Novel Kicks Book Club: The Alchemist’s Secret By Clare Marchant

Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club. 

I can’t believe I am saying this, but June is here and we are almost halfway through 2026. With the weather not being able to make up its mind here in the UK, I am hoping the book club title this month will be one you’ll enjoy. It’s an historical fiction novel by an author I love.

The Alchemist’s Secret by Clare Marchant.

So, how does our book club work?

Whether you’ve already read the book or will be starting it this month, all are welcome. The added bonus of our book club is that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your sofa/garden/terrace/bed to take part. I’ve added a question below to start the discussion.

I’ll see you in the comments.

About The Alchemist’s Secret – 

Now: When Paige returns to her ancestral family home, Woodham Hall, she’s nursing an unbearable heartbreak. The man she’d thought she loved has told her the most terrible lie, one she feels she’ll never recover from. The only thing that seems to be able to hold her interest is the story of a poisoning that once supposedly happened in the house – depicted in brutal detail in a painting by an unknown artist…

1672: Jeanne’s life at Woodham Hall is happy. Admittedly her brother-in-law – the lord of the manor – is unfaithful to her sister, causing terrible discord in the house. But Jeanne adores her sister, and her niece, Helene, and even though her growing feelings for another member of the household are illicit, they are bringing her great joy. That is, until Sir Robert chooses to move his mistress in.

Jeanne and her sister are to be banished to a French abbey to live out their days but all the sisters can think is how to get back to Helene, and the woman who Jeanne might just love. From the glittering court of the Sun King to the dark depths of French society and those who perform alchemy, they will do whatever they must. Even if it means murder…

Their stories are linked across history, with an unforgettable love story, and mystery that must be solved.

The Alchemist’s Secret was released by Boldwood Books in March 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones.

About Clare Marchant – 

Growing up in Surrey, Clare always dreamed of being a writer. Instead for many years she followed a career in IT, before moving to Norfolk where she now lives with her husband and youngest child.

Now writing full time, Clare’s books have been translated into ten languages. She is fascinated by the connection we have with items that are precious to us, and how that can unravel down the centuries, as well as the forgotten stories of women throughout history. Her latest dual timeline set in the present day and the 17th century ‘The Alchemist’s Secret’ is out now. From the glittering court of the Sun King to the dark depths of French aristocracy and those who perform alchemy, some secrets are worth killing for…

Clare loves to chat with readers and she can be found on various social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.