I absolutely love Soraya Lane’s The Lost Daughter series as these books really pull on the heartstrings! And her latest The Spanish Daughter is my ultimate favourite. It is a real page turner, full of heart, longing, drama, courage and passion. It held me captive to the last scene! The writing is as beautiful as the cover: full of colour, life and intrigue. This dual timeline is divided between main characters Rose in the present and ancestor Valentina of 1939.

Rose has just lost her mother in the last month and is not coping well with her grief. A year earlier she lost her grandmother. So two important women in her life are suddenly gone and she feels very alone. She is then given a little box that contains a horse and piece of silk. What does this mean? She learns about family she never knew she had and an inheritance connected to Argentina and polo horses. She sets out to uncover the truth. Here she meets Benjamin who helps her learn more about her family and his family’s ties with hers. When Rose has to make a decision to keep the property or sell it and go back to London, she gets confused and fearful. Has coming here changed her? For once she becomes acquainted with her great-grandmother’s surroundings and past, she begins to understand and feel a connection. Plus getting to know Benjamin and his family, leads her to a new place. Will this be her new home and will he be her new love?

Valentina’s story is incredibly moving and my heart really broke for her. The trials she endures, though, shows her strength of character. Her loving father was such a positive influence. He taught her to respect and care for others. He believed she was the best person to take over his business and continue his efforts when he was gone. His motto to treat others as you would want to be treated is one I actually live by. But Valentina’s mother is a cruel and selfish woman who single handedly tries to destroy all the good he has done. Plus she forces Valentina to marry a horrible man and abandon the one she really loves.

This novel is about so many things but I will just focus on one. Such as discovering your roots and finding your real home. Although Rose did not grow up in Argentina, her great-grandmother’s legacy begins to affect her when she goes there. Visiting her ancestor’s location, awakens something deep within her. I can appreciate this as I remember my experience when I visited my ancestors’ home in Ireland. I never felt so at home as I did there! And this is what Rose faces. For her, even more, for she lost all her family within a year. She felt alone and had lost that ‘home’ feeling. To quote an online description: “A home is a sanctuary where we feel safe and comfortable. Emotional attachment to this space cultivates a sense of security, both physically and emotionally. When we feel emotionally connected to our surroundings, we can relax and be ourselves without fear of judgment or threat.”

This story really demonstrates the meaning of a true ‘home’. Everything that happens to Rose and where it leads her, strengthens her identity when she feels emotionally connected to her new environment. And she realises where she is meant to be and which person she is meant to love. Valentina experiences some of this but also misses out where family is concerned but her actions ensure that future generations get to harvest her efforts. All that she desires is fulfilled in her great granddaughter. So all of Valentina’s sacrifices are not in vain. She is able to restore order, despite her mother’s chaos and she does experience a lasting love during her lifetime.

I loved this novel so much. It is beautifully written with wonderful characters, a riveting plot, gorgeous setting, heartbreaking events yet triumphant moments, and a victorious finale I won’t ever forget. The Spanish Daughter is an absolute winner that will make you cry (both sad and happy tears) and stir up thoughts on the real meaning of home. I highly recommend this warm, insightful and uplifting novel that delivers hope, healing and happiness in the end. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. I enjoyed the book a lot. It has a strong plot and great characters. This was a phenomenal read and very engaging. I enjoyed the stories pacing and outcome of the MC’s journey.