Madeline Martin's Blog
August 22, 2025
Will I Be Near You?
The Secret Book Society comes out on Tuesday and I leave Sunday to head out for a pretty extensive book tour. If I'm in your area, I'd love to see you there!! 😊❤
Here are the states where I'll be doing events: MA, NJ, MD, DE, OH, IN, FL, GA, NC, SC, AL
Details/registration links can be found on my website under Upcoming Events: here
This one is a Victorian era historical fiction about a forbidden book club led by an enigmatic countess who has been thrice widowed (and, yes, there's definitely talk that maybe she murdered her husbands). Fiona Davis aptly calls this a blend of Bridgerton meets The Dixie Chick's "Goodbye Earl". 😁
Thank you so much to all of your for your support 🥰 I hope you see some of you while I'm on my tour xoxo
Here are the states where I'll be doing events: MA, NJ, MD, DE, OH, IN, FL, GA, NC, SC, AL
Details/registration links can be found on my website under Upcoming Events: here
This one is a Victorian era historical fiction about a forbidden book club led by an enigmatic countess who has been thrice widowed (and, yes, there's definitely talk that maybe she murdered her husbands). Fiona Davis aptly calls this a blend of Bridgerton meets The Dixie Chick's "Goodbye Earl". 😁
Thank you so much to all of your for your support 🥰 I hope you see some of you while I'm on my tour xoxo
August 2, 2025
Special Giveaway for Pre-Orders of The Secret Book Society
✨ SPECIAL PRE-ORDER GIVEAWAY ✨
I’m giving away 5 exclusive book boxes that I’ve personally curated (and yes, lovingly wrapped by hand 😄) to bring you the ultimate Secret Book Society reading experience.
Each box contains 10 themed gifts—including a personalized, signed paperback of The Secret Book Society—all tied directly to the story. As you read, you’ll open each item and discover the exact moment it connects to. This gift is immersive, magical, and carefully selected just for you. ❤️
Think: cozy, mysterious, bookish treasures that deepen the story and make you feel like a true member of the Secret Book Society.
Already pre-ordered? Amazing!
Just fill out this form to let me know and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of these incredible boxes: ENTER HERE
US shipping only, unfortunately. Ends 8.26!
Thank you for all the book love!!!
xoxo,
Madeline
I’m giving away 5 exclusive book boxes that I’ve personally curated (and yes, lovingly wrapped by hand 😄) to bring you the ultimate Secret Book Society reading experience.
Each box contains 10 themed gifts—including a personalized, signed paperback of The Secret Book Society—all tied directly to the story. As you read, you’ll open each item and discover the exact moment it connects to. This gift is immersive, magical, and carefully selected just for you. ❤️
Think: cozy, mysterious, bookish treasures that deepen the story and make you feel like a true member of the Secret Book Society.
Already pre-ordered? Amazing!
Just fill out this form to let me know and you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of these incredible boxes: ENTER HERE
US shipping only, unfortunately. Ends 8.26!
Thank you for all the book love!!!
xoxo,
Madeline
July 24, 2025
The Secret Book Society - Goodreads Giveaway
The official last Goodreads Giveaway for The Secret Book Society has posted, giving you one last chance to win it before you can buy it!
My publisher has generously put up another giveaway for ten more copies of The Secret Book Society, so make sure you enter before it ends on August 15th.
Not all revolutions begin with a bang. Some start in a book club.
Set in Victorian London and hosted by the enigmatic Lady Duxbury rumored to have killed her three husbands, the Secret Book Society hides behind tea and banal womanly gossip to mask secrets, rebellion from oppression, forbidden learning through books, and rising empowerment.
Think: hat pin fighting lessons, a poison garden, a séance, the incorporation of the language of flowers to take readers on a floriography scavenger hunt, and a secret diary that reveals all. ENTER HERE
My publisher has generously put up another giveaway for ten more copies of The Secret Book Society, so make sure you enter before it ends on August 15th.
