Where Daffodils Bloom

by Leya Delray

“If she stopped now, she might still be able to pick up the pieces and live that nice, safe life she’d always wanted. But after today…”

In a tiny town on the coast of Lancashire, Lily Brown is trying to hold her life together. With England in the throes of World War II, her alcoholic father a prisoner overseas, and her mother struggling to make ends meet, she is convinced that marrying her wealthy suitor is the best way to take care of the family.

Until a blue-eyed American soldier turns her world upside-down.

Based on a true story, this beautifully researched biographical novel follows Lily’s journey as she finds herself torn between the country she loves and the man who has stolen her heart. Haunted by childhood memories, afraid of putting aside her own plans, and faced with a future nothing like what she expected, will she find the courage to forge a new life in America?

Or will she let her fears—and the past she can’t let go of—destroy her chance for happiness with the man who adores her?





Leya Delray has captured my parents’ personalities as if she knew them her entire life. Using family stories and historical research, she has created a novel that is completely captivating. I’m so excited about this book!
—Sharon Crenshaw, Daughter


I felt transported back in time. An incredible and factual piece of writing.
—Kathy Matthews, Niece


I grew up with these stories and know them by heart. Yet from the moment I read the first chapter, I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough! A stunning job indeed.
—Susan Sproles, Daughter

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Romance, Christian, Historical Romance, Adult Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Leya Delray is the internationally bestselling author of the biographical novel "Where Daffodils Bloom."

As a historical reenactor for almost 20 years, she has spent countless hours bringing history to life. With a passion for research and the heart of a storyteller, she loves giving her readers the chance to experience not only a rousing story, but the feeling that they have truly stepped into another era.

Delray lives with her husband in a cabin originally built in the 1840's, where she has a beautiful view of the Appalachian foothills, and a yard full of daffodils in the spring. She loves chocolate, hot tea, old books, and long walks in the sunshine.

"Where Daffodils Bloom", her debut novel, was recognized as as an honorable mention in the 28th Annual Writers Digest Self Publishing Awards.

Find out more about Leya and check out her blog at www.leyadelray.com
Or follow her on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leyadelray.a...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leyadelray/

Reviews

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Review:

Whoa. Just ... whoa.

This is an incredible story ... and it's even more incredible because great portions of it are true! Full review to come! I need paperback nowwwWWWWwww!

And another spoiler for content which I will also forget:

Super clean! Kisses, of course, but not a single one described in detail, and none just randomly for the thrill or whatever. Natural attraction between a couple, but again, super clean and tasteful. A couple mentions of girls trying to attract inappropriate attention to themselves, which was again tasteful, as well as a married woman trying to convince a married man to have an affair with her (again, tasteful).

I can't wait to tell you more!!! I stayed up until 4:00 AM reading it, haha - I just had to finish! And now I'm going to go die!!

EDITED TO SAY: THE COVERRRRRRR I NEEEDDDDD!!!

The Official Review:

I couldn't put this book down! It was just so ... well, so amazing! I literally cannot wait for the next book the author puts out! I hope she writes another about WW2 - or something similar, at any rate. It was just. so. good.

I think the writing style was part of it. It made sense, and was a great mix of fun and emotional (e.g. my kind of story).

Another big part was the theme. It was, well, beautiful. I rarely see someone teach faith and trust (in God, in your husband, etc.) in such a clear, decisive manner - but without being too preachy. It was taught through the characters' characters, good and bad, their mannerisms, and what they did - as any good theme is! Forgiveness was also a big theme.

One of my favorite characters was definitely the hero. He was just such a great guy! A Southern American who likes to have fun, to get AWOL to meet his lady fair, etc. I LOVED his devotion to Lily ... and his steadfastness ... and basically everything about him.

I wasn't sure what to think about Lily at several points. She sometimes seemed rather selfish or petty - but I guess I wouldn't act any better if I were put through the situations she was. Probably worse, actually. ;) But in the end, I ended up liking her.

Overall, the story was well-constructed, gripping, emotional, amusing, and a fantastic look into a real-life story that was frankly amazing! I loved all the little twists and turns and the deepness of the characters' development and just ... wow. Everything. Such a good story!

