The Prodigal Daughter

Letters from the Dead #2

by Isabella Valeri

The youngest daughter of a secretive dynasty returns from a decade in exile, but will her ancestral home become her prison? The intoxicating follow-up to Isabella Valeri’s Letters from the Dead.

Now twenty-two years old, the only daughter of the sixteenth generation is abruptly recalled from her indolent life abroad to return to the isolated Alpine estate where she spent the first twelve years of her life. So many of her childhood memories have been savaged in her long absence. Her grandfather, the former patriarch of the family, is dead. “The Chairman,” her father, now rules the dynasty with a cold and clinical efficiency. Recalling his daughter was no accident. The dynasty has plans for the only “daughter of the line.”

She quickly finds herself engaged to an aristocratic playboy whom she does not love. A virtual prisoner and without so much as a sympathetic ear, she must begin to solve the mysteries her grandfather first hinted at; the enigmas of a 350-year-old secret society that she must untangle if she is to enlist those who might help her escape.

Her efforts to co-opt her father’s trusted aide seem inspired, but will her growing feelings for this handsome, former mercenary with a mysterious past compromise all her efforts, and can she ever be sure where his true loyalties lie?

Even worse, the shadowy forces intent on destroying her family grow ever bolder. With time running out, she must accept the lifetime of servitude that loyalty demands, or choose a dangerous path that could see her forever branded a traitor and cost those closest to her everything.

Genres: Historical Fiction

496 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Isabella Valeri is the author of Letters from the Dead, her debut novel and the sequel The Prodigal Daughter, the second book in the Letters from the Dead series.

She is an avid markswoman, skier, equestrian, and pilot.

She lives under an assumed name somewhere in the Alps.

Reviews

[Janereads10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Daughter was one of my most anticipated sequels of the year and it didn't disappoint. Getting back into this prominent old money family and their dysfunction was as entertaining as ever — more escalated, more dramatic, and faster paced than before. Watching the only daughter return from exile and confront her family again was compelling. She had grown but was still a pawn until she wasn't, and following her arc to that unexpected, epic ending was worth every page. A few scenes meandered and it was lengthy, but this was bingeable nonetheless. Readers who loved rich, atmospheric storytelling with family drama and high stakes will find a lot to enjoy here.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for my free review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the opportunity to read and review this ebook.

Summary

At twenty two, the youngest daughter of a powerful and secretive dynasty is called back to the isolated Alpine estate she left a decade earlier. With her father now controlling the family and plans already being made for her future, she quickly finds herself trapped in a life she did not choose. As she begins searching for answers connected to a centuries old secret society, she must decide who she can trust and how far she is willing to go for her own freedom.

My Review

The Prodigal Daughter was a huge book, and I mean that literally and story wise. There is a lot happening here, with family secrets, power, loyalty, a mysterious society, romance, and this constant feeling that something bigger is hiding beneath the surface. I thought the writing was beautiful, and I have realized how much I love books that are richly descriptive. The Alpine setting and isolated estate were especially easy to picture, and the descriptions gave the story such a strong atmosphere.

I also found the family dynamics fascinating. There is this constant tension between duty and freedom, and I really felt how controlled and trapped the main character was by the expectations surrounding her. I enjoyed the mystery of the secret society and the uncertainty around who could actually be trusted, especially as feelings and loyalties became more complicated.

My biggest issue was simply the length. At nearly five hundred pages, there were sections that felt longer than they needed to be, and at times I found myself wanting the story to move forward a little faster. I also wondered occasionally if I was missing something because I had not read the first book in the series or anything else by this author. I could still follow and enjoy the story, but I do think having that earlier background may have helped me feel more connected to certain parts.

Overall, this was a beautifully written, atmospheric story with a lot of depth and mystery. Even though I found it a little long, I appreciated the descriptive writing, the complicated family dynamics, and the feeling of being pulled into a secretive world filled with old loyalties and hidden agendas. This was a strong four star read for me, and I would definitely be interested in reading more from Isabella Valeri.

