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After the Roses
In November 1918, the Great War is over and the men are coming home. For a brief period, Daisy’s world once again seems a safe and settled one.But no one returns unscathed from such a war, although not all wounds leave obvious signs. And hard on the heels of the Armistice comes a new, invisible enemy that will strike much closer to a lethal epidemic of influenza.Till now, Daisy has shared her dream of some day becoming a doctor with only one her beloved cousin Eddie. Her hopes for the future must be set aside while events are buffeting her family; and the best education her little school can offer aims no further than producing capable farmers and useful wives. Pursuing her dream will be no easy task for Daisy."After the Roses" is the sequel to "Daisy's War".
- GenresHistorical Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2015
134 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Shayne Parkinson
11 books362 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 17, 2017
I hope there will be more books in this series!
Never have I purchased a whole series of books until now. I have been so totally engrossed in this family and early history of New Zealand that I just couldn't get enough. I hope that there will be more books in this series. I want more!
Never have I purchased a whole series of books until now. I have been so totally engrossed in this family and early history of New Zealand that I just couldn't get enough. I hope that there will be more books in this series. I want more!
May 19, 2020
A strange and ending.
This 6th book of the series covers the years 1918-1923 of the New Zealand family saga.
I found myself rather bored several times with regard to the descriptions of the various school studies. The author does a thorough job of describing mostly science subject matter, but I felt my eyes glaze over at the meticulous descriptions.
In the other hand, I was fascinated by the writing here is regarding the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic given I'm reading this book while isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020. Given the author published this book in 2015 I'm even more struck by the research done by the author in great detail.
I will add by saying the ending here is rather strange. It feels like there should be a 7th book to continue this series. I'm unsure of the author's intent regarding the end, but I found it very sad. I loved the series for the most part and would recommend to readers of historical fiction.
This 6th book of the series covers the years 1918-1923 of the New Zealand family saga.
I found myself rather bored several times with regard to the descriptions of the various school studies. The author does a thorough job of describing mostly science subject matter, but I felt my eyes glaze over at the meticulous descriptions.
In the other hand, I was fascinated by the writing here is regarding the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic given I'm reading this book while isolated during the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020. Given the author published this book in 2015 I'm even more struck by the research done by the author in great detail.
I will add by saying the ending here is rather strange. It feels like there should be a 7th book to continue this series. I'm unsure of the author's intent regarding the end, but I found it very sad. I loved the series for the most part and would recommend to readers of historical fiction.
June 8, 2017
This series is excellent. (I'm not given to giving 5 stars, but I was close to doing so). The characters swept me into their lives. It's a picture of New Zealand and its surrounding islands that I never have taken the time to delve into. I've learned much about New Zealand as it was in the late 1880's and early 1900's. Yet, it was the characters I most enjoyed. They were distinct -- not cardboard when some writers have a large cast. I found myself caring about all of them, whether it be like or dislike. I am now anxiously awaiting the sequel to the series. I recommend these books. They are not romances.
December 4, 2019
Nice read!
Very enjoyable book. I find this time period interesting! This large intertwined family and their happiness, trials and pain make them so interesting. Then there are their accomplishments!
Very enjoyable book. I find this time period interesting! This large intertwined family and their happiness, trials and pain make them so interesting. Then there are their accomplishments!
September 19, 2019
Excellent read
By now I feel part of this family and New Zealand seems so familiar, even though I've never been there.
By now I feel part of this family and New Zealand seems so familiar, even though I've never been there.
April 23, 2022
I put off reading this for a long time because while I enjoyed the first four books, I was underwhelmed with Daisy's War and its golly-gee-whiz kid attitude. This one was better because Daisy's older, though it was slow, and slow in a different way than the earlier books. The earlier books take time to go through all the ins and outs of the drama of all these growing families, but in this book there's much less of that, but a whole lot of somewhat boring sightseeing. It was sort of interesting but I wanted to know more about what everyone was doing.
Come on now... what's next?
Come on now... what's next?
March 17, 2019
This was a satisfying end to the Promises To Keep series and Daisy's War. This book, as the others were, too, a well woven tapestry of character study with a study of the world Ms. Parkinson lives in. I loved it so very much that I'd really like more. Whether I get more or not depends on this wonderful author. Daisy, Eddie, Sarah, Amy and the cast of supporting family characters is delicious with a sense of wonder, common sense and a sense of morality and what life was like for folks during WWI and after. This book and the books before are a treasure. They were so well written that they will grace my library and passed down to the readers in my family.
I don't quite know why it is, but this series touched something in me and I know I will never been the same for how very memorable this book and those before it are. Thank you Shayne Parkinson! Well done, indeed!
I don't quite know why it is, but this series touched something in me and I know I will never been the same for how very memorable this book and those before it are. Thank you Shayne Parkinson! Well done, indeed!
