in her own right. She is intelligent, educated, driven, and overqualified to be a "wife." Note that there is nothing wrong with being a wife. It has been stated often in the book, but with Elsie knowing deep down, she can be "more." That revelation will be the deciding factor of her deciding ambition vs. feelings. Elsie often had to fight internally to "do the right thing," and there were moments of temptation winning out. She made many bad decisions throughout the book, even if it started with the noblest of intentions, but I was happy with what she decided to do to "turn things around." Her self-sacrificing intentions served a higher purpose, as readers will see in the end.

5.) Leader vs. Follower
The ending might not be what a few readers may see coming, but in my case, I was delighted with how the ending was not the typical "happy ending" expected from Elsie. I firmly believe that Elsie wrote her story considering all her facets:- the good, the bad, and even the ugly. Elsie grew in the story that made her relatable - to anyone's hopes, dreams, and ambitions. She knew she needed to sacrifice now to see the future of women better. She had enough of being in anyone's shadows.

In summary, A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions is a literary gem! This fascinating book offers more than just reading for entertainment. It will thought-provoking impossibilities, shape minds about advocacies and women empowerment. Elsie's thoughts and opinions moved me like how a motivational speaker can do. Interestingly, in the end, Elsie's epic speech tips this book into a higher level of literary status! This book will engross you from start to finish AND make you want to be the best version of yourselves to push through pursue your passion and advocacies publicly.
This book is highly recommended for readers who want inspiration and empowerment as it sets them up for unlimited opportunities.

A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions is truly one of those books that I haven’t read before. I was curious since I read the blurb to see where the plot and the characters were headed and I am so glad that I picked it up!

The book is set in a society where women aren’t considered enough. What values most is familial background, and when are just, I don’t know what to say apart from this, ornaments which adorn the men. I swear I was raging when I read the plot because ugghh. But I kind of liked the concept and direction of the novel. I live in a society where the men are still considered to be one step ahead and above of women and crimes against women still take place unceasingly. I liked how Elsie knew that this was how things were working and at the same time she raised her voice, showed resistance whenever she wasn’t considered to be enough. Moreover the concept of the society where she and other girls lived and took up various tasks – Teachers, Spinsters, Gosspis and Wives-to-be – was a bit contradictory in its nature and I lived for it. It felt like a satire of sorts of how things function even today, even after a society is formed for women, there is a full chance that the workings still remain to be somewhere on misogynistic levels.

At first I honestly did not understand the need for the story to be set in 1900s and to show such various ideals of how society works. But gradually I understood the take the author was wanting to put forth through her book and reading her interview just made things clearer. I love to read books where there’s no hate and no misogyny. But at the same, I understand the fact that even my present living conditions aren’t free from it and hence novels which dismantle this system appeal to me further!

I enjoyed THE SISTERHOOD OF SECRET AMBITIONS so much! The attention to historical details was spot on and I fell hard for all of the characters! Will definitely be shouting about this book!

This YA meets Historical Fiction was a fast paced, inclusive read. I loved that the main character was plus sized, another character is trans, and the subjects of asexuality and anxiety were handled beautifully. YA books are slowly becoming a new favorite of mine. I love quick reads; with relevant topics and depth- A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions checked every box! This book made my feminist heart so happy!

Arrrrgggghhhh SO MUCH POTENTIAL. This book had so. Much. Potential. Unfortunately, it was rushed, not fully hashed out, and it really fumbled what could have been something great.

That being said, I'm still going with 3 stars because there were parts of this that I really did love and I really thought the author was onto something good here.

So let's start with the good: the idea that there are women in a secret society that are trained to be wives of important men is fantastic. Even the little details of naming each type of kiss after a fruit so that they could tell secret notes through recipes was genius. Did the recipe call for peach or strawberry? Was there a Dash of vanilla with a capital D to let you know that the message is urgent and requires immediate attention? Oh my gosh I loved that stuff so much. Really, I thought it was laying the groundwork for something amazing.

I also really liked that each girl got a "turn" before the mark would decide who the frontrunner would be. It made this little society seem more structured and civil than just having a bunch of girls throwing themselves at someone who was earmarked to be important.

Last, there's a lot of different rep in here - from Mira trying to figure out if she's aromantic to (I think) Iris being trans. I write "I think" because I don't think it was explicitly stated, or if it was, then I missed it. But she states at one point how her thoughts and goals were once listened to and given some weight, but that dropped off once she transitioned and they didn't see her as anything but a pretty face.

Guys. So much good stuff in here. It pains me that I'm giving this 3 stars.

Why?

First and foremost, the insta-love between Elsie & Patch. Honestly, I can usually be a little lenient with insta-love in YA because it's just the genre that calls for it, but this was over the top even for me. They spend one night flirting and kissing and suddenly Elsie is "his girl" and he's drawing pictures of her and stabbing out her eyes. What.

