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The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves
Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 14:54:02
10 copies available
U.S. only
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.
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.
303 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2025
1910 people are currently reading
22055 people want to read
About the author
Christine Nolfi
22 books4,017 followersChristine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of seventeen novels. Look for her 2025 release, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.
Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and 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.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie 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.
Other works include her 2024 release A Heart Like Home; A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick and 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.
Earlier works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines; the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings; Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
June 22, 2025
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I was first introduced to his author when I read and loved The Road She Left Behind about 5 years ago. This story is about an antique store employee named Claire Shelton who is hired to catalogue the possessions of Hannah Reeves. Hannah is nearly 80 years old, but she's a very strong-willed and opinionated woman. She and Claire clash at first, but then Claire finds a secret library. For book lover Claire, this is the be-all end-all. In the library Claire finds the Reeves family journals and Claire is sucked into Hannah's family's past and all the secrets that are revealed.
This book is an absolute gem to read. It was such a captivating story of family secrets. Right from the start, I was drawn into the world of the Reeves' with Claire. It has small town charm, family secrets, mysteries and of course all those books. I loved how the author shows how difficult relationships can be, but if you work at it, things can come out well in the end. Every family has secrets, and the weight of those secrets can have an impact for generations. Nolfi has such an amazing ability in creating characters, even ones you don't like at first, you come to empathize with. This was a beautifully written story of healing from the past, human connection and finding a way forward. And the best part? It proves how the magic you can find in books and the power of stories. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I hugged my tablet when I turned the last page. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I was first introduced to his author when I read and loved The Road She Left Behind about 5 years ago. This story is about an antique store employee named Claire Shelton who is hired to catalogue the possessions of Hannah Reeves. Hannah is nearly 80 years old, but she's a very strong-willed and opinionated woman. She and Claire clash at first, but then Claire finds a secret library. For book lover Claire, this is the be-all end-all. In the library Claire finds the Reeves family journals and Claire is sucked into Hannah's family's past and all the secrets that are revealed.
This book is an absolute gem to read. It was such a captivating story of family secrets. Right from the start, I was drawn into the world of the Reeves' with Claire. It has small town charm, family secrets, mysteries and of course all those books. I loved how the author shows how difficult relationships can be, but if you work at it, things can come out well in the end. Every family has secrets, and the weight of those secrets can have an impact for generations. Nolfi has such an amazing ability in creating characters, even ones you don't like at first, you come to empathize with. This was a beautifully written story of healing from the past, human connection and finding a way forward. And the best part? It proves how the magic you can find in books and the power of stories. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, and I hugged my tablet when I turned the last page. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 4, 2025
Some books write themselves; The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves certainly falls into that category. I was about 100 pages in on the first draft when it dawned that I had far too much plot for one book. Which is why I'm planning to write a sequel this year.
I hope you'll pick up a copy and discover—along with Claire, the protagonist—why the best secrets revealed are the ones sure to touch your heart.
I hope you'll pick up a copy and discover—along with Claire, the protagonist—why the best secrets revealed are the ones sure to touch your heart.
June 17, 2025
Christine Nolfi is a new author to me, and when I saw the title on NetGalley, I had to check out the description. I adore books where someone in the present discovers a secret and through alternating chapters readers also learn what happened decades ago. This book is no exception, especially since it took place in Maine, a place I want to settle in years from now. Good character development, well-structured plot, and solid writing. I found myself eager to get to the truth, and even though the secrets weren't extraordinary, I felt a connection to the book. Will read more from the author.
August 18, 2025
When you connect to literature on an emotional level, you find new answers, new ways of thinking.
A long-hidden family mystery, a newfound love, and a manor house holding secrets and antiques. This was an interesting story with an accompaniment of intrigue.
Claire Shelton is recruited to help catalog all the antiques in the home on the estate of the enigmatic and reclusive Hanna Reeves. What she doesn't realize is how this job is going to reveal a secret library and hidden journals that will change the lives of many people.
I really liked the two antique dealers that Claire worked for, Daniel and Louis, but their characters weren't fully fleshed out. Hanna was a lovely character, both in the past and in the present. She was the vehicle that carried this story the most. Claire, on the other hand, was hard to like and difficult to attach to. She continually said what she shouldn't, went where she was told not to go, and did things that she shouldn't. I wanted to shake her so many times! Also, the romance between Claire and Nate, the owner of the Thirsty Pig pub, was lightly steamy, but didn't hold much emotional attachment or appeal.
