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The Secret Keeper
Paris, 1942. As she twirls in the arms of handsome dancer Santiago Lozano, surrounded by aristocrats and high-ranking German officials, Elena Garcia looks like every other beautiful young woman at the glamorous party. But she is hiding a dangerous secret: she is a spy.
Undercover in occupied Europe, risking her life daily, Elena never planned to fall in love. But everything changes when she meets Santiago in a crowded bar. His warm dark eyes and kind smile draw her in… but he can never know her real identity and opening her heart to him could put both of them in jeopardy. Elena cannot help but fall for Santiago, but can she truly trust him?
Then Elena is tasked with a dangerous assignment, delivering coded maps for the Resistance. As she leaves the meeting, she hears heavy footsteps closing in behind her and her heart begins to pound. Fighting off her attacker, she races back to the station, barely making it onto the train. She is forced to confront the worst: her cover is blown and now nowhere will be safe.
To stay alive Elena must flee the city, leaving the man she’s grown to love behind. But she desperately wants to finish her mission, and she will not leave Santiago to face the wrath of the Gestapo alone.
Torn between her heart and her head, Elena must ask herself: should she risk everything to save her love… or was he the one who betrayed her to the enemy?
Undercover in occupied Europe, risking her life daily, Elena never planned to fall in love. But everything changes when she meets Santiago in a crowded bar. His warm dark eyes and kind smile draw her in… but he can never know her real identity and opening her heart to him could put both of them in jeopardy. Elena cannot help but fall for Santiago, but can she truly trust him?
Then Elena is tasked with a dangerous assignment, delivering coded maps for the Resistance. As she leaves the meeting, she hears heavy footsteps closing in behind her and her heart begins to pound. Fighting off her attacker, she races back to the station, barely making it onto the train. She is forced to confront the worst: her cover is blown and now nowhere will be safe.
To stay alive Elena must flee the city, leaving the man she’s grown to love behind. But she desperately wants to finish her mission, and she will not leave Santiago to face the wrath of the Gestapo alone.
Torn between her heart and her head, Elena must ask herself: should she risk everything to save her love… or was he the one who betrayed her to the enemy?
412 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2022
1583 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Siobhan Curham
39 books462 followersHi, 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 6, 2022
Siobhan Curham continually writes phenomenal historical fiction, making it easy for me to give 5-stars each time I get my hands on her latest work. I’ve been fortunate enough to read and review all four of Curham’s recent historical fiction novels highlighting the extraordinary courage of ordinary females who fought in different ways, all in the name of freedom. The result for me is that she is now considered an ‘auto read’ author.
Elena Garcia, loosely based on the real-life experience of American model turned spy Aline Griffith, is a young Hollywood actress who, after playing a role for a training video, is recruited by the forerunner to the CIA, the OSS, Office of Strategic Services. She’s sent to ‘The Farm,’ the first of its kind in America, and learns to be a kick-ass spy, Rose Stanwyck. With freeing her grandma Rose in France at the forefront of her thoughts, Rose is sent to Europe to try to identify Himmler’s agent in Spain. When she’s betrayed she needs to rely on her Hollywood skills to survive. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if Elena can survive long enough to save her grandmother.
I learned so much about Hollywood’s role in the war and about the outstanding courage undercover agents exhibited in Nazi-occupied Europe. This book, featuring the battle of the head versus the heart, needs to be on every historical fiction reader’s list.
I was gifted this advance copy by Siobhan Curham, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Elena Garcia, loosely based on the real-life experience of American model turned spy Aline Griffith, is a young Hollywood actress who, after playing a role for a training video, is recruited by the forerunner to the CIA, the OSS, Office of Strategic Services. She’s sent to ‘The Farm,’ the first of its kind in America, and learns to be a kick-ass spy, Rose Stanwyck. With freeing her grandma Rose in France at the forefront of her thoughts, Rose is sent to Europe to try to identify Himmler’s agent in Spain. When she’s betrayed she needs to rely on her Hollywood skills to survive. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if Elena can survive long enough to save her grandmother.
I learned so much about Hollywood’s role in the war and about the outstanding courage undercover agents exhibited in Nazi-occupied Europe. This book, featuring the battle of the head versus the heart, needs to be on every historical fiction reader’s list.
I was gifted this advance copy by Siobhan Curham, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much! It was a tension-filled story, filled with danger that Eleni has to survive. This is also a really powerful narrative. The romance that blossoms between her and Santiago oozes from the pages, but the strength and resilience shown by the spies, and by those persecuted is really what shines through.
Eleni is a wonderful character, and I adored the relationship she has with Grand-Mere Rose. Grand-Mere Rose reminded me so much of my own grandmother, and I often think of what she would say during my own life events, just as Eleni did here.
Curham takes you through so many emotions in this book, and whilst I felt it was rather long at times, it made the book extremely compelling.
I will definitely look out for Curham's next novel!
Eleni is a wonderful character, and I adored the relationship she has with Grand-Mere Rose. Grand-Mere Rose reminded me so much of my own grandmother, and I often think of what she would say during my own life events, just as Eleni did here.
Curham takes you through so many emotions in this book, and whilst I felt it was rather long at times, it made the book extremely compelling.
I will definitely look out for Curham's next novel!
August 2, 2022
From actress to spy.
Elena Garcia was approached by her director and asked if she was interested in helping in the war effort. She said yes.
After a few weeks, she gets a call and makes a mysterious trip to Washington, D.C. where she was sent to a “spy” training camp.
She did very well and was sent to Spain to try to find German spies and to find information.
She takes risks and falls in love…she was told to not fall in love.
We follow her as she ends up in danger. She did make me nervous with some of the things she did - I definitely would not be a good spy.
THE SECRET KEEPER was a great history lesson but did drag at times.
It was interesting to learn that Spain took a major role in the war and for hiding spies from both sides of the war.
The book is based on true events. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Elena Garcia was approached by her director and asked if she was interested in helping in the war effort. She said yes.
After a few weeks, she gets a call and makes a mysterious trip to Washington, D.C. where she was sent to a “spy” training camp.
She did very well and was sent to Spain to try to find German spies and to find information.
She takes risks and falls in love…she was told to not fall in love.
We follow her as she ends up in danger. She did make me nervous with some of the things she did - I definitely would not be a good spy.
THE SECRET KEEPER was a great history lesson but did drag at times.
It was interesting to learn that Spain took a major role in the war and for hiding spies from both sides of the war.
The book is based on true events. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Read
July 11, 2022From actress to spy with a secret identity. Whether Elena Garcia is called Carmen, or referred to as Flamingo or any other code name, her life will never be the same again. As she is starting in her training, she realizes that she has a lot to learn when it comes to weaponry and coding, but her ability to act in whatever role that she is placed in is her strength.
Going undercover is not without risk, especially as Elena must get very close to a German soldier. While fretting as to how close she will have to get, she does understand how important her role is, and she becomes a very valuable spy. Danger is at every turn, and knowing who to trust isn't easy.
What made this book so utterly compelling is the letter from our fabulous author, Siobhan Curham, at the end of the book. She based Elana Garcia's character of the real life model turned spy Aline Griffith. Most of the book is based on research and videos, and also on fact, and this made this story even more impressive. Readers are also encouraged to do a bit of research on their own, and that would include researching Leslie Howard, and that is only one facet that increases my respect for an author who is new to me, but one that I will forever keep on my radar.
Elena faced danger, betrayal and uncertainty, but her bravery shone through time and again. This is a book that should be read by any lover of historical fiction. I love each and every peek into the events surrounding the second world war, especially this book, as readers are given privy to Hollywood's role at the time of this war.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Going undercover is not without risk, especially as Elena must get very close to a German soldier. While fretting as to how close she will have to get, she does understand how important her role is, and she becomes a very valuable spy. Danger is at every turn, and knowing who to trust isn't easy.
