The Spanish Daughter: A Gripping Historical Novel Perfect for Book Clubs

THE SPANISH DAUGHTER by Lorena Hughes María Purificación de Lafont y Toledo, “Puri” for short, is set to inherit half of her deceased father’s cacao plantation in Vinces, Ecuador. Unfortunately during the journey from Spain her husband is killed by an assassin meant for her. Puri decides to dress up as her deceased husband in order to find out who in her estranged family wants her dead. If you cast aside the improbable circumstances (how convincing was Puri’s beard, mustache and deep voice to pass off as a man?!) in the plot, this was a light historical mystery. I think the story gives an accurate portrayal and perspective of how women were treated in the 1920s. I also enjoyed learning about the cacao boom in Ecuador. I do wish the author went in depth about Maria’s grandmother’s backstory especially how she invented and patented the roaster machine for the cacao beans. Overall, a solid family drama that will make you appreciate the people and hard work it takes to turn a cacao bean into chocolate. Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️