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Daisy's War Sagas #1
The Girl from Cobb Street
She longed for a family of her own…
Growing up in an orphanage on East London’s Cobb Street, Daisy Driscoll never felt the warm heart of home. Forging her own way in the world, determined Daisy struggles to make ends meet as the country finds itself on the brink of the Second World War.
Her fortunes change when she finds solace in the arms of Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry subaltern in the Indian army. Finally, Daisy has found someone to love of her very own. But soon she discovers she’s pregnant and fate was never going to give her an easy ride.
Gerald is not all he claims to be and, as he leads her along a path of danger and scandal, Daisy must find the strength within herself to get through her darkest hour.
The Daisy’s War trilogy
The Girl from Cobb Street – Book 1
The Nurse’s War – Book 2
Daisy’s Long Road Home – Book 3
Each story in the Daisy’s War series can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story – or as part of this compelling trilogy charting the fortunes of Daisy Driscoll.
Growing up in an orphanage on East London’s Cobb Street, Daisy Driscoll never felt the warm heart of home. Forging her own way in the world, determined Daisy struggles to make ends meet as the country finds itself on the brink of the Second World War.
Her fortunes change when she finds solace in the arms of Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry subaltern in the Indian army. Finally, Daisy has found someone to love of her very own. But soon she discovers she’s pregnant and fate was never going to give her an easy ride.
Gerald is not all he claims to be and, as he leads her along a path of danger and scandal, Daisy must find the strength within herself to get through her darkest hour.
The Daisy’s War trilogy
The Girl from Cobb Street – Book 1
The Nurse’s War – Book 2
Daisy’s Long Road Home – Book 3
Each story in the Daisy’s War series can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story – or as part of this compelling trilogy charting the fortunes of Daisy Driscoll.
Paperback
First published January 29, 2015
309 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
43 books312 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 18, 2025
It was 1938 in Bombay when Daisy Driscoll arrived to be married to her sweetheart, Gerald, a cavalry officer whom she'd met in London. But Gerald - at the altar - was drunk and barely able to stand. After the service, which was mercifully short, they journeyed to their residence, a remote and dusty villa a long way from Bombay. Gerald was cold, barely acknowledged Daisy and when she finally was able to break her news, he was shocked and horrified. Turning his back on her, he headed to work, to the Mess where the rest of the officers were, and left Daisy on her own, with only one servant in the villa.
Trying her best to make friends with the officer's wives was a mistake - they were posh, haughty and well above Daisy's station. Only Jocelyn seemed genuine. Gradually, with only the vicious heat to keep her company, she found things to do. Learning to ride with one of Gerald's friends; helping at the hospital; and sightseeing around the temple. But she knew something was wrong. As Daisy decided to investigate, she was unaware of how much danger she was putting herself in...
The Officer's Wife is the 1st in the Daisy's War Sagas by Merryn Allingham and I enjoyed it very much. A historical mystery, which will lead into more adventures for Daisy in the following episode, The Officer's Nurse which I'm keen to read. Daisy is a courageous, gritty young woman, and her suspicions were well-founded. Highly recommended.
Trying her best to make friends with the officer's wives was a mistake - they were posh, haughty and well above Daisy's station. Only Jocelyn seemed genuine. Gradually, with only the vicious heat to keep her company, she found things to do. Learning to ride with one of Gerald's friends; helping at the hospital; and sightseeing around the temple. But she knew something was wrong. As Daisy decided to investigate, she was unaware of how much danger she was putting herself in...
The Officer's Wife is the 1st in the Daisy's War Sagas by Merryn Allingham and I enjoyed it very much. A historical mystery, which will lead into more adventures for Daisy in the following episode, The Officer's Nurse which I'm keen to read. Daisy is a courageous, gritty young woman, and her suspicions were well-founded. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2015
Allingham gives the reader and interesting insight into the strict and oppressive rules amongst the British military in India. The unwritten rules of society and class structure. The wives must always bow down to the will of the wife, who is married to the higher ranking soldier.
Any slight, insult or offence committed by any wife can have a knock-on effect on the husband and his career. Then there are the rules about associating with the natives or the Indian officers, even the so-called Anglo-Indians are off-limits for the British officers and wives. A very racist and biased environment, which probably also played a role in the revolt of the native population.
The women are expected to be waited on hand and foot by servants, regardless of whether they can do or are used to doing certain work themselves. Everything is about image and perception.
Daisy finds it hard to deal with doing nothing at all and refuses to tow the line like the other women. She starts finding herself in precarious situations and odd accidents start to happen. Until she suspects that the accidents aren’t just coincidences. Daisy finds herself mixed up in an unexpected and dangerous situation with no salvation in sight.
At the end of this first book in the Daisy’s War series I think it is fair to say that as a reader I would like to delve more deeply into the story of Daisy’s parentage. Her story seems to infer a connection to India, one that would explain her less than English rose complexion perhaps.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Harlequin MIRA.
Any slight, insult or offence committed by any wife can have a knock-on effect on the husband and his career. Then there are the rules about associating with the natives or the Indian officers, even the so-called Anglo-Indians are off-limits for the British officers and wives. A very racist and biased environment, which probably also played a role in the revolt of the native population.
The women are expected to be waited on hand and foot by servants, regardless of whether they can do or are used to doing certain work themselves. Everything is about image and perception.
Daisy finds it hard to deal with doing nothing at all and refuses to tow the line like the other women. She starts finding herself in precarious situations and odd accidents start to happen. Until she suspects that the accidents aren’t just coincidences. Daisy finds herself mixed up in an unexpected and dangerous situation with no salvation in sight.
At the end of this first book in the Daisy’s War series I think it is fair to say that as a reader I would like to delve more deeply into the story of Daisy’s parentage. Her story seems to infer a connection to India, one that would explain her less than English rose complexion perhaps.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Harlequin MIRA.
