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The Scandalous Ladies Football Club
Welcome to the British Ladies Football Club
London, 1897. Minnie Newton – twenty-eight-year-old schoolteacher and women's rights advocate – has a passion for football. But in Victorian society, football is a men's game. That is, until Minnie decides to take matters into her own hands and place an ad in the newspaper, asking for volunteers to join the first ever women's football team.
From a motley collection of replies, Minnie puts together a squad. Most of the women have never kicked a ball before – but a little thing like that isn't about to stop them. And when they take the game public, it isn't long before they are drawing huge crowds, stirring controversy across the capital and beyond.
But Minnie is hiding an explosive secret. Soon, all the attention the club is getting begins to threaten the life she has built for herself.
Can she walk the line between independence and safety, or will the truth about who she really is finally come out? And is the beautiful game enough to save her freedom?
A story inspired by real-life Victorian trailblazers, who showed the world that women can do anything they put their minds to, even if the world around them says they can't.
PRAISE FOR FRANCES QUINN:
'Another fantastic female-centred historical novel from Frances Quinn' WOMAN & HOME
'An uplifting story of camaraderie and courage' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'An uplifting, warmhearted, glorious romp of a novel where the underdogs triumph and the world is put to rights...Frances Quinn has such a talent for tackling serious historical topics with heart, humour, and humanity.' LOUISE FEIN
'A triumphant, heart-lifting read about friendship, resilience, and rewriting the rules.' NIKKI SMITH
'Frances Quinn remains top of the historical fiction league with this feminist, feelgood page-turner' PENNY BATCHELOR
'Packed with wit, humour, and warmth. Frances Quinn scores again.' EMILIA HART
'This funny, heart-warming story examines friendship, female power and what it really means to be an independent woman in Victorian England.' ELENI KYRIACOU
'Full of heart and humour ... a hymn to friendship and a celebration of female power' NICOLA GILL
'Frances Quinn is the Sarina Wiegman of historical fiction, producing a winner every time!' TREVOR WOOD
'Full of humour, friendship, and wonderful characters that leap off the page' LOUISE HARE
'Frances Quinn has effortlessly captured the spirit of an era in this delightful page-turner of a novel' JOANNA GLEN
'A beautifully written page-turner' LILA CAIN
London, 1897. Minnie Newton – twenty-eight-year-old schoolteacher and women's rights advocate – has a passion for football. But in Victorian society, football is a men's game. That is, until Minnie decides to take matters into her own hands and place an ad in the newspaper, asking for volunteers to join the first ever women's football team.
From a motley collection of replies, Minnie puts together a squad. Most of the women have never kicked a ball before – but a little thing like that isn't about to stop them. And when they take the game public, it isn't long before they are drawing huge crowds, stirring controversy across the capital and beyond.
But Minnie is hiding an explosive secret. Soon, all the attention the club is getting begins to threaten the life she has built for herself.
Can she walk the line between independence and safety, or will the truth about who she really is finally come out? And is the beautiful game enough to save her freedom?
A story inspired by real-life Victorian trailblazers, who showed the world that women can do anything they put their minds to, even if the world around them says they can't.
PRAISE FOR FRANCES QUINN:
'Another fantastic female-centred historical novel from Frances Quinn' WOMAN & HOME
'An uplifting story of camaraderie and courage' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'An uplifting, warmhearted, glorious romp of a novel where the underdogs triumph and the world is put to rights...Frances Quinn has such a talent for tackling serious historical topics with heart, humour, and humanity.' LOUISE FEIN
'A triumphant, heart-lifting read about friendship, resilience, and rewriting the rules.' NIKKI SMITH
'Frances Quinn remains top of the historical fiction league with this feminist, feelgood page-turner' PENNY BATCHELOR
'Packed with wit, humour, and warmth. Frances Quinn scores again.' EMILIA HART
'This funny, heart-warming story examines friendship, female power and what it really means to be an independent woman in Victorian England.' ELENI KYRIACOU
'Full of heart and humour ... a hymn to friendship and a celebration of female power' NICOLA GILL
'Frances Quinn is the Sarina Wiegman of historical fiction, producing a winner every time!' TREVOR WOOD
'Full of humour, friendship, and wonderful characters that leap off the page' LOUISE HARE
'Frances Quinn has effortlessly captured the spirit of an era in this delightful page-turner of a novel' JOANNA GLEN
'A beautifully written page-turner' LILA CAIN
Audiobook
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
Frances Quinn
27 books73 followersFrances Quinn is an award-winning journalist who specialises in legal affairs. She is also the co-author on a number of popular student legal texts in the Elliott and Quinn series (Pearson Longman).
