Daisy's War

by Shayne Parkinson

In 1914, Daisy lives in the quiet New Zealand valley where her family has farmed for generations. A cherished only child with an adored older cousin, and surrounded by a sprawling extended family, her world seems a warm and safe one. But the Great War is casting its long shadow over New Zealand. Daisy watches in growing fear as more and more of the men leave to fight in Europe, and the War strikes ever closer to the heart of her family. "Daisy's War" opens five years after the end of "A Second Chance". The settings and many of the characters from the earlier books are revisited, while a new generation is that of Amy's grandchildren.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2012

About the author

I write historical novels set in New Zealand, starting in the 1880s and continuing through to the 1920s. I'm fascinated by social history, particularly that of my own country. I was born in New Zealand, and apart from two years in England have lived here all my life. I'm married to my childhood sweetheart, who grew up in the farming valley that's the inspiration for my imaginary one.

We have a few acres in the countryside, where we have an orchard and a large vegetable garden, and a small flock of sheep to keep the grass down. We make our own wine, cider, jams, jellies and sauces.

Reviews

[Beverly Edberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have finished "Daisy's War" and it is a great read. Although I had to wind my brain backward on who some of the characters were. I am going to make it a habit now to re-read the book before so that I can refresh where and who I will be dealing with in the new book. Ok - here is my problem. I want the next book NOW. Shayne the Texas group is growing and everyone wants to know have you started the next book? Remember this group is rowdy and impatient. So what can we do to take some of your day to day burdens from you so that you can spend more time writing? Have you considered a maid? A writing get away where no one has access to you? Let us know and we will have a guard posted at the gate so you will be undisturbed. Is everyone going to get the flu in the next book? Wasn't that after WWI - And we are all excited that Daisy is going to be a doctor but a little worried about Eddie. Not to rush you or anything but get busy.
The Katy Texas Mob

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

You simply have to read all 5 books in this series to understand how good they are! Thanks Shayne! Can't wait for the next book!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayne Parkinson has done it again. I am riveted by her tales from New Zealand, a place I knew next to nothing about prior to reading "Sentence of Marriage", but have become fascinated by. I look forward to the next book in the series and have become a big fan. If you are looking for an author that connects with you from the beginning, whose character development is impeccable, and who keeps you up late into the night wondering what happens next, Shayne Parkinson is for you. Highly recommend.

[Jolene Lopez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Daisy's War

I would have called this book Daisy'Diary! It was simply an account of all the things Daisy was doing. There was no romance at all and really no conflict til after the middle of the book. This was definitely not one of Shayne Parkinson's better books.

[Jaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be good, the moment I found it on Amazon. I was so happy when I found it. I had read the entire Promises to Keep saga over the summer, and I was gutted when it came to an end. Not because it had a bad ending. Just because a story that I had fallen in love with had ended.
I learned a new chapter to history that I had never known.
History at school was not my favourite subject, mostly because of how it was taught. Oh, the monotony!
Parkinson taught me history in a way that I had no idea existed. I got hooked to ALL of the characters, even as many as there were.

Daisy’s War is Amy Stewart’s next generation. Do not be put off by the fact that it is a sequel, and most sequels are never good. This is the perfect complement to the first story. It’s cheerier, and because of that, it encourages you to read.
Promises To Keep kept me reading for different reasons. In which, I kept asking myself, will Amy ever break free from this whirlwind of sadness? Daisy’s War shows us the rewards of her courage, and all that she earned deservedly so.

I am awaiting the next instalment, Parkinson. I am in love with this series!

[Liz melia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed all this series...I have loved watching them grow and move forward... I think amy has changed dramatically a complete transformation, she has settled very well in Auckland, remembering her earlier hardships is done with difficulty, but she hasnt forgotten when she came from and her family still there, it's very nice to read about her visits to the farm. I love that daisy and Eddie are so close, more like brother and sister than cousins....they don't let a little thing like living in different places and different social standings get in the of them being "them".
I am hoping the next book won't take to long to be released, I can't wait for my next fix!!!

