This novel is about twin sisters who became involved in Canada’s WWII war effort from the point of view of WRENS , one as a code breaker and one as a mechanic. For me it was interesting as there was much to learn about Canada's involvement during that war. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again Genevieve Graham has brought Canadian History alive!
The story of Dot and Dash is one of true woman empowerment! Two young ladies finding their place and fight for it! Fighting against the odds and the stigma that it’s a man’s world!
I laughed, I cried, and I held my breath in anticipation of what the next page held!
Thank you Ms Graham for telling these stories and tales of a HERstory we need to remember and keep fighting for today!

Fantastic story that got me hooked from the very first page .
I am super picky when it comes to historical fiction but I have read all of the ones Genevieve has done so far and I just love her books and her writing style.

The Secret Keeper is a WWII Historical Fiction novel by the incredibly talented Genevieve Graham. It's about twin sisters, Dash and Dot Wilson, living in Oshawa, Ontario during the Second World War. When all of the young, local men have long since gone to war, Dash - the more adventurous of the two - can't help but wonder how she can help. She joins the Wrens as a mechanic, in the hopes that she can play her part. Missing Dash and their best friend, Gus, Dot decides in a moment of courage to join the Wrens as well. With her talents for puzzles, languages and Morse code, Dot quickly finds that there's a need for women like her in the war as well. Both women (and Gus) play pivotal parts in the war, in and outside of Canada.

Genevieve Graham is by far the best Canadian Historical Fiction writer. Her novels are always impeccably researched. Her plots and characters so well-woven together, bringing a different level of life to the novel. The Secret Keeper is a page-turning, empowering novel that I couldn't devour quick enough. I loved how much of the setting took place around where I live, including Camp X, Thornton Road, and the CNE, making it so much easier to imagine. I can't stress enough how much you should read some Genevieve Graham, if you haven't already!

Dash and Dot are twins from Ontario. As close as they are as sisters they couldn’t more different. Armed with skills learned at home such as mechanic and Morse code they decide (at different times) to join the world war 11 effort on the home front. This will lead to some wild and exciting experiences but wars have secrets that must be kept and this will affect their sister and family relationships and their friendships as well. Will their relationship ever be the same? Will they all survive the war?

I loved this book and if you loved The Nightingale or the Kate Quinn novels about the brave roles women played during the war you will likely also love this book. As a Canadian it was great to be able to read for once about the important roles the women from my own country played in the war effort and with two protagonists with such different skill sets so many of those roles were able to be showcased in this novel.

The story is engaging and powerful and eye opening but make sure you also read the authors note at the end of the novel detailing the real history behind the book. This had me in tears at how humble the real
Women involved were/are even though it is clear their role was vital and many are heroes in their own right.

I enjoyed reading about little written about cities in Canada! The story was a little long but I did love the character growth of one of the sisters in particular and was encouraged to read about strong Canadian women and their unique contributions during WW 2!

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this one in return for my honest thoughts.

If I had to pick one thing I love most about Genevieve Graham's historical fiction, it's that she always, without fail, introduces me to something about Canadian history that I am less educated on than I should be.

She's done it again with the Secret Keeper, giving insight into the WRENS and the role of Canadian women in WW2.

Two sisters, Dot and Dash Wilson, couldn't be closer OR more different. Dash, as her name suggests, is quick on her feet and in her social circles. she is a master mechanic and loves to fly. Dot, on the other hand, is a wiz with numbers, puzzles and languages. Their father taught them both Morse code but it's Dot that excels in the language. Both girls end up using their natural abilities in the WRENS but, when family tragedy strikes, the level of secrecy required by Dot's role in a super-secret spy school, the Canadian counterpart to Britain's Bletchley Park, a rift drives the once close sisters apart. Dash, broken by the rift and her sister's apparent betrayal, launches herself into work as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary. Both girls, in their own way, are contributing uniquely and significantly to the Canadian war effort but when the worst happens, it's the family bonds that pull tight.

I loved the insight into both the ATA and Camp-X (the spy school). I actually had no idea the significant role that Canadians played in those areas and I love that Graham can "teach" through such well rounded characters and beautiful relationships. She took me through the range of emotions; from enjoying clubs with the girls to feeling all the feels when tragedy hit, the adrenaline hit at the high action scenes and terror the, well, terrifying ones. And then celebration and relief when resolution finally arrives. And, if you wanted a little love story, she's got that too.

