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The Coach House #2
Daughters
"Daughters" is a 2013 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. Discovering the identity of your real father can be life-altering. Just ask Marie. At twenty-six, she is about to meet her father for the first time and sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with him and his family. As she packs her suitcase, Marie wonders how her newfound family will receive her and what she will learn about them…and their ethnicity. While she realizes that her life will change because of them—it is not knowing just how much that scares her. Will Marie find the peace and truth in her life that she so desperately needs, or is it unrealistic for her to think that such disparate lives can freely converge in 1940s middle America? She quickly learns that the answer to that question is not going to come easily. A lot happens as a result of Marie’s visit, but ironically the most significance consequence grows out of an encounter with a twelve-year-old neighbor girl named Rachael. What others are saying about "" Pens and Needles - "Civil rights, gender roles, and political postures are carefully, realistically, and sensitively present in this story." Reba K - "I was enriched by the experience of having met the characters in this book. Filled within these pages are pieces of history, done so in such a soothing and gentle frame that some readers may actually miss the significance of the experience." BestChickLit - "This is undoubtedly a story of identity and the importance of having a family with whom we can connect and trust."
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2013
41 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Florence Osmund
12 books109 followersAfter more than three decades of working in a business career, Florence Osmund retired to write books. In the course of writing seven novels, she learned a lot about how to be a successful writer and the publishing industry in general. Her book "How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel" is dedicated to helping new authors—offering advice she wishes she had received before starting her first book.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 25, 2017
Acceptance
I really don't remember why I bought this book, maybe because I have daughters. I really enjoyed reading it. It's too bad what some people have to go through due to circumstances beyond their control. I think it's very special people who have an acceptance and love for those who have something different about them than the one doing the acceptance and loving. Check it out. You may surprise yourself.
I really don't remember why I bought this book, maybe because I have daughters. I really enjoyed reading it. It's too bad what some people have to go through due to circumstances beyond their control. I think it's very special people who have an acceptance and love for those who have something different about them than the one doing the acceptance and loving. Check it out. You may surprise yourself.
November 9, 2017
Second book in series, for the book to make sense you need to read the Coach House first. Saying that this is a good enjoyable page turner of a book. Gives the reader pause for thought in places. Would recommend as a good read, good characters, interesting insight due to the era it is written about.
April 12, 2014
Having just recently finished “Daughters” by Florence Osmund, I’m happy to say it was a good read, although I must be honest and state that it was a little slow at the start. “Daughters” is the sequel to Osmund’s previous title: “The Coach House.” While reading “The Coach House” prior to reading “Daughters” is not a prerequisite, I would highly recommend it so that the reader will have a better understanding of who the various characters are, and how they each came to be where they currently are.
In “Daughters,” Marie Marchetti is now twenty-four years old, and the year is 1949. Growing up, she never knew who her father was. All she knew was that he provided financial support for her, and Marie’s mother never shared the secret of his identity. After her mother’s passing, and still being filled with an insatiable curiosity about her father, Marie became a bit of a detective. With the help of her best friend Karen, she finally succeeded in locating him. Needless to say, I’m sure you can imagine her surprise when Marie, a “white” woman living in Chicago, discovered that she had a multiracial biological father.
The American world of 1949 was a much different place than it is today. Hate towards, and segregation of, any people of color was prevalent across the majority of the United States. Marie realized that in order to be part of her father’s life, to once more be part of a family, her family, she must deal with the prejudices that come with it. She realized that she would also have to face the prejudices of being multiracial herself.
I don’t want to spoil the story by sharing anything further, but Osmund has once again written a good book with a great message. In fact, Osmund writes so skillfully and knowledgeably about multiracial segregation that one might even wonder if she had experienced it first-hand.
I also want to give praise to Osmund because even though she was writing about a very conflagratory time period and subject, she did it with grace, compassion, love, and understanding. “Daughters” is a “must read” for anyone who struggles with, or has struggled with, their own identity. While “Daughters” probably won’t provide specific “answers” it can, if nothing else, reiterate that the reader is not alone in his/her/their struggles.
In “Daughters,” Marie Marchetti is now twenty-four years old, and the year is 1949. Growing up, she never knew who her father was. All she knew was that he provided financial support for her, and Marie’s mother never shared the secret of his identity. After her mother’s passing, and still being filled with an insatiable curiosity about her father, Marie became a bit of a detective. With the help of her best friend Karen, she finally succeeded in locating him. Needless to say, I’m sure you can imagine her surprise when Marie, a “white” woman living in Chicago, discovered that she had a multiracial biological father.
