On Isabella Street
From #1 bestselling author Genevieve Graham comes a gripping novel set in Toronto and Vietnam during the turbulent sixties about two women caught up in powerful social movements and the tragedy that will bring them together—perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Women.
Toronto, 1967. Two young women with different backgrounds, attitudes, and aptitudes are living in an exciting but confusing time, the most extreme counter-culture movement the modern world has ever seen. They have little in common except for the place they both call home: an apartment building on Isabella Street.
Marion Hart, a psychiatrist working in Toronto’s foremost mental institution, is fighting deinstitutionalization—the closing of major institutions in favour of community-based centres—because she believes it could one day cause major homelessness. When Daniel Neumann, a veteran with a debilitating wound, is admitted to the mental institution, Marion will learn through him that there is so much more to life than what she is living.
Sassy Rankin, a budding folk singer and carefree hippy from a privileged family, joins protests over the Vietnam War and is devastated that her brother chose to join the US Marines. At the same time, she must deal with the truth that her comfortable life is financed by her father, a real estate magnate bent on gentrifying the city, making it unaffordable for many of her friends.
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A little bit about Genevieve...
About Genevieve
Genevieve Graham is the USA TODAY and #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child (which has been optioned for TV), Letters Across the Sea, Tides of Honour, Promises to Keep, Come from Away, and At the Mountain’s Edge. Her latest novel, Bluebird, became a national instant bestseller upon its release in April 2022. She is passionate about breathing life back into Canadian history through tales of love and adventure.
Beyond the books
Historical Fiction is so many things. It is history, with the myriad details that entails. It is people, with their changing attitudes, technology, fashion, politics, food, and so much more over the decades. But it is also the connection of them to us, and the universal emotions we all feel. I love writing my stories, and there is so much more I can’t wait to share with you!
Genevieve
The Forgotten Home Child
The Home for Unwanted Girls meets Orphan Train in this unforgettable novel about a young girl caught in a scheme to rid England’s streets of destitute children, and the lengths she will go to find her way home—based on the true story of the British Home Children.
2018
At ninety-seven years old, Winnifred Ellis knows she doesn’t have much time left, and it is almost a relief to realize that once she is gone, the truth about her shameful past will die with her. But when her great-grandson Jamie, the spitting image of her dear late husband, asks about his family tree, Winnifred can’t lie any longer, even if it means breaking a promise she made so long ago...
1936
Fifteen-year-old Winny has never known a real home. After running away from an abusive stepfather, she falls in with Mary, Jack, and their ragtag group of friends roaming the streets of Liverpool. When the children are caught stealing food, Winny and Mary are left in Dr. Barnardo’s Barkingside Home for Girls, a local home for orphans and forgotten children found in the city’s slums. At Barkingside, Winny learns she will soon join other boys and girls in a faraway place called Canada, where families and better lives await them.
About Genevieve
Genevieve Graham is the USA TODAY and #1 bestselling author of The Forgotten Home Child, Letters Across the Sea, Tides of Honour, Promises to Keep, Come from Away, and At the Mountain’s Edge. Her latest novel, Bluebird, became a national instant bestseller upon its release in April 2022. She is passionate about breathing life back into Canadian history through tales of love and adventure.
Beyond the books
Historical Fiction is so many things. It is history, with the myriad details that entails. It is people, with their changing attitudes, technology, fashion, politics, food, and so much more over the decades. But it is also the connection of them to us, and the universal emotions we all feel. I love writing my stories, and there is so much more I can’t wait to share with you!
Book List
Book List
Praise for Genevieve...
“A riveting tale of the steadfast bond between sisters in the midst of wartime adventure. In Dot and Dash’s extraordinary journey, Genevieve Graham vividly captures the courageous heroics of women in WWII.”
Paullina Simons
Internationally bestselling author of The Bronze Horseman"The Secret Keeper is Genevieve Graham at her masterful best.”
Bryn Turnbull,
Internationally bestselling author of The Paris Deception"Through impeccable research, harrowing flight scenes, and equally tense codebreaking ones, Graham deftly captures the emotional and physical toll of war on the home-front, while beautifully illustrating the capacity for human resilience, camaraderie, and connection inside us all.”
