An Intriguing Blend of Glamour, Secrets, and Historical Drama

Lucinda Riley’s The Hidden Girl is a sweeping saga that takes readers on an emotional journey across two generations, from the war-torn ghettos of Europe to the dazzling fashion world of New York’s Fifth Avenue. If you love stories that weave together history, mystery, and deeply buried family secrets, then this book will hook you from the start.

At the heart of this tale is Leah Thompson, a young woman who rises from the humble countryside of Yorkshire to become a fashion icon. But Leah’s success is shadowed by her connection to the powerful and enigmatic Delancey family, whose hidden past is filled with dark secrets and devastating betrayals. From forbidden love and ambition to revenge and murder, the Delancey family’s secrets threaten to unravel everything Leah has worked for.

The dual timelines, spanning Leah’s rise in the modelling world and the mysterious events that haunt the Delanceys, are masterfully interwoven, keeping you on your toes as the layers of the family’s twisted past are peeled away. Riley’s talent for capturing the glitz and glamour of New York high society contrasts beautifully with the darker, more sinister undertones that run through the Delanceys’ story.

The drama is rich, the tension is high, and the characters are vividly drawn. Leah is a wonderfully complex FMC, strong, determined, yet vulnerable as she navigates both her newfound fame and the dangerous undercurrents of her ties to the Delanceys. As the mysteries unfold, Leah finds herself caught in a web of secrets, deceit, and a forgotten prophecy that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

Fans of Lucinda Riley will appreciate how The Hidden Girl captures her signature blend of emotional depth and captivating storytelling. Originally published as Hidden Beauty by Lucinda Edmonds, this reimagined version, with the help of her son Harry Whittaker, brings a fresh perspective to the story, making it a must-read for longtime fans and new readers alike.
Perfect for readers who enjoy multi-generational sagas with a touch of historical intrigue, this novel will leave you guessing until the very last page.
Get ready for a journey through time and secrets, it’s one you won’t forget!


Thank you to the publisher Pan Macmillan | Macmillan , the author Matron by Lucinda Riley , and Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review

As a huge fan of The Seven Sisters, I was excited to see Riley’s son has undertaken work on novels previously not published. You can definitely feel Lucinda’s style in this book which is wonderful, however I do think you can tell it’s an earlier work of hers.

Fantastic characters, lots of intrigue, and contrasting settings- Poland in WW2, the bleak Yorkshire moors and the glitz and glamour of London.

I thought the storylines were gripping and, as always, Lucinda writes the characters so well, however I did find myself thinking there was perhaps a bit too much going on from the storylines combined… the model-lifestyle arc to the story seemed quite random and almost unnecessary at times. That’s not to say it wasn’t a great storyline, but almost as though there were 2 stories in 1 book and it wasn’t needed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker. As a big fan of The Seven Sisters series, it was great to see that her son has reworked this previous book. Its two timelines come together perfectly, it has a mixture of glamour and luxury that we love about Lucinda’s books, but also tragedy and sadness that gives depth to this story. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this review copy.

I love it that Lucinda's son is reworking her old Lucinda Edmonds books meaning we haven't seen the last of her as I have always loved her books. This one telling the story of Leah ranges from the Yorkshire moors to the international fashion world and WW2 as with her other books there is a fascinating storyline, great characters and intriguing twists. As always compelling reading that I couldn't put down

As with all of Lucinda Riley’s books I was sucked into this story and the characters lives.

I loved quiet Leah, plucked from obscurity into the world of models she is calm, modest and level headed and I loved that about her. She is a great friend and someone who cares for others.

Her relationships with men were difficult, she lost the love of her life and struggled to find connection but did find friendships which she learned were not always honest and true.

Other characters had more difficult lives and there are a few dark themes in this one which I found compelling. As the book sweeps you across the Atlantic it’s got elements of true friendships and love and there are parts set in the past which show the horrors of humanity and the fight for survival.

A wonderful story which I enjoyed and it captured my attention very easily. I loved it. A great read !!

