“After the Roses”, the sequel to “Daisy’s War”

ATR

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 home: a lethal epidemic of influenza.

Till now, Daisy has shared her dream of some day becoming a doctor with only one person: 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, and takes Daisy through the five years following the end of the Great War. Daisy still has far to go on her journey, and we’ll follow that journey in future books.

I’ve very much enjoyed spending time with Daisy, Eddie, Amy, Benjy, and other members of the family, although their stories made me cry more than once.

After the Roses was released in September 2015. It’s available at these retailers:

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72 Comments


  1. YAY!!!!! Can’t wait !!! Funny I was just thinking about the series the other day and wondering when the sequel would be up! Looking forward to it!

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      1. Shayne will there be anymore books in thus series as daisy go off to the university. I have all the books and i read them over snd over

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        1. Hi Stephanie,

          Yes, there will be! I want to follow Daisy further along her journey.

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    1. Dear Ms Parkinson,
      I just purchased “After the Roses” for Nook. I’ve read the whole series so far and am looking forward to entering the next phase of Daisy’s life. Thank you.
      Yvonne Seale

      Reply

  2. I just finished your series about two weeks ago and have thought about this family quite frequently. New Zealand is an area I have not read much about. After reading your series, I very much want to visit.

    Over the last year I have started reading more historical fiction series and for some reason have focused on family sagas. I stumbled on R.D. Delderfield’s Swann family books and immediately began his “A Horseman Rides By” series. I absolutely loved everyone of his books! While his detailing of the mundane could get trying at times, his vocabulary was vast and his twist of phrase was entertaining. He quickly became one of my favorite writers!

    Your writing style and your Promises to Keep series reminds me of RD Delderfield’s work.

    Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

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    1. Thanks, Frankie! I hope you do manage to visit New Zealand some day. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy your visits to its past via my stories!

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  3. Just been re-reading the whole Promises to Keep series, now about to start Daisy’s War again. Very much looking forward to the next in the series which I should be ready for as soon as it comes out. I love this series, I feel like part of the huge family! Poor Amy, what a rollercoaster ride of a life you have given her!

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    1. Thanks, Angela! I’m really looking forward to the book’s release.

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  4. I have just finished “Daisy’s War” and was thrilled to see ther is another book coming. I have learnt so much about our NZ history from reading these books. Living in the Bay of Plenty is an extra bonus for me, imaging what life might have been like 100 years ago.

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    1. Heather, great to hear from someone living in the Bay of Plenty! When I write about my farming valley, I picture the valley outside Opotiki where my husband’s family lived for generations. I grew up in Opotiki, which is the model for Ruatane.

      It’s wonderful that you’re enjoying the history associated with the books, as it’s a big part of what I love about writing them.

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  5. I love this series of books. I must learn to pace myself, they end entirely too soon.

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    1. Thanks, Flo. Yes, unfortunately it takes a lot longer to write them than to read them. 🙂

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  6. I have looked high and low for a paperback copy of the new book, After the Roses – where can I find it? Barnes and Noble, etc. only have paperback listed through Daisy’s War. I am desperate ti buy and read the next book. LOVE this series.

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    1. Hi Kathy. The paperback version isn’t out yet, but please rest assured that it shouldn’t be too long – I’m just waiting on the proofs, and as soon as I’ve checked those it should be ready for release.

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      1. Wow – thank you for actually answering. 🙂 Great news if I can wait. LOL I will keep checking back.

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        1. The proof’s arrived at last! I’ve just approved it, so it should appear on the various retail sites fairly soon.

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  7. Love your books, just finished after the roses. I am looking forward to your next book.

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    1. Thanks, Donna! I did enjoy writing it, and it’s lovely to hear your response.

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  8. Great continuation, when is the next one? I am pins and needles here!

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    1. Thanks, Luisana! I hope the pins and needles aren’t too bad, because it won’t be very soon. 🙂

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  9. I just discovered your books, I am still on the first book and have already downloaded the other books to read from the series . I really enjoy your writing style. I read on my kindle and appreciate that you keep the cost so low for a kindle book. Thank you for your writing and the cost so affordable.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Dianne! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series, too.