Elsie also keeps measuring up her lack of spark with Andrew to her sparks with Patch. Dude. The guy drew a picture of you and marked out your eyes when he saw you talking to another guy. Move along.

Also, everything was VERY rushed. There's a big climactic part that happens which I won't go into for spoilers sake, but it seemed to have little to no catalyst for such a drastic action and it all happened so suddenly. It was just jarring and solidified for me that the entire pacing of the book needed work.

This is a much longer review than I usually leave for 3 star books. I just want it to be known that this was something that could have been so great, but it really fell short. However, I definitely think I'd try another book from this author in the future.

All too often, history forgets women, erasing their contributions and worth from memory. This time, the women are fighting back. The Society is a secret organization of women that works in the shadows to shape the American nation on every level. The Society places trained operatives behind the men who they believe should lead the country, establishing a means through which they can influence a world that refuses to recognize their voices outright. But beyond the oaths and missions, The Society is a place of sisterhood, love, and support. Elsie, one of The Society’s up-and-coming members, has been assigned to a boy who will grow up to be president of the United States. If she wants to be remembered, she will have to make him fall for her, but she is not the only girl competing for his affections. Elsie will have to fight for her own legacy, even if it is not the one she dreamed of having.
This story is a triumphant reimagining of history, which explores the ways that women have had to write themselves back into the pages of history books after centuries of erasure. To me, this novel felt like an elaboration on the well-worn adage, "Behind every great man is a great woman." Though, in the case of A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions, this quote would need to be changed to, "Behind every great man, there is a carefully trained operative determined to shape history."
My Recommendation-
If you are a fan of The Lost Apothecary, you need to pick up a copy of A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions! This book would be an excellent choice for folks who enjoy conspiracy theories and feminist histories!

A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions has been on my TBR for a while, so I’m happy I finally got to read it as part of the Turn the Page Bookstagram tour. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such a unique concept for a historical fiction novel, and while the synopsis led me to different expectations, I enjoyed what this book turned out to be and all of the messages shared along the way.

At first, I was expecting a competitive aspect to this book. But it didn’t turn out to be that way for the most part and I really liked that. Instead, there was a lot of focus on the Society’s values and the importance of women having a voice and being able to contribute their own opinions and that having an impact.

I also really liked the conversations between the characters in the book. In a time where women were recently given the right to vote, but still had many more limitations, there were a lot of really nuanced discussions about women’s roles in society and all of the different ways women can strive to make a difference in these communities. I also really liked how these conversations were intersectional in nature – I think it’s important to demonstrate that these conversations did happen throughout history and that they are present in historical fiction novels.

The one thing that I really grappled with while reading A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions was the pacing. After the main mission was revealed, I felt like things really slowed down in the middle before they make a sharp turn and pick up at the end. And while I found that the middle of the book is where a lot of the book’s themes come in, I do wish that it moved in the same way that the beginning did.

Regardless, A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions was a great read overall and it’s reminded me to read more YA historical fiction again! I’m looking forward to seeing what Boekweg publishes in the future.

I was really intrigued with the concept of this book. A secret society of women who worked together to help battered women in the 1920's seemed like a great story line. I thought the beginning started out really well but a little confusing. It took me a bit to understand what was happening and then I wanted to see more missions around the society coming together to help these women. In the end it became a book that didn't hold as much interest as it did in the beginning and I found myself a bit bored. I didn't enjoy the political aspects of the society trying to find an affluential man a wife to help guide him in his success.

I didn't find it realistic that five women would be helping each other win the heart of one man without it getting messier than it did. It seemed that each woman was too cordial and I didn't like that she vowed to help Bea get the guy but then put that aside for her own agenda. I was really encouraged by the appearance of a different man who seemed to be capturing Elsie's heart and really wanted the story to go in that direction. It took a turn that was much more sinister and in the end I don't know what the point of all of it was. No one really ended up happy and even a child was killed in the process.

I had high hopes for this one given the concept but it just didn't work out for me.

What a weird-yet-wholesome book! Alternate history is always a little trippy to read, but this one was doubly so because it took such a substantial twist that, honestly, doesn’t seem too far-fetched: a network of women, inspired by Abigail Adams, who work together to subtly manipulate the men around them into enacting real social change. Obviously, since this work happens behind the scenes, the men and historians wouldn’t write about it–how could they know that their wives were giving secret hand signs, speaking in code, and shaping the future of the nation? Of course, America didn’t really have such a cool society, but it’s a nice thought anyway, right?