Natalie Jenner
International bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society"Graham is the reigning queen of historical fiction about Canada, and THE SECRET KEEPER is her most sweeping, searing story yet, an intricate tale of the Canadian women of World War II, many of whom were sworn to keep their wartime heroics secret. A riveting historical tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, love, and war, THE SECRET KEEPER will change the way you look at 20th century history.”
Kristin Harmel,
New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter“A compelling story, meticulously researched and beautifully told—to the point that I was moved to tears on several occasions. Graham is a master storyteller with a gift to touch the heart. I’m so happy to have discovered her work.”
Santa Montefiore
bestselling author of The Temptation of Gracie“Graham further cements her status as one of the preeminent writers of Canadian twentieth-century historical fiction by illuminating a dark and complex chapter in the nation’s past in the decade leading up to World War II. With meticulous research and vivid prose and memorable characters, Graham demonstrates once more her unique ability to inspire, educate, and entertain.”
Pam Jenoff
New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star“I always look forward to diving into a Genevieve Graham novel, because I know I’ll be swept away by her meticulous evocation of the past, her memorable and wonderfully observed characters, and her unmatchable flair for shining a light into the neglected corners of our shared past. In Letters Across the Sea, she sends us from 1930s Toronto, then under siege by a relentless plague of anti-Semitism, to a different battleground altogether: the last stand of Canadian troops at the Battle of Hong Kong. This is history worth remembering—and fiction that both enlightens and entertains.”
Jennifer Robson
internationally bestselling author of The Gown“An epic tale of enduring love, loyalty and heroism, and a haunting portrayal of one of the most tragic yet overlooked battles of WWII, Letters Across the Sea has all the ingredients of a historical fiction masterpiece. Genevieve Graham has delivered once more a powerful, devastating, and ultimately redemptive story that stirs the heart in profound and lasting ways.”
Roxanne Veletzos
internationally bestselling author of The Girl They Left Behind“Readers weary of European-centric World War II dramas will delight in Genevieve Graham’s Letters Across the Sea, which centres on the courage and tenacity of Canadian soldiers, veterans, and home-front fighters. A budding love affair between Irish aspiring-journalist Molly and Jewish medical student Max is derailed first by a shocking anti-Semitic riot, then by the winds of war which send Max to fight in the Pacific as Molly carves herself a niche as a reporter. A lost letter has the power to bring them back into each other’s lives, but at what cost? A tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of World War II history!”
Kate Quinn
New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code“From the battlefields of war-torn France to the speakeasies of Canada’s prohibition-flaunting towns, Bluebird weaves a compelling, emotional story of love, second chances, and sacrifice. Genevieve Graham is uniquely talented at bringing history to light with characters who stay with you long after the last page. Bluebird is why I never miss a new Genevieve Graham book!”
Julia Kelly
internationally bestselling author of The Last Garden in England“Full of wartime heroics, rollicking rumrunners, and star-crossed lovers, Bluebird has it all. But most of all, it is full of compassion for the men and women who served in the first global conflict facing our world. No one writes Canadian historical fiction with more heart than Genevieve Graham, and this pure and ennobling tale is exactly what our own hearts need now.”
Natalie Jenner
internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society“From the battlefields of World War I to Prohibition-era Canada, Bluebird swept me away. Once again, Genevieve Graham writes brilliantly about how the past impacts the present. This meticulously researched page-turner will keep you reading into the night.”
Janet Skeslien Charles
New York Times bestselling author of The Paris LibraryEvocative of place and time, a novel blending tragedy and triumph in a poignant and uplifting tale that’s sure to leave its mark upon your heart.
Susanna Kearsley
New York Times & Globe and Mail bestselling authorAn epic tale of enduring love, loyalty and heroism, and a haunting portrayal of one of the most tragic yet overlooked battles of WWII, LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA has all the ingredients of a historical fiction masterpiece. Genevieve Graham has delivered once more a powerful, devastating, and ultimately redemptive story that stirs the heart in profound and lasting ways.
Roxanne Veletzos
Internationally bestselling author of The Girl They Left BehindReaders weary of European-centric World War II dramas will delight in Genevieve Graham's LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA, which centers on the courage and tenacity of Canadian soldiers, veterans, and home-front fighters. A tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of Second World War history!
