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The Secret Keepers
Twin sisters Dot and Dash Wilson share many things: a birthday, a best friend named Gus, and a secret shorthand based on Morse code, a language their father, a WWI veteran, taught them as children. But that’s where their similarities end. While Dot’s nose is always in a book, preferably the latest by Agatha Christie, Dash is a social butterfly and spends her evenings out dancing. Despite their differences, the sisters have a close bond—until one develops romantic feelings for Gus.
When war breaks out, the three are scattered across the globe. Dot intercepts coded enemy messages at HMCS Coverdale, a covert intelligence station working with Bletchley Park in England. Before long, she is sent to Camp X, a top-secret spy school where she puts her codebreaking skills to use in hopes of changing the tides of war and saving those she loves. Overseas, Dash trains as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, risking her life to ferry aircraft and troops across the battlefields of Europe. Meanwhile, Gus is deployed to an unknown front.
Each one holds secrets that, before the war is through, will test their loyalty to their country—and to each other...
Inspired by the real-life stories of women in World War II, The Secret Keepers is an extraordinary novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the light of courage during the darkest of nights.
When war breaks out, the three are scattered across the globe. Dot intercepts coded enemy messages at HMCS Coverdale, a covert intelligence station working with Bletchley Park in England. Before long, she is sent to Camp X, a top-secret spy school where she puts her codebreaking skills to use in hopes of changing the tides of war and saving those she loves. Overseas, Dash trains as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, risking her life to ferry aircraft and troops across the battlefields of Europe. Meanwhile, Gus is deployed to an unknown front.
Each one holds secrets that, before the war is through, will test their loyalty to their country—and to each other...
Inspired by the real-life stories of women in World War II, The Secret Keepers is an extraordinary novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the light of courage during the darkest of nights.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
April 2, 2024
I can always count on author Genevieve Graham to pen a heartfelt historical fiction story that brings Canadian history alive!
Graham’s story follows twins Dot and Dash Wilson, who until WW2 breaks out, are inseparable. She is able to show her readers how a sibling bond, more importantly, the bond between twins, is stretched to the limit as a result of war.
Dot, the more hesitant yet studious of the two, excels at technical things such as Morse code and typing, both skills enviable by the WRENS. Placed at the special wireless station HMSC Cloverdale as a decoder, her skills are soon noticed and she’s sent to the Allie’s top-secret spy training school, Camp X. Dot becomes useful in the D-Day planning. Dash, the more outgoing of the two and the one to break social norms, immediately enlists and her mechanical skills place her in the pilot training program of Air Transport Auxilary. Dash excels at transporting aircraft and troops where needed. Each useful in her place and contributing to the war effort, they are unable to be reunited to face a family tragedy together. Will their time apart and their allegiances solidify their bond or cause cracks in it?
As with most historical fiction, Graham reminds us of the feats of bravery and the courage needed to defend one’s country despite the suffering. Into this familiar narrative, she infuses little-known tidbits of our country’s history:
🍁the naval radio station in Moncton, New Brunswick and the life-changing call intercepted on April 30, 1945,
🍁the training school for covert agents near Whitby, Ontario,
🍁Canada’s contribution to the war effort at home through the Canadian Car and Foundry, and the Queen of the Hurricanes (engineer, Elizabeth MacGill).
Graham weaves a compelling tale of secrets in service against the backdrop of British and Canadian sacrifice. She’s an auto-read author for me!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Graham’s story follows twins Dot and Dash Wilson, who until WW2 breaks out, are inseparable. She is able to show her readers how a sibling bond, more importantly, the bond between twins, is stretched to the limit as a result of war.
Dot, the more hesitant yet studious of the two, excels at technical things such as Morse code and typing, both skills enviable by the WRENS. Placed at the special wireless station HMSC Cloverdale as a decoder, her skills are soon noticed and she’s sent to the Allie’s top-secret spy training school, Camp X. Dot becomes useful in the D-Day planning. Dash, the more outgoing of the two and the one to break social norms, immediately enlists and her mechanical skills place her in the pilot training program of Air Transport Auxilary. Dash excels at transporting aircraft and troops where needed. Each useful in her place and contributing to the war effort, they are unable to be reunited to face a family tragedy together. Will their time apart and their allegiances solidify their bond or cause cracks in it?
As with most historical fiction, Graham reminds us of the feats of bravery and the courage needed to defend one’s country despite the suffering. Into this familiar narrative, she infuses little-known tidbits of our country’s history:
🍁the naval radio station in Moncton, New Brunswick and the life-changing call intercepted on April 30, 1945,
🍁the training school for covert agents near Whitby, Ontario,
🍁Canada’s contribution to the war effort at home through the Canadian Car and Foundry, and the Queen of the Hurricanes (engineer, Elizabeth MacGill).
Graham weaves a compelling tale of secrets in service against the backdrop of British and Canadian sacrifice. She’s an auto-read author for me!
I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Canadian Queen of Historical Fiction is Back! I am a huge fan of Genevieve Graham and it's been a long wait for her eighth novel centred around a piece of Canadian history. I made sure to hold off on reading the novel as long as I could. Easter Weekend seemed the perfect opportunity.
In a Second World War-centric novel, the two main protagonists, twin sisters- Margaret and Dorothy, take turns with the narrative. Like many Canadian women, the sisters both enlist with the Wrens( Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). Margaret" Dash" Wilson becomes a mechanic and pilot, eventually finding herself in England as a member of the ATA( Air Transport Auxiliary). Dorothy "Dot" Wilson finds herself a codebreaker, soon working at the top secret "Camp X."
As in her previous novels, Graham highlights several Canadian locations and personalities that were instrumental in this time. As outlined in her author's note, this novel is rich in details from a variety of research. Much more information than many of us Canadians ever received from our History textbooks in high school.
Another difference from other GG novels is that while both sisters find themselves finding love during wartime, the romances are subtle. Graham keeps her novel concentrated on the work of the two sisters and the relationship they have with one another in sharp focus. As a reader, I appreciated this shift. Dash and Dot's voices were very strong and I liked learning about what many Canadian women contributed to the war effort. Who as is also explained by the author didn't get recognition for their wartime efforts.
I liked the novel. I recommend it to my fellow HF readers. I love this author. I cannot wait to see where GG takes us next in history. If you haven't read any books highlighting the involvement of Canadian women during wartime, I cannot think of a better book to start your journey.
( A LITTLE NOTE TO SIMON AND SCHUSTER)
But ( and I honestly never thought I would say this) is it possible to leave WWII for a bit? Keep in mind, that I have read a lot of WWII-centric historical fiction. In a book publishing world where WWII novels are flooding the market and recent novels have already touched upon this type of war work, I feel a little tired. I selfishly crave something different. However, I understand that these books are flooding the market because they sell very well and it's all because of readers like me.
A note to Genevieve Graham
Your work is splendid. All those long hours of researching and weaving it into a narrative are greatly appreciated. Keep on doing what you have been doing!
Whomever is designing the covers for GG's books
Your covers are true works of art. I hope you know how much readers like myself, enjoy them!
Expected Publication 02/04/24
Goodreads Review 31/03/24
The Canadian Queen of Historical Fiction is Back! I am a huge fan of Genevieve Graham and it's been a long wait for her eighth novel centred around a piece of Canadian history. I made sure to hold off on reading the novel as long as I could. Easter Weekend seemed the perfect opportunity.