February 11, 2015
I would like to thank Harlequin (UK) Limited via Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this awesome read. It took me right back to the roots of when I first started reading books seriously and for pleasure.
This is about Daisy, around the early 1900's. Daisy grew up in an orphanage. Very different to the places nowadays.
When she meets Gerald, she falls in love with him, he however is on leave from India [Army] so when he returns to India, unbeknown to him, he has left Daisy pregnant.
Daisy sustains her relationship desperately by writing to Gerald, but the Cornel gets wind of what is happening and forces Gerald to marry Daisy, but not all ends well, she discovers things about Gerald that will impact not only on her life but on the life of her unborn child.
It was a very enjoyable read.
This is about Daisy, around the early 1900's. Daisy grew up in an orphanage. Very different to the places nowadays.
When she meets Gerald, she falls in love with him, he however is on leave from India [Army] so when he returns to India, unbeknown to him, he has left Daisy pregnant.
Daisy sustains her relationship desperately by writing to Gerald, but the Cornel gets wind of what is happening and forces Gerald to marry Daisy, but not all ends well, she discovers things about Gerald that will impact not only on her life but on the life of her unborn child.
It was a very enjoyable read.
February 26, 2015
A very satisfying and enjoyable read - with a good, engaging storyline. I really felt for Daisy and found it very easy turning the clock back and imagining what life must have been like for people like her in the past. Great descriptions of life in India - having been there myself, Ms Allingham captured the essence of it beautifully. The mystery element to the story was well set up and the little snippets she has fed into the story concerning Daisy's past have truly whetted my appetite to find out more. I look forward to reading books two and three!
July 12, 2015
This book was a bit unexpected. It takes place in colonial India right before ww2.
I liked the main character Daisy and the descriptions of India at the end of the raj. I will read the next books in the series.It would hAve been a 5 star but I got bored in sections where Daisy ruminates about her situation. Still a good Sunday afternoon read.
I liked the main character Daisy and the descriptions of India at the end of the raj. I will read the next books in the series.It would hAve been a 5 star but I got bored in sections where Daisy ruminates about her situation. Still a good Sunday afternoon read.
March 30, 2024
A lovely story which made me feel very sorry for Daisy, a husband who on the face of it really didn't care for her. The heat and the unrest described in this book was very vivid. I really enjoyed this book and found I couldn't wait to develve back into it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 13, 2015
This is the first book by Merryn Allingham that I have had the pleasure to read. The Girl from Cobb Street is the first story in the Daisy’s War trilogy, The Nurses War is the second story and Daisy’s Long Road Home is the third final instalment. However, each story can be read as a standalone novel however, to enjoy and appreciate Daisy’s journey I would recommend reading all 3 books.
London 1938 Daisy is working in a department store in London on the perfumery counter when she first sees Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry man in the Indian Army. She is soon charmed by Gerald and after Gerald returns to India Daisy discovers she is pregnant. Daisy takes an eventual and difficult journey to India to become Gerald’s wife. We follow Daisy on her journey as she becomes Gerald’s wife and starts her new life in India. However, Daisy soon realises Gerald is not all he claims to be and soon Daisy’s life becomes embroiled in danger with political and emotional turmoil.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Romance however, was not the main storyline although it was always simmering in the background. I found the story fascinating with regards to the English Army based in India pre WWII. It was also interesting how the wives were treated and how they were mean’t to behave. A lot of unwritten rules for the women were made and it was confusing for a newcomer to understand. The storyline was gripping discovering the truth behind Gerald. The author, Merryn Allingham, kept me enthralled all throughout the book. I am now eager to continue with Daisy’s journey and catch up with her in The Nurses War and the forthcoming final instalment Daisy’s Long Road Home.
A gripping, historical romantic 5/5* read.
London 1938 Daisy is working in a department store in London on the perfumery counter when she first sees Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry man in the Indian Army. She is soon charmed by Gerald and after Gerald returns to India Daisy discovers she is pregnant. Daisy takes an eventual and difficult journey to India to become Gerald’s wife. We follow Daisy on her journey as she becomes Gerald’s wife and starts her new life in India. However, Daisy soon realises Gerald is not all he claims to be and soon Daisy’s life becomes embroiled in danger with political and emotional turmoil.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Romance however, was not the main storyline although it was always simmering in the background. I found the story fascinating with regards to the English Army based in India pre WWII. It was also interesting how the wives were treated and how they were mean’t to behave. A lot of unwritten rules for the women were made and it was confusing for a newcomer to understand. The storyline was gripping discovering the truth behind Gerald. The author, Merryn Allingham, kept me enthralled all throughout the book. I am now eager to continue with Daisy’s journey and catch up with her in The Nurses War and the forthcoming final instalment Daisy’s Long Road Home.
A gripping, historical romantic 5/5* read.
June 18, 2016
With a title like this, I had somehow expected a family saga. To my surprise, the novel is more of a drama set in India just prior to WWII. Unworldly Daisy is on her way to India to marry Gerald Mortimer, with whom she had had a brief relationship when he was on leave in London. To her horror, Gerald is drunk at the wedding ceremony and, over the following weeks, makes it clear that he wishes she’d never come. Struggling to come to terms with Gerald’s indifference, the stifling heat and the condescending attitude of the Memsahibs, it seems as if Daisy’s only friend is Anish Rana, an Indian officer. Several incidents occur which makes Daisy wonder if she is losing her mind. Or is she perhaps being deliberately targeted to have an ‘accident?’ She is suspicious, too, of Grayson Harte, who had travelled to India on the same ship. Why does he keep appearing when he is least expected? Then, an unexpected discovery, makes Daisy realise she could be in real danger but whom can she trust? Gerald, Anish – or Grayson? I really felt this book did not know in which direction it was going and Daisy’s naivety irritated me but the Indian background is colourfully depicted. Daisy’s story continues but I’m not sure at this stage if I will follow her adventures through.
