1930, Skockando, Moray Speyside, Scotland. Violet Nash is Charlie’s daughter a World War One sniper and hero, he left France with his heart broken and found love with her mother and to have it hurt again. Here, Charlie uses his chemist skills to make and blend whisky and Violet wants to follow in her dad’s footsteps.

Considered to be outsiders, the Nash’s decide to immigrate to Tasmania, a fresh start and the weather is very similar and believe it’s the perfect place to grow and malt barley and re-establish Glen Corbie. Violet is a talented blender and distiller in her own right and she wants to be the first female in centuries to change and refine whisky industry and she has lots of ideas.

When the Second World War breaks out, the old soldier feels torn, Charlie wants to return to England and use his experience to help and this means leaving Violet behind, she’s not happy about it but understands.

Charlie returns to Reims, Champagne, where he met Sophie Méa Delancré a fifth generation champenoise, the lady who broke his heart all those years ago and here he has to face his hopes and dreams, regrets and ghosts of his youth.

I received a copy of The Soldiers Daughter by Fiona McIntosh from Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I read the previous book The Champagne War, so I was very familiar with the background, what happen and the characters.

The narrative takes the reader from Scotland, to Australia, England and France and back again, not only does Charlie show his bravery, courage and dedication, so does Violet, Sophie and her son Raphael.

I felt really emotional reading this novel, I have close ties to Scotland and the Moray area, and I learnt a lot about history and women making whisky and how life completes a full circle and just like the seasons. Five stars from me, I highly recommend for lovers of well written and character driven historical fiction.

Filled with loss and hope for the future. A historical fiction book that takes the reader on a journey of discovery about the whisky industry and immersive details of the times. I liked the characters and going on a personal adventure with them made the story come alive.

This is my first historical fiction book by Fiona McIntosh and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the story starting out in Scotland then heading overseas to Tasmania. Violets father Charlie gets stationed in France during WW2, will he find what he is looking for from his past? This book was so interesting with the dynamics of families, sadness, hope, love and loss. A great read, I loved it. Would definitely recommend this and read more from Fiona.

Fiona McIntosh's The Soldier's Daughter is a captivating journey that masterfully blends historical detail with deeply personal narratives. From the very first page, McIntosh draws you into a world on the cusp of significant change, painting a vivid picture of a young woman navigating societal expectations and the complexities of her own lineage.

The historical setting is meticulously researched and beautifully rendered, providing a rich backdrop without ever overshadowing the human drama. McIntosh has a remarkable ability to transport you to the era, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and social intricacies of the time. This attention to detail enhances the story, making the challenges and choices faced by the characters feel all the more real and impactful.

While I won't delve into specific plot points to keep this review spoiler-free, suffice it to say that the narrative unfolds with a compelling pace, offering moments of tenderness, tension, and quiet reflection. McIntosh's prose is elegant and evocative, making the reading experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, The Soldier's Daughter is a beautifully crafted historical novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate strong character-driven stories, rich historical settings, and explorations of family bonds and personal resilience. It's a poignant and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.