What made this book so utterly compelling is the letter from our fabulous author, Siobhan Curham, at the end of the book. She based Elana Garcia's character of the real life model turned spy Aline Griffith. Most of the book is based on research and videos, and also on fact, and this made this story even more impressive. Readers are also encouraged to do a bit of research on their own, and that would include researching Leslie Howard, and that is only one facet that increases my respect for an author who is new to me, but one that I will forever keep on my radar.
Elena faced danger, betrayal and uncertainty, but her bravery shone through time and again. This is a book that should be read by any lover of historical fiction. I love each and every peek into the events surrounding the second world war, especially this book, as readers are given privy to Hollywood's role at the time of this war.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 19, 2022
Oh this is so very beautiful. Thought provoking. Heart rending. Poignant. So beautifully written. Another masterpiece from this incredible author.
August 22, 2022
The Secret Keeper is the story of Elena who is a budding actress in LA during the early days of WWII. After she goes to an audition for a movie, she is selected to train to become a part of a team of spies who will be deployed throughout Europe. Elena ends up in Madrid portraying a Mexican actress who is there to perform in a play. Her job is to get close to certain individuals and find out who is working with the Nazis. Along the way she finds herself falling in love, and wondering who she can trust.
This book was action packed from the beginning. There is never a dull moment in Elena’s life in Spain. Throughout the book are letters to Elena from her Grandmother, Rose, who is living under Nazi rule in France. Rose writes these letters to help her get through the terrible times.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, especially Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series. While I was reading this, I was hoping it would be part of a series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was action packed from the beginning. There is never a dull moment in Elena’s life in Spain. Throughout the book are letters to Elena from her Grandmother, Rose, who is living under Nazi rule in France. Rose writes these letters to help her get through the terrible times.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, especially Susan Elia MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series. While I was reading this, I was hoping it would be part of a series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 10, 2022
The Secret Keeper is my first Siobhan Curham novel and I found it so interesting! I was gripped immediately - the only reason I stopped reading was because I'm on Scout camp and needed to look after the young people!!! Elena is a budding actress who auditions but is recruited for a totally different part - that of a spy. Missing her grandmother who lives in occupied France, she decides that she will do all she can to 'free' her.
August 2, 2022
The Secret Keeper is the second book I've read by Siobhan Curham, having thoroughly enjoyed The Paris Network earlier this year. This one again takes place during the Second World War and also has a strong female protagonist but the setting is more unfamiliar this time, exploring the perhaps less well-known state of affairs in the officially neutral Spain.
At the start of the book, Elena Garcia is a rather naïve young woman who dreams of giving up waitressing to become a proper actress. She may be appearing alongside William Holden and a young Ronald Reagan but it's only a small role in a training video for American operatives who will be going undercover in Europe, and she longs for that elusive break. However, a conversation with a suited man about her family results in her life changing in a way she would never have predicted.
It's obvious to readers what lies ahead for Elena after a mysteriously clandestine meeting where she is asked if she is available to come to Washington for some tests. However, Elena herself clearly has no idea what she is headed for and while I initially found her cluelessness a little grating, I was soon reminded that I have the benefit of hindsight and women at that time wouldn't have expected to be recruited as spies. After her initial shock, she quickly accepts her situation and though only a fairly small part of the novel, I enjoyed the look at the sort of training undertaken at The Farm by the men and women who had the potential to become members of the OSS, as well as the realistic portrayal of the inevitable friendships and clashes that occur when people from all walks of life are thrown together.
Her first posting comes as a surprise to her but makes perfect sense; she is sent to Spain where she is to play the part of a Mexican actress, Carmen De La Fuenta. Elena's father is from Mexico which means she is fluent in Spanish and now she has a role which will test all her acting abilities, as well as the skills she learned at The Farm. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the public and private face of Elena; she uses her portrayal of Carmen to give her confidence but for all her capabilities, we still see the scared young woman who desperately hopes that her part in the war effort will help liberate Europe from the grip of the Nazis – particularly her beloved Grand-Mere Rose. Letters from Rose to Elena are interspersed throughout the novel and are a heartbreaking insight into the lives of those living under Occupation. It's especially poignant that Rose writes these letters knowing that she can't actually send them but still needs an outlet for her hopes and fears.
The sense of place is superb throughout and I loved seeing how different life was in a part of Europe not occupied by the Nazis. However, for all the apparent freedoms and glamorous functions, there is a menacing undercurrent of fear and doubt. Elena is warned not to fall in love but grows close to Spanish flamenco dancer, Santiago Lozano. I would describe The Secret Keeper as a romantic suspense story rather than a true espionage thriller with the relationship between the two main characters a real highlight. Siobhan Curham captures the chemistry they share beautifully but so too, the uncertainty as both have their secrets. This isn't a fast-paced novel, instead exploring the emotional responses to such extraordinary situations as well as the more strategic considerations.
Elena's undercover role brings her into close contact with dangerous people and there are some truly nail-biting scenes. She is advised early on to think of what they are doing as a game of chess and she frequently refers to this analogy, most notably during some acutely tense scenes. Although a slow-burner, there are still several moments which set my heart racing, especially later, where the stakes become really high as Elena is forced to accept that she may not be able to trust anybody. I sped through these pages, terrified for her and eager to discover the truth; the scenes set in France were so intense, I could hardly draw breath at times. If I had one small quibble, it would be that I felt the ending was slightly rushed. I do understand why this was necessary, the book would have been ridiculously long otherwise but I would love to read more about Elena's experiences in France.
The Secret Keeper was inspired by the true story of model turned spy, Aline Griffith and Siobhan Curham's research is evident throughout but she never bogs down the narrative with facts, instead intertwining real-life events and people seamlessly into the storyline. The result is an atmospheric, moving novel that kept me gripped from start to finish. I recommend it and look forward to reading more from her in the future.
At the start of the book, Elena Garcia is a rather naïve young woman who dreams of giving up waitressing to become a proper actress. She may be appearing alongside William Holden and a young Ronald Reagan but it's only a small role in a training video for American operatives who will be going undercover in Europe, and she longs for that elusive break. However, a conversation with a suited man about her family results in her life changing in a way she would never have predicted.
It's obvious to readers what lies ahead for Elena after a mysteriously clandestine meeting where she is asked if she is available to come to Washington for some tests. However, Elena herself clearly has no idea what she is headed for and while I initially found her cluelessness a little grating, I was soon reminded that I have the benefit of hindsight and women at that time wouldn't have expected to be recruited as spies. After her initial shock, she quickly accepts her situation and though only a fairly small part of the novel, I enjoyed the look at the sort of training undertaken at The Farm by the men and women who had the potential to become members of the OSS, as well as the realistic portrayal of the inevitable friendships and clashes that occur when people from all walks of life are thrown together.
Her first posting comes as a surprise to her but makes perfect sense; she is sent to Spain where she is to play the part of a Mexican actress, Carmen De La Fuenta. Elena's father is from Mexico which means she is fluent in Spanish and now she has a role which will test all her acting abilities, as well as the skills she learned at The Farm. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition between the public and private face of Elena; she uses her portrayal of Carmen to give her confidence but for all her capabilities, we still see the scared young woman who desperately hopes that her part in the war effort will help liberate Europe from the grip of the Nazis – particularly her beloved Grand-Mere Rose. Letters from Rose to Elena are interspersed throughout the novel and are a heartbreaking insight into the lives of those living under Occupation. It's especially poignant that Rose writes these letters knowing that she can't actually send them but still needs an outlet for her hopes and fears.