The American world of 1949 was a much different place than it is today. Hate towards, and segregation of, any people of color was prevalent across the majority of the United States. Marie realized that in order to be part of her father’s life, to once more be part of a family, her family, she must deal with the prejudices that come with it. She realized that she would also have to face the prejudices of being multiracial herself.
I don’t want to spoil the story by sharing anything further, but Osmund has once again written a good book with a great message. In fact, Osmund writes so skillfully and knowledgeably about multiracial segregation that one might even wonder if she had experienced it first-hand.
I also want to give praise to Osmund because even though she was writing about a very conflagratory time period and subject, she did it with grace, compassion, love, and understanding. “Daughters” is a “must read” for anyone who struggles with, or has struggled with, their own identity. While “Daughters” probably won’t provide specific “answers” it can, if nothing else, reiterate that the reader is not alone in his/her/their struggles.
June 7, 2013
While this book was enjoyable and a quick-read (5 nights), I am glad it is over. Also I’m really sick of having John Mayer’s “Daughters” stuck in my head! Seriously, I’ve been singing it since I downloaded this book and it’s not really one of my favorite songs, although it does have a good message. It does take some time to figure out why the book is titled Daughters (plural), but it is appropriately titled and has a very sweet ending.
Daughters is the sequel to The Coach House, my last review. I enjoyed that book, but felt it was lacking and left me hanging. So I had high hopes for this book as it picks up right where The Coach House leaves off. It continues the story of Marie, who recently discovered who her birth father, the beginning of their relationship, and her struggle with who she recently discovered she is, set in the 1940′s. Marie left behind a home and husband in Chicago to start a new life for herself in the first book. Her husband was in some shady business and had mob ties, so she was always on the run and you never knew when Richard would show up. A little bit of this continues into this book, but is quickly remedied and ended. Good for Marie, not so good for the reader as that was one of the few more exciting parts!
The book focuses on some hard issues like race relations, parent/child relationships, illnesses, and death. At times I felt many things were over-analyzed and discussed and I wanted to scream “THERE IS NO USE IN WORRYING – JUST LIVE AND DEAL WITH IT THEN!!” I kept waiting for action, and while there were a few mildly entertaining parts, overall I felt it was pretty low-key. The author again does a very good job at character development and I enjoyed getting to know and see Rachel grow throughout the book along with some new and old characters. It was overall a decent book with a sweet ending for Marie and I’d recommend as a follow-up to The Coach House to wrap everything up in a neat little bow!
Daughters is the sequel to The Coach House, my last review. I enjoyed that book, but felt it was lacking and left me hanging. So I had high hopes for this book as it picks up right where The Coach House leaves off. It continues the story of Marie, who recently discovered who her birth father, the beginning of their relationship, and her struggle with who she recently discovered she is, set in the 1940′s. Marie left behind a home and husband in Chicago to start a new life for herself in the first book. Her husband was in some shady business and had mob ties, so she was always on the run and you never knew when Richard would show up. A little bit of this continues into this book, but is quickly remedied and ended. Good for Marie, not so good for the reader as that was one of the few more exciting parts!
The book focuses on some hard issues like race relations, parent/child relationships, illnesses, and death. At times I felt many things were over-analyzed and discussed and I wanted to scream “THERE IS NO USE IN WORRYING – JUST LIVE AND DEAL WITH IT THEN!!” I kept waiting for action, and while there were a few mildly entertaining parts, overall I felt it was pretty low-key. The author again does a very good job at character development and I enjoyed getting to know and see Rachel grow throughout the book along with some new and old characters. It was overall a decent book with a sweet ending for Marie and I’d recommend as a follow-up to The Coach House to wrap everything up in a neat little bow!
August 11, 2013
Florence Osmund's DAUGHTERS, is a well written sequel to her first novel, THE COACH HOUSE. Osmund's writing style has developed in this second novel. This book could easily be a stand-alone novel, as it is not dependent on the original story for character development.
Osmund does not weary the reader with tiresome repetition of the earlier book's details; rather, she accomplishes these reminders subtly in conversations between characters.
Marie is the female protagonist of both books. An unusual background presents us with a well-educated single woman in her mid-twenties with her own business, living in the growing post-war economy. The time period is well researched and replicated by the author, and the reader is comfortably introduced to the issue of bi-racial identity.
