What do you think?
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club
Meet Minnie Newton – 27-year-old spinster, troublemaker and founder of the first ever women's football club…
London, 1887: schoolteacher Minnie Newton is horrified when her female pupils placidly accept the limitations Victorian society puts on their ambitions and their lives. To show them women can do anything, she places a newspaper ad, seeking women to join a football team.
From a handful of replies, she puts together a motley collection to form a squad that’s keen but mostly hopeless. Soon the women fall in love with the game and decide to play in public and their matches begin to draw big crowds.
But Minnie has a secret and soon all the attention her notorious team is getting starts to threaten the life she has built for herself. Can she toe the line between independence and safety or will the truth about who she is come out…?
A story inspired by real-life Victorian women, who showed the world that women can do anything they put their minds to, even if they are ridiculed for it at first…
London, 1887: schoolteacher Minnie Newton is horrified when her female pupils placidly accept the limitations Victorian society puts on their ambitions and their lives. To show them women can do anything, she places a newspaper ad, seeking women to join a football team.
From a handful of replies, she puts together a motley collection to form a squad that’s keen but mostly hopeless. Soon the women fall in love with the game and decide to play in public and their matches begin to draw big crowds.
But Minnie has a secret and soon all the attention her notorious team is getting starts to threaten the life she has built for herself. Can she toe the line between independence and safety or will the truth about who she is come out…?
A story inspired by real-life Victorian women, who showed the world that women can do anything they put their minds to, even if they are ridiculed for it at first…
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
Frances Quinn
6 books347 followersWelcome to my Goodreads author page! I'm the author of The Smallest Man, my debut novel, which tells the story of Nat Davy, a 'court dwarf' at the time of Charles I and the English Civil War, and That Bonesetter Woman, set around a century later, in Georgian London, and telling the story of Endurance Proudfoot and her sister Lucinda, two women determined to make their way in very different worlds.
I love hearing from and talking to readers, so if there's anything you'd like to know about me, my writing or my books, do get in touch via Twitter (@franquinn), Instagram (@franquinn21) or my author page on Facebook, Author Frances Quinn
I love hearing from and talking to readers, so if there's anything you'd like to know about me, my writing or my books, do get in touch via Twitter (@franquinn), Instagram (@franquinn21) or my author page on Facebook, Author Frances Quinn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 21, 2026
I utterly adored this book and was bereft when it ended, excellent!
August 14, 2026
I adored this book, and I especially adore it being loosely based on a true story. As a girl who was always encouraged (especially by my dad) to play/participate in whatever sport(s) suited my fancy, this story made me think about how I took that encouragement for granted. How lucky I’ve been to have the privilege of trying all different kinds of sports because of women like the real-life Minnie Newton, Nettie Honeyball, who weren’t afraid to challenge stereotypes and societal expectations. Such a good read. Obviously many more thought-provoking themes than just the increase of women’s opportunities in sports, but that one really resonated.
September 18, 2026
Based on real events of the start of womens football easy going read
July 23, 2026
Synopsis:
It’s 1897 and Minnie Newton, a young London schoolteacher decides to set up a women’s football team as she’s loved the game from being a child.
But women playing football goes against every societal norm and Minnie comes across many obstacles to her plan, mainly from thoroughly outraged men but surprisingly from some women too.
Through her steely determination, she assembles a team where most of the women have never kicked a ball before, never mind know the rules of the game.
When they play their first ever match, it seems that the crowd only turn up just to mock and hurl abuse at these pioneers.
But Minnie has another problem. She has a secret past and as publicity about the women’s team increases, her real identity becomes much more difficult to hide and Minnie fears that her new more independent life will be curtailed if it’s revealed exactly who she really is.
My thoughts:
I loved this sharply paced and entertaining story.
Frances has a way of drawing you in with well developed, captivating and interesting characters that you enjoy loving or thoroughly disliking!
This story focussed mainly on three members of the ladies football team; Minnie and her two teammates, Harriet and Grace who were all from very different backgrounds and I really enjoyed learning about their lives and experiences and the bonds of friendship that grew.
I’ve previously read the brilliant That Bonesetter Woman and The Lost Passenger so I had very high hopes for this book - plus I’m a season ticket holding football fan, so found this book interesting and informative too.
But, you definitely don’t need to understand the offside rule or like football to enjoy this brilliant book.
I’m already anticipating what Frances will write next because each of her historical fiction books have been about very different topics or issues but there’s always a fabulous strong female protagonist at the very heart of every story.
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club has just been chosen as one of the books for BBC Radio 2’s book club summer selection and I’m so pleased that this book has been picked!
It’s 1897 and Minnie Newton, a young London schoolteacher decides to set up a women’s football team as she’s loved the game from being a child.
But women playing football goes against every societal norm and Minnie comes across many obstacles to her plan, mainly from thoroughly outraged men but surprisingly from some women too.
Through her steely determination, she assembles a team where most of the women have never kicked a ball before, never mind know the rules of the game.
When they play their first ever match, it seems that the crowd only turn up just to mock and hurl abuse at these pioneers.
But Minnie has another problem. She has a secret past and as publicity about the women’s team increases, her real identity becomes much more difficult to hide and Minnie fears that her new more independent life will be curtailed if it’s revealed exactly who she really is.
My thoughts:
I loved this sharply paced and entertaining story.
Frances has a way of drawing you in with well developed, captivating and interesting characters that you enjoy loving or thoroughly disliking!
This story focussed mainly on three members of the ladies football team; Minnie and her two teammates, Harriet and Grace who were all from very different backgrounds and I really enjoyed learning about their lives and experiences and the bonds of friendship that grew.
I’ve previously read the brilliant That Bonesetter Woman and The Lost Passenger so I had very high hopes for this book - plus I’m a season ticket holding football fan, so found this book interesting and informative too.
But, you definitely don’t need to understand the offside rule or like football to enjoy this brilliant book.
I’m already anticipating what Frances will write next because each of her historical fiction books have been about very different topics or issues but there’s always a fabulous strong female protagonist at the very heart of every story.
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club has just been chosen as one of the books for BBC Radio 2’s book club summer selection and I’m so pleased that this book has been picked!