In a Second World War-centric novel, the two main protagonists, twin sisters- Margaret and Dorothy, take turns with the narrative. Like many Canadian women, the sisters both enlist with the Wrens( Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). Margaret" Dash" Wilson becomes a mechanic and pilot, eventually finding herself in England as a member of the ATA( Air Transport Auxiliary). Dorothy "Dot" Wilson finds herself a codebreaker, soon working at the top secret "Camp X."
As in her previous novels, Graham highlights several Canadian locations and personalities that were instrumental in this time. As outlined in her author's note, this novel is rich in details from a variety of research. Much more information than many of us Canadians ever received from our History textbooks in high school.
Another difference from other GG novels is that while both sisters find themselves finding love during wartime, the romances are subtle. Graham keeps her novel concentrated on the work of the two sisters and the relationship they have with one another in sharp focus. As a reader, I appreciated this shift. Dash and Dot's voices were very strong and I liked learning about what many Canadian women contributed to the war effort. Who as is also explained by the author didn't get recognition for their wartime efforts.
I liked the novel. I recommend it to my fellow HF readers. I love this author. I cannot wait to see where GG takes us next in history. If you haven't read any books highlighting the involvement of Canadian women during wartime, I cannot think of a better book to start your journey.
( A LITTLE NOTE TO SIMON AND SCHUSTER)
But ( and I honestly never thought I would say this) is it possible to leave WWII for a bit? Keep in mind, that I have read a lot of WWII-centric historical fiction. In a book publishing world where WWII novels are flooding the market and recent novels have already touched upon this type of war work, I feel a little tired. I selfishly crave something different. However, I understand that these books are flooding the market because they sell very well and it's all because of readers like me.
A note to Genevieve Graham
Your work is splendid. All those long hours of researching and weaving it into a narrative are greatly appreciated. Keep on doing what you have been doing!
Whomever is designing the covers for GG's books
Your covers are true works of art. I hope you know how much readers like myself, enjoy them!
Expected Publication 02/04/24
Goodreads Review 31/03/24
March 31, 2024
The Secret Keeper is another interesting, enjoyable historical fiction novel by Genevieve Graham. In this novel, the author shines a light on the little known or acknowledged role of Canadian women in the war effort during WWII.
The novel tells the story of two young twin sisters, Dash and Dot, living in Ontario, who volunteer with the Canadian Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in the early 1940s. The novel follows each sister’s life as they join the war effort - Dash as a mechanic and pilot, and Dot as a codebreaker. We see the challenges they face, including open hostility by some of their male colleagues. It is fascinating to see, through the characters, what it must have been like to be a woman in male-dominated fields working in the high-stress time of war and the sacrifices they had to make. We also see Dash and Dot deal with issues of loss, love, guilt, secrets, family, and acceptance.
Another engaging, informative read that shines a light on a little known part of Canadian history.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
The novel tells the story of two young twin sisters, Dash and Dot, living in Ontario, who volunteer with the Canadian Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in the early 1940s. The novel follows each sister’s life as they join the war effort - Dash as a mechanic and pilot, and Dot as a codebreaker. We see the challenges they face, including open hostility by some of their male colleagues. It is fascinating to see, through the characters, what it must have been like to be a woman in male-dominated fields working in the high-stress time of war and the sacrifices they had to make. We also see Dash and Dot deal with issues of loss, love, guilt, secrets, family, and acceptance.
Another engaging, informative read that shines a light on a little known part of Canadian history.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2024
Genevieve Graham is one of my all-time favourite authors of historical fiction and The Secret Keeper didn't disappoint.
Twin sisters Dash and Dot are completely different yet inseparable until WWII breaks out. They both join the Royal Canadian Navy as WRENS doing vastly different top-secret jobs.
Told in dual narrative from the perspectives of the sisters, they both have extremely interesting stories to tell.
A captivating novel full of history, adventure, romance and most of all a novel that taught me many things I didn't know about Canada's involvement in WWII.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Twin sisters Dash and Dot are completely different yet inseparable until WWII breaks out. They both join the Royal Canadian Navy as WRENS doing vastly different top-secret jobs.
Told in dual narrative from the perspectives of the sisters, they both have extremely interesting stories to tell.
A captivating novel full of history, adventure, romance and most of all a novel that taught me many things I didn't know about Canada's involvement in WWII.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2024
Another absolutely enthralling, unputdownable historical fiction story by the master of little known Canadian history and one of my VERY fav authors!
Once again Graham invites us to learn about parts of Canada's past that few were taught in schools. In this case, Camp X and the role Canadians played in cracking codes during WWII.
Told from the perspectives of two twin sisters, Dot and Dash, one who eagerly enters the war, while the other more reluctantly and their childhood friend, Gus.
Each woman ends up working in different areas, Dot in secret codebreaking at Camp X and Dash, in the ATA, helping fly planes from base to base in England.
Full of secrets, romance, action and adventure. This was great on audio narrated by Carlotta Brentan and Ferdelle Capistrano and highly recommended for fans of books like The rose code or Lady codebreaker.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Once again Graham invites us to learn about parts of Canada's past that few were taught in schools. In this case, Camp X and the role Canadians played in cracking codes during WWII.
Told from the perspectives of two twin sisters, Dot and Dash, one who eagerly enters the war, while the other more reluctantly and their childhood friend, Gus.
Each woman ends up working in different areas, Dot in secret codebreaking at Camp X and Dash, in the ATA, helping fly planes from base to base in England.
Full of secrets, romance, action and adventure. This was great on audio narrated by Carlotta Brentan and Ferdelle Capistrano and highly recommended for fans of books like The rose code or Lady codebreaker.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
March 27, 2024
Genevieve Graham is my favourite Canadian historical fiction author. I love that her books focus on untold, impactful stories from our country’s history. In every novel she writes, I see the stories of my ancestors come to life and their contributions and sacrifices appreciated in a whole new light.
The Secret Keeper is by far her best work to date. The characters of Dot and Dash captured my heart from the beginning and I couldn’t put this book down as I became more and more invested in their happiness and survival through WWII — the way you would for two old friends.
The twin sisters are as different as night and day. Dot, the quieter of the two, escapes in crossword puzzles, books, learning languages, and tapping Morse Code. She thrives in environments of routine and consistency but must overcome her fears and anxiety when she decides to follow in her more adventurous sister’s footsteps. Both sisters join the Wrens to do their part to aid in the war efforts. Dash loves engines, piloting airplanes, and the thrills of the unexpected. She finds refuge from the heartache that exists in any war by taking to the skies.
The sisters’ fierce love for each other and their family (particularly their devoted father and the character of Gus) is tested by the realities of WWII and the sworn oath both take to serve their country and safeguard its secrets.
Ms. Graham’s story is so well thought out that even the characters’ names ring true to their personalities and the unique and unconventional roles women performed during the war. Ms. Graham holds my admiration for her extensive research skills and her ability to capture historical events in a fictional light that remains true and respectful of the past.
In my view, Ms. Graham is one of the best kept secrets in Canadian historical fiction. She is right up there with popular female historical fiction authors from the United States, such as Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Davis.
