The Silent Canary

A World War 1 Historical Fiction Inspired By A True Story

De: Angela Bricker

Narrado por: Emma Faye, Adam Skousen

Casting light onto the once hidden tragedy of the 1918 Chilwell, England ammunition factory explosion, The Silent Canary tells of the catastrophic incident that resulted in the largest loss of life from a single accidental explosion during World War I.

But what if the explosion wasn’t an accident?

War pacifist Poppy Pemburton celebrates her twenty-third birthday on the front steps of the Chilwell, England ammunition factory with her favorite anti-war sign and her well-loved marching boots. War tears families apart and Poppy will certainly not allow it anywhere near the only family she has left. But when Poppy's dearest friend, Luca, answers the Great War's call to enlist, Poppy is willing to set aside her morals and join forces with the yellow-skinned Chilwell munition workers, known as canary girls, to bring Luca home safe. Because the only thing worse than the possibility of Luca dying in war, is Luca dying without knowing Poppy loves him.

German spy Jakob Kirtchner is sent to England with one chance left to prove himself. Jakob's assignment: infiltrate the Chilwell ammunition factory by any means necessary. New employee Poppy Pemburton proves the perfect means. Germany will win the Great War. If Poppy falls with England, so be it. He just can't fall with her. Or for her.

Exploring the human need to cling to hope, love and family during times of tumultuous upheaval, The Silent Canary, stretches our understanding of what it means to find bravery in the depths of our darkest moments, and forgiveness despite our deepest fears.

Based on a true story and inspired by real people, The Silent Canary, by debut novelist Angela Bricker, is perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say, and Mark Sullivan’s Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and for all women and men who refuse to allow truth to be silenced.

©2025 Angela Bricker (P)2025 Angela Bricker

Awe Inspiring WWI Story

~I just need to take a moment for these narrators. They did such an amazing job. So many characters and accents. Phenomenal. Absolutely beautiful.
*and Angela reading the Authors note was Powerful.

✨Inspired by a true event during WWI at the Chilwell, England ammunition factory. -the largest loss of life from a single accident.-✨

Poppy Pemburton. What a force Poppy was. She embodied love, light, and forgiveness. She felt so much that when it became too much she tried to escape it, but her big heart wouldn’t let her and so she pushed through. Her nickname was perfect -Firebird- as she did just as the magical bird, she rose from the ashes, forever changed. Her compassion and forgiveness knew no bounds. The way she accepted her choices and knew her strengths was inspiring.

“In war, there is no victor. Not one person comes out unscathed. Unchanged.”

Luca. Brave Broken Luca. He found the strength to ‘stand back up’ when he was most thoroughly flattened. It was heart gutting to read, but because of all the pain and hurt, his strength to keep standing back up was all the more potent. He learned to forgive himself for past guilt that wasn’t his fault and gain faith in himself. His mate, SAM, was an Angel on earth. He was the glue holding Luca together until he knew how to do it himself. Ahh. Sam. And a certain guard at the POW camp threw in more light in the dark.

“The choices I make alone in the dark will show what I am capable of in the light.”

Jakob Kirtchner: German Spy, undercover as Charles, was the most complex character. He evoked the most emotions with his cunning and underhandedness. The way he responds in the end almost redeemed all he did. The way some don’t know how to feel about him is evidence of Angela’s amazing writing.

“The light is within you, waiting for you to let it shine through your broken spaces and chase away the dark. When you find your light again, it will bring you back to life.”

This is one I will recommend again and again as well as read again and again.

OUTSTANDING!!!

This was an absolutely incredible read and to find out this is the author’s first publication is just mind blowing! The story is phenomenal! Great work!

Beautiful, heart felt WWI story!!

Oh my goodness! Where do I even begin with how much I loved this audiobook???

I have read the physical book several times so I had the vision of these characters in my mind already. These narrators absolutely did an incredible job brining this story and the vision in my head to life!

The way Adam voices Jakob/Charles and Luca is perfect!! Jakob is a German spy who goes undercover. His undercover role is Charles who is a Texan and works in the post office in Poppy’s town. The way Adam bridged the two voices together—the German and the Cowboy— completely blew my mind. Incredible creativity to voice this character! Emma not only brings Poppy to life—but all the canary girls! Every character is voiced with such emotion and depth that pulls at my heart and will stay with me long after the story has finished.

There is no doubt that this story was researched. The flow and character development kept me engaged, and at times so anxious for what was going to happen. I learned a lot about the ammunition factories in WWI and the history of the Canary Girls is both valiant and heartbreaking. Knowing all they suffered with their health, but kept going for the soldiers is nothing short of heroic. The side characters in this story had such a role and so important that I couldn’t help but feel that there are more than three main characters in this book! Clara, Sam, Mrs Fischer, and so many more! ♥️

You will never believe this is Angela’s debut novel! Wow, wow, wow!! An absolute must read!!