Civil rights, gender roles and political postures are carefully, realistically and sensitively present in this story. Marie grows through each experience her new family has offered. This novel could well fit into a "coming of age" literature syllabus for young adults.
I unequivocally recommend this author's books for young teens and adults who want to learn more about the American life in the mid-twentieth century. There is something for every age to clarify in this story. Introspective thoughts cannot help but surface after following Marie along her path.
Five stars for content, style and value.
Osmund does not weary the reader with tiresome repetition of the earlier book's details; rather, she accomplishes these reminders subtly in conversations between characters.
Marie is the female protagonist of both books. An unusual background presents us with a well-educated single woman in her mid-twenties with her own business, living in the growing post-war economy. The time period is well researched and replicated by the author, and the reader is comfortably introduced to the issue of bi-racial identity.
Civil rights, gender roles and political postures are carefully, realistically and sensitively present in this story. Marie grows through each experience her new family has offered. This novel could well fit into a "coming of age" literature syllabus for young adults.
I unequivocally recommend this author's books for young teens and adults who want to learn more about the American life in the mid-twentieth century. There is something for every age to clarify in this story. Introspective thoughts cannot help but surface after following Marie along her path.
Five stars for content, style and value.
March 18, 2013
Daughters is a novel rich in history, encapsulating all that's best about the human spirit. Even tighter and better written than its prequel, The Coach House, we truly get to see the character of Marie mature and evolve into an individual of amazing integrity and strength. Life is all about the individual choices we make, day by day, and Marie's choices often end up with her taking the "road less traveled."
Throughout much of the novel, Marie is struggling with her mixed heritage, even venturing on a trip to the deeply segregated south. This heartrending trip was my favorite part of the novel. Author Osmund compels readers to look within themselves and examine their own biases.
This novel is rich in complex characters whose lives are intertwined in unexpected ways that will keep readers engrossed. It's also rich in detail about the events, music, language, and popular culture of the late 1940s-early 1950s. I highly recommend Daughters and look forward to more books from Florence Osmund!
Throughout much of the novel, Marie is struggling with her mixed heritage, even venturing on a trip to the deeply segregated south. This heartrending trip was my favorite part of the novel. Author Osmund compels readers to look within themselves and examine their own biases.
This novel is rich in complex characters whose lives are intertwined in unexpected ways that will keep readers engrossed. It's also rich in detail about the events, music, language, and popular culture of the late 1940s-early 1950s. I highly recommend Daughters and look forward to more books from Florence Osmund!
Read
March 26, 2016Some people intentionally mislead others about their ethnicity. Marie did it unknowingly.
Twenty-four-year-old Marie Marchetti has just experienced a life-altering revelation—the identity of her real father. As she packs for her first visit with him and his family, she wonders how her life is about to change, how they will receive her, and what she will learn about her own identity.
A lot happens as a result of Marie’s Thanksgiving visit, and in her search for peace and truth in her life, she quickly learns that disparate lives can converge and interact in profound and surprising ways. But ironically the most consequential outcome of her visit unexpectedly grows out of an encounter with a twelve-year-old girl named Rachael.
What others are saying about "Daughters:"
VERY INTERESTING STORY. SECOND PART OF "THE COACH HOUSE" VERY GLAD I BY CHANCE FOUND THESE TWO BOOKS. I GIVE THEM AN 8.
Twenty-four-year-old Marie Marchetti has just experienced a life-altering revelation—the identity of her real father. As she packs for her first visit with him and his family, she wonders how her life is about to change, how they will receive her, and what she will learn about her own identity.
A lot happens as a result of Marie’s Thanksgiving visit, and in her search for peace and truth in her life, she quickly learns that disparate lives can converge and interact in profound and surprising ways. But ironically the most consequential outcome of her visit unexpectedly grows out of an encounter with a twelve-year-old girl named Rachael.
What others are saying about "Daughters:"
VERY INTERESTING STORY. SECOND PART OF "THE COACH HOUSE" VERY GLAD I BY CHANCE FOUND THESE TWO BOOKS. I GIVE THEM AN 8.
March 12, 2013
This is the sequel to The Coach House and is a much stronger book. The plot is much tighter with better storytelling. I still think the author continues to tell rather than show the story, but on the whole, the writing is improved.
