Daisies Are Forever

Gisela must hold on to hope and love despite all odds in the midst of a war-torn country.

Gisela Cramer is an American living in eastern Germany with her cousin Ella Reinhardt. When the Red Army invades, they must leave their home to escape to safety in Berlin.

However, Ella is a nurse and refuses to leave, sending her young daughters with Gisela. During their journey, Gisela meets Mitch Edwards, an escaped British POW. She pretends she is his wife in order to preserve his safety among other Germans, especially one wounded German soldier, Kurt, who has suspicions about Mitch’s identity. Kurt also has feelings for Gisela and tries to uncover the truth about her “marriage.”

Their journey to Gisela’s mother in Berlin is riddled with tragedy and hardship, but they strive to keep Ella’s daughters safe so they can reunite with their mother. During the journey Gisela and Mitch begin to develop feelings for one another beyond friendship. They reach Berlin, but their struggles are far from over. Gisela and Mitch must learn to live for the day and find hope in the darkest of circumstances.

In this moving, historically accurate portrayal of WWII Germany, the characters learn that, even with destruction all around them, some things last forever.

My Review:

I’ve read a lot of World War II novels and I’m always amazed at how authors find unique settings and perspectives for their stories. I knew absolutely nothing about this area of Germany (Prussia at the time) and the Russian invasion. Supposed allies fighting to free the world from Hitler’s tyranny, their brutality matched the Nazis and Tolsma captures the desperation and despair of the innocent civilians caught in their path. But she also conveys the people’s resiliency and courage and it all made for a riveting read.

We see that first hand in Gisela’s story which is full of danger and treachery in the midst of the most atrocious circumstances. Yet she doesn’t make the journey alone as an unlikely band of refugees gather together to make their impossible trek to freedom. That includes British POW Mitch and hiding his true identity makes their situation that much more dire.

Phew! But this was a gripping, hard to read at times, uncomfortable but ultimately triumphant story of love and loss in the midst of one of the most turbulent times in history.

I listened to the audio book, narrated by Carol Jacobanis who did a fantastic job with accents and phrasing and helped bring this story to life.

23 thoughts on “Daisies Are Forever”

  2. It does amaze me how many different situations authors have found about WWII just finished a book that talked about the USO entertainment for the troops.

    This one sounds like another slice of WWII life I haven’t read about. Thanks for reading and reviewing this. I have enjoyed this authors other books.

    Nora finding Hope at yahoo

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  3. Thank you for your review on “Daisies Are Forever”. What sounds like a heart gripping story has been added to my TBR list. Can’t wait for the opportunity to read it.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  4. I purchased this and another of her WWII books, which was set in the Pacific Theater, for my keeper shelf probably about five years ago. I thought both excellent. I have personally heard some stories about the eastern part of Germany in and right after the war from a friend’s mother. An aunt was badly mistreated, and the friend’s mother managed to flee, with a borrowed ID, to the western section at end of war. They picked a Saturday night when the Russian soldiers guarding the train were a bit inebriated and less aware.

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    1. Wow, your story brings home how real these fictional situations were. I don’t know why I never thought about this area of Germany before reading this book. And never thought about the Russians overmuch either, other than being our supposed allies…but clearly that wasn’t the case.

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  5. I agree there are so many different stories to tell and soany different authors doing a wonderful job of writing them for us to read. For some reason WWII stories have always fascinated me, maybe it’s because in them we see the strength of character and motivation to reach out and be compassionate to those who are in need. I’m thankful for all the authors who have given us such wonderful and thought provoking stories.

    Thank you Kav for a great review.

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    1. I’m pulled to WWII stories as well, Becky, and I love what you said about characters and compassion. I think these kinds of stories help readers develop empathy and understanding for others as they live out the characters’ experiences. Bibliotherapy at its best.

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  8. I am reading What I Promise You by Liz now.
    I have several of hers but not Daisies.
    Please add me. Thanks
    paulamarys49ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. My library has some of her books so I’ll need to check them out. This isn’t a giveaway — just a review. I’m not doing giveaways on every book any more. Giveaways are noted by the addition of + Giveaway to the title plus Giveaway options (print, ebook, audio) will be noted after the review. Happy Reading, Paula!

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  9. Thanks for the review. I have her Snow on the Tulips book in my library still waiting to be read, but need to add this one too. There are definitely many outstanding novels set during that time period.

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