This is definitely another winner for Genevieve Graham.

I really enjoyed this novel! It covered so much about Canada’s participation and efforts in WW2 that I had never heard of before. The characters were charming and well drawn out. This book again cemented Genevieve Graham as my favorite Canadian Historical Fiction author.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I think this is my first five star read of 2024. I absolutely love this author, she writes the best historical fiction, always Canadian based and heartfelt, touching and engaging for the first page. The notes at the back of the book were so interesting to read.

Dorothy and Margaret are twins, nicknamed Dot and Dash by their parents. Dorothy was a shy girl, her sister Dash was the bold one, the brave one. They are raised along with a young boy who lost his parents to war, Gus; the three were inseparable. Dorothy excelled at school and Dash dreamed of flying airplanes. As they became young women in the time of war, they each chose to join the Wrens and so their part for the war effort. Their stories were so interesting and I couldn’t read this book fast enough. This book had everything, it was about family, love and honour.

I had never heard of Canada’s spy school (Camp X), I immediately started looking up more information after finishing this book. I look forward to more books by this author.

Set against the backdrop of World War II in Canada, this book follows the journey of two sisters, Dash and Dot, whose lives take divergent paths but remain intertwined by love, secrets, and an unbreakable bond.

I really enjoyed the writing, it was very smooth and satisfying. The vivid descriptions transported me to wartime Canada, where I could feel the anticipation in the air.

The characters also steal the show. Dash, with her daring spirit and relentless pursuit of her dreams, and Dot, the quiet genius with a knack for cracking codes, are a dynamic duo I couldn’t help but root for. Their journey from the comforts of their home in Oshawa, Ontario, to to the front lines of the war effort is nothing less than feminine determination.

And I also really enjoyed the plot, from heart-wrenching losses to heartwarming triumphs, from secrets buried deep to secrets laid bare. There are themes of love, sisterhood, patriotism and sacrifice.

When reading historical fiction I have an appreciation for historical depth. I love the mention of real-life heroines, like the WRENS, The Attagirls and Elsie MacGill, whose courage and tenacity paved the way for generations to come.

The number one takeaway from this book, imo, lies in its message of empowerment. With the obstacles of Dash and Dot’s journey (Sexism, Unequal Pay, Harassment and Assault) Graham reminds us that no dream is too big, no obstacle too daunting, and no secret too heavy to bear when faced with unwavering determination and the support of loved ones.

In this fantastic historical fiction novel, readers travel to World War II Canada and meet twin sisters Dot and Dash. Dash, the more outgoing of the two, joins the Canadian WRENS to work as a mechanic in the hopes of becoming a pilot. Dot, on the other hand, is much shier and is a whiz at languages and Morse code, and she follows Dash into the WRENS as a radio transmitter and a codebreaker for a decoy D-Day operation. However, the secret nature of her job estranges Dot from her family at critical moments, damaging her relationship with her sister and family as the war goes on. Focusing on two very different sisters and their different journeys during World War II, the character development and plot development in this novel is fantastic. The complexity and detail in two different perspectives for such a long novel is really remarkable, and Graham has woven the characters and setting together in an incredible way. This novel’s complexity, depth, and detail, and its connections to a larger narrative, is just amazing, and the juxtaposition between Dot and Dash (and their underlying connection) is just wonderful to read, and fans of the genre are guaranteed to enjoy Graham’s latest book.

I loved the historical facts, but I didn't love the story. As usual, the author has taken little known (to me) facts about Canadian history and used it to tell a story. This time the characters are twins Dot & Dash Wilson who sign up during WWII to become WRENS. They both have very different but important skills which become integral to the wartime effort of defeating the German war machine. My struggle with the book came from my lack of understanding how Morse Code and ciphers work. This was Dot's skill but I was more interested in Dash's adventures as a pilot. I didn't start to enjoy this book until around 60% which is not usually my experience with Genevieve Graham's books. I learned something new about Canadian history and I'm always grateful for that but I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would have.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

As always, loved this new novel by Genevieve Graham. I love the level of research that goes into her books. I always learn something new. I had no idea about the Canadian spy training and involvement in the war, especially from a female perspective. I will read anything this author writes!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Genevieve Graham's "The Secret Keeper".

Genevieve Graham, Canadian Queen of historical fiction, has done it again.

