Daisy Newman (1904–1994)

Diligence in Love is Daisy Newman’s first Kendal Novel; these novels take place in the imaginary Quaker town of Kendal, Rhode Island and the surrounding area. Although this book was first published in 1951 before the modern feminist movement, a main character is New Yorker Vaughn Hill, a very ambitious woman who is trying to get ahead in an unethical advertising firm, often putting her work ahead of her husband, son, and daughter. Her experience with the company illustrates bad business show more ethics, particularly dishonesty in advertising, age discrimination in the workplace, and sexual favors. Vaughn and her husband Denis Hill look into their lives and decide to visit a rural Quaker community after Vaughn experiences being with Quakers when researching the Underground Railroad to use in an advertisement.

Quaker life and values are clearly described through the Quakers whom Vaughn and later the rest of her family meet.

I had trouble relating to Vaughn during most of the book. show less

I've been looking for this book since I read it in a Readers Digest Condesnsed book in the early 70's. The story is of a young couple being pressured into an elegant wedding, who only want to have a quiet ceremony, but don't know how or why.

Serenity goes to visit her Quaker relatives and finds the peace she has been looking for. When I first read this, I related so much to the young couple wanting to go their own way. I so wanted the peace they were looking for. 30 years later, I still show more enjoyed the story, but felt more connected to the older couple, Oliver caring for his wife Daphne who has been crippled by a stroke. Both couples had their struggles, but the peace of God's love carried them forward. show less

What one book does one share with one's parents to convince them their son or daughter has not joined a cult? For more than one new Friend, this has been the choice.

A good, readable general history of Quakers in the United States.