The Distant Daughter

by Lorna Cook

Singapore, 1941: Singapore City lights up with explosions as the first Japanese bombs rain down. Until now, the war has seemed a distant threat for Issey and her friends, drinking and dancing at Raffles. But with the Japanese invasion looming, Issey knows she must leave. Mysterious, handsome Alex Cartwright has sworn he will see her to safety.

Cornwall, 2025: Nursing a broken heart, Lamorna flees her life in Singapore, returning to Trelenna, her Cornish family home. With ambitious plans to save and finance the crumbling house, her sister Zennor needs Lamorna’s help.

When Zach, a local archivist, suggests telling the house’s story through the family archives, Lamorna discovers a battered leather diary written by Issey, a young woman living a glamorous life in 1940s Singapore.

Within its pages, she finds the gripping story of Issey’s desperate escape. Fascinated by the links with her own life, Lamorna longs to know: did Issey and Alex survive the horrors of the Japanese attack on Singapore? And can their story of enduring love, strength and sacrifice inspire Lamorna to embrace a new life—and new love—at Trelenna?

The Distant Daughter is an epic, heart-wrenching, uplifting and utterly enthralling family story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Family, Romance, Ebooks, British Literature

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Lorna Cook writes historical fiction, weaving secrets and forgotten history with mystery and romance.

She also writes contemporary fiction under the name Elle Cook.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dual timeline and looks at the invasion of Singapore during WWII. This was the first I knew of this and the history was sad, yet intriguing. I loved all the main characters in both timelines. There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding the outcome for several of the main characters during WWII. This definitely had me on the edge of my seat. The romances ran deep. There were two descriptive scenes of sex and some profanity. I chose not to deduct a star for this, though I did blush. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Amazon Prime for this early review copy. I devoured this novel right from the first page. Loved both timelines, intricately researched, richly layered, fantastic settings and breathtaking love story. Book 2 is too far away!

[Tej Dhawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t encountered stories inspired by Japanese attacks on SE Asia or Singapore in my reading. So when Amazon first reads offered this book AND it included Singapore AND Cornwall (two favorite locations) I had to read. I liked the emotions encountered by the two lead characters, the balanced supporting roles played by the 3 men along the way, and the near non-fiction possibility of the threadline.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much. It was a dual timeline set in present day in Cornwall and Singapore just before the Japenese invaded the island. Such terrible events that should never be forgotten.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging dual-timeframe story tying family together through a home’s historical documents. A story about moving forward, rebuilding, family, love.

I liked learning about Singapore and the Japanese invasion during WWII, which I had no prior knowledge of. I appreciated both storylines and the authors skill of weaving them together so seamlessly.

[Stephanie Marks-Leavitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the dual timeline and settings of this book, Singapore right before the Japanese invasion during WWII and present day at a rundown family estate in Cornwall. As much as I love dual timelines I often find myself more invested in on period - not with this story! I was so excited when the timeline would switch back and forth and felt so interested in the continuing stories of both, Issey and Lamorna. I also really enjoyed the three supporting male characters and the added depth they brought to the plot. Loved that it ended teasing us for part 2! Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an audio ARC.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 - good plane ride read. Formulaic - wish they’d developed more of the war part of the story rather than just the relationships. Of course it ended with a cliff hanger cuz it’s part 1…

[Anna Mattamana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very okay - but i will continue

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely dual-timeline from Lorna Cook. She really nails these WW2 novels & I loved the settings of Singapore and deepest, darkest Cornwall. You know you’re in for a good read when you pick up anything by Lorna & I’m really excited that there will be two more in this series & we will learn more about Trelenna House, Zennor, Merry, Veryan & Lamorna.

[Vic Frost · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story in the past, but I felt the current day story was too rushed as a result.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing read, albeit a gripping tale from the past based on the war with Japan and a rather tedious tale based on recent times. The storyline in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion was compelling and followed the horrors of that war and the effects on the local population. All the characters were memorable in their own way, not so those based on the lives of a more recent generation. The storyline, years later in the UK was drawn out, predictable and rather tedious. A great pity. This could have been a much better read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the story was interesting. There was a bit more romance for my liking and a somewhat storybook ending which didn't mix well with the vagaries of war.

[Bonnie R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring Slog

Other than historical account of the fall of Singapore during WWII, this was tedious & boring. The story was rife with predictable cliches. When Issey returns broke & heartbroken to her ancestral home, she notes how utterly rundown the old mansion is. She & her equally broke young sister decide to turn it into a tourist destination. With no money & no ability to do construction, miraculously they have the place up & running in a few
months. Stupid ridiculous book.