March 25, 2026
If reading was a sport, this book would be a definite winner. What a treat for fans of strong female characters and historical fiction with a feminist slant. The Scandalous Ladies’ Football Club is a fun story in many ways, but it has its serious side in highlighting women’s lack of rights in the past. It’s an issue which seems sadly topical these days as it’s taken 100 years for women’s football to start receiving even a fraction of the attention and coverage it deserves, and there seem to be many people of influence who would like to see women’s rights erased around the world.
I was invested in the main characters of Adela/Minnie, Harriet and Grace right up to the goal whistle, and thoroughly enjoyed following their story.
I always love an author’s historical note, and the one in this book was no exception, giving fascinating insights into how far Quinn drew inspiration from a real football team and its leader.
My congratulations to Frances Quinn for another excellent, well researched and thoroughly entertaining historical novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.
I was invested in the main characters of Adela/Minnie, Harriet and Grace right up to the goal whistle, and thoroughly enjoyed following their story.
I always love an author’s historical note, and the one in this book was no exception, giving fascinating insights into how far Quinn drew inspiration from a real football team and its leader.
My congratulations to Frances Quinn for another excellent, well researched and thoroughly entertaining historical novel. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2026
Frances Quinn’s latest novel is set in the final years of the 19th century and inspired by the formation of the British Ladies’ Football Club. Having loved her two previous books, The Lost Passenger and That Bonesetter Woman, I was hoping for good things from this one and wasn’t disappointed. Despite not being very interested in football I found this a fascinating, inspirational story.
It’s 1897 and in a world dominated by men, where husbands and fathers make all the rules, the idea of women playing football is considered ridiculous and inappropriate. But when schoolteacher Minnie Newton kicks a ball back to a group of men playing in a London park one day, she’s reminded of how much she enjoyed the game as a child. Minnie places an advertisement in the local newspaper, not sure what kind of response there’ll be, and is thrilled when she receives several replies from interested applicants. However, as the group of women gather on Saturday morning for their first session, it quickly becomes obvious that this isn’t going to be easy. Most of the women have never even watched the sport before, let alone kicked a ball – then there’s the question of what to wear (long skirts are hardly suitable) and the problem of finding somewhere to train. Eventually, though, solutions are found, and soon the club has obtained both a patron – the explorer, writer and women’s rights activist, Lady Veronica Montague – and a coach, retired male footballer Bill English.
The novel focuses on three of the lady footballers. The first is obviously Minnie herself as the club’s founder and leader. The second is Grace Mousel, a shy single woman who lives with her father and spends her days catering to his every whim. Grace discovers that she has a real talent for football but feels that she has to keep her new passion hidden from her father, as he would never understand and would insist that she give it up. Then there’s Harriet Flinders, a married woman whose husband, Richard, is stationed in India, leaving her alone in London with their two sons. Bored and dissatisfied with her marriage, Harriet decides to join Minnie’s club purely because she knows it would annoy Richard if he found out but, like Grace, she soon finds that playing football is something she enjoys both for its own sake and for the independence it gives her.
As for Minnie, we know from the beginning that she’s hiding a big secret – her real name is Adela Adams and she’s a married woman, a fact that would cause her to lose her job as a teacher if it became known. Although I felt that the false identity subplot was recycled from Quinn’s last book, The Lost Passenger, it added tension to her story just as it did to Elinor’s in that book, and we find out only gradually why Adela left her husband and changed her name and what she stands to lose if she’s caught.
Quinn has loosely based the novel on the story of the real life British Ladies’ Football Club, but doesn’t stick very closely to the facts, changing the names of the people involved and imagining matches and rivalries that the club never actually had. There are some similarities, though – the real founder of the club was Nettie Honeyball which, like Minnie Newton, was thought to be an assumed name (although Nettie’s true identity is still unconfirmed); their patron, Lady Florence Dixie, closely resembled Lady Veronica in the book (she explored Patagonia and kept a pet jaguar called Affums); and of course, both clubs, real and fictional, faced a huge amount of prejudice, scorn and ridicule.
Although I found the book very enjoyable, it’s not perfect. In particular, I wished more attention had been given to other members of the club, not just Minnie, Harriet and Grace. Some of them were barely even mentioned by name. Also, without wanting to give away spoilers, I felt that the way the story ended for two of the characters seemed very convenient and clichéd. Other than that, I loved it. It’s obviously a book with a lot to say about feminism, equality and women’s rights, but the message never gets in the way of the story. Definitely worth reading, whether or not you’re a football fan!
It’s 1897 and in a world dominated by men, where husbands and fathers make all the rules, the idea of women playing football is considered ridiculous and inappropriate. But when schoolteacher Minnie Newton kicks a ball back to a group of men playing in a London park one day, she’s reminded of how much she enjoyed the game as a child. Minnie places an advertisement in the local newspaper, not sure what kind of response there’ll be, and is thrilled when she receives several replies from interested applicants. However, as the group of women gather on Saturday morning for their first session, it quickly becomes obvious that this isn’t going to be easy. Most of the women have never even watched the sport before, let alone kicked a ball – then there’s the question of what to wear (long skirts are hardly suitable) and the problem of finding somewhere to train. Eventually, though, solutions are found, and soon the club has obtained both a patron – the explorer, writer and women’s rights activist, Lady Veronica Montague – and a coach, retired male footballer Bill English.
The novel focuses on three of the lady footballers. The first is obviously Minnie herself as the club’s founder and leader. The second is Grace Mousel, a shy single woman who lives with her father and spends her days catering to his every whim. Grace discovers that she has a real talent for football but feels that she has to keep her new passion hidden from her father, as he would never understand and would insist that she give it up. Then there’s Harriet Flinders, a married woman whose husband, Richard, is stationed in India, leaving her alone in London with their two sons. Bored and dissatisfied with her marriage, Harriet decides to join Minnie’s club purely because she knows it would annoy Richard if he found out but, like Grace, she soon finds that playing football is something she enjoys both for its own sake and for the independence it gives her.
