It was only when I finished reading ‘The Secret Shore’ by Liz Fenwick that I read the Author’s Note at the back and discovered it is based on real people and events in the Second World War from 1942-1945. What a cracking wartime romance this is, shedding light on the rarely mentioned mapmakers who enabled the military to plan and execute operations.
Merry, Dr Meredith Tremayne, was a geography lecturer at Oxford University before becoming a mapmaker in the War Office in London. In the first chapter there is a rather nice ‘meet cute’ with an American officer, involving a dropped copy of ‘Gaudy Night’ by Dorothy L Sayers. This romantic suspense story parallels Merry’s experiences as a woman in a man’s world when even the course of wartime flirtation doesn’t run smoothly.
When Elise, Merry’s widowed French mother goes missing, she returns home to Cornwall, to Kestle, the family home on the Helford estuary. Her boss Commander Fleming has transferred her temporarily to a small seaborne unit operating out of a house called Ridifarne, on the opposite side of the Helford river to Kestle. She will train with them to learn what they require from maps when in enemy territory, experience she hopes to use when making maps later in the war. Still confident her artist mother has simply gone on an impromptu painting trip, Merry is disturbed to hear local gossip that Elise is a spy. Maps, as always for Merry, provide clues, answers and solace. ‘When things didn’t add up, I turned to maps. From the age of eight, I’d been mapping my life day by day since my father first taught me how to draw one.’ Like Sayers’ heroine Harriet Vane, Merry has a mystery to solve.
As a member of a university rowing crew, Merry fits easily into the male banter of the flotilla crew at Ridifarne who recover quickly from their mistaken expectation that Dr Tremayne would be male. Amongst the officers is an American, Jake Russell, the man Merry met over the dropped copy of ‘Gaudy Night.’ Once they understand Merry’s knowledge of Helford, competence in a boat, fluency in French, Breton and reading maps, she is accepted. Flirtation with Jake is a light relief from the horror of war and the plight of her mother.
Merry is a strong woman who knows what she wants from life, even if at the beginning of the novel she doesn’t truly understand what she will be giving up. When that becomes apparent to her, the war has darkened and she has seen danger and death. She’s a great character – both Merry and Jake are fictional – her no-nonsense exterior drives the plot from training to active duty, from Cornwall to London and back again. Although surrounded by secrecy it becomes clear to Merry that the crew is sailing to Brittany with supplies for the Resistance, returning with men. This new knowledge makes her flirtation with Jake seem irresponsible in wartime so, in what seems quite a ‘male’ decision, she decides to live in the day, have fun and not worry about the future. But all the time a shadow is cast by the mysterious disappearance of her mother.
The cast of characters is rather long and at times I would have appreciated a list of names, ditto a map of the Helford River. I enjoyed the description of Cornwall, its nature, people and traditions, and the Sayers references. I expect to spot more of these on a second reading.
Atmospheric, full of tension and period detail, I really enjoyed ‘The Secret Shore.’ It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, and will now explore the others.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

Absolutely wonderful, I love love love Liz Fenwick. Such a great story told beautifully, you find yourself there in the moment in a way that only Liz can do. Highly recommended.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It’s a new slant on a period of history I read a lot of books about. To read the story of a female professional making her way in what was very much a mans world was refreshing and interesting.

The Secret Shore is a story about the secret flotillas on the Helford River during WWII. Shining a light on this time in history, Liz Fenwick’s characters breathe life and emotion into an important part of the war that I didn’t know anything about. And at its heart is Merry.

Merry’s a fabulous character and carries the story oh so well. Making a choice to give up on love and marriage to forge her career in academia, her no-nonsense and pragmatic exterior hides a warm-hearted woman. Keeping in mind that this is a time when you couldn’t have both a career and a marriage, this is a huge sacrifice that she hasn’t made lightly. Prejudices are clear to see when she’s introduced to service personnel.

She has diverse skills (there’s much more to Merry than mapmaking) that surprise others. She has to prove herself but does it without even thinking about it – loved how perceptions were turned on their head and led to respect. I thought her actions show the true meaning of courage and bravery (can you tell I’m a little in love with her 🙂 ). She’s a positive role model for our contemporary world.

