The Prodigal Daughter is a sequel to Jeffrey Archer's best-selling novel Kane and Abel. It is the story of Florentyna Rosnovski (daughter of Abel) who married Richard Kane (son of William Kane). The novel depicts Florentyna's life from childhood to her final rise to the position as president of the United States, becoming the first president of the US.
The story begins by introducing the feud between Kane and Abel (protagonists of the earlier book, Kane and Abel), and it then rolls over to their children, Florentyna Rosnovski and Richard Kane. They met as chance would have it and fall in love. Naturally, both fathers were enraged when told. Helped by a friend, the lovers run away in another city.
The couple's business flourishes until they are able to create a chain of stores, which they named "Florentyna." Without the couple knowing, Abel helps his daughter but at first still refuses to accept his son-in-law. The story takes its twist when Kane dies, and Abel's guilt and remorse make him accept Richard.
Success of the business took on immensely. Richard and Florentyna take charge of the Baron Hotels, with her as chairwoman, followed by take over of Lester's (Kane's Bank). From Edward's influence (a childhood friend), Florentyna takes on politics. It appears there's no stopping with the shooting star of Florentyna. One day, her life stood still when her beloved Richard dies in a car crash. For a while, she lost interest in anything. Until, she sees a homeless person that gets her back out of depression. She worked even harder, back to business and politics.
She opted for vice-presidency striking a deal with the presidential candidate not to run for the second term, of which he did not honor once elected. Disgusted, Florentyna leaves Washington. While playing golf with Edward, Secret Service agents arrive announcing that sudden death of the president from heart attack. Florentyna becomes president. Edward becomes her second husband soon after. Jeffrey Archer is at his best again, with this excellent sequel.