February 16, 2016
The Girl from Cobb Street by Merryn Allingham
I enjoyed every page of the novel about Daisy Driscoll, who grew up in an orphanage in Cobb Stree in London’s East End.
Daisy goes to India to marry her fiancee, Gerald Mortimer a handsome cavalry subaltern in a prestigious regiment.
She arrives at the quayside, with the intention of telling Gerald something important before they marry. To her dismay, she is met by Anish Rana, an Indian cavalry officer, who escorts her to the church where she has no opportunity to speak to Gerald before the ceremony.
They marry in St John’s Afghan Church, Colaba, Bombay, where the author’s parents married in April 1937.
Perhaps Merryn Allingham’s family connection with India helped her to write convincingly about India, at a time when the struggle for Independence was taking place.
As an orphan, Daisy longs for love, but from the moment she arrives in India, where the only person she knows is Gerald, her life takes many unexpected twists and turns.
I enjoyed the novel so much that I intend to read the sequels. The Nurse’s War and Daisy’s Long Road Home.
I enjoyed every page of the novel about Daisy Driscoll, who grew up in an orphanage in Cobb Stree in London’s East End.
Daisy goes to India to marry her fiancee, Gerald Mortimer a handsome cavalry subaltern in a prestigious regiment.
She arrives at the quayside, with the intention of telling Gerald something important before they marry. To her dismay, she is met by Anish Rana, an Indian cavalry officer, who escorts her to the church where she has no opportunity to speak to Gerald before the ceremony.
They marry in St John’s Afghan Church, Colaba, Bombay, where the author’s parents married in April 1937.
Perhaps Merryn Allingham’s family connection with India helped her to write convincingly about India, at a time when the struggle for Independence was taking place.
As an orphan, Daisy longs for love, but from the moment she arrives in India, where the only person she knows is Gerald, her life takes many unexpected twists and turns.
I enjoyed the novel so much that I intend to read the sequels. The Nurse’s War and Daisy’s Long Road Home.
Read
February 20, 2025Not going to rate this or the other books (or leave my review on other books in the series). Ignore this hot take if you enjoyed the series. I read the whole thing and want to ramble about my issues with it, because I'm frustrated, but I'm choosing not to post this elsewhere or rate it for that reason. :P
The positives:
Grayson is great. He has way too much patience and basically cannot be driven away from Daisy for unknown reasons (even when that causes more issues than gains), but he's great. I loved the setting! It was unique. The author is clearly a dynamite researcher, and India and what glimpses we got of the culture popped. This is a book I couldn't have written myself; the author clearly has a talent for those kinds of details. I could always see exactly what the author was trying to do, and again, impressive! The writing is pretty solid if at times a little repetitive (but then, Daisy and the plots are a little repetitive, so that may be why).
Everything else:
I read all three books in this series very quickly, and they did keep my attention, but I didn't exactly like them. So warning for lovers of this book: this is not a positive review. But again, I was entertained! It's kind of like watching an old 90s or even 80s BBC drama where every character makes a bad choice, and you kind of mildly hate them all except one likable character who never gets what they deserve (in this one, it was Grayson), but you're watching it with your mom, and you're both enjoying it in the same way you imagine normal people enjoy reality TV.
Too specific? Well, that was the vibe.
I didn't care for the main character or any of the side characters, as I mentioned, except Grayson. Daisy has a knack for getting herself into trouble, and though the author attempts to justify it, and I do understand there are very real feelings and very real ignorance behind Daisy, there was not much to her other than that. She also had moments when suddenly that naivety would fade away, and she was street smart. I think she needed a little more consistency to be believable, and maybe a few more redeeming moments. That said, I really respect what the author was trying to do with her. It was just frustrating to watch her almost always make poor decisions. For instance, she never alerts the authorities or puts two and two together. I solved every "mystery" in this book at 20% or so of the reading time (the author is also not so much a subtle foreshadower) and read on purely to see how much more trouble Daisy could get herself in before figuring out the Very Obvious Mystery. It's like the author was determined to always do a Disney Twist Villain, but like Disney, she forgot to not name them things like Evil Endeavor. Because of this, there were a lot of confusing or frustrating moments.
And like, again, I could always see what the author was trying to do with Daisy. For instance, a girl raised in an East End orphanage is NOT going to want to alert the authorities. It makes sense that she would relate more to people who have had to struggle or are at a disadvantage; it makes sense that she would be trusting to people who tell her they are oppressed. It makes sense that she would have great compassion and want to help. It makes sense that she would try to figure it out herself (while putting herself in danger, usually). It makes sense that she'd also try to get herself out of the mischief she caused but, due to lack of life experience, be unable to and need rescuing. It makes sense that she would continually be a damsel in distress. In time, it would also make sense that she would realize that she's not superwoman, the world is a dangerous place, and yes, you should get someone to help you get out of these stupid situations OR not get yourself into them by making literally any wise choice. But (with a couple exceptions) ... Daisy never learns that lesson? And I had to come to that conclusion about the WHY of Daisy's poor decision-making on my own. In truth, Daisy is a very passive character who is tossed about. All her struggles are because she stands still amongst the chaos and does nothing (again, with a few exceptions that felt more unlike her than they did like "Daisy finally doing something"); all her solutions are because Grayson rescues her. She just is there. The book could be about any woman who happened to stumble upon the plot; Daisy is not often a part of the story; she is in the story, and that's it.