See also
Frances Quinn for the Irish poet and story teller
Frances Quinn for the 2013 Bake-Off winner
Frances Quinn for the author of The Smallest Man
See also
Frances Quinn for the Irish poet and story teller
Frances Quinn for the 2013 Bake-Off winner
Frances Quinn for the author of The Smallest Man
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 21, 2026
I utterly adored this book and was bereft when it ended, excellent!
July 25, 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!
July 2, 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 23, 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!
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!
July 25, 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.
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.
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 29, 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 26, 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
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.
August 8, 2026
Annoyingly this book came without the pretty cover, but it took nothing away from the marvellous story of Minnie and her British Ladies Football Club. Based loosely on a real Victorian lady who set up the British Ladies Football Club, we follow Minnie escaping from an awful situation, to run away from controlling men, to set up something for herself and other women.
Beautiful friendships are formed, the mettle of the women is tested, and the press have a field day belittling and demeaning the women...
An extraordinary book, the fact that women were possessions of men, fathers then husbands, or a woman became a poor spinster who everyone felt sorry for. Some of the newspapers ran reports from doctors stating that if women ran about, their wombs would fall out! Noone believed that women could be equal, I mean women's brains are different after all (!), and what a long way we have come in a relatively short space of time.
Women's football, who would thought?!
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The women, the relationships, the backstory of Minnie, the coach Bill, the exhibition matches, the history of women and sport and just women in Victorian times, it was all brilliant. Loved it.
#booksreadin2026 #bookstagramuk🇬🇧 #bookstagram #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram
Beautiful friendships are formed, the mettle of the women is tested, and the press have a field day belittling and demeaning the women...
An extraordinary book, the fact that women were possessions of men, fathers then husbands, or a woman became a poor spinster who everyone felt sorry for. Some of the newspapers ran reports from doctors stating that if women ran about, their wombs would fall out! Noone believed that women could be equal, I mean women's brains are different after all (!), and what a long way we have come in a relatively short space of time.
Women's football, who would thought?!
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The women, the relationships, the backstory of Minnie, the coach Bill, the exhibition matches, the history of women and sport and just women in Victorian times, it was all brilliant. Loved it.
#booksreadin2026 #bookstagramuk🇬🇧 #bookstagram #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram
July 22, 2026
This is my second read by Frances Quinn, and I am becoming a big fan. Having read the amazing The Lost Passenger – a fictional story set against the back drop of the Titanic – I was impressed by the historical research that goes in to Frances’ books and so was keen to read this next one about a womans Victorian football team.
Adela is making a new life for herself in London under her new name of Minnie. She has a new job and a new home but she is lonely. Then one day she kicks a ball back to two men playing football in the park and this sparks the gem of an idea.
She starts a women’s football club which for Victorian England is quite a scandal. The team face ridicule and laughter but they are determined and so the story charts the up and downs of the team and some of the key individuals.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Foremost are the friendships of the three main characters. They are very different women – but they have common ground – the football and their secrets. They forge a wonderful friendship, and this gives them the support and confidence to break down the shackles of their secrets and create a life they can be happy with. Minnie is determined and principled. Without her the team would never have started. Harriet is quite the lady – but underneath the charmed life and the posh clothes she is also not happy with her life. Her diplomacy skills save the day on many occasions. And Grace is just downtrodden by life – at the beck and call of her father and family. But she is a talented footballer and this boost in confidence helps her navigate a new path for herself.
I enjoyed hearing about how the scandalous pantaloons were designed for the ladies to wear and how they felt so much more comfortable when they weren’t wearing their tight Victorian corsets and high shoes – a symbol of the restrictions on life on women at this time.
Of course there is controversy. Women at this time had their place in the home, no ability to divorce, no rights to vote – often living life with every decision made by a man. This book set the path for women of the time who broke these barriers down. The book is based on a real woman who started the first woman’s football team and took one step in a positive direction for women at that time.
I have been lucky enough to meet Frances a couple of times now including been lucky enough to attend the launch of this book last week. She is witty and engaging. Im looking forward to seeing her at Word on the Street on Thursday to hear more about the book and the process of writing it.
A fabulous 5 star read – buy it now!
Adela is making a new life for herself in London under her new name of Minnie. She has a new job and a new home but she is lonely. Then one day she kicks a ball back to two men playing football in the park and this sparks the gem of an idea.
She starts a women’s football club which for Victorian England is quite a scandal. The team face ridicule and laughter but they are determined and so the story charts the up and downs of the team and some of the key individuals.