[Elizabeth Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book didn't have the same impact as the Promises to Keep series, although some of the characters from that story made their appearance here. I wondered if the author couldn't bear to let Amy go, and this was a way to keep her, although switching to a new main character. The problem for me was that Daisy didn't have anything like the difficulties Amy was faced with, and so the story fell a little flat.

Nevertheless, Shayne Parkinson's writing is always a pleasure to read and I did enjoy revisiting the characters and the setting. I'm sure I won't be able to resist if she does decide to continue Daisy's story!

[Irene Marie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5

I cannot wait to read this author's next book.I am still wrapped up in this wonderful historical saga.Cannot get enough.Please read this series.It is well presented,wonderfully written,and holds your interest from book one through book 5 and beyond.Add this author to your favorites list!
a must have for any seasoned- reader

thoroughly enjoyable

[Rachel Ekberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the earlier books in this series, but this one was painfully boring. Nothing happens for 75% of the book. Daisy visits relatives, relatives go to war, Daisy misses Eddie. Seriously that's it. I had to force myself to finish it. I had high hopes for it being as good a read as the previous three.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the first four novels in this series, but the shift to the perspective of a child made this fifth installment a lot less enjoyable. Daisy is sweet enough and I wouldn't have minded a short story from her perspective, or having her be one narrator out of several (well, I guess there are a couple of scenes from Eddie, but same thing with the perspective of a child). But I'd really like to get the adult take on what is happening to the Leith/Kelly/Stewart family. (For instance, I'd really like to know why there are so many unmarried men in the family, since that seems to be a salient point for this war novel. How is it that three of Frank and Lizzie's daughters are married and none of their sons are? Hasn't Lizzie been working on that issue? And what about Sarah? Is she still determined to never marry, or might she meet a guy who makes her change her mind?) It was also jarring how there were just a couple of small sections from Bill's perspective before we shifted back to Daisy's perspective, although those sections gave us some valuable information that we wouldn't have gotten any other way. But if we could have two sections from Bill, why not other parts narrated by adults? The ending also felt kind of rushed. I appreciated knowing what came next for the family but that is about the only reason I liked this book, sad to say.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't thrilled that the book was from a child's perspective. It was ok, but I didn't love it as much as the first four books.

It was nice to see what happened to Sarah and Amy, and to see Amy having a better life, but... this book didn't really do anything for the story, in my opinion.

And then, it ended. Without any closure for so many of the characters. It felt half-finished.

It's possible the other books ended similarly as well; I don't know. I read all five books in a just over four days (I haven't gone to bed before 3am in days, lol) - which meant that as soon as I was done with one, I'd pick up the next and keep reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed the author's style of writing. The amount of details that went into the novel - and the continuity (I do math and check dates versus ages; it's a bad habit when dates are provided) throughout the series - was wonderful. I never questioned whether something was valid to the time period. I adore historical novels, and this was an excellent series. I'm very happy that I stumbled across it.

All in all, I guess I'd have to say that I wish I'd just left off at the last book. This one just made me sad.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh I was so disappointed in this read.

I loved the others in this series. I remember when first getting my Kindle and this authors first book in a series became available to download for free. Sentence of a Marriage. I loved it so much I bought the others in this series. I couldn't wait for this final one to be published. I was so disappointed with the outcome though.

Daisy was the centre of this entire book, the war bit came in towards the end. Daisy never grew up to be an adult in this book and at times I felt like I was reading a child's book. Words from the eyes of a child.