Thank you to Genevieve Graham, Simon and Schuster Canada, and Net Galley for my advance copy of The Secret Keeper. This is my first read and review on Net Galley. The Secret Keeper is a well-deserved five-star read.
The Secret Keeper is by far her best work to date. The characters of Dot and Dash captured my heart from the beginning and I couldn’t put this book down as I became more and more invested in their happiness and survival through WWII — the way you would for two old friends.
The twin sisters are as different as night and day. Dot, the quieter of the two, escapes in crossword puzzles, books, learning languages, and tapping Morse Code. She thrives in environments of routine and consistency but must overcome her fears and anxiety when she decides to follow in her more adventurous sister’s footsteps. Both sisters join the Wrens to do their part to aid in the war efforts. Dash loves engines, piloting airplanes, and the thrills of the unexpected. She finds refuge from the heartache that exists in any war by taking to the skies.
The sisters’ fierce love for each other and their family (particularly their devoted father and the character of Gus) is tested by the realities of WWII and the sworn oath both take to serve their country and safeguard its secrets.
Ms. Graham’s story is so well thought out that even the characters’ names ring true to their personalities and the unique and unconventional roles women performed during the war. Ms. Graham holds my admiration for her extensive research skills and her ability to capture historical events in a fictional light that remains true and respectful of the past.
In my view, Ms. Graham is one of the best kept secrets in Canadian historical fiction. She is right up there with popular female historical fiction authors from the United States, such as Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Davis.
Thank you to Genevieve Graham, Simon and Schuster Canada, and Net Galley for my advance copy of The Secret Keeper. This is my first read and review on Net Galley. The Secret Keeper is a well-deserved five-star read.
January 28, 2024
This book!!!!! Genevieve Graham is forever one of my top favorite authors. I'm always so excited to have the pleasure of reading her books. Her love of history has taught me so much about events I had never even heard of before. And her stories draw you right into those events and how it must of been on a personal level for people in the thick of it. She brings such believable characters to life. BUT, I warn you right now those characters become so real you never forget them. I don't know how she does it but they practically haunt you for months on end.
Dot and Dash will go straight to your heart and just live there. And then out of the blue enters Gus. The boy down the street that becomes the brother of their hearts. There is something so precious about the intricate relationships between sisters, and Genevieve levels that up with these twins. These brave sisters have special gifts and they make the brave decision to fight for freedom in their own way against the Nazis.
Gus and the twins are sent on their individual paths and takes readers on a journey that holds you in all the chaos, tragedy and intrigues that a world war can dish out.
I loved this journey so much and I miss this family already. This book is beautiful and you will not want to miss it.
Dot and Dash will go straight to your heart and just live there. And then out of the blue enters Gus. The boy down the street that becomes the brother of their hearts. There is something so precious about the intricate relationships between sisters, and Genevieve levels that up with these twins. These brave sisters have special gifts and they make the brave decision to fight for freedom in their own way against the Nazis.
Gus and the twins are sent on their individual paths and takes readers on a journey that holds you in all the chaos, tragedy and intrigues that a world war can dish out.
I loved this journey so much and I miss this family already. This book is beautiful and you will not want to miss it.
April 8, 2024
Book Review
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham
Tropes
WRENS/ WW11
Finding your strengths
Our Differences make us stronger
Mechanics/Codebreakers/Pilots
Dual POV spanning the lives of 2 sisters
Sexism faced by women who were encouraged to fill in the gaps in the workforce
Dash aka Margaret
The adventurous one, outgoing, tomboy
Wants to be a pilot, loves anything mechanical
Dot- aka Dorothy
The quiet one, introspective, shy
Doesnt know what she wants, homebody, enjoys puzzles, crosswords and reading
Gus
Ward of the family, brother figure and playmate
Always able to tell the girls apart and see them for their strengths
Thoughts
✅Adored the history and specifics to Canadian landmarks and locations
✅Pacing was fluid and steady, something was always happening
✅Predictable storyline allowed me to focus on the MC’s and their relationship with eachother and their individual personal growth
✅ Read the end notes, they add to the authenticity Graham strives for when researching the history behind the events and people captured in her books
Overall
Graham consistently captures the voices from our past and presents them in such a way that the reader feels they’re sharing in their experiences. She is definitely an “auto-buy” author for me
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham
Tropes
WRENS/ WW11
Finding your strengths
Our Differences make us stronger
Mechanics/Codebreakers/Pilots
Dual POV spanning the lives of 2 sisters
Sexism faced by women who were encouraged to fill in the gaps in the workforce
Dash aka Margaret
The adventurous one, outgoing, tomboy
Wants to be a pilot, loves anything mechanical
Dot- aka Dorothy
The quiet one, introspective, shy
Doesnt know what she wants, homebody, enjoys puzzles, crosswords and reading
Gus
Ward of the family, brother figure and playmate
Always able to tell the girls apart and see them for their strengths
Thoughts
✅Adored the history and specifics to Canadian landmarks and locations
✅Pacing was fluid and steady, something was always happening
✅Predictable storyline allowed me to focus on the MC’s and their relationship with eachother and their individual personal growth
✅ Read the end notes, they add to the authenticity Graham strives for when researching the history behind the events and people captured in her books
Overall
Graham consistently captures the voices from our past and presents them in such a way that the reader feels they’re sharing in their experiences. She is definitely an “auto-buy” author for me
June 4, 2024
Graham really brings detailed and interesting history to the forefront.
This story revolves around Dot and Dash Wilson who are twins. They are inseparable, but war can test the limits of even the best of relationships. Their names are a node to the Morse Code.
Dot works as a decoder for a wireless station HMSC, Cloverdale. She is very skilled and sent to the Allie’s training school, Camp X. She is essential the planning known as D-Day. Dash is the more assertive of the twins and pushes the limits. Her skills and mechanics give her the opportunity with the pilot training program. The Air Transport Auxiliary is essential as Dash takes aircraft and troops into the thick of things.
While they each contribute to the war effort, their time apart is hard. I love learning about the bravery, courage and efforts of women during the war. Learning more about the Canadian details was very interesting for me.
I highly recommend this author! This was my fourth novel by Graham and they are always well-researched, detailed and absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for this free novel.
This story revolves around Dot and Dash Wilson who are twins. They are inseparable, but war can test the limits of even the best of relationships. Their names are a node to the Morse Code.
Dot works as a decoder for a wireless station HMSC, Cloverdale. She is very skilled and sent to the Allie’s training school, Camp X. She is essential the planning known as D-Day. Dash is the more assertive of the twins and pushes the limits. Her skills and mechanics give her the opportunity with the pilot training program. The Air Transport Auxiliary is essential as Dash takes aircraft and troops into the thick of things.
While they each contribute to the war effort, their time apart is hard. I love learning about the bravery, courage and efforts of women during the war. Learning more about the Canadian details was very interesting for me.
I highly recommend this author! This was my fourth novel by Graham and they are always well-researched, detailed and absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for this free novel.
April 6, 2024
This book is told from the perspectives of two wildly different twin sisters, during WWII, who each decide to enlist and assist in the war work. Dash (Margaret) enlists in the WRENS as a mechanic and eventually ends up flying as a pilot in the Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain, while Dot’s natural inclination toward codes and puzzles lands her a covert position at a top-secret spy school, Camp X. Inspired by real-life stories of women in the war, Graham’s novel highlights courage, strength, and the bonds of sisterhood.