The sense of place is superb throughout and I loved seeing how different life was in a part of Europe not occupied by the Nazis. However, for all the apparent freedoms and glamorous functions, there is a menacing undercurrent of fear and doubt. Elena is warned not to fall in love but grows close to Spanish flamenco dancer, Santiago Lozano. I would describe The Secret Keeper as a romantic suspense story rather than a true espionage thriller with the relationship between the two main characters a real highlight. Siobhan Curham captures the chemistry they share beautifully but so too, the uncertainty as both have their secrets. This isn't a fast-paced novel, instead exploring the emotional responses to such extraordinary situations as well as the more strategic considerations.
Elena's undercover role brings her into close contact with dangerous people and there are some truly nail-biting scenes. She is advised early on to think of what they are doing as a game of chess and she frequently refers to this analogy, most notably during some acutely tense scenes. Although a slow-burner, there are still several moments which set my heart racing, especially later, where the stakes become really high as Elena is forced to accept that she may not be able to trust anybody. I sped through these pages, terrified for her and eager to discover the truth; the scenes set in France were so intense, I could hardly draw breath at times. If I had one small quibble, it would be that I felt the ending was slightly rushed. I do understand why this was necessary, the book would have been ridiculously long otherwise but I would love to read more about Elena's experiences in France.
The Secret Keeper was inspired by the true story of model turned spy, Aline Griffith and Siobhan Curham's research is evident throughout but she never bogs down the narrative with facts, instead intertwining real-life events and people seamlessly into the storyline. The result is an atmospheric, moving novel that kept me gripped from start to finish. I recommend it and look forward to reading more from her in the future.
July 28, 2022
Elena Garcia is a struggling actress and waitress, when she is tagged by the OSS to become a spy for the allies, stationed in Spain. Her cover story is that she is a Mexican actress going by the name of Carmen de la Fuentes playing a role in a play in Madrid. She meets a handsome, flamboyant flamenco dancer by the name of Santiago Lozano who she has chemistry with, but finds out he is a Nazi sympathizer or spy, so she has to put a halt to those feelings. With a German businessman getting interested in her, one of her friends and fellow spies getting captured by the Nazis and her own cover eventually blown, will Elena/Carmen survive the war to return to her family?
I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when it is about something I am not familiar with. I learned a lot about Spain and their role in WW2. I also didn't know about the OSS, apparently the forerunner to the CIA. This story was told from Elena's/Carmen's POV, but is interchanged with letters from her Grandmère Rose. She is living in a small village in the French countryside and writes letter to Elena, her beloved granddaughter, that she knows she will not mail. She tells her about what is happening in their village, but hides them under the floorboards of her cottage, hoping that Elena will find them some day. This story drew me in right from the start, and the risks taken by Elena/Carmen were tense and kept me on the edge of my seat. Carmen was quite adept at espionage, thinking on her feet, with fighting skills, being an actor can easily fill a role and with a tenacity to help the world rid itself of facism. I definitely recommend you read the author's notes at the end. Siobhan Curham shares what is based on fact in this book and where she added fiction elements. As I said earlier, there was a lot happening in Spain that I was not aware of at all, during WW2. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially events set during WW2.
I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when it is about something I am not familiar with. I learned a lot about Spain and their role in WW2. I also didn't know about the OSS, apparently the forerunner to the CIA. This story was told from Elena's/Carmen's POV, but is interchanged with letters from her Grandmère Rose. She is living in a small village in the French countryside and writes letter to Elena, her beloved granddaughter, that she knows she will not mail. She tells her about what is happening in their village, but hides them under the floorboards of her cottage, hoping that Elena will find them some day. This story drew me in right from the start, and the risks taken by Elena/Carmen were tense and kept me on the edge of my seat. Carmen was quite adept at espionage, thinking on her feet, with fighting skills, being an actor can easily fill a role and with a tenacity to help the world rid itself of facism. I definitely recommend you read the author's notes at the end. Siobhan Curham shares what is based on fact in this book and where she added fiction elements. As I said earlier, there was a lot happening in Spain that I was not aware of at all, during WW2. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially events set during WW2.
January 19, 2023
The first half is compelling and engaging, the second half feels rushed and there are a lot of questions left unanswered.
August 4, 2023
This book was not great, the story was lacking. Elena asked herself the same questions over and over, too wordy. The situations did not warrant the repeating.
October 9, 2022
Spellbinding
This book is an amazing story of courage. An American girl is asked to join the underground in Spain and then France with many conflicts twists and turns. Making this a wonderful book.
This book is an amazing story of courage. An American girl is asked to join the underground in Spain and then France with many conflicts twists and turns. Making this a wonderful book.
April 23, 2023
3.75. Kept me interested, but all a bit too clean and not gritty enough for me.
July 16, 2022
Wow! What a captivating spy story! I cannot rave enough about how much I enjoyed this novel of Siobhan’s. A WWII novel from a different perspective: an actress recruited to the spy world to perform the most death curdling performances of her life. Page after page I was on the edge of my seat wondering was going to happen to her next. Her courage and determination were admirable but her daringness at times made me hold my breath! The build of tension in this novel is huge and you get many of those ‘I don’t want to look as I know something scary is going to happen’ feelings like when watching a mystery thriller.
I found the spy training information very interesting. It was not a job for the faint hearted. A world filled with double agents and traitors. Who do you trust and not trust? When to act cool, coy, or show opposite emotions (smile when you are cringing inside). Hair-raising hide and seek, reveal and conceal, friend or enemy experiences. It is one of those jobs that if you are not made of steel, you must develop a tough exterior. And, of course, if you are captured? Will you turn or stand true?
Siobhan has given us another wonderful story about ordinary women who perform extraordinary acts of courage in the fight for freedom. In The Secret Keeper, Elena, the actress turned spy, is that woman who finds herself able to do the impossible. Her motive is to rescue her grandmother in France: to play a part in defeating Hitler. Her grandmother becomes an inspiration in more ways than one… her words become a mantra for Elena in facing her fears…her will to keep on in the face of great danger. Grand-Mere Rose finds ways, too, to keep herself going against all odds with thoughts of her granddaughter and by writing letters to her while the Nazis occupied Paris and her home. These letters never leave her room for she writes of things that could jeopardise her life. Grand-Mere Rose keeps these as a record of events for her granddaughter to one day read.
This story fleshes out vengeance, fear, hate, betrayal, cowardice but also loyalty, perseverance, hope and courage. It makes us question: what would we do if we fell into the hands of the enemy? Would we switch sides to save our life, or die loyal to our country?
The novel explores love, too, found in unexpected places: but also, the fear of not knowing who to trust. Fear of losing control of one’s feelings that could sway the rational mind. How easy is it to spot a traitor? Who could betray those closest to them?
This is an emotionally packed story of an exciting cast from all sides. The drama is tense but everything comes together. I don’t want to say much about the plot as to give anything away. The element of surprise and unexpected twists are important in a story like this.
I will never forget The Secret Keeper and especially these words: “Love your fear. Seek the wonder. Embrace the mystery,’ words that Elena kept repeating, when she was up against the odds and the enemy again and again. Words her Grand-Mere Rose instilled in her heart. Good advice!
This is a must read World War II novel. It is a soul-stirring compelling adventure that kept me pinned to the pages: always in the moment. And always focused on the hearts and true identities of the characters. There is so much to take away from this story. Including more words by Grand-Mere Rose: ‘The human spirit is a remarkable thing.’ I highly recommend this amazing historical fiction novel. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
I found the spy training information very interesting. It was not a job for the faint hearted. A world filled with double agents and traitors. Who do you trust and not trust? When to act cool, coy, or show opposite emotions (smile when you are cringing inside). Hair-raising hide and seek, reveal and conceal, friend or enemy experiences. It is one of those jobs that if you are not made of steel, you must develop a tough exterior. And, of course, if you are captured? Will you turn or stand true?
