An amazing story by one of my favourite Canadian authors!! 🇨🇦 This story while fictional highlights Canadian women's wartime effort.

It's the story of two twin sisters affectionately nicknamed Dot and Dash. They live in Oshawa, Ontario. I immediately wanted to read this when I heard that as I was raised in a small town just north of there. Dot is shy and very intelligent. She has a sort of photographic mind and loved to sit with her father who served in WW I. He taught her morse code. Dash is very outgoing and always wants to challenge herself. She has a love of flying. Her Uncle Bob also served in WW I and taught her to fly an airplane. As War strikes the sisters join The Canadian Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS.) Dot will eventually work at Camp X in Whitby, Ontario and become an ultra secretive Codebreaker. Dash will eventually go onto The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) in England.

This is both of the girls' wartime story. The author has done extraordinary research and I learned so much more about Canadian Women's contribution to the war than I ever did in school. Kudos to Ms. Graham!

This story is touching and brings many women's issues at the time to the forefront. There's a bit of everything in this story from sisterly love, secrets, a bit of romance, heart thumping action, grief and heartache, and eventual resilience. You won't want to miss this one if you're a lover of Wartime Historical Fiction!

The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham is another excellent historical fiction by this Canadian author. I learned parts of Canada's past from WWII that I had no idea about.

The story follows twin sisters, Dot and Dash, who in 1942 become Wrens and help in the war effort in Canada. It tells how women helped out during this time period. The author draws you right in with her very believable and likeable characters. Twin sisters with very different gifts decide to fight for freedom. This book is a tale of family, friendship, love, the trials that happen during war and the secrets that are kept.

I highly recommend this intriguing story. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advance copy of this novel.

Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham.
I absolutely love this author's writing, I pre-ordered this novel and she is an auto-read for me.
Genevieve Graham writes great historical fiction and you are always pulled in.
This is inspired by real-life stories of World War II and the young women who participated and changed the trajectory of war..
How two young sisters with their own passions, one with books, puzzles and Morse Code and the other fascinated with engines and flying
ended up in their own way changing the war.

Highly recommend
5 stars

I honestly did not know how to write a review for the best Genevieve Graham book I have ever read! Firstly, I want to thank Genevieve for helping me learn about my Canadian History. I believe her books should be part of our high school curriculum.

Now onto the story. This book is about twin sisters Dot and Dash (you’ll have to read to find out the meanings of their names) who join the war efforts in Canada. They are very different and their differences result in them working in different locations. When they joined the WRENS Dash went to become a pilot which was her dream. Whereas Dot (who joined after Dash) likes solving puzzles and crosswords was moved to Intelligence.

Then there is Gus. He was brought into their family as a young boy to be taken care of by their parents. I could see that he was going to be a huge part of their family and this story. I just did not know how until I kept reading the book.

All three of them had their secrets, two more than others, and this book was a book that I did not want to end. I absolutely love learning different aspects of my Canadian heritage through the books of Genevieve Graham. Thank you! 💜

** Please do not forget to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book

The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham is a beautiful work of Canadian Historical Fiction.

Told from the perspective of two sisters, Dot and Dash, this story allows your to see both of their experiences during the war

An absolute gem

Genevieve Graham never fails to engage her readers with intriguing characters, well researched history and unputdownable plots. Personally, I’ve met her on two occasions and she is a delight. So so happy for her success.

The Secret Keeper is another fabulous historical fiction book by Genevieve Graham!!! I really look forward to her releasing a new book as she does such an amazing job of bringing little known Canadian history to life. We learn about the work the women in the WRENS did during World War II. As a twin myself, I especially love how the special bond that Dot and Dash shared was evident, and yet they followed different paths. I didn’t want the story to end but I know I’ll be thinking about them for a long time.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Genevieve Graham for an ARC for my honest review.

I highly recommend #TheSecretKeeper and anything that Genevieve Graham writes!

The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham is a love story to Canada's history, but more specifically to the women aiding Canada's war effort during WWII. Make no mistake, however, you do not need to be Canadian to love and appreciate this historical fiction!

Twin girls Dot and Dash Wilson grow up in Oshawa, Ontario and slowly emerge as individuals when the novel begins to unfold; Dot is the studious type, taking to books and learning languages while Dash prefers getting her hands dirty, fixing engines and yearning to fly in the sky. Over the course of the story, the two sisters continue on their own journey, playing pivotal roles and keeping secrets; both being equally brave.

Graham's main characters show two different paths available in the military for women at the time, and I enjoyed the unique perspective that neither character became a nurse. As I read, I had to acknowledge both the similarities and differences during that time period and today. Military roles were male dominated, and it's amazing how far we've come as a society (obviously there’s still a long way to go, however). I found it fascinating that the ATA raised the female pilots’ wages to match those of their male counterparts, which was incredibly progressive! How unbelievably courageous to heed the call and aid your country during wartime!