What I love about Graham’s work is that it so often features aspects of Canadian history that aren’t commonly explored within this genre. This adds something fresh and new to shelves already saturated with WWII-set novels. In The Secret Keeper we see these little-known Canadian historical elements come into play with the Camp X setting and Hydra — a compelling and fascinating bit of history that I could not get enough of! I was more familiar with female ATA pilots but hadn’t heard of Elsie MacGill — a trailblazing engineer and aircraft designer — and I definitely found myself down rabbit trails with this book! I loved what all of this brought to the novel and appreciated the author’s detailed research and her clear passion for sharing Canadian history with readers.
The main characters in this novel are twin sisters with very different personalities and ambitions. With the nicknames “Dot” and “Dash,” it took me a bit to remember who was who but ultimately, I loved this play on Morse code (a key part of the story!) Their names were intricately tied to both their personalities and overall plot points, and I thought this was very smart. Each storyline tackled a unique element of the war work that women were involved in, and had strong pacing, well-rounded characters, and compelling plot points.
There were also some fun design choices within the book — particularly involving the chapter headings. Dash’s chapters had a little plane emblem at the beginning and Dot’s had morse code. These are details that really personalize a book, setting it apart from others in the genre, and I loved this fun nod to the characters right from the get-go. I also love when books use a separate font for handwritten letters — I think that’s another great design choice and we got to see that here in this novel. However, the font used for these letters was quite difficult to read in my advance copy, which hopefully will be corrected for the final version.
The Secret Keeper is another really enjoyable read from Genevieve Graham. I think historical fiction is supposed to push and encourage you to learn more about a specific subject, and this book does that. For fans of WWII novels, I highly recommend giving this author a read, and adding this book to your TBR!
What I love about Graham’s work is that it so often features aspects of Canadian history that aren’t commonly explored within this genre. This adds something fresh and new to shelves already saturated with WWII-set novels. In The Secret Keeper we see these little-known Canadian historical elements come into play with the Camp X setting and Hydra — a compelling and fascinating bit of history that I could not get enough of! I was more familiar with female ATA pilots but hadn’t heard of Elsie MacGill — a trailblazing engineer and aircraft designer — and I definitely found myself down rabbit trails with this book! I loved what all of this brought to the novel and appreciated the author’s detailed research and her clear passion for sharing Canadian history with readers.
The main characters in this novel are twin sisters with very different personalities and ambitions. With the nicknames “Dot” and “Dash,” it took me a bit to remember who was who but ultimately, I loved this play on Morse code (a key part of the story!) Their names were intricately tied to both their personalities and overall plot points, and I thought this was very smart. Each storyline tackled a unique element of the war work that women were involved in, and had strong pacing, well-rounded characters, and compelling plot points.
There were also some fun design choices within the book — particularly involving the chapter headings. Dash’s chapters had a little plane emblem at the beginning and Dot’s had morse code. These are details that really personalize a book, setting it apart from others in the genre, and I loved this fun nod to the characters right from the get-go. I also love when books use a separate font for handwritten letters — I think that’s another great design choice and we got to see that here in this novel. However, the font used for these letters was quite difficult to read in my advance copy, which hopefully will be corrected for the final version.
The Secret Keeper is another really enjoyable read from Genevieve Graham. I think historical fiction is supposed to push and encourage you to learn more about a specific subject, and this book does that. For fans of WWII novels, I highly recommend giving this author a read, and adding this book to your TBR!
May 15, 2024
So good!
June 6, 2024
I must be reading a different book than all the readers who gave this 4+ stars. It is written so simplistically it seems like it’s aimed at children (not even young adults), and the characters are not developed much at all. Very superficial. I’m giving up.
An example of writing style:
A couple of blocks from the theatre, Dash spotted a young woman in a bright red beret, hopping on her toes on the sidewalk. “Mary hardly looks excited at all,” she laughed. “Hey, hey, hey!” Mary called as she ran up to greet them. “Friday night at last! So?” “The Midtown?” Dash asked. “Yes, please! I was counting on that all day. I even brought along three extra nickels so I could buy each of us our own bucket of popcorn. My treat.” Dash was touched. “That’s swell of you, Mary.”…. Behind her, Mary squealed then spun around to catch her hat just as the wind tried to steal it. “You look like you could have been in the movie!” Dash laughed, spinning herself. “Oh, you’re a hoot, Dash.” “I’m a cement mixer when it comes to dancing. I bet you can dance,” Ginny said. Dash grinned. “Sure can, given the right partner.”
And her sister Dot is similarly juvenile:
She wanted her family to be proud that she could do this by herself. She wanted Dash to see she could be alone and not afraid. …. Dot was amazed by how easy it was to chat with Alice. Almost immediately, she showed Dot a photo of her boyfriend, who was in the navy. He was slender with a sharp chin and a smile that looked carefree. “Does he have red hair, too?” “He does!” Alice said with delight. “Just the right red.”
An example of writing style:
A couple of blocks from the theatre, Dash spotted a young woman in a bright red beret, hopping on her toes on the sidewalk. “Mary hardly looks excited at all,” she laughed. “Hey, hey, hey!” Mary called as she ran up to greet them. “Friday night at last! So?” “The Midtown?” Dash asked. “Yes, please! I was counting on that all day. I even brought along three extra nickels so I could buy each of us our own bucket of popcorn. My treat.” Dash was touched. “That’s swell of you, Mary.”…. Behind her, Mary squealed then spun around to catch her hat just as the wind tried to steal it. “You look like you could have been in the movie!” Dash laughed, spinning herself. “Oh, you’re a hoot, Dash.” “I’m a cement mixer when it comes to dancing. I bet you can dance,” Ginny said. Dash grinned. “Sure can, given the right partner.”
And her sister Dot is similarly juvenile:
She wanted her family to be proud that she could do this by herself. She wanted Dash to see she could be alone and not afraid. …. Dot was amazed by how easy it was to chat with Alice. Almost immediately, she showed Dot a photo of her boyfriend, who was in the navy. He was slender with a sharp chin and a smile that looked carefree. “Does he have red hair, too?” “He does!” Alice said with delight. “Just the right red.”
April 6, 2024
Immersive, evocative, and affecting!
The Secret Keeper is a rich, alluring tale predominantly set in Canada during WWII that follows two sisters, Dash, a thrill seeker who enlists as a WREN working as a mechanic before she receives her dream posting as a pilot for the ATA in England, and Dot, a whiz with puzzles and codes that once enlisted is recruited to hold an invaluable position at Camp X, a top-secret spy school.
The prose is vivid and smooth. The characters are dependable, courageous, and resilient. And the plot is a moving tale of life, loss, secrets, self-discovery, determination, hope, loyalty, survival, friendship, sisterhood, war, love, and Canadian history.
Overall, The Secret Keeper is an emotive, rich, absorbing tale by Graham inspired by real-life stories that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters you can’t help but be enthralled and fully invested from start to finish.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Keeper is a rich, alluring tale predominantly set in Canada during WWII that follows two sisters, Dash, a thrill seeker who enlists as a WREN working as a mechanic before she receives her dream posting as a pilot for the ATA in England, and Dot, a whiz with puzzles and codes that once enlisted is recruited to hold an invaluable position at Camp X, a top-secret spy school.