There’s also the mystery of her missing mother. Another strong woman who puts her beliefs ahead of her safety. In fact, every character is interesting and easy to relate to.

The romance is important too! I didn’t realise how invested I was in Merry and Jake as a couple until I cried.

Liz Fenwick’s writing always draws me straight into the story so I’m experiencing the era and feel like I’m there and this story is no exception. You can tell the settings are something this author has experienced. It’s the little details that make it authentic. And as always, the research is impeccable.

I didn’t want this story to end and could happily have carried on ‘living’ in this world. The Secret Shore is Liz Fenwick’s best yet.

I loved this book as I have loved others by Liz. This one was interesting and a dual time-line. I raced through this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review,

This book is a show stopper - one I would give to my friends. I would buy multiple copies of this book for people!

Just when you think you have read every possible book about the Second World War and the role women played with it, you discover something you didn’t know anything about. Here is that book for me – mapmaking. Even better when it comes from an author who you love.

Merry’s skills are second to none and she is fully employed in the Royal Navy under the command of Commander Fleming to ensure that the information the men have is as accurate as possible. Her knowledge of geography and the land not just around Cornwall but in France, means her skills are called upon. That is why she finds herself back in her beloved Cornwall working with a merry bunch of intelligence officers who are working on invasion plans as well as helping intelligence get back across from France.

Merry’s return to Cornwall is blighted as it appears her mother has gone missing. No longer seen painting the landscape or in her usual haunts, the housekeeper thinks that something is amiss. What’s more intriguing is her mother’s skill of language especially in French and her appearance as an outsider, means that perhaps people are thinking the worst of Merry’s mother. Merry learns nothing, but knows in her heart that her mother is not dead.

Merry’s heart is taken another battering, when she bumps into the enigmatic American Jack. Her choice of career has meant that she has had to sacrifice some parts of her life, marriage and motherhood and it has never been a problem until she meets Jack again. With a missing mother, mourning her father and worrying about her brother, Merry seems to need another distraction.

However, all Merry’s skills are involved as the missions to France become more complicated and the intelligence gathering is needed far more to bring more knowledge to help end the war. Will the map give them men and Merry the answers or will it lead to her having to draw new maps and start again?

Yet again Liz Fenwick has a beautifully researched book that brings to life real life characters and fictional ones with such ease that you would think you were reading a true story. The other not well known parts of history have always fascinated me and this book was no exception and brought to life another aspect. The storytelling, the depth of the characters as well as the scenery just adds to the richness of the book.

A must for all fans of historical fiction, who want to branch away from some of the more commonly told aspects of the past.

This is a very special book. A very special Liz Fenwick book as it contains so much wonderful research and storytelling of somethin gI had never heard about before - mapmakers in the war. Such a good story and wonderfully written. You really have to discover this for yourself but please read it. I learned so much and now have even more respect for women during wartime than I had before.

Liz Fenwick never disappoints and this book is no exception.
Brilliant characters and great story line.
It is one of those books that you just can’t put down but don’t want it to finish.
During the Second World War Merry an Oxford Don works for the war office as a cartographer up grading the latest information on maps to help with the planned invasion to liberate France from Hitlers forces.
Based in London she is in formed that her mother who lives in Cornwall has disappeared.Then begins a journey that will change her life for ever.
It is a book about comradeship, love and loss in a time when one never new what the next day would bring and the bravery of those unsung women who work effortlessly in the war effort and were never acknowledged.

This is an unusual second world war story as the heroine, Merry, is a skilled cartographer and part of a team providing the maps that are needed for successful missions into enemy territory. She joins a specialist team in Cornwall but her mother has gone missing and she is uncertain about another member of her team. The tension builds but thankfully comes to a happy ending.

The Secret Shore made me aware of an aspect of World War Two I hadn’t known about before before. As a cartographer, a mapmaker, Merry is attuned to every little detail of what might be important in her work and how the smallest of mistakes can have huge consequences for the military personnel using her maps. That attention to detail is reflected in Liz Fenwick’s writing. This book is full of historical detail, impeccably researched and incorporated naturally in the flow of the story. It was so interesting to read about the challenges faced by Merry, and other women like her, in being accepted as just as intelligent and capable of carrying out important war work as men were. The role of women was changing but some aspects were so entrenched that women often had to choose between a career and love.