One last thought: I may lose some people with this take, too, but this story also had older vibes because I feel like the author was ... not sure what she wanted to say about racism, British occupation of India, et cetera? It felt very 90s, if that makes sense - well meaning, but it undermined its own message at points. It felt like the author wanted to have one message, but she sometimes leaned a little too hard into that and at other times struggled with the fact that the plots she chose meant usually Indians (and Irish ... not a good look, though I'm sure unintentional) were the villains, always had impure motives, and always were doing "the wrong thing for the right reasons," which added a layer of confusion to the story, especially since inevitably her main characters couldn't support murder. It would have been nice to have a little more Indian culture, a little more nuance in how they were portrayed, etc. Again, I do understand what the author was trying to do, but sympathetic villains are still villains. That said, others may feel differently.
Again, sorry for being such a bummer about this book. A simpler review would have been, "It's not for me," but I wanted my few friends to know why I didn't rate it highly and rave about it. ;-)
TWs & CWs: period-typical racism & the book dives into a lot of what was going on in India in this era, some violence and lots of peril, injuries, kidnapping, some very vague mentions of sex but nothing explicit, a war is going on during one of the books. This is not a Christian book so the characters obviously act like secular people.
The positives:
Grayson is great. He has way too much patience and basically cannot be driven away from Daisy for unknown reasons (even when that causes more issues than gains), but he's great. I loved the setting! It was unique. The author is clearly a dynamite researcher, and India and what glimpses we got of the culture popped. This is a book I couldn't have written myself; the author clearly has a talent for those kinds of details. I could always see exactly what the author was trying to do, and again, impressive! The writing is pretty solid if at times a little repetitive (but then, Daisy and the plots are a little repetitive, so that may be why).
Everything else:
I read all three books in this series very quickly, and they did keep my attention, but I didn't exactly like them. So warning for lovers of this book: this is not a positive review. But again, I was entertained! It's kind of like watching an old 90s or even 80s BBC drama where every character makes a bad choice, and you kind of mildly hate them all except one likable character who never gets what they deserve (in this one, it was Grayson), but you're watching it with your mom, and you're both enjoying it in the same way you imagine normal people enjoy reality TV.
Too specific? Well, that was the vibe.
I didn't care for the main character or any of the side characters, as I mentioned, except Grayson. Daisy has a knack for getting herself into trouble, and though the author attempts to justify it, and I do understand there are very real feelings and very real ignorance behind Daisy, there was not much to her other than that. She also had moments when suddenly that naivety would fade away, and she was street smart. I think she needed a little more consistency to be believable, and maybe a few more redeeming moments. That said, I really respect what the author was trying to do with her. It was just frustrating to watch her almost always make poor decisions. For instance, she never alerts the authorities or puts two and two together. I solved every "mystery" in this book at 20% or so of the reading time (the author is also not so much a subtle foreshadower) and read on purely to see how much more trouble Daisy could get herself in before figuring out the Very Obvious Mystery. It's like the author was determined to always do a Disney Twist Villain, but like Disney, she forgot to not name them things like Evil Endeavor. Because of this, there were a lot of confusing or frustrating moments.
And like, again, I could always see what the author was trying to do with Daisy. For instance, a girl raised in an East End orphanage is NOT going to want to alert the authorities. It makes sense that she would relate more to people who have had to struggle or are at a disadvantage; it makes sense that she would be trusting to people who tell her they are oppressed. It makes sense that she would have great compassion and want to help. It makes sense that she would try to figure it out herself (while putting herself in danger, usually). It makes sense that she'd also try to get herself out of the mischief she caused but, due to lack of life experience, be unable to and need rescuing. It makes sense that she would continually be a damsel in distress. In time, it would also make sense that she would realize that she's not superwoman, the world is a dangerous place, and yes, you should get someone to help you get out of these stupid situations OR not get yourself into them by making literally any wise choice. But (with a couple exceptions) ... Daisy never learns that lesson? And I had to come to that conclusion about the WHY of Daisy's poor decision-making on my own. In truth, Daisy is a very passive character who is tossed about. All her struggles are because she stands still amongst the chaos and does nothing (again, with a few exceptions that felt more unlike her than they did like "Daisy finally doing something"); all her solutions are because Grayson rescues her. She just is there. The book could be about any woman who happened to stumble upon the plot; Daisy is not often a part of the story; she is in the story, and that's it.
One last thought: I may lose some people with this take, too, but this story also had older vibes because I feel like the author was ... not sure what she wanted to say about racism, British occupation of India, et cetera? It felt very 90s, if that makes sense - well meaning, but it undermined its own message at points. It felt like the author wanted to have one message, but she sometimes leaned a little too hard into that and at other times struggled with the fact that the plots she chose meant usually Indians (and Irish ... not a good look, though I'm sure unintentional) were the villains, always had impure motives, and always were doing "the wrong thing for the right reasons," which added a layer of confusion to the story, especially since inevitably her main characters couldn't support murder. It would have been nice to have a little more Indian culture, a little more nuance in how they were portrayed, etc. Again, I do understand what the author was trying to do, but sympathetic villains are still villains. That said, others may feel differently.
Again, sorry for being such a bummer about this book. A simpler review would have been, "It's not for me," but I wanted my few friends to know why I didn't rate it highly and rave about it. ;-)
TWs & CWs: period-typical racism & the book dives into a lot of what was going on in India in this era, some violence and lots of peril, injuries, kidnapping, some very vague mentions of sex but nothing explicit, a war is going on during one of the books. This is not a Christian book so the characters obviously act like secular people.
June 16, 2015
This was not the book I was expecting- in all the best ways. Allingham tells the story of a woman who goes to India to marry her beloved only to find that the war has changed the man she loved.. or perhaps he was never who she thought he was to begin with. I felt this book had enough drama to keep interest and had a good mystery but remained civil enough that even readers who are not big fans of mysteries should enjoy this book. Think of it as mystery lite with a dash of relationship troubles and a smidgen of historical drama to make a quick read that pull you into a whirlwind adventure.