This was a light and engaging read and I found it to be very entertaining. (After all, not every book needs to be deep and thought provoking or hot and passionate or frightening.)
A long-hidden family mystery, a newfound love, and a manor house holding secrets and antiques. This was an interesting story with an accompaniment of intrigue.
Claire Shelton is recruited to help catalog all the antiques in the home on the estate of the enigmatic and reclusive Hanna Reeves. What she doesn't realize is how this job is going to reveal a secret library and hidden journals that will change the lives of many people.
I really liked the two antique dealers that Claire worked for, Daniel and Louis, but their characters weren't fully fleshed out. Hanna was a lovely character, both in the past and in the present. She was the vehicle that carried this story the most. Claire, on the other hand, was hard to like and difficult to attach to. She continually said what she shouldn't, went where she was told not to go, and did things that she shouldn't. I wanted to shake her so many times! Also, the romance between Claire and Nate, the owner of the Thirsty Pig pub, was lightly steamy, but didn't hold much emotional attachment or appeal.
This was a light and engaging read and I found it to be very entertaining. (After all, not every book needs to be deep and thought provoking or hot and passionate or frightening.)
August 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️💫rounded up
Available on Kindle Unlimited with Audio
Ohhhh how I adored this book! Not quite 5 stars- why? One of two FMC (Claire) just had a few quirks that irked me but only enough to slightly alter my rating. The book overall was an absolute delight!!!
If you enjoyed ‘Echo of Old Books’ by Barbara Davis I guarantee you will also enjoy this read.
The writing is eloquent, the audio, if you chose that route, was very well done. This story is both beautiful and heartbreaking; yet ends leaving the reader with a sense of peace and happiness!
The characters were written well. I thoroughly enjoyed each of their stories-I was always entertained and never bored. Claire I found to be prudish, grating, pushy, snippy- you catch my drift. It was her specific character trait and was a detrimental piece to her development within the story. I just didn’t care for her.
The time lines from the early 1900’s to the present time (1973) were written seamlessly. I enjoyed the 1970’s references as I don’t come across many books from this era.
Of note- trigger warnings include miscarriage and parental death.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction early 1900’s and 1970’s. Family drama. Found family. Classic books, antiques- (oppositely, this shouldn’t pose as a turn off. I’m not a follower of antiques or the classics yet found the incorporation into this story to be fascinating).
Available on Kindle Unlimited with Audio
Ohhhh how I adored this book! Not quite 5 stars- why? One of two FMC (Claire) just had a few quirks that irked me but only enough to slightly alter my rating. The book overall was an absolute delight!!!
If you enjoyed ‘Echo of Old Books’ by Barbara Davis I guarantee you will also enjoy this read.
The writing is eloquent, the audio, if you chose that route, was very well done. This story is both beautiful and heartbreaking; yet ends leaving the reader with a sense of peace and happiness!
The characters were written well. I thoroughly enjoyed each of their stories-I was always entertained and never bored. Claire I found to be prudish, grating, pushy, snippy- you catch my drift. It was her specific character trait and was a detrimental piece to her development within the story. I just didn’t care for her.
The time lines from the early 1900’s to the present time (1973) were written seamlessly. I enjoyed the 1970’s references as I don’t come across many books from this era.
Of note- trigger warnings include miscarriage and parental death.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction early 1900’s and 1970’s. Family drama. Found family. Classic books, antiques- (oppositely, this shouldn’t pose as a turn off. I’m not a follower of antiques or the classics yet found the incorporation into this story to be fascinating).
June 24, 2025
I'm so happy I had the chance to read this historical fiction book. A book about a secret library sounded right up my alley, and once I started reading, I knew I was going to like it. The plot and characters were so well done.
Claire works as an antiques appraiser at an antique shop in Maine. Hanna, who's now in her 80’s, is the heiress of the state's most well known shipbuilders and industrialists. Claire is asked to catalog and appraise all of the heirlooms at Hanna's Rose Hill estate, but they also want her to live there until the job is complete. With reluctance, she accepts. Once there, Claire and Hanna start off not on the best terms, but as the story goes on, they end up developing a friendship. Claire stumbled upon the mansion's hidden library, and it is everything she could possibly imagine and holds so many amazing treasures, along with the family's journals that have so much of this estate's secrets and history written in them.
We get the timeline in the 70’s, and the flashbacks into Hanna's life in the early 1900s. I enjoyed reading about Hanna's past and about all of the other staff at the estate. They all played a role in this story and I really enjoyed it. It did take the story a little bit to build up, but once it got going, I was captivated. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, Suzy approved book tours, and the author for the gifted copy. all opinions are my own.
