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The Codebreaker's Daughter
Dinah Kendall's role in the U.S. Capitol for the Office of Strategic Services is far from the thrilling espionage career she dreamed of. Instead of covert missions, she crafts rumors aimed at undermining Axis morale while trying to live up to the expectations of her demanding mother, Lillian. As Dinah navigates her duties, she uncovers something startling: Her mother was once a codebreaker, breaking military ciphers during the Great War alongside some of the nation's most brilliant minds. The deeper Dinah dives into Lillian's journal, the more the secrets of the past come to light—including the steep cost of high-stakes codebreaking.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2025
90 people are currently reading
6754 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lynn Green
6 books588 followersAmy Lynn Green has always loved history and reading, and she enjoys speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country, in person and virtually. Her debut novel, Things We Didn't Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award, won two Carol Awards, and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her family make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website, amygreenbooks.com, for quarterly giveaways, writing updates, and lots of bookish fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
June 14, 2025
Do we want people to know us and appreciate us for what we do or who we are?
Identity is at the core of this fantastic historical fiction spotlighting a mother and daughter and their triumphs and challenges of working behind the scenes of wartime intelligence.
Green excels at describing the experiences of two women, Lillian and Dinah, and spotlights the challenges each faced in their time, revealing their personalities and contrasting the differences in the intelligence community between both wars. Some of this revelation is accomplished through narrative and some is accomplished through epistolary elements, but both serve to connect the past and present.
Under ‘normal’ circumstances, the mother-daughter relationship is complex; there’s so much emotion and drama involved as daughters venture into adulthood, so I was curious to see how this dynamic would change with both women involved in something they can’t talk about to anyone. I discovered how Lillian’s career strongly influenced her motherhood, and not being a mother, I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t as fulfilling for Lillian as she and I had expected.
Green held my attention with her little-known historical facts and details.
My takeaways: Empathy is an important addition to our relationship-building toolkit. Communication is key.
I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Identity is at the core of this fantastic historical fiction spotlighting a mother and daughter and their triumphs and challenges of working behind the scenes of wartime intelligence.
Green excels at describing the experiences of two women, Lillian and Dinah, and spotlights the challenges each faced in their time, revealing their personalities and contrasting the differences in the intelligence community between both wars. Some of this revelation is accomplished through narrative and some is accomplished through epistolary elements, but both serve to connect the past and present.
Under ‘normal’ circumstances, the mother-daughter relationship is complex; there’s so much emotion and drama involved as daughters venture into adulthood, so I was curious to see how this dynamic would change with both women involved in something they can’t talk about to anyone. I discovered how Lillian’s career strongly influenced her motherhood, and not being a mother, I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t as fulfilling for Lillian as she and I had expected.
Green held my attention with her little-known historical facts and details.
My takeaways: Empathy is an important addition to our relationship-building toolkit. Communication is key.
I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 21, 2025
The Codebreaker's Daughter by Amy Lynn Green
4 Stars
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Amy Lynn Green always delivers compelling historical fiction stories and this one blends wartime intrigue, mother-daughter dynamics and roles of women in intelligence work during WWI and WWII.
Read if you enjoy:
• Codebreaking and wartime secrets
• Strong mother-daughter dynamics
• Dual timelines with journal entries
• Hidden histories from the Great War
• Women working behind the scenes in WWII
• Historical fiction with emotional depth
• Uncovering family legacies
• Intelligence work through words
We follow Dinah and her mother Lilian. We see the behind the scenes work Dinah does for the OSS in DC as she breaks through code and ultimately learns about her own mother's work as a codebreaker in WWI, as she reads through her mother's journal entries. She is trying to make sense of the entries and uncover the secrets her mother has kept hidden all this time.
We learn all about her mother's family history and struggles. Green also tackles mental illness topics in this book in a very important and respectful way.
This story is a slower paced, character focused one as we see the dynamics between mother and daughter play out. That is what elevates this book as Dinah is discovering so much about her mother's past. They have some conflict and a bit of a strained relationship, but the heart of the story is two brilliant women navigating their jobs, expectations and the complicated relationship between the two of them.
This was a very thoughtful, layered story that highlights some lesser known aspects of women's wartime contributions.
A thoughtful, layered novel perfect for fans of historical fiction that highlights lesser-known aspects of women’s wartime contributions. The authors note really explained so much of what was reality from war time and I appreciate that! I learned so much.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.
4 Stars
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Amy Lynn Green always delivers compelling historical fiction stories and this one blends wartime intrigue, mother-daughter dynamics and roles of women in intelligence work during WWI and WWII.