The prose is vivid and smooth. The characters are dependable, courageous, and resilient. And the plot is a moving tale of life, loss, secrets, self-discovery, determination, hope, loyalty, survival, friendship, sisterhood, war, love, and Canadian history.
Overall, The Secret Keeper is an emotive, rich, absorbing tale by Graham inspired by real-life stories that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters you can’t help but be enthralled and fully invested from start to finish.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
Review: The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham reveals the home front effort in Canada through a beautiful tale of family and friendship during World War Two.
One of my favourite things about Genevieve Graham’s books is her ability to unveil interesting facts about Canada in her historical fictions. As a Canadian historical fiction lover, this makes the stories seem so much more real.
The Secret Keeper mostly takes place in Oshawa and Toronto, Ontario, and follows the experiences of twin sisters, nicknamed Dot and Dash. Dot is shy and brilliant while Dash is outgoing and seeks adventure. Both sisters join the war effort and find themselves involved in completely different paths, one full of hands-on work and the other in a world of codes and secrets. The sisters and other characters are great and you’ll be rooting for them throughout the story.
I highly recommend this intriguing story. Go read it!
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham reveals the home front effort in Canada through a beautiful tale of family and friendship during World War Two.
One of my favourite things about Genevieve Graham’s books is her ability to unveil interesting facts about Canada in her historical fictions. As a Canadian historical fiction lover, this makes the stories seem so much more real.
The Secret Keeper mostly takes place in Oshawa and Toronto, Ontario, and follows the experiences of twin sisters, nicknamed Dot and Dash. Dot is shy and brilliant while Dash is outgoing and seeks adventure. Both sisters join the war effort and find themselves involved in completely different paths, one full of hands-on work and the other in a world of codes and secrets. The sisters and other characters are great and you’ll be rooting for them throughout the story.
I highly recommend this intriguing story. Go read it!
March 17, 2024
4.25
I know I’m in for a good, well-researched novel about Canadian history when I pick up a Genevieve Graham book. This one was exactly that! It was so fun for me to read a book set (for the most part) only 20 minutes from where I grew up! Although we learned about Camp X (as well as Camp 30) in school because it was local history, I’m not sure it was taught in the more widespread school curriculums. If you don’t know about it, I suggest you do a little research - or pick up this book! It’s fascinating! Graham weaves a beautiful story about twin sisters who are connected but complete opposites. Their stories take them all over Canada and Europe and I loved the way she worked real life characters into the story. If you’ve never read a book by this author, this would be a great one to start with!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the e-Arc of this book!
I know I’m in for a good, well-researched novel about Canadian history when I pick up a Genevieve Graham book. This one was exactly that! It was so fun for me to read a book set (for the most part) only 20 minutes from where I grew up! Although we learned about Camp X (as well as Camp 30) in school because it was local history, I’m not sure it was taught in the more widespread school curriculums. If you don’t know about it, I suggest you do a little research - or pick up this book! It’s fascinating! Graham weaves a beautiful story about twin sisters who are connected but complete opposites. Their stories take them all over Canada and Europe and I loved the way she worked real life characters into the story. If you’ve never read a book by this author, this would be a great one to start with!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the e-Arc of this book!
Read
February 9, 2024I have loved everything i have ever read written by Genevieve Graham! Her books are always full of historical moments that I have not heard about before!
Is there such a genre as 'cozy historical fiction' ? This is what I would call Ms. Graham's books. They leave me feeling warm and fuzzy while also educating me about Canadian history and geography.
Dot and Dash and Gus are all such good people, and i cheer for them throughout the story. There is love and action and secrecy and family relationships, everything i need in a great story!
Definitely recommend !
Is there such a genre as 'cozy historical fiction' ? This is what I would call Ms. Graham's books. They leave me feeling warm and fuzzy while also educating me about Canadian history and geography.
Dot and Dash and Gus are all such good people, and i cheer for them throughout the story. There is love and action and secrecy and family relationships, everything i need in a great story!
Definitely recommend !
May 26, 2025
WOW!!!!!! One of the best books I’ve read thus far. Definitely in my top 5 favourites now. Always going to recommend it to someone. Amazing story! Couldnt put it down!!
May 6, 2024
4.5 stars
There is one person I go to for my HF with the Canadian focus and is Genevieve Graham. She unravels Canadian history, while making it entertainment with a side of emotions. This particular book is about two sisters (𝘋𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘴𝘩- 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴) who join the war effort at home.
Dot and Dash are not similar at all except for the love they have for their family and their sister.
Dash’s love languages flying. Being a pilot and hitting the open skies. The trait she inherit from her uncle.
Dot is quite happy with the home life, solving crosswords, and gardening.
But once Dash signs up with the WRENS, it is shortly after that her sister follows.
Both serving in their own way, they fuel their passions while trying to help the war effort. My heart is most like Dot, but I wish I had a little of dash in me
Oh and Gus, I wish there was a longer storyline with Gus. Even though I knew by chapter 2 Gus would take a love interest, it was just as exciting when it finally happened. I loved his gentle kindness to the sisters.
One thing I know about this author and truly with all her books is that I’m getting history, storytelling and heart 💜 this one is out at the start of April, HF lovers, you’re going to want to add this.
Ps. Make sure you read the authors note
There is one person I go to for my HF with the Canadian focus and is Genevieve Graham. She unravels Canadian history, while making it entertainment with a side of emotions. This particular book is about two sisters (𝘋𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘴𝘩- 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴) who join the war effort at home.
Dot and Dash are not similar at all except for the love they have for their family and their sister.
Dash’s love languages flying. Being a pilot and hitting the open skies. The trait she inherit from her uncle.
Dot is quite happy with the home life, solving crosswords, and gardening.
But once Dash signs up with the WRENS, it is shortly after that her sister follows.
Both serving in their own way, they fuel their passions while trying to help the war effort. My heart is most like Dot, but I wish I had a little of dash in me
Oh and Gus, I wish there was a longer storyline with Gus. Even though I knew by chapter 2 Gus would take a love interest, it was just as exciting when it finally happened. I loved his gentle kindness to the sisters.
One thing I know about this author and truly with all her books is that I’m getting history, storytelling and heart 💜 this one is out at the start of April, HF lovers, you’re going to want to add this.
Ps. Make sure you read the authors note
September 23, 2024
A workmanlike historical novel. There was lots of interesting information on Canadian women during World War Two, tied up in a plot that made me roll my eyes sometimes. Twin sisters, Dot and Dash Wilson, are both geniuses in their own way. Dot is great with languages and puzzles and so becomes a codebreaker. Dash is fantastic with engines and becomes a flyer. Their adopted older brother is fluent in German and so yeah… I found the action and dialogue more than a little anvillicious but I enjoyed the history.
July 1, 2025
My Rating: 4.75/5
April 17, 2024
Looking for a WWII historical fiction with accessible language/writing - this is it! Bonus, it focuses on both women and Canadians! It’s accurate, it’s entertaining, it’s emotional, and it’s informative.
Told from the alternating POVs of twin sisters nicknamed “Dot” and “Dash”, the reader is brought on a journey of choice, self discovery, and perseverance in the face of adversity - both individually and on a global scale as WWII rages on, testing all of humanity. The sisters are different, yet also similar in ways, and all readers will be able to find a part of themselves in either or both; plus the secondary characters are delightful.