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook told two stories
The story of Issey, in 1941 Singapore working for the war office she is living her best life although the war is raging Singapore is safe until it wasn’t any longer we hear Issey’s story through her diary told in extracts throughout the book

2025 Cornwall Lamorna has recently returned home to Cornwall from Singapore. She is nursing a broken heart and has returned to the family home of Trelenna, it has been 10 years since she left and in that time the house has become neglected her parents have given up and want to sell her younger sister Zennor is determined to keep the house. She begs for help from Lamorna and she reluctantly agrees.

They decide to see if they can turn the house into a country home that people visit giving tour guides they begin to delve through the records that they find in the house and this is where they come up across the diary

This story tells both tales 1941 Singapore as Issey flees the horrors as Japan begin to invade and 2025 Cornwall as the sisters strive to save their home.

I loved all of the characters in this audiobook and was left hoping for more the epilogue wow I cannot wait to discover what happens next

[Helen H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Distant Daughter is the first in a new series featuring Trelenna House; a grand country house in Cornwall and the family generations who have, and still reside there.

The dual timelines and settings are woven together seamlessly. Superbly researched, this book offers a comprehensive, historical insight into British Colonial Singapore in WW2; before and during the Japanese invasion.

The audio narration is an enjoyable listening experience. Every character is eloquently brought to life with accents, expression and emotion.

An engaging story of love and grief; the strength and legacy of family; of coming back home and the healing this can bring.
Highly recommended. I look forward to book two in the series.

[Sue Weakland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy ending

Loved the story with a touch of everything in it. Romance, mystery, and a bit of history. Made me want to go to England.

[Justine Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved reading Lorna Cook books since my sister gifted me The Forgotten Village, I could not believe this book 'The Distant Daughter' was on Amazon's First Reads. Really loved the story, loved reading the history intertwined - need to read some of my other Lorna Cook books on my Kindle shelf!

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling story about a house and its inhabitants during two different times (current and WWII). It follows Issey and Lamorna through their journey at Singapore. Lamorna and her sister are trying to save their home and decide to start doing tours, and possibly weddings. That how they met Zach, who, along with his sister, have been doing tours and weddings in their house.

[Charlotte Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Had forgotten how much I enjoy Lorna Cook as an author.
Well done 👏

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an engaging dual-timeline read. The 1940s Singapore storyline completely gripped me; the atmosphere of fear and tension during the Japanese invasion was vividly drawn and kept me turning the pages. It had that sense of urgency and high stakes that made it the standout thread for me.

The present-day Cornwall setting didn’t capture me in quite the same way, but I still enjoyed it — especially the process of transforming the old family mansion into a tourist attraction, which added a charming and realistic touch.

Both timelines featured love stories, and I found myself enjoying them equally. They balanced the drama with warmth and hope, making the characters’ journeys all the more satisfying.

Overall, The Distant Daughter delivers a captivating historical backdrop, intertwined with modern-day discoveries and romance — perfect if you like stories that bridge the past and present.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about a different part of WW2. I also enjoyed the back and forth between the diary entries and modern day events. The journey of getting the house ready for tours seemed to happen much quicker than what would could possibly happen, so this part of the narrative felt rather unbelievable and rushed.

The book had too many cliche moments, which made it feel tired.

I’m left feeling kind of meh overall.

[Ingrid Lemmens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat heb ik genoten van dit prachtige eerste deel in de serie "De vier windstreken". Elk boek gaat over een van de Trelenna zussen en broer die op ontdekkingsreis gaan in hun eigen leven en in dat van een van hun voorouders, ik hou enorm van boeken met twee tijdlijnen en dit verhaal heeft me vanaf het begin gepakt en niet meer losgelaten. In dit deel staat Lamorna centraal, ze heeft jaren in Singapore gewoond en is na een vreselijke relatiebreuk terug op hun landgoed op de kliffen van Cornwall. Ze wil het landgoed herstellen in zijn oude glorie en op de zolder stuit ze op een oud dagboek en begint erin te lezen. Dan gaan we terug naar 1941 waar de jonge Issey Trelenna tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog als typiste voor de britse inlichtingendienst werkt in Singapore. Op een avondje uit leert ze de knappe Alex kennen, hij is heel geheimzinnig over zijn baan maar ze worden halsoverkop verliefd. Als dan ineens de Japanse bommenwerpers komen breekt paniek uit. Zullen ze elkaar ooit nog terug zien? Zullen haar vrienden en collega's het overleven? Het verhaal van Issey sleepte me helemaal mee, ze moet vluchten en dat is zo ontzettend spannend. "Lamorna had het gevoel dat ze urenlang haar adem had ingehouden terwijl ze issey's dagboek las". Zo ervaarde ik het ook, ik vergat alles om me heen. Zowel de tijdlijn in het verleden als de tijdlijn in het heden zijn boeiend, Lamorna haar zoektocht naar de geschiedenis van hun landgoed en haar voorouders is fascinerend. Daarbij krijgt ze hulp van de charmante Zach, maar ze is niet klaar voor liefde, of wel?

