‘Among the Poppies’: A Special and Unique Historical Romance
STORY | As the horrors of war spread across England, tomboy Gwyn Ruthers is ready to do her part. Only unlike most of the proper ladies she’s met, content to do their bit from home, Gwyn wants to be closer to the day in and day out battle. Learning manners has been a part of Gwyn’s life as the daughter of a wealthy family’s chauffeur, but now she’s ready to use what she learns from her father to good use; she joins a female ambulance unit in France.
Just before she leaves, she meets Captain William Crawford, a handsome man who Gwyn is sure is meant to be courting the woman Gwyn grew up with, but who she most certainly is not of the same social class as. As war rages, the threat of death, injuries and broken hearts threaten their lives, all in the most unexpected of ways…
Among the Poppies by J’Nell Ciesielski | Book Review
REVIEW | Contrary to what its genre and time period would suggest, there’s something about WWII era novels that suits all “obligatory” historical fiction feelings in my reader self. If there’s something I see or read less than the genre in a larger capacity, it’s WWI fiction. This novel, Among the Poppies, satisfies my once-in-a-while pull towards the genre. The story inside is sure to enchant anyone who likes a solid, but romantic historical story.
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This story is set in turbulent times, but thanks to a few key factors, it has a lighthearted interpretation that cannot be ignored. There’s romance, yes, but chiefly this is due to its spunky heroine. Gwyn is impossible not to like. She’s fun, feisty and even if it is because circumstances dictate, fierce. Getting to know her through the work she does as an ambulance driver is interesting as is the fact that this inspires a bit of adventure in the prose, and there’s an unexpected detour that Gwyn and company must go through that a reader does not anticipate. But the end result is things turn out ok. Plus, any adversity should have a purpose, and her, everything feels authentic to the story.
There’s also an interesting contrast between Gwyn and our hero, William, a man who doesn’t deserve to be forgotten. In fact, he’s one of my most favorite heroes of recent reads (and by “recent,” I mean I read this last May or… maybe June). He’s noble and protective in all the best ways. In the end, Among the Poppies is a wonderful read. It’s got a story that’s sure to grip your heart.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: J’Nell Ciesielski
Publisher: Smitten Historical Romance
Publication Date: 2018
Source: Kindle
Genre: Fiction; Contemporary YA Romance
Find the Book Elsewhere: Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★
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