Siobhan has given us another wonderful story about ordinary women who perform extraordinary acts of courage in the fight for freedom. In The Secret Keeper, Elena, the actress turned spy, is that woman who finds herself able to do the impossible. Her motive is to rescue her grandmother in France: to play a part in defeating Hitler. Her grandmother becomes an inspiration in more ways than one… her words become a mantra for Elena in facing her fears…her will to keep on in the face of great danger. Grand-Mere Rose finds ways, too, to keep herself going against all odds with thoughts of her granddaughter and by writing letters to her while the Nazis occupied Paris and her home. These letters never leave her room for she writes of things that could jeopardise her life. Grand-Mere Rose keeps these as a record of events for her granddaughter to one day read.
This story fleshes out vengeance, fear, hate, betrayal, cowardice but also loyalty, perseverance, hope and courage. It makes us question: what would we do if we fell into the hands of the enemy? Would we switch sides to save our life, or die loyal to our country?
The novel explores love, too, found in unexpected places: but also, the fear of not knowing who to trust. Fear of losing control of one’s feelings that could sway the rational mind. How easy is it to spot a traitor? Who could betray those closest to them?
This is an emotionally packed story of an exciting cast from all sides. The drama is tense but everything comes together. I don’t want to say much about the plot as to give anything away. The element of surprise and unexpected twists are important in a story like this.
I will never forget The Secret Keeper and especially these words: “Love your fear. Seek the wonder. Embrace the mystery,’ words that Elena kept repeating, when she was up against the odds and the enemy again and again. Words her Grand-Mere Rose instilled in her heart. Good advice!
This is a must read World War II novel. It is a soul-stirring compelling adventure that kept me pinned to the pages: always in the moment. And always focused on the hearts and true identities of the characters. There is so much to take away from this story. Including more words by Grand-Mere Rose: ‘The human spirit is a remarkable thing.’ I highly recommend this amazing historical fiction novel. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
October 1, 2022
Not a 'gripping' spy story you would expect,
What a disappointment. A spy story? Maybe at the end of the story this will have developed into a spy novel, but I have grown tired and eventually gave up hoping on a SPY story full of angst and anticipation.
The main character is just too naive, immature and totally inexperienced not just as a spy, but as an actress and as a woman. We were never told her age. Halfway through this story my impression is of a young woman maybe nineteen years old and definitely with no experience as actress, which is her spy persona, nor does she seem experienced with life, with the world of men.
This story just isn't what I had hoped for. I enjoy the suspense that comes when picking up a spy story, and have read several successful novels which are based on WWII, this is not one of them.
The main character and the story as a whole are just not well developed, I can't believe in either. There just is nothing here that can make me feel any suspense. The characters lack believable personality, a certain expected experience and foundation to living with intrigue. There is just nothing there, but an inexperienced young woman. And as I progressed through the pages it never changed, the story is predictable, neither the environment, nor the main characters seem to learn from earlier mistakes and experiences. This is a learning-as you go, making it up as you go story, and not even successful at that.
Halfway through and this book still doesn't really read like a story and definitely not much of a spy novel, it's just boring. No suspense, no excitement, no holding your breath to the next page, where is the spy? - just an inexperienced and naive young woman playing at dressing-up as actress and as spy. She barely has enough experience to be a woman, and certainly non at being a woman of the world, a spy, which she is playing at. To me she reads more like a nineteen year old who has never even been away from home. Boring. I didn't finish this book.
What a disappointment. A spy story? Maybe at the end of the story this will have developed into a spy novel, but I have grown tired and eventually gave up hoping on a SPY story full of angst and anticipation.
The main character is just too naive, immature and totally inexperienced not just as a spy, but as an actress and as a woman. We were never told her age. Halfway through this story my impression is of a young woman maybe nineteen years old and definitely with no experience as actress, which is her spy persona, nor does she seem experienced with life, with the world of men.
This story just isn't what I had hoped for. I enjoy the suspense that comes when picking up a spy story, and have read several successful novels which are based on WWII, this is not one of them.
The main character and the story as a whole are just not well developed, I can't believe in either. There just is nothing here that can make me feel any suspense. The characters lack believable personality, a certain expected experience and foundation to living with intrigue. There is just nothing there, but an inexperienced young woman. And as I progressed through the pages it never changed, the story is predictable, neither the environment, nor the main characters seem to learn from earlier mistakes and experiences. This is a learning-as you go, making it up as you go story, and not even successful at that.
Halfway through and this book still doesn't really read like a story and definitely not much of a spy novel, it's just boring. No suspense, no excitement, no holding your breath to the next page, where is the spy? - just an inexperienced and naive young woman playing at dressing-up as actress and as spy. She barely has enough experience to be a woman, and certainly non at being a woman of the world, a spy, which she is playing at. To me she reads more like a nineteen year old who has never even been away from home. Boring. I didn't finish this book.
August 4, 2022
Possibly my favorite book of hers vet!
I learned do much while enjoying every second! I would have loved even more about Elena. I went "down the rabbit hole" about many events in this book. Keep it up! What fun!
I learned do much while enjoying every second! I would have loved even more about Elena. I went "down the rabbit hole" about many events in this book. Keep it up! What fun!
July 31, 2022
The Secret Keeper by Siobhan Curham is a slow burner but my god when it does ignite it does so in spectacular fashion and I was completely hooked. Set during World War Two this is a thrilling story packed full of tension, danger, unease, espionage and romance that moves between America, Madrid and Paris. Trust and loyalty along with doing one’s best to win the fight in the battle of good versus evil are the main themes which were explored so well throughout the book.
We follow American Elena whose heritage is Mexican and French. She is a waitress but trying to make it as an actress. Whilst filming a commercial she impresses those in the war department and soon finds herself being trained as an OSS agent. This takes her completely out of her comfort zone but the powers that be have spotted the qualities need to be a spy undercover in Europe. Elena doubts her abilities time and time again but throughout everything that she endures she remembers the words her grandmother said ‘Love your fear, seek the wonder, embrace the mystery’.
Elena’s French grandmother Rose returned to France from America but since then the Germans have invaded and all contact has been lost. Throughout the book Rose continues to write letters to Elena detailing her experiences of occupation. She never gets to send the letters but getting everything down on paper sustains her through the difficult times. The chapters are interspersed with Rose’s letters and I thought this was brilliant as it gave an insight into life in France during the war and it reinforced for the reader the fact that everything Elena goes through will all be worth it if the war can be won and her grandmother survives. They provided a sharp contrast between what was going on in France and what Elena was living through in Madrid. Elena is told that as a spy your head should always rule over your heart and for her this will be tested time and time again as she finds herself assigned to Madrid where danger lurks around every corner and no one is to be trusted.
Elena arrives in Madrid a fresh and raw recruit who has no idea of what she has gotten herself involved in and she doubts she is strong enough to carry out what has been asked of her. But the further the books progresses she goes through a complete transformation from someone who I viewed as meek and really not fit for the job to a person who became strong, ingenious and hard as nails when push came to shove. Elena adopts the alias of Carmen, an actress who is starring in a new play in Madrid. The early scenes in Madrid made it seem that although the war was raging on that it hadn’t quite hit their doorstep in terms of actual fighting yet really there was a whole network of underhanded dealings going on. She is tasked with discovering just who is working for the Germans and passing on information that should never get into their hands. Elena uses her skills as an actress to perfection throughout the book. You almost forget that she was plucked out of obscurity and is puting her life on the line so good of a role does she play. Her senses are always heightened and she is on full alert at all times. For no one is as they seem and the only person she can really trust is her handler.
It wasn’t until the halfway point that for me the book really picked up the pace. I found the scenes set in Madrid became slightly repetitive and not much happened to push the story on and there became quite a number of characters to keep track of. None of which I knew whether they were loyal or not but then came that turning point that I have experienced whilst reading other books by this author. Something just clicked with me and I found myself racing through the pages eager to know what was happening and why and what the ultimate outcome would be. Elena stepped up in my estimation big time and I loved all the twists and turns that were unfolding. I came to appreciate that the slow start was worth it and that every character needs to be kept an eye on no matter how small or inconsequential I had first viewed them. Fear and tension exude from Elena at all times but she hides them well from the Germans that surround her. She does such a god job pulling the wool over their eyes that is able to infiltrate deep and find out things that are very beneficial to the cause. But on the romance side I found she played a risky game going back and forth between certain people.