Thanks for letting me read it, Leya! It was a huge blessing - and like I said, I was up until 4 AM with this book!

~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

[Elsie Stoltzfus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Daffodils Bloom is a delight to read! It made me laugh and it made me cry. It felt so real! I loved every moment of it, and would highly recommend it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of life, love and commitment of an English war bride and an American soldier. Based on a true story it tells of their personal struggles to be together during and after WWII. Recommended read for all who think they know all about what love really is.

[Joy Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book and I've read it twice now!

[Elaine Nickolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
This story was based on the real-life couple, Freddie and Lily Overall. The tale begins in England, during WWII. Freddie is an American serviceman and Lily is a young English girl. Lily has a rich boyfriend already, one who is capable of getting things that are not available because of shortages or rationing. Lilys family is scraping by, and life would be so much easier for them once Lily marries Paul, the Englishman.
One evening, while attending a dance with her friends, Lily meets Freddie. This is where the story takes off. What makes a good marriage? Would you be able to leave your home and travel hundreds of miles away, leaving your entire family and all you knew? She cares deeply for Paul, but is it love?
The war is raging, and decisions have to be weighed carefully. Will the decision she makes last? Can she cope with changes and all the mental baggage she carries from her family and the disfunction she has experienced.
All in all, a decent story and an enjoyable read.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book to listen to! I laughed and cried and felt as if i were on the journey. I also love that it's a true story! Very well written and enjoyable.

[Bo Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This story is so incredible you almost can't believe it's true, yet the details ring with an authenticity that only comes from an author who has done her research, and Leya Delray certainly has. Fred and Lily's story is in turns sweet, passionate, and heart-wrenchingly emotional.

My only complaint with the book is the frequent time-jumps. Months and even years flit by between chapters with no explanation of what happened between, and while I know the author was constrained by the bounds of real life's events, it did leave me with unanswered questions (mainly because I was so caught up in the character's lives!). Overall a solid historical story and stunning debut novel!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read books that have great reviews and also read the ones who people wrote who did not like the book. I read this and thought it would have been better because of the reviews. Two people meet and fall in love during WWII. After I read it, I wish I had not read it. The future husband seemed pretty immature but he loved Lily. I think she had to put up with a lot when they finally got married and lived in America.
This is a true story and there was a lot of telling instead of showing. I had no idea what they did in Georgia after leaving FL. I do think maybe life was tough in the times but I do not think their life ever baca me easy. I wish I had read another book but will start on it now.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most delightful reads of this year--I enjoyed every bit of it. A fine tale of romance, broken ordinary lives, and steadfast commitment. Best of all it's based on a true WWII story, and the writing is top-notch quality!

It's hard to put down, and is up there with other compelling WWII books like "War In The Wasteland" by Douglas Bond and "Paris Underground" by Etta Shiber.

[Brittney Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, do yourself a favor, and do not listen to this on audiobook. The narrator does a terrible job of imitating an American accent. Floridians do not even have accents. I really like the premise of this, as I think the idea of being a war bride is interesting. I really got into it when she moved to Florida and was having to deal with all the obstacles like living with her brother and his promiscuous wife, and having to live without a roof over her head. Other than that, though, I just really didn’t get invested in them. I didn’t really see the attraction between them or the chemistry. It seemed like she didn’t really care that much for him any more than she did Paul. I mean obviously this is a true story so she must’ve been in love with him, but I’m just saying that the writer did not portray this very convincingly. I just found myself so frustrated with Freddy through the whole thing. Like why are you bringing her back to America when you can’t even provide her with a roof over her head?

[Marta Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet read!

This is actually a sweet true story, which is not fully divulged until the end unless I missed it. The addition of the pictures at the end were very interesting.

[Christine H · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main reason I read this book is because it is based on true events. I enjoyed learning about war brides and the sacrifices made on account of true love. The book is not an exciting book but one that details the emotional aspects that women endured when their husbands or future husbands were away at war. Months and years would go by without a word, yet their commitment to one another and love stood the test of time, something that is rarely seen in the era we currently live.