Not all revolutions begin with a bang. Some start in a book club.
Set in Victorian London and hosted by the enigmatic Lady Duxbury rumored to have killed her three husbands, the Secret Book Society hides behind tea and banal womanly gossip to mask secrets, rebellion from oppression, forbidden learning through books, and rising empowerment.
Think: hat pin fighting lessons, a poison garden, a séance, the incorporation of the language of flowers to take readers on a floriography scavenger hunt, and a secret diary that reveals all. ENTER HERE
May 14, 2025
Join me as I write A TIME OF WITCHES
Want to follow along as I write my first draft of A Time of Witches?
I've been spending months building the foundation for A Time of Witches. I did research trips to England and Savannah (the two settings for the book), I've read dozens of books, I've done a lot of hands on activities (more on that later!), and I've spent months creating deep character charts and learning their every tick and nuance. And, of course, I've plotted the book out.
The time has come to write it! My goal is 70,000 words in 32 days to write those final beautiful words THE END on June 5th. This equates to about 2200 words a day — give or take, depending on whether it’s a chaotic or coffee-fueled kind of day.
Writing quickly like this is how I work best as it just flows out of me and keeps everything cohesive.
What’s the book about?
A Time of Witches is a dual-timeline that follows two women bound across centuries by blood and magic — Sybil, a healer’s daughter on trial for witchcraft in 1600s England and facing death by being burned alive at the stake, and Lilith, her modern-day descendant, is haunted by dreams that aren’t her own. As Lilith begins to uncover the truth of her inheritance, she finds herself pulled into a legacy of persecution, power, and a history that could kill them both.
You can add it to your Want to Read here: A Time of Witches
I’ll be sharing my progress daily in my Instagram stories, so come follow along as this book takes shape! Follow my journey on Instagram
I've been spending months building the foundation for A Time of Witches. I did research trips to England and Savannah (the two settings for the book), I've read dozens of books, I've done a lot of hands on activities (more on that later!), and I've spent months creating deep character charts and learning their every tick and nuance. And, of course, I've plotted the book out.
The time has come to write it! My goal is 70,000 words in 32 days to write those final beautiful words THE END on June 5th. This equates to about 2200 words a day — give or take, depending on whether it’s a chaotic or coffee-fueled kind of day.
Writing quickly like this is how I work best as it just flows out of me and keeps everything cohesive.
What’s the book about?
A Time of Witches is a dual-timeline that follows two women bound across centuries by blood and magic — Sybil, a healer’s daughter on trial for witchcraft in 1600s England and facing death by being burned alive at the stake, and Lilith, her modern-day descendant, is haunted by dreams that aren’t her own. As Lilith begins to uncover the truth of her inheritance, she finds herself pulled into a legacy of persecution, power, and a history that could kill them both.
You can add it to your Want to Read here: A Time of Witches
I’ll be sharing my progress daily in my Instagram stories, so come follow along as this book takes shape! Follow my journey on Instagram
May 5, 2025
April Reading Wrap-Up
Another great reading month! Here's a little about each of the titles I read:
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler– OMG – this an amazing dystopian with a gripping plot and sky-high stakes.
Gothictown by Emily Carpenter – A Southern gothic where big, beautiful houses are being sold for only $100…but then new residents start finding things getting weird and a little creepy…
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper – A fabulous dual timeline historical fiction where a hidden dollhouse beings to unearth some unexpected and fascinating secrets.
The Sirens by Emilia Hart – A beautifully written dual-timeline about two sets of sisters who are drawn toward the sea with a hint of magical realism.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – A woman’s life is complicated by the return of a former love.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy – A science center on a remote island that is slowly being destroyed and evacuated – it’s such a creepy setting paired with a woman who has washed up on shore in search of her husband she fears may have been murdered…
She Came to Slay by Erica Armstrong Dunbar – This was a short read about the incredible life of Harriet -Tubman and the many battles she was up against in her life.
