Review of 'The Hidden Daughter' by Soraya Lane

Review of 'The Hidden Daughter' by Soraya Lane

Release date: October 13th, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

I absolutely adore the Lost Daughter series. Soraya Lane continues to impress, inspire and stir up my emotions every time I read one of her books, and this one really captured and, at times, shattered my heart. I was deeply invested in the characters’ lives and their challenges. I felt their disappointments and losses. Many moments I had tears in my eyes. This is an incredibly moving novel and one I will not forget. I think it is my favourite of the Lost Daughter series (though I’ve loved them all).

The Hidden Daughter is set mostly in the beautiful country of Norway with stunning descriptions of the breathtaking fjords. There are two timelines with Amalie in both. The story of her life, her tragic romance and what follows over the years. Charlotte, her great niece, shares the plotline of the present and helps with the unravelling of the past. She is a renowned chef who has been living in London. When she left her birth home in Norway to pursue her dreams, she was also fleeing her father’s expectations and control. A rift had developed between them after her mother’s sudden departure. Charlotte never saw her father for eight years but stayed in contact with her brother, the surgeon (who followed in their father’s professional footsteps).

Charlotte receives a call from her grandmother that a special mystery item is to be dropped off to her, so when it arrives she opens the small box to find a diamond ring, a Norwegian crest and a photo within. Her grandmother suspects the items hold a family mystery and this leads Charlotte to consider going home for a visit. This trip is two-fold in purpose as she also must explore a new job offer, at a new prestigious Norwegian hotel. So her return to Norway is both professional and personal as it also allows her to re-unite with her grandmother and great grandmother Amalie. And possibly provide the chance to see her father again after eight years of silence. Maybe it is time to make amends as her brother has often encouraged her to do?

While in Norway, she meets the architect of the new hotel and an unexpected spark happens between them. Harrison is charming and well-liked by the Hotel owner. But he burns hot and cold around Charlotte sending her confusing signals. Charlotte has kept her heart guarded due to some past events but once meeting Harrison, she cannot help her attraction and comfortableness in his presence and lets down her defences. But will this sudden relaxed attitude lead to more hurt or healing? Will navigating her executive chef dream job and romantic relationship at the same time become too much? Maybe but her trip home will give her precious time with her grandmother and also her great grandmother who has a tragic romantic story to tell. Charlotte will learn many great lessons from talking to Amalie that will guide her through her own personal and professional dramas.

Unveiling secrets of the past from Amalie in the 1950s and onwards was intriguing. This generational tangled plot sees the women and men of both eras bound and then freed. One reminder surfaced that we never know how much time we will have with our loved ones and it is best not to procrastinate but rather mend fences while we can. For one day it may be too late. This story also deals with the dire consequences of class snobbery. Views on status differences and expectations can cause great damage, and it did particularly in the 1950s.

I was very moved by Amalie’s story. Learning about her struggles in the past timeline, certainly squeezed my heart and the tissue box was used readily! What that woman endured was sad but her strength and determination to continue after all she lost was admirable. As a result of her willingness to adapt and move in an unexpected direction for the love of her child, she gained so much—that resulted in a happy life.

This is a beautifully written, uplifting, inspiring story about sacrifice, motherhood, family, second chances, maturity, reunions and so much more. The characters are complex, real and perfectly developed. Their growth is easily seen over the course of the plot. They face challenges, fears and have set-backs but eventually rise from the ashes of their trials to learn, love and let-go. The descriptions are vivid and the dialogue revealing. Soraya is a great story teller in all areas but she is particularly a master of conveying emotion. So often my heart was bursting at the seams with various feelings while I was immersed in The Hidden Daughter.

I truly loved this touching novel and look forward to the next instalment. Do yourselves a favour and read it! But keep the tissues close at hand—you’ll need them! There is heartbreaking sadness but also triumphant joy. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.