[Marilyn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not "just a book"

I'm not a big fan of reading on Kindle, but my supply of books had run out. I'd been reading a lot of historical fiction and World War 2. I'm still not sure how this book caught my attention, but it did. Then I didn't get to reading it for another few weeks! I started it one afternoon and finished it after dinner.....loved the story Loved the characters nd it wasn't until I reached the end and saw photos that I realized it was a true story! That made it even more delightful! I won't see daffodils without thinking of my new 'friends'! I won't at anything more except READ IT.....you won't be disappointed!

[Jody Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love story, full of ups and downs, that demonstrate God's love and care in our lives. It would be an unbelievable account of a family's life, if it wasn't a based on a true story! The best part is the notes at the end that include pictures of the characters as well as what was true in the story and what was the author's creativity.

[Cambria Stockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! Didn’t love the audio.. the English woman doing Southern male accents just didn’t work but other than that, I absolutely loved it.

[Lacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Based on a True Story of Courage and Commitment" is one of the most overblown taglines I have seen in a long time. This is a book about a marriage and it takes place largely after WWII. The only role WWII plays is that is when the couple meet. It's a book about a rather boring and unremarkable marriage. The couple, as portrayed, seem incompatible and nothing about that changes (though IRL they stay together their whole lives so they obviously made it work).

I began to suspect a little ways into this book that it was self-published by one of the children of this couple (it's not but it might as well be). It's filled with typos as well as substantive errors (using "eschew" when the author means "askew" and noting the chapter date as "three months later" when it's actually supposed to be "three YEARS later"). There's nothing compelling or interesting about the characters or the story. They don't exhibit much growth or self-reflection. It reads like a collection of family anecdotes that are probably quite charming if you are part of the family and dull if you are not.

[Emock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. While the story isn't gripping in a typical page-turner sense... it is true to life and had me saying, "Yes! Yes, that's how it is."
I adored the relationship between the two main characters. Thank you for featuring more than just their early romance. I appreciate watching a marriage change and having a peek at more than just the "happily after."
This is so much more than just a romance story, it is about how to forgive, grow, and embrace the unexpected twists of life that are sure to come.

The characters are so well developed, even for secondary figures we have a three dimensional characterization. The leading man is charismatic, funny, and charming. We couldn't help but love him just as our heroine does. She is everything we are and in her story we find confidence to step out and embark on our own unexpected life.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love Story even against all odds

Fred and Lily's love for each other was tried and tested over and over! From their meeting in England in WWII to finally bringing his wife and son home to America. How Lily coped with her new country and how resilient real love is between two people! This is the true story of Fred and Lily and their families. I thank Leya Delray for capturing the struggles of the times following WWII through the lives of this beautiful couple. So many life lessons in this book.

[Anne Fallon · Rating 2 out of 5]

even though based on a true story, and set to be a ww2 novel, this was a thin love story , I actually found it hard to finish

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Such a wonderful and beautiful story of love & commitment!
I did not want the book to end. Looking forward to more books by Leya Delray!

[Rachel Van niekerk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Loved the story line. A sweet true love story. Recommend for those who enjoy WWII nonfiction. Nothing else to add.

[Jean Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Where the Daffodils Bloom'', is a different kind of romance. That is a good thing for my reading preference. The characters are real and multifaceted. At the end of the book, there are actual pictures of the various family members. Lily and Freddie meet about the time she is ready to say 'yes' to her wealthy beau. She has it all figured out. Paul is a nice man, who frequently gives her nice gifts. He gives her a dozen pairs of nylons. She even gives her sisters some of them. The family is pleased with the generosity. Many of her friends paint their legs and even a back seam that never gets crooked. She is mortified when Ruth explains Lily is painting her legs and she will be ready when her legs dry. Wasn't Paul thoughtful to realize nylons would be a perfect gift. Paul really understood how those painted hose were a real problem, when on the way home in the rain the paint makes a mess of her legs. She can really see marrying this man. Imagine how nice it will be when she can buy her sisters wonderful gifts. But Paul seems to be losing his patience with her brushing him off when he talks of getting serious. He left this past week to go to a business meeting for her fathers company. Next time this won't happen. When he gets home he gives her a necklace that sparkles with real diamonds. On the weekend, she expects him to drop by, but when she hears a knock at the door, she is all ready, even wearing her new necklace. Standing at the door is Freddie holding a wildflower bouquet. While looking for a vase, there is another knock. Paul stands there holding a vase of flowers. Lily doesn't know what to do. Freddie is doing well talking to Paul. They decide that since each is vying for Lily's attention they will go on a triple date. Lily was expecting a proposal, but that won't happen. Freddie is full of fun and relaxed on this date and the three actually have a good date. I won't give a spoiler, but the reader can watch these three as they vie for her hand. What adventures will they have in their lives. Will any of them have a lasting marriage. What kind of advise will Lily's mother give. Does just trusting God work? Mom can hardly talk. They are poor and her dad is a drunk. Maybe planning your life is wiser. She wants to be in charge of how things work out. Where will Lily plant the daffodils she receives from her mother, as a wedding gift. Will she be able to get them to grow?