As for Minnie, we know from the beginning that she’s hiding a big secret – her real name is Adela Adams and she’s a married woman, a fact that would cause her to lose her job as a teacher if it became known. Although I felt that the false identity subplot was recycled from Quinn’s last book, The Lost Passenger, it added tension to her story just as it did to Elinor’s in that book, and we find out only gradually why Adela left her husband and changed her name and what she stands to lose if she’s caught.
Quinn has loosely based the novel on the story of the real life British Ladies’ Football Club, but doesn’t stick very closely to the facts, changing the names of the people involved and imagining matches and rivalries that the club never actually had. There are some similarities, though – the real founder of the club was Nettie Honeyball which, like Minnie Newton, was thought to be an assumed name (although Nettie’s true identity is still unconfirmed); their patron, Lady Florence Dixie, closely resembled Lady Veronica in the book (she explored Patagonia and kept a pet jaguar called Affums); and of course, both clubs, real and fictional, faced a huge amount of prejudice, scorn and ridicule.
Although I found the book very enjoyable, it’s not perfect. In particular, I wished more attention had been given to other members of the club, not just Minnie, Harriet and Grace. Some of them were barely even mentioned by name. Also, without wanting to give away spoilers, I felt that the way the story ended for two of the characters seemed very convenient and clichéd. Other than that, I loved it. It’s obviously a book with a lot to say about feminism, equality and women’s rights, but the message never gets in the way of the story. Definitely worth reading, whether or not you’re a football fan!
August 21, 2026
I absolutely adored this novel! As a huge women’s football fan who knows about the historical struggle women faced in playing football because men were scared of the competition, I knew I had to read this and it didn't disappoint. I love that this is based off a real football club and some of the characters are based on real life people too. This is a story about determination, female friendship and strong women who just want to be able to play football without being ridiculed and told they can’t for no other reason than they are women.
I loved the characters, especially Minnie who had a very intriguing back story about her past but was a strong independent woman which was severely frowned upon in this time period. I loved how determined she was to make the football club work and the good friends she made along the way. Harriett and Grace were also very interesting, one married and one stuck at home looking after her terrible father. I loved how all of the women were so different but football brought them together and the friendship in this story was so wholesome and a joy to read. I also noticed a vibe between two characters and was glad that my suspicions were eventually proved right! You can’t have a book about women’s football without any sapphics after all!
I also loved how much the book focused on the actual football too. From the training sessions where all the women worked so hard to get better every week to the exhibition matches they put on to try and get more people interested and the unusual clothes they had to wear for free movement, the attention to detail was brilliant. The sexism and misogyny they continued to face was so realistic and disheartening to read but they never gave up and always gave back as good as they got!
I loved how with every problem they faced, they always somehow came up with a solution and never let it get them down. They even had to deal with the overzealous patron of the club, Lady Veronica who always did what she thought was best but actually made some things worse! I disliked her throughout as she was selfish and never listened to the girls and her betrayal was awful.
The side plot of Minnie’s past and what she is running from was also very cleverly done and the way the story goes back and forth helps paint a picture of what her life was like and why she had to start again somewhere new. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this story and how well Quinn captures the opinions of the time, it definitely angered me while reading! This is a fantastic read about women’s football which is both fascinating and truly enjoyable.
I loved the characters, especially Minnie who had a very intriguing back story about her past but was a strong independent woman which was severely frowned upon in this time period. I loved how determined she was to make the football club work and the good friends she made along the way. Harriett and Grace were also very interesting, one married and one stuck at home looking after her terrible father. I loved how all of the women were so different but football brought them together and the friendship in this story was so wholesome and a joy to read. I also noticed a vibe between two characters and was glad that my suspicions were eventually proved right! You can’t have a book about women’s football without any sapphics after all!
I also loved how much the book focused on the actual football too. From the training sessions where all the women worked so hard to get better every week to the exhibition matches they put on to try and get more people interested and the unusual clothes they had to wear for free movement, the attention to detail was brilliant. The sexism and misogyny they continued to face was so realistic and disheartening to read but they never gave up and always gave back as good as they got!
I loved how with every problem they faced, they always somehow came up with a solution and never let it get them down. They even had to deal with the overzealous patron of the club, Lady Veronica who always did what she thought was best but actually made some things worse! I disliked her throughout as she was selfish and never listened to the girls and her betrayal was awful.
The side plot of Minnie’s past and what she is running from was also very cleverly done and the way the story goes back and forth helps paint a picture of what her life was like and why she had to start again somewhere new. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this story and how well Quinn captures the opinions of the time, it definitely angered me while reading! This is a fantastic read about women’s football which is both fascinating and truly enjoyable.
July 8, 2026
As with all of her stories, Frances Quinn manages to create characters who are well rounded, funny, bold and lovable. Well researched and inspired by some real events from history and embellished with warmth and intelligence this book is another gem from the Mighty Frances Quinn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 5, 2026
4.5⭐️
July 9, 2026
Girl power at its finest!
August 9, 2026
4.5⭐️
Frances Quinn writes such readable stories with fantastic characters you can get behind. Really enjoyed this and learned a lot while doing so!
Frances Quinn writes such readable stories with fantastic characters you can get behind. Really enjoyed this and learned a lot while doing so!
August 13, 2026
Another fabulous book by Francis Quinn. Women focussed historical fiction - fabulous
August 24, 2026
Love; made me want to go buy a soccer ball for old time sake
September 20, 2026
Easy to read story with some unexpected themes which I loved. Made me appreciate the generations of women who paved the way for us women now
August 26, 2026
Entertaining.
July 10, 2026
Inspired by the true story of Nettie Honeyball who founded the real British Ladies Football Club in the late 1800s, I really enjoyed the characters in this book, a small group of women who defy social norms to start a football team. Minnie is a school teacher and supporter of women’s rights who starts the team. There is a lot of resistance from many - they have to wear unflattering clothes in order to be able to run. They are told they shouldn't be running in case their wombs fall out and initially they are a laughing stock.
We find out more about the women’s back stories - there are unhappy marriages and controlling fathers. But the women become friends who support each other through their difficulties and from this become a strong team.
I love how the author finds these lesser known female historical figures and creates a story around them. I’ve enjoyed all of her books and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
We find out more about the women’s back stories - there are unhappy marriages and controlling fathers. But the women become friends who support each other through their difficulties and from this become a strong team.
