The Codebreaker's Secret

Beautiful Story With A Near Frequency Endgame. Yet again, Ackerman manages to craft a beautiful Hawaiian tale set partially in WWII and partially a couple of decades later. Both timelines worked quite well for me, and both were equally compelling with the high stakes and secrecy of codebreaking during the war and the mystery surrounding the opening of a new hotel during the early Vietnam era. Quite possibly the thing I liked the best was the endgame that came about with a nearly Frequency level abruptness, where the tale is moving along and bam - endgame. Overall a truly beautiful and wonderfully interconnected tale. Very much recommended.

This is a really good story! I didn't know a lot about women working as codebreakers for the U.S. during World War II. Isabel Cooper, the codebreaker of the title, is tapped to go to Hawai'i shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor to work on Japanese codes that are proving difficult to crack. She is the only woman on the team, and has to prove herself. In addition to her determination to break the Japanese codes, she hopes to find some closure following her brother's death. She didn't expect her brother's best friend to be the man she'd fall in love with.

Lu Freitas, a young reporter with ambitions of writing more than lifestyle pieces, returns to her home state of Hawai'i to cover the opening of Rockefeller's newest hotel. She meets a veteran photographer who is obviously wrestling with something in his past. Gradually they strike up something of a friendship, and when a high-profile guest goes missing, their search for her uncovers a World War II-era mystery, and uncovers secrets long kept as well.

Sara Ackerman writes a beautiful book! I've never been to Hawai'i, but the way it's described, I can see why Lu realizes how much she actually misses home. I'd love to see it for myself.

Ackerman's characters are realistically written, and the relationships don't feel forced. The book flowed smoothly and kept me engaged. I liked learning about something different from other World War II historical fiction that I've read. This is a book I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a look at an interesting slice of history.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from MIRA Press and NetGalley. All opinions are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.

Every time I think I've covered reading every area possible of WWII, I'm proven wrong. Such was the case with The Codebreaker's Secret and I am thrilled!

Set in Hawaii during WWII and the 1960s, this book provides two captivating timelines. It's quite an emotional read as well as it is centered around grief and loss. The characters are wonderful. I found myself particularly attached to Gloria. Isabel's friendship with her is so sweet. On the same note, I also loved the friendship Lu and Russi forged in the 60s timeline. Those were my best takeaways.

I found the ending a bit unrealistic, but it did provide closure. All in all, this was a touching and adventurous story with a part of the war not often discussed. I'm excited to look up the Pearl Harbor codebreakers now. I'm also excited for the release day so I can purchase a copy to keep!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for providing a free ARC to read and review.