Among the Poppies (J’nell Ciesielski) – Review

~ About the Book ~

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 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?

Genre:  Historical Romance
Release date:  11 June 2018
Pages:  328
Publisher:  Smitten Historical Romance

Amazon US  //  Amazon AU  //  Goodreads

~ Excerpt ~

The lady sitting at the table behind Gwyn eased from her chair and glided to their table. Tall and thin with elegant black hair sprinkled with gray and a sharp nose protruding from a long face, she looked like a flightless crane.
William surged to his feet. “I do apologize for disturbing you, madam.”
The woman raised a hand. “Not a word of that, young man. It’s good to hear a man laugh again, especially one in uniform. It gives me hope in such dreary times. I came over because of your conversation. Yes, I know how rude it is to eavesdrop, but I could not help myself. It’s not every day you meet a woman driver.” Dragging the chair from her table, she plopped down between them. “Lady Dowling, at your service. And you are, my dear?”
Gwyn’s jaw sagged, but she snapped it up. “Gwyn Ruthers, your ladyship. And this is Captain Crawford of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.”
William bowed at the waist. “Your ladyship.”
Lady Dowling flapped her hand at him. “Sit, sit, Captain. This is your table that I’ve barged upon.”
William maneuvered his way into his chair, knocking the thin legs with his knees.
“As I said, I overheard you say you’ve been rejected from the FANYs.” Despite the wrinkles at each corner, Lady Dowling’s eyes glinted like sharpened razors. “A lot of pretentious go-getters for turning away such an eager volunteer. Their loss, I say.”
“They do have their rules.” Gwyn’s mouth twisted.
“Rules, bah.” Lady Dowling turned unflinching brown eyes to William. “Captain, have you ever known the Huns to obey the rules? Does the Kaiser ask for permission before he lobs shells over our trenches?”
“Not that I’m aware of, your ladyship.” William bit back the urge to grin.
“There you have it.” Lady Dowling smacked a wrinkled palm against the table. “As you said, Miss Ruthers, or may I call you Gwyn? What does age matter when men are dying? We need help now from those willing and able.”
Gwyn’s eyes flicked to William’s before turning back to Lady Dowling. “I completely agree.”
“I know you do, that’s why I’m sitting here.” A smile creased the papery skin around Lady Dowling’s thin mouth as she leaned forward. “We need courageous hearts like yours. More specifically, I need them. I’m starting my own private hospital and ambulance brigade in France, and I’d like to recruit you.”

~ Review ~

Golly molly, as Gwyn would say! If you love fiction that captures the reality of war while also delivering a memorable story coloured by romance, danger, and sacrifice, then Among the Poppies is for you! From the very first scene, I knew Gwyn Ruthers was a character I would get along with famously. She’s down-to-earth, plucky, and determined, and it’s impossible not to admire someone who is willing to serve on the front lines transporting wounded soldiers to hospitals. Quite aside from the physical danger and discomfort, the emotional toil had to be crippling. May I say a hearty thanks to all the brave women and men who worked so tirelessly to provide medical assistance on the front lines.

One of the things I appreciated most about this story was that a combination of thorough research and sensitive writing managed to convey the realities of war—both physical and emotional—without being unnecessarily graphic. I like a good dose of history in my historical romances, and this book definitely delivered on that. There was also a great cast of supporting characters, all of whom were well developed for their roles and enriched the story.

And Gwyn and William . . . from their memorable legs-first meeting through to the end of the story, I loved watching the development of their relationship. I’m not sure I would call their dialogue witty banter, but there was a liveliness to that was thoroughly enjoyable, and their romance encompassed everything from swoony kisses to deeply heartfelt devotion.

This is a wonderful debut from an author I will pick up again without hesitation.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

~ About the Author ~

Believing she was born in the wrong era, J’nell Ciesielski spends her days creating heart-stopping heroes, brave heroines, and adventurous exploits in times gone by. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages contest and Maggie Award, J’nell can often be found dreaming of a second home in Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Born a Florida girl, she now calls Virginia home, along with her very understanding husband, young daughter, and one lazy beagle.

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