I love how the author finds these lesser known female historical figures and creates a story around them. I’ve enjoyed all of her books and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
August 14, 2026
Set during the late Victorian era in London, schoolteacher Minnie Newton decides to set up a ladies football club and places an advert in the local paper for participants. With the team complete the ladies start to practice their skills. It goes against society norms and causes quite a disturbance, including jeers from the local men’s team and abuse from the spectators. Minnie also has a secret, she doesn’t want to be found…
I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational story. It was a joy to read from beginning to end. It’s beautifully written with some fantastic, eclectic and strong characters. I loved the interaction between the ladies and there are one or two amusing moments, my favourite being when they’re trying on their new footballing ‘pantaloons’! They were real Victorian trailblazers. Minnie is quite the personality and I loved her determination to show the world that women are very capable of doing anything they put their minds to. An empowering, engaging and wonderful read. I was fascinated to discover it was inspired by a real life woman - Nettie Honeyball, founder of the British Ladies Football Club. All hail Nettie (and Minnie)! I can’t recommend this superb book enough.
I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational story. It was a joy to read from beginning to end. It’s beautifully written with some fantastic, eclectic and strong characters. I loved the interaction between the ladies and there are one or two amusing moments, my favourite being when they’re trying on their new footballing ‘pantaloons’! They were real Victorian trailblazers. Minnie is quite the personality and I loved her determination to show the world that women are very capable of doing anything they put their minds to. An empowering, engaging and wonderful read. I was fascinated to discover it was inspired by a real life woman - Nettie Honeyball, founder of the British Ladies Football Club. All hail Nettie (and Minnie)! I can’t recommend this superb book enough.
July 24, 2026
I loved this, it was a fantastic book, and a real feel good historical fiction novel set.
The story was told mostly by Minnie, Hilary, and Grace, two other ladies in her football club, who became her closet friends. They had a lovely friendship that helped them when there was hostility towards them from the public about the club.
Set in Victorian times, the 1890s, women were thought of delicate creatures who couldn’t think for themselves, or basically do anything for themselves without the guiding hand of a male relative, be that a father, a brother or a husband. And don’t even think about playing football in trousers or without wearing their corsets!
As you can probably tell Minnie doesn’t fit the mould at all, and nor do her fellow members, although Grace isn’t quite as fierce as the other members at first. I loved the way all their characters developed as I followed them on their journeys.
I did a read/listen of this as and it worked really well, as I really enjoyed Kristin Atherton’s narration. I don’t always get on with her voice talents, but she was perfect for this story.
This is the second book I’ve read by Frances Quinn, as I loved her debut The Smallest Man, and I can’t wait to go back and finally read my copy of her previous book, That Bonesetter Woman.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a lovely feel good, historical novel!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for my digital copy via NetGalley.
Book 13 of 20 Books of Summer 2026
The story was told mostly by Minnie, Hilary, and Grace, two other ladies in her football club, who became her closet friends. They had a lovely friendship that helped them when there was hostility towards them from the public about the club.
Set in Victorian times, the 1890s, women were thought of delicate creatures who couldn’t think for themselves, or basically do anything for themselves without the guiding hand of a male relative, be that a father, a brother or a husband. And don’t even think about playing football in trousers or without wearing their corsets!
As you can probably tell Minnie doesn’t fit the mould at all, and nor do her fellow members, although Grace isn’t quite as fierce as the other members at first. I loved the way all their characters developed as I followed them on their journeys.
I did a read/listen of this as and it worked really well, as I really enjoyed Kristin Atherton’s narration. I don’t always get on with her voice talents, but she was perfect for this story.
This is the second book I’ve read by Frances Quinn, as I loved her debut The Smallest Man, and I can’t wait to go back and finally read my copy of her previous book, That Bonesetter Woman.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a lovely feel good, historical novel!
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for my digital copy via NetGalley.
Book 13 of 20 Books of Summer 2026
August 10, 2026
I absolutely loved this story!!! Couldn’t get enough
September 21, 2026
It is always such a treat to read a new book from Fran Quinn! Her storytelling is top tier and her historical research is always amazing and fascinating without being overbearing or obvious. She effortlessly brings in historical facts, sociological insights and political movements whilst telling a brilliant story that I couldn't put down.
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club is no exception, I absolutely loved the story of Minnie Newton and her ladies, the first women’s football team in the UK, who battled social norms and pressure in order to be able to simply play a game of football. Minnie Newton isn't actually her real name, but as a married woman, Adela, the woman who becomes Minnie knows that she has no freedom or rights of her own but that her husband will have the ultimate say in everything.
I was in awe of Adela's bravery and courage, her willingness to leave everything behind and set up a new life for herself with no support. She secretly finds her dream job, as a teacher to teenage girls, striving to awaken their sense of fairness and liberation rather than letting them settle for a life as a stay-at-home wife with no rights of their own. She is happy in her life, living in a lodging house with other single women but she knows there must be more to life.
Adela used to play football with her brothers as a child and when she sees there may be an opportunity for women to form a team, she doesn't hold back. She places an advert in the local paper asking any women who may be interested to contact her- and she pleasantly surprised by the response. There are enough women to form two small teams - and off they go. Some of the women have hardly heard of football, others have a vague idea - and only one of them has ever seen a match before- but they are all game, running up and down a small corner pitch as well as they can in their corsets and long skirts.
They get the patronage of Lady Veronica Montague, a leading woman's right campaigner, who helps them access more practical clothing, much to the amusement and bemusement of all who spy the women in their pantaloons and loose shirts. Lady Veronica is not shy of any publicity, seeing the media coverage as a great way to publicise the football club and raise the cause of women's rights, however much the players might be embarrassed.
The team grows from strength to strength, the bond between the women growing as they realise what they are capable of, not only on but off the pitch.
As always, Frances Quinn shares some of her research and findings in her footnotes - so thank you to the original Minnie Newton, Nettie Honeyball for such a memorable and inspiring story!
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club is no exception, I absolutely loved the story of Minnie Newton and her ladies, the first women’s football team in the UK, who battled social norms and pressure in order to be able to simply play a game of football. Minnie Newton isn't actually her real name, but as a married woman, Adela, the woman who becomes Minnie knows that she has no freedom or rights of her own but that her husband will have the ultimate say in everything.