"The Hidden Girl" by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker can sweep away into a world rich with emotion, secrets, and a tapestry of history that intertwines the threads of past and present. Lucinda Riley, alongside her son Harry Whittaker, has breathed new life into this reimagined tale, and it becomes immediately clear that both the storytelling and the characters are as captivating as ever.
Leah Thompson, the protagonist, begins her journey on the rugged Yorkshire moors, and I felt grounded in that landscape as she transformed from a village girl into a radiant model navigating the glamorous yet tumultuous fashion world. The contrast between her humble beginnings and the luxury she eventually encounters paints a vivid picture of ambition and the sacrifices that accompany it. The allure of the Delancey family and the complexities of their influence on Leah added another layer of intrigue that kept me glued to the pages.
As the novel unfolds, we learn that Leah's story is deeply intertwined with the tragic history of two siblings in Poland during World War II. The connection between these two narratives is powerful, and I found myself captivated by how Riley masterfully weaves them together. The historical elements are meticulously researched, and the depiction of the Holocaust is both haunting and heart-wrenching, reminding us of the darker side of humanity while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
Surprisingly, I found this book to be darker than many of Riley's previous works, and at times it ventured into the realm of thriller. However, this unexpected twist only enriched the reading experience for me. The suspenseful plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Riley would throw in a surprise that made me gasp in delight and shock.
I was particularly drawn to Miranda's storyline, which highlighted the emotional depth and complexity of family secrets as they unfurled. Every character felt well-developed and relatable, leading me to feel as though I was experiencing their lives right alongside them. The multiple perspectives allowed the storyline to flourish, revealing intricacies that would have otherwise remained hidden.
Riley's talent for storytelling is unparalleled, and the way she navigates the themes of love, loss, and redemption resonated deeply with me. I laughed, cried, and cheered for Leah and her companions as they faced their challenges and sought to rewrite their destinies. The emotional journey was profound and beautifully executed, capturing the essence of what it means to be human.
Despite the book's length, I found myself devouring it. The narrative flows seamlessly, and I often found myself reading late into the night, unwilling to put it down. "The Hidden Girl" masterfully balances the darker aspects of human experience with moments of warmth and hope, making it a formidable addition to Riley's illustrious body of work.
In conclusion, "The Hidden Girl" is a spellbinding masterpiece that remains etched in my heart long after the final page. Lucinda Riley has outdone herself, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who craves a richly woven narrative filled with mystery and emotional depth. It is a book that will not only entertain but also linger in your thoughts, a treasure for lovers of historical drama and heartfelt storytelling.

A beautifully well written story which is set in two different eras (one of which is WW2), Very dark at points and touches on family relationships, secrets, revenge and intergenerational trauma.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

For the most I found The Hidden Girl an enjoyable read but it is a very long book (a bit too long for me). There are a lot of plotlines that are cleverly interlinked and some of them are quite dark, but you can also guess the outcome of some as the start to unfold.
The ending is interesting.
This is a good book to start as the days are getting shorter.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Hidden Girl.

I have loved Lucinda Riley’s books ever since I was recommended the first of the Seven Sister’s books back in 2017. There is a reason she is known as a master storyteller.
With ‘The Hidden Girl’, her son Harry Whittaker has done an amazing job editing and reworking the original ‘Lucinda Edmonds’ book ‘Hidden beauty’ from the early 90s to become the Lucinda Riley book that it is today. You would never know it has been reworked and it is such a lovely thing he has done, continuing his mother’s legacy.

I was surprised to find this book is a lot darker than her others. In some areas it even takes on an element of the thriller genre, which is very different to her other books, as well as being the usual mix of part romance, historical and family saga. However, the mix works, and her characters and storytelling are as compelling and moving as ever. I found Miranda’s storyline to be especially so.

The author clearly spent a long time researching the topics of her novel and doing location visits, as she paints such a vivid image of the 80s fashion industry, the art world and of course, the Holocaust. This section of the story was particularly hard to read, she presents such a tragic and horrific picture of real events. Despite this, I still found myself reading late into the night and even though it is over 500 pages, I finished the book in a week- for me that is quite some feat!

If you’ve enjoyed Lucinda Riley’s previous books, or even if you’re just starting out with them, I would thoroughly recommend!

Leah Thompson spent her childhood in a small village on the Yorkshire Moors until she was discovered by a photographer and her features made her into a top rated model who toured the world.
Leah’s story is interspersed with that of the tragic fate of siblings in the WW2 camp of Treblinska and how ultimately their stories are intertwined.
Family secrets, romance and tragedy can be found in this skillfully revised epic story..
A little too in depth at times but a riviting read.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for this eCopy to review

I loved The Hidden Girl and did not want it to end. From the very first page, I was hooked. Riley’s storytelling is nothing short of magical. The way she weaves together the past and present is seamless, creating a rich tapestry of mystery, emotion, and intrigue. The characters are so well-developed and relatable that I felt like I was living their lives alongside them. I loved that we got chapters from different characters as it helped the story come together and reveal the secrets

The plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Riley threw in another surprise that left me gasping. The historical elements were beautifully researched and added so much depth to the story.

What I loved most was the emotional journey. The themes of love, loss, and redemption were handled with such sensitivity and grace. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for the characters as they navigated their complex lives.

“The Hidden Girl” is a masterpiece that I couldn’t put down. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Lucinda Riley has truly outdone herself with this one. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery with a heartwarming touch.

