Title: The Secret Library of Hanna ReevesAuthor: Christine Nolfi
Published by: Lake Union Publishing on Jun. 24, 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 303
Format: ARC, Paperback
Source: Firefly Distributed Lines
Book Rating: 8.5/10
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.
Review:
Captivating, vivid, and immersive!
The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is an intriguing tale set in Maine during the years 1915 and 1973 that is told from two different perspectives. Claire, a young woman who, after being chosen to catalogue the possessions of one of the most prestigious homes in the area, stumbles across a hidden library full of books and long-buried secrets, and Hanna, an elderly seclusive woman, who’s finally ready to reveal a life that was filled with loss, tragedy, and heartbreak.
The prose is rich and sentimental. The characters are passionate, strong, and flawed. And the plot is a touching tale about life, loss, heartache, hope, healing, friendship, relationship dynamics, and familial drama.
Overall, The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves is a heartwarming, alluring, compelling tale by Nolfi that highlights the power of stories and is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys a dual timeline story with both a sliver of mystery and a touch of romance.
This novel is available now.
Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.
Thank you to Firefly Distributed Lines for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
About Christine Nolfi
Christine Nolfi is the award-winning and bestselling author of fifteen novels, including A Brighter Flame, selected by She Reads as a best book club pick, The Passing Storm, cited by Publishers Weekly as “Tautly plotted, expertly characterized, and genuinely riveting” and gold medal winner in general fiction, International Book Awards. Look for Christine’s 2024 release, which will be available for preorder soon.
Other works include The Road She Left Behind, a top book club pick by Working Mother and Parade magazines, and the award-winning Sweet Lake Series: Sweet Lake, The Comfort of Secrets, and The Season of Silver Linings.
Earlier works include Second Chance Grill, highly recommended by The Midwest Book Review and Treasure Me, recognized by the Next Generation Indie Awards and Put Your Heart in a Book Awards.
The Tree of Everlasting Knowledge was cited by The Midwest Book Review as “Poignant and powerful, as much a saga of learning to survive, heal, and forgive as it is a chilling crime story, unforgettable to the very end.”
A native of Ohio, Christine now resides in South Carolina with her husband. She is currently working on her 2025 release.
