
Book Blurb:
“Elaine Stock’s The Last Secret Kept is a captivating and profoundly moving book that explores complex and universal themes such as guilt, forgiveness, and human nature.” –The Historical Fiction Company
From the author of the Amazon Bestseller Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy.
If love is the only true gift, why doesn't everyone grab hold and never let go?
Fanny may be a small-town defense attorney in upstate New York alongside Lake Ontario, but it's 1961 with growing opportunities for women. She's not about to listen to naysayers who encourage her to marry and to stay at home and raise a family. Fanny meets Gina, whose husband Kenny is pinned by society as a lesser man because of his limited intelligence. When Kenny is accused of murder, Fanny takes on the case. Gina hopes for her grandmother's support, but a hidden act of betrayal during the WWII years when Gina and her grandmother lived in Berlin, Germany, threatens to unsettle Gina and destabilize the case Fanny is building on behalf of Kenny.
Set against the backdrop of the construction of the Berlin Wall, The Last Secret Kept explores the beauty of individualism while demolishing the invisible walls built between ourselves and our loved ones.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/5BEveBl
Author Bio:

Elaine Stock pens historical fiction of courageous women because life is full of challenges, and we must bravely step forward. Her next novel, The Last Secret Kept, releases on April 24, 2025. Her award-winning Resilient Women of WWII trilogy novels have made several Amazon Bestseller Lists. What pleases her the most is that readers from various countries have reached out to say that these novels encouraged them to face their tomorrows.
Editorial Review:
"The Last Secret Kept" by Elaine Stock is a captivating and emotional novel that blends the
past and present through the stories of three strong women: Helene, Fanny, and Gina. Each of
them struggles with their own challenges in a world marked by war, secrets, and personal
conflicts.
The book begins in Berlin in 1943, where Helene, a devoted grandmother, risks her life to save her granddaughter. The opening passage of the novel is profoundly emotional and filled with tension:
“Cold slides into the collar of her ragged coat and creeps down the neckline of her
threadbare dress. A few snowflakes float down, one landing on the tip of her nose.
Accustomed to wintery weather, she can manage what nature has in mind. Worse dangers exist. Out after curfew, she could be stopped and interrogated. Arrested. She resists shuddering and again summons her will. For Rosa, there is no obstacle. Not the weather, nor a confrontation by the police, nor her daughter’s wrath. This child will live.”
This passage illustrates Helene's sacrifice and incredible determination as she puts her life at risk to secure a better future for her granddaughter.
The story progresses to the year 1961 in Bridgehaven, New York, where we meet Fanny
Stern, a lawyer grappling with her own moral and professional dilemmas. Her life takes a
turn when she encounters Gina, a young woman who seems to be harboring painful secrets.
The relationship between Fanny and Gina evolves as Fanny attempts to uncover the truth
about Gina's life and offer her assistance. This encounter is key in revealing the complexity of
interpersonal relationships and the internal struggles of the characters, highlighting themes of
loyalty, love, and courage.
Stock manages to create a narrative rich in historical detail and authentic emotions, skillfully
intertwining the life stories of her characters. The novel explores not only the horrors and
sacrifices of war but also the ongoing struggle for justice and hope in a changing world.
The book features the stories of several characters, among whom Gina and her husband
Kenny take center stage, while Fanny fights to prove Kenny's innocence in a complicated
murder case. As the story unfolds, we also discover details about other characters, such as
Helene, and the impact that war and personal sufferings have had on them. Helene, with care
and devotion, tries to protect her granddaughter and cope with the challenges caused by a tumultuous past. Meanwhile, intergenerational ties and well-kept secrets come to light, adding depth and narrative complexity.
Elaine Stock succeeds in creating a captivating and suspenseful narrative where each
character faces their own struggles and moral dilemmas. Through authentic dialogues and
well-crafted scenes, the reader is introduced to a world where love, loyalty, and truth are
tested in unexpected ways. The narrative is rich and full of details, starting with the moment
when Fanny remembers the previous year, when four African American students, known as
the Greensboro Four, staged the first nonviolent sit-in at a Woolworth store in Greensboro,
North Carolina, to protest the company's policy of denying services to people of color. This
memory serves as a starting point to explore themes of social justice and racism, while also
revealing the power of peaceful protest.