There is also a wonderfully crafted authors note at the end that you should not skip!
4.25⭐️
Told from the alternating POVs of twin sisters nicknamed “Dot” and “Dash”, the reader is brought on a journey of choice, self discovery, and perseverance in the face of adversity - both individually and on a global scale as WWII rages on, testing all of humanity. The sisters are different, yet also similar in ways, and all readers will be able to find a part of themselves in either or both; plus the secondary characters are delightful.
There is also a wonderfully crafted authors note at the end that you should not skip!
4.25⭐️
May 6, 2024
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham is a love story to Canada's history, but more specifically to the women aiding Canada's war effort during WWII. Make no mistake, you do not need to be Canadian to love and appreciate this historical fiction!
Twin girls Dot and Dash Wilson grow up in Oshawa, Ontario and slowly emerge as individuals when the novel begins to unfold; Dot is the studious type, taking to books and learning languages while Dash prefers getting her hands dirty, fixing engines and yearning to fly in the sky. Over the course of the story, the two sisters continue on their own journey, playing pivotal roles and keeping secrets; both being equally brave.
Graham's main characters show two different paths available in the military for women at the time, and I enjoyed the unique perspective that neither character became a nurse. As I read, I had to acknowledge both the similarities and differences during that time period and today. Military roles were male dominated, and it's amazing how far we've come as a society (obviously there’s still a long way to go, however). I found it fascinating that the ATA raised the female pilots’ wages to match those of their male counterparts, which was incredibly progressive! How unbelievably courageous to heed the call and aid your country during wartime!
As this is the second book I've read by Graham, I've come to understand her writing is straightforward and approachable. Graham is the teacher, the one to give you the knowledge needed for the story to truly come alive. Simply put, you don't need to be a history buff to benefit from her storytelling!
What a beautiful book; it is simply one to be celebrated!
Once again, I can't wait to read more from Graham - to learn more about Canada's past and the role of many amazing women over the course of history!
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Simon & Schuster for the complimentary copy to read and review.
Twin girls Dot and Dash Wilson grow up in Oshawa, Ontario and slowly emerge as individuals when the novel begins to unfold; Dot is the studious type, taking to books and learning languages while Dash prefers getting her hands dirty, fixing engines and yearning to fly in the sky. Over the course of the story, the two sisters continue on their own journey, playing pivotal roles and keeping secrets; both being equally brave.
Graham's main characters show two different paths available in the military for women at the time, and I enjoyed the unique perspective that neither character became a nurse. As I read, I had to acknowledge both the similarities and differences during that time period and today. Military roles were male dominated, and it's amazing how far we've come as a society (obviously there’s still a long way to go, however). I found it fascinating that the ATA raised the female pilots’ wages to match those of their male counterparts, which was incredibly progressive! How unbelievably courageous to heed the call and aid your country during wartime!
As this is the second book I've read by Graham, I've come to understand her writing is straightforward and approachable. Graham is the teacher, the one to give you the knowledge needed for the story to truly come alive. Simply put, you don't need to be a history buff to benefit from her storytelling!
What a beautiful book; it is simply one to be celebrated!
Once again, I can't wait to read more from Graham - to learn more about Canada's past and the role of many amazing women over the course of history!
Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Simon & Schuster for the complimentary copy to read and review.
June 27, 2024
That was really disappointing for me. I just found the story too slow.
The story is told by Canadian twins Dash and Dot. They both help in the 2WW - Dash as a pilot and Dot as a code breaker. Their dad falls ill and Dot is told she isn’t allowed to return home - Dash can’t forgive her for not being there when he dies.
Dot meets up with her adopted brother Gus (another spy) and they admit that they love each other.
Dash meets Pete, an RAF pilot and they fall in love too.
Dash’s plane goes down over France and she is rescued by Gus with the help of some coded messages from Dot. Gus is captured and sent to a POW camp.
They all survive the war and the 4 of them live happily ever after.
The story is told by Canadian twins Dash and Dot. They both help in the 2WW - Dash as a pilot and Dot as a code breaker. Their dad falls ill and Dot is told she isn’t allowed to return home - Dash can’t forgive her for not being there when he dies.
Dot meets up with her adopted brother Gus (another spy) and they admit that they love each other.
Dash meets Pete, an RAF pilot and they fall in love too.
Dash’s plane goes down over France and she is rescued by Gus with the help of some coded messages from Dot. Gus is captured and sent to a POW camp.
They all survive the war and the 4 of them live happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
4.5 STARS - You can always count on Canadian author Genevieve Graham to give you a compelling, heartwarming story filled with well-researched historical facts. In her upcoming book, The Secret Keeper, she explores WWII through the eyes of twin sisters, one who becomes a codebreaker and the other a pilot.
Blending interesting bits of Canadian history with characters readers will come to care for, this story pulls readers into WWII and opens their eyes to the significant role that Canada, and Canadian women in particular, played in defeating the Nazis.
The story starts out slowly as readers get to know the twin sisters - Dot, the smart but reserved sister and her twin Dash, who is mechanically inclined and itching for adventure! The story gains momentum when they join the WRENS, the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, find their callings and navigate the male-dominated roles they take on to help the war effort. And hold onto your hats for some nail-biting scenes that give readers a satisfying ending and may have them shedding a tear or two.
Hollywood tends to downplay the great impact that Canadians played in WWII so I loved learning more about Canada's pivotal role (including a spy school!) and some of the important roles that women took on - radio operators, codebreakers, mechanics, spies, and pilots (including the amazing 'ATA Girls' - Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain) despite the popular view that women weren't strong enough to join in the fight. The Official Secrets Act also plays a role and it was interesting to witness its impact on the personal lives of those who signed it.
This is a story about the personal journey of two young women that also sheds a bright light on the unsung female heroes of WWII. This is a great book for fans of Kristin Hannah's The Women, who want to read more about the courageous women who battled not only wartime foes, but the misogyny that prevailed at the time.
Note: I highly recommend reading the author's notes at the end of the book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for the advanced copies of this book which were given in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2024
Wow. What an inspiring and incredibly powerful WW2 story! It had me pinned to the pages between Dot’s secret missions (personal and professional) and Dash’s harrowing adventures (in the hangar and in the air). But at the centre for both women, is constant danger with a capital D. As they say, nobody is ever safe in war. Then there are two courageous men, Gus and Pete, who both play important roles in the war and in these women’s lives. I truly enjoyed seeing the chemistry spark between them and the enduring love that sustained these four people through some very trying circumstances.
This is a heart wrenching heroic story about major secrets and twin girls who are extremely close but also opposites in personality. Dot is the shy quiet type – even a bit ‘nerdy.’ She is a genius with puzzles, loves books and experienced at Morse code and languages. Dot has a very close connection to her father, a war veteran who harbours secrets of his own. Then there is Dash, the other twin—quick moving, adventurous and mechanically inclined. She loves airplanes, fixing engines, dancing and keeping active with new challenges. When Dash decides to join the WRENS, Dot is filled with fear. She does not want her sister to leave her. They have always done everything together but she cannot think of doing what Dash desires. But once Dash is gone for a while, studying and working on aircraft, Dot begins to question her own position. Should she become active, too, and help fight the war? To her own surprise, in a moment of courage, she applies and is accepted but her journey is very different from Dash’s. Soon her talents move her from typist to enviable heights and positions that lead to taking a secret oath. She will not be able to tell her sister or any family member what she really does for 40 years. It is a hard thing for someone who shares everything with her sibling. And when a personal tragedy strikes, and Dot’s job prevents her from joining Dash at home, hurt seeps in and causes a division between the sisters.
