The Secret Sewing Society

by Siobhan Curham

As enemy soldiers march in the streets, the Needles of Freedom embroider by candlelight beneath the faded gold sign of an old dressmaker’s store. Will their secret messages help win the war?

Occupied Ukraine, 1940. Zirka has been sewing ever since she was a little girl. But now, every stitch contains a spark of rebellion. Together with her cousin Perla, as war rages around them they sew vital secret messages for the resistance into embroidered shirts.

Every night, Zirka leaves to meet with her fiancé in secret and Perla pours her heart out into her diary. Nobody else knows that Perla is living under false papers. If the two women are caught, or betrayed, it would mean certain death…

Lviv, 2022. As Ana gazes around at the peeling wallpaper, she hopes this little shop will bring her closer to the memory of her grandmother Zirka. After Ana’s mother suddenly refused to see or speak to Zirka decades ago, Ana has been desperate to find out what terrible secret tore them apart.

A diary hidden in a long-forgotten kitchen drawer tells of a secret sewing society vital to the war effort long ago. Ana knows she must continue her grandmother’s legacy of resistance now another war has come to her beloved country. But she’s no closer to finding the truth about her own family… and when she does, will she learn that some wartime secrets are too dangerous to uncover?

The Secret Sewing Society is a sweeping, heartbreaking tale about a devastating family mystery, a doomed love affair, and generations of women coming together against the odds. Fans of Evie Woods, Fiona Valpy and The Keeper of Happy Endings will be utterly swept away.

What readers are saying about The Secret Sewing Society :

‘WOW!... this novel completely pulled me in… gripping… unforgettable… heart-breaking in the best way… powerful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘HEARTBREAKING… powerful and emotional…will stay with you long after you finish it… Gripping.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… I loved this book so much… had me hanging on to every word… my favourite read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A must-read... I adored this book… loved... A wonderful novel. Five stars.’ Betsysbookshops, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Utterly captivating… heartbreaking, hopeful… A moving read that lingers… excellent.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautiful... I had to keep looking down through tears… I was so moved from this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved… both heart-breaking and hopeful… gripping… utterly swept away</

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Book Club, Ukraine, War

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2026

About the author

Hi, I’m Siobhan - which for those of you not familiar with the wonder of Irish names, is actually pronounced, Shiv-on!

I’m an award-winning author of over 50 books, fiction and non-fiction, for adults, young adults and children, and my first book was published back in 2000, so I’ve been at this writing game for almost a quarter of a century now.

I’m also a former council estate kid and a university drop-out - I dropped out because I didn’t think I had what it took to make it in the middle class world of publishing. Thankfully I managed to overcome my self doubt and fear and achieve my writing dreams, and now I love helping others do the same through my mentoring, courses and talks.

I don’t know about you, but during the pandemic I felt as if my life had collapsed in on itself and I’d had to shrink myself to fit this strange new world of lockdowns and zoom calls (oh, so many Zoom calls!) and working from home and working alone. Even when things returned to some semblance of normal back in 2022, I felt that I’d lost sight of who I was and I’d definitely lost my joy for living.

Then, an unexpected trip to Jamaica changed everything, jolting me back to life and reminding me of who I truly am. In a bid to never lose sight of myself and my sense of wonder and purpose again, I started travelling more and writing a weekly Substack letter called Wonderstruck. And in September 2023 I gave up my home in the UK and pretty much all of my worldly goods to solo travel the world while I write my books and mentor other writers.

I send Wonderstruck out to my subscribers every Sunday morning, writing about the places I visit and the lessons I learn there. My sole aim for writing this letter is to inspire others to rediscover their own sense of purpose, wonder and adventure.

If you've enjoyed reading any of my books I'd love it if you joined the Wonderstruck community over on Substack.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing my books, I really appreciate it!

