Oh my goodness this was such a good book! I absolutely loved it. There was such a good balance of stories - sisterly love/family , wartimes and active involvement and love stories. I appreciated so much this was about women and their strength and key actions that impacted the war movement. It was so well written I couldn’t wait to hear about Dash and Dots adventures.

Highly recommend if you enjoy historical novels. Thank you so much for letting me read early. Will post on my Instagram page March 29th for a 5star Friday review.

4.5 stars
"Fear sounds the same in any language."
Have you met Genevieve Graham yet?
She's a gem of a historical fiction author and a gem of a human. Such a gift for bringing Canadian history to life.
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for my gifted copy of her newest, The Secret Keeper.
Twin sisters Dot and Dash are now part of Genevieve's roster of strong, memorable women and their roles in the war efforts. I learned so much about the unknown-to-me elements of WWII. There are complex pieces in The Secret Keeper, but never at the expense of readability and characterization. Loved it.
Absolutely recommended!
For release next week, April 2.

The Secret Keeper is another interesting, enjoyable historical fiction novel by Genevieve Graham. In this novel, the author shines a light on the little known or acknowledged role of Canadian women in the war effort during WWII.

The novel tells the story of two young twin sisters, Dash and Dot, living in Ontario, who volunteer with the Canadian Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENs) in the early 1940s. The novel follows each sister’s life as they join the war effort - Dash as a mechanic and pilot, and Dot as a codebreaker. We see the challenges they face, including open hostility by some of their male colleagues. It is fascinating to see, through the characters, what it must have been like to be a woman in male-dominated fields working in the high-stress time of war and the sacrifices they had to make. We also see Dash and Dot deal with issues of loss, love, guilt, secrets, family, and acceptance.

Another engaging, informative read that shines a light on a little known part of Canadian history.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy of The Secret Keeper. This is my honest review. This is a compelling look at two very different sisters. Both of whom were strong in their own way. Margaret (Dash) was good with engines and knew how to fly and Dorothy (Dot) was good with codes and puzzles. When WW2 started each sister felt they needed to get involved and in doing so, they both grew as people and ended up growing apart, where they had once been inseparable.

The characters, both the primary and secondary ones in this book were so well done and the plot continuously was moving forward. It was a heartwarming, thrilling tale of family, friendship, romance and being your authentic self. I was enthralled with the stories of the roles that women played in WW2, some even close to where I would later grow up. The strength and persevance of these women was so well thought out and the author seamlessly blended real life and fiction into a fantastic novel.

It needs to become a movie and it should definitely be on your must buy list for 2024. It comes out April 2.

This was an interesting story of two very different sisters, the war time work they did during WWII, and the way the secrets one sister was forced to keep about her work affected their relationship. Ultimately, it was about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

Despite being so different, Dot and Dash were both likeable characters, and I was glad that the breach between them did not last as long as I'd feared it might. Also, it was interesting to read about the work they did.

This would be a good read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially with a focus on Canada and/or WWII.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the early read.

“The Secret Keeper” by Genevieve Graham is an incredible and inspiring story of twin sisters and their heroic service in WW2. Until I read this book I did not know about the thousands of Canadian women who served their county by working to transport aircraft and code ciphers to entrap the enemy. and stop Hitler. This deeply moving story centers around the twin sisters who are completely devoted to each other but totally different. One loves math and puzzles the other engines, airplanes and the need to fly. We follow their complex journey of sisterhood, through this incredibly well researched story of the unimaginable horrors of the war. Sacrifice, Secrets, Hope & Love come together to create a book that is impossible to put down. I promise it will leave you feeling honored to have read it.

Thank you NetGalley & Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this book expecting it to be great and it definitely was! I’m going to be thinking about it for awhile yet. Dot and Dash were alike but not at the same time and so relatable. So many different aspects of the war were covered in this book including some I actually didn’t know. It was great to see more written about Canada’s involvement in WWII and just how much they did. I was very quickly drawn in and wrapped up in the story and the characters. The ending was perfect and the author’s note was great to have at the end to give further context. Another really amazing book by Genevieve Graham!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC on Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Recommended for fans female of WWII Historical Fiction

My three favourite plots in WWII Fiction wrapped into one book, female codebreakers, female pilots and spies. Even better it is Canadian Historical fiction.

