The Darling’s Daughter by Sydney Schmied: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction, mystery/suspense
• Series: The Majestic Theater (Book #1)
• Length: 368 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: August 1, 2026

Tropes

• Forced proximity

My Rating

Book Description

“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.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

A search for answers. A secret past.  Welcome to the Majestic Theater.

Angie Woods had a complicated relationship with her actress mother, the titular Darling.  Although her mother cared about Angie in her own way, distance and secrets eventually drove a wedge between them.

Trace Ackerman understands complicated relationships all too well.  He has one with his oldest sister Victoria.

Deep down they do still care about each other, and I was glad they were able to reconcile somewhat.

I was so relieved that Trace had the opportunity to tell Angie about his past, before she found out from someone else.

He had good intentions, (and while they didn’t always justify his actions) they did count for something.

Lots of little clues were hidden throughout the mansion and the theater, almost like a high stakes scavenger hunt. The mystery was a lot more layered than I initially thought. 

I did find it a little strange that the culprit spilled their entire motivation for the murder to Angie.

Also Angie’s migraines aren’t really brought up again after the ball.  Given how much her headaches were mentioned in the earlier chapters, I thought it would come up again.

Overall, I’m eager to return to the Majestic in Book 2.

Thank you to Sydney Schmied for the gifted ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own.

See Content Notes

death of a parent mentioned, mention of Freemasons, mentions of rug overdose, mention of suicide, guns and shooting, touching, kissing, use of “blast” and “blasted,” mention of cursing (not specified), mention of ghosts and the theater being haunted, blood, mention of affairs, some mild violence, some mild innuendo, description of a man dying (nothing overly graphic)

Favorite Moments

🎭 tossing out the reporter
🎭 Vivienne Clemonte’s ball
🎭 after the shooting
🎭 nighttime baking
🎭 proposal

Favorite Quotes

“‘I mean, the papers said you were eccentric, but I think they should have used the word “extraordinary” instead.’“

Sydney Schmied

“‘Friends know pieces of each other not everyone knows.’
…’Sometimes it’s enough to simply care. People can know hundreds of facts about a person and still not care.’“

Sydney Schmied

“‘Earlier you suggested someone caring was enough to be a friend. But what happens when the friend who cares finds out the ugly truth about the other?’
Trace shrugged as if the answer was plain as the nose on his face. ‘A true friend would only care more.’“

Sydney Schmied

“‘Wolfe said she has a few belongings stashed in here. I haven’t been brave enough to look through them yet.’
‘Are you brave enough now?’
‘Yes. With you, I am.’“

Sydney Schmied

“She caught his hand as he shifted away. ‘Thank you, Trace.’
‘For what?’
‘For caring.’“

Sydney Schmied

“‘…Don’t you worry about me, Trace.’
‘I have to worry about your safety because I love you.’“

Sydney Schmied

“‘Your battle is my battle, Angie. We’ll work through this together.’“

Sydney Schmied

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