A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda Reddy Author – This was such a powerful, incredible read about a woman whose life is at risk by her past, which includes a raw, unflinching look at the life of a young girl trapped in indentured servitude.
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner – Sea witches in the past, a nautical archeologist in search of treasure in the present, and an atmospheric read that will have you booking a flight to Positano.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins – The ultimate girl power thriller (is that a thing? It needs to be if not!) about art from pain in a fascinating dual-timeline that features influencers, rock stars, and some serious betrayal.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler– OMG – this an amazing dystopian with a gripping plot and sky-high stakes.
Gothictown by Emily Carpenter – A Southern gothic where big, beautiful houses are being sold for only $100…but then new residents start finding things getting weird and a little creepy…
The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper – A fabulous dual timeline historical fiction where a hidden dollhouse beings to unearth some unexpected and fascinating secrets.
The Sirens by Emilia Hart – A beautifully written dual-timeline about two sets of sisters who are drawn toward the sea with a hint of magical realism.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – A woman’s life is complicated by the return of a former love.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy – A science center on a remote island that is slowly being destroyed and evacuated – it’s such a creepy setting paired with a woman who has washed up on shore in search of her husband she fears may have been murdered…
She Came to Slay by Erica Armstrong Dunbar – This was a short read about the incredible life of Harriet -Tubman and the many battles she was up against in her life.
A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda Reddy Author – This was such a powerful, incredible read about a woman whose life is at risk by her past, which includes a raw, unflinching look at the life of a young girl trapped in indentured servitude.
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner – Sea witches in the past, a nautical archeologist in search of treasure in the present, and an atmospheric read that will have you booking a flight to Positano.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins – The ultimate girl power thriller (is that a thing? It needs to be if not!) about art from pain in a fascinating dual-timeline that features influencers, rock stars, and some serious betrayal.
April 2, 2025
March Reading Wrap-Up
March was a great month for books, especially audiobooks with all the driving I did! Here’s a little about each book:
-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – I listened to this classic, masterfully narrated by Elijah Wood, to have more context for James
-James by Percival Everett – The story of Jim from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one that needed telling and was written to perfection
-Madwoman by Chelsea Baker – A woman’s picture perfect life unravels when the mother she thought was dead reemerges in her life
-The Garden by Nick Newman – An interesting dystopian about two elderly sisters whose lives are upended when a stranger shows up in their garden.
-ARC of The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurzman - a beautifully written and moving dual timeline set in the aftermath of WWII, inspired by the author’s family.
-The Dream Hotel by Leila Lalami – a terrifying look at what can happen if dreams are monitored and taken seriously and bureaucracy detains people for longer than needed.
-Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix – a wild ride of a book about pregnant young women whose cruel caretakers are in for some trouble when the girls find a book on witchcraft.
-Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt – A nonfiction that peels back the layers of Savannah’s residents in a way that is both fascinating and juicy - Lady Chablis was the true star of this book
-On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen – The seven deadly sins in how they apply to women in history and in a contemporary setting
-Funny Story by Emily Henry – A fun, adorable romance about roommates who live together when their fiances leave them for each other.
-Starling House by Alex E. Harrow - a dark fairy tale for grown-ups with a gothic edge.
-The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – a lushly written story in medieval Italy where a scullery maid possesses magical abilities that open to door to innumerable dangers…
What were some of your favorite March reads?
-The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – I listened to this classic, masterfully narrated by Elijah Wood, to have more context for James
-James by Percival Everett – The story of Jim from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, one that needed telling and was written to perfection
-Madwoman by Chelsea Baker – A woman’s picture perfect life unravels when the mother she thought was dead reemerges in her life
-The Garden by Nick Newman – An interesting dystopian about two elderly sisters whose lives are upended when a stranger shows up in their garden.
-ARC of The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurzman - a beautifully written and moving dual timeline set in the aftermath of WWII, inspired by the author’s family.
-The Dream Hotel by Leila Lalami – a terrifying look at what can happen if dreams are monitored and taken seriously and bureaucracy detains people for longer than needed.
-Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix – a wild ride of a book about pregnant young women whose cruel caretakers are in for some trouble when the girls find a book on witchcraft.
-Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt – A nonfiction that peels back the layers of Savannah’s residents in a way that is both fascinating and juicy - Lady Chablis was the true star of this book
-On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen – The seven deadly sins in how they apply to women in history and in a contemporary setting
-Funny Story by Emily Henry – A fun, adorable romance about roommates who live together when their fiances leave them for each other.
-Starling House by Alex E. Harrow - a dark fairy tale for grown-ups with a gothic edge.
-The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – a lushly written story in medieval Italy where a scullery maid possesses magical abilities that open to door to innumerable dangers…
What were some of your favorite March reads?
March 29, 2025
Early Reviewers - The Secret Book Society
Psst to all the early reviewers out there...The Secret Book Society is officially up on NetGalley!
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
Early reviewers are such a huge part of a book's success. It truly means so much to us authors that you take the time to read ARCs of our books before they have been perfected by final round edits and for all the care you put into your heartfelt reviews.
Those reviews help to get other readers excited about our books and create wonderful buzz her and on social media and among your friends and family.
Thank you so much!! xoxo
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
Early reviewers are such a huge part of a book's success. It truly means so much to us authors that you take the time to read ARCs of our books before they have been perfected by final round edits and for all the care you put into your heartfelt reviews.
Those reviews help to get other readers excited about our books and create wonderful buzz her and on social media and among your friends and family.
Thank you so much!! xoxo
March 14, 2025
Cover Reveal - The Secret Book Society
This is a super special cover reveal!!
I’m BEYOND THRILLED to share that People Magazine is doing my official cover reveal for The Secret Book Society.
Bonus: This cover reveal includes an excerpt. The ARCs aren’t even available yet, so this is super exciting sneak peek at what you can expect from The Secret Book Society!
Set in Victorian London - a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.
Head over to People Magazine to see the cover now: https://people.com/madeline-martin-th...
I’m BEYOND THRILLED to share that People Magazine is doing my official cover reveal for The Secret Book Society.
Bonus: This cover reveal includes an excerpt. The ARCs aren’t even available yet, so this is super exciting sneak peek at what you can expect from The Secret Book Society!
Set in Victorian London - a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.
Head over to People Magazine to see the cover now: https://people.com/madeline-martin-th...
March 10, 2025
Recap of February Books Read
I really enjoyed so many books in February!! Here's a recap of them:
- The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang – A story of two women from different classes in 1800s China and was so good, I read it in two days
- Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez – a brave young nurse who speaks out for those who don’t have a voice in this power story (inspired by true events)
- Isola by Allegra Goodman – a riveting historical fiction about a young woman whose guardian abandons her on an island with her lover (inspired by true events)
- The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – A fast-paced thriller about a woman who suddenly goes overboard on a luxury cruise even though all passengers appear accounted for.
- Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (wonderfully narrated by Caroline Lee) – about nine strangers who go to a health spa with some unexpected and questionable practices – such a great listen!
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (narrated by her as well) an inspiring nonfiction about how to let go of the things you can’t control and concentrate on the things you can.
- The Measure by Nikki Erlick (narrated by the immensely talented Julia Whalen) – a fascinating story of how the world changes when people receive strings that tell them how long they will live for.
- Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney (with great narration by Stephanie Racine) – a thriller with a twisty past about a woman who is in a coma with a mystery to solve as memories of the days leading up to the accident slowly emerge amid a turbulent past.
- ARC of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton – such a fabulous book about books in this upcoming historical fiction told in three timelines about a book that connects them all in this delightful story that shares the importance of books and reading.
- Maame by Jessica George (fabulous narration by Heather Agyepong) – a wonderful coming-of-age story, told through an unfiltered lense. This was such a moving book and I was cheering Maddie on through the whole story.
What were some of your favorite books read in February?