I have a great respect for Ms Graham with her flawless writing style, unforgettable characters and ability to bring Canadian history alive on the page. I was drawn in immediately with the dual viewpoints of sisters Dot and Dash. I enjoyed learning about each of them, observing and appreciating their strengths and weaknesses. They are believable characters with fears, desires, aspirations and faults—like the rest of us. This makes them human and allows us to connect with them easily. Presenting the story through two perspectives, gave me a unique vantage point of getting inside their hearts and heads which made the journey with both women engaging. To see their differences and how they each react in various situations at the start and then to see the changes as their new lives unfold, (particularly in Dot), made it a satisfying reading experience. Development in characters is important and with what these ladies go through, they could not help but change. We want to see progress and we do. I think the main characters Dot, Dash, (and these are clever names that are so appropriate!), Gus and Pete, along with the twin’s father, are true heroes. (Others, too, perform acts of bravery.) They reach inside and find the courage they need to redeem the moment, endure the suffering and ascend the challenges.
A good portion of the story is set in Canada (other settings are England and France). There was even a small section of the story focused on New Brunswick where I was born and raised. So it was easy for me to visualise that physical environment. But for some reason, I had either forgotten or never knew of HMCS Coverdale (Special Wireless Station) below Moncton where some great work was accomplished during the war. To learn that the first allied person in the world to hear of Hitler’s death on April 30th, 1945, was a HMCS Coverdale operator who intercepted a message sent by a German Admiral Doenitz was quite a surprise! And I never knew Canada had a spy training centre (Camp X)!
Although the focus is on the WRENS, Genevieve Graham introduces us to other areas of work where women helped in the war. The Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William built world-class fighter planes under the leadership of Elsie MacGill, Queen of the Hurricanes. ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) where Dash eventually worked was in many ways a dangerous task ferrying planes. These were civilians transporting aircraft where needed with unloaded guns. The risk of death (crashes) or being captured were possible scenarios. This novel shows what could go wrong and did. Many of the women were pilots who were quite brave flying with no maps or radios and within sight of the ground. There were many obstacles and we see this in the story. I felt I was on board with such vivid descriptions and detail. This may be a work of fiction, but The Secret Keeper is built on facts with a creative dash of insight where needed. Sometimes there are gaps in history so it is an author’s right to imagine what might have been to make everything flow together seamlessly, and Ms Graham has achieved this and covered all the bases.
I have reviewed a large number of excellent and deeply moving WW2 novels but The Secret Keeper is the most compelling, comprehensive and riveting story I have ever read and as mentioned, I learned many new things about Canada’s part in the battle against Hitler. The magnitude of knowledge on all the topics covered is astounding. Genevieve leaves no stone unturned. This fully packed story soars on its impeccable details, covering many fascinating areas in which women worked during WW2. In the author’s notes (which are just as captivating as the novel), she makes it clear during the research stage she used experts to get true answers. This is obvious when comparing story incidents with historical accounts. And while reading this novel I was often motivated to look up the events, practices and locations.
Sacrifice, Secrets and Service melded together in my mind while reading this breathtaking novel. For me, these words represent those who fought in the war at every level and this novel delivers in all areas. I truly loved The Secret Keeper from the first page to the last and feel quite honoured to have had an opportunity to read and review it. This is one novel that cannot be missed. It will bring tears to your eyes, make you squirm and create huge lumps in your throat. There are some pretty horrific details of the war camps and suffering of those captured. These sort of horrors changed people forever. This novel also paints a picture of hope and healing. It is a real tribute to not only the women and men who played their part in helping to win over the enemy but also of the amazing establishments set up in Canada that contributed impressively. 5 Shining Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for my review copy.
This is a heart wrenching heroic story about major secrets and twin girls who are extremely close but also opposites in personality. Dot is the shy quiet type – even a bit ‘nerdy.’ She is a genius with puzzles, loves books and experienced at Morse code and languages. Dot has a very close connection to her father, a war veteran who harbours secrets of his own. Then there is Dash, the other twin—quick moving, adventurous and mechanically inclined. She loves airplanes, fixing engines, dancing and keeping active with new challenges. When Dash decides to join the WRENS, Dot is filled with fear. She does not want her sister to leave her. They have always done everything together but she cannot think of doing what Dash desires. But once Dash is gone for a while, studying and working on aircraft, Dot begins to question her own position. Should she become active, too, and help fight the war? To her own surprise, in a moment of courage, she applies and is accepted but her journey is very different from Dash’s. Soon her talents move her from typist to enviable heights and positions that lead to taking a secret oath. She will not be able to tell her sister or any family member what she really does for 40 years. It is a hard thing for someone who shares everything with her sibling. And when a personal tragedy strikes, and Dot’s job prevents her from joining Dash at home, hurt seeps in and causes a division between the sisters.
I have a great respect for Ms Graham with her flawless writing style, unforgettable characters and ability to bring Canadian history alive on the page. I was drawn in immediately with the dual viewpoints of sisters Dot and Dash. I enjoyed learning about each of them, observing and appreciating their strengths and weaknesses. They are believable characters with fears, desires, aspirations and faults—like the rest of us. This makes them human and allows us to connect with them easily. Presenting the story through two perspectives, gave me a unique vantage point of getting inside their hearts and heads which made the journey with both women engaging. To see their differences and how they each react in various situations at the start and then to see the changes as their new lives unfold, (particularly in Dot), made it a satisfying reading experience. Development in characters is important and with what these ladies go through, they could not help but change. We want to see progress and we do. I think the main characters Dot, Dash, (and these are clever names that are so appropriate!), Gus and Pete, along with the twin’s father, are true heroes. (Others, too, perform acts of bravery.) They reach inside and find the courage they need to redeem the moment, endure the suffering and ascend the challenges.
A good portion of the story is set in Canada (other settings are England and France). There was even a small section of the story focused on New Brunswick where I was born and raised. So it was easy for me to visualise that physical environment. But for some reason, I had either forgotten or never knew of HMCS Coverdale (Special Wireless Station) below Moncton where some great work was accomplished during the war. To learn that the first allied person in the world to hear of Hitler’s death on April 30th, 1945, was a HMCS Coverdale operator who intercepted a message sent by a German Admiral Doenitz was quite a surprise! And I never knew Canada had a spy training centre (Camp X)!
Although the focus is on the WRENS, Genevieve Graham introduces us to other areas of work where women helped in the war. The Canadian Car and Foundry in Fort William built world-class fighter planes under the leadership of Elsie MacGill, Queen of the Hurricanes. ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary) where Dash eventually worked was in many ways a dangerous task ferrying planes. These were civilians transporting aircraft where needed with unloaded guns. The risk of death (crashes) or being captured were possible scenarios. This novel shows what could go wrong and did. Many of the women were pilots who were quite brave flying with no maps or radios and within sight of the ground. There were many obstacles and we see this in the story. I felt I was on board with such vivid descriptions and detail. This may be a work of fiction, but The Secret Keeper is built on facts with a creative dash of insight where needed. Sometimes there are gaps in history so it is an author’s right to imagine what might have been to make everything flow together seamlessly, and Ms Graham has achieved this and covered all the bases.