Kate Quinn
Bestselling author of The HuntressI always look forward to diving into a Genevieve Graham novel, because I know I’ll be swept away by her meticulous evocation of the past, her memorable and wonderfully observed characters, and her unmatchable flair for shining a light into the neglected corners of our shared past. This is history worth remembering — and fiction that both enlightens and entertains.
Jennifer Robson
Bestselling author of The Gown and Our Darkest NightLETTERS FROM ACROSS THE SEA is a beautiful book that tells a little-known chapter of history with incredible humanity. From the neighborhoods of Toronto to the battlefields of Hong Kong, Genevieve Graham weaves exquisite research, nail-biting tension, and rich characters into a sweeping novel of courage, betrayal, and reconciliation. I loved it!
Julia Kelly
Bestselling author of The Last Garden in EnglandLetters Across the Sea is a compelling story, meticulously researched and beautifully told—to the point that I was moved to tears on several occasions. Graham is a master storyteller with a gift to touch the heart. I’m so happy to have discovered her work.
Santa Montefiore
Bestselling author of The Temptation of GracieIn Letters Across The Sea, Genevieve Graham further cements her status as one of the preeminent writers of Canadian 20th century historical fiction by illuminating a dark and complex chapter in the nation’s past in the decade leading up to World War 2. With meticulous research and vivid prose and memorable characters, Graham demonstrates once more her unique ability to inspire, educate and entertain.
Pam Jenoff
NYT Bestselling Author of The Woman With The Blue StarA tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of Second World War history!
Kate Quinn
Bestselling author of The Rose CodeAnother gem from one of my favourite historical fiction authors! Graham reveals our past—both the shame and the hope of it—in the truest possible light. In doing so, she offers promise that the future can be changed by the telling of such important stories. This novel is heartbreaking yet romantic, distressing yet charming—and perfect for fans of Joanna Goodman and Jennifer Robson!
Marissa Stapley
Bestselling author of The Last ResortIf there’s one thing that defines The Forgotten Home Child, it’s the essence of the past. In these pages, one family discovers the truth about their personal history and realizes that while our pasts are imperfect and multi-faceted, and can bind us or set us free, in the end, they inform our identity. Genevieve Graham captures the reader’s attention from the beginning in this exquisite journey to the heart of what makes us human.
Armando Lucas Correa
Bestselling author of The German Girl and The Daughter’s TaleDrawing on a dark, yet little-known chapter in Canada’s history, Graham paints a searing portrait of a childhood shattered by isolation and brutality. I was profoundly moved by this tale of courage, fortitude, and the heart’s ability to open again in the wake of great injustice. The Forgotten Home Child is a powerful and engrossing read, brimming on every page with both heartbreak and hope.
Roxanne Veletzos
Bestselling author of The Girl They Left BehindThe prose is evocative and fluid. The characters are scarred, driven, and resilient. And the compelling, well-paced plot is an adventurous journey
Review
whatsbetterthanbooks.comI've said it before and I'll continue to say it, I absolutely love Genevieve Graham's historical fictions!
Think Canadian history is boring? Genevieve Graham is determined to prove you wrong, one book at a time.
Sweetmarie_83
InstagramStepping into Promises to Keep is like stepping into the lush forest of a whole new world. The novel sings with power, adventure, and heart.
Katherine Scott Crawford
Author of Keowee ValleyFascinating, harrowing, illuminating, this is a gripping love story. Graham sheds light on a dark chapter of Canadian history, immersing the reader in 1755 Grand Pré, making vivid the flames and the pain of the Acadians deported from their idyllic homeland.
Beth Powning
Bestselling author of A Measure of LightTaking inspiration from an old Maritime legend, Come from Away is gripping from its first page to last. Impossible to put down.
Review
Toronto Star[Graham] has delivered a book that reads like a love letter to a time and place that figures largely in our national identity: Halifax in 1917.
Review
The Globe and Mail
Praise for Genevieve...
“A riveting tale of the steadfast bond between sisters in the midst of wartime adventure. In Dot and Dash’s extraordinary journey, Genevieve Graham vividly captures the courageous heroics of women in WWII.”
Paullina Simons
Internationally bestselling author of The Bronze Horseman"The Secret Keeper is Genevieve Graham at her masterful best.”