Read if you enjoy:
• Codebreaking and wartime secrets
• Strong mother-daughter dynamics
• Dual timelines with journal entries
• Hidden histories from the Great War
• Women working behind the scenes in WWII
• Historical fiction with emotional depth
• Uncovering family legacies
• Intelligence work through words
We follow Dinah and her mother Lilian. We see the behind the scenes work Dinah does for the OSS in DC as she breaks through code and ultimately learns about her own mother's work as a codebreaker in WWI, as she reads through her mother's journal entries. She is trying to make sense of the entries and uncover the secrets her mother has kept hidden all this time.
We learn all about her mother's family history and struggles. Green also tackles mental illness topics in this book in a very important and respectful way.
This story is a slower paced, character focused one as we see the dynamics between mother and daughter play out. That is what elevates this book as Dinah is discovering so much about her mother's past. They have some conflict and a bit of a strained relationship, but the heart of the story is two brilliant women navigating their jobs, expectations and the complicated relationship between the two of them.
This was a very thoughtful, layered story that highlights some lesser known aspects of women's wartime contributions.
A thoughtful, layered novel perfect for fans of historical fiction that highlights lesser-known aspects of women’s wartime contributions. The authors note really explained so much of what was reality from war time and I appreciate that! I learned so much.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2025
I inhaled this novel that is a mother-daughter story set in the context of WWI and WWII. The author has created a compelling cast of characters set in the wonderful context of code-breaking. But it’s so much more. There’s a hint of romance in the first story that is sweet, but at its heart this book is about understanding and being understood. That is such a deep human need and spoke to me as the pages turned so quickly. I loved this story.
June 14, 2025
4.5 stars
“Women in particular often change the world quietly, without recognition. But we’re doing what needs to be done and doing it well. That’s all that matters.”
Little-known fact about me: I always wanted to be a spy. Not the kind going out on chic international missions of danger and intrigue, but rather the ‘Amanda King’ kind of spy who quietly supports the intelligence effort closer to home. Perhaps through something that looks like innocuous secretarial work but is, in reality, a cipher to code … or break. Which is why I gobbled up The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green with great delight. The title alone made me want to read it, and once I began I didn’t want to stop. Dinah and her mother Lillian – who, initially unbeknownst to Dinah, was a codebreaker during World War 1 – are complexly layered (especially Lillian) and engaging, each in their own different way. And then there’s Roger who’s just so genuine and kind and good. I loved every scene he was in and every bit of his dialogue.
This story set mostly in DC during World War 2 (and looking back to Lillian’s cipher work at an enigmatic estate in Illinois during World War 1) has it all for spy wannabes like me – ciphers, secrets, psychology, intrigue, deception – and the best part is that it’s based on historical fact with characters who really existed, too. Women like Dinah and Lillian (who are fictional) and their friend Elizebeth Friedman (who was a real person) are some of the unsung female heroes of US-based intelligence during each World War. This look at the homefront Allied operations fascinated me, and I loved the overall vibe it generated for the story itself. Being able to follow Dinah and Lillian through their respective timelines – and watch them work toward the same purpose (and even together) in the World War 2 years – made for such an intriguing and inspiring read.
Because The Codebreaker’s Daughter isn’t just a spy story. Or even just a novel about the women who worked behind the scenes to support the US during the two World Wars. At its heart, this book is a poignant look at mothers and daughters – their conflicts, their communication, their commonalities, their differences. Dinah and Lillian are works in progress when it comes to their relationship, but I loved the mechanism that the author uses to pave the way for their better understanding of each other. It was the perfect way not only to connect the two timelines but to connect these two women and also let readers dig into their layers a bit more deeply. Lillian’s relationship with her own mother was complex at best, and the author uses their story and another character’s to highlight the struggle of mental illness with both compassion and dignity.
Bottom Line: The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green is, in equal parts, a fascinating glimpse into the women who helped win wars from the homefront and a reflective portrait of mothers and daughters (and all the complicated and wonderful layers that entails). The vibrantly-written characters felt real – even the ones who weren’t based on actual people – and beckoned me to sit with them over dinner with the Friedmans or around the radio in Margot’s parlor. Some intriguing history and surprising twists kept me turning the pages and invested in the story, and I want to read all the resources the author referenced in her note at the end. Whether they were involved in cryptography or morale (aka psychological) warfare or something else altogether, we owe a lot to those who fought the world wars from office buildings, boardinghouses, and living rooms right here in the United States. If, like me, you love historical fiction that highlights ordinary people who quietly did extraordinary things to see that right and good and freedom would prevail, then make sure you read The Codebreaker’s Daughter too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“Women in particular often change the world quietly, without recognition. But we’re doing what needs to be done and doing it well. That’s all that matters.”