Would I Recommend?

Yes. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy beautifully descriptive writing, secret societies, powerful family dynasties, isolated estates, complicated loyalties, and slow building mysteries. I do think reading the first book may give you a deeper connection to the story, but even coming into this series new, I still found a lot to enjoy.

[Kelsey Vang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prodigal Daughter is an enigma of a read, and if you’re wondering if that’s a good or bad thing, well.... I don’t know if I can rightly tell you.

The book was of an interminable length, stretched and pulled and so very, very slow. And yet, I found myself held rapt quite frequently. There was a horrifying elegance of manner about it, a miasma of extravagance and debauchery that left me feeling just as trapped as the main character (who remains nameless). She struggles with the machinations of her ancient family, flailing and floundering and resorting to an excessive amount of drinking as she finds herself increasingly hedged in.

The book truly picks up at the 60% mark, and at that point I found myself well and truly hooked. The action picked up and I couldn’t wait to see how it unfolded. Yet even here the moments were drawn out, an inordinate amount of questions remained unanswered, and by 90% it had fully sunk in that this book was not to be the end.

I applaud the efforts of Valeri and her extensive sequel, for it is quite a feat to make such a lengthy novel with many-an-extraneous scene both intelligent and intriguing. I personally would have liked the entire novel to have been centered around that last 40%, and could have used just a couple more answers to really have some skin in the game. The mystery is rock solid and captivating.

One final thought on this book (as someone who has not read the first in the series): there was a distinct lack of hope that cast an overarching shadow of sadness on The Prodigal Daughter. A few more moments of genuine human connection would have gone a long way. I hope that the next novel can end up providing those things, as well as plenty of action and answers to the mystery at the heart of the series!

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Prodigal Daughter” is the second in a series by Isabella Valeri. My recommendation is to read (or skim) the first book at minimum because while Ms. Valeri does a pretty good job of filling in some of the background, I found myself trying to recall details about characters from the first book. This book is nearly 500 pages and, honestly, again I think it could’ve been shorter. There is a lot of beautiful description (and, once again, some rather unusual word usage - accurate words, but I had to think about what they meant), but while things happen, the descriptions at time take over. Our unnamed main character is once again thrust into something that she’s a lot clueless about regarding her family dynasty and empire building. Yves is such a cad that on one hand I was upset with him throughout most of the book and at the other times I rather liked his “bad boy and I know it” attitude (though his attitude toward women I found so old fashioned that I had to remind myself that this is a modern story). The older brother is, blessedly, less prominent in this book - but the repeated descriptions of the aftermath of their duel I felt could’ve been reduced (we get it she has a horrible scar on her chest, did I need to be reminded every 75-100 pages?). While this book didn’t end on as obvious a cliffhanger, there is going to be another book in the series. Will I read it? Yes. Will I recommend this series to someone? It would be for really specific readers. Overall, a 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars because I’m wondering what will happen to our heroine.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I'm impressed that two books in and we still don't know our heroine's last name.

The last book ended really abruptly and this one picks up immediately after, almost as though someone just chose a random paragraph and ended the first one. Here, we're back on the estate following a very odd childhood and unique education, then a decade's "exile" to private school, university and the start of a life with Phoebe (her girlfriend). Sadly, as is evidenced again and again, none of this has given her the ability to assess and think carefully about what's going on -- instead she rushes into things naively and then has to figure out a way around the situation she pretty much created. Even at the very end, she's acting rashly (and with an increasing drinking problem, which is never great for clear thinking) and it's only the last few pages that give readers hope she's finally starting to learn something.

I'm also tired of hearing about her left breast. There was absolutely no need to mention it, how mangled it is, how it got mangled, etc. quite as frequently. As far as I could tell, there were only two times it would have been appropriate.