Twin Sisters Dot and Dash could not be more different. Both joining the WRENS in WWII each finding their calling. Dot began as a typist and Dash as a mechanic. Dot eventually joins Camp X as a codebreaker and plays a role in the Allied force's victory and Dash works for the Air Transport Auxiliary.

I loved reading about Dot & Dash’s various roles as Canadian women in WWII. This is my favourite Genevieve Graham’s novel to date.

Genevieve Graham is my favourite Canadian historical fiction author. I love that her books focus on untold, impactful stories from our country’s history. In every novel she writes, I see the stories of my ancestors come to life and their contributions and sacrifices appreciated in a whole new light.

The Secret Keeper is by far her best work to date. The characters of Dot and Dash captured my heart from the beginning and I couldn’t put this book down as I became more and more invested in their happiness and survival through WWII — the way you would for two old friends.

The twin sisters are as different as night and day. Dot, the quieter of the two, escapes in crossword puzzles, books, learning languages, and tapping Morse Code. She thrives in environments of routine and consistency but must overcome her fears and anxiety when she decides to follow in her more adventurous sister’s footsteps. Both sisters join the Wrens to do their part to aid in the war efforts. Dash loves engines, piloting airplanes, and the thrills of the unexpected. She finds refuge from the heartache that exists in any war by taking to the skies.

The sisters’ fierce love for each other and their family (particularly their devoted father and the character of Gus) is tested by the realities of WWII and the sworn oath both take to serve their country and safeguard its secrets.

Ms. Graham’s story is so well thought out that even the characters’ names ring true to their personalities and the unique and unconventional roles women performed during the war. Ms. Graham holds my admiration for her extensive research skills and her ability to capture historical events in a fictional light that remains true and respectful of the past.

In my view, Ms. Graham is one of the best kept secrets in Canadian historical fiction. She is right up there with popular female historical fiction authors from the United States, such as Kate Quinn, Kristin Harmel, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Davis.

Thank you to Genevieve Graham, Simon and Schuster Canada, and Net Galley for my advance copy of The Secret Keeper. This is my first read and review on Net Galley. The Secret Keeper is a well-deserved five-star read.

4.5 STARS - You can always count on Canadian author Genevieve Graham to give you a compelling, heartwarming story filled with well-researched historical facts. In her upcoming book, The Secret Keeper, she explores WWII through the eyes of twin sisters, one who becomes a codebreaker and the other a pilot.

Blending interesting bits of Canadian history with characters readers will come to care for, this story pulls readers into WWII and opens their eyes to the significant role that Canada, and Canadian women in particular, played in defeating the Nazis.

The story starts out slowly as readers get to know the twin sisters - Dot, the smart but reserved sister and her twin Dash, who is mechanically inclined and itching for adventure! The story gains momentum when they join the WRENS, the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service, find their callings and navigate the male-dominated roles they take on to help the war effort. And hold onto your hats for some nail-biting scenes that give readers a satisfying ending and may have them shedding a tear or two.

Hollywood tends to downplay the great impact that Canadians played in WWII so I loved learning more about Canada's pivotal role (including a spy school!) and some of the important roles that women took on - radio operators, codebreakers, mechanics, spies, and pilots (including the amazing 'ATA Girls' - Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain) despite the popular view that women weren't strong enough to join in the fight. The Official Secrets Act also plays a role and it was interesting to witness its impact on the personal lives of those who signed it.

This is a story about the personal journey of two young women that also sheds a bright light on the unsung female heroes of WWII. This is a great book for fans of Kristin Hannah's The Women, who want to read more about the courageous women who battled not only wartime foes, but the misogyny that prevailed at the time.

