The Secret Sewing Society: An utterly gripping and heartbreaking historical novel full of family secrets

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 Siobhan

‘Unforgettable… pulls on the heart strings… had me glued to the pages… left me breathless… dug deep into my heart… absolutely loved… 5 glorious stars… I loved this story so much.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Totally gripping… I adored… mesmerizing and I didn’t want it to end… a page-turner that will capture your heart.’ Christian Bookaholic, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘From the very first page of this book, I was stunned, mesmerised… knock the wind out of you! I’m so sad it's over. I could have read another sixty chapters… fantastic.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘ do not begin this book if you have food cooking or housework to do! Your food will burn and your house will stay dirty, because you will not be able to put it down!…The best historical fiction… Brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me on the edge of my seat… Plus wiping tears from my eyes… captured my heart—hook, line and sinker… A must-read.

Genres: Fiction

489 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Zirka meets her cousin, Perla, things get off to a tricky start. Perla isn’t happy about being sent away from her home in Krakow, she misses her family and her boyfriend. It’s 1940 and Ukraine has been occupied by Russia.

The girls find out that their grandmothers were sewing secret messages into embroidered clothing (vyshyvankas), when Ukraine had been occupied previously. As Zirka has sewn from a young age, she teaches Perla, and they both start to sew secret messages into the same way their grandmothers did.

In 2022, Ana goes to see her mother in the care home she lives in. She rarely remembers Ana now, but for a few lucid moments, she leaves a tin to her. Ana finds that her grandmother, Zirka, left a house in Lviv. Making a big decision, Ana heads off to Lviv and decides to do up her grandmother’s home … and many hidden secrets start to emerge.

I loved this story but also found it quite difficult and emotional at times. With what is happening now in Ukraine, it does make for a tough read. I found this to also be an informative read, and I was fascinated by the secret messages sewed into clothing.

I enjoyed reading about all the secrets that dated right back in history for the family. I admired the strong women of the family, they made me feel proud.

I was fascinated with the author’s information at the end of the book. To stay in a country while it’s being bombed must have been so scary, and I felt that knowing what she had been through, gave me food for thought at the end.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Jessica Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham was a moving and thoughtful read that I ultimately really enjoyed. The story is rich with history, especially surrounding Ukraine and the impact of war, which added a lot of depth and emotional weight to the book.

I especially liked the split timeline and the multiple character viewpoints. Seeing the story unfold through different voices made the connections feel layered and meaningful, and it kept me invested in how everything tied together. There’s also a touch of romance woven in, which complemented the heavier themes nicely without overpowering the story.

That said, the book did feel a bit long in places, and there were moments where the pacing slowed and the story seemed to stall. Still, the emotional impact and historical elements carried it through for me. Overall, this was a solid four-star read—heartfelt, informative, and worth picking up if you enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional threads.

[Ducket Draws · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Perla and Zirka timeline. Getting to read there story and the relationship between these two cousins was very enjoyable. Every time a chapter appeared in there name, I would get excited to read. On the other hand, the present timeline was a bit slower at times. I enjoyed reading about her discovering the history of her family and the sewing shop she had inherited. However, the overall plotline was a bit slower and I was particularly a fan of “Mak” the romantic character in the present. All in all, it was a good book and I would reccommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. If you’ve never read a historical fiction, especially one about WW2, this is a good place to start! This book isn’t too dark or descriptive and would be a great way to dive into that genre!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Sewing Society is a beautifully written, historical fiction novel set in the Ukraine. It gripped my attention from the very beginning, with its dual timeline and wonderfully strong female characters. The story weaves together the lives of cousins, Zirka and Perla during WW2 and Ana living in occupied Ukraine, 2022. The use of traditional Ukrainian embroidery - vyshyvanka, is the thread that holds multiple generations of the women together, as they support the resistance with hidden messages. A fascinating story of friendship, love, resilience, loss, family traditions and secrets.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction.
I will definitely be looking for other books by this author!
Thank you to Bookouture for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a frequent reader of both fiction and nonfiction about World War II, and this book immediately caught my attention because it explores Ukraine during WWII as well as its current war with Russia. I don’t often come across dual–timeline novels where the present-day events are as dramatic as the historical ones. This book does an excellent job depicting the Russia–Ukraine war and showing how it affects everyday citizens. I also learned a great deal about the Russian soldiers who originally captured Lviv and the hardships they placed on the local population. I have read Siobhan Curham’s novels before, and like her previous books, this one did not disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Sewing Society was fantastic, what a way to finish 2025! I loved this book so much, the story was interesting and had me hanging on to every word. It felt so different to other WW2 novels because it was a dual timeline story and so current. Ukraine in WW2 and the current conflict with Russia, this made it seem so real as part of the story is happening now. It was a story of heartbreak, love, friendship, family and loyalty, it was sensitively and. Beautifully written and I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It’s one of my favourite reads of 2025! Publication date 26 January 2026.

[ABain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of an advance copy received from Netgalley

I really enjoyed this story, although the pacing was slower at first, I quickly became invested and ended up reading far faster than I expected.

It was told through a dual timeline of Ana inheriting a house in Lviv in 2022 and her Grandmother Zirka's experience in 1940. The structure was easy to follow and had short chapters that worked really well.

The story is clearly well researched, and although it was heartbreaking, it was also a story of hope and the possibility of a better future.

Overall this was a powerful and memorable read.

Thank you to Bookouture for providing this book for review via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a dual timeline story, set in Ukraine in World War II, and in the modern day - both time periods see the country being invaded by Russia.

In the modern day, Ana has inherited a building in Lviv, and through various discoveries, begins to learn more about her grandmother and other relatives. The story is powerful as it is relatable with current events being written about - it is very well researched, and I enjoyed learning more about Ukranian clothing and the hidden meaning of embroidery.

A beautifully written book, with the subject matter emotive and sensitively handled.

[Laurel Zeisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me interested for most of it. Some parts seemed slow, and I don't know if that's due to the page count or the editor not making certain parts more concise. If you enjoy historical fiction, I would recommend this book. It's hard to write more than one character or timeline and have them both be good.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the story for the most part I did feel like was it drawn out and overly long. I liked the characters in both timelines. All strong women and wanting to do their part. It’s a good historical fiction book even with the Ukraine war still ongoing.