As well as following Merry’s war work, there is a mystery in the book about what happened to her mother who disappeared. Mapping, facts and details are important to Merry and she takes this approach when to trying to find out what happened to her mother. I liked that through Merry’s recollections we got glimpses of what her mother was like.

As I’ve come to expect, Liz Fenwick’s descriptions of the physical landscape and nature are just wonderful. She brings the natural world vividly to life on the page whether that’s describing the woodlands, the riverside or the animals making their homes there. This gave a sense of life going on as usual for nature, unaffected by the war, a sign that life would one day return to normal. Although, of course, for many people who suffered loss or injury life would never be entirely normal again and this aspect of war is also covered rather poignantly in the novel.

I’ve been immersed in this novel for the past few days. I was totally caught up in the story of Merry’s life and completely lost myself in the pages of the book. The Secret Shore is an epic story of danger, courage and love in times of uncertainty. I adored it!

I’m a little late with this wonderful book about Merry, the map reader, so I have just popped onto Amazon instead. Thanks.

The ethos of WW2 is captured in this intriguing, romantic mystery, and Merry is an engaging protagonist. The map makers and their contribution to the Allied war effort are explored through the story's characters and events. This is another example of women's role in history finally being recognised. The balance of friendship, mystery and romance makes this a wonderfully immersive read with characters readers invest in. The historical detail and the deft characterisation bring this story to life. I like the vivid historical setting, vibrant characters, and complex relationships. It's the perfect holiday read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really enjoyed this novel from Fenwick. I thought it was markedly different to the novel I read by this author a couple of years ago so it did initially take some getting used to. On the other hand, the extensive research that Fenwick has clearly carried out really feeds into this narrative and I felt like I learnt even more about this turbulent and tragic period of history.

The protagonist, Merry, is an interesting representation of the role of women during the Second World War. Social values were rapidly changing as a result of the conflict, but there were still some traditions that could not be broken. And Merry experiences this frequently. Known in her world as Doctor Meredith Tremayne, when she meets new people, they are always taken aback that Doctor Tremayne is not a doddery old man, but a young, beautiful woman who is incredibly knowledgeable. I loved Merry’s character because of how much she had achieved as a female yet, still sympathised with everything she had had to sacrifice for it – including love.

Merry’s role as a map-maker opened my eyes to another element of the war. Beyond the known intelligence gathering, I had little understand of other required research in order to help teams fight in France. This story explores Merry’s job of interpreting aerial photographs, updating maps and providing useful geographical information to Commanders about an ever-changing landscape. When news reaches her that her mother has gone missing, Merry finds herself returning to her home in Cornwall. Still working with plotting the area, she also tries to find out where her mother has gone. Except, the knowledge that Merry’s mother is French, can speak multiple languages and is a bit of an outsider has left the gossips speculating that she is working for the enemy.

Surprisingly, this aspect of the story became a minor sub-plot as Merry is more involved in her work on the Cornish coast. I was fascinated by the training involved and how Merry’s role supported the work of soldiers who were doing equally important tasks, even if they were not fighting on the Front Line. Sailing from Cornwall to France and ensuring communication lines were open during the Occupation was a part of the conflict that I had never considered before. I think Fenwick has done an amazing job at bringing this aspect of the war to life.

The developing relationship between Merry and Jake was sweet. I admired Merry’s mantra of following her head over her heart, but recognised that this would ultimately not lead to her happiness. The symbolism of map-making was interesting to explore, as Merry uses it as a method beyond her work. As a way of making sense of her life, making plans and tracing her mother, for Merry, maps are a way of living, not just for information purposes. I understood her need for order but liked watching Merry alter over the story as a consequence of the effects of the war.

A beautifully written story about a woman’s role in a male-dominated war, Fenwick shows how important all the “behind-the-scenes” roles in ensuring eventual success. The Cornish landscape is portrayed vividly and I felt like I was also feeling the sea breeze on my face as I read this tale of love, strength and dedication in uncertain times.

