The Last Daughter

by Soraya M. Lane

Hope looked up at Gus, his fingers linked with hers as he smiled down at her. The wind whipped at her hair, cool against her skin, but all she cared about was the man standing in front of her. ‘I choose you, Hope,’ he whispered. ‘A thousand times over, I choose you.’

London, Present Mia clutches the last remaining box found at Hope’s House in her hands. For months she has been determined to reunite every box with its rightful owner. But now it’s time for her to discover Hope’s own heartbreaking story.

France 1938: When Hope meets Gus in the lively streets of Paris, she finally feels that she has met her kindred spirit. But as they plan their dream future together, it is clear that Gus’s father will never allow their romance to develop. Defying his wishes, Gus promises Hope that they will be together after his army training.

But with France on the brink of war, Hope travels back to London for safety, cradling a life-changing secret. Then devastating news arrives which threatens Hope’s future and shatters her heart. In the darkest days of war, will Hope find the courage to give others the chance of a brighter future? And will her own story of strength inspire Mia to follow her heart?

The utterly gorgeous and heartbreaking final novel in the Lost Daughters series will leave you spellbound and is the perfect read for fans of Santa Montefiore, Lucinda Riley and Victoria Hislop.

What readers are saying about Soraya

‘AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MUST READ!!… I loved every page… A true page-turning, perfect romance that will sweep you off your feet.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely love… Pull[s] on the heartstrings!… A real page-turner… Beautiful… Incredibly moving and my heart really broke… I loved this novel so much… Wonderful… Gorgeous… Heartbreaking… Will make you cry (both sad and happy tears)… Mesmerising.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Had me sobbing… Heartbreaking and beautiful… Filled me with so much emotion… One of those books that will always stick with you once you’ve read it. It’s been days and I still can’t get this breathtaking story out of my head.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Stunning… I love this series!… A heartbreaking, emotional story… Tugged at my heartstrings… Beautiful… A page-turner… Have tissues close by as you will be crying happy and sad tears as you read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Soraya Lane has once again delivered a masterpiece.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

About the author

Soraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.

Soraya is the author of The Lost Daughters series, as well as best-selling historical women's fiction.

As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.

Add Soraya's latest novel, THE LAST DAUGHTER, and her next WWII novel, THE UNDERGROUND SISTERS, to your Goodreads shelf today!

For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops, finished already?! Read this in one afternoon - great completion to the series ... although I feel there could be an optional follow-up. I've enjoyed this series. It's like my guilty pleasure - romance (which I usually avoid), mixed with history and ancestry, is actually really readable even if unrealistic!

The Last Daughter is the final installment in the Lost Daughters series, following Hope and Gus as their love unfolds amid the turmoil of pre-war Europe. The story spans London and Paris, weaving history, romance, and ancestry into a deeply personal tale of courage, choice, and connection.

I appreciated the way the story tied together threads from the entire series while leaving just enough room for imagination about the future. Fans of historical romance with strong emotional arcs and readers of Lucinda Riley (and probably others) will find this utterly compelling. Perfect for anyone who loves a story that lingers long after the last page. Appreciate your work, Soraya Lane!

[Delia Lehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, unforgettable novel. The Last Daughter blends emotional storytelling with a suspenseful mystery in a way that feels fresh and impactful. The writing is gorgeous, the themes are meaningful, and the character development is exceptional. I was drawn in by the emotional vulnerability and stayed for the beautifully crafted plot. Every twist was compelling, and the ending left me both heartbroken and hopeful. It’s rare to find a book that hits so many emotional notes perfectly. A masterpiece.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect ending to the fabulous daughter series. Mia has made it her mission to find every rightful owner of tiny memory boxes hidden at her great-aunt Hope’s home for unwed mothers. In this dual timeline, Mia embarks on her last mission to learn more about the empty box and Hope’s story. In 1938, Hope leaves home for France after her father demands she go along with his idea of an arranged marriage. As an aspiring artist, she meets traveling salesman Gus, who happens to be selling illegal absinthe without his father’s knowledge. (It’s interesting that absinthe was thought to be hallucinogenic and loved by artists for furthering their creativity so there was quite an underground market for it. This is an important part of the story because of what else is found alongside Hope’s box.) Gus is sent to army training while Hope goes to London to stay safe. Hope discovers she’s pregnant and alone, but knows she can’t return home. Her brother tells her about an estranged bachelor uncle who will take her in. This story highlights a time when women were overly dependent upon men, ostracized for becoming pregnant while others were banished for their tendences. This story was eloquently written with life-like characters who faced challenges with hope, courage and strength. I thoroughly enjoyed every single book in this series.