Flamenco dancer Santiago catches her eye as soon as she lands in Madrid and I found the chemistry between them just off the charts.They dance around each other drawing close and then seeming far apart as Elena through what she witnesses and hears questions his loyalties. Really you couldn’t blame her as there were so many players in the game of chess that was ongoing in Madrid who were all trying to outdo one each other in the power games that it was impossible to know who was on what side. Romance wasn’t always at the forefront of Elena’s mind but it did provide a nice distraction for her when she needed it and I thought overall this aspect of the plot was really well developed and left you guessing.
When Elena is tasked with a dangerous assignment on another level compared to what she had been engaged in up until that point this for me was when the book really took off and it went to a different level. There was real edge of your seat nail-biting stuff and my heart was in my mouth wondering whether Elena had gone a step too far or was she mentally and physically capable of dealing with all the crisis, horror, terror and threats that were being thrown in her direction? I raced through the last quarter or so as it was jam packed with mystery and intrigue and plenty of surprising revelations reveal themselves. I hadn’t guessed as to the outcome and again I was reminded never to under estimate any character. I did find the ending as in the last few pages or so was quite abrupt given how much time and detail had gone into the overall story. Another chapter would have tied things up nicely but that wasn’t to be.
Overall, The Secret Keeper is a fantastic book and one of the better stories I have recently read in the WW2 historical fiction genre. Despite what I felt was an unnecessary and long winded start the book turned its self on its head and you will race to the end with your heart thumping as it becomes a very dramatic story. The author mentions in her end notes how she enjoys weaving lesser known historical facts into her stories and I was interested to read that the character of Elena was inspired by the true story of an American model turned spy. It makes me want to go and find out more. Siobhan Curham is now definitely on my list of go to authors and I look forward to what she has next in store for us.
We follow American Elena whose heritage is Mexican and French. She is a waitress but trying to make it as an actress. Whilst filming a commercial she impresses those in the war department and soon finds herself being trained as an OSS agent. This takes her completely out of her comfort zone but the powers that be have spotted the qualities need to be a spy undercover in Europe. Elena doubts her abilities time and time again but throughout everything that she endures she remembers the words her grandmother said ‘Love your fear, seek the wonder, embrace the mystery’.
Elena’s French grandmother Rose returned to France from America but since then the Germans have invaded and all contact has been lost. Throughout the book Rose continues to write letters to Elena detailing her experiences of occupation. She never gets to send the letters but getting everything down on paper sustains her through the difficult times. The chapters are interspersed with Rose’s letters and I thought this was brilliant as it gave an insight into life in France during the war and it reinforced for the reader the fact that everything Elena goes through will all be worth it if the war can be won and her grandmother survives. They provided a sharp contrast between what was going on in France and what Elena was living through in Madrid. Elena is told that as a spy your head should always rule over your heart and for her this will be tested time and time again as she finds herself assigned to Madrid where danger lurks around every corner and no one is to be trusted.
Elena arrives in Madrid a fresh and raw recruit who has no idea of what she has gotten herself involved in and she doubts she is strong enough to carry out what has been asked of her. But the further the books progresses she goes through a complete transformation from someone who I viewed as meek and really not fit for the job to a person who became strong, ingenious and hard as nails when push came to shove. Elena adopts the alias of Carmen, an actress who is starring in a new play in Madrid. The early scenes in Madrid made it seem that although the war was raging on that it hadn’t quite hit their doorstep in terms of actual fighting yet really there was a whole network of underhanded dealings going on. She is tasked with discovering just who is working for the Germans and passing on information that should never get into their hands. Elena uses her skills as an actress to perfection throughout the book. You almost forget that she was plucked out of obscurity and is puting her life on the line so good of a role does she play. Her senses are always heightened and she is on full alert at all times. For no one is as they seem and the only person she can really trust is her handler.
It wasn’t until the halfway point that for me the book really picked up the pace. I found the scenes set in Madrid became slightly repetitive and not much happened to push the story on and there became quite a number of characters to keep track of. None of which I knew whether they were loyal or not but then came that turning point that I have experienced whilst reading other books by this author. Something just clicked with me and I found myself racing through the pages eager to know what was happening and why and what the ultimate outcome would be. Elena stepped up in my estimation big time and I loved all the twists and turns that were unfolding. I came to appreciate that the slow start was worth it and that every character needs to be kept an eye on no matter how small or inconsequential I had first viewed them. Fear and tension exude from Elena at all times but she hides them well from the Germans that surround her. She does such a god job pulling the wool over their eyes that is able to infiltrate deep and find out things that are very beneficial to the cause. But on the romance side I found she played a risky game going back and forth between certain people.
Flamenco dancer Santiago catches her eye as soon as she lands in Madrid and I found the chemistry between them just off the charts.They dance around each other drawing close and then seeming far apart as Elena through what she witnesses and hears questions his loyalties. Really you couldn’t blame her as there were so many players in the game of chess that was ongoing in Madrid who were all trying to outdo one each other in the power games that it was impossible to know who was on what side. Romance wasn’t always at the forefront of Elena’s mind but it did provide a nice distraction for her when she needed it and I thought overall this aspect of the plot was really well developed and left you guessing.
When Elena is tasked with a dangerous assignment on another level compared to what she had been engaged in up until that point this for me was when the book really took off and it went to a different level. There was real edge of your seat nail-biting stuff and my heart was in my mouth wondering whether Elena had gone a step too far or was she mentally and physically capable of dealing with all the crisis, horror, terror and threats that were being thrown in her direction? I raced through the last quarter or so as it was jam packed with mystery and intrigue and plenty of surprising revelations reveal themselves. I hadn’t guessed as to the outcome and again I was reminded never to under estimate any character. I did find the ending as in the last few pages or so was quite abrupt given how much time and detail had gone into the overall story. Another chapter would have tied things up nicely but that wasn’t to be.
Overall, The Secret Keeper is a fantastic book and one of the better stories I have recently read in the WW2 historical fiction genre. Despite what I felt was an unnecessary and long winded start the book turned its self on its head and you will race to the end with your heart thumping as it becomes a very dramatic story. The author mentions in her end notes how she enjoys weaving lesser known historical facts into her stories and I was interested to read that the character of Elena was inspired by the true story of an American model turned spy. It makes me want to go and find out more. Siobhan Curham is now definitely on my list of go to authors and I look forward to what she has next in store for us.
March 14, 2023
Absolutely loved it. Used to teach theatre and I could so see this as a movie. HOWEVER, it stopped so quickly I felt like I had whiplash!! It's as if she was really enjoying telling the story and someone tapped her on the shoulder and said she had only 5 minutes to close the story. Very disappointed in how fast it ended.
October 24, 2022
Author uses language and phrases not consistent with WWII time period. Protagonist's skills from minimal training are not believable. Story is disjointed. Title does not fit story.
August 1, 2022
Elena Garcia, a bit part actress in California who has just finished starring in a training film for American undercover agents destined for Europe, is excited when offered a role in Washington DC. Intrigued by the secrecy surrounding this offer and thinking this could be her big break, she is surprised and a little dismayed to learn that the role offered, although she has to act a part, is not one for stage or screen but for the OSS, the Office of Strategic Services, the American intelligence agency. Singled out for her Mexican and French heritage, her linguistic skills and her acting ability, she is the ideal operative for an upcoming mission.
