The Daddy Files: How I Survived the Secrets and Found the Truth that Heals

by Melissa Jean Rod

223 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2025

Reviews

[michelle short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book a tender story of a young girl carrying her longing for a father far into adulthood it’s a mystery, family drama, and inspiring spiritual quest. It’s a page turner made more dramatic by the fact that it’s a true story. It will resonate with me for a long time. It includes application questions at the end of each chapter and would be fantastic for a women’s group or book club. So much to discuss!

[Dalana Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome read. I highly recommend reading it. Once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down. Very talented writer.

[Lisa Plett]

A Compelling Journey of Identity and Faith

The Daddy Files by Melissa Jean Rod is a page-turner that kept me engaged from start to finish. Each chapter drew me deeper into Melissa's story, leaving me eager to discover what came next.

What makes this book particularly effective is Melissa's writing style—she masterfully weaves humor into her narrative, providing moments of lightness even while sharing her difficult journey. This balance keeps the story accessible without diminishing its emotional weight.

At its heart, this is a story about the search for identity and belonging. I was moved by how Melissa chronicles her quest to finding her father while leaning on her faith in Jesus. Her realization that God was the true Father she had been longing for all along is both powerful and beautifully expressed.

This is a touching and inspirational read that will resonate with anyone who has struggled with questions of identity, family, or faith. Highly recommended.

[Melissa Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “The Daddy Files”Melissa Jean Rod speaks about her journey through the ups and downs of finding out who’s DNA did she truly have within her. She expresses in such a beautiful way one of the most meaningful insights I took away from this book (and there was a few), that DNA is not the most important part of our identity when we know we are a daughter of our one true Father in heaven. Melissa is not only a skilled writer but one with a great sense of humor that helps to make a serious subject have some lighthearted moments just where they are needed throughout the book.

[Kim Mosiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daddy Files is a tender, truth-telling journey of a daughter’s search that becomes a Savior’s rescue. Melissa writes with raw honesty and gracious wisdom, reminding us that identity isn’t found in DNA alone but in a Father who never lets go. If you’ve ever wrestled with longing, loss, or belonging, this book will steady your heart with hope.”

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful thought provoking book. As I read through each chapter I imagined how it would end. But I was wrong. Melissa trusted God to find her father. She never gave up even though she would never have guessed the truth and how her search would end.

[kelli Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Daddy Files mixes mystery, intrigue, laughter and tears.
It is not a who done it case, but rather a who is it. I have known Melissa Jean Rod for a long time and I knew parts of the story. This is not your regular just get a DNA test and move on type of book. The Daddy files takes the reader through a process of what love really looks like with The Father. I encourage you to read it and recommend it to your friends.