"Achterflap:
Cornwall, heden. Lamorna Trelenna keert na tien jaar terug naar haar ouderlijk huis op de kliffen van Cornwall. Het ooit zo statige landgoed is danig in verval geraakt. Terwijl haar jongste zusje een plan heeft bedacht om het huis in zijn oude glorie te herstellen, zou Lamorna het liefst zo snel mogelijk weer vertrekken. Totdat ze op de zolder de familiearchieven ontdekt. Singapore, 1941. Issey Trelenna werkt op een afluisterpost van de Britse marine in Singapore. Als gefortuneerde expat leidt ze een leven van cocktailparty’s en luxe. Maar de Japanse dreiging komt met de dag dichterbij, en het gerucht gaat dat Singapore zal worden binnengevallen. Als Issey tijdens een bal de charmante Alex Cartwright ontmoet, is ze geïntrigeerd: het lijkt alsof hij meer weet dan hij wil loslaten. "

Lorna Cook schrijft vlot, beeldend en met veel flair. Ik zag het verhaal voor me alsof ik een film aan het kijken was. Het is spannend, fascinerend, romantisch, hartverscheurend en ook hartverwarmend. Wat zal Lamorna allemaal ontdekken en zal ze zich weer kunnen openstellen voor de liefde? Het prachtige landgoed met uitzicht op zee zag ik voor me, ik had het gevoel alsof ik zelf door dit prachtige huis vol geschiedenis liep. En Issey, hoe zal haar verhaal aflopen? Het heeft me een paar uur slaap gekost en dat vond ik helemaal niet erg want ik moest weten hoe dit afliep! Het boeiende verhaal van Issey, haar prachtige, ontroerende liefdesgeschiedenis en de gruwelijke gebeurtenissen die in Singapore en omgeving tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog gebeurd zijn laten je niet los. Het is een kant van de oorlog waar ik nog niet zo bekend mee was en het raakte me diep.

De epiloog is een voorproefje op het volgende deel, Zennor is de jongste zus en een culinair talent. Tijdens hun zoektocht naar de geschiedenis van het landgoed stuit zij op een oude mysterieuze brief... Ik verheug me nu al op de volgende delen. Een dikke aanrader wat mij betreft!

[marleen persoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oosterlicht is een verhaal over twee vrouwen die verschillende zaken met elkaar gemeen hebben en toch in een andere tijdsperiode leefden.
Lamorna keert na eental jaren terug vanuit Singapore naar haar ouderlijk landhuis in Cornwall. Haar zus ontvangt haar met open armen, maar het landhuis straalt helaas niet meer zo. Er is een nieuwe wind nodig, een plan om het terug te laten renderen en floreren. Maar is Lamorna hier wel de geschikte persoon voor? Als ze een oud dagboek in het archief ontdekt, is ze heel nieuwsgierig en gefascineerd wie Issey was en hoe het verder is gegaan met haar. Ze is extra getriggerd daar het over Singapore gaat en er een connectie is met Cornwall rond de periode van 1940.
Ze krijgt hulp van een collega landhuis eigenaar in de buurt, die ook een historicus is. Zach is een zeer allround man, die haar terug wat de zin en hoop geeft in leven & liefde en helpt in haar zoektocht van Issey.
Keren de vrouwen terug naar Singapore of is Cornwall uiteindelijk hun echte thuishaven?
Oosterlicht geeft in zijn titel al iets prijs, maar pas tijdens het lezen gaat het nog meer invulling krijgen.
Twee vrouwen die voor werk wegtrekken uit hun vertrouwde omgeving, die misschien wel wat vluchtte en uitkeken naar nieuwe avonturen.
Toch ook daar ontdekken dat het leven evengoed op een nieuwe plek geen roze geur en maneschijn is.
Dat liefde onverwacht komt, dat hopen, vasthouden en onvoorwaardelijk, iets is waar ze geen grip op hebben. Ook de rekbaarheid, power en kracht die ze creëren in moeilijke omstandigheden, ze juist maken wie ze zijn.
Lorna Cook heeft twee verhaallijnen met verschillende tijdslijnen zo uitgewerkt dat er toch steeds een verbondenheid was. Het vormde op het einde een mooi geheel.
De uitwerking van historische en hedendaagse feiten, gebeurtenissen en tradities kwamen zeer waarheidsgetrouw en realistisch over. Je ziet heel duidelijk dat er veel tijd en opzoekwerk naar is gedaan.
Het leest heel fijn weg dit door de hedendaagse schrijfstijl en variatie in het verhaal en personages.
Verrassend is de keuze van Singapore, toch weer een stukje geschiedenis dat wat in de vergeethoek is geraakt en het de lezer weer bewustmaakt wat er in 1940 zich daar heeft afgespeeld.
Ik kijk nu al zo enorm uit naar de 3 andere delen, welke invalshoek ze daar weer zal gebruiken en een verhaal rond creëert.