At the outbreak of WW2 sisters Dot and Dash are inseparable. But when war breaks out in Europe and Canadian women are encouraged to do their bit, Dot finds herself left behind as Dash leaves to join the Wrens. Steeling her nerves and taking the biggest step of her life, Dot also leaves home to join the war effort. Her path leads to the interesting and covert field of codebreaking while Dash fulfils her dream of becoming a pilot, delivering airplanes to bases across the UK.
The formerly inseparable sisters find themselves worlds apart as Dot is forbidden to tell Dash anything about her work as a codebreaker and Dash cannot let go of her anger when Dot misses an important family moment. But when Dash finds herself in danger, Dot does everything in her power to bring her home safely.

Packed with warmth, love, and historical research, Graham explores another little known chapter of women's WW2 history.
(If you enjoy this book I would highly recommend "Bluebird" also by Genevieve Graham).

This was a fabulous, well researched, WWII historical fiction, that in a interesting change was told in only one time period. It featured two Canadian women (twins), both who joined the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Service). One was a mechanic and pilot and the other a Morse Code expert and code breaker. There was family dynamics, romance, and heroism and it was not only a wonderful read but a great history lesson. I loved it. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy . 4.75/5 stars!

Inseparable twin Sisters, Dot and Dash, opposites in some ways but similar in their love for each other and family. Both compelled to contribute to the war effort by putting their talents and passions to use, one as a codebreaker and one as a mechanic who dreams of flying. The sisters share a tight bond, but can that bond endure the challenges that arise?? Can some things ever be forgiven?

I learned so much during this read, such a well-researched enjoyable novel! A great reminder of the contribution Canada made in ending a horrific war. The story is centered around the efforts of the WRENS (The Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service) and the impacts of their contribution and also the top secret Camp X and Camp 30 (which I will assume that some do not know were located in Ontario!). I was fascinated to read about the strength and sacrifice of the WRENS and what they endured. Genevieve Graham has a way of bringing her characters to life! Although fictional, Dot and Dash will remain with me for some time. This was a pleasure to read, turning pages easily throughout, towards the end I couldn’t turn them fast enough!!

This was interesting, riveting, fascinating, heartbreaking and endearing… a must read for historical fiction fans!

The master of Canadian Historical fiction does it again! This was my 4th Genevieve Graham book and it is now my most favourite! (Previously read The Forgotten Home Child 5 stars, Bluebird 5 stars, Letters Across the Sea, 4 star). This story starts essentially in 1942 and follows the lives of twins Dash (Margaret) and Dot (Dorothy) who desperately want to help with the war effort. Both end up joining the Wrens (Canadian Women's Royal Navy), Dash as a mechanic (and she's a trained pilot) and Dot in Communications owning to her incredible language and puzzle skills. Its a book about war, its a book about Canada's role in WW2. It's also a book about love, sisterly, family and romantic love.

I once again have learned so much about little known Canadian history moments which is one of the main reasons I love reading Genevieve's book. Her writing is superb and her research is impeccable. Thank you to S&S for my copies of this book. Congrats to Genevieve on another incredible novel.

I am a massive fan of Genevieve Graham’s books, so when I this eARC I practically jumped for joy! Her books are important, they are part of Canadian history, which is my history. Genevieve does extensive research, and while her stories are fiction they are based on history.

I. LOVED. THE. SECRET. KEEPER.

that is all…

Kidding!

This maybe my favourite Genevieve Graham book - and no, I haven’t read all of them…yet, I believe I’ve read 4 so far.

I loved the twin relationship between Dot & Dash. How they were so different yet so bonded. I ached for their relationship when secrets had to be kept and hoped for their future friendship & bond.

Their stories & involvement in WWII as Canadian women was eye opening to me. And who knew we had a training faculty for spies in Ontario during World War II? I sure didn’t. I love that I get a history lesson & a wonderful story when I read Genevieve’s books!!

I would highly recommend The Secret Keeper and am so thankful I was given both an ARC (from NetGalley)and physical book from Simon & Schuster..

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.

With whip-smart detail and wonderful pacing, Graham shines a needed light on the war women waged. Dash and Dot were irrepressible and the attention to code-breaking detail was a wonder. Graham's books make me proud to be Canadian. I will be interviewing her for Blue Heron later this spring and look forward to featuring this wonderful book and writer!