Friendship on Fire

Danielle is credited with being the editor of her university's magazine as well as being president of her graduating class.

Her writing encompasses the modern young adult and the difficulties of growing up in an unapologetic, competitive world. Danielle hopes this book will delight and satisfy the reader's imagination.

Danielle is attached to a loving husband, who is the funniest and most patient person she's met. She is owned by a very affectionate ranga cat named Toppy.

Danielle also has a passion for Redskins.

Published in Australia by Sid Harta Publishers Pty Ltd, 

ABN: 46 119 415 842

23 Stirling Crescent, Glen Waverley, Victoria 3150 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9560 9920, Facsimile: +61 3 9545 1742

E-mail: [email protected]

First published in Australia January 2011

This edition published March 2011

Copyright © Danielle Weiler 2011

Cover design, typesetting: Chameleon Print Design

The right of Danielle Weiler to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to that of people living or dead are purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without  a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Digital Edition Published By

Port Campbell Press

www.portcampbellpress.com.au

ISBN: 978-1-74298-045-4 (Epub)

“Here's a tale all teenagers should read. It tells it like it is”.

—Tony Berry, author and editor

“As the novel progresses, readers will soon get to know the loveable Daisy and live through the daily dramas of teenage life. There is a lesson for us all in this book as well…sometimes, we don't always clearly see what has always been right in front of us. I loved this well written and engaging story that is bound to appeal to a wide teenage audience. The characters are realistic; the teenage angst and feelings of isolation and uncertainty are real; and the storyline is such that it is an easy read but does cover more complex young adult issues. All in all, this novel shows the potential of a young author who is ready to take her writing to a whole new level. This novel perfectly captures a teenager's perspective of how confusing their everyday lives can really be - well written and engaging, Daisy, the main character is a real winner.”

—John Morrow's Pick of the Week

“In
Friendship on Fire
Danielle Weiler skilfully uses her own experience as a young teacher, in tune with her students' emotional highs and lows, to develop a character beyond the usual frothy romantic types typical of the chick lit genre. Daisy is feisty, vulnerable, and often inept. It is easy for her target audience to empathise with her. She has many qualities and faults teenage girls would recognise in themselves. Danielle Weiler writes with empathy and humour. Her descriptions of many of the background characters, for example the intriguingly named ‘Mr Head' the headmaster, will cause many a chuckle.
Friendship on Fire
is a fast paced page turner, and while we may suspect it will be a happy ending there are sufficient twists and turns to make it less predictable than expected. Ms Weiler also cleverly conveys a deeper message: there is life after Year 12!”

—Christine McCaffrie, Author,
The Janus Illusion
, Sid Harta, Melbourne, 2010

“It's (
Friendship on Fire
) an interesting dissection of someone's final year of school, and packs a lot of messages and life lessons … A great voice and sensational read.”

—Steph Bowe, YA author of
‘Girl Saves Boy'
2010

“The author writes about what she knows best - high school teenagers. Weiler is a high school history teacher and is a born writer. This story is about high school kids and their daily lives as they tread the minefield of sex, friendships and relationships. What sets this book apart from many similar attempts is that Weiler “gets it”. The teenagers portrayed are not cliched - they are true characters. Definitely a book that teenagers will enjoy. It's full of fun, friendship, angst and positivity. This writer has started her path to a writing career in youth fiction that few master.”

—Wendy O'Hanlon,
Acres Australia

“Captivating and real, this book reflects the social and moral turmoil found by all teens. A fantastic read.”

—Gavin Williams, secondary school principal

“
Friendship on Fire
has what all good novels should have: a tight storyline that keeps you turning the pages, and characters you can (and do) believe in - and care about, even after you have finished reading. Its topical immediacy and the refreshing honesty of its portrayal of the emotional world of young adults makes it a pleasure to read, even at its most painful points. I particularly like the light touches of humour that could so easily have been killed by a heavier hand (cue Principal Richard Head!), and the way that the characters kept surprising me with their depth and complexity.”

—Associate Professor Daniel Reynaud, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Avondale College.

