Review of 'The Last Daughter' by Soraya Lane
Release date: March 20th, 2026
Publisher: Bookouture
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REVIEW
What a magnificent dual timeline finale for the Lost Daughters series! I absolutely loved the previous seven but the eighth book is the crowning glory. It offers incredible insight and answers to the past and reveals hidden talents and treasures. So much surfaced on this trail of discovery that made my heart sing, sigh and cry. And yes, it is deeply tender, tragic and triumphant.
First to note is the fact The Last Daughter is exquisitely written. The setting, the atmosphere, the characterisation and the plots are perfectly executed. I felt like I was watching a movie as I was whisked away on the magic carpet of Soraya’s words. She is such a gifted story-teller and weaves so many delicate threads together to create such a beautiful tapestry of her characters’ lives. Her vivid descriptions, emotional depth and accurate interpretations of the social landscape of the time made everything feel real. I felt dropped into the past timeline of the late 1930s. And I watched and cringed at the horrible treatment of women, the abuse, the lack of choices in the 1930s. It was a time when education and artistic endeavours were discouraged. When women were forced to marry men they did not know or choose. Condemnation and control met them at every turn. And those who found themselves in trying circumstances, were harshly judged and rejected. This response was massively damaging. With no support, many women became homeless, jobless and turned to places (such as the convents) for help and although they were taken in, they were punished and treated badly—even robbed of choices again. Mercy was non-existent.
Further to this: the novel also provides a grim picture of those who did not fit the ideals of the time. They were banished, spurned and/or cut off. This novel shows the ugliness of prejudice and self-righteousness. But it also gives us a glimpse into the small groups (such as the friends of Hope’s uncle) who gravitated together for support when acceptance elsewhere was impossible. Here together, they were free to laugh, share and be themselves. Hope got to feel that acceptance, too.
The final book begins and ends with Hope; her riveting story comes full circle—part of which includes her beloved Gus. He was such a warm and loving person but between his parents’ rejection of the woman he loved, the challenges of his business ventures, and the siren call of the war, he faced unsurmountable odds. We learn so much about Hope as a young woman. The past that shaped and bruised her. The devastating struggles with her parents, then being on her own, the friends she meets and of Gus who captured her heart. A number of secrets and tragedies are revealed. We learn why Hope started her home for pregnant women in distress. Her understanding and compassion were real as she herself had suffered dire adversity and loss. She knew what it was like to be alone and in need of support.
In the second timeline we are presented with Hope’s niece, lovely Mia, who goes on a quest to learn more about her aunt after a discovery is made in Hope’s old home. Mia has had some heartbreak, too. A loss that shut down her love of life and photography. But she embarks on a mission that takes the focus off her own troubles. She makes a journey that will radically alter her life. Guided by another, she goes to France, to meet a bar tender who may help her uncover some activities of a young Hope. He leads her to some people and information that will allow her to see the life of this woman she admired. But a number of unexpected things happen. On her path to discovering Hope, she finds herself again, and is able to celebrate her aunt’s honourable achievements. along with her own. Her trip to Paris, reignites her old passion for photography. As her heart begins to open to other possibilities: a second chance at love happens. Healing begins to flow through all the lonely tearful corners of her heart, when she throws caution to the wind.
I was incredibly moved throughout this novel from the first page to the last and by the end I was in full blown tears. This is a perfect ending for such a beautiful and unforgettable series. Despite the adversity and loss, there are gentle victories in both timelines. For Hope who lost so much, she created something beautiful out of her ashes and tears. She was able to help so many women in need with her home care. And Mia, also was able to honour her aunt with a special project that combined their skills; resulting in her own heart being freed. She begins to honour her own memories and transforms her pain into something visibly precious, too.
I cannot say anymore (and I could as there is so much to rave about) but I will just shout from the rooftops ‘get this book! when it comes out’. Also I encourage you to read the previous in the set as then everything will have a greater meaning. I loved The Last Daughter and series and wonder what incredible new stories will flow next from the magical pen of Soraya Lane. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy. 💐