[Paula Janssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful emotional finish to The Lost Daughters series. It was lovely how they all came together at the end. I'm a little sad that I've reached the end of the series as they were all such wonderful but totally different stories with vivid descriptions and loveable and not so loveable characters.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. 💐

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Last Daughter and what a beautiful way to close out this series. The final book ties everything together so thoughtfully, bringing each thread full circle in such a satisfying way.

This has truly been one of my favorite series, and I’m honestly a little sad to see it end. I especially loved Mia’s journey and learning more about Hope - how she got there, and the incredible heart she had to help women in difficult situations—it added so much depth and meaning to the entire series.

Such a special ending to a series I loved 💛

[Lori Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series did not disappoint! I had to make myself put them down at times. I hated to have to wait for this last one, but it was well worth the wait. Read them in order…I skipped one after the first, but it did reference book #2 (didn’t hurt storyline) but read them in order.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the series of Lost Daughters by this author. It's like the beginning that came at the end. The one that started the whole thing. It's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. A story of love and loss.

When Mia's Aunt dies she is left to close up Hope's House. Mia is Hope's great niece. This is the story of how Hope House started. Who helped Hope when she was at her very lowest. When she needed someone more than ever. It's also the story of Mia. How Mia goes searching for answers but finds love instead. Mia was the one who gave each box to each of seven young ladies whose grandmother's had left them behind. Each with a clue as to who they were and why they had to give up their baby.

Hope had to leave home because of her cruel dad. He was abusive to her mother and in time to her also. This was in the early 1920s. Before the war. Before women could have a say whether they got an education or married or had families. Hope left home because she didn't want to marry a stranger. She didn't want the kind of life her mother had. She wanted to paint. To live. To learn about life. She had hopes and dreams.

Mia was going through her own sadness. She was somewhat of a reclusive young lady. She had lost the love of her life and didn't know how to move on without him. Even after so many years had passed. But when Mia had a chance to find out more about her Aunt Hope she jumped at the chance.

Both of these women had a destiny of sorts. Hope to help unwed mothers. Mia to find love again. You get to know more about Hope and all she went through and it's heartbreaking. I hoped all the way for one thing to happen. Up to the very end I held on to that hope. Mia went on this journey and found a guy. Joe. Joe was a good man. He had his own bar and worked hard. He had some hardships he dealt with also. Maybe together they can find peace. Maybe they can find each other and the happiness each deserves.

This is the last in this series and it's so good. After reading the previous books and knowing this one had to come eventually it was kind of hard to see it end. I adored Hope. She was such a good person to do what she did. After all she lost she was still so kind to other women who came to Hope's House for help. Opening the house to help others helped Hope in so many ways too.

A well written book about a subject that is so sad. How horrible women and girls were treated for simply having a baby and not a husband. What they had to go through.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.

4.70 stars.

[Gina Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Daughter weaves a poignant narrative that masterfully balances themes of profound sadness and enduring hope. Central to the story is Hope, a character whose journey captures the reader’s heart, leaving them yearning for resolution.

The emotional weight of the story is palpable, particularly in the climax where Hope tragically never discovers the fate of her own daughter. This bittersweet ending resonates deeply, evoking a sense of loss while simultaneously instilling a glimmer of hope for what might come next. The author skillfully navigates these complex emotions, creating a compelling atmosphere that encourages readers to reflect on the nature of familial bonds and the quest for closure.