As this is the second book I've read by Graham, I've come to understand her writing is straightforward and approachable. Graham is the teacher, the one to give you the knowledge needed for the story to truly come alive. Simply put, you don't need to be a history buff to benefit from her storytelling!

What a beautiful book; it is simply one to be celebrated!

Once again, I can't wait to read more from Graham - to learn more about Canada's past, and the roll of many amazing women over the course of history!

Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Simon & Schuster for the complimentary copy to read and review.

Book Review
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham

Tropes
WRENS/ WW11
Finding your strengths
Our Differences make us stronger
Mechanics/Codebreakers/Pilots
Dual POV spanning the lives of 2 sisters
Sexism faced by women who were encouraged to fill in the gaps in the workforce

Dash aka Margaret
The adventurous one, outgoing, tomboy
Wants to be a pilot, loves anything mechanical

Dot- aka Dorothy
The quiet one, introspective, shy
Doesnt know what she wants, homebody, enjoys puzzles, crosswords and reading

Gus
Ward of the family, brother figure and playmate
Always able to tell the girls apart and see them for their strengths

Thoughts
✅Adored the history and specifics to Canadian landmarks and locations
✅Pacing was fluid and steady, something was always happening
✅Predictable storyline allowed me to focus on the MC’s and their relationship with eachother and their individual personal growth
✅ Read the end notes, they add to the authenticity Graham strives for when researching the history behind the events and people captured in her books

Overall
Graham consistently captures the voices from our past and presents them in such a way that it feels as if the reader they’re sharing in their experiences. She is definitely an “auto-buy” author for me

Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own

I love books about strong women defying social constructs to do brave things. This was an un-putdownable winner from a consistent favorite author! I loved the dynamics between the two sisters as well as their journeys into finding out who they truly are.

Another absolutely enthralling, unputdownable historical fiction story by the master of little known Canadian history. Once again Graham invites us to learn about parts of Canada's past that few were taught in schools. In this case, Camp X and the role Canadians played in cracking codes during WWII.

Told from the perspectives of two twin sisters, Dot and Dash, one who eagerly enters the war, while the other more reluctantly and their childhood friend, Gus. Each woman ends up working in different areas, Dot in secret codebreaking at Camp X and Dash, in the ATA, helping fly planes from base to base in England.

Full of secrets, romance, action and adventure. This was great on audio narrated by Carlotta Brentan and Ferdelle Capistrano and highly recommended for fans of books like The rose code or Lady codebreaker. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

What I love most about Genevieve Graham’s books is that she writes them with Canadian characters who live in Canada. Now, I know it might not seem like a big deal, but as a Canadian, it’s hard to find Historical Fiction actually set in Canada and honestly, it’s a thrill each time she publishes a new book and I can always count on her to keep me engaged while I learn new things about my country. Oftentimes, our contribution to World War II is overlooked, but trust me, we were there and we did a lot.

I really loved the characters Dash and Dot. Though twins, they are complete opposites and it was interesting to read how each one used their unique talents to help with the war efforts, where they take very different paths. They tell their own stories in alternating chapters as they try to navigate life during WWII and by the end, they felt like friends of mine. The author’s engaging writing and flair for storytelling will keep you reading way past your bedtime just like it did me. Genevieve Graham is an auto buy author — I don’t even have to see what the book is about first. I know I’ll love it.

Six stars! Excellent!

I have read all of Genevieve Graham's books and they keep getting better! The Secret Keeper is so rich, full of historical details about some known and some unknown aspects of WW2 history, told from a Canadian perspective. The plot is interesting, the characters engaging, the problems historically accurate, and the resolution is very heartwarming. I can't recommend this book more! Six stars!

Thank you to the publisher who loaned me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

4.5 Stars. All eight of Genevieve Graham's historical novels are fascinating, entertaining, and informative. They give a fresh and factual account of Canadian history, and I have learned much more about how fascinating our history is. I was mainly taught ancient Greek and Roman history during my education, and I thought our Canadian history was dull and boring.

Graham's research is immaculate and extensive. I have always been amazed when pausing to google something from her books, the accuracy of the facts on which she bases her stories. At the end of The Secret Keepers, she includes Notes for the Reader. This section explains the names of actual people, places where there were wartime listening stations, and a centre to prepare espionage agents in Canada. I wish someone with the author's mindset had been my teacher. I would have emerged with a strong appreciation for our history.

The story revolves around two very different twin sisters, Dot and Dash (Margaret), and a young German boy, Gus, who is brought into their home and becomes like a brother to the girls. Dash is extroverted and unafraid to take chances. She loves working with engines and dancing, and she longed to fly. Dot enjoyed reading, teaching language, and solving puzzles and codes. She looked for a rational order in everything. She was quiet and introverted, clung to the security of home and family, and her lack of self-assurance made her timid.

