The Secret Ranch
1942 Grants Pass, Oregon. Jean lives with her parents and sister and is very worried about her two brothers, who are fighting in World War II. Tensions are high, and it doesn’t help that Jean’s mother is constantly vicious and vindictive towards her. Wishing to do more for her country like her brothers, Jean makes the decision to join the Women’s Army Corps and leaves for training in California.
California, 2006. Carolyn is separated and pending divorce, but is reluctant to tell her mother, Jean. At the same time, she is excited for Jean, who has been contacted about a feature article surrounding her work as a radio operator during WWII. However, Jean does not want to talk about the personal aspects of her life during that time.
This is an extremely well-researched novel. We follow Jean through boot camp, and then to Kansas City, where she completes High-Speed Radio Operator School. The portrayal of military training with all its rules and regulations is absolutely spot on. When she arrives at Two Rock Ranch in Petaluma, California, she learns she will be intercepting enemy radio transmissions right alongside the men. I loved the description of this top-secret military station that looked like a working ranch, complete with barns, chickens, and even sheep.
The ups and downs of Jean’s romantic life, heartbreak, secrets, and love add a new level to the story. Her friend Opal is a great supporting character and quite the opposite of Jean in personality. The significance of the work they are doing is made clear by the author.
The 1940s timeline is compelling and engages the reader immediately. The 2006 timeline is definitely secondary and may not have been needed, but fans of WWII fiction should not pass up this fascinating story. Recommended.
