The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a harrowing and gut wrenching dual timeline Historical Fiction novel about internal and external war. Secrets and betrayals are constants.

In World War II Ukraine, citizens are tormented relentlessly by both Nazis and Soviets. In survival mode, they do anything for their families rather than see them tortured or worse. Life has changed and what would have been impossible to fathom earlier becomes daily reality. They are pitted against each other, even those closest to them. Savka's son has been taken while standing up for her and her high-ranking husband is missing. She exists on chestnut roots and her wit. But she has an important secret list others are after.

In 1972 Salt Spring Island, Jeanie exists in a foggy trance-like state. Her "carer" could not be more cruel and uses Jeanie badly. Jeanie pours her heart and soul onto canvas as an outlet but wonders about her past, especially her marriage. Her mental and physical scars are deep.

The two stories are gripping and emotional and the author fits the puzzle pieces together beautifully. The setting is fascinating and the atmosphere drips with tension. But what I liked most was the gorgeous, gorgeous writing which managed to sadden and infuriate me. One graphic romantic scene was unnecessary and detracted from the story.

Do be sure to read the author's notes for further insight into her inspiration for this dark story. It certainly is not a light read.

My sincere thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

A big dual time line POV novel that I found both fascinating and frustrating. Know that Savka's story, which begins in 1944 Ukraine, is highly dependent on the geopolitical aspects of Ukraine, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union (let alone the partisans) and that some of it might be confusing. That said, Savka, wife of Marko and mother to Tarras, is not, as she finds herself in a web of deceit and under the thumb of a vicious NKVD officer. How does she link up with Jeanie in 1972 Canada? Jeanie is an artist who lives under the guardianship of Pat, who controls her. What is the memory she's missing? One big quibble for me was that it took entirely too long to know what happened to Jeanie and even then it wasn't entirely clear- her back story would have helped a lot and I still have unanswered questions. There's a lot of drama both in Ukraine and in Canada. There are multiple mysteries here and Jeanie holds the answer to one of them but that, again, isn't evident until it's right in your face. So many implausibilities (starting with the ability of the NKVD to pop up more or less everywhere and also with a positive thing) but I kept reading regardless. Don't miss the afterw0rd. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A qualified good read.

A beautiful piece of historical fiction that explores dual timelines and locations. As someone from Vancouver, I found the author’s descriptions of the city and gulf islands particularly vivid and resonant. I found the pacing a bit slow. It took a while for the action to pick up, and some chapters felt unnecessarily prolonged. Overall, while I wished for a bit more momentum, the novel delivered a beautifully atmospheric and historically rich story that Vancouverites will particularly appreciate. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Oh my goodness what can I say about this book it certainly was enthralling and the suspense wonder what would happen in the end.

Savka lives in Ukraine with her son Tara, her husband Marko is in the army helping Germany a they do not want to be ruled under Russia. Savka and Tara end up in the forest where things happen and Tara is taken. Will she see him again.

Jeanie lives in Canada where she is a recluse who is an artist, she had a terrible accident. Her life is not a happy one her carer Pat is not a very nice person. Jeanie has flashbacks to when she was in the hospital. A stranger appears at the house asking about the time she was in hospital which she starts having flashbacks.

This book kept you guessing what was going to happen and would there be a happy ending. It was really interesting to read about this time of the War how the Ukrainians went with either the Germans or were against both the Germans and the Russians.

Would recommend this book.

