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‘Secret Keeper’ Is the Story of Love Lost and Found

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‘Secret Keeper’ Is the Story of Love Lost and FoundThe Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Also by this author: The Distant Hours, The Forgotten Garden, The Lake House
Published by Atria Books on October 9, 2012
Genres/Lists: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Pages: 484
Read synopsis on Goodreads
Buy the book: Amazon/Audible (this post includes affiliate links) five-stars


Kate Morton has proven once again that she is the master of historical fiction, dual narratives, and punching you right in the gut. I have yet to read a book by her that I didn’t like and most of them I’ve loved but this is, perhaps, her greatest accomplishment yet.

The Secret Keeper is about Laurel, who has spent her life wondering about a violent incident committed by her mother when she was a teenager. As her mother battles dementia and makes mention of her past, Laurel realizes that there might be a lot more to the story than she had been told and sets out to find the truth. Her search takes her back to World War II and to the friendship between her mother, Dorothy, and a woman named Vivien. In true Morton fashion, however, this friendship isn’t told by Laurel, but instead flashes back and is told through the eyes of Dorothy and Vivien, letting the reader lift the veil on the truth about the two women and understand the truth in a way that Laurel does not.

Kate Morton's writing is like a lullaby, with you never wanting the song to end. #secretkeeper Click To Tweet

The result is an ending that literally made me gasp out loud and punched me right in the gut. Morton has always had a lyrical way of writing, but this one is written in a way that is akin to a lullaby, bringing the reader up and down but never wanting the song to end. Every time I thought I knew what was coming next, Morton had already turned a corner, leaving me racing to catch up but always being left one step behind (I mean this in a good way – I was always on my toes and just had to read one more chapter). In other words, The Secret Keeper is impossible to put down.

Recommended for: Fans of historical fiction, stories about love and loss that spans decades, and every Kate Morton fan.

Bonus: I read this book on April 23, which was also a date mentioned in the book, and I find that pretty neat. I love when that happens! 

Who’s your favorite dual-narrative author?

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  • Elizabeth

    Definitely agree with you about this book–one of her best works! Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors ever 🙂

  • Ooh, this sounds like my kind of book! I love historical fiction, dual narratives, and beautiful writing. Despite loving dual narratives, I don’t have a go-to author for dual narratives. I’ve read several by Sarah Jio, but they haven’t been my favorites.

    • I read one by Sarah Jio and I didn’t love, love it. Kate Morton is the best, though!

  • I might have to check this out. I don’t get a lot of time to read for pleasure anymore and I miss it.

    • It’s a great one to jump into when you’re in a slump!

  • Sounds like a great book… I haven’t read a historical fiction in years!

    • Oh, you must check out Kate Morton! She’s right at the top of the list for me.

  • This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I’m so glad you liked it!! Kate Morton is just a dreamy storytelling genius! I’m currently reading a dual-narrative book called The Winter Sea (Susanna Kearsley), and it’s amazing so far.

    • That’s good to know! I read The Firebird by Kearsley and have been meaning to read another by her.

  • Sounds like a good read. I don’t think I’ve ever read this authors books before. I’ll have to check her out.

  • I liked her book The Forgotten Garden so I’m sure I’d like this too. Thanks!

  • Kate Morton is my favourite dual time line author – I’m waiting for her next book which is due out later this year (hopefully)

  • Allison! You know I’m a fellow Kate Morton lover and I have purchased this book a month ago. Yet to read it. Your review makes me want to make this book the next book I pick up. Sooo excited to read it now.

    Recently I’ve started to love Lucinda Riley’s books as well. She also does the the dual narrative thing. My recent read of hers, The Midnight Rose, was such a nice read. I think you might like her books too if you enjoy Kate Morton

  • Emma @ Words And Peace

    I read it when it came out and loved it. I’m a big fan of Morton. I like books with two or more narrators. The first I loved was The Poisonwood Bible by Kingsolver

    • I couldn’t get into The Poisonwood Bible the one time I tried it, but I think that was more about where I was in my reading life at the time. I really want to give it another go!

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