The Darling's Daughter

About the Book

Book: The Darling’s Daughter

Author: Sydney Schmied

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 4, 2026

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.

 Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

Angela is the daughter of a widely known actress known as the Darling. Angie isn’t convinced that her mother died of an accidental overdose and her suspicions seem to be confirmed the more she and Trace investigate. There are puzzle boxes, clues, secrets, and a developing romantic relationship. There is a plot twist at the end, and if you aren’t careful paying attention you might miss who is the villain.

There are messages of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. I enjoyed seeing the message of hope and faith throughout the book. This is the first book in the Majestic Theater series. 

Content Notes:

infidelity, murder, physical abuse 

I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sydney Schmied writes sweet and intriguing historical romantic suspense stories with a whole lot of faith. She is a 2023 ACFW First Impressions Contest finalist and a 2024 Genesis Contest Semi-finalist, as well as a two-time Scrivenings Press Get Pubbed Finalist. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, painting, and sipping on a classic London Fog.

 

 

 

 

More from Sydney

Theaters tell so many stories, and in The Darling’s Daughter, The Majestic Theater itself has been shaped by the people who have passed through its doors. While it was known as The Masonic Opera House from 1853 to 1915, The Majestic has stood through nearly 173 years of history. I can’t help but wonder about all the individuals who walked its halls, performers, musicians, and attendees alike, and what stories they might tell about how their lives once intertwined with the Majestic.

In my research, I came across so many real accounts of people who visited theaters like this one, and I was able to glimpse bits and pieces of that connection. For Angie, the heroine in The Darling’s Daughter, The Majestic becomes a place of reckoning and reconciliation. Her mother was her only family, and even that relationship was strained. Angie carries a deep loneliness as she peels back the complicated layers of her late mother’s life, wrestling with questions of worth, belonging, and whether she is truly loved.

For Trace, The Majestic offers both a meaningful project and a chance to rebuild. Unfortunately, his identity has been constructed atop the fragile foundation of guilt, and that foundation begins to crack as his past resurfaces.

Just as The Majestic has stood strong through seasons of change and still stands today, Angie and Trace are refined through their struggles as everything around them begins to shift. Neither of them are defined by the broken parts of their story, but by their hope in Christ, even when that hope feels uncertain and their faith is shaky. If this resonates with you, I hope you’ll join Angie and Trace in The Darling’s Daughter and find encouragement in their journey.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 19

Devoted Steps, August 19

Books Less Travelled, August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Connie’s History Classroom, August 23

For Him and My Family, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Lyssa Loves Books, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Pause for Tales, August 28

Devoted to Hope, August 29

Book Looks by Lisa, August 30

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 30

Cover Lover Book Review, August 31

Lily’s Corner, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sydney is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/TyDfI/the-darlings-daughter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Taken Without a Trace

Georgia Special Agent Cash Brenner gets an anonymous tip on a cold case that’s haunted him for years--but following the lead has him walking into a deadly ambush. He’s saved by his ex, private investigator Maya Reid, who is on a mission to find her missing sister. As eerie similarities between their investigations emerge and Cash grapples with memory loss from the attack, they must put their rocky past aside to find answers. With danger lurking at every turn, Cash and Maya need to act quickly to solve the case and locate Maya’s sister--or risk losing everything they hold dear.

Review: 

Cash and Maya are caught up in a deadly trap of secrets, missing persons, and a past that needs to be resolved between them. There are several suspects in this suspenseful story, and I really didn’t figure out who was behind the abductions and why until right before the reveal. I liked that it was a surprise. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, this is a book to check into. 

Tropes and Tidbits: 

second chance romance

forced proximity

faith thread

  

CW- Tr*fficking, but nothing is described in detail

I received a copy from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

 

---

About the Author

Award-winning author Hope Welborn writes spine-tingling suspense, sprinkled with romance, and saturated with faith. By day, she masquerades as a digital content marketing technology specialist, and by night, she stays up too late putting words on the page. Hope is also co-owner and design/technology manager for Spark Flash Fiction and a member of the Suspense Squad. She has two indie published works, and her next novel will release from Love Inspired Suspense in August 2026. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Connect with Hope by visiting hopewelborn.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Taken Without a Trace, a copy of both Hidden and Trail of Danger (also by Hope Welborn), and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 24, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 31, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter the Giveaway below! 

https://gleam.io/DeURa/taken-without-a-trace-blog-tour-giveaway

The Last Noel

"Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gange seeks?