Read responsibly and enjoy.
I received this book in a First Reads giveaway.
Read responsibly and enjoy.
I received this book in a First Reads giveaway.
February 12, 2015
Having been disappointed with The Crystal Cage, I purchased The Girl from Cobb Street wondering if it would be different.
Oh yes it was. I could feel I was living Daisy's life in India. The story combined really well with the historical period, when England goverened India. The characters are believable and the sub plots are skillfully woven.
The Nurse's War is the second book in the trilogy and I cannot wait to read what happens to Daisy next.
A winner for me!
Oh yes it was. I could feel I was living Daisy's life in India. The story combined really well with the historical period, when England goverened India. The characters are believable and the sub plots are skillfully woven.
The Nurse's War is the second book in the trilogy and I cannot wait to read what happens to Daisy next.
A winner for me!
June 20, 2023
I found the main female character naive, but the story was interesting. More of a mystery and background to what India was like pre WWII.
March 3, 2015
Dilly Court meets Daphne Du Maurier in Merryn Allingham’s gripping, evocative and highly enjoyable historical saga set in India in the 1930s.
Fate has dealt Daisy Driscoll a very bad hand. Born on the wrong side of the blanket, and left to grow up in a grim orphanage in the East End of London, Daisy’s early life has been blighted by poverty, cruelty and misery. Determined not to make the same mistakes which her mother had made and adamant to make something with her life, Daisy has worked hard and has used all of her intelligence and resolve to secure a respectable future for herself. However, she is constantly dogged by other people’s jealousy and covetousness. Making ends meet becomes a daily struggle for Daisy, but after a lifetime of unhappiness and despair her luck finally looks set to change when a chance encounter propels her straight into the arms of dashing soldier Gerald Mortimer. A night of passion quickly ensues and when Daisy discovers that she is pregnant with Gerald’s baby, she realises that she’s got no other choice but to marry the man whose child she is carrying. Marrying Gerald means having to leave her life in England behind for the exoticism of India where her new husband is stationed. However, on her arrival, Daisy soon realises that the blissful idyll she had imagined for herself and Gerald is far removed from the reality she has found herself in.
The caring and considerate man she had fallen madly in love with in London seems to have been replaced by a cold and aloof stranger, the other army wives are hostile and unkind towards her and she has been forced to spend the rest of her days rattling around in a derelict house in the middle of nowhere. Miles away from civilization and with only a devious servant to keep her company, Daisy cannot help but wonder whether she has made a terrible mistake marrying a man who seems intent on keeping her at arm’s length. What secrets is Gerald hiding for her? Why won’t he tell her anything about their financial situation? And why is he so determined that she joins the other army wives in Simla as soon as possible? As if Daisy doesn’t have enough to contend with, she is also troubled by the mysterious presence of District Officer Grayson Harte who seems to be following her around…
When Daisy finds herself the victim of a series of dangerous incidents that almost cost her her life, she begins to wonder about the identity of the person who is intent on causing her harm. Is Grayson Harte the culprit? Or is the enemy someone who is a little bit too close for comfort? Will happiness ever be within her grasp? Or will Daisy be condemned to a lifetime of loneliness and regret?
Merryn Allingham exquisite balances history, suspense, drama and emotion in this atmospheric tale of secrets, lies, passion and deception. Writing with confidence, flair and style, this talented storyteller brings 1930s India to vivid and colourful life and she will sweep readers off to a world of danger and desire they will find themselves reluctant to leave.
A compulsively readable page-turner I found myself unable to put down, The Girl from Cobb Street has at its heart a courageous, resourceful and resilient heroine readers will root for, charismatic and enigmatic leading men and a lively cast of supporting characters guaranteed to keep readers glued to the book’s pages.
Dramatic, engrossing and simply irresistible, The Girl from Cobb Street is the first title in what promises to be an unmissable trilogy from the talented pen of Merryn Allingham.
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
Fate has dealt Daisy Driscoll a very bad hand. Born on the wrong side of the blanket, and left to grow up in a grim orphanage in the East End of London, Daisy’s early life has been blighted by poverty, cruelty and misery. Determined not to make the same mistakes which her mother had made and adamant to make something with her life, Daisy has worked hard and has used all of her intelligence and resolve to secure a respectable future for herself. However, she is constantly dogged by other people’s jealousy and covetousness. Making ends meet becomes a daily struggle for Daisy, but after a lifetime of unhappiness and despair her luck finally looks set to change when a chance encounter propels her straight into the arms of dashing soldier Gerald Mortimer. A night of passion quickly ensues and when Daisy discovers that she is pregnant with Gerald’s baby, she realises that she’s got no other choice but to marry the man whose child she is carrying. Marrying Gerald means having to leave her life in England behind for the exoticism of India where her new husband is stationed. However, on her arrival, Daisy soon realises that the blissful idyll she had imagined for herself and Gerald is far removed from the reality she has found herself in.
The caring and considerate man she had fallen madly in love with in London seems to have been replaced by a cold and aloof stranger, the other army wives are hostile and unkind towards her and she has been forced to spend the rest of her days rattling around in a derelict house in the middle of nowhere. Miles away from civilization and with only a devious servant to keep her company, Daisy cannot help but wonder whether she has made a terrible mistake marrying a man who seems intent on keeping her at arm’s length. What secrets is Gerald hiding for her? Why won’t he tell her anything about their financial situation? And why is he so determined that she joins the other army wives in Simla as soon as possible? As if Daisy doesn’t have enough to contend with, she is also troubled by the mysterious presence of District Officer Grayson Harte who seems to be following her around…
When Daisy finds herself the victim of a series of dangerous incidents that almost cost her her life, she begins to wonder about the identity of the person who is intent on causing her harm. Is Grayson Harte the culprit? Or is the enemy someone who is a little bit too close for comfort? Will happiness ever be within her grasp? Or will Daisy be condemned to a lifetime of loneliness and regret?