This book has two things that I typically hate in novels, duel time lines and duel points of view however I really enjoyed reading this and I was very surprised how much I got into each character and how easy it was for me to tell everyone apart. This story follows two different women, Savaka a resistance fighter caught between Russia and Germany right in the midst of World War II, and Jennie a woman who is living in the seventies as an artist and a recluse. Jennie is dealing with a bunch of her own tragedies one of them bring the fact that she is a prisoner in her own home. I was a little confused on how these two womens' stories would intertwine when they seemed to be completely different but I loved reading both of them to figure it out. I found both stories to be very different but I loved how much detail and background the author managed to put into each woman's story. I felt a strong connection to both women despite how different they were from each other. While I found that the best part of this book was obviously the story line I also loved the beautifuly almost poetic language that the author used in this book. Her descriptions of things were magnificent and they painted a very vivid image in my head that it was almost like I was there myself. This is the kind of book that shows a progression over years which was the best way in my opinion to write a book like this. There was so much going on but it let the reader get all of the facts and information without becoming overwhelmed. If you like historical fiction or just books about WWII then I highly suggest this book. Don't be turned against this book from the length because while it is a bit of long read it really manages to say an awful lot both in both character development but also plot progression. Very good read and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book first.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a richly detailed historical novel that immerses readers in a lesser-known period, blending real events with fictional intrigue. Caron's meticulous research shines, and her exploration of themes like secrecy and power adds depth to the narrative. However, the novel's pacing is slow in parts, and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, which can make the plot hard to follow at times. While it may not fully capture every reader's attention, fans of history-rich fiction will appreciate the authenticity and complexity of the story.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Sept. 24, 2024
Ukraine, 1944: Savka is a young wife and mother, working for the Ukrainian resistance as a nurse, while the war wages around her. When her young son, Taras, is taken by the KGB, she fears she won’t ever see him again.
Salt Spring Island, Canada, 1972: Jeanie is an invalid after a tragic fire on her wedding day. She lives in her deceased aunt’s estate, with no one but her caregiver, Pat, for company. Jeanie can’t remember what happened during her stay in the hospital but, according to Pat, it is a memory best left in the past. Until a handsome stranger shows up on the island, insisting that Pat is keeping more than Jeanie’s secrets…….
Two women, tied in unexpected ways, surviving insurmountable odds, is the basis behind Maia Caron’s new historical fiction novel, “The Last Secret”. “Secret” is the Canadian-born Caron’s second novel, and I’m always on board to support Canadian talent, especially women.
The story is dual-timeline, narrated by both Savka and Jeanie, although we do hear very briefly from other characters in the novel. Right away, an immediate bond was formed with the strong, brave and incredibly resilient women who suffered entirely different tragedies and managed to overcome them. Although there are subtle hints throughout the novel as to how the women are connected, Caron unveils it very slowly, making the reveal powerful and believable.
“Secret” was complex, intriguing and mysterious, but, for some unidentified reason, it took me a bit of time to really get into the plot. Once I did, though, there was no slowing down. I was fascinated by the story of Jeanie, the Fire Bride, and the bravery of Savka, who risked everything to save her son. As most historical fiction novels, the story is loosely based on real people, who Caron credits in the end notes.
I always enjoy reading World War Two novels, especially those that take place in other European nations, as they are not often explored or given the credit they rightly deserve. Caron’s novel is well-researched, creative and emotional, and “Secret” will be an automatic must-read for any historical fiction reader. I was intrigued by Caron’s writing style and will definitely be seeking out her works in the future.

This is my first step into the genre of historical fiction. i think that was a mistake. Although I did somewhat enjoy the book, I think I need to opt for lighter title until I gain more experience.

I do like the two stories from vastly different perspectives-one a nurse and one an artist with some physical trauma from being a burn victim.

War has lasting impacts, it can haunt future generations and intertwine people decades apart.

I recommend this to someone who enjoys reading qbout WWII who has read historical fiction before.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a historical fiction novel with a dual timeline.

The story follows the lives of two women, Savka, caught between the Germans and the Russians in World War 2 Ukraine, and Jeannie, a scarred women hidden away on a remote island in late 1960s/early 1970s Canada.

I had a hard time connecting to or liking any of the characters in this novel, with the exception of Taras near the end of the novel. I was also not a fan of the KGB agent with a personal vendetta chasing down people 25 years or more after the end of the war.

I was hoping to see more of Savka’s struggles, but there was a Lot of skipping ahead during her portion of the story, and some of it seemed a bit repetitive, with her just starting to get settled somewhere when her nemesis would show up. Jeannie’s character was irritatingly naïve, or just in denial, throughout most of the book.

I did enjoy the ending of the book, that really saved it for me.

All that said, I think there are lots of people who will love this book. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it at a different time, I don’t think it was terrible, it just wasn’t for me. I would recommend it for lovers of historical fiction set in the World War 2 era.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I highly recommend this for a World War II history buff. This book was a little too brutal in places and thus I did not entirely enjoy it. Good perspective with the Ukranian involvement of a woman medic in the war. That was the reason I wanted to read the book, so I did get what I came for. I appreciate the complimentary digital ARC from Doubleday Canada and NetGalley. This review is my own opinion.

I’m a bit done with “war-story” books but I decided to take a chance with The Last Secret. It’s not only a war story but a mystery, as well. Savka and Jeanie, the main characters, are portrayed as likeable but others you’ll grow to dislike intensely.
Starting out, I wasn’t sure how Salt Spring Island could possibly figure into the plot (it’s a dual timeline/ location) but it became clear quite late in the book and totally not what I was expecting.
A well written story and one that certainly gives a perspective of the Ukrainian, German and Russian factors during WWII.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for my eARC. Much appreciated the chance to read this book.