Little-known fact about me: I always wanted to be a spy. Not the kind going out on chic international missions of danger and intrigue, but rather the ‘Amanda King’ kind of spy who quietly supports the intelligence effort closer to home. Perhaps through something that looks like innocuous secretarial work but is, in reality, a cipher to code … or break. Which is why I gobbled up The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green with great delight. The title alone made me want to read it, and once I began I didn’t want to stop. Dinah and her mother Lillian – who, initially unbeknownst to Dinah, was a codebreaker during World War 1 – are complexly layered (especially Lillian) and engaging, each in their own different way. And then there’s Roger who’s just so genuine and kind and good. I loved every scene he was in and every bit of his dialogue.
This story set mostly in DC during World War 2 (and looking back to Lillian’s cipher work at an enigmatic estate in Illinois during World War 1) has it all for spy wannabes like me – ciphers, secrets, psychology, intrigue, deception – and the best part is that it’s based on historical fact with characters who really existed, too. Women like Dinah and Lillian (who are fictional) and their friend Elizebeth Friedman (who was a real person) are some of the unsung female heroes of US-based intelligence during each World War. This look at the homefront Allied operations fascinated me, and I loved the overall vibe it generated for the story itself. Being able to follow Dinah and Lillian through their respective timelines – and watch them work toward the same purpose (and even together) in the World War 2 years – made for such an intriguing and inspiring read.
Because The Codebreaker’s Daughter isn’t just a spy story. Or even just a novel about the women who worked behind the scenes to support the US during the two World Wars. At its heart, this book is a poignant look at mothers and daughters – their conflicts, their communication, their commonalities, their differences. Dinah and Lillian are works in progress when it comes to their relationship, but I loved the mechanism that the author uses to pave the way for their better understanding of each other. It was the perfect way not only to connect the two timelines but to connect these two women and also let readers dig into their layers a bit more deeply. Lillian’s relationship with her own mother was complex at best, and the author uses their story and another character’s to highlight the struggle of mental illness with both compassion and dignity.
Bottom Line: The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green is, in equal parts, a fascinating glimpse into the women who helped win wars from the homefront and a reflective portrait of mothers and daughters (and all the complicated and wonderful layers that entails). The vibrantly-written characters felt real – even the ones who weren’t based on actual people – and beckoned me to sit with them over dinner with the Friedmans or around the radio in Margot’s parlor. Some intriguing history and surprising twists kept me turning the pages and invested in the story, and I want to read all the resources the author referenced in her note at the end. Whether they were involved in cryptography or morale (aka psychological) warfare or something else altogether, we owe a lot to those who fought the world wars from office buildings, boardinghouses, and living rooms right here in the United States. If, like me, you love historical fiction that highlights ordinary people who quietly did extraordinary things to see that right and good and freedom would prevail, then make sure you read The Codebreaker’s Daughter too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 3, 2025
This book was delightful. It didn't quite capture me as much as Green's other works, but perhaps that has more to do with the fact that I have an amazing relationship with my mother, so the tension between mother and daughter in this story wasn't something I related to.
I will say I loved the story, though. Even the tension between mother and daughter felt so... normal. It wasn't like there was a huge issue needing to be solved; it was just a lot of little things that had built up over the year. And not everything was fixed with a bow at the end, but a better understanding came.
I loved how this book pulled in codebreaking in both world wars, as well as getting to see a little mystery unfold.
I know I'm not really doing this book justice, but my brain isn't working great today.
I will say I loved the story, though. Even the tension between mother and daughter felt so... normal. It wasn't like there was a huge issue needing to be solved; it was just a lot of little things that had built up over the year. And not everything was fixed with a bow at the end, but a better understanding came.
I loved how this book pulled in codebreaking in both world wars, as well as getting to see a little mystery unfold.
I know I'm not really doing this book justice, but my brain isn't working great today.
May 6, 2025
A quietly powerful dual-timeline novel exploring the unseen contributions of women in wartime intelligence — and the emotional cost of secrecy across two generations.
The Codebreaker’s Daughter traces the lives of Lillian, a WWI codebreaker, and her daughter Dinah, working in psychological warfare during WWII. Told through narrative and epistolary elements, the novel explores how secrecy, service, and identity intersect across generations.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its historical significance: shining a light on the vital but unsung roles women played in both wars. Through Lillian and Dinah, Green pays tribute to those who shaped history from the shadows. Rather than fast-paced espionage, the story focuses on emotional complexity and personal legacy — particularly the tension between professional purpose and family connection. Green’s thoughtful portrayal of intelligence work illuminates how women served behind the scenes, often without recognition, yet with lasting historical impact.