Daughters continues the story of Marie, now estranged from her criminal husband and connected to her father. I really enjoyed the genesis of Marie as she comes to accept her identity as a bi-racial woman and how she insists on acceptance of all parts of her identity. Especially touching was how Marie eventually becomes the adoptive to two girls who are in desperate need of a lovely mother. Marie's experiences prepare her to really nurture two very frightened girls.
I especially appreciated the character development of Marie. She continues to be a strong, empathetic character in this second book.
Daughters continues the story of Marie, now estranged from her criminal husband and connected to her father. I really enjoyed the genesis of Marie as she comes to accept her identity as a bi-racial woman and how she insists on acceptance of all parts of her identity. Especially touching was how Marie eventually becomes the adoptive to two girls who are in desperate need of a lovely mother. Marie's experiences prepare her to really nurture two very frightened girls.
I especially appreciated the character development of Marie. She continues to be a strong, empathetic character in this second book.
August 8, 2015
Set in 1950, this is the story of a young woman, Marie, meeting her father and his family for the first time. Marie is the result of an affair between her mother and Jonathan Brooks and has only been told by her dead mother that he loves them but can't be with them. Besides the awkwardness of meeting his wife who was unaware until recently of his unfaithfulness, there is also the issue that Jonathan is black. Until I realized that the book was set in 1950, the angst of her racial identity seemed rather stilted and outdated. Marie is also trying to divorce her husband, who turned out to be associated with the Chicago mob, and helping out a young teen who is having trouble accepting her mother's abandonment. After much emotion, the books winds up with a happy ending.
December 28, 2016
Interesting book ... I liked the original concept of the main character's struggle to clarify in her own mind who she really was, but that challenge seems to have gotten lost as the novel progressed to a conclusion. The message morphed to another perspective about the three-quarter mark. Still, a well-written book with characters well developed. The one thing I found concerning is the fact that this story was to have taken place in in the late 1940s, but that was not clearly evident by the description of events taking place ... it could have been today. That was my reasoning for 4 stars. All in all ... an enjoyable read.
August 22, 2018
A better written novel than the prequel. The main character is less whiny and more sure if herself. I enjoyed the way she made decisions in unusual circumstances trusting her gut and not popular opinion. She becomes a woman who goes after what she believes in and wants without all the endless second guessing of The Coach House.
She creates a beautiful life for herself in an unorthodox way and the author does a good job of letting it unfold without too much commentary.
She creates a beautiful life for herself in an unorthodox way and the author does a good job of letting it unfold without too much commentary.
December 12, 2013
very wordy and seemed tooo long for the content. I found myself wanting to skip through some of the paragraphs to get to the meat of the storyline.
Overall - good storyline. Loved the characters.
Had no trouble setting this book down unlike my normal reading habits (which is if I start a book - I have to finish it before I can sleep).
Overall - good storyline. Loved the characters.
Had no trouble setting this book down unlike my normal reading habits (which is if I start a book - I have to finish it before I can sleep).
March 12, 2013
So I didn’t much like this one at all!! The first book I thought was ok, but this one just dragged and dragged and I was just so over Marie big time….while I could sort of see where she was come from in her thinking, I felt she was very woe is me most of the time and it got old, fast!!
April 18, 2013
I loved this book. The research was incredible and the story so interesting as to how the characters all come together at the end. I've had the pleasure of meeting the author, which certainly made my day!
January 7, 2014
Daughter's
I enjoyed reading the two books the Carriage House and Daughters.
The prejudice views of society in the late 1940 - 1950 gave a clear picture of society and how people reacted to the changes that was occurring I the United States.
I enjoyed reading the two books the Carriage House and Daughters.
The prejudice views of society in the late 1940 - 1950 gave a clear picture of society and how people reacted to the changes that was occurring I the United States.
May 30, 2013
This book was pretty good, especially for a sequel. However, reading both books back to back I felt a little "happily ever after"-ed out. Meaning it was a little too cheesy after a while.
May 2, 2013
Good read; well-written and nicely developed characters.
May 20, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed Daughters and couldn't put the book down until I finished it! Great job!
May 26, 2013
Good sequel to the Coach House. Good Kindle read.
September 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book a lot. After being raised white and then finding out you are biracial would be a shock for anyone. This was a story that was well told.
June 19, 2013
good sequel to The Coach House
August 14, 2013
decent book; a quick read
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews