Secret Sisters

by Joy Callaway

From the author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society comes this unforgettable historical novel based on the founding of the country's first sororities.

Illinois, 1881: Whitsitt College sophomore Beth Carrington has two goals to fulfill by the time she graduates: obtain a medical degree, and establish a women’s fraternity, Beta Xi Beta, that will help young women like herself to connect with and support one another while attending the male-dominated Whitsitt.

Neither is an easy task. The sole female student in the physicians’ program, Beth is constantly called out by her professors and peers for having the audacity not to concentrate on a more “fitting” subject like secretarial studies. Meanwhile, secret organizations are off-limits, and simply by crowding together in a dank basement room and creating a sense of camaraderie, she and her small group of fraternity sisters risk expulsion.

In order to have the fraternity recognized, she knows she needs help. She turns to the most powerful student on campus: senior Grant Richardson, Iota Gamma fraternity president and the scion of a Whitsitt family—a man she’s only acquainted with because of her longstanding friendship with his fraternity brother Will Buchannan. Staunchly traditional, Grant doesn’t see the purpose of this women’s organization, but captivated by Beth, he agrees to give her a helping hand. What she doesn’t know is how many will stop at nothing to keep her burgeoning organization out of the record books—and who she can actually trust along the way.

As Beth fights for her beloved Beta Xi Beta to be recognized, she will uncover deep secrets about the college and those who surround her, and will have to put both love and friendship on the line so that history can be made.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Adult Fiction, Book Club, Audiobook, Beach Reads

337 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2017

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She told me that memories really are little bits of people's souls that live in the hearts of others."

"Her memories lived inside of us and always would- alive in the hope of our cause, and in the promise of the women we were born to become."

"I promise that above all else, my purpose will be to foster equality and intellect among women."

Secret Sisters is about so much more than the founding of women's fraternities in the late 1800s. This was an easy read that had me thinking about all the meanings of sisterhood and how challenging it must have been for women to strive for secondary education in a sea of men and male professors. The stereotyping, discrimination, and barriers- all because of gender. The beauty of this, I learned from reading this book, is that women joined hands and helped each other overcome these significant obstacles. In addition to all the important messages, the characters were unforgettable. The author's note brought it all together- making me aware of the research that went into writing this novel. Fans of historical fiction and books about women's rights will enjoy this one.

I won a giveaway from the author on Facebook and received a complimentary copy. This was my unsolicited and honest review.

Summer 2017 Read #17

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a woman living in the 21st century, Secret Sisters really makes me grateful that I didn't have to put up with the type of bullshit that women used to have to deal with. Imagine that there used to be widespread belief that women's brains couldn't handle higher education because their brains were smaller than mens. It was also surmised that higher education might also lead to us unbalancing our reproductive organs which would cause us to become hysterical and not able to do our" job, which essentially was keeping hearth and home content. Good grief, Charlie Brown!

The central character, Beth Carrington, apires to be a doctor like her best friend Will. She also wants to start a sorority with her fellow female classmates. Imagine that there was a time when male heads of universities and colleges thought knitting club and choir were o.k, but that only men needed fraternities to socialize. Interesting indeed!

But there were problems with the story that are still bugging me after reading, such as, Beth needing two love interests. Couldn't her story have been told without it? Does a man really need to love the woman in order for him to stand up against the injustices that Beth endured in the classroom? Also, Beth fears her father finding out what she is really pursuing, but thinks it is ok to borrow money from her love interests parents? Just weird!

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I promise that above all else, my purpose will be to foster equality and intellect among women" ~ These words of the women's fraternity Beta Xi Beta pledge really do an amazing job of summing up the heart of this novel. Set in 1881 at the fictional co-ed Whitsitt College in Illinois, the story brings together Beth Carrington and her three friends as they fight for equal rights and permission to create a women's fraternity on campus, all against incredibly strong societal discrimination against women. Additionally, there is a heavily romantic storyline interwoven with Beth's determined struggles to be taken seriously as a medical student and get Beta Xi Beta recognized by the male leaders at Whitsitt, but it does not overwhelm the true message of the book.