4 sterren

@missp_her_books_read

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cornwall, 2025: Following a relationship gone very wrong, Lamorna flees from Singapore leaving behind a job she loved and returns to the family home in Cornwall, Trelenna. After a ten year absence from home and her younger sister Zennor, Lamorna is at a loss as to what her life will now be. Zennor, who has always lived at Trelenna, wishes to save the house when their parents show no interest and would prefer to sell. Lamorna and Zennor become closer despite a separation of ten years and Lamorna decides to help her sister prepare the now partly crumbling property for showing to visitors. Zach, a local archivist, suggests telling the house's story through the family archives and Lamorna discovers a battered diary written by Issy, a young woman living in 1940s Singapore.

Singapore, February 1942: Issy delights in living in Singapore with friends and a job that she loves. But when the Japanese invade Singapore, Issy knows it is time for her to leave. Handsome, mysterious Alex Cartwright vows he will see her to safety.

In present time Cornwall, Lamorna is determined to learn the fate of Issy when she realises the diary ends in February 1942, when Singapore fell to the invading Japanese.

I am beginning to feel that Cornwall, England is the home of my heart. Though I have never visited that part of England, I return time after time in reading and love it every single time. I have read most of, if not all, the books by Lorna Cook. I love her stories and this one does not disappoint. I also love that it is the first book in a series and I very much look forward to returning again to Trelenna, Cornwall for the remaining books in the series.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (mild open door scenes)

Quick Notes:
*Book 1 in a Series
*Historical & Literary Fiction
*Dual Timelines
*WWII
*Tragedy
*Family History

My Thoughts:
Since I've loved the contemporary romances by this author, I thought I'd give this book a chance. Historical fiction is hit or miss for me, but the synopsis sounded so interesting. There were a few parts in the present timeline that felt slow to me, but overall this was an enjoyable read.
The past timeline was admittedly my favorite. Issey's story involved danger, loss, passion, grief, and healing. I didn't know much about the events that took place in Singapore in the 1940's, so that was interesting to read about. I did think the romance in this timeline was very insta-love, but it didn't bother me, especially considering the circumstances.
The present timeline involved Lamorna finding Issey's diary and trying to uncover what happened to Issey after the war. She and her sister were also working on turning Trelenna, their family home, into a site for historical tours. This storyline got better for me as the romance picked up, and I liked how Lamorna found herself coming to appreciate her family home and fell in love while doing it.
This book is meant to be the start of a series, so the epilogue teased who book 2 will follow. I'd definitely be willing to continue whenever that book comes out to see what other history is uncovered. I'm glad I gave this a try and would definitely recommend it to those who love historical fiction.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free Amazon Prime First Reads, better than I expected. More historical fiction than a romance, but there are indeed love stories both present and past. Past is Issey in Singapore during WWII, and meeting Alex just before the Japanese invasion. As fate would have it, Alex grew up in Truro, not far from her own home in Cornwall.
Issey’s diary is discovered by present day Lamorna, home to regroup after leaving her job and manipulative boyfriend in Singapore. Issey’s story engages her with the parallels in their lives.
Lamorna’s younger sister Zennor is living in their falling down ancestral home and hoping to “save” it so that their parents don’t sell it. The sisters quickly decide to open it up to tourism and meet Zach when they take a tour of his ancestral home.
Zach and Lamorna become friends, she asks Zach to help her in going through the family archives and coming up with tour-worthy stories. Their relationship develops in a healthy, normal way and they confide their recent relationship disasters to each other.
As with many dual timeline novels, the historical timeline is the more interesting one. But the present is fine too.
You could find fault with how easily the sisters ready the house for tours. How the one social media post gets the attention of a woman in Vancouver who knows what happened to Issey and Alex. Even how their brother Merry (and seriously, he thought that was better than his given name??) turned up just in time to help them with their opening day. But these faults were not fatal flaws for me. I enjoyed this book, imagine many others will too, and in fact I’d read the next one expecting to enjoy it as much as I did this one.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book set in two time periods, Singapore in 1941 as the Japanese were about to invade, and Trelenna, the family home in Cornwall in the present day. The house and the generations of family who'd lived there linking the two time periods and stories together.