Though the pacing occasionally lags and the emotional stakes feel subdued, this is a quietly powerful read that will resonate with fans of character-driven historical fiction rooted in truth.
Recommended for fans of Sarah Sundin, Madeline Martin, and readers interested in women’s untold roles in history.
The Codebreaker’s Daughter traces the lives of Lillian, a WWI codebreaker, and her daughter Dinah, working in psychological warfare during WWII. Told through narrative and epistolary elements, the novel explores how secrecy, service, and identity intersect across generations.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its historical significance: shining a light on the vital but unsung roles women played in both wars. Through Lillian and Dinah, Green pays tribute to those who shaped history from the shadows. Rather than fast-paced espionage, the story focuses on emotional complexity and personal legacy — particularly the tension between professional purpose and family connection. Green’s thoughtful portrayal of intelligence work illuminates how women served behind the scenes, often without recognition, yet with lasting historical impact.
Though the pacing occasionally lags and the emotional stakes feel subdued, this is a quietly powerful read that will resonate with fans of character-driven historical fiction rooted in truth.
Recommended for fans of Sarah Sundin, Madeline Martin, and readers interested in women’s untold roles in history.
May 13, 2025
This gripping dual timeline novel highlights the unsung contributions by female codebreakers and secret agents in America during WWI and II, through the story of a mother and daughter who played critical home front roles during wartime. Inspired by true stories, the histfic tale kept me rapt, in awe, and grateful for the brave unknown women we owe so much to. Highly recommended!
December 20, 2025
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Okay, this was my first book by Amy Lynn Green, and it won't be my last. I loved it! I was throughly invested and couldn't put the book down. Once again it's a time-split novel (I seem to be reading those a lot lately?), with 2 POVs for the mother—one current (WW2), one past (WW1)—and 1 POV for the daughter (also current). It was super interesting to see how the mother's past had shaped her daughter's present, and I really enjoyed getting to see both World Wars in the same book—also getting to read a late WW2 novel!
Dinah was a very relatable character—not because I have a difficult relationship with my mother, I just related a lot to her personality. I just loved seeing her befriend Winora, and they made such a pair. I also found Lillian somewhat relatable, in her anxiety and her struggle to speak the right words to someone so different from her. Roger was an absolute gem, but Lillian and Dinah were both amazing in their own rights—both so helpful, loving, and strong. I loved watching them build their relationship.
The part I loved best was the plot, to be honest. Codebreaking fascinates me, and I loved getting to see both it AND the propaganda side of the war. I loved all the historical tidbits—not just about the aforementioned war-related things, but also about sterilization and asylums and mental health—while the mystery/suspense got pretty intense towards the end—never too much, but perfectly so. I just loved how the solution worked out (can't say for spoilers, but I never expected it!) and Dinah's showdown in the hotel room was so funny I couldn't help laughing aloud despite the tension of the moment.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this and I so need to read more by this author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Dinah was a very relatable character—not because I have a difficult relationship with my mother, I just related a lot to her personality. I just loved seeing her befriend Winora, and they made such a pair. I also found Lillian somewhat relatable, in her anxiety and her struggle to speak the right words to someone so different from her. Roger was an absolute gem, but Lillian and Dinah were both amazing in their own rights—both so helpful, loving, and strong. I loved watching them build their relationship.
The part I loved best was the plot, to be honest. Codebreaking fascinates me, and I loved getting to see both it AND the propaganda side of the war. I loved all the historical tidbits—not just about the aforementioned war-related things, but also about sterilization and asylums and mental health—while the mystery/suspense got pretty intense towards the end—never too much, but perfectly so. I just loved how the solution worked out (can't say for spoilers, but I never expected it!) and Dinah's showdown in the hotel room was so funny I couldn't help laughing aloud despite the tension of the moment.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this and I so need to read more by this author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
September 8, 2025
I always love an Amy Lynn Green novel, and this one was no exception! I was amazed at how much from the book really happened in history.
There’s so much about this book to love: the history, the mother-daughter relationship, the dual timeline, the friendships, and the setting. I recommend!
There’s so much about this book to love: the history, the mother-daughter relationship, the dual timeline, the friendships, and the setting. I recommend!
December 10, 2025
Multiple timelines skillfully interwoven...I enjoyed this one very much.
July 28, 2025
A beautiful story of a mother/daughter relationship on the home front of war.
I really enjoyed the dual perspectives between the two characters. Seeing both of their lives and how they each dealt with hardships while also working in espionage. I loved the home front aspect as well.