I was in awe of Adela's bravery and courage, her willingness to leave everything behind and set up a new life for herself with no support. She secretly finds her dream job, as a teacher to teenage girls, striving to awaken their sense of fairness and liberation rather than letting them settle for a life as a stay-at-home wife with no rights of their own. She is happy in her life, living in a lodging house with other single women but she knows there must be more to life.
Adela used to play football with her brothers as a child and when she sees there may be an opportunity for women to form a team, she doesn't hold back. She places an advert in the local paper asking any women who may be interested to contact her- and she pleasantly surprised by the response. There are enough women to form two small teams - and off they go. Some of the women have hardly heard of football, others have a vague idea - and only one of them has ever seen a match before- but they are all game, running up and down a small corner pitch as well as they can in their corsets and long skirts.
They get the patronage of Lady Veronica Montague, a leading woman's right campaigner, who helps them access more practical clothing, much to the amusement and bemusement of all who spy the women in their pantaloons and loose shirts. Lady Veronica is not shy of any publicity, seeing the media coverage as a great way to publicise the football club and raise the cause of women's rights, however much the players might be embarrassed.
The team grows from strength to strength, the bond between the women growing as they realise what they are capable of, not only on but off the pitch.
As always, Frances Quinn shares some of her research and findings in her footnotes - so thank you to the original Minnie Newton, Nettie Honeyball for such a memorable and inspiring story!
August 14, 2026
Such a woman power book and it was great. Lots of different character stories of women coming together to try something new, ending up being either a disgrace to some or an example to others. Minnie is such an inspiration just maybe in the wrong way, running from problems, but then again what else was she to do? Loved the boundary she set with her mom because seriously her mom screwed her. Her brother’s support while also aiming to be a cautious note was amazing. Truly how supportive and caring all brothers should be. Advice but not having feathers ruffled if she didn’t take it.
Minnie is thrown into a predicament with her father’s passing, feeling more forced to marry for money when she really hadn’t been aiming to marry at all. But when moving in with her aunt seems so damaging to her mother, she feels the responsibility to provide and get her out of that household. Except her mother had been doing some planning herself, setting a widow’s eyes on Minnie, stating she needed to be tamed basically. Minnie was one never to be tamed. So when all of the sudden in the marriage, her husband aims to be more controlling and less supportive of Minnie’s hobbies and more aimed to force her into a sole role as running the house and mother, she defiantly balks. She informs she does not ask permission for things she desires to go to and in turn he shows up to a lecture all but dragging her out. Yet when she tries to discuss divorce with a lawyer, she learns rights are not really there for a woman unless a husband is outwardly cheating plus some… appalled by her lack of options, she runs away to London, only informing her brother, and changes her name (Adela being her original name), beginning a new teaching role. Minnie being ambitious Minnie ends up beginning a female football team, taking out a request in the post and building a team of mostly single women, many of whom are aiming to change from being mousey little followers of the male roles in life. They ruffle feathers of men in football leagues and seem to have a threatening nature. In the end, this football league is how Minnie’s husband finds her, following her brother “visiting an old friend” coming to watch the women’s football team compete against the men’s. But thankfully Minnie reads the option of her husband being appalled and threatens to tell all of their town her “disgraces” of being a part of this team if he were to drag her back. So she if left to live the life she has happily found herself in.
Minnie is thrown into a predicament with her father’s passing, feeling more forced to marry for money when she really hadn’t been aiming to marry at all. But when moving in with her aunt seems so damaging to her mother, she feels the responsibility to provide and get her out of that household. Except her mother had been doing some planning herself, setting a widow’s eyes on Minnie, stating she needed to be tamed basically. Minnie was one never to be tamed. So when all of the sudden in the marriage, her husband aims to be more controlling and less supportive of Minnie’s hobbies and more aimed to force her into a sole role as running the house and mother, she defiantly balks. She informs she does not ask permission for things she desires to go to and in turn he shows up to a lecture all but dragging her out. Yet when she tries to discuss divorce with a lawyer, she learns rights are not really there for a woman unless a husband is outwardly cheating plus some… appalled by her lack of options, she runs away to London, only informing her brother, and changes her name (Adela being her original name), beginning a new teaching role. Minnie being ambitious Minnie ends up beginning a female football team, taking out a request in the post and building a team of mostly single women, many of whom are aiming to change from being mousey little followers of the male roles in life. They ruffle feathers of men in football leagues and seem to have a threatening nature. In the end, this football league is how Minnie’s husband finds her, following her brother “visiting an old friend” coming to watch the women’s football team compete against the men’s. But thankfully Minnie reads the option of her husband being appalled and threatens to tell all of their town her “disgraces” of being a part of this team if he were to drag her back. So she if left to live the life she has happily found herself in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2026
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club by Frances Quinn
If ever there was a book which should be made into a film it’s this one!
The Victorian prequel to Bend It Like Beckham!
It’s 1897, a time when women were born to be wives and mothers. When it was believed that their brains were smaller than men’s and that if they exercised their uteruses would literally fall out of their bodies we find a group of women brave enough to stick two fingers up to these ridiculous notions.
Enter Minnie Newton (loosely based upon real-life Netty Honeyball) who has escaped an awful marriage and has reinvented herself as a school teacher. She is fed up of the restrictions upon put women, and seeing men playing football in the park she decides that two can, and should, play that game.
So, she publishes an advert in the paper and goes about setting up her own football club. Other women respond to her call to action from all walks of life, only one of whom knows anything about football! But what they may lack in skill they make up for in determination and bravery.
A rich benefactor learns of the football team and takes them under her wing providing funding for a coach, Bill. But all is not as it seems.
As their public profile soars the threat to Minnie’s new life increases.
The women face all types of trials and tribulations – disapproval and rejection by their families and mocking from their community. But, despite so many being so against women playing football thousands are willing to buy a ticket to watch them.
Embroidered into this tale of female empowerment are stories of love – romantic and platonic which are so relatable. Quinn deploys great comic timing whilst also telling a story of grit and determination. She really opens the reader’s eyes to what life was like for women during this period. And, knowing that it’s based upon truth makes it all the more jaw dropping and engaging.