After her training, as Carmen De La Fuente, a Mexican actress, code name Flamingo, Elena is sent to Madrid, Spain. The city is a hotbed of intrigue where spies and counter spies, German and Allied, make use of Spain's neutrality and the fact that the dictator, Franco, is pro-Nazis and welcomes regular visits from the head of the Abwher, the German Intelligence Service and Himmler, the head of the dreaded SS and Hitler's second in command.
Elena's brief is to confirm whether a Spanish actress is Himmler's agent in Madrid and also to seek out locals, especially women, who might be interested in working with the Allies. Her method is to infiltrate the social scene and accept as many invitations as possible. Through one of these invitations, she meets Santiago Lozano and despite being warned to trust no-one and avoid romantic entanglements, Elena is drawn to him.
We follow Elena as she fulfils her dangerous mission, fearful that her cover may be blown at any time. She faces tricky situations where on the spur of the moment decisions have to be made to protect her identity and safeguard her mission. Adding to her unease, is a fortune teller's prediction that has Elena reassessing her connections and questioning the motives of those she has grown close to and come to trust. Meanwhile, she is coming to the notice of powerful German officers and businessmen. She is reunited with people from her past, but is totally unprepared for an act of betrayal.
Elena is a wonderful character, although I didn't believe she would so readily leave her home and family on the promise of an acting role across the other side of the country. However, this was just a minor niggle, with her recruitment and training dealt with quickly.
The action ramps up considerably once she is in Madrid and any qualms I had about her recruitment faded away completely so credible was she in her new role: courageous and sensible. Despite her growing feelings for Santiago, her mission always came first regardless of the personal heartache.
I loved her inner dialogue where she is the insecure Elena who talks herself into becoming the confident Carmen, often using a nine word mantra, supplied by her grandmother, to calm her mind.
This novel is full of suspense and some truly heart stopping moments. It's also a fascinating look at what was happening in Spain during World War II.
I've enjoyed a number of Siobhan Curham's novels now and believe this is her best one yet!
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a blog tour.
*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com.au
After her training, as Carmen De La Fuente, a Mexican actress, code name Flamingo, Elena is sent to Madrid, Spain. The city is a hotbed of intrigue where spies and counter spies, German and Allied, make use of Spain's neutrality and the fact that the dictator, Franco, is pro-Nazis and welcomes regular visits from the head of the Abwher, the German Intelligence Service and Himmler, the head of the dreaded SS and Hitler's second in command.
Elena's brief is to confirm whether a Spanish actress is Himmler's agent in Madrid and also to seek out locals, especially women, who might be interested in working with the Allies. Her method is to infiltrate the social scene and accept as many invitations as possible. Through one of these invitations, she meets Santiago Lozano and despite being warned to trust no-one and avoid romantic entanglements, Elena is drawn to him.
We follow Elena as she fulfils her dangerous mission, fearful that her cover may be blown at any time. She faces tricky situations where on the spur of the moment decisions have to be made to protect her identity and safeguard her mission. Adding to her unease, is a fortune teller's prediction that has Elena reassessing her connections and questioning the motives of those she has grown close to and come to trust. Meanwhile, she is coming to the notice of powerful German officers and businessmen. She is reunited with people from her past, but is totally unprepared for an act of betrayal.
Elena is a wonderful character, although I didn't believe she would so readily leave her home and family on the promise of an acting role across the other side of the country. However, this was just a minor niggle, with her recruitment and training dealt with quickly.
The action ramps up considerably once she is in Madrid and any qualms I had about her recruitment faded away completely so credible was she in her new role: courageous and sensible. Despite her growing feelings for Santiago, her mission always came first regardless of the personal heartache.
I loved her inner dialogue where she is the insecure Elena who talks herself into becoming the confident Carmen, often using a nine word mantra, supplied by her grandmother, to calm her mind.
This novel is full of suspense and some truly heart stopping moments. It's also a fascinating look at what was happening in Spain during World War II.
I've enjoyed a number of Siobhan Curham's novels now and believe this is her best one yet!
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a blog tour.
*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com.au
October 24, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Get ready to have your heart broken into a million tiny pieces by Siobhan Curham’s poignant new novel, The Secret Keeper.
Elena’s work with the secret service puts her in jeopardy every single day. However, her latest mission is her most dangerous one yet. As she bids goodbye to Santiago, the man she has grown to love, Elena makes her way to the train station to get to the drop-off point, however, when she hears footsteps behind her and is attacked, it looks like her worst fears have been confirmed: her cover is blown and she has been rumbled. Fighting off her attacker, Elena makes it on to the train by the skin of her teeth, fully aware that she is no longer safe and that she has a target on her back.
There is a traitor in her midst and she has put her trust in the wrong person. Knowing that she is now in danger, Elena must flee Europe, but that would mean leaving behind Santiago and she is not prepared to let him go and allow him to face the enemy alone. Elena would give her life for Santiago, but just how well does she know the man she has given her heart to? When she discovers that he has been having meetings with high-ranking government officials and sees him being warmly greeted by German soldiers, it transpires that Santiago has dangerous secrets of his own…
Did Santiago betray her? Is he the traitor who has put her life in danger? As everything she believed to be true comes crumbling down around her ears, Elena will have to make the most difficult decision of her life, but will she make the right choice? Can she still trust her instincts? Or will loving Santiago prove to be the biggest mistake she has ever made?
Siobhan Curham wows her readers yet again with her latest novel, The Secret Keeper. Inspired by real events, The Secret Keeper is a beautifully written, wonderfully engaging and sensitively told historical tale of love, courage, jeopardy and war that held me in its grip from beginning to end. Siobhan Curham makes history come alive and she is such an incredible writer that readers can almost feel the tension and taste the fear and terror as her characters are tested and challenged in their determination to defeat the enemy.
Siobhan Curham is an exceptional writer of historical fiction and with The Secret Keeper has once again outdone herself and written a novel that is as impossible to put down as it is to forget.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Get ready to have your heart broken into a million tiny pieces by Siobhan Curham’s poignant new novel, The Secret Keeper.
Elena’s work with the secret service puts her in jeopardy every single day. However, her latest mission is her most dangerous one yet. As she bids goodbye to Santiago, the man she has grown to love, Elena makes her way to the train station to get to the drop-off point, however, when she hears footsteps behind her and is attacked, it looks like her worst fears have been confirmed: her cover is blown and she has been rumbled. Fighting off her attacker, Elena makes it on to the train by the skin of her teeth, fully aware that she is no longer safe and that she has a target on her back.
There is a traitor in her midst and she has put her trust in the wrong person. Knowing that she is now in danger, Elena must flee Europe, but that would mean leaving behind Santiago and she is not prepared to let him go and allow him to face the enemy alone. Elena would give her life for Santiago, but just how well does she know the man she has given her heart to? When she discovers that he has been having meetings with high-ranking government officials and sees him being warmly greeted by German soldiers, it transpires that Santiago has dangerous secrets of his own…
Did Santiago betray her? Is he the traitor who has put her life in danger? As everything she believed to be true comes crumbling down around her ears, Elena will have to make the most difficult decision of her life, but will she make the right choice? Can she still trust her instincts? Or will loving Santiago prove to be the biggest mistake she has ever made?
Siobhan Curham wows her readers yet again with her latest novel, The Secret Keeper. Inspired by real events, The Secret Keeper is a beautifully written, wonderfully engaging and sensitively told historical tale of love, courage, jeopardy and war that held me in its grip from beginning to end. Siobhan Curham makes history come alive and she is such an incredible writer that readers can almost feel the tension and taste the fear and terror as her characters are tested and challenged in their determination to defeat the enemy.
Siobhan Curham is an exceptional writer of historical fiction and with The Secret Keeper has once again outdone herself and written a novel that is as impossible to put down as it is to forget.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2022
Elena Garcia is a 21 year old American woman who longs to be an actress, but works in a diner instead – a job she despises. Her father is Mexican, grandmother French, and Elena speaks both Spanish and French fluently.
