In Fields Where Daisies Grow

by Elizabeth Jeffrey

After a London pub brawl, in which her beloved father is injured, thirteen-year-old Sally Stangate and her family must flee to begin a new life in the Essex village where he was born. But when they arrive, Sally has an uncanny feeling that her future in Wyford will be ill-starred. Her premonition proves to be well-founded; six years later, just after the outbreak of World War I, an old family secret destroys her hopes of marriage to Tim, the man she loves, and estranges her from her family.Determined to put the past behind her, Sally goes to work in her Aunt Becca's antiques shop. When she falls in love with a young shipwright, Sam Bridges, she believes the chance of happiness is hers once more - but Sam's mother opposes the match and Sally is forced to watch her lover go off to war at the very moment when she needs him most.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

Elizabeth Jeffrey was born and grew up in Wivenhoe, the village of her parents and grandparents. Far from being born with a quill in her hand, Elizabeth didn't start serious writing until after her children were born, beginning with short stories - on the premise that not so much paper was wasted if they were rejected! She won first prize in a short story competition run by the Daily Express, which led to an invitation to write for Mills & Boon. This was a useful stepping stone and after publishing five titles for them she moved on to writing historical novels. Her third novel, Cassie Jordan, was short-listed for Angel Prize for East Anglian writers and later The Buttercup Fields (under the title. The Chair Mender,) was short-listed for the very first Catherine Cookson prize. She has written over 15 novels. http://www.severnhouse.com/author/Eli...

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the first page to the last you wonder if the main character Sally is going to get a break. Following every twist of her story is heartbreaking at times her determination to keep going is commendable. The ending was a little disappointing and predictable.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although not as much as 'Meadowlands' also by Elizabeth Jeffery. A pleasant read though for fans of novels set in the early 20th century in rural England.