Quinn knocks this out of the park (pun intended).
I cannot fault this novel and I’m afraid that this review does not do it justice. . I immediately need to read more by Quinn, green or not (shocking I know!)
If ever there was a book which should be made into a film it’s this one!
The Victorian prequel to Bend It Like Beckham!
It’s 1897, a time when women were born to be wives and mothers. When it was believed that their brains were smaller than men’s and that if they exercised their uteruses would literally fall out of their bodies we find a group of women brave enough to stick two fingers up to these ridiculous notions.
Enter Minnie Newton (loosely based upon real-life Netty Honeyball) who has escaped an awful marriage and has reinvented herself as a school teacher. She is fed up of the restrictions upon put women, and seeing men playing football in the park she decides that two can, and should, play that game.
So, she publishes an advert in the paper and goes about setting up her own football club. Other women respond to her call to action from all walks of life, only one of whom knows anything about football! But what they may lack in skill they make up for in determination and bravery.
A rich benefactor learns of the football team and takes them under her wing providing funding for a coach, Bill. But all is not as it seems.
As their public profile soars the threat to Minnie’s new life increases.
The women face all types of trials and tribulations – disapproval and rejection by their families and mocking from their community. But, despite so many being so against women playing football thousands are willing to buy a ticket to watch them.
Embroidered into this tale of female empowerment are stories of love – romantic and platonic which are so relatable. Quinn deploys great comic timing whilst also telling a story of grit and determination. She really opens the reader’s eyes to what life was like for women during this period. And, knowing that it’s based upon truth makes it all the more jaw dropping and engaging.
Quinn knocks this out of the park (pun intended).
I cannot fault this novel and I’m afraid that this review does not do it justice. . I immediately need to read more by Quinn, green or not (shocking I know!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
With every single Frances Quinn's book I learn more and more about history. This time she used a subject that - I must be honest - I was not sure if I'm interested in and I hesitated before requesting the book. However, now I can tell that I have no regrets, as it was a very passionate and interesting story. I've just actually searched the web for more info on The British Ladies' Football Club, I especially wanted to see the clothes, as I couldn't imagine them and I must say the girls and women looked great.
It was fascinating to read about the problems and obstacles the women of Victorian times had to face and the more I read the more I adored all the brave characters. The story and all its elements were brilliantly researched, beautifully written, the author has brilliantly captured the times, the way the people were speaking, their mentality.
The sub-plot with our main character and one of the other players was, to be honest, a bit too much for me and I could live without it. There was this controversy about football and the characters had a lot to fight and it seemed as if the author wanted to squeeze this topic, necessarily. Maybe the purpose was to made the characters look even more human, I don't know, or to show with how many prejudices did the women of those time to battle, but I really didn't need it in this story.
Also, I think that nothing will be better than the two first novels by Frances Quinn - they were one of the best books I have ever read and it would be great if she didn't move into more present times with her stories. Nevertheless, it was great to read about the strong bond between the characters, about their friendship and them standing for themselves, no matter what. Even if there were poignant moments, it still felt empowering and motivational.
It was fascinating to read about the problems and obstacles the women of Victorian times had to face and the more I read the more I adored all the brave characters. The story and all its elements were brilliantly researched, beautifully written, the author has brilliantly captured the times, the way the people were speaking, their mentality.
The sub-plot with our main character and one of the other players was, to be honest, a bit too much for me and I could live without it. There was this controversy about football and the characters had a lot to fight and it seemed as if the author wanted to squeeze this topic, necessarily. Maybe the purpose was to made the characters look even more human, I don't know, or to show with how many prejudices did the women of those time to battle, but I really didn't need it in this story.
Also, I think that nothing will be better than the two first novels by Frances Quinn - they were one of the best books I have ever read and it would be great if she didn't move into more present times with her stories. Nevertheless, it was great to read about the strong bond between the characters, about their friendship and them standing for themselves, no matter what. Even if there were poignant moments, it still felt empowering and motivational.
August 28, 2026
A very typical Victorian tale of female blue stocking defiance against how men seem to think they are so superior, this time told through the tale of a female football team and there sheer determination to prove a point.
Adela and her mother are left destitute after husband/father’s death.thinking that. Thomas Adam’s her father’s solicitor understands her views and teaching ambitions she marries him. 3 months later she has had enough of being told what to do, where to go ect and employs her brother Charlie’s help and forges a new name on her teaching certificate to Minerva Newton and disappears from Winchester into the bowels London where she gets a teaching job in an all girls school an finds dreary but affordable lodgings.
She watches a football match in practice and decides to get an all women team together for fun and exercise. Many respond to her advertisement and a team is formed, lady Veronica, a well known activist for women jumps on board and becomes there patron and offers monetary support for Bill, a retired footballer ass their coach and organises there kit.she turns out to be selfishly involved for her own gain.
Two players become firm friends ,Harriet with / children and husband who she has never loved is working in India& Grace who lives at home caring for her grumpy, not really ill father.
A free time of being trained properly they play a couple of disastrous matches but continue to strive in.
In the mean time Charlie informs “ Minnie “ that Thomas has employed a private detective to find her, together the plant a seed that she may be in Liverpool visiting an old friend.
4 love stories developed but mixed messages, status, money and gender prevent the love to grow.
In the end they get to play against there nemesis team ,where Charlie informs Minnie that Thomas is. to attend, Minnie meets Thomas after the match that they lost but with very much grace,dignity & acknowledgment as football players and tells him that it would be best for both of them if she remains incognito for the rest of her life or for however long she gets away with it. To this he agrees.(weak man really )
That is not the end and I am not going to say anything about it as it is full of spoilers in a good way.
This is my. 4th read of Frances Quinn and it did not disappoint.
Would I read this again….yes I would
Would I recommend it….yes definitely
A ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ & 1/2 rating
Adela and her mother are left destitute after husband/father’s death.thinking that. Thomas Adam’s her father’s solicitor understands her views and teaching ambitions she marries him. 3 months later she has had enough of being told what to do, where to go ect and employs her brother Charlie’s help and forges a new name on her teaching certificate to Minerva Newton and disappears from Winchester into the bowels London where she gets a teaching job in an all girls school an finds dreary but affordable lodgings.