The mother was probably my favorite character. I loved her quiet strength while also struggling with mental health. Seeing her journey with her husband was such a great read.
*thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
I really enjoyed the dual perspectives between the two characters. Seeing both of their lives and how they each dealt with hardships while also working in espionage. I loved the home front aspect as well.
The mother was probably my favorite character. I loved her quiet strength while also struggling with mental health. Seeing her journey with her husband was such a great read.
*thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 30, 2025
“Women in particular often change the world quietly, without recognition. But we’re doing what needs to be done and doing it well. That’s all that matters.”
Take a trip back in time to a little-known piece of history of WWI and WWII codebreaking and espionage. Based on real people, places, and actions in the United States war offices, it is a story filled with twists, turns, and puzzles that you will find unforgettable. The role of women is especially highlighted, giving recognition to soon-forgotten heroes of the war. I love that Amy Lynn Green always does thorough research and presents an engaging writing style in proper historical context. Another smash hit from this talented author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Take a trip back in time to a little-known piece of history of WWI and WWII codebreaking and espionage. Based on real people, places, and actions in the United States war offices, it is a story filled with twists, turns, and puzzles that you will find unforgettable. The role of women is especially highlighted, giving recognition to soon-forgotten heroes of the war. I love that Amy Lynn Green always does thorough research and presents an engaging writing style in proper historical context. Another smash hit from this talented author!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
I am always intrigued by codebreaking! It’s just a topic I think is cool, not that my brain is that good at puzzles and solving complex codes, but I like the idea of it! (And I do like challenges!)
At first, I had a hard time jumping back and forth between the timelines, but towards the end, I was invested in the characters and plot! I really enjoyed this book, from the gorgeous cover to the depth of history inside.
The characters were realistic, consistent, and I liked the friendships portrayed and formed. The mother/daughter themes of misunderstanding and forgiveness were also a meaningful subject matter.
There was a couple things that fell a little flat for me, but ultimately this is a solid 4 star read for me and I am so excited to dive into more books by this author!
At first, I had a hard time jumping back and forth between the timelines, but towards the end, I was invested in the characters and plot! I really enjoyed this book, from the gorgeous cover to the depth of history inside.
The characters were realistic, consistent, and I liked the friendships portrayed and formed. The mother/daughter themes of misunderstanding and forgiveness were also a meaningful subject matter.
There was a couple things that fell a little flat for me, but ultimately this is a solid 4 star read for me and I am so excited to dive into more books by this author!
January 17, 2026
I loved the historical aspects of this book - the code breaking pre-NSA, learning more about the Friedmans, Riverbank, Mr. Fabyan, and the interesting Morale Operation. The underlying story of a woman w/ an interesting past, questioning her life, her friends and husband, her daughter; and the daughter's young adult life was all well told.
June 7, 2025
Amy Lynn Green does NOT disappoint! I was so excited for this book and it lived up to my hopes. I loved the elements of mother/daughter relationship and the themes involving mental illness. These are such big important topics that I feel can be overlooked sometimes in fiction, and they were handled in a way that felt both respectful to the sensitivities of the topic, but also realistic to the time period it portrayed.
I did feel like this one was a bit more slow paced than her other novels--so if you're coming into it expecting it to be a suspenseful romp through the world of codebreakers, it might surprise you. This is a slower, down-to-earth tale about what life actually looked like for these men and women and about the families that supported them through it.
Sensitive topics/content:
-mental illness/trauma
Representation:
-mental illness/trauma
I did feel like this one was a bit more slow paced than her other novels--so if you're coming into it expecting it to be a suspenseful romp through the world of codebreakers, it might surprise you. This is a slower, down-to-earth tale about what life actually looked like for these men and women and about the families that supported them through it.
Sensitive topics/content:
-mental illness/trauma
Representation:
-mental illness/trauma
May 5, 2025
Another winning WWII novel from Green. Both mother and daughter had compelling stories, and I learned things about codebreaking (and historical codebreakers) that I didn't know before!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Read
June 15, 2025Loved this easy-to-read story that was about so much more than codebreaking during wartime. Authentic characters, fascinating history, and great writing. I think this is my second favorite Amy Lynn Green book (The Lines Between Us is number one).
June 23, 2025
“I keep on because I have hope that if evil is ordinary, good might be too.”
This book was perfect for me because I am interested in codebreakers and spies and their origins in the World Wars. What was totally unexpected and remarkable was that one setting in Geneva, Illinois, was just 12 miles from my childhood home in South Elgin and I was never aware of it despite the many times I went to Geneva. I love that it was based on real people such as husband and wife team Elizebeth and William Friedman who were innovators in code breaking and ciphers in the early days all the way from WWI and WWII and beyond.
