J’nell Ciesielski approached me to ask if I’d be interested in interviewing her, or reviewing Among the Poppies. Well, both! (My interview will post on Wednesday.)
The cover is amazing, but what really caught my eye was the setting … and the hero’s name.
My great-grandmother was a Crawford, and her father and brother were both William (although they weren’t nearly as posh as the Crawfords in Among the Poppies). In fact, I think my William Crawford spent time working as a chauffeur. Or that might have been his son-in-law …
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.
About J’nell Ciesielski
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.
You can find J’nell Ciesielski online at:
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About Among the Poppies
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 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?