Dash was the first to leave home after Gus enlisted in WW2. She worked on engines and, eventually, on building warplanes. Her uncle, a veteran, taught her to fly. The sisters were upset to be separated, especially Dot, who relied on her more outgoing twin. Both worried about Gus and had no information about whether he was engaged in battle or still alive. Both sisters enrolled in the Canadian WRENS, hoping to do their part in winning the war.

Dot eventually gained independence and courage. She used her Morse Code and Semaphore skills and worked in related fields, listening for German chatter and locations.
She later sent false messages about Allied plans to confuse the German military, which helped shorten and win the war. In highly sensitive positions, oaths regarding secrecy were signed, and military secrets must be kept for forty years. Breaking such an oath could lead to charges of treason. This resulted in a great rift between the sisters. Dot had no permission to visit her dying father, which angered Dash. Gus and Dot must keep the truth from Dash, who believes her sister works as a secretary or clerk. Gus had become a spy, an espionage, explosives, and weapons expert, but was considered a regular soldier. Dash has risen to the position of civilian pilot, flying planes, personnel and goods into European war zones.

I had a problem with the overload of emotion while presenting facts and an engaging storyline, including romantic relationships. There were tensions with parents, rifts between the sisters, and male attitudes toward women's roles in the military. The emotional component was probably intended.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this important book about women's contributions to the war effort. It will be published on April 2.

I read and absolutely adored The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham. It’s a dual narrative historical fiction which takes place during World War Two in Canada. The story immediately draws you in and keeps you on your toes wondering through chapters if characters are still ok, if the sisters and friends will ever be reunited and just such a deeper look into history. I learned so much about the WREN’s and the roles that were played during the war, and the huge impact Morse code had. The dual narrative told by twins was so interesting to read. You get a glimpse of how life was for both and to so see both of their journeys during the same time along with the trials and tribulations of each. I really enjoyed that I knew most of the places in Canada that the twins travelled to. The family and friends connections aspect throughout the novel was so well executed. The vulnerability and things the characters went through and experienced were heartbreaking at times yet the book although set during the war was that of a love story that brings such heartwarming feelings as well. The connections that Graham made with some of the characters connections to one of the sisters and later on interacted and connected with the other sister was just a really amazing character and plot development.

“It’s going to be fun,” Dash said with confidence. “A big adventure.
Adventure. Well, that was just about the last thing Dot wanted to think about.

Genevieve Graham’s “The Secret Keeper” is a masterpiece that left me emotionally spent and affected for days. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel beautifully weaves together the stories of twin sisters, Dot and Dash, as well as their childhood best friend, Gus, who find themselves thrust into the heart of the conflict, each carving out their own path to contribute to the war effort.

From the moment I began this book, I was fascinated by Graham’s expert storytelling and her ability to transport me to the heart of wartime Canada. Dot and Dash, with their contrasting personalities yet unbreakable bond, leapt off the pages. As an historian and a veteran of the (U.S.) Air Force who worked in Intelligence herself, I felt an immediate connection to Dot’s journey, reminiscent of my own experiences. However, Dash’s infectious energy and Gus’ unwavering loyalty only served to enrich their characters and endeared them to me as well. Furthermore, the author’s meticulous attention to detail brings to life the challenges and sacrifices faced by those not only in the military, but who worked in all sorts of areas, including the field of Intelligence or the civilian Air Transport Auxiliary, during the war. Though there were some inaccuracies necessitated by the genre, they did not detract from the overall power of the narrative.

The dual point of view allows for excellent character development, particularly with Dot, whose brilliance and bravery shine through despite her shyness. The slow start gives way to a captivating tale of courage and resilience, with a well-executed plot twist that, while not entirely unexpected, was intriguing and propelled the narrative to greater heights. Additionally, and best of all, Graham’s writing evokes a myriad of emotions, from joy to heartache, making it impossible not to become fully invested in the characters’ lives. Indeed, I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away until the early hours of the morning.

Finally, something I truly enjoyed about “The Secret Keeper” is its exploration of Canada’s involvement in the war (as most novels I’ve read on the subject seem to be either Anglo- or Americentric), and the often-overlooked contributions of female heroes. Graham brings these unsung stories to light with a cast of characters you can’t help but love, and this story is a tour de force of historical fiction that certainly left an indelible mark on my heart. This is my absolute favorite book of 2024 thus far, and I have no doubt that it will remain a standout for years to come. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a riveting historical fiction novel that will leave a lasting impact. Genevieve Graham has gained a devoted fan in me, and I eagerly await her future works.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Canadian Queen of Historical Fiction is Back! I am a huge fan of Genevieve Graham and it's been a long wait for her eighth novel centred around a piece of Canadian history. I made sure to hold off on reading the novel as long as I could. Easter Weekend seemed the perfect opportunity.