As we await the final installment in this series, one can’t help but hope that it will provide the closure that Hope—and the readers—so desperately seek. Overall, The Last Daughter is a beautifully written exploration of love, loss, and the unyielding hope that persists even in the darkest of times.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Daughter is the eighth and final instalment in the heartbreaking Lost Daughters series by the wonderful author that is Soraya Lane.

In the present day, Mia has the final box and wants to find out more about her great-aunt Hope’s story. Can she uncover the secrets Hope left behind? In 1938, Hope left home to become an artist after her parents said she had to marry. She travels to Paris, where she meets the dashing Gus, and soon realises he is her future. Sadly, Gus’ father is against their union. When Gus receives his call up papers from the French army he assures Hope he will return. To escape both sets of parents, Hope decides to seek refuge in London with her estranged uncle. As more heartbreak unfolds, Hope grapples with how to move forward until she discovers a path to take action!

I have been so looking forward to learning Hope’s history and Soraya certainly delivered! Throughout this series, Soraya has told heartbreaking stories of unmarried mothers in the late 30’s and 40’s. She has taken care to tell them sensitively and they felt very real to me! Be prepared for tears; I cried, so you might want to have tissues handy. To say I was engrossed throughout is an understatement! Be sure to grab your copy asap.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent finale to the Lost Daughters Series by the author. This exquisitely written story is told through a dual timeline, which I happen to read enjoy on a book. There were so any emotions flowing through the book that I was invested in the character early on and enjoyed their tender, tragic and triumphant story. The author’s attention to detail is second to none and brought the story right off the page. This was a great read.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Paris, 1938, and we follow Hope as she leaves home and tries to make a living as an artist. When she meets Gus, it’s not long before they fall in love, and their intense relationship leads to many difficulties.

Now, Mia is trying to find out about a box she found at Hope’s House, before its demolition. Mia ends up in Paris, looking for information. When she meets Joe, she’s very cautious, as they both have their own baggage.

A beautifully told story, that tugged at my heartstrings. I willed Mia on, wanted her to find out the truth about Hope, and the life she had led.

Hope’s story was intense, as well as sad. It was also a story of strength and bravery, and it was emotional at times.

I have only read the final three books in this series, and although they can be read as standalone, I shall be reading the other books in the series as I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories.

[Karen Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Ending

Hope’s story is finally revealed as Mia searches for clues to her past. She must face her own past loss as well in order to find true happiness and a bright future. The bond between the offspring of the lost daughters is so very special. Soraya has done a great job of wrapping up this series! And who knows—. maybe we’ll be treated to one of their reunions someday!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in The Lost Daughters series, and while it works perfectly well as a standalone, the real magic comes from having followed the journey from the beginning. It beautifully weaves together the threads of the previous books, bringing everything to a deeply satisfying close.
Having read all of Soraya Lane’s novels, I was especially excited for Mia and Hope’s story – and it absolutely lived up to expectations. I was drawn in from the very first page and completely immersed until the end. It’s a heartfelt and uplifting story filled with courage, love and the power of relationships, written with warmth and emotion.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book – and the entire series – to anyone who loves sweeping, character-driven historical fiction.

[ABain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, romantic, and heartfelt story told across dual timelines—present-day London with Mia uncovering Hope’s story, and 1938 Paris where Hope meets Gus and the idea of the wooden boxes begins. Both timelines were easy to follow, though I was especially drawn to Hope’s courageous and warm-hearted journey. Her strength in helping unmarried mothers, despite her own heartbreak, was deeply moving.

I couldn’t put this book down and completely fell in love with Hope and Gus. Although it’s book eight in the series, it works perfectly as a standalone—I almost wish it had been the first. My only small gripe is that I wish Hope had found love again.

Thank you Bookoutre and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angelynn23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story that was written beautifully, it was heartwarming and a page turner. I really enjoyed reading the book. With so much thanks to thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Bookouture for the ARC.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this series and this book finished it off. Great stories about a range of people.?