Siobhan

Substack: siobhancurham.substack.com
Facebook: Siobhan Curham Author
Instagram: @SiobhanCurhamAuthor
Twitter: @SiobhanCurham

For more information about my books, mentoring and courses, please visit: http://www.siobhancurham.com

Reviews

[linda hole]

Family secrets, heartbreaking choices. Dual timeline. Close friendship and Grief. I really enjoyed it, but for me it was a little too early to read about the Ukrainian invasiion. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50)]

A beautiful and interesting novel. Siobhan genre of historical fiction is perfection. A unique plot, beautiful words and engaging novel that I loved and will recommend highly.

[Carla]

The Secret Sewing Society is a very timely story, even though it is told in a dual timeline. The story is set in Ukraine, in the city of Lviv, Liwow, or Lemberg as it's various incarnations occur. For those of you who don't know a lot about Ukranian history, it has been part of Russia, occupied by both Russia and Germany during WW2, Part of the USSR, finally an independent country, and once again Russia is trying to take it over again.

The past storyline is set between 1940 to 1945, while the present is set beginning in 2022, all in the same city, in fact, in the same building. Zirka is running her mother's sewing store after her death, but when war breaks out and Germany is marching through Poland, they will reach the Ukraine soon. Zirka's cousin, Perla, who she has never met, is Jewish. Her parents send her from Krakow to Lviv to live with Zirka and her father. The story shares what these young women go through during the time from 1940 to 1945 when the city was occupied by the Russians, then the Germans, then the Russians again. They made vyshyvankas, the Ukrainian clothing that is colourful and symbolic, even when they weren't supposed to. They were, "The Needles of Freedom" sewing and embroidering to bring hope and luck to others. In 2022, Anastaysia's mother Viktoria had died and she finds out that she has inherited a property in the Ukraine. She decides to head there and see what it is and perhaps sell it. She connects with the home, the neighbourhood and the country immediately and decides to stay. The house is derelict as it has been empty for years. She hires someone to rennovate it, and as he does, secrets are revealed in secret hiding places. Even once Russia invades, Ana decides to stay.

This is a much longer book than I normally read (489 pgs.) but it didn't seem like it. I was pulled into this story and read every possible moment that I could. Both timelines were equally engaging and I liked all three of the women in the story. Did they make mistakes? Yes. Were there times they were frustrating, Yes. They were brave, at times naive, loving, caring and women that I would love to meet. I don't remember reading anything set during this time in The Ukraine, and with the war with Russia ongoing, it brought it home to me. There are many secrets about Zirka and Perla that are revealed, but not all at once, they are gradually shared, as clues and items are found in the house. Much told through Perla's diary. Siobhan Curham's writing was wonderful. It was real and emotional. If you enjoy historical fiction, then I highly recommend The Secret Sewing Society, but make sure you have tissue handy.

[Lisa]

I really enjoyed the story of Ukraine during World War 2 and the current Ukraine War. But the writing was so, YA, that I wasn't sure Zirka and Perla weren't teenagers half the time.

[Renee]

Beautiful story about Ukraine in both the WWII era and present day. Strong characters that kept the story flowing. Many twists and turns throughout the generations. I read this on Kindle but it's a book I would buy to add to my personal library!

[Maripat Burke]

Beautifully written and filled with emotion, this book is so realistic you can picture yourself in the story. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Mallory Carpenter]

I don’t give out five stars lightly, but this one…this one deserved it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ That means a long review is incoming:

I’m so glad I randomly found this new release (as of less than two months ago) while browsing Kindle Unlimited. I certainly had no idea how much I would devour it, and that it would become one of my few 5 star reads. 🪡 🇺🇦

The Secret Sewing Society occurs in alternating timelines: past (1939-1942) and present (2021-2023) war stricken Ukraine. While most WWII books occur in Western or Central Europe, we get the unique perspective of the far eastern side of the continent in Ukraine. We also learn about their harrowing history with and modern day oppression by Russia.

While the story is truly heartbreaking for so many reasons, it is also heartwarming in so many ways. My biggest takeaway from this book is that self denial and personal sacrifice are quite possibly the fiercest acts of unconditional love there is.