Note: I highly recommend reading the author's notes at the end of the book.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for the advanced copies of this book which were given in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 stars. As a Canadian, I appreciate Graham's books because they are full of Canadian history! This story features twins, Dot and Dash, in a coming of age story as they find themselves helping in the WW2 effort from Canadian soil. Dot is a wiz at codes and puzzles while Dash has a mechanical mind and can fix anything. I enjoyed reading the sisters' adventures and how they grew as women throughout the story. The Canadian history is fascinating and I love hearing how my country aided the war effort. Great story, keep them coming!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham is the story of twin sisters who’ve grown up knowing nothing but a simple life and that their father fought in the First World War. As the Second World War gets under way, the two girls sign up to help in any way they can. This step takes them not only away from home but away from each other. The story follows their lives throughout the war and ultimately how they each learn to live with the sacrifices they make. I loved the way the author wove the parallel stories together time and again which left me in the tears many times. What I loved most about it, was the rollercoaster ride of emotions. I would highly recommend to others who enjoy historical fiction.

With her compelling and emotional tales of Canadian history Genevieve Graham is an auto buy author for me. So when I was offered an advanced copy from Simon Schuster I jumped on it without even looking at the synopsis.

The Secret Keeper brings us twin sisters Dot and Dash ( love how they get their nicknames) in the heart of women joining the war efforts in WWII. The sisters couldn't be more different in personality, but both have something big and unique to give. I loved Dash's daringness and penchant for mechanics. As well as her love for flying. And Dot's steadfast and quiet intelligence. When Dash can't sit on her heels and doing nothing, she joins the WRENS. An organization I had read a little about in previous books, but was excited to learn more about and see how far reaching it was. And Dot was close to follow.

I really enjoyed following both girls individual journeys and the many ways women contributed to the war efforts. Its always clear that Graham does her research on the the subjects she writes about and it makes for an entertaining reading experience. This was her thickest book to date but it didn't feel like it. I flew through this book in about 3 days as I couldn't put it down.

Make sure you read the authors note at the end. It has so much interesting information and expansion on the organizations and locations that are mentioned throughout the story.

TW: loss of parent, POW, confinement, plane crash, injury

Dramatic and beautifully written!

The Secret Keeper is another winner for talented writer Genevieve Graham! She never disappoints me! I love her detailed and captivating writing style. Her female characters were endearing! This realistic story held my interest until the last chapter! By following the journeys of the two heroines, we really go on a roller coaster ride of emotions.

It's the story of two twin sisters who are inseparable but so different in their ways of thinking and passions. It's wartime 1942 and both twins, now 18, decide to do their duty. Both join the WRENS, Dash as a mechanic and Dot as a typist. Their journey is filled with ups and downs. Their story shows an unbreakable bond of sisterhood that will keep them both safe and caring for each other.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in courageous women during World War Two!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

The Secret Keeper is story that only will you get drawn into but one that will enlighten you , inspire you and keep you up late into the night.

We meet twin sisters Dot and Dash who are from Oshawa, Ontario .

I am Canadian and from Ontario so I loved the locale; that was just icing on the cake for me.

We learn their strengths and weaknesses and you cant help but love the Wilson family.

We meet them as young girls and at the brink of WWII when the twins go their separate ways to become Wrens.

Dot is a mechanic with a dream to fly for the Wrens and Dash is a wizard at codebreaking .

The Secret Keeper is an inspiring story that has you laughing with the girls, shedding a tear for the girls and holding your breath for them.

Genevieve Graham has a knack of storytelling that captures your heart and imagination .

I did not want this book to end but at the same time I wanted to know the completion of the twins story.

This book will stay with me for a long time and I highly recommend you get your copy and settle in for an amazing story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada, Simon & Schuster for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Secret Keeper.

I know I’m in for a good, well-researched novel about Canadian history when I pick up a Genevieve Graham book. This one was exactly that! It was so fun for me to read a book set (for the most part) only 20 minutes from where I grew up! Although we learned about Camp X in school because it was local history, I’m not sure it was taught in the more widespread school curriculums. If you don’t know about it, I suggest you do a little research - or pick up this book! It’s fascinating! Graham weaves a beautiful story about twin sisters who are connected but complete opposites. Their stories take them all over Canada and Europe and I loved the way she worked real life characters into the story. If you’ve never read a book by this author, this would be a great one to start with!