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  10. Once in a great while you come across a series that touches you so deeply it stays with you long after the last word is read. Thank you for writing such a gripping and heart-wrenching story. Truly beautiful work. Anxiously awaiting the next journey.

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    1. Kim, thanks so much for your very kind words! It’s wonderful to hear that my books have touched you.

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  11. I just spent much of a week reading the series. But pleaae, I hope the continuation of Daisy’s story will continue soon!

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    1. That’s a lot of words to get through in a week!

      Daisy’s story will continue, just not very soon. 🙂 My next book will be a non-fiction one. But I’ll definitely be returning to Daisy.

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  12. I love your writing style. I have read each book at least 4 times. You have a way of making your readers feel as if they are there and that’s not an easy thing. I look forward to reading more about this amazing family and anything else you may write.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, Andrea. You must know my characters very well now, after all those readings!

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  13. I have loved reading your books! New Zealand must be a wonderful place to live. My family has been a farming family in the U S since the 1700s, and I felt a real familiarity in reading about this family and its struggles. I have read All of your books starting with Sentence of Marriage and just tonight finishing After the Roses- such fantastic reading!! Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Lucy. I’m sure your farming family would have had much in common through the years with the ones I write about.

      What a wonderful history you have, all the way back to the 1700s!

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  14. Just wanted congratulate you on a well written series! I really enjoyed them, although, I will admit to being a little depressed during Amy’s life with Charlie. When a story is so engrossing that it can affect one’s mood- that to me, is one good book! Throughout the last book, i was wondering if you were going to address the first cousin issue. When, it didn’t seem like you were going to, I thought, well maybe things are different in New Zealand:). Years ago, I read V.C. Andrews, “Flowers in the Attic”, series. So, in my mind, there is hope for Daisy and Eddie yet. I am looking forward to finding out where you take them from here. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.

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    1. Thanks, Kimber! I often found it distressing to write about Amy’s most difficult years, but I did have the advantage of knowing things would get much better for her.

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  15. I didn’t realize there were so many books in this series! Just when I was sad to come to the end of a book I would see the next on the list! I have enjoyed this series so much! Thank you for keeping me reading!

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    1. Thanks, Susan! It’s great to hear you’ve been enjoying them.

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  16. Just finished After the Roses. Loved the series.!! I do hope you’re planning a sequel….the 1st cousin issue doesn’t seem insurmountable so I hope you will continue with Daisy and Eddie.

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    1. Thanks, Rachel! Yes, I definitely have a sequel in mind, so we’ll see more of Daisy and Eddie – just not very soon. 🙂

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      1. How soon is “Not Very Soon”? LOL… I can hardly wait for the next book!

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        1. 🙂

          I honestly can’t give a realistic time frame, sorry. There are just too many unknowns. But I really do appreciate my readers’ enthusiasm!

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  17. I’ve just “binge read” all the way up to After The Roses”. I am BEGGING for more. I MUST know what happens! 🙂 I fell in love with this family. It is such a good, easy read. Beautifully done. Thank you for this family and their story.

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    1. Well, it’s very nice to know that there will be readers eagerly waiting when I do get the next book in the series out. 🙂 Thanks so much, Mallory.

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  18. I have just finished reading all of the promises to keep sequels and daisys war for the third time and I’m about to start after the roses for the second time and I’m absolutely in love with this family! Do you think the release date for the next book will be soon? I love your writing! Good job!

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    1. Ashley, I’m so glad to hear that you’re in love with the family – I am, too, of course. 🙂

      “Soon” is not generally a word associated with my writing, I’m afraid. No, it won’t be soon, but it *will* happen.

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  19. I just finished reading the entire series and need to find out what is next for Daisy, Eddie and the University.

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    1. I’m looking forward to sharing their future. 🙂

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  20. I loved all of the books in the series. I binge read them. Now I NEED to know what happens to Daisy and Eddie. I appreciate that you don’t just boot out the older characters and keep them appearing in the newer stories. I keep trying to figure out what comes next. Soon please?
    Thank you

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    1. Thanks, Marlene. I’m very fond of the characters who’ve been there from the beginning, and they’re still very much part of their children’s (and grandchildren’s) lives, so it does feel natural to have them continue to appear.

      Not soon, but it’ll happen!