Claire works as an antiques appraiser at an antique shop in Maine. Hanna, who's now in her 80’s, is the heiress of the state's most well known shipbuilders and industrialists. Claire is asked to catalog and appraise all of the heirlooms at Hanna's Rose Hill estate, but they also want her to live there until the job is complete. With reluctance, she accepts. Once there, Claire and Hanna start off not on the best terms, but as the story goes on, they end up developing a friendship. Claire stumbled upon the mansion's hidden library, and it is everything she could possibly imagine and holds so many amazing treasures, along with the family's journals that have so much of this estate's secrets and history written in them.
We get the timeline in the 70’s, and the flashbacks into Hanna's life in the early 1900s. I enjoyed reading about Hanna's past and about all of the other staff at the estate. They all played a role in this story and I really enjoyed it. It did take the story a little bit to build up, but once it got going, I was captivated. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Thank you to the publisher, Suzy approved book tours, and the author for the gifted copy. all opinions are my own.
June 24, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
A cozy historical mystery. Claire is an antiques dealer tasked with the job of spending time with reclusive heiress Hannah Reeves while she works on cataloguing her collections. Hannah is a prickly no nonsense character, but it seems she holds a multitude of secrets, Claire just needs to get to the bottom of it!
This was nice enough. A cozy Sunday sort of story, it was a little slow for my personal taste but I still enjoyed it.
Nice narration.
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
A cozy historical mystery. Claire is an antiques dealer tasked with the job of spending time with reclusive heiress Hannah Reeves while she works on cataloguing her collections. Hannah is a prickly no nonsense character, but it seems she holds a multitude of secrets, Claire just needs to get to the bottom of it!
This was nice enough. A cozy Sunday sort of story, it was a little slow for my personal taste but I still enjoyed it.
Nice narration.
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 24, 2025
“Spend your life standing still, and you’ll grow old before your time”
“When you connect to literature on an emotional level, you find new answers, new ways of thinking.”
“Sometimes life chooses for us.”
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
WOW! I was completely pulled into this story. A secret library that holds rare books and journals. An amazing old house holding so many beautiful pieces of furniture, antiques along with hidden secrets.
The journals hold so much history of the residents, former and present staff. Hanna has kept this all to herself. Information that could possibly bring people together or tear them apart.
A relationship develops between Hanna and Claire with their love of books. A relationship that I loved watching develop.
This was a captivating story that was so hard to put down. Left me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
“When you connect to literature on an emotional level, you find new answers, new ways of thinking.”
“Sometimes life chooses for us.”
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
WOW! I was completely pulled into this story. A secret library that holds rare books and journals. An amazing old house holding so many beautiful pieces of furniture, antiques along with hidden secrets.
The journals hold so much history of the residents, former and present staff. Hanna has kept this all to herself. Information that could possibly bring people together or tear them apart.
A relationship develops between Hanna and Claire with their love of books. A relationship that I loved watching develop.
This was a captivating story that was so hard to put down. Left me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
May 6, 2025
The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves takes place in 1973 with Hanna, a septuagenarian taking center stage along with Claire, a young lady in her 20s hired to catalog items in Hannah's estate for an antique auction.
We get to know Hanna through flashbacks of her younger years. There's a bit of mystery woven throughout and I loved getting to know Hanna, reading her back story to better understand who she is.
There is an inner connectedness amongst the characters, and I loved the theme of found family.
I always enjoy Christine's books and I'm excited to see what's next, especially because she has a sequel in store🎉🎉
We get to know Hanna through flashbacks of her younger years. There's a bit of mystery woven throughout and I loved getting to know Hanna, reading her back story to better understand who she is.
There is an inner connectedness amongst the characters, and I loved the theme of found family.
I always enjoy Christine's books and I'm excited to see what's next, especially because she has a sequel in store🎉🎉
March 19, 2025
A wonderful historical mystery, mainly set in the 70’s with flashbacks to earlier times in the lives of the characters. There’s the mystery surrounding the library, deep friendships between both Claire the main character and those she loves, as well as the close relationships Hanna Reeves herself nurtures throughout the years. The heart of this book are those relationships, it’s filed with love and compassion. Highly recommend. ARC from NetGalley for review.
July 10, 2025
It is easy to see why Christine Nolfi is one of my favourite authors. Her gift of storytelling makes it a delight to pick up one of her books and become totally captivated for hours on end.
