The abrupt disappearance of young Daisy Chance haunts the small town of Defiance, Texas. Fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper searches for answers in this ...
read full description
reviews
May 27, 2011
Ashlee
rated it: 
UGH! So beyond terrible. My sister gave me this book and just raved about it- said that it was SO good and I had to read it immediately.
Probably the worst day of my life. The book's synopsis makes it sound like a great book, full of mystery and suspense. None of that. Basically, it's about two best friends (a boy and a girl) that live in Texas in the 70's. The girl goes missing and the best friend, Jed, is trying to find her (along with the entire town) but THERE IS NEVER any progression a More...
Probably the worst day of my life. The book's synopsis makes it sound like a great book, full of mystery and suspense. None of that. Basically, it's about two best friends (a boy and a girl) that live in Texas in the 70's. The girl goes missing and the best friend, Jed, is trying to find her (along with the entire town) but THERE IS NEVER any progression a More...
Jul 20, 2010
Sheila
rated it: 
I had to read this. It’s the first book in Mary E. DeMuth’s Defiance Texas trilogy, and I’ve already read and reviewed books two and three. It’s a tribute to the author’s excellent writing and characterization that I was so eager to read the beginning even though I already knew the conclusion of the story’s mystery.
Daisy Chain introduces Daisy Marie Chance, whose disappearance haunts the trilogy. She’s seen through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Jed, almost the boy-next-door—her best fr More...
Daisy Chain introduces Daisy Marie Chance, whose disappearance haunts the trilogy. She’s seen through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Jed, almost the boy-next-door—her best fr More...
Apr 09, 2010
Delia
rated it: 
A small Texas town. A missing teenage girl. A highly dysfunctional family. A pubescent boy with a heart full of pain, a conscience pricked by guilt, and a life packed with trouble.
Where’s Daisy? When Jed Pepper’s best friend disappears, the boy blames himself – for her disappearance and for a myriad of other wrongs in his life. It’s hard to find answers when everyone he knows has a passel of dark secrets and hidden vices. In his search for truth, Jed comes to question God – His exist More...
Where’s Daisy? When Jed Pepper’s best friend disappears, the boy blames himself – for her disappearance and for a myriad of other wrongs in his life. It’s hard to find answers when everyone he knows has a passel of dark secrets and hidden vices. In his search for truth, Jed comes to question God – His exist More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 05, 2010
Keiki
rated it:
"Bright, engaging, often sad and heartbreaking - all woven together with the elements of Christian life. Don't miss out on this one!"
Perhaps I loved this book because I live in the south. Perhaps I loved it because it provoked my memory to my early Christian walk. Perhaps I loved it because it just read like home to me. Whatever the reason, Mary E. DeMuth's `Daisy Chain` is forever etched into my memory as one of my favorite books.
In the summer of his fourteenth More...
Perhaps I loved this book because I live in the south. Perhaps I loved it because it provoked my memory to my early Christian walk. Perhaps I loved it because it just read like home to me. Whatever the reason, Mary E. DeMuth's `Daisy Chain` is forever etched into my memory as one of my favorite books.
In the summer of his fourteenth More...
Oct 14, 2009
Jill
rated it:
Review by Gretchen Hoffman
Mary E. DeMuth’s latest book, Daisy Chain, is a coming of age story about fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper. He lives in Defiance, TX in 1977, a time of small towns where parents didn’t have to worry about their children running around. At least they didn’t until young Daisy Chance goes missing.
Not only is Daisy Jed’s best friend, but he was the last one to see her. Jed faces guilt over the disappearance of his friend and struggles with hidden hurts f More...
Mary E. DeMuth’s latest book, Daisy Chain, is a coming of age story about fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper. He lives in Defiance, TX in 1977, a time of small towns where parents didn’t have to worry about their children running around. At least they didn’t until young Daisy Chance goes missing.
Not only is Daisy Jed’s best friend, but he was the last one to see her. Jed faces guilt over the disappearance of his friend and struggles with hidden hurts f More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 05, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
I was beyond pleasantly surprised by this book.
I had never heard of this author, and was a little worried about reading a book under the category of "Religion"
This book is amazing! It marries discovering faith with a real-world painful accident. From the very start you feel the characters and go through the emotions as they are going through them. You want to reach through the pages and hug, cry, laugh, surrender and believe right along with them. All the wh More...