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  21. Shayne I stumbled across your book series five years ago and have read and re read!! please tell me we will get a follow up to after the roses, my heart is broken for Daisy!!

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    1. Oh, you will get a follow-up, Cat! I don’t intend to leave Daisy where she is. It just won’t be soon.

      Thanks for reading and re-reading!

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  22. must know what happens to Eddie and Daisy. loved the series. felt like I was left hanging when Daisy went off to college. hope the next book isn’t too far off.

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    1. I’m eager to follow them further, too! It’ll be a while before I can get back to Daisy, but I’m looking forward to when I finally can.

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  23. I just finished the last book of the entire series, all read one after the other, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. I am so anxious for your next book continuing the story of Daisy’s life….and the lives of her extended families. You are one darn good story-teller!!

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  24. I have loved every single book, I feel so invested in these characters. I eagerly await any sequel, I am hoping Daisy becomes a doctor and finds happiness. No matter what, I know your story will be perfectly written and happily read.

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    1. That’s so kind of you, Monica! Thanks so much.

      I’m very fond of my characters, and love hearing that readers are, too.

      Reply

  25. Read all your books. Great! Love your style! Can “see” everthing. You have learned to paint quite well. Thank you so much. After the last book “After the Roses” I kept saying to myself, “But that’s not correct…!”. I look forward to the next book!!!

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  26. I’ve finally finished After the Roses. Will we be getting another book that will show us Daisys university experience and of course Eddies reaction.

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    1. Yes, you will, Ariel! It won’t be soon, but I do intend to continue with Daisy’s story.

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  27. I love the series following Amy and her vast family. Looking forward to continuing to read about Daisy and her experience at University.

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  28. I love the whole series and i can sit and read them over and over. I can’t wait to follow the saga of daisy going off to the university and [potential spoiler removed]

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  29. I’m about to start After the Roses. Enamored with the books and as excited as I am to start it,
    I have mixed feelings as I know there in not another book to follow it up. (At least not yet). Talented author. Thank you

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    1. Thanks so much, Adella. I’m afraid that waiting for my books is an exercise in patience!

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  30. I also have binged read your Promises to Keep and Daisy’s story. I knew you would need to address the 1st cousins issue at some point. It has been such a pleasure to follow this large NZ farming family during the late 19th and early 20th centuries; rolling the location and geographic names around in my mind trying to pronounce them. You bring your characters to life on the printed page with such skill. Thank you! I look forward to reading more about Daisy, Eddie, Amy and Aunt Sarah.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Maile! I love sharing my characters with readers.

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  31. Do you know yet when the next book is to come out? It has been 2 years now! I am truly saddened that I cannot continue the story! I hope it will be soon.

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    1. Gosh, that time has rushed by! I’m afraid it won’t be soon, Charla, but I do definitely have more books planned.

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  32. Shayne, I’ve just finished reading all your books and I’m looking forward to your next book involving Daisy. I have a suggestion… Could you include a pronunciation guide for all the locations in New Zealand… It sure would be helpful. I love, love, love your characters and style of writing… Best to you with your future work.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Linda! That’s great to hear.

      Linking to a pronunciation guide is an excellent idea. I do refer to one at the end of “Settling the Account”, but I’ve just notice that its web site doesn’t seem to be working properly. This dictionary is useful, though, and includes a pronunciation guide: https://maoridictionary.co.nz/

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  33. Dear Shayna

    I have loved reading about all the characters in this series. They are like well-known friends by now. Just finished reading After the Roses (again) and noticed it has been 4 years now. Any idea when you would get to a sequel? Sorry to be so impatient, but one becomes so involved with the characters, one just has to know what happened next. This is not the usual setting and period for books (they are usually set in England or America) and that makes them especially unique. I have taken out my atlas to see where all the places are that are mentioned. Thank you so much for a riveting story!

    Kind regards
    Rosalie (from South Africa)

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Rosalie, for your kind words and for your patience 🙂 I’m sorry that it’s taking me so long – I’m a slow writer, but this is slow even by my standards! Various things have got in the way. But my work-in-progress is going well, and I’ll definitely be returning to Daisy when that’s finished. I’m sorry that I can’t be more definite as to when (I’d only get it wrong if I attempted a prediction), but it is a “when”, not an “if”.

      Reply

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