It will be interesting to see if the anonymity carries through the entire series, and to see if she ever actually grows up. I also wonder if Bastian is brought back into things, given hints of him play such a large part of the London sequences here.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Letters From the Dead series picks up as the youngest child and only daughter of this dynasty is recalled to the ancestral home. She's been absent from family business for ten years. Her Grandfather has died, and her father has found a use for her. An arranged marriage that will allow the family to regain their wealth and reputation. At almost 500 pages, both books in this series are epic. Isabella Valeri has developed this family's legends carried forward by the 15th and 16th generations. The background is extensive in its layers of history and the descriptive beauty of the area vs the dark family history that has brought the family to drastic measures just to maintain their home.

I enjoyed this continuing story. Isabella Valeri has obviously spent considerable time and effort researching the era and the history of the founding families. The darkness of the choices facing this young woman is lightened by the history built into the story. She has few options but still has the strength to struggle against the plans her family has for her. Yes, the books are on the long side, but the stories are richer for the information Valeri built into them.

[J M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this free copy of "The Prodigal Daughter."

First, I have to shout from the rooftops again about "Letters from the Dead" and what a remarkable novel it is! While not expecting a sequel, I was overjoyed when author Valeri announced that the story of the "heiress" (I always think of her as Isabella since that's the author's name) would be continued!

The characters, events, and details from LFTD were so vivid and memorable that I only re-read a few segments to refresh my memory before jumping right into TPD, which picks up right where LFTD ends.

Was coming back home a mistake? Should she have renounced her family? But she wants answers.

Her education was intended to show the dangerous power games played against her, but her education wasn't finished. Will she learn what she needs to know? And will she trust the right people to help her?

As with LFTD, I didn't want it to end. Needless to say, I'll read whatever author Valeri writes!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the estate after being gone for so long brought back a ton of deja vu. Seriously, so many things have stayed exactly the same—right down to the way she speaks. It’s eerie, and it sets such a tense mood for the rest of the story. A few other major thoughts while reading: Eva (the mother) being Eva Honestly, it is always something with Evaaaaa. She just can't seem to take a break or stop causing drama. At first I thought she did a 180 but always in it for herself Next is the Yves problem I spent the entire first half of this book absolutely furious with Yves. The way he treats the author like pure dirt made it so hard not to want to scream at the pages. In conclusion I really dont want to give alot away but this book had me wanting more and more. The ending could have been sooooo much better however I loved the story it needed to be a 5 star I couldn't put it down! You don't expect that ending thats for sure.

[Stephanie Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can the Prodigal Daughter escape the gilded cage her family has her in?

I enjoyed the book, but it was a hard to reconcile the style of writing with the time period. I often caught myself imagining a historical setting when it is actually early 2000's. The first part of the book was very hard for me to get through. There was little stray information left here and there, but I felt like by the middle of the book I still didn't know anything. It may have been helpful to reach the book prior to this to have a better understanding of what actually was going on. Overall, I enjoyed it once it into the second half of the book.

Thank you Net Galley, the publisher, and Isabella Valeri for the eARC!

[Rae Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Daughter by Isabella Valeri reads like a confession delivered in a whisper—intimate, bruised, and quietly defiant. Valeri traces the long arc of returning home after self‑exile, not with melodrama but with a kind of emotional archaeology, brushing dust off old loyalties, old wounds, and the versions of herself she thought she’d outgrown. What makes the book linger is its refusal to offer tidy redemption; instead, it honors the complicated truth that coming back is its own kind of courage, and forgiveness—of others, of oneself—rarely arrives all at once. It’s a tender, resonant story about the cost of leaving and the strange, necessary grace of being welcomed anyway.

[Lindsey Barger · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Prodigal Daughter is a moody, suspenseful family drama wrapped in old-money glamour, secrets, and control. Isabella Valeri builds a world full of manipulation, dynastic pressure, and emotional tension, and once the story gains momentum, it becomes hard to put down. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the heroine’s determination to challenge the expectations placed on her.