In terms of the writing—it was incredible. I loved the alternating timelines as well as the back and forth of narratives and diary entries. The storyline kept me on the edge of my seat; I really couldn’t put it down for the last 50% of the book. While it is a historical fiction, it was full of the kind of twists and thrills I like—realistic and not withheld until the very end as a blaring “here’s the big reveal!” It was a PERFECT balance of history, fiction, romance, mystery, and suspense.

Also, bonus points, it had very little cussing and NO spice/smut! 👏🏼

I would categorize this book as a suspenseful historical fiction, and I think I can confidently say now that this is my FAVORITE genre. If you liked the Nightengale, you would definitely like this one. They are very similar: two female main characters, WII setting, theme of resistance, and more. But there are also distinct differences that set them apart. I would LOVE to see this one brought to life on the big screen, too!!

Lastly—when you finish reading, don’t stop at the end of the story. Keep reading the author’s notes, acknowledgments, etc. It made me love the story even more after reading how it was inspired by true events and people. The author clearly did her research and it paid off. I will definitely be checking out more of her books!

Okay I think I’ve made this long enough. All this to say ADD IT TO YOUR TBR RIGHT NOW!! ❤️🪡🇺🇦

[theliterateleprechaun]

I can always, always count on Siobhan Curham to write a deeply moving, intriguing and historically rich novel.

This 5-star historical fiction novel centers around the fight for Ukraine’s freedom.

Choosing two timelines, the former Soviet occupation of Ukraine and the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, added to the success of this story. In both cases, readers become aware of the fortitude and strength of these people, as well as the many forms of their resistance.

I learned about Vyshyvankas and how they were reclaimed as an act of resistance, Holodomor, and ghost signs. I also realized that during wartime, life and love aren’t as black and white as we’d like them to be, and that choices made have different outcomes than during peacetime.

I appreciated the message that God’s path is seldom easy, but it is always lit with courage.

This binge-worthy novel is one historical fiction lovers will want on their reading list!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Elizabeth Dragina]

My opinion of this book may be slightly tainted by the fact that I just read a book extremely similar to this right before picking this up.

The plot twists were predictable unfortunately and I was only disappointed by the fact that the characters chose to harbor their feelings and thoughts inside. Instead of actually communicating with one another. A lot of unnecessary tragedy in my opinion.

The ending made me really sad rather than satisfied. Historical fiction may just be a genre I need to stay away from. It brings me no joy to witness such suffering.

[Kelly Herring]

I really enjoyed this one! The characters were very likable, and the story was compelling!

[Nancy]

The Secret Sewing Society

Ana learned the people of Ukraine loved their country, God, Family, everyone stood together for their country back then and specially now to keep Ukraine. Ana learning about her grandmother Zirka, and her cousin Perla in Lviv, Ukraine during the world war II sewing blessing and messages against the Russian’s and German’s. Ana met Max by accidentally leaving her notebook of thoughts he read it and wrote in it. At the coffee shop Alina owned
Ana lives in Lviv she restored her grandmother’s house and shop find out the secrets in the house.
Finding out her mom Viktoria was actually Perla baby, Zirka raised as her own after Perla was killed, Ana found out she had two grandmothers who loved her.
Zirka saved Perla from Jakob’s brother from deathly harm, her guilt so bad that she broke off her marriage to Jakob, the German’s killed Jakob a couple weeks after Zika told him she never stopped loving him.

[Teresa]

I love reading historical fiction books that take place during WWII. This was a different focus for me in that it is set in the Ukraine. I liked the dual timeline aspect ... part during the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia and then Germany and part in 2022 during the Russian invasion. To witness how the same evils exist today and history repeating itself is heart wrenching. The dedication of so many people who would use quiet and unobtrusive means to be a part of the resistance was touching. This story was full of danger, fear, bravery, dedication, and the effort to protect their heritage.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Melissa * bookedwithmel]

This is the first book I’ve read set in Ukraine during WWII. The multiple timelines really make the story. In the present timeline, Ana goes to Ukraine after her mother dies to learn about her grandmother’s history. The past timeline unfolds as Ana finds more details about her family’s history.

