3.8 stars 

1940: Nita Bineham is twenty-one, the daughter of a wealthy businessman (industrialist) who wants to be independent and not marry someone her parents choose. One day, she gets a chance to join the local newspaper as an assistant. Nita is determined to prove her worth as a journalist. However, danger lurks in the form of a traitor. 

2008: Beth Bineham is Nita’s great-niece and a thirty-two-year-old woman still doing what her parents want. After a mishap, Beth’s job at her father’s company is under scrutiny. As if that’s not enough, her marriage is about to end. Beth’s visit to Nita’s house leads her to the secrets from the past. Eager to ignore the mess in her life, Beth starts to dig for the truth. But it might bring the enemy closer home than intended. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Beth (in present tense) and Nita (also in present tense) in alternating chapters. 

 My Thoughts:  

The prologue provides a great hook and hints at the danger we’ll read about. However, it turns out to be a snippet from one of the later chapters. While I like prologues, I want them to add extra value to the plot and not repeat an existing element. That means, a certain reveal is exposed right on the first page. 

The first 25% is slow as the foundation is established in both timelines. Thankfully, the pace picks up a little after 30% or so. The alternating chapters ensure we get enough information in both timelines. It does feel a little strange to read the past track in the present tense but okay. Not a deal breaker. 

For a change, I liked both timelines well. The characters are flawed but not annoying. They make mistakes but are willing to learn and do what’s right for their future. I also like the parallels between Nita and Beth’s arcs though the situations are different. We can still see the similarities, though. 

The parents in this book are ugh! The side characters are good; be it Harriet or Rowan, I like how sweet and affectionate they are. Kindness matters. 

Things come together well at the end. There’s even a surprising twist which I liked a lot. The ending is hopeful and positive with a hint of potential love. It doesn’t overpower the plot at any point. 

Wiccan has a dominant role in the book. I didn’t expect that but well, I like all things pagan, so this is good. The definition is positive and well-presented. I wouldn’t have minded a little more detail into this element. Also, I’m not sure if the ‘possibly paranormal but maybe rational’ events that happen in the book. You either make them supernatural or you don’t. 

WWII is the backdrop for the past timeline but the focus is on Nita and her life. Of course, the book deals with many themes like gender discrimination, war, working-class troubles, financial concerns, selfish parents, marital trouble, etc. One piece of advice by Rowan was wonderful. Appreciate that. 

While the title fits the story in two ways, I still don’t think it is that suitable for the overall plotline. But then, I have enough trouble naming my stories, so don’t listen to me! 

To summarize, The Storyteller's Daughter is a poignant and slightly heavier read about love, life, second chances, relationships, and finding oneself. 

I liked it a lot more than the author’s previous book (The House on Water), so I’m looking forward to her next release. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.