Book excerpt: Growing up in a family whose only interest is her older sister, a precociously talented singer, Daisy learns early on how to cope with disappointment and rejection. Strikingly attractive, Daisy is determined to break free and live life on her own terms. Then a despicable act of violence gives her no choice but to leave home. The WAAFs want recruits and Daisy, full of anticipation and trepidation, signs up. Now she can be the person she's always wanted to be - but who exactly is that? Through the dangers of the war, the raids, the heightened camaraderie, the emotional tension, Daisy comes to realise that she need not put up a front as a good-time girl or an ice-queen. But by then, it's too late for the one pilot who almost broke through her reserve...