The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is the compelling story of mysterious and reclusive heiress Hanna Reeves and the fiercely independent 26 year old antiques dealer Claire Shelton.
Hanna hires Claire to catalogue the possessions of her prestigious home when Claire discovers a hidden library of books, journals and long buried secrets.
A haunting and captivating story of family ties, secrets and the power of love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is the compelling story of mysterious and reclusive heiress Hanna Reeves and the fiercely independent 26 year old antiques dealer Claire Shelton.
Hanna hires Claire to catalogue the possessions of her prestigious home when Claire discovers a hidden library of books, journals and long buried secrets.
A haunting and captivating story of family ties, secrets and the power of love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2025
TITLE: The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves: A Novel
AUTHOR: Christine Nolfi
PUB DATE: 06.24.2025
Claire Shelton, a gentle soul working in a Maine antique shop, is stunned when she’s invited to catalog the heirlooms of Hanna Reeves—a proud, private woman hidden away in the legendary Rose Hill estate.
Moving into the carriage house, Claire finds Hanna tough but intriguing, her mansion filled with stories aching to be told. Then Claire uncovers a secret library and a trove of old family journals—each page a key to the past.
As she reads, something beautiful happens: walls begin to fall, and a quiet bond grows between two very different women. But the truths inside those journals? They hold the power to heal old wounds—or break hearts wide open.
This story wrapped around me like a soft quilt on a rainy day. The characters felt so real, and the slow, unfolding friendship between Claire and Hanna was both moving and tender. I found myself completely lost in Rose Hill, wishing I could wander its halls and sit with those journals too. Truly a beautiful and quietly powerful read.
AUTHOR: Christine Nolfi
PUB DATE: 06.24.2025
Claire Shelton, a gentle soul working in a Maine antique shop, is stunned when she’s invited to catalog the heirlooms of Hanna Reeves—a proud, private woman hidden away in the legendary Rose Hill estate.
Moving into the carriage house, Claire finds Hanna tough but intriguing, her mansion filled with stories aching to be told. Then Claire uncovers a secret library and a trove of old family journals—each page a key to the past.
As she reads, something beautiful happens: walls begin to fall, and a quiet bond grows between two very different women. But the truths inside those journals? They hold the power to heal old wounds—or break hearts wide open.
This story wrapped around me like a soft quilt on a rainy day. The characters felt so real, and the slow, unfolding friendship between Claire and Hanna was both moving and tender. I found myself completely lost in Rose Hill, wishing I could wander its halls and sit with those journals too. Truly a beautiful and quietly powerful read.
March 20, 2025
I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Claire is a young 26 year old in the antique business, the owners of a bookstore is hired to praise all of Hanna reeves valuable items in her home. Claire finds out that Hannah Reeves, has a secret library that her dad built for her in their family home. The story goes on to travel back to Hannah’s childhood talking about her mother. and adult hood telling of her first love and how and why Hannah never married. Claire learns so much about herself through the journey of discovering the hidden library. This story was vrery heart felt and one that I believe will stick with me for a long time. I would suggest this book to avid book
Claire is a young 26 year old in the antique business, the owners of a bookstore is hired to praise all of Hanna reeves valuable items in her home. Claire finds out that Hannah Reeves, has a secret library that her dad built for her in their family home. The story goes on to travel back to Hannah’s childhood talking about her mother. and adult hood telling of her first love and how and why Hannah never married. Claire learns so much about herself through the journey of discovering the hidden library. This story was vrery heart felt and one that I believe will stick with me for a long time. I would suggest this book to avid book
March 16, 2025
This is a tale of historical fiction and the rest a mysterious hunt
and journey to find answers from different generations. I enjoyed
the slow and interesting journey in developing the relationship of
Claire and Hanna. This is a book you just almost become a part
of from the beginning through to the last chapter. I look forward to
(I hope for) a sequel, perhaps…
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the download
of the book for review purposes.
and journey to find answers from different generations. I enjoyed
the slow and interesting journey in developing the relationship of
Claire and Hanna. This is a book you just almost become a part
of from the beginning through to the last chapter. I look forward to
(I hope for) a sequel, perhaps…
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for the download
of the book for review purposes.
March 10, 2025
While I enjoyed reading certain portions of this book, it overall lacked much depth or plot. I could have read an entire book about Hanna, but I found Claire to be an incredibly shallow character (not shallow as a personality trait, just not well developed). I also felt that the decision to place this novel in the 1970s added nothing to this book (other than, I suppose, being able to have a character who was alive in the late 1800s. Although I was not alive in the 1970s, there is nothing that seems to actually place the book in that decade, except for a few uses of the word "groovy" and one hippie that appears momentarily (oh, and I guess some talk of "rock and roll"). The book also is about a "secret library," but there is not much about the actual secret library itself.
The "love story" was also very strange - why bother? I appreciate that it was not a central part of this novel, but it seemed completely pointless and underdeveloped.
The good: Hanna's back-story was a compelling read. There is not much of it, though, so it's few and far between. Also, I appreciated the setting in Maine, but the town itself was not described much and it could have taken place anywhere.
In all, an easy read, but am left wondering what the point of the story was.
The "love story" was also very strange - why bother? I appreciate that it was not a central part of this novel, but it seemed completely pointless and underdeveloped.
The good: Hanna's back-story was a compelling read. There is not much of it, though, so it's few and far between. Also, I appreciated the setting in Maine, but the town itself was not described much and it could have taken place anywhere.
In all, an easy read, but am left wondering what the point of the story was.
March 22, 2025
Christine Nolfi has a style of writing that brings you into her story and before you know it you have finished the book! This happened to me with “The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.”
Clare Shelton, antiques dealer at a Maine antique store, is tasked with cataloging the many antique treasures of Hanna Reeves that are in her estate home, Rose Hill. Hanna’s request is that Clare live on the estate in the carriage house while she performs her job. Unfortunately, Clare is not happy about that arrangement, but she accepts it and starts organizing the antiques in the attic. She is curious however since hearing about a secret library located somewhere in the heart of the estate. Clare is an avid reader and after a great deal of twists and turns and getting entangled in situations she finds not only the secret library but also secret treasures from long ago.
It is a beautiful story and one I hope gets a chance at a second book, as there is so much more to Clare and Hanna that I for one want to learn about!
Clare Shelton, antiques dealer at a Maine antique store, is tasked with cataloging the many antique treasures of Hanna Reeves that are in her estate home, Rose Hill. Hanna’s request is that Clare live on the estate in the carriage house while she performs her job. Unfortunately, Clare is not happy about that arrangement, but she accepts it and starts organizing the antiques in the attic. She is curious however since hearing about a secret library located somewhere in the heart of the estate. Clare is an avid reader and after a great deal of twists and turns and getting entangled in situations she finds not only the secret library but also secret treasures from long ago.
It is a beautiful story and one I hope gets a chance at a second book, as there is so much more to Clare and Hanna that I for one want to learn about!
June 24, 2025
Wow, Christine has done it again. I really enjoyed this book. I was honored to be an ARC reader, and this is my personal opinion. Well done story. Claire, an employee of an antique shop, is invited to catalog the antiques of reclusive Hannah Reeves, the dependent of one of Maines' most well-known ship builders and ship captains of his time. His daughter has maintained his estate and philanthropy in the many yrs since he passed. While living in close proximity, Hannah and Claire develop a relationship despite the age difference. I really enjoyed this story. Thank you, Christine Nolfi, for choosing me to be part of your advance reader team.
June 7, 2025
Set in the 1970's, we meet Claire, an antiques dealer tasked with the job of spending time with reclusive heiress Hannah Reeves.
Hannah Reeves is the stuff of legends. A woman in her seventies, she is wealthy, judgmental and a total mystery to many. Holed up in her beautiful estate, she has called in Claire and the antiquities team to work through her family's treasured catalogue of furniture and estate pieces.
For Claire, what first feels like a daunting, overwhelming job turns into an exploration of Hannah's mysterious life and the lore of her family and the beautiful estate, Rose Hill. Shocking revelations come to light through Hannah's journals and suddenly all of Maine is in a tizzy over the contents!
This book grabs you by the collar early on and will NOT let you go. I was lucky to have an advanced listener copy and this story was beautifully narrated. Tie flew by as I listened, and I realized I had been listening since dawn. I highly recommend for lovers of historical fiction that enjoy the weaving together of multiple time lines.
Many thanks for NetGalley, Brillance Audio and Christine Nofli! Keep you eyes open, it is set to release June 24th.
Hannah Reeves is the stuff of legends. A woman in her seventies, she is wealthy, judgmental and a total mystery to many. Holed up in her beautiful estate, she has called in Claire and the antiquities team to work through her family's treasured catalogue of furniture and estate pieces.