I have reviewed a large number of excellent and deeply moving WW2 novels but The Secret Keeper is the most compelling, comprehensive and riveting story I have ever read and as mentioned, I learned many new things about Canada’s part in the battle against Hitler. The magnitude of knowledge on all the topics covered is astounding. Genevieve leaves no stone unturned. This fully packed story soars on its impeccable details, covering many fascinating areas in which women worked during WW2. In the author’s notes (which are just as captivating as the novel), she makes it clear during the research stage she used experts to get true answers. This is obvious when comparing story incidents with historical accounts. And while reading this novel I was often motivated to look up the events, practices and locations.
Sacrifice, Secrets and Service melded together in my mind while reading this breathtaking novel. For me, these words represent those who fought in the war at every level and this novel delivers in all areas. I truly loved The Secret Keeper from the first page to the last and feel quite honoured to have had an opportunity to read and review it. This is one novel that cannot be missed. It will bring tears to your eyes, make you squirm and create huge lumps in your throat. There are some pretty horrific details of the war camps and suffering of those captured. These sort of horrors changed people forever. This novel also paints a picture of hope and healing. It is a real tribute to not only the women and men who played their part in helping to win over the enemy but also of the amazing establishments set up in Canada that contributed impressively. 5 Shining Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for my review copy.
March 29, 2024
3.5 stars
Margaret and Dorothy, or Dash and Dot, are Canadian fraternal twins, inseparable but different both in looks, in temperament and in tastes. They turn 18 in the midst of WWII and both join the war effort in Canada, helping where and how they can. Dash starts out as a mechanic and ends up as a pilot in the ATA in Europe, and Dot ends up in spy school, decoding and transmitting misinformation and learning secrets she will have to keep from everyone for decades.
I’ll admit, when I first saw this book was coming, I was a bit disappointed. I saw Big Ben on the cover, the Wrens and the ATA in the summary, and thought Genevieve Graham had left Canadian history behind to write another run-of-the-mill British war novel.
Well, joke’s on me, since there were Wrens in Canada too! As usual with Graham novels I loved learning about the details of Canadian participation in that part of history.
That being said, despite it being set in Canada, I did feel a bit “been there read that” about it (but it says more about me and how often I read WWII fiction than it does about the book, really). I read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein about women in the ATA just last year, which made Dash’s parts a bit less exciting than they should have been; and The Rose Code by Kate Quinn just last month, which made me raise my eyebrow at a few of Dot’s codebreaking bits.
All this made me think 3* through most of the book, but the sweet romantic ending à la Graham made me go a bit higher!
Margaret and Dorothy, or Dash and Dot, are Canadian fraternal twins, inseparable but different both in looks, in temperament and in tastes. They turn 18 in the midst of WWII and both join the war effort in Canada, helping where and how they can. Dash starts out as a mechanic and ends up as a pilot in the ATA in Europe, and Dot ends up in spy school, decoding and transmitting misinformation and learning secrets she will have to keep from everyone for decades.
I’ll admit, when I first saw this book was coming, I was a bit disappointed. I saw Big Ben on the cover, the Wrens and the ATA in the summary, and thought Genevieve Graham had left Canadian history behind to write another run-of-the-mill British war novel.
Well, joke’s on me, since there were Wrens in Canada too! As usual with Graham novels I loved learning about the details of Canadian participation in that part of history.
That being said, despite it being set in Canada, I did feel a bit “been there read that” about it (but it says more about me and how often I read WWII fiction than it does about the book, really). I read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein about women in the ATA just last year, which made Dash’s parts a bit less exciting than they should have been; and The Rose Code by Kate Quinn just last month, which made me raise my eyebrow at a few of Dot’s codebreaking bits.
All this made me think 3* through most of the book, but the sweet romantic ending à la Graham made me go a bit higher!
March 31, 2024
I read and absolutely adored The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham. It’s a dual narrative historical fiction which takes place during World War Two in Canada. The story immediately draws you in and keeps you on your toes wondering through chapters if characters are still ok, if the sisters and friends will ever be reunited and just such a deeper look into history. I learned so much about the WREN’s and the roles that were played during the war, and the huge impact Morse code had. The dual narrative told by twins was so interesting to read. You get a glimpse of how life was for both and to so see both of their journeys during the same time along with the trials and tribulations of each. I really enjoyed that I knew most of the places in Canada that the twins travelled to. The family and friends connections aspect throughout the novel was so well executed. The vulnerability and things the characters went through and experienced were heartbreaking at times yet the book although set during the war was that of a love story that brings such heartwarming feelings as well. The connections that Graham made with some of the characters connections to one of the sisters and later on interacted and connected with the other sister was just a really amazing character and plot development.
March 31, 2024
Genevieve Graham is known for plucking an obscure, little known about place, event or people in history and writing a fictionalized account of same. This book is no exception. Here she tells the story of the Wrens, the Air Transport Auxiliary and Camp X and their vital roles in something called Operation Fortitude.
Dot and Dash are twins, but nothing alike. They both end up in the war effort, although theirs paths would not be the same. Dot is a codebreaker and Dash is a pilot. It was clever to use the two main characters in this way so that all of the different stories could be told.
Further, this story highlights the importance of women in World War II and that they had roles other than just typing. Also, Canada’s importance in the war effort is highlighted. We often hear more about Canada in the First World War than we do the Second.
It’s a story that also features the themes of courage and sibling bonds, and of course, the importance of keeping secrets, even from those you love the most.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dot and Dash are twins, but nothing alike. They both end up in the war effort, although theirs paths would not be the same. Dot is a codebreaker and Dash is a pilot. It was clever to use the two main characters in this way so that all of the different stories could be told.
Further, this story highlights the importance of women in World War II and that they had roles other than just typing. Also, Canada’s importance in the war effort is highlighted. We often hear more about Canada in the First World War than we do the Second.
It’s a story that also features the themes of courage and sibling bonds, and of course, the importance of keeping secrets, even from those you love the most.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2024
Internationally bestselling author Genevieve Graham’s new book The Secret Keeper features twin sisters who join the WRENS - Dorothy, or Dot, who works as a code breaker at Whitby’s Camp X, the famed centre for espionage training, and Margaret, or Dash, who becomes a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary in England. In the book, Graham shines a light on the contributions of women during the Second World War. Graham has a knack for creating relatable characters across all time periods portraying her female protagonists and their friends who support each other through many challenges.
She breathes life into stories from the past and has written eleven novels of historical fiction, including The Forgotten Home Child, which has been optioned for TV, about the Barnardo children, Letters Across the Sea, Bluebird and more.
The book has just reached no. 1 in the Globe and Mail's list of bestsellers in Canadian fiction.
She breathes life into stories from the past and has written eleven novels of historical fiction, including The Forgotten Home Child, which has been optioned for TV, about the Barnardo children, Letters Across the Sea, Bluebird and more.
The book has just reached no. 1 in the Globe and Mail's list of bestsellers in Canadian fiction.
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