Daughter of Strangers

Daughter of Strangers is a detailed and engaging novel that offers a thoughtful exploration of the immigrant experience, trauma, and the pursuit of dreams. The characters are well-drawn and historically accurate, which makes it an engaging read. If you're into historical fiction and want a story that shows how people can be resilient and hopeful, this is a great read.

I found Daughter of Strangers by Maybelle Wallis to be engaging and well-written, but there were a few aspects that I felt could be improved. The pacing is a bit slow at times because of the detailed descriptions, which can affect the story's momentum. Some of the secondary characters, like William and Jane, don't get enough development, which makes their interactions with Orla less emotional.

The book is very focused on trauma and recovery, which can feel repetitive at times. Some parts, like Orla's journey as a singer, feel a bit predictable. Some unexpected twists could add more intrigue. On top of that, the overall emotional tone is pretty intense, and some moments of levity could help create a more balanced experience.

This was not only really good but also interesting! Indeed, the plot was complex and original while being thrilling. I also found fascinating the information about electricity in medicine as well as its use regarding the cure of trauma. The story is also about redemption: is redemption actually a possibility? Can a criminal act be justified? A very good read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Enjoyed this but slight meandering in this novel when i wanted it to be more thrilling and exciting. Its also an interesting concept set in its historical sence. Overall good and i love the cover.

A very enjoyable read whether you’ve read the previous two in the series or not. It stands alone. Covers some similar themes to Rhys Bowen, but with better research and the medical knowledge and mortuary and medical treatment scenes in particular raise it above the romantic genre which is not generally my thing. The dastardly villan Alex is reminiscent of Georgette Heyer (a compliment) and you care about the characters. It’s fast paced and atmospheric and I I look forward to what Maybelle Wallis writes next.

Firstly thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

I did not realise this book was part of a series and now having finished it I did not feel like I missed anything in the previous books. I did enjoy this story of revenge grief and loss set in the Irish potato famine era. I finished the book in one day as I found the writing style really easy to read . My one criticism is I found the ending a little rushed but on the whole would recommend.

4.25 ⭐️

Orla is an orphan of the Irish famine, taken in by a couple now residing in New York. She has a beautiful singing voice, but past trauma surfaces and renders her mute. A teacher and a physician, both with secrets, seek to help her, but both are suffering from trauma as well.

This is the third book in a series, and reading the other two books would have been helpful. There was a lot about the adoptive couple that it would have been good to know. Parts of the book were rather slow, and it seemed overly coincidental that all the Irish immigrants involved in the traumatic situation should have 'found' each other in New York. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and the hopeful ending.

Historical fiction and a thriller all wrapped up in one book. That’s exactly what Daughter of Strangers will give you!