June 22, 2020
A bittersweet conclusion
I chose a 4 star rating for After The Roses because it was an interesting story with wonderful descriptions of the landscape, the sea, beaches and coastline. The clothing, hairstyles and footwear of the well to do as well as the more humble persons were explained well too. The storyline itself got a little redundant at times, though I must commend the author's sense of humor in describing different characters' individual quirks as they would inevitably crop up throughout the tales. I would recommend this book to someone looking for an entertaining read who enjoys light romance and historical novels set in the late 1800's - mid 1900's. Of course, it's best to read Shayne Parkinson's series: Promises to Keep, a collection of 4 books , followed by Daisy's War first, since these five books, in order, lead up to and end with After the Roses.
I chose a 4 star rating for After The Roses because it was an interesting story with wonderful descriptions of the landscape, the sea, beaches and coastline. The clothing, hairstyles and footwear of the well to do as well as the more humble persons were explained well too. The storyline itself got a little redundant at times, though I must commend the author's sense of humor in describing different characters' individual quirks as they would inevitably crop up throughout the tales. I would recommend this book to someone looking for an entertaining read who enjoys light romance and historical novels set in the late 1800's - mid 1900's. Of course, it's best to read Shayne Parkinson's series: Promises to Keep, a collection of 4 books , followed by Daisy's War first, since these five books, in order, lead up to and end with After the Roses.
March 13, 2021
This is the third time I have read through the entire series. I dearly love these books, and am so disappointed that there hasn't been a follow up to the cliff hanger ending of the last book in the series. I have read the reviews, and agree with getting a bit tired of the details of the class work. Perhaps if I were a school teacher who loved this period I could appreciate it more, but my own appreciation for the study of human behavior, the fight for survival against all odds, along with a strong dose of the love of history in general and romance made me keep going again and again. At least one more book is demanded in this series for it to be complete. It's been a long, long wait. I do hope another is written very soon. We who love and appreciate these very special books are pleading for a true closure. Many thanks!
June 23, 2017
Wonderful!
I can't praise this author enough.
I read Sentence of Marriage as a free book. I was so
curious as to Amy's future that I purchased book 4 A Second Chance. I have never purchased a series of books. The author did such a splendid job of captivating me that I had to go back and purchase books 2 and 3. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find the follow-up of Daisy's War. The characters continued to grow and evolve while moving on to new main characters. I tried to read the last book, After the Roses, at a slower pace, but to no avail. I can't wait for Shayne Parkinson's next book! I feel like these folks are family now.
I can't praise this author enough.
I read Sentence of Marriage as a free book. I was so
curious as to Amy's future that I purchased book 4 A Second Chance. I have never purchased a series of books. The author did such a splendid job of captivating me that I had to go back and purchase books 2 and 3. Needless to say, I was thrilled to find the follow-up of Daisy's War. The characters continued to grow and evolve while moving on to new main characters. I tried to read the last book, After the Roses, at a slower pace, but to no avail. I can't wait for Shayne Parkinson's next book! I feel like these folks are family now.
February 22, 2023
I was really disappointed with this book. I have enjoyed all of the other books by Shayne Parkinson but this one felt like it was by another author. Other reviews mentioned the unnecessary detail on school subjects, i thought 'how bad can it be'. Well the other reviewers were spot on. I kept hoping the story would pick up and become interesting, this never happened. I persevered to the end , the story never improved. If you are loving rhe story of Amy and her family dont bother with this one.
December 22, 2017
Extraordinary
Maybe it is a bad habit, but when is a series that get me hooked I just write a review at the end. Mrs Parkinson did a great job with this series. I read all five in more or less one week. I cried a lot to see how's Amy suffers. I want to kill few of the characters. You must start reading Sentence of marriage. I hope have helped others to enjoy a very good book...ops books
Maybe it is a bad habit, but when is a series that get me hooked I just write a review at the end. Mrs Parkinson did a great job with this series. I read all five in more or less one week. I cried a lot to see how's Amy suffers. I want to kill few of the characters. You must start reading Sentence of marriage. I hope have helped others to enjoy a very good book...ops books
January 1, 2019
Bunch of filler stories
I’m rather disappointed in this book compared to all the previous ones. I found myself skipping and flying thru pages that were pure fillers and not helpful to the story at all.
The story itself lacked excitement, and I could guess the ending far in advance.
I’m rather disappointed in this book compared to all the previous ones. I found myself skipping and flying thru pages that were pure fillers and not helpful to the story at all.
The story itself lacked excitement, and I could guess the ending far in advance.
October 5, 2019
Great book
I've enjoyed reading all of these books. I'm a bit sad that I've finished the last one. Reading them all and moving thru the family in there daily lives there ups and down you really feel as if your there living in that time with them. Thank you Shayne for writing such great books.
I've enjoyed reading all of these books. I'm a bit sad that I've finished the last one. Reading them all and moving thru the family in there daily lives there ups and down you really feel as if your there living in that time with them. Thank you Shayne for writing such great books.
