The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Christine Nolfi Review

TITLE:   The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves

AUTHOR:  Christine Nolfi

GENRE:   Historical Fiction

PAGES:  281

DATE FINISHED: 12/10/2025

SUMMARY:
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.

SETTING:

The story takes place in multiple timelines, from the 1930’s through the 1970’s. The “present” action takes place in the 1970’s. Rose Hill, the massive Maine estate of Hanna Reeves, is the primary setting for most of the action

FAVORITE PART:

The scenes with Hanna and Claire were particularly charming. I love the chemistry between these two. Their friendship and banter is so fun and refreshing. 

THEME(S):

The importance of family - whatever shape it takes - and of legacy is explored. How the past and one’s family affect an individual’s life trajectory is a big theme. Still, if I had to sum up the  main point of the book it is that, whatever your background (good or bad), you write your own story. 

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

The only I think that was mildly disappointing was that I wish we got more answers overall: answers about Hanna’s life - Fink? - and Claire’s background. That’s all, I just want to know everything!

WHAT I LIKED:

I enjoyed the overall story - a secret library, characters with mysterious pasts, the echoes of a bygone era. It was very atmospheric and well written. The characters came to life in a way that made them real and relatable. 

WHO IS IT FOR:

If you enjoyed “The Secret Book Society” you will enjoy this book. 

PACE:     Medium paced.

CHARACTER OR PLOT DRIVEN:     Mostly character-driven although there is a plot.

CONTENT WARNINGS:     Some language and a couple of mildly open door scenes.

RATING:

4 Stars!

Plot / Story  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Characters  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Writing Style  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Atmosphere/Vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Spice   🌶️🌶️

Overall   ⭐⭐⭐⭐