"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?


"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?

REVIEW:

All three of these novellas have a common them besides the Christmas song, and that is second chances. I enjoyed reading this collection that is different from other holiday themed books. 

Do You See What I See? Sarah Hamaker

Oakleigh and Joseph reconnect after years of heartache and being apart. The drama is high as they try to figure out what Oakleigh’s friend involved them in. I love the children that are part of the story.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Jayna Breigh

Elise has to cancel her plans to travel over Christmas in order to prepare her law firm’s case against a pharmaceutical company. I loved Nana’s wisdom and a bit of rekindling the love that Elise and Jack once had. I liked the twist that was in the story, but I felt it ended abruptly. 

Do You know What I Know? Kimberley Woodhouse 

This was my favorite of the novellas with a high stakes cooking competition and the opportunity for Faith and Gabe to let things go and move onto a better future. The transformation that Gabe experienced had me rooting for him the whole time. There is a tense scene that will keep you quickly turning pages to make sure everything will be okay. 

I received a copy from Kregel, NetGalley, and Let’s Launch. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Twilight Tactics

FBI agent Collin Sullivan arrives at Broken Chains Ranch with Ollie Callahan--a foster teen and sole witness to a mob hit. The ranch, started by Collin's cousin to provide a trauma recovery facility for veterans, should be a place he can keep Ollie safe until the trial. But what was meant as a peaceful haven becomes a battleground when armed attackers surround the property.

Survival expert Elena Thompson teaches wilderness skills at the ranch and coaches Ollie in self-defense, but soon the series of attacks on the ranch escalates into a full siege. The question is, Who are the attackers after? Ollie, the young witness? Or Elena, with her mysterious past? Cut off from help by tech skills superior to their own, Collin and Elena fight to keep everyone alive as secrets and danger close in.

Review:

FBI agent Colin Sullivan (Sully) must protect, Ollie, a teenaged girl until she can testify against a crime boss. The only place he knows that has not been compromised is his cousin’s place, the Broken Chain Ranch. The surprise of seeing Elena Thompson, a friend from the past, provides an added layer to the story. Her special skill set of survival skills and defense tactics really comes in handy when the ranch comes under attack from outside forces. Did the crime boss find them or is it someone from Elena’s past? You’ll find your heart racing as you read and try to figure out who wants to harm Ollie and Elena. I loved the veterans who help defend the ranch and the home they have all come to love.

This is the first in the Soldiers in Shadows series. I recommend this to readers of suspense who enjoy a bit of romance and an action-packed story. 

I received a copy of the book from Revell, JustRead Tours, and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

In Too Deep

Two broken heroes. One impossible rescue. No way out.

Weeks after the discovery of the first Roosevelt treasure cache, the Grand Canyon is overrun by reckless treasure hunters--and someone just paid for it with their life. Dr. Meg Lewis was there when it happened. She had come to the North Rim to stitch up cuts and wrap sprains, not dive back into life-and-death medical drama. That world already cost her everything. But death has a way of following her.

Ranger director Noah Wilde, a widower, has spent years keeping everyone at arm's length, terrified that loving again will only end in grief. He's not about to let any more deaths happen on his watch. When a group of hikers goes missing in the Tapeats Cave system, Noah assembles a rescue team, with Meg as medical officer. But the hikers aren't alone down there. Someone else is in the cave. And they didn't come for gold--they came to make sure Meg and Noah never get out.

As floodwaters rise and the walls close in, Meg must find a way to keep the injured alive . . . and Noah must face the thing he fears most: that he's already lost his heart to someone he may not be able to save.

My Review:

The Grand Canyon’ s South Rim SAR team with teammates Noah Wilde and Dr. Meg Lewis are extremely busy as people rush into the park to find the rumored gold that has been hidden there. This is an adrenaline packed story of cave ins, rescues, danger, trust, and love. 

This is the second book in the Summer Ranger series. While the plot was not affected, I did feel that I should have read the first book because previous incidents and relationships are mentioned throughout the book.

I highly recommend this Christian romantic suspense. I enjoyed it from cover to cover. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Mist on the Waters

 A dangerous smuggling ring, a trail of hidden codes, and a city built on secrets—but trusting her heart may be the greatest risk of all.