I have always believed that a strong author's note really makes a historical fiction novel, and in this case, the author's note fully sealed the 4th star. Callaway's attention to detail throughout the book with dialogue, dress, conventions and especially attitudes about gender equality are backed up with her notes about the research she did and her ties to the creation of real sororities (then called fraternities) in the US. The messages from men throughout the book about "hysteria" and women's inability to pursue mentally strenuous careers due to "blood loss" are horrifying in today's time and help paint a picture for modern readers about just how hard women have fought for their place in society today.

Recommended for historical fiction fans and readers interested in women's rights!

Thanks to the author for providing a finished copy of this book for review purposes - all opinions are my own.

[Alyssa Palombo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a vibrant, moving story that is a true testament to the power of sisterhood, to the might of dreams, and to what women can accomplish when we support one another. Unforgettable characters, compelling writing, and vivid period detail combine to tell the story of what women had to fight through to obtain the rights and opportunities that many take for granted today. Don't miss this book!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. The novel takes place in the 19th century where women studying medicine had a difficult time being accepted into this field. Also tells about a women's sorority being formed and their struggles. I recommend this novel. I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to the author.

[J. Else · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illinois, 1881: Beth Carrington is studying to become a doctor, but as the sole female student in the physicians’ program, she is constantly being singled out and penalized for her ambitions by her professors. Most females at Whitsitt College are studying Divinity, so Beth finds herself alone and ostracized. Then she has an inspiration: a women’s fraternity. A society for students like herself so they can connect and support one another. Her roommate Lily, Mary, and another woman staying at the boarding house become the founding members of Beta Xi Beta, but they risk expulsion, as secret societies are forbidden. There is only one fraternity allowed on campus, and Beth seeks their help. The all-male fraternity is run by Grant Richardson, the son of a coal tycoon and nephew to a congressman. His family heavily finances the college. While Grant doesn’t see a female fraternity as beneficial, he is intrigued by Beth and agrees to help her. Soon, feelings between Beth and Grant develop, but is she putting her budding fraternity at risk by trusting him?

Callaway’s historical details are fantastic. The way medical theory was used to classify women as inferior to men is absurd but also frightening in its honest portrayal. Thus, Callaway brings to life a diverse group of women to meet the stereotypes of 1881 head on. While there was a bit more romance than I expected, overall Secret Sisters is an intriguing story about intelligent women, perseverance, and the bonds of friendship.

I read this as a reviewer for the Historical Novel Society. Review posted via their website at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...

[The History Mom]

Joy is one of my favorite writers for a reason! I enjoyed reading this backlist book about the start of women's fraternities in the 1880s. It was fascinating to learn how these groups were banned and how women had to fight for the right to meet. I loved learning more about this time period and how it affected women.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was supposed to be historical fiction. Yes, sororities did start in the mid west and yes they were modeled after fraternities. These were the only things historical. The plot was too goody goody. Sometimes the women's actions no way fit the time frame of the story. I was very disappointed and had to force myself to finish the book.

[nikkia neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

thanks Edelweiss for this ARC.

Secret Sisters will have you fuming at the stereotypes women faced even in college. This is a wake up call to women about hwo far we've come but how much work we still face.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found most of the characters pretty unlikable and the love story was annoying.

[Tracey Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I found the pace incredibly slow and the storyline not all that engaging

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written historical fiction book about the founding of women's sororities in 1881 at Whitsitt College in Illinois. The main character Beth, is the only female in the physician's program. Being the only female, she is constantly being harassed and made fun of for her goal of being a doctor in a time that almost all doctors are male. Most of the females on campus are either in the secretarial program or the divinity program, both acceptable for women of the time. Beth and two of her friends realize that they need to have 'women's fraternity' where they can talk about their classes and their plans for the future and support each other. Male fraternity are very accepted on campus but there is no place for women to make friends outside of the classroom. As Beth and her friends fight for their sorority to be approved and accepted on campus, they run into even more prejudice on campus.

This was a very well told story about a subject that was new to me. Not only was the fight to create women's groups interesting but the amount of daily harassment that the female college students received was terrible -- not just from other students but from professors as well. Reading a book like this makes me realize how far women have come in the work world.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Vanessa Mozayani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not something that I would choose myself as we don’t have sororities at universities in Australia. This book was part of a Christmas gift. I was quickly hooked by the strong willed female characters and the camaraderie. An interesting historical fiction.