The dual timeline was interesting because it showed the parallels between Lily and her daughter Dinah and how they fit in to a secret, important aspect of the government. I did not guess who the spy was in the department that Dinah worked in but I got caught up in the feeling that she was being watched. There was a bit of tension between mother and daughter. When they got to collaborate on a project, it set the stage for some heartfelt revelations.
A stabilizing character was father Roger, who loved his wife and daughter, supported them, and allowed them to mature spiritually and emotionally.
This story was so good, I didn’t want it to end. It is my favorite by Ms. Green.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
This book was perfect for me because I am interested in codebreakers and spies and their origins in the World Wars. What was totally unexpected and remarkable was that one setting in Geneva, Illinois, was just 12 miles from my childhood home in South Elgin and I was never aware of it despite the many times I went to Geneva. I love that it was based on real people such as husband and wife team Elizebeth and William Friedman who were innovators in code breaking and ciphers in the early days all the way from WWI and WWII and beyond.
The dual timeline was interesting because it showed the parallels between Lily and her daughter Dinah and how they fit in to a secret, important aspect of the government. I did not guess who the spy was in the department that Dinah worked in but I got caught up in the feeling that she was being watched. There was a bit of tension between mother and daughter. When they got to collaborate on a project, it set the stage for some heartfelt revelations.
A stabilizing character was father Roger, who loved his wife and daughter, supported them, and allowed them to mature spiritually and emotionally.
This story was so good, I didn’t want it to end. It is my favorite by Ms. Green.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
September 1, 2025
This is a war-time story set around WWI & WWII but the horrors of war are not detailed. It is a very character driven story. I absolutely loved the friendships we followed and how they supported one another. Roger was probably my favourite character even though he was a side character, but the way he pursued Lilly and encouraged her touched my heart. I did struggle to follow what exactly Dinah's job was at times, but the I was so invested in the characters this did not bother me. It is a slower paced story but this allowed me to really get to know the characters and connect with them. Includes quite a bit of discussion about mental illness, how it affects family and friendships. I listened to this on audio, and while I did really enjoy the audio I didn't realize until the end that the scenes from the earlier years were journal entries being read.
October 4, 2025
I love Amy Lynn Green, but this one fell a bit flat. I don't really like duel timelines, and the conflict was sad.
she's a brilliant story teller, but I just didn't enjoy this.
she's a brilliant story teller, but I just didn't enjoy this.
May 15, 2025
This review by librarian Christine Barth first appeared in the May 2025 issue of Library Journal.
She's so obsessed with the history of Civil War spies in her hometown of Gettysburg that one would think locksmith's daughter Dinah would be able to crack the cipher diary her mother gifted her, but, as with all of Lillian's expectations, Dinah can't make sense of it. Having come of age just before the start of World War II, Dinah is recruited in wartime by the OSS on the strength of her undercover reports on the intelligence readiness of U.S. soldiers. She moves to Washington, DC, where her task will be to write fake radio plays intended to demoralize the Nazi forces. Dinah soon becomes convinced that someone is following her; upon informing her mother, Lillian's fear that someone will uncover mental illness in the family causes a deeper rift between them. Little does Dinah know that her prim, safety-conscious mother was on the forefront of U.S. codebreaking during the last world war and that she understands the covert life better than Dinah could imagine. Alternating between Dinah's Washington adventures and Lillian's nontraditional upbringing in an eccentric millionaire's Midwest compound, this book has no shortage of intrigue and betrayal. VERDICT Green (The Foxhole Victory Tour) expertly captures the complicated bonds between mother and daughter while writing a cracking spy adventure. Those who enjoyed Katherine Reay's The Berlin Letters will be thrilled.
She's so obsessed with the history of Civil War spies in her hometown of Gettysburg that one would think locksmith's daughter Dinah would be able to crack the cipher diary her mother gifted her, but, as with all of Lillian's expectations, Dinah can't make sense of it. Having come of age just before the start of World War II, Dinah is recruited in wartime by the OSS on the strength of her undercover reports on the intelligence readiness of U.S. soldiers. She moves to Washington, DC, where her task will be to write fake radio plays intended to demoralize the Nazi forces. Dinah soon becomes convinced that someone is following her; upon informing her mother, Lillian's fear that someone will uncover mental illness in the family causes a deeper rift between them. Little does Dinah know that her prim, safety-conscious mother was on the forefront of U.S. codebreaking during the last world war and that she understands the covert life better than Dinah could imagine. Alternating between Dinah's Washington adventures and Lillian's nontraditional upbringing in an eccentric millionaire's Midwest compound, this book has no shortage of intrigue and betrayal. VERDICT Green (The Foxhole Victory Tour) expertly captures the complicated bonds between mother and daughter while writing a cracking spy adventure. Those who enjoyed Katherine Reay's The Berlin Letters will be thrilled.