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful conclusion

This is a beautiful conclusion to the lost daughter series. Hope's House for unwed mothers began as a result of her own experience. Her great niece, Mia had found the boxes that Hope had not been able to return to the intended recipients. Mia searches to learn of Hope's past and finds her own future.

[Nicole၄၃ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting all the answers to Hope and her story was worth every second of this book.

Mia (Hope’s great niece) found all 7 of the hidden boxes and reunited them with their descendants. She found out some information around Hope but I loved reading her story. I didn’t realise absenth was an illegal spirit and I loved how Hope and Gus had a production line of the infamous green fairy drink. But poor Gus was brought into the army and died leaving Hope pregnant and alone. It only made sense that Hope had gone through something so terrible to want to make a safe space for pregnant women especially in the 1930’s.

I loved how Mia found love again with Joe too. An adorable romance which seemed inevitable.


I highly recommend reading the Lost Daughter series!

[KDRBCK]

The Last Daughter by new to me author Soraya Lane published by Bookouture is the last book on the Lost Daughters Series.
A story that jumps between past and present, fitting for the story. A love past time and distance that is Hope and Gus' story.
Heartwrenchingly beautiful, emotional, just what I needed at this time.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.

[Imogen Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Daughter is a emotional end to the The Lost Daughter series. Soraya Lane definitely left the best story to last which beautifully ties all of the stories together in such a heart warming way I could not help fall in love with the series more.

I definitely recommend Soraya Lane Lost Daughter series to all romance book lovers who loves a heartwarming mystery.

[Sarah Wiegersma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic final book!!

[Vicki Hollingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading The Last Daughter book and the series. Very well written as always by Soraya to the point it was so easy to feel I was there with the characters every step of the way. Lots of different emotions felt from excited, happy through to sad and not wanting to out the book down, just one more chapter....

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series!




So happy to read about Mia and Joe's meeting and falling in love and learning how Hopes House came about. Every book in this series was very special. Looking forward to reading any new books this author writes in future!

[Tracy Fraley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved the last book! This is a must read series! Such a wonderful ending of a series. I couldn't wait to finish the story to find out what happens. Please keep writing Soraya! Love your books!

[Kaajal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Lost Daughters Series. While all of them can be read on their own, they make a fabulous reading experience as a series.

If you have indeed followed the series, you will know there is one essential character that runs through them all. She appears as a supporting character but is absolutely crucial to each book.

Her name is Hope and it is in her house for unwed mothers that the central characters of all the books went to have their children. All of whom are put up for adoption and for all who a small box with clues to their parentage is left with Hope.

Over the seven books, we see their descendants discover their stories. I for one always wondered, from book one, if we will ever know Hope’s story and here it is!

In a dual time line, Hope’s niece, Mia, explores her aunt’s history with just a couple of clues that lead her all over France and back to London as we learn of where Hope came from and how she happened to start Hope’s house.

This was an incredibly beautiful and heartbreaking book. One of those rare ones that did actually bring a tear to my eye and left me feeling the effect for days after I finished reading.

I know it’s fiction, but how I wish I could go back in time and make things better for Hope and all her girls.

Thank you Soraya Lane for such an outstanding series. But now that it’s over, whatever will we do.

[Margaret Fantom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it’s the first time I’ve read a novel by this author I will definitely read more in the series

[D M Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very easy read, with an easy story line to get lost in. It does not disappoint in wrapping up the series, the only problem being - I think there could be one more book!

[Mary Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This has been a very interesting series. It has many heartbreaking stories that will tug at your heartstrings. This is a subject that is very disturbing as it deals with the cruelty that many young unmarried pregnant girls had to deal with just several generations ago. Sprays Lane writes stories with vivid characters and emotionally charged subjects. I have grown to download her books as soon as I get a notification that she has released a new book... even before seeing the subject of the new book. She is a very good author!

[International Superfoods · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this author

Her books cause me to binge read until I finish them, every time! This Daughter series was so well written, how all the stories connect as well.