The first part moves slowly, but the final third delivers the intrigue, danger, and emotional payoff the premise promises. If you like stories about powerful families, hidden agendas, and young women pushing back against control, this is a strong pick—especially if you enjoy gothic-leaning suspense.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Letters from the Dead and was so excited when I was able to get a copy of the sequel. I did really enjoy this book ! The writing is very well done. Parts of it were a little slower than I would have preferred. But it does really pick up towards then end and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it would end. It looks like there will be another book. I am dying to know how this story will end.

Thanks Netgalley and Atria books for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in the series, it helped that a lot was explained as I couldn't remember all the details from first book. Following the return of the daughter after being sent away for years was very interesting, not only how she reacted to being home but especially her family. Can't say I was too impressed by her mother! The way that the very rich treat others including their family and the grudges they hold are overwhelming.

The first part of the book was a little slow but it definitely picked up in the second half. The ending was very satisfying.

[A L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.

I decided to purchase the first book Letters From the Dead so that I didn't jump into a second book and feel like I didn't know what was going on.

I will say that I enjoyed the first book more than this one, but I still felt like it was an interesting story and look forward to future books.

It was a 3.5 for me, but I rated it a the higher 4.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the look for me. Maybe if I had read the first book it would’ve made more sense. I did not like the writing style at all. It felt more like a book based in the 1800s then a book from the 2000s. And I felt the character development was terrible.

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Letters from the Dead. This book is full of intrigue, mystery and historical fiction. I enjoyed this book emensly. There are so surprising turns. If you enjoyed Letters from the Dead, you'll enjoy The Prodigal Daughter A well written and entertaining book!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Valeri's the Prodigal Daughter is a masterful presentation in mystery. Her characters are fully developed, her imagination astounding and her storylines complex. A thoroughly enjoyable novel loaded with twists, turns and surprises. A very, very good read.

[Katherine Lozano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being out of my literary comfort zone, “The Prodigal Daughter” was an unputdownable book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Isabella Valeri. Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways!

[Sandra Bjarnason · Rating 3 out of 5]

5

[Carol Daub · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel to Letters From the Dead.

I loved the strengths and weaknesses of the main character. I enjoyed the building suspense. It is an awesome read.

[The Starry Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prodigal Daughter is a high stakes follow up to Letters from the Dead in which our unnamed heroine navigates the tangled web of deceit of her family's fortune in this gripping sequel by Isabella Valeri.

The story begins with the narrator, our unnamed heiress, who is brought back to her family estate under mysterious circumstances. Memories of life before exile haunt the heiress once she returns to her old life. The power structure of her family has been reborn since the tragic death of the grandfather, and with it, suspicion and lies lurk around every corner of the cavernous estate. Inklings of her grandfather's warnings begin to unnerve the heiress, when threats of betrayal either real or imagined begin to create new ties that will bind and unwind the safety and security of everyone involved.

The Prodigal Daughter is a thrilling sequel to the epic tour de force of Letters from the Dead. While the first book told the story of the heiress' childhood and exile, this book focuses on the heiress' return from exile to a familiar yet changed world of dynastic power. In The Prodigal Daughter, the heiress is now an adult having to face an arranged marriage while piecing together clues about a potential inner threat within the "family." The family fortune and their financial wheeling's and dealings are at the crux of this story.
While the first book looked at the power structure of the family, this book looks at the material aspects of power. The heiress has now come of age and what she chooses to do with her life is told through the complex social expectations that she must navigate while remaining loyal to her own autonomy. The heiress grapples with the choices she makes as wonders if she is outsmarting her family or is actually becoming one of them.

As with Letters from the Dead, Isabella Valeri has written a sophisticated epic about the dangers of becoming who you were always meant to be. The details and dangers that are expertly written create a propulsive atmosphere weighted with the emotional reflections on free will and subterfuge.

This is an enthralling read that is hard to put down. The mystery surrounding everyone and everything almost reads like a whodunnit, where everyone is a suspect of some grand scheme that is not very clear. But at the heart of the story, we have an heiress who garners empathy from readers, of having to be a part of a world that she is not fully aligned with- a world that created her but could also destroy her.

I look forward to reading the next book.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.