October 1, 2025
Always love her books!
October 20, 2025
Liked the historical fiction info about code breaking during WWl and WWII. And also how people with mental illness were treated and a few of the improvements.
Lots of time was spent on the two main female characters (Mother and daughter) self doubt. I realize it came from the Mom’s family of origin history, but I got tired of it.
Lots of time was spent on the two main female characters (Mother and daughter) self doubt. I realize it came from the Mom’s family of origin history, but I got tired of it.
September 18, 2025
I’ve loved Green’s books for years now, ever since I first got introduced to and then fell in love with her writings in Things We Didn’t Say. I needed an audiobook recently, and found this one; it proved to be the perfect work companion!
One thing I love about Green’s books is that they aren’t necessarily your typical historical romance. Romance does feature in some of her stories, but this book, as well as a few others of hers that I’ve read, falls more into the women’s fiction category—I appreciated that! This one is a mother/daughter story, and I loved following along with each woman’s story as it unfolded.
From a historical perspective, I found the book intriguing. I haven’t read much about the codebreaking side of America’s involvement in either the First or Second World Wars, so that part was quite interesting. I also loved the dash of mystery this book had—it was definitely secondary to the plot, but it certainly made me keep moving through the pages!
In some ways, this wasn’t an easy story. Both characters had a lot of internal work to do as the book progressed, but I loved where they ended up as the story finished.
If you’ve enjoyed some of Green’s other books, or like stories with a lot of heart and strong characters in a believable historical setting, you’ll likely love this book. Recommended!
One thing I love about Green’s books is that they aren’t necessarily your typical historical romance. Romance does feature in some of her stories, but this book, as well as a few others of hers that I’ve read, falls more into the women’s fiction category—I appreciated that! This one is a mother/daughter story, and I loved following along with each woman’s story as it unfolded.
From a historical perspective, I found the book intriguing. I haven’t read much about the codebreaking side of America’s involvement in either the First or Second World Wars, so that part was quite interesting. I also loved the dash of mystery this book had—it was definitely secondary to the plot, but it certainly made me keep moving through the pages!
In some ways, this wasn’t an easy story. Both characters had a lot of internal work to do as the book progressed, but I loved where they ended up as the story finished.
If you’ve enjoyed some of Green’s other books, or like stories with a lot of heart and strong characters in a believable historical setting, you’ll likely love this book. Recommended!
January 4, 2026
As much as I wanted to love this book.... I couldn't finish it.
I love the premise and what it's about and that it's the quiet, assuming one's that are usually the true heros, but the pacing for me was much too slow.
I've made it through over 75% of the book and I just can't bring myself to finish it. I don't do that lightly. I kept waiting for something to happen but in the end, even though the work that these two women were doing and the impact of it is fascinating, their stories come off as fairly monotonous and dry. It couldn't keep my attention and it felt like a chore every time I picked it up.
I love the premise and what it's about and that it's the quiet, assuming one's that are usually the true heros, but the pacing for me was much too slow.
I've made it through over 75% of the book and I just can't bring myself to finish it. I don't do that lightly. I kept waiting for something to happen but in the end, even though the work that these two women were doing and the impact of it is fascinating, their stories come off as fairly monotonous and dry. It couldn't keep my attention and it felt like a chore every time I picked it up.
May 25, 2025
A poignant look at two women serving their country quietly in two world wars. I especially appreciated the nuanced portrayal of the multiple troubled mother-daughter relationships. I only thought the faith element missing a potential strong link to the loving father Roger.
September 13, 2025
The story was just okay but the thing that kept me reading was the fact that Riverbank Laboratory is out my front door. Very exciting to connect with the places in the story.