In a Second World War-centric novel, the two main protagonists, twin sisters- Margaret and Dorothy, take turns with the narrative. Like many Canadian women, the sisters both enlist with the Wrens( Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service). Margaret" Dash" Wilson becomes a mechanic and pilot, eventually finding herself in England as a member of the ATA( Air Transport Auxiliary). Dorothy "Dot" Wilson finds herself a codebreaker, soon working at the top secret "Camp X."

As in her previous novels, Graham highlights several Canadian locations and personalities that were instrumental in this time. As outlined in her author's note, this novel is rich in details from a variety of research. Much more information than many of us Canadians ever received from our History textbooks in high school.

Another difference from other GG novels is that while both sisters find themselves finding love during wartime, the romances are subtle. Graham keeps her novel concentrated on the work of the two sisters and the relationship they have with one another in sharp focus. As a reader, I appreciated this shift. Dash and Dot's voices were very strong and I liked learning about what many Canadian women contributed to the war effort. Who as is also explained by the author didn't get recognition for their wartime efforts.

I liked the novel. I recommend it to my fellow HF readers. I love this author. I cannot wait to see where GG takes us next in history. If you haven't read any books highlighting the involvement of Canadian women during wartime, I cannot think of a better book to start your journey.

( A LITTLE NOTE TO SIMON AND SCHUSTER)
But ( and I honestly never thought I would say this) is it possible to leave WWII for a bit? Keep in mind, that I have read a lot of WWII-centric historical fiction. In a book publishing world where WWII novels are flooding the market and recent novels have already touched upon this type of war work, I feel a little tired. I selfishly crave something different. However, I understand that these books are flooding the market because they sell very well and it's all because of readers like me.

A note to Genevieve Graham

Your work is splendid. All those long hours of researching and weaving it into a narrative are greatly appreciated. Keep on doing what you have been doing!


Whomever is designing the covers for GG's books
Your covers are true works of art. I hope you know how much readers like myself, enjoy them!


Expected Publication 02/04/24
Goodreads Review 31/03/24

Genevieve Graham is known for plucking an obscure, little known about place, event or people in history and writing a fictionalized account of same. This book is no exception. Here she tells the story of the Wrens, the Air Transport Auxiliary and Camp X and their vital roles in something called Operation Fortitude.

Dot and Dash are twins, but nothing alike. They both end up in the war effort, although theirs paths would not be the same. Dot is a codebreaker and Dash is a pilot. It was clever to use the two main characters in this way so that all of the different stories could be told.

Further, this story highlights the importance of women in World War II and that they had roles other than just typing. Also, Canada’s importance in the war effort is highlighted. We often hear more about Canada in the First World War than we do the Second.

It’s a story that also features the themes of courage and sibling bonds, and of course, the importance of keeping secrets, even from those you love the most.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

<b>3.5 stars</b>

Margaret and Dorothy, or Dash and Dot, are Canadian fraternal twins, inseparable but different both in looks, in temperament and in tastes. They turn 18 in the midst of WWII and both join the war effort in Canada, helping where and how they can. Dash starts out as a mechanic and ends up as a pilot in the ATA in Europe, and Dot ends up in spy school, decoding and transmitting misinformation and learning secrets she will have to keep from everyone for decades.

I’ll admit, when I first saw this book was coming, I was a bit disappointed. I saw Big Ben on the cover, the Wrens and the ATA in the summary, and thought Genevieve Graham had left Canadian history behind to write another run-of-the-mill British war novel.

Well, joke’s on me, since there were Wrens in Canada too! As usual with Graham novels I loved learning about the details of Canadian participation in that part of history.

That being said, despite it being set in Canada, I did feel a bit “been there read that” about it (but it says more about me and how often I read WWII fiction than it does about the book, really). I read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein about women in the ATA just last year, which made Dash’s parts a bit less exciting than they should have been; and The Rose Code by Kate Quinn just last month, which made me raise my eyebrow at a few of Dot’s codebreaking bits.

All this made me think 3* through most of the book, but the sweet romantic ending à la Graham made me go a bit higher!

What a lovely way to learn a bit more about Canadian history and be exposed to events and stories I wasn’t very familiar with. Loved that this was a glimpse into women’s contributions to WW2 and that it was set in places and spaces that I call home. While the characters were a wee bit too “wholesome” for my usual liking, this was a much needed contrast to the horrors of war. Genevieve Graham can be my history teacher anytime. I look forward to reading more by this author who obviously does her research and crafts an engaging read.