- The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang – A story of two women from different classes in 1800s China and was so good, I read it in two days
- Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez – a brave young nurse who speaks out for those who don’t have a voice in this power story (inspired by true events)
- Isola by Allegra Goodman – a riveting historical fiction about a young woman whose guardian abandons her on an island with her lover (inspired by true events)
- The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – A fast-paced thriller about a woman who suddenly goes overboard on a luxury cruise even though all passengers appear accounted for.
- Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty (wonderfully narrated by Caroline Lee) – about nine strangers who go to a health spa with some unexpected and questionable practices – such a great listen!
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (narrated by her as well) an inspiring nonfiction about how to let go of the things you can’t control and concentrate on the things you can.
- The Measure by Nikki Erlick (narrated by the immensely talented Julia Whalen) – a fascinating story of how the world changes when people receive strings that tell them how long they will live for.
- Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney (with great narration by Stephanie Racine) – a thriller with a twisty past about a woman who is in a coma with a mystery to solve as memories of the days leading up to the accident slowly emerge amid a turbulent past.
- ARC of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton – such a fabulous book about books in this upcoming historical fiction told in three timelines about a book that connects them all in this delightful story that shares the importance of books and reading.
- Maame by Jessica George (fabulous narration by Heather Agyepong) – a wonderful coming-of-age story, told through an unfiltered lense. This was such a moving book and I was cheering Maddie on through the whole story.
What were some of your favorite books read in February?
February 10, 2025
Research Trip Prep
I'm leaving this evening for a two week research trip in England for my 2026 release, A Time of Witches.
My focus is going to be the witch trials of the 1600s in England and I've spent months preparing for this trip.
Some things I do before travel:
- Reach out to local tour guides for ones run by locals and historians
- Pre-book museum tickets
- Reach out to museums for possible opportunities for individual tours
- Plan out a road map of all the places we're going
When I travel, I also always bring a space bag inside of my suitcase for all the books I buy LOL There is an amazing amount of literature to be found on-site that is difficult to find otherwise, so I ALWAYS stock up on all the books as I never know what might come in handy. So I leave with one bag and return with two.
We're also making a couple of stops along the way at some museums of my favorite historical figures:
- Anne Boleyn - we're staying a night at Hever Castle - she's my all time favorite woman in history!
- Jane Austen House - my favorite author in history! I cannot wait to explore her house museum!
- Charles Dickens museum - the museum will be just celebrating its 100 year anniversary and I can't wait to explore
- William Shakespeare - We're going to see a production of Cymbeline by candlelight at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
I can't wait for all the incredible history I'm getting ready to launch into! If you're so inclined, feel free to follow me on social media to join in my exploration:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemma...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMart...
I'll share more when I'm back! :)
xoxo,
Madeline
My focus is going to be the witch trials of the 1600s in England and I've spent months preparing for this trip.
Some things I do before travel:
- Reach out to local tour guides for ones run by locals and historians
- Pre-book museum tickets
- Reach out to museums for possible opportunities for individual tours
- Plan out a road map of all the places we're going
When I travel, I also always bring a space bag inside of my suitcase for all the books I buy LOL There is an amazing amount of literature to be found on-site that is difficult to find otherwise, so I ALWAYS stock up on all the books as I never know what might come in handy. So I leave with one bag and return with two.
We're also making a couple of stops along the way at some museums of my favorite historical figures:
- Anne Boleyn - we're staying a night at Hever Castle - she's my all time favorite woman in history!
- Jane Austen House - my favorite author in history! I cannot wait to explore her house museum!
- Charles Dickens museum - the museum will be just celebrating its 100 year anniversary and I can't wait to explore
- William Shakespeare - We're going to see a production of Cymbeline by candlelight at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
I can't wait for all the incredible history I'm getting ready to launch into! If you're so inclined, feel free to follow me on social media to join in my exploration:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemma...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMart...
I'll share more when I'm back! :)
xoxo,
Madeline