[Janice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lol, emotional claptrap (i.e., all emotions, no substance). A good idea, but seriously poor execution. The author threw in every stereotype she could think of that happened to women in the late 1800s trying to survive in a mans world just to tug on our emotions. The main character was cranky and inconsistent. She was supposedly a progressive thinker when it came to women's roles, but then refused to do things because it was against social mores. I can't imagine wanting to be her friend since she was so rigid. I got tired of the over used reference to "sisters". Don't let the typo at the beginning of chapter 14 confuse you. The time frame is 1881-82, it doesn't jump ahead 11 years.

The premise of this book had lots of promise, but then fell flat.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise, but it was a little too reminiscent of a soap opera for me.

[Anna Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Joy Callaway has crafted a piece of historical fiction that features complex and smart female protagonists who the reader grows to care for deeply due to Callaway's thoughtful character development. The main character, Beth, is really well-balanced -- she has her own career aspirations, but that does not mean that she does not have her own romantic and familial desires. This fictional text about the beginning of the first female fraternity thoughtfully contributes to the important conversation about the history of feminism in the United States, and Callaway's text wisely resists the narrative that being a feminist means being anti-men.

Aside from the important themes in this book, the writing is simply beautiful; some of the most memorable scenes are set on a sleepy college campus, in the middle of the winter holidays (Christmas and Valentine's Day), and the seasonal descriptions make you want to read the book while curled up under a cozy blanket with a hot cup of tea (and, in fact, I did just that -- despite reading the book on a humid July afternoon). Pick this book up -- you won't regret it!

[Amy Webster-Bo · Rating 3 out of 5]

just ok was not a best seller, and was def not one i would have read, knowing it was about college nurses

[Chris]

Beth is one of the few women and the only woman medical student at Whitsitt College in 1881. She wants to have support of other women struggling to make it in programs full of men but there are no groups of any kind for women in non traditional programs. When she is stuck at the college over Christmas with 2 other women an idea takes hold, a women's fraternity. But there are many obstacles to overcome and is it worth risking everything for. A story of strong women, friendship, loyalty, and fighting for a chance to be heard.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book for this review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave it 4 stars, as it wrapped up too quickly. I felt that the end could have used more pages. I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to those looking for a historical fiction novel. It was an easy read, and I liked the characters.

Thanks Oakville Public Library for an ARC!

[Poem Fanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I have to commend Joy Callaway on- before the multitude of other things I'd love to commend her for- her impeccable ability to paint emotions onto the page. As each of the characters struggle with their own problems, they are all given equal importance regardless of the fact that the narration is in Beth's point of view."

Read my full review at:
https://poemfanatic.blogspot.com/2017...

[rendezvous_with_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to GoodReads and Harper Collins for an ARC to review.

Colleges in the US went coed as early as the 1830's but as The Secret Sisters depicts, even in the 1880's, female college students still found the path to higher education fraught with discrimination. Beth Carrington dares to pursue a medical degree at Whitsitt College. As the only female student in the physician’s program, she often finds herself singled out by her professors with disparaging comments about the strain of an education on a woman’s already fragile brain or their tendency towards hysteria. Beth longs for the camaraderie, she sees in the male fraternity, Iota Gamma. But secret organizations are prohibited and even to gather a group of like-minded girls is risking expulsion. She decides to seek help from the president of Iota Gamma, Grant Richardson, whose family has powerful influence at the college. Grant is against the idea of a female fraternity, but because he’s attracted to Beth, he agrees to help. However, breaking down barriers and long held traditions is seldom ever won without a battle. Naming themselves Beta Xi Beta, for equality and intellect, Beth and her fraternity sisters fight for recognition, while defying the rules and secretly meeting together.