Bryn Turnbull,
Internationally bestselling author of The Paris Deception"Through impeccable research, harrowing flight scenes, and equally tense codebreaking ones, Graham deftly captures the emotional and physical toll of war on the home-front, while beautifully illustrating the capacity for human resilience, camaraderie, and connection inside us all.”
Natalie Jenner
International bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society"Graham is the reigning queen of historical fiction about Canada, and THE SECRET KEEPER is her most sweeping, searing story yet, an intricate tale of the Canadian women of World War II, many of whom were sworn to keep their wartime heroics secret. A riveting historical tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, love, and war, THE SECRET KEEPER will change the way you look at 20th century history.”
Kristin Harmel,
New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter“A compelling story, meticulously researched and beautifully told—to the point that I was moved to tears on several occasions. Graham is a master storyteller with a gift to touch the heart. I’m so happy to have discovered her work.”
Santa Montefiore
bestselling author of The Temptation of Gracie“Graham further cements her status as one of the preeminent writers of Canadian twentieth-century historical fiction by illuminating a dark and complex chapter in the nation’s past in the decade leading up to World War II. With meticulous research and vivid prose and memorable characters, Graham demonstrates once more her unique ability to inspire, educate, and entertain.”
Pam Jenoff
New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star“I always look forward to diving into a Genevieve Graham novel, because I know I’ll be swept away by her meticulous evocation of the past, her memorable and wonderfully observed characters, and her unmatchable flair for shining a light into the neglected corners of our shared past. In Letters Across the Sea, she sends us from 1930s Toronto, then under siege by a relentless plague of anti-Semitism, to a different battleground altogether: the last stand of Canadian troops at the Battle of Hong Kong. This is history worth remembering—and fiction that both enlightens and entertains.”
Jennifer Robson
internationally bestselling author of The Gown“An epic tale of enduring love, loyalty and heroism, and a haunting portrayal of one of the most tragic yet overlooked battles of WWII, Letters Across the Sea has all the ingredients of a historical fiction masterpiece. Genevieve Graham has delivered once more a powerful, devastating, and ultimately redemptive story that stirs the heart in profound and lasting ways.”
Roxanne Veletzos
internationally bestselling author of The Girl They Left Behind“Readers weary of European-centric World War II dramas will delight in Genevieve Graham’s Letters Across the Sea, which centres on the courage and tenacity of Canadian soldiers, veterans, and home-front fighters. A budding love affair between Irish aspiring-journalist Molly and Jewish medical student Max is derailed first by a shocking anti-Semitic riot, then by the winds of war which send Max to fight in the Pacific as Molly carves herself a niche as a reporter. A lost letter has the power to bring them back into each other’s lives, but at what cost? A tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of World War II history!”
Kate Quinn
New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code“From the battlefields of war-torn France to the speakeasies of Canada’s prohibition-flaunting towns, Bluebird weaves a compelling, emotional story of love, second chances, and sacrifice. Genevieve Graham is uniquely talented at bringing history to light with characters who stay with you long after the last page. Bluebird is why I never miss a new Genevieve Graham book!”
Julia Kelly
internationally bestselling author of The Last Garden in England“Full of wartime heroics, rollicking rumrunners, and star-crossed lovers, Bluebird has it all. But most of all, it is full of compassion for the men and women who served in the first global conflict facing our world. No one writes Canadian historical fiction with more heart than Genevieve Graham, and this pure and ennobling tale is exactly what our own hearts need now.”
Natalie Jenner
internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society“From the battlefields of World War I to Prohibition-era Canada, Bluebird swept me away. Once again, Genevieve Graham writes brilliantly about how the past impacts the present. This meticulously researched page-turner will keep you reading into the night.”
Janet Skeslien Charles
New York Times bestselling author of The Paris LibraryEvocative of place and time, a novel blending tragedy and triumph in a poignant and uplifting tale that’s sure to leave its mark upon your heart.
Susanna Kearsley
New York Times & Globe and Mail bestselling authorAn epic tale of enduring love, loyalty and heroism, and a haunting portrayal of one of the most tragic yet overlooked battles of WWII, LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA has all the ingredients of a historical fiction masterpiece. Genevieve Graham has delivered once more a powerful, devastating, and ultimately redemptive story that stirs the heart in profound and lasting ways.