Perla seeks refuge with her cousin Zirka during the war. What starts as an unsteady relationship becomes a connection that was unbreakable.

Ana’s timeline was during the occupation of Ukraine in 2022. As much as that was my favorite timeline, it was also hard to read about how the area was affected. Reading about war and unrest in the far past is much different than reading about a time I’ve lived during.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Sue]

I love duel timeline books and I love sewing so this was right up my street. The timeline was a little unusual as it moved between WWII and the current war in Ukraine.
The storyline, the narration and the characters are all great, although something I can't quite pinpoint was lacking - perhaps not enough depth to the characters, perhaps the style of writing or maybe just that I wanted to know more about the original Secret Sewing Society, Rivka and Olena.
However I would still definitely recommend this as a really enjoyable read.

[Pat]

This was an interesting dual timeline book about Ukraine. Part of it was set during WWII and the invasion by Russia, then Germany. There, two cousins use embroidery to make talismans for the resistance. The second part is the story of one of the cousin’s granddaughters and takes place during the 2022 invasion of the Russians. The granddaughter, Ana, is researching the life of her grandmother. It was sad to see what the people of Ukraine have endured over the past century.

[LeAnne]

Phew finally finished. I have to admit that this was a slog for me until I broke down and purchased the audiobook when I was about 40% through. I did enjoy listening far more than reading. Even so, the story felt contrived with far too many lucky and coincidental discoveries. 3 stars for helping me learn more about the terrible continuing plight of Ukraine.

[dianne beck]

So timely

Dual timeline that follows 3 women of the same family. Two during the Russian, then German occupation of Ukraine during WWII and the other during the current war with Russia. Our contemporary Ana finds out about her grandmother and cousin while renovating the family home. I found this book both delightful and heartbreaking especially since this war is still going on

[Kim]

This book is relevant to present day issues along with WWII. The characters have grit and courage. If you like WWII books, it's a must read.

[Caroline]

Historical Fiction. Duel time frame and family secrets. Centers around a dress shop in 1940's Occupied Ukraine (Russians then Germans) and 2022 when a relative from England, who has inherited the property, is there to check it out it . While there, the Russians start invading. Gives you a good sense the uncertainty, grief and disruption that the Ukrainians have had to go thru time and again. Highly recommend!

[Laura]

This was brilliantly written and I absolutely loved it. It was heart wrenching and uplifting in equal measure. The dual timeline really served as a poignant reminder of the terrible events currently happening in Ukraine. It is heartbreaking when you think of the suffering that has happened over the past century and the fear that history is repeating itself. I can't recommend this enough

[Kathryn Bullock]

Another book I would highly recommend. You follow 3 generations of women who have been ripped apart by the wars in Ukraine. I did find some bits a tad rushed and I think it could have been drawn out a bit more to add more of an effect, especially the ending. BUT this was fascinating. I've done a lot of history of WW2 but it seems we aren't taught enough around Ukraine. The occupation of both Russia and then Germany was awful but fascinating to read especially how it was like the worse of two evils for many. The plot was brilliant I loved how you flitted between WW2 and the current war in Ukraine it shows the horrid parallel and how history is indeed repeating itself. It was beautiful to see the love between generations despite everything they've been through. Highly recommend, 4⭐️

[Lucy]

I really appreciated this Ukrainian hf story with a dual timeline set in WWII and the present day invasion by Russia. Heavily character driven and a little long for me, but informative.

[Emma Crowley]

Siobhan Curham is back with her latest book, The Secret Sewing Society. It has the most beautiful cover with a very striking image which is symbolic of the themes throughout the book. It was so refreshing to see a book based on World War Two that had a different setting in this case Ukraine. Siobhan did a phenomenal job throughout of bringing the history and culture of this beautiful yet troubled country to life and it was only as I was reading the end notes did I discover the connection she has to Ukraine which made this read all the more poignant. This is a work of fiction although heavily rooted in fact and you read through the chapters with a growing sense of dismay that war is happening again. Everything we have seen and heard on the news helps you connect to the events described throughout. But you desperately wish this wasn’t the case. I’d have loved nothing more than to be reading the more modern day point of view without the main character having to endure conflict, danger and terror but sadly this can’t be the case. But we live in the hopes that one day soon this will come to fruition.

