Review: Haunting images in a search for home with answers about wounded hearts and cursed dolls
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2013
I ordered "The Last Daughter" by Jessica Ferguson because I have become a fan of the "Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Series". Ms. Ferguson didn't disappoint. At first I thought Rayna Guilbeau's trip from Louisiana to Oklahoma City was a bit drawn out until she actually pulled into the drive way of the house she had only seen in a thumbprint size photo of a real estate magazine. The home was called "Wounded Heart". Then, I understood why the trip was so important. The photo flashed in her mind and reminded her of the jig-sawed images she barely remembered of a home she once had. The barely visible photo of a burned heart beside the front door had Rayna taking leave from her job, packing her bag, and driving away.The new owner of the home, Trent Jones, allowed Rayna to see the house then stay there and work with him cataloging antiques and cleaning the place up. He was working to help his family business, she was digging through every piece of paper and drawer looking for answers to why she was sent to Louisiana and to who she really was. She knew she had been born to another family but didn't know their name or anything more than the "maybe" of this house.A stranger showed up going through the trash. A box showed up on the doorstep which held an ugly doll in it which Rayna immediately recognized as Tiva the only comfort she known in a home filled with abuse. Slowly, answers came. Slowly, Rayna and Trent work together to solve mysteries and acknowledge the love they share despite their differences.I recommend this book as I recommend all of the "Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll" books.