She watches a football match in practice and decides to get an all women team together for fun and exercise. Many respond to her advertisement and a team is formed, lady Veronica, a well known activist for women jumps on board and becomes there patron and offers monetary support for Bill, a retired footballer ass their coach and organises there kit.she turns out to be selfishly involved for her own gain.
Two players become firm friends ,Harriet with / children and husband who she has never loved is working in India& Grace who lives at home caring for her grumpy, not really ill father.
A free time of being trained properly they play a couple of disastrous matches but continue to strive in.
In the mean time Charlie informs “ Minnie “ that Thomas has employed a private detective to find her, together the plant a seed that she may be in Liverpool visiting an old friend.
4 love stories developed but mixed messages, status, money and gender prevent the love to grow.
In the end they get to play against there nemesis team ,where Charlie informs Minnie that Thomas is. to attend, Minnie meets Thomas after the match that they lost but with very much grace,dignity & acknowledgment as football players and tells him that it would be best for both of them if she remains incognito for the rest of her life or for however long she gets away with it. To this he agrees.(weak man really )
That is not the end and I am not going to say anything about it as it is full of spoilers in a good way.
This is my. 4th read of Frances Quinn and it did not disappoint.
Would I read this again….yes I would
Would I recommend it….yes definitely
A ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ & 1/2 rating
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster UK for the advance read copy of this book
First time reading Frances Quinn and it will not be the last, I loved her style, the story captivated me from the first page, I am not a fan of football, but historical fiction is my favorite genre and I definitely enjoyed this book tremendously, it made me laugh, it made me feel pride, it made me feel discomfort and anger reading all those sexist things from that period of time, what men could think and do to women's lives, and it also made me appreciate all those who fought so that today we can be freer and live in a world with more equality, there is still much to change but without a doubt it makes you reflect a lot.
I loved Adela's strength, her conviction that never betrayed herself, I loved Grace's evolution and Harriet's awakening, above all I liked the bonds of friendship between these women.
The story flowed very well, it kept me in suspense, wishing everything would turn out well for them, smiling at their progress in football imagining their outfits the pant-a-loons😆 how beautiful to see the strength of women reflected, who did not give up, who dared to kick a ball even though it was for men, who never hung their heads despite the mockery and obstacles meant to see them fail, we need more stories like this.
I would love there to be a second part of this book, because I would love to know more about Minnie, Harriet, and Grace and keep supporting the British Ladies Football club in their journey or even see it adapted into a TV series! It is a great story.
#NetGalley #TheScandolousLadiesFootballClub
First time reading Frances Quinn and it will not be the last, I loved her style, the story captivated me from the first page, I am not a fan of football, but historical fiction is my favorite genre and I definitely enjoyed this book tremendously, it made me laugh, it made me feel pride, it made me feel discomfort and anger reading all those sexist things from that period of time, what men could think and do to women's lives, and it also made me appreciate all those who fought so that today we can be freer and live in a world with more equality, there is still much to change but without a doubt it makes you reflect a lot.
I loved Adela's strength, her conviction that never betrayed herself, I loved Grace's evolution and Harriet's awakening, above all I liked the bonds of friendship between these women.
The story flowed very well, it kept me in suspense, wishing everything would turn out well for them, smiling at their progress in football imagining their outfits the pant-a-loons😆 how beautiful to see the strength of women reflected, who did not give up, who dared to kick a ball even though it was for men, who never hung their heads despite the mockery and obstacles meant to see them fail, we need more stories like this.
I would love there to be a second part of this book, because I would love to know more about Minnie, Harriet, and Grace and keep supporting the British Ladies Football club in their journey or even see it adapted into a TV series! It is a great story.
#NetGalley #TheScandolousLadiesFootballClub
July 16, 2026
Loosely based on the true-life story of the formation of a British Women's Football club in 1895, Frances Quinn's latest novel introduces us to three strong women - Adela, who has fled an unhappy home for a new life in London as a teacher, Harriet, whose loveless marriage is made happier by the fact her husband is stationed in India, and she can please herself at home, and Grace, who looks after her irascible elderly father and has no independence of her own.
When Adela forms the football club, the three find real friendship in their determination to beat the patriarchy at their own game, and not just in football.
This was an inspring read, with very likeable and empathetic characters. Footballing is the theme, but the women's stories are the really interesting part of the book, as they find ways to outmaneouvre the constraints Victorian society wants to impose on them. There's real tension in Adela's story in particular. In days when women could be locked in an asylum for defying their family, my heart was in my mouth for her. She is so brave in everything she does, if not always correct in her assumptions of other women.
Told with empathy and humour, the story moves along at a really good pace.
If I have one criticism, it's that the other ladies in the team could have played more of a role in the book, too. It was such a thing for them to defy convention, and to face scorn and ridicule from men and other women, that they deserved more page-time off the field.
But overall, a really satisfying story that made me want to learn more about the origins of ladies' football.
When Adela forms the football club, the three find real friendship in their determination to beat the patriarchy at their own game, and not just in football.
This was an inspring read, with very likeable and empathetic characters. Footballing is the theme, but the women's stories are the really interesting part of the book, as they find ways to outmaneouvre the constraints Victorian society wants to impose on them. There's real tension in Adela's story in particular. In days when women could be locked in an asylum for defying their family, my heart was in my mouth for her. She is so brave in everything she does, if not always correct in her assumptions of other women.
Told with empathy and humour, the story moves along at a really good pace.
If I have one criticism, it's that the other ladies in the team could have played more of a role in the book, too. It was such a thing for them to defy convention, and to face scorn and ridicule from men and other women, that they deserved more page-time off the field.
But overall, a really satisfying story that made me want to learn more about the origins of ladies' football.
June 28, 2026
Set in 1897, The Scandalous Ladies Football Club is inspired by Nettie Honeyball, who founded the real British Ladies Football Club. A woman whose name has been lost to history but whose achievements are now brought to life through the character of Minnie Newton.