For Claire, what first feels like a daunting, overwhelming job turns into an exploration of Hannah's mysterious life and the lore of her family and the beautiful estate, Rose Hill. Shocking revelations come to light through Hannah's journals and suddenly all of Maine is in a tizzy over the contents!
This book grabs you by the collar early on and will NOT let you go. I was lucky to have an advanced listener copy and this story was beautifully narrated. Tie flew by as I listened, and I realized I had been listening since dawn. I highly recommend for lovers of historical fiction that enjoy the weaving together of multiple time lines.
Many thanks for NetGalley, Brillance Audio and Christine Nofli! Keep you eyes open, it is set to release June 24th.
February 11, 2025
I would like to thank you for being approved as an arc reader.
The book is about the development of a friendship between Claire and Hannah, two very different ladies in society. This beautiful story is about uncovering the hidden pasts and learning to adapt to their pasts. The characters have surprising backstories and this story in many way reminded me of greats such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. If you are a fan of either book then this is a must read. The story itself mixed together beautifully a blend of different times as well as makes it very clear when there’s a shift in pov. It has been well wrote using a variety of anecdotes across time and the world building of the different societies within the book has been very well constructed. Highly recommend.
Characters are memorable and the themes within this book are well put together. I particularly enjoyed the historical elements of this novel and can't wait for the official release to add it to my personal library.
The book is about the development of a friendship between Claire and Hannah, two very different ladies in society. This beautiful story is about uncovering the hidden pasts and learning to adapt to their pasts. The characters have surprising backstories and this story in many way reminded me of greats such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. If you are a fan of either book then this is a must read. The story itself mixed together beautifully a blend of different times as well as makes it very clear when there’s a shift in pov. It has been well wrote using a variety of anecdotes across time and the world building of the different societies within the book has been very well constructed. Highly recommend.
Characters are memorable and the themes within this book are well put together. I particularly enjoyed the historical elements of this novel and can't wait for the official release to add it to my personal library.
March 6, 2025
The book tells the story of Clair, a 26-year-old female character, who spends a month in the house of Hanna Reeves, a 77-year old female character, for work reasons.
It was a pleasant book to read, I've never got bored! There were some time transitions between 1900's to 1970's in it. It was very enjoyable to read the discoveries Clair made during this one month, the friendships she made, and the secrets she uncovered. Reading this book was like watching a cozy, family movie on a Sunday morning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was a pleasant book to read, I've never got bored! There were some time transitions between 1900's to 1970's in it. It was very enjoyable to read the discoveries Clair made during this one month, the friendships she made, and the secrets she uncovered. Reading this book was like watching a cozy, family movie on a Sunday morning.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
This books immediately made me think of my grandma, it’s a historical fiction and curating of a family tree with a twist and hidden library where no one can find. Unless you pay attention, I think I would’ve found it like Claire did.
Hanna lost the love of her life at a young age, she’s broke but does what she can for her staff after helping her dad in his old age. She’s kept journals, and investigated employees and their family for decades. And not like summaries of them, their lives; who they’re related to, when they worked there, what they did after they worked there.
Claire comes along after her grandfather died in hopes to find some connection to Hanna since everyone else had been. Hanna helped Claire with a grant that her grandpa had written a letter about. A full circle moment for both Hanna and Claire’s characters. This was so well done written and she develops the characters so they mean more to the reader.
This made me feel like I was listening and talking to my grandma about journaling and her journals for us grandkids. Eventually you’ll want to share your story so wrote it down while you still can. These are memories best kept and they carry on for lifetimes.
Hanna lost the love of her life at a young age, she’s broke but does what she can for her staff after helping her dad in his old age. She’s kept journals, and investigated employees and their family for decades. And not like summaries of them, their lives; who they’re related to, when they worked there, what they did after they worked there.
Claire comes along after her grandfather died in hopes to find some connection to Hanna since everyone else had been. Hanna helped Claire with a grant that her grandpa had written a letter about. A full circle moment for both Hanna and Claire’s characters. This was so well done written and she develops the characters so they mean more to the reader.
This made me feel like I was listening and talking to my grandma about journaling and her journals for us grandkids. Eventually you’ll want to share your story so wrote it down while you still can. These are memories best kept and they carry on for lifetimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
I just found another author to add to my must read list! This book blends the stories of 2 main characters who become very close at the end. You discover hidden secrets and romance. You also see how people can become a family when they have no family of their own. This was another fast read for me as it kept my attention!