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rebel Christian does not review works of non-fiction, but this is a different case. Where Daffodils Bloom is a fictional retelling of a true story that occurs during WWII. When I first got a copy of this book, I immediately fell in love with the cover—its absolutely beautiful and has such an eerily accurate display of both the beauty and the tragedy in this book. Besides the cover, I have to acknowledge the well-crafted writing and Delray’s ability to fully immerse the audience in not just another era but another person’s life entirely.

Realizing that this story was true added so much more emotion to it. Suddenly, every gasping moment brought on chills, every heart-racing scene made sweat bubble the back of my neck—there is such a difference in reading something you know came from the author’s mind versus something you know actually happened.

In doing a little research on this book, I was very pleased to find out this story was strikingly similar to the actual lives and events of the characters during that time period. It’s one thing to present an entertaining version of a true story, but to truly captivate the reality of someone’s life while presenting a pleasing tale to readers is impressive. Delray was able to draw in readers by keeping a strong connection to the true story and characters—this was probably the best aspect of the book but what I enjoyed most was the detail and description.

I was not alive during WWII; I don’t find it difficult to imagine what life would have been like at that time, but Delray makes it that much easier. You feel transported back in time to a period that is undoubtedly full of death and despair, but the fires of hell do not overtake the beauty behind this piece. Take your time with this book, get to know the characters as real people who had hopes, dreams, and love; enjoy your time finding the light in this dark era—finding where the daffodils bloom. See what I did there?

Overall, if you enjoy historical fiction or biographies you will certainly love this piece. Fans of drama and romance will want to grab a copy, but this will be most appreciated by Christian readers.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Daffodils Bloom : Based on The True Story of Courage and Commitment during WWII. is by Leya Delray. I have to say that I failed to read the subtopic on the title and discovered at the end of the book that this was a true story. I was pleasantly surprised and quickly reviewed the book in my head to make it a biography in my memories. By writing this book in this particular manner, it opened the reader to a number of inaccuracies. For example, when the kids were at their grandparents’, it was no problem since they lived next door. Whether fiction or biography, the book itself was excellent. It caught my attention so well that I finished it at 2;30 AM! Who in the world could go to sleep leaving Lily in a bind!
Lily lived in London with her Mother and Father, one brother, and three sisters. As the oldest, Lily was rushing to meet Paul at the cinema. She running late; but she knew Paul would wait. Paul was exempt from the war due to his work for his Father. He was also wealthy and loved to spend money on Lily. In her mind, she had both of us will cooperate with him. Before she could taste her tea, her little sister ran in with news that made her leave and run home with her sister. Luckily it was good news. Their brother had written from the war camp he was held. At least he was alive and so far, well.
The next night, Lily’s life went in another direction when she met American soldier, Freddie Brown. It seemed to be love at first bite; and she went with him. She was with him the last two years of the war until he was sent to the South Pacific. Now she waited again.
Her life with Freddie wasn’t what she had hoped for; but she stuck by him in Canada as well as Florida. Their trials and triumphs were both celebrated with love.
The book was really good and left you feeling enriched and loved yourself.