“A witty coming of age story that portrays an intuitive insight into the realities of teenagers today, with experiences to relate to and drama that will keep the reader hooked.”

—Larissa, 24, English teacher

“I loved it. It is easy to read and understand. Funny, sad, romantic and everything else. Some great twists in the story. Almost perfect the way it is.”

—Tyler, 17, student

“I LOVE IT! I couldn't put it down. I need more. What happens in Daisy's future? The author is honestly a brilliantly talented writer, this book is amazing!”

—Innika, 17, student

“The characters have great depth and are explained fully and the storyline is addictive once you get started. I wish there was a sequel!”

—Hannah, 17, student

“The author was very mysterious, not telling us what was going on. It was frustrating, but good. I found Daisy irritating because she reminded me of myself a whole lot. It was weird how much I could relate to her story.”

—Amber, 17, student

“This story keeps the reader guessing. There are heaps of different issues/ layers and problems to deal with. The reader has to keep thinking - how will the characters solve this? The author is very good with timelines and structure within the school year - it gives perspective and is detailed.”

—Rachael, 19, office worker

“There are so many different storylines going on: the boys, the sex, the bitches, the teachers/head of school, family. Daisy is a girl you can relate to; we've been there. It's great how the poems have been integrated into the story - it gives the reader a better comprehension of what's going on inside, and gives the reader a change to let their creative juices flow.”

—Rachel, 18, student

“This girl (Daisy) is struggling with identity and belonging. The whole time Daisy is supported by her family, especially her brothers even if it seems like they don't care sometimes. THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK!”

—Konrad, 18, student

“After reading the first chapter of
Friendship on Fire
I thought, wow, has someone been spying on me? This book tells the very realistic story of a teenage girl who is trying to balance school, work, friends, family and a new boyfriend. Through day-to-day life she experiences the typical emotions all of us feel, but finds in her a new strength. There is the embarrassing dad, attractive bad boy, lost friend, loving grandmother or a scenario we can all relate to. It's not a fairytale but doesn't disappoint for those who want a happy ending.”

—Kristina, 19, office worker

“This book is funny, witty and a joy to read. It provides insight and comic relief for teens as it explores friendships and relationships. For the ‘young at heart' it will also bring back memories and allow some reminiscing of the issues experienced through high school and the journey into young adulthood.”

—Stacey, 27, business analyst

“I liked how Daisy, naive as she was, wanted the love story, and she was getting it from the new, dark man in her life, but not from Roman. I liked how everyday stresses of school life were present: bullying, the backstabbing best friend, partying, which anyone can remember from their own school life. It is everyday life situations, but it's constructed to be interesting. I like that it's got a happy ending, and Daisy gets her prince charming in the end, and he
literally
fought for her.”

—Casey, 26, housewife

“
Friendship on Fire
is a brilliantly written novel, and if it was my choice I would put it right on top of the best sellers list! I loved the romance and every time something romantic happened I would feel really warm. Also the key to the book I thought was the comedy, and cheekiness. I loved it! This book is one of the best books I have read in a long time.”

—Marian, 13, student

“
Friendship on Fire
is the best book I've ever read! The way the author writes the story, it makes you feel like you're actually in the book, like it's a film. I love, love, love the book!”

—Megan, 16, student

“The book is awesome! The ending was epic! I really did love it.”

—Gaby, 14, student

“I think this book is fantastic, you get into it more and more with every page. It really hits the spot about how a teenager feels and what they go through in the norm. Personally, I think its a great book for all ages!”

—Steph, 14, student

“The words in the book flow amazingly. I loved all the different characters and how they interacted with each other. I liked the way that each character has a secret story and all their different personalities.”

—Amy, 13, student

“The author completely understands what goes on in high-schoolers' heads. I like the way situations are described, it makes you feel like you were there and understand what Daisy is feeling. Every time Daisy makes an embarrassing mistake or humiliates herself you find yourself wincing. This really flows well and is easy to read.”

—Naomi, 26, primary teacher

“The thing I like best about the book is that I can relate to how the main character is feeling, and how she is real - in that she still makes mistakes. The author is really good at describing the places and the things that happen, and it makes the story come to life!”