I didn’t know what to expect tone-wise from this book, but the final result was something even I couldn’t have predicted. There were elements that felt like a spy story, with the girls going on missions, sneaking around in trucks, and hiding political discussions in conversations about Chanel fashion. There were elements that reminded me of dating reality shows, with four girls vying for the heart of one eligible bachelor, with scheduled dates and scorecards and extra one-on-one time for girls who hit specific benchmarks–only, in this case, he has no idea these women are trying to woo him. It had some classic historical feminist story vibes (almost Little Women-esque), especially with Elsie as an aspiring writer, her poems interspersed between some chapters (side note: as a poet myself, I loved the inclusion of these!), and her own political ambitions and desire to be more pushing through as a constant undercurrent. It even leaned into some conventional YA tropes like the love triangle and the bad boy and the golden boy, though it did a great job of subverting those tropes as the story progressed. An odd mix, to be sure, but one held together by strong writing and a cast of lovable characters.

Speaking of characters: this was one of those books that really felt like the characters could be your friends or your sisters. From intellectual Elsie to rebellious Mira to sweet Bea to prickly Greta to fierce Iris, the central young women in this tale were all strong in their own ways, and even the least-likable of them still managed to win your heart. They had serious thoughtful debates about the role of women, motherhood, feminism, and even some hints at race and class issues, but they also would sometimes just let loose and be normal girls, sneaking out and having fun. Sometimes they would do some crappy things to each other–Elsie is especially guilty of this–but they were all able to own up, apologize, and do better. I like that: women aren’t perfect, and their occasional messiness really shone through here.

The characters were also a strikingly diverse group, and on this point, I feel like I need to bring up a couple things–some praise, and some qualms. One of the major characters has serious anxiety, including panic attacks (or “nerve attacks,” as she calls them, in accordance with the time’s parlance); this was solid representation, having an ordinarily confident character sometimes sidelined by her uncontrollable brain but always able to bounce back. Two of the girls, Elsie and Bea, are plus-sized, and while they do encounter some body-shaming from others, their own thoughts on each other are incredibly body-positive, frequently reminding each other just how beautiful they are. Iris is a trans woman (this is mentioned when she is first introduced, not a spoiler!), and while I can’t personally speak to the trans experience, I liked that the book reinforced more than once how her experience was in some ways very different from other women (e.g. no periods), but in other ways was exactly the same (like how, once she started passing as female, people stopped offering her all the coaching and opportunities she got when others thought she was a boy).

I was glad that the Society supported queer women–Iris talked about how they provided her with tools to help her pass, like clothing patterns and voice coaching lessons, and the women talk about setting women up on dates with other women–but the book also hinted at some less-progressive views in the Society, like being against women’s suffrage for a while. This clash in values seemed a little odd to me, but you know, alternate history–how much can I really talk about accuracy? I think it was getting at the idea that (a) organizations can be slow to change and can also be hypocritical, (b) they are capable of evolving, and (c) nothing is black-or-white, and even groups that do a lot of good can also perpetuate harm. Viewed through that lens, I liked it.

Okay, one big issue I had though: the ace rep was a little weird. I’m not going to complain about the inclusion of it (let’s be real, the “maybe I just have high standards?” thought process before discovering asexuality is really common and totally made sense here), or how the characters discussed it (they were super respectful!), but there were three parts that didn’t work for me. First, a small one, but the characters used the word “aromantic” while helping the ace character figure out her identity. While asexuality was recognized as early as the late 1800s, the term “aromantic” wasn’t coined until much later (around 2005, according to some sources). The anachronism threw me off a bit. I know, alternate history, but this was a pretty big shift. The second problem was how this character’s asexuality was hinted at a couple times in the beginning, discussed in a several-pages-long conversation in the middle of the book, and then never brought up again. This felt kind of like tokenization, which is not cool. And third, related to that previous one, was that the character’s asexuality in some ways seemed like it was just a plot point, not a part of genuine character development. The author needed to achieve a certain goal, and tossed in the ace rep to make it happen. Again, not a good look. I want more ace rep, obviously, but this was not an ideal way to get it.

But I digress.

Aside from its ace rep issues (and some other minor anachronisms–for every couple uses of old-time slang, there would be another place where a decidedly modern phrase cropped up), this was a really pleasant and very feminist story. It tackles sisterhood, friendship, female ambition, the patriarchy, the danger of angry men, and more, and even when it dips into some cliché buckets, the overall result is one that was a delight to read.

A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions imagines a reality where behind every important decision in history stood the Society: a secret group of women working in the shadows to influence political leaders of the world to make the right decision and move society into a better, more progressive future.

Enter Elsie, she’s been trained all her life to be the Wife to one of these influential men. But she can’t help having ambitions of her own. Ones that would mean stepping away from the shadows and into the limelight herself.

But when she finds out her most recent target is intended to become the next POTUS, she can’t help contemplating what a marriage to him might do for her status, not just in the Society, but on a grander scale. First, though, she has to make him fall in love with her.