[Patricia Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the last year of the WWII and Lily lives in a town in England where Americans have arrived to help the Allies in the war, among them Freddie. Lily knows she will soon marry Paul, a very wealthy and kind boy who is madly in love with her. She will then be able to help her family who barely makes ends meet. Her father and one brother are far away fighting. When Freddie sets his eyes on her, he immediately knows this is the girl for her, and Lily also feels something she has never felt before. The problem is that he is poor and lives in America. For me, the most interesting part of the book is asking the questions: who would you marry? A wealthy and kind boy in love with you and who lives in your country or a poor boy in love with you who lives on the other side of the ocean? If you had asked me this questions many years ago, I would go for the poor one. Now, I would definitely use my head and go for the wealthy one. This is a difficult choice Lily will have to make, as it will mark her whole life and, to a certain extent, that of her family. In the end, I did not like completely the character of the boy she chose. I would have expected more from him and wouldn't have been able to live with him. A novel based on real life.

[Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by Leya Delray is another WWII story based on a true story of courage and commitment. Lily Brown lives on the coast of Lancashire. Her father, an alcoholic and a man she fears is a POW overseas and her mother is struggling to keep the family on some sort of financial footing. Lily is being courted by a wealthy young man, but Lily cannot bring her self to make a commitment to him even though she knows it will solve the family's financial problems. She and her sister plan to go to a local dance where there will be American soldiers. Lily warns her sister to not get involved with one of the soldiers, then she spots Fred, a soldier with 'the bluest eyes she's ever seen.' The competition is on between Fred and the local suitor. In time she is forced to make a choice ..... and on the story goes. This is a beautifully researched biographical novel and won the praise of the 'real' Lily's two daughters.

[Hindley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this book never quite felt real to me, and I found them to be rather distant vessels like how characters are written in fairytales. Lily, the protagonist, oscillated between being a vanilla Mary Sue with no distinguishing attributes and an ungrateful, unempathetic character with no redeemable qualities. I do not dislike historical fiction with romantic plots, except for in cases when the characters are underdeveloped in favor of a focus on the unfolding events. I find the plot suffers when the character development is lacking. How does one buy into romantic tension and how does one get excited about relationship milestones if the characters do not feel real? I wanted to enjoy this book more but unfortunately it was not immersive, which was disappointing because the book summary hooked me. I give it three stars because it did contain a few historical details I enjoyed reading about, such as painting on stockings and the way automobiles worked back then.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A post WWII book set in England and America.
The war is over but the struggles remain. Lily wants to help her family as much as she can. Her father is , an abusive alcoholic who is missing. Her brother Robert is in a prisoner of war camp. She has an older sister and two younger sisters. Her mother remains loyal and devoted to God.
The older girls share a fancy dress to wear to dances and make lines on their legs for stockings. It’s at the dance that Lily meets an American soldier with the bluest eyes and kindest face Freddie.
This is a true story with some fictional characters tossed in.
Freddie is determined to marry Lily even though she has a rich boyfriend who gave her a diamond necklace.
Their story is full of laughter, uncertainty, prayers and separations. Freddie risked his career every time he sneaks out of the military camp to spend time with Lily.
Their love is strong and inspirational.

[mrsbarronreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book I was so hooked and would've given it 4 stars easily but then the second half of the book came and it just wasn't as good. I get that it was based off of a true story but the female character really needed to suck it up and stop being such a pompous, whiny brat. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it either. I think some will think it's a 5 star book and others will think it's a 1 star book. Also, not to be a grammar nazi but goodness who is editing these books?! This books grammar errors aren't nearly as bad as some I have attempted to read but I still feel like misspelling or misplacing words should be an easy enough thing to catch before you have a book published.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow going at the beginning but then towards the middle I started to get involved in the story..It got even better from there and I couldn't put it down...The author did a great job with all the twists and turns of the plot and with the personalities of the characters, based on a true story..

What a lovely surprise at the end of the book to find lots of pictures of the real people in the story..I really enjoyed looking at them and learning about what happened later in life to just about everyone in the book...

I could really feel the frustrations, the pain and the fears of all the characters, as well as the love...Sometimes I didn't care for Lily but she did not have it easy and I could identify, eventually, with why she was the way she was..Definitely 5 *****..