There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. Foremost are the friendships of the three main characters. They are very different women – but they have common ground – the football and their secrets. They forge a wonderful friendship, and this gives them the support and confidence to break down the shackles of their secrets and create a life they can be happy with. Minnie is determined and principled. Without her the team would never have started. Harriet is quite the lady – but underneath the charmed life and the posh clothes she is also not happy with her life. Her diplomacy skills save the day on many occasions. And Grace is just downtrodden by life – at the beck and call of her father and family. But she is a talented footballer and this boost in confidence helps her navigate a new path for herself.
I enjoyed hearing about how the scandalous pantaloons were designed for the ladies to wear and how they felt so much more comfortable when they weren’t wearing their tight Victorian corsets and high shoes – a symbol of the restrictions on life on women at this time.
Of course there is controversy. Women at this time had their place in the home, no ability to divorce, no rights to vote – often living life with every decision made by a man. This book set the path for women of the time who broke these barriers down. The book is based on a real woman who started the first woman’s football team and took one step in a positive direction for women at that time.
I have been lucky enough to meet Frances a couple of times now including been lucky enough to attend the launch of this book last week. She is witty and engaging. Im looking forward to seeing her at Word on the Street on Thursday to hear more about the book and the process of writing it.
A fabulous 5 star read – buy it now!
June 21, 2026
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read and review the latest book by Frances Quinn before publication day. I loved her debut novel, The Smallest Man and I’ve enjoyed reading her other books too (That Bonesetter Woman and The Lost Passenger). So what did I think of book four, The Scandalous Ladies Football Club?
I can confirm that this is a enjoyable and fascinating story, inspired by true events from 1887 and 1888. This was the era when women were excluded from many sports and occupations, and it was deemed necessary to stop working once you were married, even without having children to look after.
I enjoyed how this story flowed, as a number of young women started football training in a local park to show that women could play the game with finesse rather than the brute force of the men’s game. The three main female characters are all hiding secrets and it takes some time for them to trust each other enough to share them. Can they take on the challenges thrown at them and defeat their critics?
Alongside an entertaining story, this book is a reminder of how women have had to fight to be treated fairly in life and to be respected. I may not be interested in football, but I’m recommending that you read this excellent book, due to be published on Thursday 2 July.
I can confirm that this is a enjoyable and fascinating story, inspired by true events from 1887 and 1888. This was the era when women were excluded from many sports and occupations, and it was deemed necessary to stop working once you were married, even without having children to look after.
I enjoyed how this story flowed, as a number of young women started football training in a local park to show that women could play the game with finesse rather than the brute force of the men’s game. The three main female characters are all hiding secrets and it takes some time for them to trust each other enough to share them. Can they take on the challenges thrown at them and defeat their critics?
Alongside an entertaining story, this book is a reminder of how women have had to fight to be treated fairly in life and to be respected. I may not be interested in football, but I’m recommending that you read this excellent book, due to be published on Thursday 2 July.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I saw Frances Quinn was releasing a new novel that has all my favourites (football, historical fiction, and feminism,) I knew that this would be one would be a keeper (no pun intended).
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club was definitely an uplifting story during Victorian England of women becoming empowered and independent. I felt myself getting frustrated on behalf of the characters, struggling to find their place amongst men telling them "no."
I did like the shorter chapters and the switching between the past and present to give Minnie's story more background, but there is a little that could've been cut from other parts and still hold up well.
I probably enjoyed this story more because of my background in sports and love for historical fiction, but I believe historical fic and feminist fic fans will enjoy this read.
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club was definitely an uplifting story during Victorian England of women becoming empowered and independent. I felt myself getting frustrated on behalf of the characters, struggling to find their place amongst men telling them "no."
I did like the shorter chapters and the switching between the past and present to give Minnie's story more background, but there is a little that could've been cut from other parts and still hold up well.
I probably enjoyed this story more because of my background in sports and love for historical fiction, but I believe historical fic and feminist fic fans will enjoy this read.
July 29, 2026
You don’t need to be a footie fan to enjoy this smart, funny, utter joyride of a novel, though it might persuade you to look further into the history of the women’s game (fascinating and fury inducing). I’ve read three of Frances Quinn’s books now and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I had The Lost Passenger down as my favourite until this one. I absolutely loved The Scandalous Ladies Football Club – as well as being laugh out loud funny and wise, it’s moving, and packed with likable, well-rounded characters, especially ahead of her time leading lady Adela, aka Minnie, who galvanises a seemingly motley crew of Victorian women to show the chaps women are capable of SO much more than they’re given credit for. A warm, pacy, heartfelt read about female power and friendship. I raced through it and cheered this group of women on. I’ll miss Minnie and her teammates. Simply fabulous.
August 5, 2026
An uplifting story of female friendship and empowerment.