Merryn Allingham exquisite balances history, suspense, drama and emotion in this atmospheric tale of secrets, lies, passion and deception. Writing with confidence, flair and style, this talented storyteller brings 1930s India to vivid and colourful life and she will sweep readers off to a world of danger and desire they will find themselves reluctant to leave.
A compulsively readable page-turner I found myself unable to put down, The Girl from Cobb Street has at its heart a courageous, resourceful and resilient heroine readers will root for, charismatic and enigmatic leading men and a lively cast of supporting characters guaranteed to keep readers glued to the book’s pages.
Dramatic, engrossing and simply irresistible, The Girl from Cobb Street is the first title in what promises to be an unmissable trilogy from the talented pen of Merryn Allingham.
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
July 7, 2017
Orphan Daisy finds herself travelling to India to marry a man she had met in London. Life does not turn out at all as she expected and she is unhappy and in danger. First of a trilogy about Daisy so hoping to find the next book in the series at some point soon.
January 6, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't what I was expecting but nevertheless it was interesting and an excellent tale. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2015
really good book look forwardto the next to books that will continue daisy story x
May 10, 2016
Feel good
March 13, 2021
Very hard to get into and took some understanding of India. Turned out to be a good book
July 19, 2024
Book Review: The Officer's Wife by Merryn Allingham
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished The Officer's Wife by Merryn Allingham, and it was quite the journey! Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bombay in 1938, the story follows Daisy Driscoll, a girl who has endured the hardships of an orphanage and life in service before finding herself on what should be the happiest day of her life—her wedding day. But instead of feeling like a bride, Daisy is left grappling with confusion and disappointment as she stands in the sweltering heat, suitcase in tow.
Upon reaching the altar, the handsome cavalry officer Gerald, who had once stolen her heart in London, greets her with coldness that makes her question everything. The lingering scent of alcohol on his breath hints at a deeper issue, leaving Daisy to wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. Once married, she finds herself isolated in a grand yet lonely house, surrounded by unwelcoming officers' wives. Thankfully, she soon meets Mr. Grayson Harte, a civil servant who seems to understand her plight. However, danger and deceit lurk around every corner, and Daisy must navigate this treacherous new world while uncovering the secrets that Gerald is hiding.
First off, can we talk about the cover? It’s absolutely stunning and perfectly sets the tone for the book! I found this read to be exceptionally satisfying and engaging; the storyline kept me hooked from start to finish. I really felt for Daisy—her struggles were palpable and relatable. Allingham did a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of life in India during that time; I could almost smell the jasmine wafting through the streets!
The mystery element of the plot was beautifully woven into Daisy's narrative. As pieces of her past trickled in, I found myself eager to learn more about her journey. The way Allingham crafted these snippets truly whetted my appetite for what’s to come next. I can’t wait to dive into books two and three to see where Daisy’s adventures lead her!
Overall, The Officer's Wife is a delightful read that transports you back in time while offering a compelling mix of romance and mystery. If you’re looking for a book that captures both the beauty and intricacies of life during this era, I highly recommend giving it a shot!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished The Officer's Wife by Merryn Allingham, and it was quite the journey! Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bombay in 1938, the story follows Daisy Driscoll, a girl who has endured the hardships of an orphanage and life in service before finding herself on what should be the happiest day of her life—her wedding day. But instead of feeling like a bride, Daisy is left grappling with confusion and disappointment as she stands in the sweltering heat, suitcase in tow.
Upon reaching the altar, the handsome cavalry officer Gerald, who had once stolen her heart in London, greets her with coldness that makes her question everything. The lingering scent of alcohol on his breath hints at a deeper issue, leaving Daisy to wonder if she’s made a terrible mistake. Once married, she finds herself isolated in a grand yet lonely house, surrounded by unwelcoming officers' wives. Thankfully, she soon meets Mr. Grayson Harte, a civil servant who seems to understand her plight. However, danger and deceit lurk around every corner, and Daisy must navigate this treacherous new world while uncovering the secrets that Gerald is hiding.
First off, can we talk about the cover? It’s absolutely stunning and perfectly sets the tone for the book! I found this read to be exceptionally satisfying and engaging; the storyline kept me hooked from start to finish. I really felt for Daisy—her struggles were palpable and relatable. Allingham did a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of life in India during that time; I could almost smell the jasmine wafting through the streets!
The mystery element of the plot was beautifully woven into Daisy's narrative. As pieces of her past trickled in, I found myself eager to learn more about her journey. The way Allingham crafted these snippets truly whetted my appetite for what’s to come next. I can’t wait to dive into books two and three to see where Daisy’s adventures lead her!
Overall, The Officer's Wife is a delightful read that transports you back in time while offering a compelling mix of romance and mystery. If you’re looking for a book that captures both the beauty and intricacies of life during this era, I highly recommend giving it a shot!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
February 14, 2022
😽😻📚Claire Bear & Mel Mel's Book Reviews 📚😻😽 'The Girl from Cobb Street' by Merryn Allingham.
Genre: Historical Fiction.
About the Book: "Growing up in an orphanage on East London’s Cobb Street, Daisy Driscoll never felt the warm heart of home. Her fortunes change when she finds solace in the arms of Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry subaltern in the Indian army. Gerald is not all he claims to be and, as he leads her along a path of danger and scandal, Daisy must find the strength within herself to get through her darkest hour."
My Review: I was hooked straight away. This is such an engaging story that I fully lost myself in it. Daisy is a three dimensional character that is likeable and relatable. I was rooting for Daisy throughout her emotional rollercoaster and how she was trying to make sense of her new unkind surroundings. I love her strong work ethics and her passion to strive no matter what is thrown at her.