Detective Mason McCready has spent his career hunting criminals along the Mississippi River, but this case cuts closer to the bone. A powerful crime boss is tightening his grip on the river towns, corruption is creeping into the police ranks, and the man Mason’s been chasing has vanished into the mist, taking deadly secrets with him. As loyalties blur and danger closes in, Mason must decide how much he’s willing to risk to see justice served.

Lexi Taylor has made a name for herself breaking codes others can’t touch, but this investigation is personal. Her brother’s death is tangled in the very operation Mason is trying to dismantle, and every clue they uncover draws them deeper into a world of hidden ledgers, whispered alliances, and river routes soaked in betrayal. As threats mount, Lexi must rely not only on her sharp mind, but also on a detective she’s learning she can trust with more than the truth.

With a traitor lurking in the shadows and time slipping through their fingers, Mason and Lexi race from river towns to shadowed safe houses, following a trail that could bring down an empire—or cost them everything.

My Review: 

I loved this riverfront romance that involved Lexi, a codebreaker, and Detective Mason McCready. Together, they tackle bringing down the criminal network that has far reaching contacts and operations. This has action, danger, and a love story too. 

It is a standalone book in the River Romance series that readers from new adults to mature will enjoy. I highly recommend the book and the rest of the series. 

I was given a copy of the book from the author. All opinions expressed are voluntarily given.

Felons and Finders

 

About the Book

Book: FELONS & FINDERS (Granite & Gloss Rescuers: Book 2)

Author: LR STRONG

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: January 18, 2026

Powerful forces hide the most dangerous felons.

Jake Granite is more determined than ever to take down every criminal he possibly can—especially those targeting the most vulnerable. But even working with his private investigation team and law enforcement task forces, it’s been impossible. They always arrive at the scene of the crime too late. It’s infuriating. Who is at the top and who are the informers?

Tarina Gloss has commissions for sculptures and paintings but no time to work on them. After unexpectedly being pulled into Jake’s work, she is eager to save every victim she can. But she’s not equipped or experienced in this type of work. What can she possibly do to help?

Jake and Tarina discover a new partner wants to join them. He’s the Finder, and no felon can hide from him. The only problem is that the Finder only gives them confusing clues—or sets them up to stumble on the criminals in action. He does things in unpredictable ways each time, so they never know what to expect.

Soon they are in over their heads. Tragedies happen, leaving them confused. Can they handle working with the Finder? Most of all, can they trust him?

 Review:

Correlating stories from the Bible where men and women saw God intervene, Jake and Tarina put their faith in action in helping to disrupt and stop some of the illegal activities of Bigfoot. This is a faith based romantic suspense that doesn't shy away from some darker sides of society such as tr@fficking. I did like the scenes where you saw God's intervention for Jake when there seemed no possible way of escape.

This is the second book in the Granite and Gloss Rescuers series. There were a couple of references to past events that I believe were probably in the first book, but it didn't affect the overall plot.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

LR Strong is a writer, editor, singer, songwriter, photographer, and people watcher. Her life is colored by synesthesia, and she views others through the lens of spiritual gifts. She’s equally creative and cerebral—her first career was computer programming. Her deepest loves are Jesus, family, friends, and her three delightful rescue cats. And eating dark chocolate while reading a riveting book.

 

 

More from LR

I experience life in colorful and unusual ways because I have synesthesia. Do you know what that is? Most people don’t. You can experience living with synesthesia through my main heroine, Tarina. She’s also a strong believer who has spiritual gifts. I pair her up with a hardcore ex-LAPD cop, now criminal detective, who relies solely on his street smarts and physical abilities. These two opposites are thrown together in deadly situations and have to combine their unique strengths to not only survive, but take down criminals and save victims. In the process they help save each other.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 8

Stories By Gina, August 9 (Author Interview)

Book Looks by Lisa, August 9

Blossoms and Blessings, August 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

Books, Books, & More Books, August 14 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Books Less Travelled, August 18 (Author Interview)

History, Hope & Happily Ever After, August 19 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 19

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 20 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, August 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.R. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an ebook of Granite & Gloss (book 1) and Felons & Finders (book 2)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/hxQVd/felons-finders-celebration-tour-giveaway