I found this peek into campus life of the 19th century to be very interesting. I had never considered the challenges faced by these young women who pursued an education to be pioneers in their professions. In the male dominated halls of higher learning, they were met with stereotypical views and sexual harassment. The author gives us a very likable and tenacious heroine in Beth. The relationship between Beth and her “sisters” speaks volumes as to the bond that fraternities were meant to foster. Like with Joy’s debut novel, you feel well immersed in the time period and she always surprises you with a twist in the plot you don’t quite expect. I highly enjoyed this and found myself reading through it quickly to find out what would happen next.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth Carrington and a small group of women are fighting to receive their degrees at Whitsitt College in 1881. Beth is continuously degraded and called out in her goal of receiving a medical degree, and longs for the support of a women's group. Though women's fraternities are not allowed on campus, Beth and three of her friends create their own secret society, Beta Xi Beta, which is also considered off limits. Beth even takes a risk and reaches out to the men's Iota Gamma fraternity president, Grant Richardson, to help to get Beta Xi recognized. But Beth and her friends are in for a fight against those who do not deem their fraternity appropriate or needed.

I enjoyed this book and it made me appreciate the struggles of women in this time/before me more. I deeply respect how the story depicts the women joining together to help all, even when the characters question some of their own dedication to the cause. Also, the characters felt like they could have been real people - well rounded and realistic. This is a great example of what a well-written and engaging historical fiction book should be.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's 1811, in Illinois, at a college called Whitsitt, where women have been enrolled, but most are pursuing studies of Divinity. Rules at the college strictly prohibit "costumes of an unfavorable length and hats in the gathering room".

Beth Carrington wants to be a physician, although Harvard professor Edward Clarke has recently put forth a theory that "women in strenuous courses of study would develop monstrous brains, puny bodies, and weak digestion". There are men's fraternities, and there are the groups of Divinity students who flock together for support and friendship, but for the few, like Beth who are ostracized, penalized for their ambitions, there is nowhere to turn.

So Beth, with a couple of her friends, proposes to start a "women's fraternity" where they could "be among a large, like-minded group of women".

I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Harper Collins. Pub date 07/11/17

[Penmouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secret Sisters by Joy Callaway has a strong feminist tone, sometimes the tone was so strong it irritated me, topped off with some mild profanity hence the 3 star rating. I am not anti-feminism but I am for a bit more depth when it comes to telling a story.

I loved reading The Other Einstein: A Novel by Marie Benedict as Benedict's book told about the contributions made by Mitza Maric. Both books were set in somewhat similar time periods, especially when it came to women trying to succeed in the sciences. Secret Sisters characters and storyline seemed hostile while The Other Einstein's characters and storyline seemed to present the story with less hostility and better writing. Also, I do not recall reading profanity in The Other Einstein either. I am a strong believer of good writing can be written without profanity and cliches.

Recommend with caveats given.

Review written after downloading a galley from Edelweiss.

[Rachael Schuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who belongs to a sorority and still very much enjoys its benefits as an alumnae, I highly recommend this book! If you've ever been curious about why sororities are important or how they came about then you will want to read this historical, fictional account of how they began.

My enjoyment of this book was increased by the fact that the author, Joy Callaway, joined us at our book club review last evening. It was interesting to hear about her research especially as it pertained to my sorority, pi Beta phi.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads and Harper for letting me read and review this ARC.

I'm not a big historical reader especially in the 1800's, but it was interesting nonetheless. I liked the tenacity of Beth and her friends, not only because they wanted to start a fraternity (really sorority) but also because of their ambitions and goals in life, especially Beth, who wanted to be a doctor and was basically shunned by all of her professors. It was sad when Mary died though.

[EP Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a quick and engaging read. I’m a Pi Beta Phi from Clemson and have a daughter who recently went through rush prompting me to remember my own experiences. This book reminded me of studying for my pledge tests many years ago and appreciating the women ho blazed the trails so that we could enjoy some of the same benefits afforded men so many years ago. I found the story to be believable and well written. I’ll definitely be looking her other works.

[readwithrilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women coming together and fighting for what they believe in. It’s beautiful. But also made me angry at what a time it had been back then and how poorly women were treated. A great read though - it opened my eyes and made me grateful for our lives as women.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great story, very into it.

I needed about 100% more Will than I got, and I absolutely needed more of that romance.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at the forming of the first women's fraternity. Also women's education in the late 1800s. liked that it took place in Il