I had never heard of this author, and was a little worried about reading a book under the category of "Religion"
This book is amazing! It marries discovering faith with a real-world painful accident. From the very start you feel the characters and go through the emotions as they are going through them. You want to reach through the pages and hug, cry, laugh, surrender and believe right along with them. All the wh More...
Jun 20, 2009
Carla
rated it:
Jed Pepper, a 14-year-old preacher’s son, has one thing in common with Daisy Chance—their families are not normal. Aberrant would be a better description. In the opening pages, Daisy disappears, throwing Jed into despair and guilt because he didn’t walk her home from their daily explorations.
With a cast of quirky and troubled characters, the book is about Jed’s search for Daisy while praying for courage to stand up to his father’s rants and frequent abuse.
It’s difficult to re More...
With a cast of quirky and troubled characters, the book is about Jed’s search for Daisy while praying for courage to stand up to his father’s rants and frequent abuse.
It’s difficult to re More...
Mar 09, 2009
Cathy
rated it:
Imagine the horror of learning a child in your community is missing. Now pretend that you are the best friend of the child that's missing. Go one step further: How would you feel if, as the best friend, you believed you were somehow to blame?
The book, Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, tells the story of fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper, whose best friend, Daisy Chance, disappears one summer evening in 1977.
The first chapter is a poignant scene between Jed and Daisy, and takes place More...
The book, Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, tells the story of fourteen-year-old Jed Pepper, whose best friend, Daisy Chance, disappears one summer evening in 1977.
The first chapter is a poignant scene between Jed and Daisy, and takes place More...
Aug 28, 2011
LeAnne
rated it: 
Good, but I'm not as enthusiastic as I was for her memoir, Thin Places. The characters are definitely complex. Even the abusive father has times when he speaks spiritual truth or does something loving, and the character who is "almost Jesus" is capable of lying to save face. This is adult fiction with a young adult protagonist. Young adult readers will probably pick it up although to me the young characters felt younger than the ages they were given. That might have been the more
More...
Jan 15, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
This book is told from a perspective of fourteen year old Jed Pepper. Jed's father is a highly respected preacher who in his quest to "discipline" his children and keep his wife "submissive" resorts to violence, keeping them in constant fear. On top of that, his best friend Daisy goes missing after he failed to walk her home one evening. Jed feels guilt over Daisy's disappearance and his inability to protect his mother and sister.
The first third of this book, thoug More...
The first third of this book, thoug More...
Mar 09, 2011
Dailycheapreads
rated it: 
Daisy Chain by Mary E. DeMuth was a captivating book that I read while on a recent trip and had plenty of travel time to read.
The book is set in a small Texas town in 1977. The author paints a vivid setting that draws the reader in. While feeling at home in 14-year-old Jed Pepper’s world, you also get the sense that things are not quite right and you’re eager to find out what things aren’t quite as they seem.
The story is told through Jed’s point of view and begins with the di More...
The book is set in a small Texas town in 1977. The author paints a vivid setting that draws the reader in. While feeling at home in 14-year-old Jed Pepper’s world, you also get the sense that things are not quite right and you’re eager to find out what things aren’t quite as they seem.
The story is told through Jed’s point of view and begins with the di More...
Feb 20, 2010
Catha
rated it:
Last June I was given a kindle for my birthday. It was an unexpected gift that I have used almost every single day since. I heart my kindle.
The ownership and use of my kindle has resulted in me trying out many FREE reads that I have discovered on Amazon. Most of them are not things I would choose if I were a paying customer, but since they cost me nothing I hit that download button and read away.
I have yet to give 5 stars to any free kindle download, but I did give 4 star More...
The ownership and use of my kindle has resulted in me trying out many FREE reads that I have discovered on Amazon. Most of them are not things I would choose if I were a paying customer, but since they cost me nothing I hit that download button and read away.
I have yet to give 5 stars to any free kindle download, but I did give 4 star More...
Jun 12, 2010
Edwina
rated it:
When one is a published author, each succeeding published book is expected to be better—greater—than the last one. Mary E. DeMuth has not only exceeded that expectation, she has soared above all expectations in Life in Defiance.