Told in the dual timeline format the story moves back and forth between WW2 and the present day and the similarities between both time periods are very striking but for all the wrong reasons. History is once again repeating itself in modern times and it quickly becomes evident that this country has for many years endured periods of invasion where the Ukrainian spirit and culture is under threat of being quashed and eradicated but the secret society of the title is determined not to let this happen and will play their bit in the country’s fight for freedom using their messages of bravery, strength, love and courage. The chapters are short and snappy providing just enough information to whet your appetite yet at the same time the detail is rich and informative before the end of each chapter moves you back to the present or vice versa. At no point did I feel there were any lulls in the book but it also wasn’t jam packed with action and reveals throughout. It didn’t need to be at all and I was grateful that this wasn’t the case. Instead, the characters are allowed to develop and you can really get inside their hearts and minds and understand their motivations and actions.

In the present day, 2022, Ana is feeling a bit of the empty nest syndrome as her son has left for America. She remains in England facing the challenges of her mother Viktoria entering the final phases of her dementia battle. Ana reluctantly visits her in the nursing home but the experience is never pleasant as Viktoria had treated her with contempt and disdain throughout her life and the disparaging comments persists despite her illness. Why had Viktoria found it so hard to love Ana and why did she have a bad relationship with her own mother Zirka whom Ana was more or less brought up by? In a moment of lucidity and warmth Viktoria tells Ana to take a battered old chocolate tin and within it lays an apology and the news that she has been she has been left a property in Lviv, Ukraine. Viktoria passes away and Ana travels to Lviv beginning a journey of finding herself in the present and reconciling events from the past.

I enjoyed reading of Ana’s story as she tries to piece together just what the property was and why she has been left it. But news breaks that the Russians are attacking and this initially turns everything upside down but she more than made the best of a terrible situation. Given Lviv proximity to the Polish boarder she felt she was safe enough that she could remain and transform the property enough to make it habitable. I thought she was mad to be honest, staying on given what circumstances were unfolding but the ties to the past and finding out the truth about both her mother and grandmothers heritage were enough to make her want to stay. She soon discovers the shop was once run by her grandmother Zirka as an embroidery and dress making store and given her own love of fashion design and as certain things are discovered a remarkable story of resistance, dedication and strength begins to emerge she starts to bring the shop back to life. In doing so, she finds pieces of herself she hadn’t fully realised were missing and along the way a romantic element emerges all thanks to her jotting down her thoughts and feelings in a journal. Here many parallels between herself and Zirka and their situations begin to emerge.

As much as I did enjoy reading about Ana in the present day and understood her inclusion to bridge the gap between past and present, it was Zirka’s story in the past that had me completely enthralled. She resides in Lwow (modern day Lviv) with her father who is a lecturer and librarian. They both still deeply mourn the passing of Zirka’s mother but she does her best to continue the tradition of the dress making shop which specialises in the vyshyrankas, the traditional Ukranian shirt in which images, symbols and messages of strength and defiance are hidden within. Zirka was a fantastic character who only grew in strength the more that was thrown at her. First the Russians invaded then retreated when the Germans arrived and life as they had known it in their beloved Ukraine irrevocably changed forever. A long lost cousin, Perla, arrives from Poland fleeing from Jewish persecution and here is were the secret sewing society of the title begins to make sense. Going back to their grandmothers time a family story emerges which makes Zirka question everything that she knew. There is a story here waiting to be told one of several throughout the book which all emerge into one heartbreaking yet fascinating conclusion which provides plenty of food for thought.