Adela is a teacher in late Victorian England and burns with anger at the injustices women face. Determined to show people that women can do anything that men can do she sets up a women’s football club. The story oscillates between Adela, Harriet and Grace and the changes the team brings to their lives.
Frances Quinn has such a wonderful ability to make you love her characters instantly. I loved the different ways the women found to escape the drudgery of being subservient to the men in their lives. Cheered along for the team and the women.
Sharply observant, warm and a wonderful story of the strength of women.
Adela is a teacher in late Victorian England and burns with anger at the injustices women face. Determined to show people that women can do anything that men can do she sets up a women’s football club. The story oscillates between Adela, Harriet and Grace and the changes the team brings to their lives.
Frances Quinn has such a wonderful ability to make you love her characters instantly. I loved the different ways the women found to escape the drudgery of being subservient to the men in their lives. Cheered along for the team and the women.
Sharply observant, warm and a wonderful story of the strength of women.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a delightful read. This is an uplifting story about women making a stand and finding their voice. Through the creation of a women's football club, the women discover the joy and freedom of the game. As the training sessions progress, the women build a bond that helps them cope with adversity and strengthen their resolve.
Beautifully written, with engaging characters. Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Beautifully written, with engaging characters. Highly recommended.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big-hearted, soul-lifting story of friendship, football and fighting for the life you want" is the blurb for this one, and it definitely lives up to it.
We have our trio of main characters, all willing to stand up for themselves, and their friends and for what they think is right.
All equally likeable, yet completely different both in character and circumstances, I could not help but like them all, and cheer them on for every small step they took in the battle to let women play football.
Another great read from Quinn.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
We have our trio of main characters, all willing to stand up for themselves, and their friends and for what they think is right.
All equally likeable, yet completely different both in character and circumstances, I could not help but like them all, and cheer them on for every small step they took in the battle to let women play football.
Another great read from Quinn.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club is just the novel the world needs right now. This is an uplifting, warmhearted, glorious romp of a novel where the underdogs triumph and the world is put to rights. I have loved all of Quinn’s novels, and this is a worthy addition to her list. She has such a talent for tackling serious historical topics with heart, humour and humanity. Readers will be gunning for her courageous and relatable protagonists with every turn of the page. Bravo to Frances Quinn on another triumph!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author as she picks such interesting historical subject matter. This time, it's the first ladies football team and it makes you realise, with all the social commentary about restrictions on women at the time, how far things have progressed. I was intrigued by the main character and her backstory and she is someone everyone will be rooting for. Wholesome and uplifting, this is a book that slaps you in the face with injustice then wraps you in a hug as everything gets sorted out in ways I hadn't imagined. Brilliant!
July 26, 2026
This is another special read from Frances Quinn - that feeling of belonging that these women need and the friendships established through something so different to their usual lives was a brilliant way of bringing these characters together. The historical elements about the Suffragette movement and the fight against the patriarchy women had in their everyday lives was a fascinating backdrop to the story. Minnie was a great character - brave and unbending in her vision of what her life should look like made me root for her from the very beginning.
I loved the details of the training and the matches, the clothes they wore to help and how they worked so hard to prove this was a good thing.
I loved the details of the training and the matches, the clothes they wore to help and how they worked so hard to prove this was a good thing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There's not been a single Frances Quinn book that I haven't loved, but sadly this one is my least favourite. As a feminist, a football fan and a history geek, I thought this would be the perfect concoction for a gripping read. Unfortunately, for the most part, I found it too slow, drawn out and lacking in pace. Amazing concept, and one that drew out women's issues well but for me it lost it's edge. I was eagerly awaiting for something more to happen but it never really did.
July 4, 2026
I loved this book! I already knew a little about the history of women's football, but this story really brought those pioneering women to life.
Minnie was so easy to root for and I loved watching this unlikely group of women come together, build friendships and prove everyone wrong. It's about so much more than football. It's a story of courage, equality and determination.
A heartwarming, inspiring piece of historical fiction with memorable characters.
Minnie was so easy to root for and I loved watching this unlikely group of women come together, build friendships and prove everyone wrong. It's about so much more than football. It's a story of courage, equality and determination.
A heartwarming, inspiring piece of historical fiction with memorable characters.
July 11, 2026
Very pleased to get this on publication day and how apt that I’m reading during the World Cup albeit the men’s version not the women’s.
I enjoy the way that the author makes a story inspired by overlooked but interesting figures from history.
I had a real sense of jeopardy about whether Minnie would escape her past which kept the pages turning even more than the football story did.
Loved it.
I enjoy the way that the author makes a story inspired by overlooked but interesting figures from history.
I had a real sense of jeopardy about whether Minnie would escape her past which kept the pages turning even more than the football story did.
Loved it.
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