If you enjoy drama and mystery, this novel might be exactly what you are looking for. The Daughter Between Them is a thrilling story that explores love, loss, and tragedy. It is based on the close-knit bond between mothers and daughters and is both sweet and heartbreaking.
The novel follows the life of Leslie Graham, a news editor at Dancing Hills Times, and her two teenage daughters, Jillian and Rhonda. The small family is incredibly close, and, from the outside, they seem to have it all… However, when an old enemy from Leslie’s past resurfaces in town, it becomes apparent that not everything is as perfect as it may seem in the Graham household.
Spoiler-Free Summary
In 2019, Leslie Graham achieved her goal of becoming a news editor at Dancing Hills Times. For a moment in time, everything in her life seemed to be going perfectly. Her two daughters were as happy as could be; she had just landed her dream job, and the secrets of her past were just that: a secret. She was adamant that her daughter would never find out the truth regarding where she came from.
However, everything changed when Barbara Morris appeared in town. Suddenly, her secrets from what felt like a past life were resurfacing, and Leslie would do anything to keep them hidden from the ones that she loved the most.
Ten years earlier, Barbara Morris’ world was shaken when her 7-year-old daughter, Nancy, suddenly went missing in Queens, New York. Barbara and her husband frantically searched for their precious daughter, all while receiving sympathy and support from their community. However, not everything was as it seemed in the disappearance of Nancy Morris. We will soon come to realize that Barbara might not be the grieving and concerned mother that she has always portrayed.
After 10 years of uncertainty, Barbara decides to head to Dancing Hills in search of answers and closure. There, her and Leslie’s worlds collide, leading to even more chaos than the two mothers could ever have imagined.
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My Takeaway on The Daughter Between Them
There is so much to love about The Daughter Between Them. Alretha Thomas, the author of the novel, has an incredible story-telling ability, making it feel as though you are living each event along with the characters. You will struggle to put it down between chapters, which is always the sign of a good book.
The Daughter Between Them is an enthralling novel that captures the reader’s attention from the very first word. The storyline is unique, which makes it incredibly difficult to predict what is going to happen next.
It is worth noting that certain scenes seem to drag on longer than necessary. You sometimes feel as though it takes a while to get to the point. However, the author always gets there in the end, and you’ll never be disappointed with the outcome.
Arguably, the best part of the novel is how well-developed the characters are. It is almost as if you feel every emotion with them, which makes the book all the more addicting. You will struggle to put it down between chapters, making it a quick yet enthralling read.
Anyone who loves a good drama and mystery novel will enjoy The Daughter Between Them. There are plot twists and cliffhangers around every corner, ensuring that you will never get bored.
If you are looking for a story that plays on your emotions, we highly recommend The Daughter Between Them.
Audience:
Young adults and adults who enjoy drama and mystery novels.
About The Author Of The Daughter Between Them
Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by the late four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren, and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019, Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. In 2023, Alretha’s novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer debuted. Her most recent novel is The Daughter Between Them.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.

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