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dr Meredith Tremayne what a strong main female character.
Well researched and well written, highlighting the vital work women were involved in WWII
Loved the descriptive style of the wartime era - Merry making sure she had her gas mask, bright red lipstick and fish paste sandwiches before going to work in Naval Intelligence Base in London and fixing her hat at a jaunty angle when leaving work.
She was seen as the Iron Maiden, or the secret weapon - an excellent geographer, who couldn’t afford to make a mistake, or people would die.
A map is only as good as the intelligence used in the making of it.
The war could be won or lost based on the quality of the maps.
She is called back home to Cornwall when her French mother disappears.
She is called upon to work with a unit running secret flotillas to Northern France.
The story develops romantically when Merry meets the handsome American officer, Jake, and using the Virginia Woolf quote ‘passions are uncharted’
Thank you Liz for such a fabulous read, immersing you in the Cornish wartime era, with relatable, engaging characters.
Can visualise as a film already.
Thanks for @lizfenwick @hqstories & @netgalley for the eARC

The Secret Shore by Liz Fenwick is an absolutely marvellous historical tale. It will educate you as you read as the novel is grounded in fact.
Liz Fenwick has woven an epic tale with true life figures from World War II. Readers will instantly recognize the name Ian Flemming but many other characters were real too.
The tale is spun around Merry, a skilled cartographer who is remarkable at her craft. Special operatives relied on her eye for detail to make sorties into occupied France.
We see how difficult life was for women, having to choose between love or career. Women had opportunities in war to excel but were returned to the lesser positions in peacetime.
Life was difficult for homosexuals. We follow a couple of ladies who have to behave very differently outside their home. They have to deny who they really are.
The women in the novel are incredibly brave and very clever. They have huge hearts that help others in need.
Special operations were made by small groups. Here, bonds were made for life. When bad news must be given, it is best that it comes from a friend, with love.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. The reader cares about their plights.
Liz Fenwick has written comprehensive descriptions of the landscape. The Cornish coast comes alive for the reader.
The novel has the theme of home. Home is not just bricks and mortar. Home is where your heart is and it is where people love you.
The Secret Shore was an incredible read. It awakened all my senses. It was a celebration of the women in war who were so very brave, whether on the home front or working. I am sad that it is now ended.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Liz can be relied upon to deliver beautiful and comfortable books. This latest one is no exception. Set in Cornwall, with a strong heroine, which kept the pages turning. Liz's ability to create a wonderful story is second to none. Definitely a five star read.

Another classic from Liz Fenwick. Set in WW2, it tells that tale of Merry who works for the Navy using her geography and mapping skills. When her mum goes missing from Cornwall, she is called back to her home and is set a mission to use her skills to help the men there. This book was enlightening as I had never heard of missions going from Cornwall. The atmospheric writing conjured up beautiful and sometimes emotional scenes, I admit that half way through the book, I unexpectedly burst into tears and welled up more throughout. It has intrigue, romance and danger including a certain Commander Fleming! A perfect combination to settle down with a pot of tea and some cake. Thank you Netgalley for gifting this me this book.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

I realise this was an uncorrected copy but the formatting did make it difficult to read - though once one got used to ignoring the publisher name and looking for the end of sentences it became a book I struggled to put down.

This was my first book from this author so I had no idea there were recurring characters from previous books until I read the authors notes - it just served to make me look for more by her - once my pile of ‘to be read’ books is slightly less mountainous.

I had no idea that cartographers were used during WW2 in this way - I did have an idea that the brains of women were vital, underused and tossed aside when war had ended,

At times the story was slow, though obviously well researched and well written, I found I was very disappointed that the actual mapping for D-Day was such an important part of both the book and the War, but took such a small part of the narrative.
I had some idea if the area having visited the Helford river so could imagine the area and the inlets and creeks, and how useful training a flotilla there would be.
I had no idea that American servicemen had been forced ti give up their nationality in order to serve other countries early in the war though.

Having said some negatives - which could be taken as nitpicking, the superlatives would outweigh the negatives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - as is often the way with novels the ending was rushed, though all the loose ends were tied up.
I am still angry with Merry’s treatment by Oxford University though I can imagine that her work was so secret that she had to bite her tongue when treated so appallingly.

All in all a thoroughly great read

Thank you Liz Fenwick

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I have loved reading books by lLiz Fenwick’s books. I feel this may be her best yet.

I could not put the book down, and at the same time I didn’t want it to end.

It was so beautifully written and had brilliant characters, which keeps you hooked to the end.

I highly recommend this book.