I think I preferred Issey's story. Issey was much more of a joyful, stronger character than Lamorna is in the present day. Working, I think for the Ministry of Defence and helping with the war effort, Issey was enjoying her time in Singapore and enjoyed quite a glamorous lifestyle up to the Japanese invasion. Once they realised their safety, indeed their lives were in danger, the story was very insightful of just how bad things were there, with much tension brought to the narrative telling of her's and her friends escape. Lamorna's story on the other hand didn't capture my interest quite the same. There were some compelling parts but overall I wasn't that interested in the present day narrative.

I'll admit I downloaded this book by accident when I was browsing September's 'first reads'. I'd already decided before this book that I wasn't going to read any more WWII books, as I felt I've read all there is to read around this time in history. But as I'd downloaded it to my Kindle I decided to give it a go, and on saying that, it turned out to be the historical part of the book that I enjoyed most.

[Mark Rasdall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy a good romance; throw in a historical family saga, and I'm usually hooked. I thought that this book's settings of Cornwall and Singapore would only enhance the experience. As the first book in the series, I was also prepared to read more.

I have to say at the outset that I was intrigued to find out what happened to Issey after the Japanese invasion of Singapore in 1941. It was only this that kept me going to the end, which was less a firework, much more a damp squib.

Overall, the contemporary story was silly and shallow and didn't hold my attention at all - especially as it was fairly repetitive. The main character - Lamorna (I know!) - had a back story which was uninteresting and other bit part characters were two dimensional. Zach, the love interest, was far too good to be true - even in a romance novel.

The most disappointing aspect was the lack of description of place. Cornwall provides such a unique setting, yet we could have been in Coventry if it had a beach.

The characters in the 1941 story were similarly cliché-ridden and could have been drawn from a quick glance at a Pathé newsreel. A bit more of an effort had gone into the Singapore scene-setting, but the overall homogeneity of the 'Japanese enemy' was just lazy and unchallenging.

If the author can't make more effort, then I can't be bothered to read more, I'm afraid.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review – The Distant Daughter by Lorna Cook


Book Review – The Distant Daughter by Lorna Cook

The Distant Daughter by Lorna Cook tells the story of a wayward daughter who returns home to her family’s manor in Cornwall after living abroad in Singapore for many years. She discovers that her parents are considering selling the estate, but she wants to preserve it and turn it into a museum or heritage site. While going through some boxes, she finds a diary that depicts the fall of Singapore in 1942 during World War II.

The book is split between the historical events in Singapore and the present-day efforts in Cornwall. The historical sections are immersive, while the manor’s descriptions evoke a Downton Abbey–like grandeur. The narrative can feel uneven, with a heavy focus on Singapore in the first half and Cornwall in the second. The setup of the museum happens quickly, which may stretch believability but keeps the story moving.

A light romantic subplot adds depth without overwhelming the story. Despite minor pacing issues, The Distant Daughter is a compelling read rich in historical detail, family intrigue, and evocative settings. I look forward to the next book in the series.

This was an Amazon's first reads for September 2025

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorna Cook’s The Distant Daughter is a sweeping, soul-stirring tale that bridges generations and continents, threading together the glamour of 1940s Singapore with the quiet resilience of modern-day Cornwall. It’s a story of love and loss, of sisterhood and survival, and of the enduring power of memory to shape the present.

Through Issey’s wartime diary, we’re drawn into a world of elegance and danger, where the glittering nights at Raffles give way to the terror of invasion and the desperate hope of escape. Her voice—vibrant, vulnerable, and brave—echoes across time to Lamorna, a woman nursing her own wounds in the shadow of Trelenna House. As Lamorna uncovers the secrets of her family’s past, she begins to find the courage to rewrite her own future.

Cook’s prose is graceful and evocative, painting both eras with emotional clarity and atmospheric charm. The novel pulses with longing and quiet strength, offering readers not just a mystery to unravel, but a legacy to cherish.

Perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Santa Montefiore, The Distant Daughter is a tender, transporting read—one that lingers like sea mist and sunlight on old stone.

Thank you to Lorna Cook, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.