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the e-Arc of this book!

The Secret Keeper shines a light on the oft-overlooked contributions of women during WWII, particularly in roles like codebreaking and piloting. Inspired by true stories, Graham weaves historical accuracy with compelling fiction, creating a rich tapestry that honors the spirit and resilience of these remarkable women. The intricate plot, featuring Dot's work in a covert codebreaking station and Dash's daring flights across Europe, is as thrilling as it is heart-wrenching, highlighting the horrors of war and the courage it takes to face them.

The heart of the story, however, lies in the complex relationship between Dot and Dash. Graham explores the emotional depths of sisterhood—the love, the rivalry, and the secrets that can both unite and divide. As the war brings unimaginable challenges and choices, the sisters' loyalty to each other and their individual quests for purpose and identity are tested in ways they never could have imagined.

Out on April 2, 2024, this historical fiction novel hits all the right notes in terms of Graham’s already stellar repertoire of work. Little known Canadian history? CHECK. A starring role for women? CHECK. Mystery and intrigue? CHECK. Romance? CHECK.

But the starring role in Graham’s works is always history, above all else. This novel focuses on the story of Dash and Dot, fraternal twin sisters from Oshawa, Ontario who find themselves embroiled in the Second World War. The work they do is as varied and different as the girls themselves, from airplane factories to top secret communications and flying planes over occupied France, the girls - young women really - show us how they and so many other young Canadian women lived their wars.

I LOVED this telling of Canadian servicewomen during the Second World War. It felt true and real while at the same time not over romanticized or fictionalized.

Review: The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham

The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham reveals the home front effort in Canada through a beautiful tale of family and friendship during World War Two.

One of my favourite things about Genevieve Graham’s books is her ability to unveil interesting facts about Canada in her historical fictions. As a Canadian historical fiction lover, this makes the stories seem so much more real.

The Secret Keeper mostly takes place in Oshawa and Toronto, Ontario, and follows the experiences of twin sisters, nicknamed Dot and Dash. Dot is shy and brilliant while Dash is outgoing and seeks adventure. Both sisters join the war effort and find themselves involved in completely different paths, one full of hands-on work and the other in a world of codes and secrets. The sisters and other characters are great and you’ll be rooting for them throughout the story.

I highly recommend this intriguing story to lovers of historical fiction - especially readers of Kate Quinn and Natalie Jenner. Go read it!

I can always count on author Genevieve Graham to pen a heartfelt historical fiction story that brings Canadian history alive!

Graham’s story follows twins Dot and Dash Wilson, who until WW2 breaks out, are inseparable. She is able to show her readers how a sibling bond, more importantly, the bond between twins, is stretched to the limit as a result of war.

Dot, the more hesitant yet studious of the two, excels at technical things such as Morse code and typing, both skills enviable by the WRENS. Placed at the special wireless station HMSC Cloverdale as a decoder, her skills are soon noticed and she’s sent to the Allie’s top-secret spy training school, Camp X. Dot becomes useful in the D-Day planning. Dash, the more outgoing of the two and the one to break social norms, immediately enlists and her mechanical skills place her in the pilot training program of Air Transport Auxilary. Dash excels at transporting aircraft and troops where needed. Each useful in her place and contributing to the war effort, they are unable to be reunited to face a family tragedy together. Will their time apart and their allegiances solidify their bond or cause cracks in it?

As with most historical fiction, Graham reminds us of the feats of bravery and the courage needed to defend one’s country despite the suffering. Into this familiar narrative, she infuses little-known tidbits of our country’s history:
🍁the naval radio station in Moncton, New Brunswick and the life-changing call intercepted on April 30, 1945,
🍁the training school for covert agents near Whitby, Ontario,
🍁Canada’s contribution to the war effort at home through the Canadian Car and Foundry, and the Queen of the Hurricanes (engineer, Elizabeth MacGill).

Graham weaves a compelling tale of secrets in service against the backdrop of British and Canadian sacrifice. She’s an auto-read author for me!

I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.