Perla was hard to warm to because of the way she acted but then I did grow to understand her more and the relationship that developed between her and Zirka was very special even if at times they rubbed each other up the wrong way and that was because of ridiculous things that Perla did. I liked how Perla’s viewpoint was told through her diary entries as it offered a different stance on things that I would have just blindly accepted had they only been told through Zirka. There is so much that happens in the element of the story focusing on the past that to say much more here would give away far too much. Suffice to say that embroidery, resistance, romance, danger, mystery and intrigue fill the pages and make for a real page turner.

The Secret Sewing Society was a brilliant read and one in which I feel I have learned so much about the history of Ukraine and how as a country and individually they still bravely battle on today in order to preserve their culture, heritage and future. I would definitely recommend this passionate, awe inspiring, heartbreaking and compelling read.

[Donna Greene]

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very good book that I sped through in just a few days. It primarily centers on the wars in Ukraine, now and during the Nazi and Russian occupations during WW2. The characters are strong women who use sewing as a means of protest.

The narration of the book shifts among 3 related people in these 2 time periods, but also involves the actions of 2 cousins from a previous generation who started the sewing society. Initially, I found the 3 layers a bit confusing but I soon was able to follow.

This is a timely book about Ukraine and the quest for freedom. It made me feel the pain of the Ukrainians now and in earlier times.

I recommend this book and will definitely search out the previous historical novels of the author.

[Colby Thomson]

Just when you think you have figured it out a new twist comes

[Leanne]

The Secret Sewing Society is a beautifully woven, emotionally rich novel that moves effortlessly between past and present, stitching together a story of courage, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds between generations of women. Siobhan Curham delivers a tale that is both sweeping in scope and intimate at heart, filled with quiet acts of rebellion and the lingering echoes of secrets long buried.

The 1940s storyline is utterly captivating. Zirka and her cousin Perla, sewing coded messages for the Ukrainian resistance under the faded gold sign of a dressmaker’s shop, bring a fresh and deeply human perspective to wartime fiction. Their world is one of candlelit danger, whispered plans, and love that must be hidden to survive. Curham handles their fear, bravery, and sisterly devotion with tenderness, making their chapters pulse with tension and hope.

In 2022, Ana’s journey to uncover her grandmother’s past adds a compelling emotional anchor. The peeling wallpaper, the forgotten diary, the little shop that still seems to hum with memory—these details create a vivid sense of place. As Ana tries to understand the rift between her mother and Zirka, she becomes a bridge between generations, carrying forward a legacy of resistance at a moment when her country once again faces unthinkable hardship.

Curham excels at exploring how the past shapes the present, and how the stories we inherit—especially the ones wrapped in silence—can define us. The dual timelines complement each other beautifully, each revelation deepening the emotional impact of the next. The novel’s themes of identity, survival, and the quiet heroism of ordinary women resonate long after the final page.

The Secret Sewing Society is heartbreaking, hopeful, and exquisitely told. Fans of Evie Woods, Fiona Valpy, and The Keeper of Happy Endings will be swept away by its atmosphere, its heart, and its celebration of women who refuse to be forgotten.

A powerful, moving read that lingers like a thread pulled tight.

My thanks to Siobhan Curham, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Stefani Higdon]

Where has Siobhan Curham been hiding from me?! This book definitely reinforced my love of historical fiction. I don’t usually enjoy dual timelines, but this one really worked for me and kept me invested the whole way through.

The story is told from three POVs—Ana in 2022, and Zirka and Perla in 1939—and each voice brought something different and emotional to the story. When Ana inherits a property in Ukraine from her dying mother, she discovers it was once her grandmother’s sewing shop. What begins as a simple trip becomes a journey into a past she never knew existed.

In the 1939 timeline, Zirka is already living in Ukraine, while her cousin Perla arrives after fleeing Germany, carrying her own fears and complicated history. Their relationship starts out rocky, but watching them slowly settle their differences and build a life together was one of my favorite parts of the book. Curham does a beautiful job showing how ordinary women survive extraordinary times.