I applaud the author for showing awareness of how poorly women were treated in the 1930s and how females were seen in different cultures.
The conclusion was a surprise but it was a brilliant ending, leaving it open for the next book.
The novel is over descriptive and slow at times. The book's cover is misleading. The story is 95 percent set in India and the female on the cover does not look how Daisy is described in the book.
Triggers - Violence, War, Racism & Poor treatment of women.
I truly enjoyed this novel and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended to those who enjoy similar genres.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
Genre: Historical Fiction.
About the Book: "Growing up in an orphanage on East London’s Cobb Street, Daisy Driscoll never felt the warm heart of home. Her fortunes change when she finds solace in the arms of Gerald Mortimer, a handsome cavalry subaltern in the Indian army. Gerald is not all he claims to be and, as he leads her along a path of danger and scandal, Daisy must find the strength within herself to get through her darkest hour."
My Review: I was hooked straight away. This is such an engaging story that I fully lost myself in it. Daisy is a three dimensional character that is likeable and relatable. I was rooting for Daisy throughout her emotional rollercoaster and how she was trying to make sense of her new unkind surroundings. I love her strong work ethics and her passion to strive no matter what is thrown at her.
I applaud the author for showing awareness of how poorly women were treated in the 1930s and how females were seen in different cultures.
The conclusion was a surprise but it was a brilliant ending, leaving it open for the next book.
The novel is over descriptive and slow at times. The book's cover is misleading. The story is 95 percent set in India and the female on the cover does not look how Daisy is described in the book.
Triggers - Violence, War, Racism & Poor treatment of women.
I truly enjoyed this novel and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended to those who enjoy similar genres.
Disclaimer: My Book Reviews are based on my own opinions and experiences only.
If you would like to see more of my Book Reviews please visit - www.goodreads.com/clairebearmelmel
Or clairebearmelmel on Instagram
March 30, 2024
This is definitely not your average historical romance, in fact it’s not a romance at all. The romance has already happened before the book begins with Daisy arriving in India in 1938 to marry the English Cavalry Officer, Gerald Mortimer, who wooed her. Once she arrives he seems like a stranger compared to the man she knew in London and everything starts badly right from the moment she docks.
Left alone in their bungalow with an unwelcoming servant, Daisy’s life starts to unravel whilst Gerald is seemingly avoiding her. There’s a lot of mystery, a friendly Indian Officer, and a friend she made on the ship during the journey, and whilst it was fairly predictable I had quite a good time reading about the area and politics of the time period. This is set during the lead up to WW2, and India is starting to fight back against the chokehold that the British Empire has them in. The author is more sympathetic towards the native Indians which I was glad for, colonisation is not good.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another book to follow this one as there’s a few things left unresolved on purpose. If you enjoy a mystery thriller, and a historical setting overseas then this could be your next favourite read. For me I found that Daisy was far too naive and trusting for her background, where she would have been exposed to plenty of duplicitous behaviour, especially as things were changing so rapidly in the UK after the Great War. It was annoying and I think it just didn’t do anything for the character. I’d probably pick up another book by the author though as I did enjoy how she wrote the world.
Digital copy provided by NetGalley, these are all my own opinions of course.
Left alone in their bungalow with an unwelcoming servant, Daisy’s life starts to unravel whilst Gerald is seemingly avoiding her. There’s a lot of mystery, a friendly Indian Officer, and a friend she made on the ship during the journey, and whilst it was fairly predictable I had quite a good time reading about the area and politics of the time period. This is set during the lead up to WW2, and India is starting to fight back against the chokehold that the British Empire has them in. The author is more sympathetic towards the native Indians which I was glad for, colonisation is not good.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another book to follow this one as there’s a few things left unresolved on purpose. If you enjoy a mystery thriller, and a historical setting overseas then this could be your next favourite read. For me I found that Daisy was far too naive and trusting for her background, where she would have been exposed to plenty of duplicitous behaviour, especially as things were changing so rapidly in the UK after the Great War. It was annoying and I think it just didn’t do anything for the character. I’d probably pick up another book by the author though as I did enjoy how she wrote the world.
Digital copy provided by NetGalley, these are all my own opinions of course.
December 12, 2019
I thought this book was set during ww2, which was the reason I bought it. It turned out to be set in 1938. However, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. Set in India it follows a young girl raised in an orphanage, and who met a young military man, fell in love and left London for a new life in India.
This new life turned out to be completely different to what she expected. There were many new people, some of whom were nice to her, others-not so nice,but who can she trust?? There were many twists and turns to the story, and unexpectedly I found it really gripped me and I had to finish it to find out what happens.
I have ordered the next 2 books and have to wait now for them to arrive. But a very enjoyable, entertaining book, that was set in a place I haven't read much about so it was very interesting.
I definitely highly recommend this book, great job Merryn!!!
This new life turned out to be completely different to what she expected. There were many new people, some of whom were nice to her, others-not so nice,but who can she trust?? There were many twists and turns to the story, and unexpectedly I found it really gripped me and I had to finish it to find out what happens.
I have ordered the next 2 books and have to wait now for them to arrive. But a very enjoyable, entertaining book, that was set in a place I haven't read much about so it was very interesting.
I definitely highly recommend this book, great job Merryn!!!