As the story progresses, the relationship between Fanny and Gina is deeply explored. Fanny,
a strong and protective woman, faces the challenges of a changing world and tries to offer
Gina, a young pregnant woman, the support and wisdom she needs. Despite her fears, Fanny
reaffirms her faith in the triumph of good:
“However, I believe goodness always prevails”, a
sentiment that underscores hope and resilience in the face of hatred and conflict.
The story also extends into the past, exploring Gina's memories of her childhood in Germany
during and after World War II. The tense relationship between Gina and her grandmother,
Grammy, reveals the traumas and complexities of a family affected by war and the Nazi
regime. Memories from Berlin, especially those related to Grammy's rigid and authoritarian
behavior, highlight the profound impact of the past on the present and future of the
characters.
Elaine Stock also addresses the theme of maternal responsibility and the sacrifices made by
women in times of war. Another remarkable aspect of the novel is the way the author deals
with the theme of love and interpersonal relationships. Gina and her husband, Kenny,
navigate the challenges of their everyday lives with the help of their deep love and mutual
support. Their relationship is an example of strength and resilience, showing how love can
bring healing and peace in the midst of crisis. Stock creates an atmosphere of constant tension
and suspense, managing to keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page. The
narrative alternates between the present and the past, gradually revealing well-hidden secrets
that have deeply influenced the characters' lives. One of the key moments of the book is the
conversation between Kenny and Dr. Grant, a psychologist, which highlights the complexity
of human nature and the difficulty of determining someone's guilt or innocence:
“However, Dr. Grant, who I think will be an excellent witness in the defense of Kenny—and remember, we’re talking legal procedure and defense preparation—will inevitably conclude one can be of a sound mind—not mentally ill—and still kill. And the reverse. One can be mentally ill, though not necessarily oriented to committing a crime, let alone a murder, and not kill another person.”
This discussion highlights the moral and legal dilemmas looming over
Kenny's case, while also underscoring the fragility of the line between good and evil,
between mental health and criminal behavior. It's a moment of profound introspection that
forces the reader to confront their own prejudices and understandings about justice and
responsibility. "The Last Secret Kept" stands out for its uniqueness, addressing themes and
subjects that bring a breath of fresh air into contemporary literature. The authentic
perspective and original narrative contribute to the book's differentiation.
The characters are well-developed and realistic, each grappling with their own struggles and
secrets. Gina, Kenny's wife, is torn between her loyalty to her husband and uncovering
painful truths about her family and past. Her relationship with Fanny, as well as their
interactions with other family members, add layers of complexity and emotion to the story.
The character development is remarkable, with each character having distinct and complex
traits. Readers can trace the evolution and transformations of the characters throughout the
book.
Another remarkable aspect of the book is how Stock addresses the theme of war and its
lasting effects on those who lived through it. The characters' traumatic memories from the
war and its consequences are presented with profound sensitivity, adding an extra layer of
gravity and authenticity to the narrative. Through its suspenseful and emotionally charged
narrative, Elaine Stock manages to create a memorable story that will stay with the reader
long after finishing it. "The Last Secret Kept" is a book that encourages reflection and offers
a deep dive into the complexity of humanity. The story arc is well-structured, with a
captivating beginning, a well-developed middle, and a satisfying end. The plot is progressive
and tense, providing the reader with a memorable experience.
Elaine Stock's "The Last Secret Kept" is a captivating and profoundly moving book that
explores complex and universal themes such as guilt, forgiveness, and human nature.
Through well-developed characters and a gripping narrative, the book offers a profound
perspective on historical and personal challenges, inviting readers to reflect on the power of
hope and kindness in a world marked by conflict and injustice. Ultimately, the book is not
just about Kenny's trial, but about the power to forgive, to love unconditionally, and to find
the courage to reveal painful truths. Each character brings something unique to the story,
leaving the reader with a reflection on the importance of family and justice in the face of
adversity.
*****
“The Last Secret Kept” by Elaine Stock receives 4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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