Twenty-eight year old Minnie, spinster and schoolteacher sets out to prove to her pupils that women can be independent and can do anything men can do. Why should women aspire to be merely wives and mothers? Why should women have to hold themselves back and be restricted in ways their fathers, husbands and Victorian society deem acceptable. So Minnie places a newspaper ad, asking for volunteers to join the first ever women’s football team. But has Minnie bitten off more than she can chew? Will her past catch up with her?
I loved the characters of Minnie, Harriet and Grace. Their intelligence, ambition and determination shines through. But when faced with ridicule and criticism, have they got what it takes to remain loyal to each other and their football club?
This is a story that made me smile and feel jittery in equal measure. You do not need to be a fierce football fan to enjoy this entertaining and empowering work of historical fiction. You’ll be rooting for these triumphant women from start to finish! Sit back and enjoy the transformative power of friendship, football and freedom on the pitch!
Bravo Frances Quinn…..there’s a very proud Nettie Honeyball somewhere cheering you on!
Twenty-eight year old Minnie, spinster and schoolteacher sets out to prove to her pupils that women can be independent and can do anything men can do. Why should women aspire to be merely wives and mothers? Why should women have to hold themselves back and be restricted in ways their fathers, husbands and Victorian society deem acceptable. So Minnie places a newspaper ad, asking for volunteers to join the first ever women’s football team. But has Minnie bitten off more than she can chew? Will her past catch up with her?
I loved the characters of Minnie, Harriet and Grace. Their intelligence, ambition and determination shines through. But when faced with ridicule and criticism, have they got what it takes to remain loyal to each other and their football club?
This is a story that made me smile and feel jittery in equal measure. You do not need to be a fierce football fan to enjoy this entertaining and empowering work of historical fiction. You’ll be rooting for these triumphant women from start to finish! Sit back and enjoy the transformative power of friendship, football and freedom on the pitch!
Bravo Frances Quinn…..there’s a very proud Nettie Honeyball somewhere cheering you on!
July 29, 2026
This was such a wonderful read! Full of Girl Power at a time when women and girls weren't heard or seen! Based loosely around the formation of the British Women's Football Club in 1895, this story brings together a group of women who want a little more from life than to be a wife.
Minnie is at the heart of the story, and kicks things off when she places an advert for women to join her football team - it's just not heard of at that time and invites a lot of ridicule from many. But to some women who see the advert it's a wonderful new avenue to explore and they arrive from all different backgrounds.
Grace is a carer for her Dad and wants to learn something new, Harriet is a wife and mum and with her husband away, she's looking to do something for herself. And they are joined by many other women and the response really shocks and pleases Minnie.
what follows is their attempts to be taken seriously! I loved seeing them never giving up despite the obstacles put in their way, and seeing the attitudes of derision that they faced but that never changed their determination to play football and prove the doubters wrong. You really sense their confidence growing and how that makes them change their outlook on the lives they'd been leading before joining the team.
it's a wonderfully uplifting read and one you can see would make for some great TV or movie! Highly recommended!
Minnie is at the heart of the story, and kicks things off when she places an advert for women to join her football team - it's just not heard of at that time and invites a lot of ridicule from many. But to some women who see the advert it's a wonderful new avenue to explore and they arrive from all different backgrounds.
Grace is a carer for her Dad and wants to learn something new, Harriet is a wife and mum and with her husband away, she's looking to do something for herself. And they are joined by many other women and the response really shocks and pleases Minnie.
what follows is their attempts to be taken seriously! I loved seeing them never giving up despite the obstacles put in their way, and seeing the attitudes of derision that they faced but that never changed their determination to play football and prove the doubters wrong. You really sense their confidence growing and how that makes them change their outlook on the lives they'd been leading before joining the team.
it's a wonderfully uplifting read and one you can see would make for some great TV or movie! Highly recommended!
March 19, 2026
I absolutely loved The Lost Passenger which was one of my favourite books of last year so was excited to read The Scandalous Ladies Football Club. I’m not a football fan so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this as much as The Lost Passenger but I loved it! It’s set in the 1890s when women’s place in society is so restricted that the idea of them playing football is completely scandalous. I loved the Victorian setting and felt completely immersed in Minnie’s life. Minnie Newton is a school teacher, hiding a secret, who decides to set up a ladies football club in North London which changes her life in many ways. It is loosely based on the British Ladies Football Club set up in the mid 1890s and it was so interesting to read about everything from the women’s outfits to the obstacles they faced just to play football. The characterisation is excellent and I loved Minnie, Grace and Harriet. The novel is an excellent reminder of the lack of rights women had during this time and I felt so angry on their behalf throughout. It’s also a story of the power of female friendship and solidarity, it’s filled with hope and I was sad to finish it.
A wonderful novel that will no doubt be one of my books of the year.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
A wonderful novel that will no doubt be one of my books of the year.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
July 5, 2026
Sadly, I wasn't disappointed here. I'm apparently in the minority. It wasn't a bad book but it didn't shine.
First of all, I was a little annoyed that the author chose to recycle a plot point from her previous novel . Also, she tried to cram too many plot points, which felt like many things were underdeveloped or dragged at some point. I was disappointed by the bland writing style.
Some points made me hope that it would have two aromantic female characters with a focus on friendship. Friendship isn't lesser than love.
There were things I loved, of course. It was an uplifting story, with many moments that made want to cheer. I loved that Adela was unapologetically feminist. The depiction of sexism was infuriating. I also appreciated that it dealt with the issue of safe spaces for women in sports. Even today, women are subjected to hostile behavior that can alter their performance or deter them from joining.
First of all, I was a little annoyed that the author chose to recycle a plot point from her previous novel . Also, she tried to cram too many plot points, which felt like many things were underdeveloped or dragged at some point. I was disappointed by the bland writing style.
Some points made me hope that it would have two aromantic female characters with a focus on friendship. Friendship isn't lesser than love.
There were things I loved, of course. It was an uplifting story, with many moments that made want to cheer. I loved that Adela was unapologetically feminist. The depiction of sexism was infuriating. I also appreciated that it dealt with the issue of safe spaces for women in sports. Even today, women are subjected to hostile behavior that can alter their performance or deter them from joining.
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