April 20, 2024
This story set in pre-WWII India was fast-paced and full of action. It is an unusual location and point of view for most historical novels today so it was enjoyable to learn more about the English Army there during that time. I didn’t realize this was a continuation of previous novels about Daisy, so that may have helped me appreciate more of her background even though they can be stand-alone stories. Many of the characters were not as likable to me and I felt like the events were spiraling to a negative end, but there was a hopeful glimmer at the end where I look forward to seeing a new story begin.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
October 3, 2024
I really enjoyed the novelty of the location and the area as I am not overly familiar with it. I struggled a bit with the plot throughout though, It really seemed like this book could not figure out what it wanted to be. There is all of this extraneous stuff going on with main character that add nothing to the story at all and come across a bit as filler instead of being part of the story. It was also like this woman had never met the man he married. I really needed to see some form of connection there for me to care about the relationship. This seems to be part of a series and I may just stop now. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
March 25, 2024
The Officer’s Wife by Merryn Allingham I a novel based in India in late 1930 right before England went to war with Germany. India was a part of the British Empire at that time. There were rumblings of an independent India before that time At this point in the story, Ghandi had just risen to his station.
Daisy Driscoll was en route to marry an Indian Army Lieutenant whom she had met while he was on leave in London. She had contacted him to let him know that she was pregnant with his baby. On the ship, The Viceroy, she fell and lost the baby. There was no time to tell her fiancé about the miscarriage because as soon as the ship landed, she was whisked off to the church to marry her drunken groom-to-be. Her arrival in India was not all that she expected. Her new husband did not want to be married and was unaware that she was no longer with child. When he found out, he was angry. Daisy began experiencing strange and violent on her.
The cast of characters in this novel left the reader at loose ends trying to find out who was targeting Daisy and why. Daisy was left mostly alone in a new country and a hostile environment. She did not know whom to trust and this fact alone made me, the reader, enthralled with the story and the descriptions of the country of India.
I found this book to be interesting and thrilling. The undertones of racial and caste nonequity were quite evident.
Daisy Driscoll was en route to marry an Indian Army Lieutenant whom she had met while he was on leave in London. She had contacted him to let him know that she was pregnant with his baby. On the ship, The Viceroy, she fell and lost the baby. There was no time to tell her fiancé about the miscarriage because as soon as the ship landed, she was whisked off to the church to marry her drunken groom-to-be. Her arrival in India was not all that she expected. Her new husband did not want to be married and was unaware that she was no longer with child. When he found out, he was angry. Daisy began experiencing strange and violent on her.
The cast of characters in this novel left the reader at loose ends trying to find out who was targeting Daisy and why. Daisy was left mostly alone in a new country and a hostile environment. She did not know whom to trust and this fact alone made me, the reader, enthralled with the story and the descriptions of the country of India.
I found this book to be interesting and thrilling. The undertones of racial and caste nonequity were quite evident.
April 19, 2024
Desçriptions so real they raised my temperature.
I love a good mystery, one i think i have figured out only to be mistaken. The characters were well flushed out, the dialogue believable, and the descriptions of the Indian weather so realistic that i found myself sweating as if i were there. I will continue to read Merryn Allingham's books now that I've discovered how pleasurable they are.
I love a good mystery, one i think i have figured out only to be mistaken. The characters were well flushed out, the dialogue believable, and the descriptions of the Indian weather so realistic that i found myself sweating as if i were there. I will continue to read Merryn Allingham's books now that I've discovered how pleasurable they are.
June 25, 2024
Very readable
I bought all 3 of these books when they were on offer.
The main character Daisy has a fling with Gerald a soldier in India believing she is pregnant and goes out to India to marry him.
While in India bad luck appears to haunt her and she ends up kidnapped and losing her husband.
Although not a 5 star read the book is enjoyable. It has hints of Ann Bennett in it.
Now onto Book 2.
I bought all 3 of these books when they were on offer.
The main character Daisy has a fling with Gerald a soldier in India believing she is pregnant and goes out to India to marry him.
While in India bad luck appears to haunt her and she ends up kidnapped and losing her husband.
Although not a 5 star read the book is enjoyable. It has hints of Ann Bennett in it.
Now onto Book 2.
March 26, 2024
The best part of The Officer’s Wife are the vivid descriptions of India in the late 1930’s and life for the officer’s wives in the colony. We meet Daisy Driscoll, an orphan and former shopgirl, as she travels to India to marry a man she met while he was on leave. It turns out, she really does not know him. There are secret plots and inexplainable accidents that occur, making the reader fear for Daisy’s new life.
This was an interesting read, but I had trouble understanding some of Daisy’s motivation and how some points connected to each other. For example, Daisy is elevating her status with her marriage to an officer and associating with upper class Brits in the colony would be outside her comfort zone. Yet, she rebels constantly and does not do what is expected of her. I would have thought a character in her circumstances would try harder to fit in. Also, she makes huge assumptions about her husband without much to go on. For example, she immediately comes to the conclusion her husband reinvented himself after stumbling upon a letter when she first arrives in India. Her inference is true, but I had difficulty in believing she would grasp this fact so quickly.
Still, this was an evocative historical novel.
This was an interesting read, but I had trouble understanding some of Daisy’s motivation and how some points connected to each other. For example, Daisy is elevating her status with her marriage to an officer and associating with upper class Brits in the colony would be outside her comfort zone. Yet, she rebels constantly and does not do what is expected of her. I would have thought a character in her circumstances would try harder to fit in. Also, she makes huge assumptions about her husband without much to go on. For example, she immediately comes to the conclusion her husband reinvented himself after stumbling upon a letter when she first arrives in India. Her inference is true, but I had difficulty in believing she would grasp this fact so quickly.
Still, this was an evocative historical novel.
June 21, 2024
Great Suspense
I couldn't put this down. The main character was braver than me! You spent the whole book wondering who her enemies were. I had to stop reading it at night because I couldn't stop thinking about who they were and why was she in so much danger. Have me insomnia. A cracking read, written beautifully.
I couldn't put this down. The main character was braver than me! You spent the whole book wondering who her enemies were. I had to stop reading it at night because I couldn't stop thinking about who they were and why was she in so much danger. Have me insomnia. A cracking read, written beautifully.
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