I have read Book One, Daisy Chain, and Book Two, A Slow Burn, in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. Both books were well-written, insightful and thought-provoking. Both books had that “stick-to-your-ribs” quality – the characters, theme and learned lessons stayed wit More...
I have read Book One, Daisy Chain, and Book Two, A Slow Burn, in the Defiance Texas Trilogy. Both books were well-written, insightful and thought-provoking. Both books had that “stick-to-your-ribs” quality – the characters, theme and learned lessons stayed wit More...
Mar 09, 2010
Dawna
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 01, 2010
Destiny
rated it:
A piece of Christian fiction that both Christians and non-Christians can appreciate. I got this for free on my kindle, and although it's no longer free, I would still recommend it. Like a lot of people, I don't expect much from 'free kindle' books except to draw me into a series. Daisy Chain: A Novel does much more than that. I was drawn in from start to finish and was surprising satisfied with what I read. Yes, I want to read the next book in the series, but I don't feel like I was cheated out
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 15, 2009
Virginia
rated it:
This is the story of Jed, a boy living in an abusive household. His father is a fanatical pastor who preaches hellfire and damnation with passion, then goes home and abuses his family - primarily Jed. Jed's mom disconnects from reality by taking to her bed with "headaches," brought on by her closet drinking. The story centers around the disappearance of Jed's best friend, Daisy, and his deep feelings of guilt.
Mary deMuth's writing style is hauntingly beautiful, her characte More...
Mary deMuth's writing style is hauntingly beautiful, her characte More...
Mar 02, 2009
Janna
rated it:
This is the first book by Mary I have read and I found it interesting. In the first chapter we find Daisy has disappeared. Jed is the last person to see her (his best friend) and he chooses not to walk her home that night. The hunt is on... what happened to Daisy?
We follow Jed as he tries to keep his life together with a very dysfunctional family, Daisy's mom, some interesting secondary characters and his own personal demons to haunt him. In some ways we get closure, but not enough. This is More...
We follow Jed as he tries to keep his life together with a very dysfunctional family, Daisy's mom, some interesting secondary characters and his own personal demons to haunt him. In some ways we get closure, but not enough. This is More...
Mar 12, 2010
Maria
rated it:
I must admit I got this for free on Amazon (Kindle edition), otherwise i probably would have never gotten. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it. I enjoyed this coming of age story told from a young man's perspective (any insight into the male brain is always welcomed). I especially liked the questions that he raises as he starts to develop his own spirituality. I love that we are introduced to a menagerie of characters that serve as spiritual examples for this
More...
Jun 03, 2009
Deanne
rated it:
This was a good book until about 3/4 of the way through. I enjoyed the lyrical prose, but it got to be a bit much when there were at least two comparative phrases per page. I can only read that something was like something else so many times before it gets annoying. Near the end of the book, I counted the word "like" at least 5 times on 2 pages. There are so many other ways to get a point across and I felt that the author gave up near the end - which made me feel like just putting it d
More...
Mar 13, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
"Daisy Chain" by Mary E. Demuth is a coming of age tale about family secrets. It is one of those books that I just could not put down! It centers around the disappearance of a little girl named Daisy. The main character is her best friend, Jed. The story unfolds and you find out the secret his family is hiding while the mystery of this little girl's disappearance is explored.
The book is very honest and hard to read at times because of it's honesty. Jed's father is th More...
Mar 12, 2011
Angela
rated it:
Anyone who has experienced the painful disappearance of a child, or who are devastated by stories in the news, will be profoundly moved by this story about a small, southern community that is horrified by Daisy's disappearance. The cast of quirky and troubled characters make up the story about Jed's search for Daisy while praying for courage to stand up to his father's rages and abuse.
Raw emotions are laid open on every page that makes this story so gripping. Each chapter draws you into t More...
Raw emotions are laid open on every page that makes this story so gripping. Each chapter draws you into t More...
May 24, 2009
Ruth
rated it:
One reason I like Christian fiction is that the books are usually light happy reads, and everything wraps up with a bow at the end. That may not be indicative of a sophisticated reader, but it is me. I read for entertainment and generally speaking, I choose happy books. Daisy Chain is not a happy book.
Daisy Chain is the story of Daisy, the daughter of a single mother, and her best friend Jed Pepper. They live in the town of Deliverance, Texas and in 1977 they are thirteen years old. He is More...