A decent book but I think I had higher expectations of it. The story overall was good but I felt that it could have been shorter; I didn’t need all the information about Leah’s modelling, I felt that it just went on a bit too long. The old timeline was really interesting and carried the story. I do find the style of writing a bit outdated but it is something that can be overlooked. A good story that seemed a bit far fetched but easy to go with it.

I loved the Seven Sisters series and think Harry did a wonderful job carrying on his late mother's work. This did not live up to the standards I was expecting sadly.

I loved this book. It had me captivated from the beginning following Leah's life. A fascinating read full of twists and turns.

All I can say is WOW! I have just finished this book and my heart rate is so fast I feel like I’ve been for a run! Lucina Riley is a master storyteller, and this book is an epic lost masterpiece. After Lucinda’s passing, Lucinda’s son Harry Whittaker has taken this story, originally entitled ‘Hidden Beauty’ and has reworked it, doing her proud.

The story is told in timeless between WW2 and more modern times. It is the story of David and Rose who escaped from the camps in Treblinka. David became a property magnate and Rose a famous artist, but they had fallen out and weren’t in touch. David’s son Brett is sent to stay with Rose in the school holidays – their first contact in many years, and whilst there he falls in love with the beautiful Leah – the housekeeper’s daughter. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go down well with Rose’s children Miranda and Miles.

This is an incredible story, carefully woven together to reveal just enough through the novel that you can see why things are as they are, at key points through the story, but with many ‘aha’ moments where more is revealed to explain the narrative. I loved it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6751624906

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-hidden-girl-by-lucinda-riley-all-i.html4

The Hidden Girl starts in Yorkshire and follows the career of Leah Thompson who becomes a successful fashion model. While telling her story, we are taken back in time to WW2 and the horrors and suffering of Treblinska. There are so many aspects to this novel: a beautiful love story. a family saga. the modelling world, greed and revenge. I was totally engrossed. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Such a lovely but complex story, it isn’ta new novel s as such and I had read it previously when its title was slightly different. Nonetheless it’s well worth another read, so much happening with tales of horrible characters during World War Two and the suffering at Treblinska and how it affected so many people for years to come. There are lots of characters in the story however it’s written so beautifully that it’s easy to keep up with who is who , you long for a good outcome for the heroes of the story and for the bad ones to meet a just ending.

A wonderful book to have a deep dive into and come out feeling very satisfied. Lucinda’s writing will always be missed

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and authors for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Tragically, Lucinda Riley passed away,  but thankfully, for her legions of fans, Lucinda’s son Harry Whittaker has taken up her mantle and reworked and given new life to a lost treasure, The Hidden Girl. As you would expect, The Hidden Girl is a captivating saga with the most incredible characters. The writing is exceptional, from the descriptive settings to the exquisitely drawn characters.

This sweeping saga is told across two time lines, the first follows Yorkshire born Leah Thompson, who finds herself thrust into the world of modelling. The second focuses on the tragic tale of two young siblings in Poland during the Second World War. The two timelines intertwine beautifully, creating a memorising story that explores family secrets spanning generations and a long-forgotten prophecy from the past.

If I had one small niggle, I found some chapters didn’t flow quite as well as I hoped, as they jumped from one timeline to another. Despite this, I still loved this memorising story. The Hidden Girl will capture the readers’ imagination right from the beginning, taking them on a journey from the horrors of the concentration camp to the catwalks of Milan. Beautifully told, I found this book to be heartbreaking, tender, and uplifting in equal measures. Highly recommended.

Leah Thompson grew up is a village on the Yorkshire moors, so when she is spotted by a photographer and is catapulted into the world of modelling she finds her head spinning.
Although Leah finds herself moving between the biggest fashion cities in the world, she refuses to be dragged into the drink and drugs fuelled parties that are frequented by the rich and famous, and that only adds to her allure.
As Leah’s star climbs she can’t shake the memory of a prophecy made when she was a child, and she finds her dreams haunted by the words she was told.
When the past and present collide will Leah find herself in more danger than she ever imagined.
This sweeping, epic tale takes you from the wilds of the Yorkshire moors to New York. It’s moving, poignant and full of friendship, love, and loss with many twists along the way.
Perfect for fans of Lesley Pearse and Barbara Taylor Bradford

Harry Whittaker did such a good job with Atlas the last of the Seven Sisters series of books by his late mother Lucinda Riley that I was really pleased to see this book on the ARC list. Unfortunately it wasn't up to Lucinda's standards. The story was very predictable and jumped about the timeline in a disorienting manner and the characters were one dimensional. I'm afraid I had to stop reading half way through and I won't be reading any more books published under Lucinda Riley's name.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.