#goodreadsgiveaway
#goodreadsgiveaway
March 1, 2025
This was my first ARC read that I am very grateful to get from the author/publisher/NetGalley. My interest peaked from the title, secret library? Yes please, who wouldn't want a secret library with rare books?!
In 'The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves' you follow Claire learning the life story of Hanna Reeves. In doing so, we get to read about the developing friendships, hardships and romances whilst uncovering secrets held within and outside the library. The use of flashbacks fitted perfectly within the story building & helped support what was happening in present day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read. The story felt light and an easy read. The world building and character development had me itching to turn the next page. If I could say anything about it I feel like I need to know what happens with the antiques and the romance. Hopefully that means a sequel!!
In 'The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves' you follow Claire learning the life story of Hanna Reeves. In doing so, we get to read about the developing friendships, hardships and romances whilst uncovering secrets held within and outside the library. The use of flashbacks fitted perfectly within the story building & helped support what was happening in present day.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read. The story felt light and an easy read. The world building and character development had me itching to turn the next page. If I could say anything about it I feel like I need to know what happens with the antiques and the romance. Hopefully that means a sequel!!
February 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, It’s a mix of historical fiction and mystery novel. While the mystery isn’t buried very deep it is still a fascinating journey with flashbacks that help set the scene for the characters current predicaments. It was very enjoyable and didn’t feel too heavy even though some of the subject matter could be considered so. Definitely a must for those who enjoy historical fiction!
June 13, 2025
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Finished reading: June 12th 2025
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Finished reading: June 12th 2025
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
June 10, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book set in the early 1970s in which
the main character, Claire, who works for an antique shop goes to a house to value its items to sell.
This just isn’t any house, but one full of mystery that has Claire the envy of everyone now that she has inside access to the estate.
The book has so many engrossing parts. The house allegedly has a secret library that was built for Hanna by her father. There is a close knit connection to the employees of the house over the years and Hanna’s record of these families including her own.
Claire’s relationship with Hanna develops so organically that it feels like these characters are real. Claire also meets a man and she develops a deep connection.
I loved everything about this read. I enjoyed the time period and references to popular songs of the early 1970s. I loved the kindness of and the interactions with all of the characters.
the main character, Claire, who works for an antique shop goes to a house to value its items to sell.
This just isn’t any house, but one full of mystery that has Claire the envy of everyone now that she has inside access to the estate.
The book has so many engrossing parts. The house allegedly has a secret library that was built for Hanna by her father. There is a close knit connection to the employees of the house over the years and Hanna’s record of these families including her own.
Claire’s relationship with Hanna develops so organically that it feels like these characters are real. Claire also meets a man and she develops a deep connection.
I loved everything about this read. I enjoyed the time period and references to popular songs of the early 1970s. I loved the kindness of and the interactions with all of the characters.
June 19, 2025
What book lover wouldn't dream of a secret library?! Not a single one that I know.... While this book's central plot is finding the secret library, I found Hanna's tale to be exquisite! This book is loaded with history, and yet told in a way that makes it all supremely interesting! I binged this in a day, and my only complaint is that I want more. More of Hanna's rich history. More of Claire and her sneaky sass. More of Claire's "step dads". Clyde, Dominga, the whole cast of extremely likable characters. Just more of Christine's awesome writing!
July 1, 2025
The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is the latest work by author Christine Nolfi. Having read it in about a day and a half is a record for me and is a testament to how wonderful a story it is. It’s a historical novel that centers around the 2 main characters of Claire and Hanna. Claire is a young woman in her early 20’s who has had a somewhat difficult life. She was raised by her grandfather, never having had the chance to know her parents and they lived a rather poor life, always struggling to get by. As an adult she works as an antique appraiser at a local shop under the supervision of 2 older men who have become friends but feel more like family. Hanna is a woman nearing her 80’s who has lived a rather solemn life as the heiress at Rose Hill. The 2 women meet when Hanna hires Holbrook & Kinney’s to appraise and auction off her treasured family heirlooms under the guise of a supposed leaky roof. The 2 women seem to be polar opposites in the beginning but as the story plays out I found them to be rather similar in personalities. The chapters take you to different timelines which helped me to understand what life was like for Hanna throughout her days. Having the story center around a hidden library was a huge attraction for me as I’m an avid reader and absolutely love everything books! But it’s Hanna’s hidden journals that Claire stumbles upon while snooping that is the real basis of the story. This is a really wonderful book, I enjoyed reading it so much and I’ll be telling all of my friends about it. I highly recommend it. It was so good I plan on adding a copy to my own home library of favorites so I can reread it again at a later date. I’d like to thank Christine Nolfi for continually giving me great stories to read and enjoy. I’m giving this book a well deserved 5 star rating and look forward to reading more by this author in the near future.
