The Girl from Cobb Street (Daisys War #1) by Merryn Allingham

The Girl from Cobb Street (Daisys War #1) Reviews

• 
  Cheryl M-M

  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.
• 
  ReadAlongWithSue

  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.
• 
  Carolyn Mahony

  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!
• 
  Joanna Warrens

  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.
• 
  Julie

  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.
• 
  Adele

  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.
  
• 
  Anne Harvey

  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.
• 
  Rosemary Morris

  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.
  
• 
  Lorisia

  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.
• 
  Joy

  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!
• 
  Caroline

  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It wasn't what I was expecting but nevertheless it was interesting and an excellent tale. Highly recommended.
• 
  Jenny

  really good book look forwardto the next to books that will continue daisy story x
• 
  Claire Swain

  😽😻📚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
• 
  Nicki

  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!!!
  
• 
  Joan

  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.
• 
  Gerry

  A thoroughly enjoyable read with good characters & an excellent well researched
  story line. I felt great empathy with Daisy & look forward to following her fortunes
  in books 2 & 3.
• 
  Mrs. Betty Hoffman

  Very entertaining!
  
  Held my interest and kept me wondering. It was well written and very entertaining. Would recommend it and look forward to the next book in the series.
• 
  Samantha Cartwright

  Very hard to get into and took some understanding of India. Turned out to be a good book
• 
  Di Schlenk

  A insightful read in to life in Colonial India
• 
  Rose Stephenson

  great wartime book