A chance encounter with a mysterious man from the War Department results in Elena travelling to Washington D.C., and then to Maryland to join the espionage school training to become a US spy.
Elena becomes friends with Betty who struggles in training and becomes an object of misogynistic jokes by Teddy, who reckons he’s the Alpha male.
Elena’s first post takes her to Madrid, Spain, a country that was neutral during the war. In my mind, I always thought that neutral countries in WWII (like Spain or Portugal) were just left alone, however, that wasn’t the case – apparently they were a hive of undercover agents where vital intelligence was passed. I felt that I have learned something valuable!
In Spain, Elena’s task is to find Himmler’s undercover agent, and as the reader soon finds out, Elena isn’t short of suspects – anyone could be working for the Nazis. Her handler, Mitchell, offers her one piece of advice ‘Don’t fall in love’, however, this proves hard for Elena, as she meets kind and charming flamenco dancer, Santiago. Will he be her salvation or damnation? Will Elena discover the true identity of Himmler’s spy?
I loved this book right from the beginning all the way to the end. I found it was very well researched – the part about Leslie Howard’s death, the British actor, mostly known for his role in Gone With the Wind, was quite fascinating and I did research the potential theories of why his plane was shot down by the Luftwaffe.
I really liked Elena as a character, she was brave, patriotic, and would do anything for her country.
There were some despicable characters depicted in this book, such as Teddy and Horst, who thought that they were God’s gifts sent to women who should worship them.
My favourite part in the book were the letters written by Grand-mère Rose to Elena, in which she described the horrific occupation of France by the Nazis. I felt those short notes really brought the reality of war and what it was like for the French people.
Overall, it is a fantastic book, part espionage and thriller, part romance, but full of historical details.
I definitely recommend it.
A chance encounter with a mysterious man from the War Department results in Elena travelling to Washington D.C., and then to Maryland to join the espionage school training to become a US spy.
Elena becomes friends with Betty who struggles in training and becomes an object of misogynistic jokes by Teddy, who reckons he’s the Alpha male.
Elena’s first post takes her to Madrid, Spain, a country that was neutral during the war. In my mind, I always thought that neutral countries in WWII (like Spain or Portugal) were just left alone, however, that wasn’t the case – apparently they were a hive of undercover agents where vital intelligence was passed. I felt that I have learned something valuable!
In Spain, Elena’s task is to find Himmler’s undercover agent, and as the reader soon finds out, Elena isn’t short of suspects – anyone could be working for the Nazis. Her handler, Mitchell, offers her one piece of advice ‘Don’t fall in love’, however, this proves hard for Elena, as she meets kind and charming flamenco dancer, Santiago. Will he be her salvation or damnation? Will Elena discover the true identity of Himmler’s spy?
I loved this book right from the beginning all the way to the end. I found it was very well researched – the part about Leslie Howard’s death, the British actor, mostly known for his role in Gone With the Wind, was quite fascinating and I did research the potential theories of why his plane was shot down by the Luftwaffe.
I really liked Elena as a character, she was brave, patriotic, and would do anything for her country.
There were some despicable characters depicted in this book, such as Teddy and Horst, who thought that they were God’s gifts sent to women who should worship them.
My favourite part in the book were the letters written by Grand-mère Rose to Elena, in which she described the horrific occupation of France by the Nazis. I felt those short notes really brought the reality of war and what it was like for the French people.
Overall, it is a fantastic book, part espionage and thriller, part romance, but full of historical details.
I definitely recommend it.
July 17, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Elena has grown up in the Los Angeles area but loves the letters from her Grand-mere Rose. After Pearl Harbor, Elena is approached by the Office of Strategic Services to become an operative. Her beloved grandmother had moved back to France and is now encased in a Nazi-controlled country. Because Elena speaks three languages fluently, she is a perfect candidate to become a spy.
Her training in a camp in Maryland is extensive and rigorous. She is taught many things including how to disarm or kill a man in close physical combat. Her training includes ciphers and other coding techniques. She knows that if she is caught, she will be tortured by the enemy for information and secrets and then killed.
She wants to be an actress and has been training to become one. Her persona is a Spanish actress working in a play in Madrid. She has a minor role in the production. Madrid is lousy with German operatives who are trying to catch allied personnel who are trying to get back to England! Her primary role is to infiltrate the German high command and thereby help the pilots elude capture.
The author has written a believable saga of a young girl in occupied Europe. The amount of danger and efforts to stay alive bring credibility to this character. Knowing the result of not staying vigilant will result in a slow and painful death. Danger moves with her every step of the way. I could not put the book down. Read and enjoy the efforts of this masterful storyteller. 5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Elena has grown up in the Los Angeles area but loves the letters from her Grand-mere Rose. After Pearl Harbor, Elena is approached by the Office of Strategic Services to become an operative. Her beloved grandmother had moved back to France and is now encased in a Nazi-controlled country. Because Elena speaks three languages fluently, she is a perfect candidate to become a spy.
Her training in a camp in Maryland is extensive and rigorous. She is taught many things including how to disarm or kill a man in close physical combat. Her training includes ciphers and other coding techniques. She knows that if she is caught, she will be tortured by the enemy for information and secrets and then killed.
She wants to be an actress and has been training to become one. Her persona is a Spanish actress working in a play in Madrid. She has a minor role in the production. Madrid is lousy with German operatives who are trying to catch allied personnel who are trying to get back to England! Her primary role is to infiltrate the German high command and thereby help the pilots elude capture.
The author has written a believable saga of a young girl in occupied Europe. The amount of danger and efforts to stay alive bring credibility to this character. Knowing the result of not staying vigilant will result in a slow and painful death. Danger moves with her every step of the way. I could not put the book down. Read and enjoy the efforts of this masterful storyteller. 5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Read
July 12, 2022DNF at 10%
Given the number of WWII spy novels out there, I hold new releases to a pretty high standard as a reviewer (although honestly it doesn’t take much for my to fall in love with them as a reader, I’m a sucker), but even for my usual expectations this just didn’t do it for me, and I wasn’t in the mood to slog through a book that didn't have me hooked.
The character introductions were shallow, which was unfortunate when paired with a style of prose that I don’t get along with. For example, a scene that introduces Elena’s family includes the reflection that “Seeing my parents work so hard to make a better life for Maria and me than they had as kids fuels my desire to make it as an actress.” To me it reads like a line from a uni application.
It also jumped too quickly into the ‘making Elena a spy’ thing for my taste, and pretty clumsily as well (as a side-note, there’s a lot of ‘meet a man you don’t know in a hotel and don’t tell anyone where you’re going’ that I could understand Elena going along with if it’s couched in reminders about the War Effort (loose lips sink ships etc) but she thinks it’s for an acting job. It frustrated me.) The final thing that put me off was some classic fatphobia - the only character described as fat was also described as a “belching bear.” I just don’t have patience for it.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Given the number of WWII spy novels out there, I hold new releases to a pretty high standard as a reviewer (although honestly it doesn’t take much for my to fall in love with them as a reader, I’m a sucker), but even for my usual expectations this just didn’t do it for me, and I wasn’t in the mood to slog through a book that didn't have me hooked.
The character introductions were shallow, which was unfortunate when paired with a style of prose that I don’t get along with. For example, a scene that introduces Elena’s family includes the reflection that “Seeing my parents work so hard to make a better life for Maria and me than they had as kids fuels my desire to make it as an actress.” To me it reads like a line from a uni application.
It also jumped too quickly into the ‘making Elena a spy’ thing for my taste, and pretty clumsily as well (as a side-note, there’s a lot of ‘meet a man you don’t know in a hotel and don’t tell anyone where you’re going’ that I could understand Elena going along with if it’s couched in reminders about the War Effort (loose lips sink ships etc) but she thinks it’s for an acting job. It frustrated me.) The final thing that put me off was some classic fatphobia - the only character described as fat was also described as a “belching bear.” I just don’t have patience for it.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
Elena is a young American actress looking for opportunities to further her career and help the war effort. While making training videos for the OSS (precursor to the CIA) she is recruited as a spy and sent to Spain to discover which Spaniards are working with the Germans. While there she meets a flamenco dancer named Santiago and sparks fly, but she is not sure whether she can trust him or not. The deeper she gets the more dangerous things become.