May 20, 2025
Another great work of WWII fiction by Amy Lynn Green! This one also took on a bit of a dual timeline in order to show some of Lillian's history as a codebreaker during WWI. This book is slightly more character driven as it highlights the mother/daughter dynamic between Dinah and Lillian, but there is definitely a significant plot brewing in amidst the character development. One thing to note as it relates to the story type - because I wasn't expecting it, the timeline jump threw me off a bit, particularly since Lillian went by Lilly in the earlier timeline. After discovering the rhythm of the book, that was helpful in setting the stage for the timeline we were in and helping the reader adjust. But thought it worth mentioning since it caught me by surprise initially. I really enjoyed getting know Lilly as a younger woman as she was finding herself and falling in love. And it helped to better understand the dynamic between her and her daughter, especially as we learn the dynamics of her relationship with her own mother. I enjoyed the unique perspective of this WWII story as well, as it took place on the homefront, in the Office of Special Services. It was interesting to see the many areas that were covered by the OSS and to get a feel for how they operated. And there was some intrigue brewing under the surface as well! One other thing I definitely recommend is to read the author's notes at the end as I was astonished at how much of the information in the book was based on real people, places and events. Though you expect historical fiction to have actual events, the people and places are typically fully fictional, so it was pretty cool to learn of several of the actual places and people - and even some of the events that you wouldn't expect. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story, filled with character development and intriguing story. I would easily recommend this to fans of historical fiction. Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
September 13, 2025
4.5 stars! This is my favorite Amy Lynn Green book yet, though I think it might more appropriately been named the Codebreaker and Her Daughter (seeing as the titular codebreaker receives the most page time).
It reminded me of Kristy Cambron's WWII dual timeline novels, but I appreciated the tighter focus (I enjoy Cambron's novels, and while she's masterful at mirroring themes and events in the multiple timelines, sometimes they seem needlessly complicated, with back and forth in multiple times and characters). Green limits the point of view to Dinah in the WWII present, Lily (Dinah's mother) in the WWII present, and Lily in the WWI past. Because it's all between a mother and daughter, the timelines are tightly bound together, and it's easy to see how Lily's experiences in the past inform her actions in the present, as well as contribute to her relationship with her daughter.
Having read Roseanna M White's series about the British codebreakers in WWI, I loved getting to know the American side of things, both in WWI and in WWII, though Dinah's job in WWII is more in the realm of propaganda. I liked Dinah's explanation of Morale Operations (aka propaganda) when questioned about her opinion on the morality of it: it's like poker; everyone around the table is withholding information and even outright lying, but it's part of the rules, so everyone expects it, and therefore it isn't wrong.
There's a bit of a love story between Dinah's parents in the WWI timeline, but the main focus is on the mother-daughter relationship and their respective work in the two world wars. A historically-fascinating and engaging read!
It reminded me of Kristy Cambron's WWII dual timeline novels, but I appreciated the tighter focus (I enjoy Cambron's novels, and while she's masterful at mirroring themes and events in the multiple timelines, sometimes they seem needlessly complicated, with back and forth in multiple times and characters). Green limits the point of view to Dinah in the WWII present, Lily (Dinah's mother) in the WWII present, and Lily in the WWI past. Because it's all between a mother and daughter, the timelines are tightly bound together, and it's easy to see how Lily's experiences in the past inform her actions in the present, as well as contribute to her relationship with her daughter.
Having read Roseanna M White's series about the British codebreakers in WWI, I loved getting to know the American side of things, both in WWI and in WWII, though Dinah's job in WWII is more in the realm of propaganda. I liked Dinah's explanation of Morale Operations (aka propaganda) when questioned about her opinion on the morality of it: it's like poker; everyone around the table is withholding information and even outright lying, but it's part of the rules, so everyone expects it, and therefore it isn't wrong.
There's a bit of a love story between Dinah's parents in the WWI timeline, but the main focus is on the mother-daughter relationship and their respective work in the two world wars. A historically-fascinating and engaging read!
November 5, 2025
More books like this, please! This book was exciting but also gentle. By exciting, I mean I would have liked to devour it in one sitting if I had the time, because I didn't want to put it down. And by gentle, I mean that even a wimp like me never felt uncomfortably anxious about the situation. (But don't take that to mean that nothing happens! There is spying, codebreaking, lock-picking, a secret Nazi--everything you want in a World War I/II story.) AND it also has likeable, realistic characters with interesting relationships, and it takes the time to explore those dynamics and add emotional depth. Personally, I could have handled a little more theological depth if it were included (and fewer references to "Providence" ordaining things, like there's an impersonal force that is sovereign over everything?), but not everyone can be Robin Jones Gunn, and that's okay.
Here are a few things that I enjoyed and that don't happen often:
-It's a multi-perspective novel, but I loved each of the three perspectives that were offered, and never felt like "can we fast-forward and get back to that other girl's story now?"
-
Anyway, this might be my favorite Amy Lynn Green novel so far.
Here are a few things that I enjoyed and that don't happen often:
-It's a multi-perspective novel, but I loved each of the three perspectives that were offered, and never felt like "can we fast-forward and get back to that other girl's story now?"
-
Anyway, this might be my favorite Amy Lynn Green novel so far.
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