About the Book
- ISBN-13 : 978-1956098679
- Publisher : Hearth Spot Press
- Publishing Date: November 13, 2026
- Print Length : 164 pages
- Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H7SDQGFC?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi
Synopsis
Cedarfontein, South Africa, 1935—Ilse van der Berg’s mother is dying, and her last request is for Ilse to travel to her mother’s hometown of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. Though she and her widowed mother are unwelcome amongst the locals after her Afrikaans father sided with the British during the Maritz rebellion, Ilse can’t imagine leaving the people she knows for a country of strangers.
Lieutenant Quincey Pryor of His Majesty’s Royal Navy arrives in Cedarfontein on orders from his father, who works for the Admiralty and British Intelligence. He must personally collect and ferry back to London a package from a retired captain who lives in this small town near Knysna. What Quin doesn’t expect to find upon his arrival is a beautiful young woman kneeling over the captain’s dead body.
Unexpectedly tied together by an undercurrent of espionage, Ilse and Quin must untangle the thread of secrets before the dark clouds of Nationalsozialismus overtake them and Ilse has to flee the only home she’s ever known.
My Thoughts
The Daughter’s Goodbye is a poignant and emotional look at the effect of war on a young daughter who is caught in the middle of intolerance and hatred. Ilse wants to stay in South Africa with her extremely ill mother, but the hand she is dealt requires that she leave as quickly as she can to escape capture from a hate group. The historical details are enlightening and amazingly accurate, even when mixed with the fictional story of Lt. Pryor and Ilse. My heart hurt for Ilse and the sacrifice she has to make and the loss she endures. This is a wonderful story with realistic characters, well-researched facts and a relentlessly fast pace that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be engaged in historical fiction that is a compelling read.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Christian Fiction, Rated PG
About the Author
Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery.
Her historical fiction has received numerous industry accolades, including the 2026 Holt Medallion, a Distinguished Faith in Writing Award, and three National Excellence in Storytelling Awards, alongside finalist honors in the Selah, Daphne du Maurier, and FHLCW Reader’s Choice contests.
Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American and holds a master’s degree in communication and culture. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, she crafts historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions.
She currently lives along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline with her husband and two boys. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com
Purchase Links
https://daniellegrandinetti.com/our-house/