February 17, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc
I’ll be honest, I hadn’t read any of Christine Nolfi’s work until stumbling across ‘The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.’ And really, she had me at “secret library”—am I a criminal? We all have bookish hearts here.
But through her intricate writing, Gatsby-like setting, and a healthy pinch of mystery, Nolfi created a world that felt enchanting.
The story follows our protagonist, Claire, as she’s unwittingly recruited to catalog the antiques of philanthropist, Hanna Reeves. As a socially reclusive 80-year old with a ‘dynasty’ of her own, Hanna’s reputation proceeds her. Or at least, the gossip does.
Gossip is its own currency within the elegant world Nolfi created—not only heightening the stakes, but also seamlessly progressing the plot. What starts as an innocent opportunity—or as innocent as our 26-year-old, short-tempered Claire can be—quickly becomes haphazard exchanges of information along the grapevine. They say money is the root of all evil, and with gossip as its kin, there’s no wonder some exchanges can lead to ruin.
And yet, beneath it all, Nolfi expertly reveals that there are things far more important than the enigmatic activities of the upper-class… and begrudgingly, I’ll admit, more important than secret libraries, too.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the arc
I’ll be honest, I hadn’t read any of Christine Nolfi’s work until stumbling across ‘The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves.’ And really, she had me at “secret library”—am I a criminal? We all have bookish hearts here.
But through her intricate writing, Gatsby-like setting, and a healthy pinch of mystery, Nolfi created a world that felt enchanting.
The story follows our protagonist, Claire, as she’s unwittingly recruited to catalog the antiques of philanthropist, Hanna Reeves. As a socially reclusive 80-year old with a ‘dynasty’ of her own, Hanna’s reputation proceeds her. Or at least, the gossip does.
Gossip is its own currency within the elegant world Nolfi created—not only heightening the stakes, but also seamlessly progressing the plot. What starts as an innocent opportunity—or as innocent as our 26-year-old, short-tempered Claire can be—quickly becomes haphazard exchanges of information along the grapevine. They say money is the root of all evil, and with gossip as its kin, there’s no wonder some exchanges can lead to ruin.
And yet, beneath it all, Nolfi expertly reveals that there are things far more important than the enigmatic activities of the upper-class… and begrudgingly, I’ll admit, more important than secret libraries, too.
![[image error]](https://melovebooks.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/brthesecretlibraryofhannareeves.jpg){kind=link}
June 11, 2025
Who hasn't dreamed of having a secret library? A tucked away place of peace and solitude. A place to hide away from the world and get lost in the pages of a book...to disappear within the stories. For many of us, it would be a dream come true.
Claire has no intentions of staying at Rose Hill any longer than she has to. She wants to catalog the antiques that she's helping facilitate for sale and go home. She wants nothing to do with the opinionated elderly woman who owns the mansion, Hanna Reeves. But when Claire hears a rumor of a secret library filled with priceless books...she no longer despises that she's been asked to live at the mansion until the job is done. With renewed purpose, she seeks out the library. But what she finds is even better.
This book is simply beautiful. A story of obligation, and what we do for family. Sometimes we have to surrender everything we hold close to protect those we love. Sometimes that means giving up on our hopes and dreams. Watching Hanna and Claire grow close despite their stubborn efforts just feels so cozy. Christine Nolfi has a beautiful way with words, and with telling a heartwarming family tale.
If you love a good cozy story that just makes you feel good at the end...this is one for you!
Claire has no intentions of staying at Rose Hill any longer than she has to. She wants to catalog the antiques that she's helping facilitate for sale and go home. She wants nothing to do with the opinionated elderly woman who owns the mansion, Hanna Reeves. But when Claire hears a rumor of a secret library filled with priceless books...she no longer despises that she's been asked to live at the mansion until the job is done. With renewed purpose, she seeks out the library. But what she finds is even better.
This book is simply beautiful. A story of obligation, and what we do for family. Sometimes we have to surrender everything we hold close to protect those we love. Sometimes that means giving up on our hopes and dreams. Watching Hanna and Claire grow close despite their stubborn efforts just feels so cozy. Christine Nolfi has a beautiful way with words, and with telling a heartwarming family tale.
If you love a good cozy story that just makes you feel good at the end...this is one for you!
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