Can their love survive? Or will it become another casualty of war?The ideal lady wears lace, speaks quietly, and never—under any circumstances—fixes an automobile. But Gwyn Ruthers has never cared two snaps about being the ideal lady. With the war to end all wars exploding across the English Channel, she leaves behind her restrictive life as a chauffer’s daughter to serve in an all-female … serve in an all-female ambulance unit in France. She’s not about to let her social status or gender prevent her from serving her country. Not even a handsome captain can distract her from her mission. Most of the time.
Captain William Crawford wouldn’t wish the ravages of war on any man, much less the captivating woman who insists on driving into battle instead of staying safely at home. He can’t deny that the troops need more medical help, but not when it puts innocent women in danger. How can he lead his men against the Jerries while worrying about Gwyn’s safety?
Bound together by circumstances, Gwyn and William can’t stop the love growing between them. Can their relationship survive, or will it become another casualty of war?
Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar novels in this genre may be categorized as: historical romance, inspirational historical romance, christian romance, and wholesome historical romance.more
Among the Poppies transports the reader back to WW1 England and France with a realistic plot and likable characters. Excellent research is woven into the story so you learn a great deal while enjoying the experiences with the characters. I listened to the audio version and was captivated by this story.
This was a really good book. It’s not a light romance in the fact that they are completely a part of WWI and the terrible things that happen in war are included, but this was a great, gutsy heroine, a swoony hero, and not a moment of boredom
I’m not a romance reader but this one was a page turner. I loved the realistic look at WW1. I loved the gutsy heroine and that she was a chauffeur’s daughter.
Even better that this was a debut novel. There should be more to come.
The author took a common theme in WWI fiction and made it so unique and compelling that it felt as though I’d never read a story about the era at all.
Most authors would LOVE their debut novel to be even half this good.
A wonderful story of hope, perserverance and finding beauty or joy amidst trials. I listened to this as audio and the narrarotor did very well. I was able to immerse myself in the story with out the narrarator taking me out of the story. The story shares with us the sorrows & tragedies of life brought on by war & the battelfield but not in gory detail or without thought. There are hopeful moments, strong friendships and satisfying romance. With all the craziness of 2020 & 2021 I find myself reading more light hearted romcom’s. However, this author has been on my tbr and after trying Beauty Among the ruins I really wanted to try this title. The writing draws me in & keeps me there. Strong character development and flow to the story. I think the book had all the elements that makes a good story. I really felt this story deeply & immediately wanted to start The Socialite!
This book has one of my favorite moods–like a vintage movie. I can easily imagine Lily James (Downton Abbey/The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society) & Julian Ovenden (Foyle’s War/Downton Abbey) playing theses parts to perfection! An entertaining listen.
An enjoyable read in spite of the horrible reality of war that was very well depicted. A young women seeking adventure, Gwyn Ruthers sets off to France with a civilian ambulance unit. Having met Captain William Crawford in England she encounters him in France and he is intrigued with her drive and desire for pushing the limits set for the women of the time. I loved the interactions between the many characters in the story. Very well written by J’nell Ciesielski.
Ciesielski’s debut WWI novel presents interesting, spunky characters and authentic settings. She’s done her research on the period and the dire conditions people faced at the front. Her characters are authentic, slightly flawed, but always aiming to serve in the causes they believe important. I appreciated the way the author demonstrated how the characters changed and matured as a result of their experiences. The romance builds, and the story flowed well bringing it to a believable conclusion.
Gwynevere Ruthers is the daughter of a chauffeur who loves to drive and aspires to be a pilot (which is something, given Among the Poppies starts in 1915, only a decade since the Wright Brothers first flew). Her fellow nurse, Cecelia Hale, is the daughter of her father’s employer, but the two are friends despite their difference in status.
But Gwyn’s desire to fly must wait, because there is a war on.
She’s trained in first aid and knows motor vehicles inside out. Surely someone will want those skills …
Captain William Crawford believes women have no place on the battlefield. Especially not women like the lovely Cecilia Hale, and her friend Gwyn. But he has a job to do, and there aren’t enough men so it’s inevitable there will soon be female nurses on the battlefield, including both Miss Hale and Miss Ruthers.
Yes, there is going to be trouble. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles, as they usually mean an innocent person is going to lose through no fault of their own. Among the Poppies doesn’t make this mistake, but … no spoilers! You’ll have to read this for yourself.
I’ve read other romance novels set in this era, but none set on or near the actual battlefields.
Those scenes in Among the Poppies were detailed, compelling, and often horrific. I’ve read books, watched TV shows and movies, and visited museums with World War I exhibits. But Among the Poppies brought it all home to me in a new way, which is a testament to the author’s depth of research, and strong writing.
At one point, William says:
“Haven’t you been in the field long enough to see that bravery isn’t always there? Most of the time it’s stupidity and blind orders.”
My great-grandfather was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during his time in France in World War I. I once asked my grandfather what his father had done to earn that honour. He basically said what William Crawford said: he got it for following orders sent by people with no idea.
Yes, I thought Among the Poppies was excellent.
No, it’s not an easy read. But it’s worth the effort. Recommended for fans of Downton Abbey, Carrie Turansky, and World War I romance.
Thanks to Smitten Historical Romance for providing a free ebook for review.
4.5 stars
“Why must life always be a choice? . . . . For once, could You not make the path split? Make one straight, unquestionable way filled with sunshine and daffodils?”
Gwyn Ruthers is on a mission to see the world. Using the travel list that her now deceased mother drafted many years earlier, Gwyn is convinced that obtaining a pilot’s license is her ticket to freedom from her simple life as a chauffeur’s daughter. Quite the automobile expert, Gwyn manages to secure a position as an ambulance driver for a privately funded all-female ambulance unit stationed in France, during the throes of the Great War; impatiently waiting for her acceptance into flight training. It’s there that her path forward becomes rather murky, for the handsome Captain William Crawford, who catches her “feet under the car” is all about order and routine, or so he thinks.
Set against the blazing torments of one the worst wars in modern history, Gwyn and William experience the best and worst that the heart has to offer, before finding that their sweetest dreams can reside “among the poppies”.
This is a wonderful world war historical romance by J’nell Ciesielski! This is her debut novel and definitely worth reading.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Among the Poppies is such a riveting, compelling story that it was hard to believe that it is a debut novel. Not only did it draw me in immediately, but it kept me captivated and turning pages long past my bedtime. Set against the backdrop of England and France during World War I, and populated with realistic, endearing, and courageous characters springing to life on the page, Ciesielski masterfully weaves a story of heartache, turmoil, bravery, and sacrifice. She doesn’t mince words or sugar-coat when it comes to the brutality and suffering endured during the war, yet the witty banter, lovable characters and heart-stopping romance temper it to make an amazing story. I loved the rich historical detail, the feisty, independent heroine, Gwyn, and the courageous, honorable hero, William, along with the superb cast of secondary characters. The tender message of faith and hope adds another layer to the story. I’m looking forward to the next book from this extremely talented author. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic historical fiction.
Loved the historical fiction, suspenseful, complex characters, good storyline
I primarily read historic fiction, but have not had an opportunity to read a lot set during WWI. The author did a great job of weaving historical information amidst the plot. She also got the auto mechanics information correct indicating this author does her research. I learned a lot without feeling lectured to. I liked the characters and felt they were well-developed. Definitely could have fallen in love with Captain Crawford if we met. There is violence because of subject matter of the book (combat zones, war, prisoners), and although it was somewhat “gritty” it was realistic and not gratuitous. I look forward to reading more by this author.