Roxanne Veletzos
Internationally bestselling author of The Girl They Left BehindReaders weary of European-centric World War II dramas will delight in Genevieve Graham's LETTERS ACROSS THE SEA, which centers on the courage and tenacity of Canadian soldiers, veterans, and home-front fighters. A tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of Second World War history!
Kate Quinn
Bestselling author of The HuntressI always look forward to diving into a Genevieve Graham novel, because I know I’ll be swept away by her meticulous evocation of the past, her memorable and wonderfully observed characters, and her unmatchable flair for shining a light into the neglected corners of our shared past. This is history worth remembering — and fiction that both enlightens and entertains.
Jennifer Robson
Bestselling author of The Gown and Our Darkest NightLETTERS FROM ACROSS THE SEA is a beautiful book that tells a little-known chapter of history with incredible humanity. From the neighborhoods of Toronto to the battlefields of Hong Kong, Genevieve Graham weaves exquisite research, nail-biting tension, and rich characters into a sweeping novel of courage, betrayal, and reconciliation. I loved it!
Julia Kelly
Bestselling author of The Last Garden in EnglandLetters Across the Sea is a compelling story, meticulously researched and beautifully told—to the point that I was moved to tears on several occasions. Graham is a master storyteller with a gift to touch the heart. I’m so happy to have discovered her work.
Santa Montefiore
Bestselling author of The Temptation of GracieIn Letters Across The Sea, Genevieve Graham further cements her status as one of the preeminent writers of Canadian 20th century historical fiction by illuminating a dark and complex chapter in the nation’s past in the decade leading up to World War 2. With meticulous research and vivid prose and memorable characters, Graham demonstrates once more her unique ability to inspire, educate and entertain.
Pam Jenoff
NYT Bestselling Author of The Woman With The Blue StarA tender, moving tale illuminating a fascinating lesser-known chapter of Second World War history!
Kate Quinn
Bestselling author of The Rose CodeAnother gem from one of my favourite historical fiction authors! Graham reveals our past—both the shame and the hope of it—in the truest possible light. In doing so, she offers promise that the future can be changed by the telling of such important stories. This novel is heartbreaking yet romantic, distressing yet charming—and perfect for fans of Joanna Goodman and Jennifer Robson!
Marissa Stapley
Bestselling author of The Last ResortIf there’s one thing that defines The Forgotten Home Child, it’s the essence of the past. In these pages, one family discovers the truth about their personal history and realizes that while our pasts are imperfect and multi-faceted, and can bind us or set us free, in the end, they inform our identity. Genevieve Graham captures the reader’s attention from the beginning in this exquisite journey to the heart of what makes us human.
Armando Lucas Correa
Bestselling author of The German Girl and The Daughter’s TaleDrawing on a dark, yet little-known chapter in Canada’s history, Graham paints a searing portrait of a childhood shattered by isolation and brutality. I was profoundly moved by this tale of courage, fortitude, and the heart’s ability to open again in the wake of great injustice. The Forgotten Home Child is a powerful and engrossing read, brimming on every page with both heartbreak and hope.
Roxanne Veletzos
Bestselling author of The Girl They Left BehindThe prose is evocative and fluid. The characters are scarred, driven, and resilient. And the compelling, well-paced plot is an adventurous journey
Review
whatsbetterthanbooks.comI've said it before and I'll continue to say it, I absolutely love Genevieve Graham's historical fictions!
Think Canadian history is boring? Genevieve Graham is determined to prove you wrong, one book at a time.
Sweetmarie_83
InstagramStepping into Promises to Keep is like stepping into the lush forest of a whole new world. The novel sings with power, adventure, and heart.
Katherine Scott Crawford
Author of Keowee ValleyFascinating, harrowing, illuminating, this is a gripping love story. Graham sheds light on a dark chapter of Canadian history, immersing the reader in 1755 Grand Pré, making vivid the flames and the pain of the Acadians deported from their idyllic homeland.
Beth Powning
Bestselling author of A Measure of LightTaking inspiration from an old Maritime legend, Come from Away is gripping from its first page to last. Impossible to put down.
Review
Toronto Star[Graham] has delivered a book that reads like a love letter to a time and place that figures largely in our national identity: Halifax in 1917.
Review
The Globe and Mail