The Lost Princess follows a young woman raised in an orphanage, who discovers she is the last surviving heir to the throne of a secretive realm called Zurdonia. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been a huge fan of the TV show Once Upon a Time and ThePrincess Diaries movies—so you’ll definitely find a bit of inspiration from both woven into this story. I love when suspense and action are blended with romance, and that mix has always drawn me in as both a viewer and a writer.
In my 18-year career in HR, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that people come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, upbringings, and cultures. I was fortunate to grow up in a home with two loving parents and siblings I’m very close to—but many of my friends and colleagues didn’t have that same kind of foundation. Hearing their stories, and seeing how much strength and resilience they carried, really inspired me.
I wanted to write a story that reflects that truth: no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, your past doesn’t define your future. With enough heart and determination, anything is possible.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
Lauren: Like many writers, the world of my story came entirely from my imagination—but it was also shaped by the things I love. One of my guilty pleasures is watching romance movies on Great American Family, Hallmark, and Netflix. I wanted to create a world that would completely upend Elena’s expectations—a place so rich with tradition, community, and belonging that it would both captivate and challenge her. Elena grew up in a world where nothing truly felt like her own. She’s had to fight for every inch of space, every scrap of identity. So the idea of stepping into a world that offered her roots—at the cost of some freedom—was a powerful contradiction I wanted to explore.
I drew from my own heritage—Polish, Slovak, and Italian—to infuse Zurdonia with cultural depth and warmth. As the story unfolds, I wanted readers to feel as drawn in as Elena is, to fall in love with Zurdonia as she slowly does. Though she begins guarded and resistant, I hoped to show how the quiet pull of belonging grows stronger with each page. At least—that’s what I aimed for. My hope is that readers feel that transformation as deeply as she does.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Lauren: One of the core themes I wanted to explore in this book is that not everyone comes from the same background or traditional upbringing, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find purpose, love, or a true sense of belonging. Elena, for example, didn’t grow up with the love and support of her parents. She never had a home where she felt safe, protected, or unconditionally cared for. She’s never seen what it looks like when someone puts another’s needs above their own.
What I hope readers take away is that love and belonging can be found in many forms—through a life partner, deep friendships, or being part of a community. My favorite part of the book is Elena’s journey to recognizing her own self-worth. Despite the pain of her past, she begins to believe in herself and learns that, with perseverance, anything is possible. That growth, that quiet transformation, is what I hope will resonate most.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I don’t think I’m giving away any spoilers by saying this book ends on a cliffhanger—and yes, there’s definitely more to come for Elena, Alexei, Hannah, and the rest of the cast. As the story builds toward its conclusion (no spoilers, I promise!), it was important to me that Elena’s transformation culminates in a decision that doesn’t just affect her, but also the people she cares about—and the future of Zurdonia itself. That choice sets the stage for deeper complexity and consequences that ripple through every character’s journey, launching us straight into Book 2.
I can promise that the next installment is just as much of a wild ride—packed with action, mystery, and plenty of romantic tension. One of the things I love most about Book 2 is how Elena begins to uncover more about her parents and slowly realizes that not everything in life—or in love—is black and white.
While I am happy to say I finished writing Book 2…title and cover is still a work in progress. Stay tuned!
And as for the future beyond Book 2… never say never! I’ve definitely thought about writing a prequel that dives into Elena’s parents’ story, and if readers are eager for more, I’d love to keep expanding the world of Zurdonia.
Imagine growing up in an orphanage and learning you were put there on purpose by your parents, the King and Queen of another realm, who did what they had to do to save your life.
This is Elena’s new reality, and she doesn’t have time to be shocked. She has to keep her wits about her as she fends off traitors and false suitors while fighting to save her people and her country.
LITERARY TITAN 