The Darling's Daughter

By Sydney Schmied

Book Overview

A woman chasing the truth. A man running from his past. And a secret that threatens the fragile trust between them.

Searching for answers about her mother's suspicious death, artist Angelica Woods takes a job painting backdrops at the Majestic Theater-the very place her famous actress mother warned her to avoid. When she discovers cryptic notes and bloody evidence of an old murder, Angie realizes her mother's warning may have been meant to protect her from a deadly secret.

Architect Trace Ackerman has worked hard to build a quiet, respectable life far removed from his former mistakes. Renovating the Majestic is meant to be a fresh start-until Angie awakens feelings he never planned to risk again. Drawn to her courage and vulnerability, Trace offers his protection as rumors swirl and danger edges closer. But the past he's worked so hard to outrun threatens to surface, and Trace fears the truth could cost him Angie's trust-and the future he longs to build.

With a killer determined to silence them both, Angie and Trace must decide if uncovering the truth about her mother's death is worth risking their own lives-and hearts. Set against the backdrop of a historic theater in 1912 Ohio, this romantic suspense weaves together murder, betrayal, and the redeeming power of faith and forgiveness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1963212797
• ISBN13: 9781963212792
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Wild Heart Books
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Kept Me Guessing

I really enjoyed the plot and setting of this historical novel as I love learning about places I have never heard of. The mystery surrounding the Majestic Theatre in 1912 kept me invested in the story as Angie tries to solve what really happened to her mother and why. The puzzles and clues kept me on edge and had me wanting to help solve this and why her mother put such a distance in their relationship. I could identify with her quirks and why she felt no one could see her beyond them. Trace is the perfect hero in my opinion as he is patient, kind, and helpful. I loved the well developed characters and the twists that kept me guessing. This is the first book in The Majestic Theatre series and I look forward to reading more as I found this enjoyable and entertaining. Be sure to read the historical notes at the end. I recommend adding to your TBR pile. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Wild Heart Books. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.