In the modern timeline, Ana’s decision to stay in Ukraine during the recent invasion added an emotional weight I didn’t expect. Seeing her restore her grandmother’s shop and reconnect with a community shaped by generations of strength was incredibly moving. I loved how embroidery and sewing were used as symbols of memory, identity, and healing.

I’ll admit—I went in expecting a bit more focus on the actual “secret sewing society,” but still got a fantastic story about mothers and daughters, sacrifice, and the way history echoes through families.

This book taught me so much about Ukrainian history I’d never encountered before, and it did so through characters who felt real, flawed, and deeply human. If you love historical fiction centered on resilient women and family secrets, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Siobhan for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are entirely my own.

[Julia]

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham is a powerful dual timeline novel set in Lviv, Ukraine.
The action is set during World War II and 2022. Both periods see Ukraine being invaded by the Russians (and also the Nazis in World War II). Fresh in the memories of the people is the Holodomor of the 1920’s when the Soviets caused a man-made famine in Ukraine. People had a strong spirit and the secret sewing society was born. “We stitch what they try to silence.” Messages of hope are sewn into clothes.
The two time periods are linked by strong females in the same family tree. In 2022 the leading lady travels from the UK to Ukraine after her mother leaves her a property that she did not know about. Whilst in Lviv the Russians invade. The leading lady decides to stay as the building slowly gives up its’ secrets.
The leading ladies in both time periods are gutsy as they stay to face their oppressors. Their stories are similar but different.
Not all Soviets are cruel. Love blossoms where it will, even when it is forbidden.
In times of war, people cling to faith. “Faith becomes very important when you know you could be killed any day.” We have to believe there is something more. People need hope and a will to survive. “In the face of so much death, she was going to live.”
We witness a character fleeing from the Nazis. “She knew what it was like to be oppressed simply because of her identity, and to have her rights taken away.” Freedom in Lviv in the 1940’s is short lived as once the Soviets march out, the Nazis march in.
All the characters were well drawn and believable.
Siobhan Curham has penned a powerful tale that consumed me from the start.
I received a free copy from the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Lily]

In this emotional dual-timeline historical fiction novel, raiders follow cousins Zirka and Perla as World War II rages around them in occupied Ukraine and Ana, Zirka’s granddaughter, after she travels to Lviv to see the family shop before getting trapped in the country when the Russians invaded in 2022. Sewing messages for the resistance into the embroidered shirts they made, the very different cousins try to find joy where they can, and Perla lives a life filled with worry because she arrived in the city with false papers, which put both of them in danger. As Ana starts to discover her grandmother’s secret sewing society, she realizes she must carry the torch of resistance even as her family’s secrets evade her in this moving new release. Emotional and fascinating, historical fiction fans will love the complex character relationships and the details that bring both time periods to life. Zirka, Perla, and Ana are well-written and complicated figures, and the secrets kept from them add drama and emotional intensity to the story. Emotional, detailed, and immersive, historical fiction fans will love this complex dual timeline novel and the war-torn yet hopeful circumstances the protagonists and their allies in the resistance find themselves in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Sally]

Absolutely loved this!! Set in Ukraine both during the Second World War, and also the present day - where yet again the Russians are fighting more or less the same war. Ana has inherited a building which she goes to inspect in person, and ends up caught in the middle of the Russian-Ukraine war while also trying to piece together the mystery of her family. I seem to be reading a lot of dual timeline stories lately and this is definitely up there with the favourites! It’s chilling to read about countries which were both under soviet and Nazi occupation at different times during the war, and how it wasn’t so black and white which of the occupying forces were the worst ones - for Zirka whose grandparents starved in the Holodomor the Soviets are the bad guys and the Germans are a welcome change, however for her Jewish cousin Perla the Soviets are the lesser of two evils!

I liked how we had the two girls’ alternating points of view during the earlier set chapters, and I really enjoyed the present day parts as well. From the safety of Australia it honestly just seems unreal to read about a country under fire in the 21st century, with such stark parallels between now and the 40s in the same neighbourhoods.