I was so excited to read A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions when I first heard about it. The premise immediately struck me, and really made me sit up and take notice. A secret society of influential women guiding the progression of civilization for the better by marrying and raising powerful men? Sign me up!

Elsie herself was such a great character to explore this world through too. She was smart, ambitious and driven in her own right. A big part of her storyline focused on her internal battle between doing what she was told to do and what she wanted for herself. She’d been raised to demonstrate all the things that made an ideal woman: soft, caring, nurturing, demure – and that’s exactly what people saw when they looked at her. But inside she was hiding an untenable storm of change and progress. And she had to decide if she ought to unleash it, or keep it tethered forever.

I love how she questioned the Society itself and challenged whether making progress by not stepping on any toes was ever truly enough. Real progress is confrontational, it’s uncomfortable, and Elsie understood that. This book was as enthralling as it was inspirational. I adored the atmosphere and historical setting. All the women in it were really enjoyable, interesting, and unique. I loved how in the end even the least likeable of them showed they could be redeemed, and band together for the greater good and womanhood alike.

Thank you to Turn the Page Tours and the publisher, Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for providing me with an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

This has to be one of the most intriguing premises for a book, and I am so happy I got to read it. This book focuses on Elsie as she and her four society sisters go on a mission to woe the future president of the United States in the 1920s.

Elsie is a plus-sized ball of energy, wit, and sass. Let's not forget ambition ;D She finds out a lot about herself as she attempts to gain the heart of Andrew Shaw. She wants to win and she wants to gain favor in the society, but she also sees the flaws in the system that put their men on pedestals while the women succeed in the shadows. Through her efforts to thwart the other girls, she discovers that she wants for herself than being the wife of a powerful man. She herself wants that power too.

I adored the representation of this book and the themes of body positivity and feminism. But there's also a discussion of accepting women who want to be mothers and wives and how that is OK to want just as it's OK for others not to want that sort of life. Elsie is not a perfect character, and she slips and falls often, but in the end, she finds out who she really is and what she wants in life and her journey is beautiful.

The plot is well-paced with enough intrigue and action to keep me hooked. There are some hard-hitting themes and one particular that will make you ugly cry.

This is a diamond of a book that left me wanting more. It's only been a day since I finished and I keep ruminating back to some of the scenes that inspired me. I cannot wait for this book to arrive in my hands. I hope you all love it too!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4008279709

Review: I am excited to be part of the @turnthepagetours tour for A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions by @sheenaboekweg! It was a quick read set in the historical prohibition era. I enjoyed the concept that a secret society of women had been pulling the strings for major historical figures and events. The organization was powerful, elaborate, and covert. Elsie’s objective was to woo a man that the society would mold to be powerful. The novel is strongly feminist and politically relevant, additionally I appreciated how the subjects of anxiety, body positivity, and asexuality were broached. The introspective poetry throughout and literary references also aided in creating a unique voice and writing style.

This novel celebrates finding your own path in the world, and creating your own legacy. A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions was truly a refreshing YA read.

Very unique twist to historical fiction that will capture your interest from the start of the story!

The plot is set in 1936, where Elise along with her dear friends Bea and Mira are part of the secret society where they are molded to capture the attention of powerful men to be married to them and shape the society through their influence on men.

Elise and Bea both are plus sized women and it was really amazing to read how they overcome the self doubt and learn to be comfortable in their shape and themselves!
This book has a great body positivity message! The cast is very diverse and it also has women of all walks from spinsters, to wives, to gossips to colored and queer!

Thank you NetGalley, @turnthepagetours, @sheenaboekweg and @fiercereads for the complimentary galley in exchange of my honest review!

3.75 stars rounded up to 4

Thanks to Turn The Page Tours, Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!

I like the concept of secret societies, so I was instantly pulled in by 'A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions'. And have you seen that cover?? It's so freaking gorgeous and I could keep on staring at it for hours. The story starts off strong, with four girls, our main character, Elsie, and her friends/sisters, Mira, Bea and Greta. from the secret society. Sheena Boekweg's writing style was lovely; it was beautiful and flowy, yet not to descriptive. Because of this, I was able to finish this book in one sitting. The first half of the story starts off great and builds up to the mission assigned to the four girls, make the boy (who is marked to be the future president of the United States) fall in love with them.

Unfortunately, the buildup eventually falls flat because various other plot threads start to pop up that remained unresolved. And I found it a little hard to like Elsie after the first half, because while she was talking about not wanting to hurt her friends, when she goes around and does that. But I did come to like her by the time the ending came about.

Even with all the unresolved plot threads, I enjoyed the ending and how Elsie came to find her own voice, outside the confines of the secret society.

All in all, A Sisterhood of Secret Ambitions was a good read, though I wish the plot had been developed a lot more. Nevertheless, if you're looking for something you can get through quickly, I'd recommend picking up this book!