Historical Fiction based on facts. During WW II, Ukraine was under German rule, then Russian occupation. The Ukrainian resistance was active with some signing on to the Nazi SS in hopes of influencing their officers to be more lenient and gain back Ukraine for Ukrainians.

Marko Ivanets was one of the men who joined the SS, sending his wife, Svaka, and son, Taras, into the forest in 1944. Fire Bride, Jeanie, finds herself under the care of nurses Pat O'Dwyer and Kay since 1966. By December 1972 these two groups find themselves learning about each other.

This novel has multiple POVs. The time lines alternate between 1944 (Svaka), and 1972 (Jeanie). I found it a bit too drawn out at times. and a bit confusing.

Overall an interesting but diverse life experiences based on being under the control of another person(s). Not a light read.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy. **No Spoilers **
When reading the snippet of the book details, I was enthralled to see it spans over WWII through to the 70’s in Canada. Enjoying historical fiction and being Canadian, this was something I was definitely going to delve into…
I personally like to digest history through fiction; it is more engaging than reading textbook, dry reads. This book definitely kept me interested, in a slow burn way. It’s character focused to be able to drive the plot and provide context to the actions of these characters.
With current events in Ukraine and Russia, it helped me understand more on the history of the troubles to say the least, but genocide, political strife and a strong ability to survive.

Very interesting premise and a well written story. I appreciated how the switching of perspectives was done in a way that wasn't confusing. The emotions and thoughts described by the protagonists were relatable and complex. Didn't have me turning pages furiously but a great read nevertheless. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This tightly written historical thriller totally wowed me.
Kudos to Maia Caron for highlighting the nuances of Ukrainian history during and after WWII. She vividly shows the dilemma Ukrainians faced, living between two genocidal dictatorships that both had the intention of wiping Ukraine off the map, and how even once the war ended for everyone else, it didn't end for Ukrainians. I loved how the seemingly disparate threads of Jeanie and Savka came together. A mystery, a thriller, memorable characters and oh so much at stake. A timely and unforgettable read,

The Last Secret is a complex and captivating historical mystery novel set in Ukraine during the Second World II and in Canada in the 1970s. As a scholar of Ukrainian Canadian history, literature, and culture, I was impressed with the author's attention to historical nuance. I hope there is a book #2 about Ewa.

I really enjoyed this book. The Last secret is a story that begins with the war and goes between the past and present. Two stories set in different countries that comes together in a stunning ending. What a thrilling read! It showed the atrocities of war and had a few twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I would recommend reading this book. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a fictional story based with one character’s journey beginning during WW II and another character’s journey through a life changing event in her life and how she deals with it in the 1970s. Canon brings these two different stories together through the power of women’s determination and resilience to survive many heart breaking moments in their lives. This book is well researched and the Authors’s note at the end of the book pull this book together with a greater understanding of women’s trials during Ukraine’s struggles during the Second World War.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin, and Doubleday Canada for the advanced copy for an honest review of this book.

Review: The Last Secret by Maia Caron

The Last Secret is a dual timeline, multi-POV historical fiction with mystery and intrigue. The story is set in WWII Ukraine/Russia where a family is torn apart by war and later in the 1970s when a woman with a tragic past is realizing she is a captive in her own house. These two disparate timelines seem unconnected, but slowly a web of secrets unfolds. What is the last secret? Will confronting the secrets bring closure or chaos.

This sweeping narrative drew me in from the first few chapters as I tried to tease the mystery from its pages. I grew attached to the character’s stories and loved or loathed them. The multi-POV was fairly easy to follow and added suspense and suspicion as the story unfolded. I highly recommend for those who enjoy Kate Quinn and Julia Kelly books.

Thank you to Penguin, Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you net galley for giving me this opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
The takes place between 1944 Eastern Europe and Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Savka is a young mother in Ukraine and is a medic. Savka's husband Marko a member of the SS and hasn't seen for years.
Marko has a list for Savka to deliver to the Ukraine underground. Savka and her son Taras take the nite to deliver, but are soon ambushed by three Russians.
Savka is shot and left for dead. Her son is abducted by the Russians.
Savka will do almost? anything to see her belived son.
Salt Spring Lake 1972 Jeanie is livingb in her aunt's house.
Jeanie hasn't had it easy as she was seriously burned at her wedding. She spent two years in the hospital. Jeanie's caregiver is a nurse she had at the hospital. Jeanie is given pain medication by her nurse as she can't function. Her nurse Pat goes to Vancouver and Jeanie has a strange visitor come to visit her as he has questions of his own.
She is also a landscape artist.
You may ask yourself how does Savka and Jeanie's lives intertwine with each other.