Daisy Chain is the story of Daisy, the daughter of a single mother, and her best friend Jed Pepper. They live in the town of Deliverance, Texas and in 1977 they are thirteen years old. He is More...
Aug 12, 2009
Linda
rated it:
My review of Daisy Chain: A young teenage girl is abducted and her friend, Jed, thinks it's his fault. It's also the story of Jed's home life--something of which is less than desirable. The book details who could be behind the disappearance of Daisy Chance. It keeps you guessing and grieving both her abduction and Jed's life. It opens your eyes to the dangers and difficulties of life. At first, I was disappointed in the way it was summed up in the ending, only to realize what the story wa
More...
Jan 04, 2011
Julia
rated it:
Long and slow...I listened to this on audiobook on a roadtrip, and I was disappointed after spending $19 for the audiobook. It's supposed to be suspensful, and you would think that there would be a good twist or ending that makes you think....wow! But....no....just leaves you totally frustrated that you listened to this book for over 15 hours with nothing to show for it. It is a faith based story...about grace and forgiveness. The main character in the story is a 14 year old preacher's kid...
More...
Mar 28, 2010
Elaine
rated it:
I have this in Kindle and in book format.
First in the Defiance Texas Trilogy
He knew he had to get home to dinner or risk the rage of his father, Hap. Therefore, he didn't walk his friend Daisy home and she's now gone missing. For that Jed blames himself. His father the preacher doesn't waste an opportunity in telling him he's worthless. Hap is physically as well as verbally abusive to his family while being the picture of the perfect saint to his "flock." J More...
First in the Defiance Texas Trilogy
He knew he had to get home to dinner or risk the rage of his father, Hap. Therefore, he didn't walk his friend Daisy home and she's now gone missing. For that Jed blames himself. His father the preacher doesn't waste an opportunity in telling him he's worthless. Hap is physically as well as verbally abusive to his family while being the picture of the perfect saint to his "flock." J More...
May 11, 2009
Donna
rated it:
I heard one time that from the first page, a good writer grabs you by the throat and doesn't let the reader go. Mary DeMuth does this effectively in Daisy Chain. Right from the start when a little girl goes missing, the tension builds. The mystery of her disappearance intertwines with the coming-of-age story about Jed, a 14-year old boy who saw Daisy last. To say Mary writes multi-dimensional characters would be an understatement. No person is ever painted black or white, good or evil, but with
More...
Feb 25, 2009
Tina
rated it:
Daisy Chain is Mary E. DeMuth's masterpiece so far. Where her first two novels were lyrical in style, I found the prose in Daisy Chain to be quietly haunting and sophisticated. While I could hardly put it down, Daisy Chain isn't a book a reader wants to plunge through in one day. This is a book to savor. There is too much to learn and explore for a quick read and I found I wanted to take my time with the characters.
As in her earlier works, DeMuth's characters are youthful with a so More...
As in her earlier works, DeMuth's characters are youthful with a so More...
Aug 01, 2011
Janette
rated it:
Daisy Chain reminded me of a combination of two juvenile books--Bridge to Teribithia, and Because of Winn Dixie. The setting was in the south, and the year 1977. I had to keep reminding myself of the year because the events kept me thinking it was at least 20 years prior to that, as far as the family life and attitudes of the individuals. The relationship between Jed and Daisy and their childhood play was similar to Bridge to Teribithia. There is also a preacher with a substance abusing wife, an
More...
Jan 30, 2011
Chellz
rated it:
This book is one of the most wonderful books ever written. The storyline cathes the readers attention right from the beginning. In a way the story starts from the very first page, unlike many other books where they beat around the bush and the excitement starts from the middle. This is a must read for sure. It is not shallow or completely unbelievable like loads of other books. It is very detailed and well written. Definitely a favoutite of mine!
Sep 10, 2010
Margaret
rated it:
This look at domestic abuse within the church, as told through the eyes of a young adolescent boy, is powerful and gripping. I hate the convention of ending the story without ending the story that is popular in Christian fiction these days. I also see something stereotypical about who are the "good guys" and the "bad guys" in the story. However, the fact that we are all sinners and the place of grace is well illustrated. The topic is difficult and painful and real. I'm l
More...