I enjoyed this novel. The story is fast paced and there is plenty of action.I found Elena to be an interesting well rounded character, although I sometimes found her inner monologue a bit much. For example, she was sent to get close to Germans and when one asks her out she exclaims to herself “Have I really just made a date with a Nazi?” as if it never crossed her mind that this might be part of the job. Despite that occasional dramatics the novel is well written.
I especially appreciate when historical fiction is researched and includes events and people that are part of the actual historical records. According to the author notes, Elena is loosely based on a real American woman who signed up as a spy with the OSS. Several other locations and minor characters are also from historical records.
4 stars
I enjoyed this novel. The story is fast paced and there is plenty of action.I found Elena to be an interesting well rounded character, although I sometimes found her inner monologue a bit much. For example, she was sent to get close to Germans and when one asks her out she exclaims to herself “Have I really just made a date with a Nazi?” as if it never crossed her mind that this might be part of the job. Despite that occasional dramatics the novel is well written.
I especially appreciate when historical fiction is researched and includes events and people that are part of the actual historical records. According to the author notes, Elena is loosely based on a real American woman who signed up as a spy with the OSS. Several other locations and minor characters are also from historical records.
4 stars
November 8, 2022
The Secret Keeper: A Gripping and Emotional World War II Novel, Inspired by True Events is by Siobhan Curham. This is a compelling story even if it is fiction. I have often wondered where they got all the spies and what kind of people they were. What happened to them when they went to work trying to learn the secrets of the enemy? How did they get away with what they did?
This novel attempts to answer these questions by focusing on one particular character and seeing how she managed to work and survive undercover. It emphasizes how the agents had no idea who was working the for their side or the other side. It shows how dangerous it was and how lonely it could be.
I really liked the way she kept the grandmother in the story since she was one of the reasons Elena took the job as a spy in the first place. The letters the grandmother wrote and hid were so heartfelt and so realistic they showed just how wonderful the grandmother was to Elena and later to Caleb. It was ironic that Elena wrote a letter to her grandmother when she had a big decision to make and that she burned it which is what the grandmother had done with the first letter she wrote to Elena from France.
The book kept me reading until I was finished and left me wanting more.
This novel attempts to answer these questions by focusing on one particular character and seeing how she managed to work and survive undercover. It emphasizes how the agents had no idea who was working the for their side or the other side. It shows how dangerous it was and how lonely it could be.
I really liked the way she kept the grandmother in the story since she was one of the reasons Elena took the job as a spy in the first place. The letters the grandmother wrote and hid were so heartfelt and so realistic they showed just how wonderful the grandmother was to Elena and later to Caleb. It was ironic that Elena wrote a letter to her grandmother when she had a big decision to make and that she burned it which is what the grandmother had done with the first letter she wrote to Elena from France.
The book kept me reading until I was finished and left me wanting more.
July 31, 2022
After shedding a few tears at the end of Siobhan Curham’s The Secret Keeper, I know that I will be thinking about Elena Garcia’s story for awhile. I read a lot of WW II historical fiction including books about the OSS and “The Farm” where new agents were trained. Elena was an aspiring actress who supported herself as a waitress. She was recruited to join the OSS. She spoke French and Spanish and could act. Her French grandmother had lived with their family in California but returned to France. I especially enjoyed the section about Elena’s training at The Farm. Her first assignment is going to be in Spain as an actress in a play. We meet lots of characters in this book and there are many twists as to who Elena can trust. I was surprised a few times. Several times throughout the book at the end of a chapter, a letter by Grandmère Rose is written to appears to Elena. Although the letters were never sent, the reader learns what is happening in France to Elena’s grandmother and her community.
This is the first book I have read by Siobhan. It will not be my last. My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is the first book I have read by Siobhan. It will not be my last. My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.
August 18, 2023
This tale of an aspiring American actress who becomes an agent of the OSS in wartime Madrid rattles along well enough for the most part. Elena becomes Rose, who becomes Carmen de la Fuente, Mexican actress in Madrid and fledgling spy.
Elena is apparently a natural spy, but she's very black and white in her thinking. If someone is seen talking to a German, they automatically become a German collaborator in her mind. She's very naive in many ways and appears inexperienced in everything from life to men. I must admit to being somewhat baffled why she was pinpointed as a potential agent.
Once in the field, she faces things bravely, but she kind of stumbles around. I feel like we're constantly told that Elena's a great agent, but we're not actually shown that. I also found all the appearances by people she trained with a little hard to buy.
This wasn't a bad yarn, but I wanted a more involved story if I'm honest. The letters from Elena's French grandmother that peppered the novel didn't add anything for me either. Overall, I thought this enjoyable enough but it didn't blow me away.
Elena is apparently a natural spy, but she's very black and white in her thinking. If someone is seen talking to a German, they automatically become a German collaborator in her mind. She's very naive in many ways and appears inexperienced in everything from life to men. I must admit to being somewhat baffled why she was pinpointed as a potential agent.
Once in the field, she faces things bravely, but she kind of stumbles around. I feel like we're constantly told that Elena's a great agent, but we're not actually shown that. I also found all the appearances by people she trained with a little hard to buy.
This wasn't a bad yarn, but I wanted a more involved story if I'm honest. The letters from Elena's French grandmother that peppered the novel didn't add anything for me either. Overall, I thought this enjoyable enough but it didn't blow me away.
July 20, 2022
Tense Spy Thriller In Oft-Overlooked Area Of WWII. This tale was exactly what I said in the title of the review - a tense spy thriller based in the OSS days of the CIA during WWII and apparently based on the experiences of a real-life actress-turned-spy. Here, we see theoretically neutral Spain (under dictator Francisco Franco, in the early part of his reign) as a hotbed for spying by both sides and the tense and sometimes deadly stakes that arise from any spy story. But we also get a much more intimate and personal look at issues involving trust and betrayal, and throughout the text the reader is kept wondering as much as the protagonist is: just who *can* you trust? One of the more interesting features of this particular tale was the series of letters the protagonist's grandmother writes - knowing she'll never be able to send them - describing her ordeals in Paris as France falls and during the war. Overall an excellent tale well told, and very much recommended.
May 10, 2023
I enjoyed the book. It was a gripping book and I happily spent a whole day reading it. I liked the main character Elena/Carmen. She is certainly courageous and not a damsel in distress, however, she does seem rather naive on occasions.
I do appreciate that the author incorporated characters on both sides of the war who weren’t just like a cliché and so many regurgitated characters from other novels, meaning showing that there were German soldiers with some compassion such as the house guest at grandmother Rose and Americans who swapped sides.
What I find a pity is that the book ended rather abruptly. Almost felt like the author ran out of steam or just didn’t want to write anything further. There are a few loose ends (e.g. did Elena found her way back to Santiago?, what happened to Teddy?). Did the author plan a follow-up book?
Regardless it’s a book worth reading. A good 3.5 stars (maybe even 4).
I do appreciate that the author incorporated characters on both sides of the war who weren’t just like a cliché and so many regurgitated characters from other novels, meaning showing that there were German soldiers with some compassion such as the house guest at grandmother Rose and Americans who swapped sides.
What I find a pity is that the book ended rather abruptly. Almost felt like the author ran out of steam or just didn’t want to write anything further. There are a few loose ends (e.g. did Elena found her way back to Santiago?, what happened to Teddy?). Did the author plan a follow-up book?
Regardless it’s a book worth reading. A good 3.5 stars (maybe even 4).
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