[Shirley conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series of fiction

I have read and enjoyed this series of historical fiction very much as I have read it in succession. The characters are believable and carry the story line in an honest and interesting way. I have chuckled at childish behavior and activities as I remember my own with extended family and friends.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Shayne Parkinson books, though this one left me a little disappointed at the ending... but knowing there is another book in this family saga gave me a good feeling that there is more to Daisy’s story.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series and it was not as interesting as the previous four books. It was a very quick read and the author spent too much time on trivial details such as a play the children put on or the details of farm life which were thoroughly covered in previous books. This book was a letdown after reading the previous four books. I hope the author continues this series as there are definitely more stories for the characters, but I hope the author returns with a book about ALL the characters and not just the two grandchildren of Amy.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the other novels leading up to this one I had high hopes, but sadly I was really disappointed. I LOVED the other ones and highly recommend them. Daisy's War to me lacked so much depth and detail. The last 100-150 pages were much better but I really didn't like the ending. I felt like maybe the author rushed this one.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't give 5 stars lightly. I am loving these rural New Zealand stories. I agree with other reviewers that it would be easier to recommend them if they were published on paper. In the meantime, keep writing dear author.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

On chapter 5. Enjoying the book so far.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Sentence of Marriage, Book 1; Mud and Gold, Book 2; Settling the Account, Book 3; A Second Chance; Daisy's War; ALL wonderful, long books about New Zealand!

[Lori Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

can't wait until.the next book , love this series. Highly recommend theses books, you will fall in love with this family.

[Gerri Tsaftarides · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is keeps dragging on. I love all the other books but this one is losing my interest . I'm only at 25%

[Sharron Pyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this continuing story

Another wonderful volume in the series. Keep it coming. Has really kept my interest and kept me entertained which each character

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, sad, memorable

This fifth book of the series focuses on Daisy from ages 6 through 11 during the Great War years in New Zealand farm country. It's told through the eyes of she and her beloved cousin Eddie.

The lives of both children are described as they are very different. Daisy is the only child of living parents in a small farm, while Eddie is an orphan who lives with his granny and a wealthy aunt in the big city.

I loved the play the children put on. It is absolutely hysterically funny as the children act it out in the farmhouse parlor for relatives. The innocence of children is displayed in great writing by this author.

Absolute definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction. I laughed and cried.

[Anna Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this journey into the young life of Daisy to be wonderful. Never before have a read a book that looks at the effects of war on a child the way this one does. It was wonderful to reacquaint myself with the characters from the last book as I had grown to see them all as old friends.

Sarah continues to be my least favorite character, however. Her treatment of Amy still seems to be a bit placating even after all the years and experiences they have gone though. I guess there has to be one character in every book that you like the least, right?

The story was enchanting and the ending excellent. I love Daisy and her parents and cannot wait to read the next book!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Well you did it again another great book. From book one to book four so well written the young ones grow the older ones move on. You feel like your right there with them laughing when they laugh and crying when they cry. I'm so happy I've read them. I'm moving on now to book five and I'm both happy to be going on to a new book but also so sad that it's the last one. I already know these books will be holding on to my soul for sometime and that's okay with me.

[Louanne Sluiter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the Sentence of Marriage series. I love this author's easy writing style. That said, this book was disappointing. It was painfully boring with nothing that held my interest. I forced myself to finish. It was more like a young girl's account of her very simple and ordinary country life and later how the war impacted their family.

[Rachel Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

Another great storyline. This was another book I struggled to put down. The characters seem so real. Daisy is a kind, beautiful soul, I never want the pages to run out. When I read Shayne’s books I actually feel like I’m in the same room or location with the characters. I certainly recommend to others.

[Bullman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

I absolutely love Shayne Parkinson books. Daisy's War was just as superb as the preceding books written about this expanded family. If you enjoy fictional history with a bit of fact then you have to read her books!

[Lelia Y Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, well written and edited

I have read the entire series, and must say, I found all five books very intriguing. Each held my interest more than well enough to make me want to read the next book. I feel that I am personally acquainted with the characters now.

[Vicki Dodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want more... t

The story could have moved a little faster. The Author indicates it is imaginary however it is almost written like a memoirs. Very well written but I was sad not to have moved further into Daisy’s life