Maggie is helping her pregnant friend out by looking after her secondhand book shop in Bell River. She soon discovers that the whole town is ruled by the selfish descendent of a famous author and goes rogue by ordering in banned books and hosting a book club that attracts more people than she ever imagined.

Soon Maggie has amassed an army of like-minded people who support her thoughts on this tyrant and the way he is running things. Armed with evidence, she goes in fighting to save many jobs and the reputation of the town.

A well-written novel with a different twist to the usual book club story. I felt the ending was all a bit "nice" though, it would have been fun to have a bit more of a fight on their hands to get the results they wanted.

What's not to love with this book? Such a refreshing storyline. Finally, a book that could do without the sizzling scenes, but still was able to convey that *it* happened. This is definitely a breath of fresh air from the typical romance books.

Contemporary Fiction

I'm a sucker for anything with book in the title. I love books about books, librarians, etc. Unfortunately, this was not a book I loved. I didn't really even like it.

It has all the ingredients, but the recipe does not come together. Maggie has no prospects and isn't living her best life. Her best friend asks for help. Maggie travels to Bell River to run her friend's bookstore. After one day, Maggie causes trouble with the head of the town and disrupts the finances of her friend's bookstore. While searching for alternative ways to make the store profitable, Maggie meets many of the townspeople. She finds that they all have things in common and don't like the running of the town. Maggie finds a way to bring them all together with a secret book club. An author writes a spin on a classic and reads it to the group. Maggie sells banned books at the club and passes it off as legitimate sales from the bookstore. She is having so much fun and gaining a positive sense of self, for the first time in a long time. She makes a misstep that causes all the town secrets to be revealed. She is desperate to save her friends and ultimately the town, as well.

Is there a positive moral to the story - yes. That's about all I can say I liked about this novel. I didn't connect with the characters or most of the plot. This one was a struggle to get through.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this novel.

I loved how Maggie’s journey and finding herself were the focal point of the plot, it made the book unique and more meaningful. This book didn’t really hook me right away and I wasn’t super excited to pick it up until about halfway through. I felt like the relationships between the characters and Maggie felt disconnected until this point, especially with Malcolm. I wanted more from their relationship, or that it didn’t exist at all. The secret bookstore meetings were so cute and I loved how Robinson slowly ramped up the stakes with the Bell society, as well as Maggie’s personal life.

Shauna Robinson’s ability to write a bookish romance that explores real-world relatable themes for 20-somethings, navigating the world, is unmatched. Much like ‘Must Love Books’, ‘The Secret Book Club’ is a heartwarming emotional rollercoaster set in the land of book lovers.

I really enjoyed this book, the blossoming romance, the sense of community and watching Maggie find her place. Such a joy, thank you to the publishers for the chance to read this! I love Shauna Robinson.

A secret underground book club?!?! Yeah sign me up. This was extremely heartfelt and makes you fall in love with reading all over again. A must buy for sure.

After the first ten pages, I realized this is the same as "The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks". I loved Maggie's story when I first read it and would recommend this book to anyone who loves books about books! Thank you Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Creating a bookstore or a book club in our small village initially seemed like a daunting task, a mission impossible, if you will. However, driven by a profound love for literature and a desire to foster a reading community, I embarked on this journey with optimism and determination.

The quaint bookstore stands as a testament to the power of shared stories and the magic they bring into our lives. It's not just a place to purchase books; it's a haven where villagers come together to explore the vast realms of imagination that literature offers.

In nurturing my daughter's love for reading, I've discovered the incredible bond that can be forged through the pages of a book. Trusting her ability to distinguish between fiction and reality has opened the door to countless adventures and life lessons found in the written word.

This literary venture is not just a business; it's a source of inspiration and motivation. Seeing the joy on faces as they delve into a new novel or engage in lively discussions at the book club fuels the passion to continue this endeavor. It's a reminder that even in a small village, the love for literature can create a vibrant community, connecting minds and hearts through the magic of storytelling.

I received a free copy of, The Secret Book Club, by Shauna Robinson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maggie decides to start an underground book club, when she is not able to sell the books she wants to because of the literary society in town. This is a good read, a lot of good books have been banned. Books should not be banned.

This was such a cute read. As a book lover, it’s so easy to relate to the characters who love books. The author did a fantastic job at building this small town and showing the importance of community. I absolutely loved reading this book and enjoyed my time with the characters

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Secret Book Club" by Shauna Robinson is a delightful and heartwarming story that celebrates the love of books and the power of community. Set in the quaint town of Bell River, the novel follows Maggie Banks, a passionate book lover who faces the challenge of running a bookstore in a town with strict literary rules. Maggie's decision to start an underground book club, selling forbidden modern books and dodging the town's conservative literary society, sets off a charming and uplifting narrative.

Robinson’s writing is engaging and full of warmth. She captures the essence of a small town with its quirks and charm, making Bell River a character in its own right. Maggie's character is relatable and endearing; her enthusiasm for books and her determination to bring contemporary literature to her community are infectious. The book club members are a diverse and likable cast of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.

The plot is well-paced and filled with humorous and heartwarming moments. The secret nature of the book club and the challenges Maggie faces in keeping it under wraps add an element of suspense and excitement. The exploration of themes such as the importance of literature, the joy of shared reading experiences, and the impact of community involvement is skillfully woven throughout the narrative.

However, readers looking for a more complex or dramatic storyline might find the book's focus on the joys and trials of running a book club a bit light. The novel's primary emphasis is on the uplifting aspects of book lovers coming together, which may not appeal to those seeking a more in-depth exploration of serious themes.

Content warnings for themes of community, literature, and mild conflict with societal norms are appropriate. "The Secret Book Club" will appeal most to readers who enjoy feel-good stories about books, community, and the celebration of reading.

In conclusion, "The Secret Book Club" by Shauna Robinson is a charming and uplifting novel that offers a delightful escape into the world of books and the magic of a close-knit community. Its engaging characters, cozy setting, and celebration of the power of literature make it a perfect read for fans of heartwarming and book-centric stories.

This book was a very exciting read set in the best place - a bookshop! I enjoyed it overall, I loved the characters and they added to my enjoyment of the book.

I am an avid reader so reading a book about a bookstore - perfection! I loved the storyline for the book - Maggie goes to help her friend at her bookstore. However upon her arrival she realizes they only sell certain books. So to boost sales, she creates a secret book club - reading and selling current books. As the book went on, I felt uncomfortable with how long she lied to her friend.

However I loved the romance and how real the book felt.....hit a bump in the road but kept on going.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for this book

The characters of grumpy Vernon, Maggie (a nonreader) and Malcom (the classic book reader) are fun and interesting.

The story is engaging and clearly developed. I fell in love with the New England town and the Cobblestone Book shop.

When Maggie finds herself running the bookstore while her friend is on maternity leave she uses her creative ideas to help boost book sales while becoming invested in the Bell River community.

The book is an entertaining quick read.

Recommend.

The Secret Book Club is the story of Maggie, a non-reader who flits from job to job, and has moved to a new town to fill in at her friend’s book store. Struggling with sales due to the limitations on what books can be sold (classics only), Maggie starts a literary speakeasy of sorts, to increase revenue. Along the way, she discovers reading, romance, a new community, and a literary mystery.

This was such a fun read. I loved the messages about finding yourself and your people through books, and reading what makes you happy.

Maggie was endearing and uninhibited, and I enjoyed the friends she made in her new community. Her relationship with Malcolm initially seemed so unlikely, but I really enjoyed the way they forced each other to explore new horizons. All of the characters were engaging and interesting, and the story felt like an ode to books and the communities they inspire (for better or worse!).

Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

This charming and bookish tale revolves around Maggie, a non-reader who has taken on the responsibility of looking after her friend's bookstore while she embarks on her maternity leave. However, things don't go according to plan, and Maggie must find a way to swiftly boost sales without jeopardizing her friend's livelihood. Despite Bell River's strict rules and regulations, Maggie secretly sets her sights on selling contemporary novels alongside the classics. In a town where running a bookstore is considered the worst job imaginable, she manages to bring people together and kindle their love for books by establishing an underground book club.

Throughout her journey, Maggie conceals her actions from Rochelle and Malcolm, a member of the Bell Society with whom she is forming a bond. While I wish she had confided in her friend about her endeavors, I understand her reasons for keeping it to herself. The connections she forges with the other townspeople, particularly the initially grumpy neighbor Vernon, are truly remarkable.

Maggie's story is an exquisite representation of the challenges we face no matter our age or qualifications. We all encounter rough paths in life where we struggle to find our purpose, whether it be personal or professional. Many can undoubtedly relate to this sentiment. Maggie's character development throughout the narrative is remarkable as she rectifies her past mistakes. Her vibrant and free-spirited personality harmoniously intertwines with Malcom's introverted and bookish nature. Additionally, her relationships with the citizens of Bell River naturally progress and evolve. Witnessing Maggie blossom into a mature individual who searches for meaning in her existence while making unique contributions to her community is truly captivating.

This novel bears a resemblance to the works of Sophie Kinsella, particularly due to its incorporation of the business aspect.

Ultimately, it is a heartwarming and effortlessly enjoyable read, sprinkled with moments of humor.

3,5/5

A delightful read! THE SECRETE BOOK CLUB isn't just romance but was filled with books, friendship and finding yourself.

I didn't like Maggie's secret hanging over her head the entire book - it was a struggle to be OK with her lying to her best friend for so long.

I loved all the characters - they were so real and full of life.

I appreciated that Maggie hit a bump in the road and kept going. Her character development was perfect and I loved her relationship with Malcolm.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the ARC! Opinions are my own

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I didn't realize this book was the same as "The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks". I really enjoyed "The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks" when I read it and would recommend it. I really enjoyed learning more about Maggie Banks and her experiences in Bell River.

I love books in bookstores setting or about books in general so I loved the premise for The Secret Book Club. Maggie goes to help her friend Rochelle at her bookstore but encounters that they're stuck in the past. Only carrying books about local writer Edward Bell and classic titles. So she comes with the idea to host secret book readings and selling modern books on the down low in order to make more profit.

In doing so she keeps a lot of secrets from Rochelle and Malcom, an employee of the Bell Society with whom she's starting to develop a relationship. I wish she had really confided with her friend on what she was doing since it's her livelihood, but at the same time I get why she did it. The connections she made with the other residents were great, specially with the grumpy neighbor Vernon.

Maggies story is a perfect representation that no matter what age we are or what qualifications we have, sometimes we hit a rough path. Were we don’t know what we want to do with our lives, be it personally or professionally and it’s hard to find a purpose. I feel like a lot of people can identify with that. I think she had great character development and helped right the wrongs she did. Also her relationship with Malcom felt very genuine and not rushed. And he was able to come out of his shell and do what he wanted at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK One More Chapter and Shauna Robinson for the opportunity to read this ARC.