November 24, 2019
Learned interesting things about New Zealand
The book starts with the end of WWI. It covers the Spanish Influenza of 1918. The main character pushes the boundaries of what a female can do at that time. Just a nice read about family with some historical context. I really enjoyed it.
The book starts with the end of WWI. It covers the Spanish Influenza of 1918. The main character pushes the boundaries of what a female can do at that time. Just a nice read about family with some historical context. I really enjoyed it.
February 2, 2021
My Musings
Well, I am disappointed this series isn't complete. I enjoyed Daisy's story, by it ended as if there should be another bok. There isn't and not likely to be since it was published in2015. I suppose I shall have to use my imagination to conclude her story. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Well, I am disappointed this series isn't complete. I enjoyed Daisy's story, by it ended as if there should be another bok. There isn't and not likely to be since it was published in2015. I suppose I shall have to use my imagination to conclude her story. Happy ☺reading 📚!
November 9, 2023
Excellent Novel
This is the final book of this series and it didn't disappoint. I came to care so much about the characters that they became very much real. I don't want to let the characters or the story line go, but this is the final novel of the series. I can't recommend this book and the series too much. It was simply fabulous and oh so enjoyable!
This is the final book of this series and it didn't disappoint. I came to care so much about the characters that they became very much real. I don't want to let the characters or the story line go, but this is the final novel of the series. I can't recommend this book and the series too much. It was simply fabulous and oh so enjoyable!
October 30, 2017
I love this series, but this was not the best of the bunch. There was just too much about Daisy's school studies and Eddie's sight seeing trips. I hate when I have to skim through a book to find the interesting parts.
January 28, 2018
Strange ending
This book was a bit mundane and predictable. I don’t know why she chose to end the book on the note that she did either. It seemed from the very beginning that she was wrapping up the series.
This book was a bit mundane and predictable. I don’t know why she chose to end the book on the note that she did either. It seemed from the very beginning that she was wrapping up the series.
October 3, 2018
Loved it.
I took my time reading this book because ai knew it was the last in the series and spin off series. It was great, this is an amazing writer who really keeps your attention.
I took my time reading this book because ai knew it was the last in the series and spin off series. It was great, this is an amazing writer who really keeps your attention.
March 23, 2019
A bit let down.
This book did not live up to the first four books.
The characters were just as interesting but there was too much detail on all the school work that they did.
And too much detail about their clothes.
I was disappointed in this book.
This book did not live up to the first four books.
The characters were just as interesting but there was too much detail on all the school work that they did.
And too much detail about their clothes.
I was disappointed in this book.
October 13, 2020
I enjoyed the book. But the ending made me sad! I thought there might be a twist that gave the outcome we wanted for Daisy😪! And it left me wanting to know what happens to Daisy down the road! So brace yourself in the last chapter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2020
My Mom read this series and once she was finished with one book, she could not wait for me to download the next one. Now she is patiently waiting for the next in the series. A very well written series that truly keeps one's interest.
January 23, 2021
Too much detail
General story line was good but it seemed to drag on with every day details. I sped past a lot of it waiting to get to the point of the book. I enjoyed the first books very much.
General story line was good but it seemed to drag on with every day details. I sped past a lot of it waiting to get to the point of the book. I enjoyed the first books very much.
February 1, 2021
Book 6
The ending was really sad. It would be hard I be close to someone just to be reminded that you can’t be with them. Their parents shouldn’t have allowed them to get the idea in their head.
The ending was really sad. It would be hard I be close to someone just to be reminded that you can’t be with them. Their parents shouldn’t have allowed them to get the idea in their head.
January 3, 2022
I don't give five stars lightly, but I am loving these stories of old rural New Zealand. It has been really interesting reading about the 1918 Pandemic while going through the 2021 version (in New Zealand). Please keep writing.
November 19, 2022
homely and comforting read
Shayne Parkinson has an easy read style of writing that is descriptive and engaging. The story about older Daisy was endearing. It just misses being a true coming of age novel and imparts the innocence of the the time and place
Shayne Parkinson has an easy read style of writing that is descriptive and engaging. The story about older Daisy was endearing. It just misses being a true coming of age novel and imparts the innocence of the the time and place
March 2, 2024
Another great read
Another great book. I really enjoy the storylines and the characters feel so real, Bengy is a fab character in the book. It’s like I’ve grown up with Eddie and Daisy. Would certainly recommend.
Another great book. I really enjoy the storylines and the characters feel so real, Bengy is a fab character in the book. It’s like I’ve grown up with Eddie and Daisy. Would certainly recommend.
December 27, 2017
Great book
This whole series was a great read. I love history and how people lived back then. I wish it kept going.
This whole series was a great read. I love history and how people lived back then. I wish it kept going.
February 19, 2018
Some Good Some Not
I read the entire series. The first 3 books were excellent. The other 2 were slow and repetitive. I doubt I'll read another one.
I read the entire series. The first 3 books were excellent. The other 2 were slow and repetitive. I doubt I'll read another one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews