ShortBookandScribes #BookReview – Six Poppies by Lisa Carter
Six Poppies by Lisa Carter is published by Penguin Michael Joseph and is out now. My thanks to the author for sending me a copy for review.
This military romance is perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Jojo Moyes, and Kristin Hannah.
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Afghanistan, 2007. Carl meets Sarah, a nurse, at Camp Bastion and they feel an instant connection. But she’s the girlfriend of his fellow soldier, Danny, so he pledges to keep his distance.Finally back in England, Carl vows to never forget those who didn’t make it home, honouring each of them with a tattoo of a poppy. While many miles away, Sarah tries to forget the man she swore to leave behind.
But when Carl and Sarah are thrown back together, it’s clear that both of them are broken. But do the scars of what they went through run to deep, or is there a chance they can find happiness again, together . . .
Six Poppies is the story of Sarah and Carl who met at Camp Bastion whilst serving with the British Army in Afghanistan. Sarah has followed her teen sweetheart out there, whilst Carl is serving alongside his best friend, Fridge. The story begins with a group photo being taken of the four along with other soldiers and friends they are serving with.
We hear from both main characters, in Afghanistan and at home once they have returned. Sadly, as is often the case, some of the group didn’t make it back and Carl decides to have a tattoo of a poppy inked on his back, one for each of the lost heroes. However, for Carl it’s not enough. He has immense survivor’s guilt, feeling somehow responsible for the deaths. Maybe if he had been on patrol instead or if he had stopped them being there…..
Carl and Sarah have feelings for each other and when they meet up again at home those feelings are stronger than ever. Can they ever be together given all the baggage they both carry? I had a lovely time finding out. Six Poppies is a romance novel but there’s nothing romantic about being in the middle of a warzone or dealing with the aftermath and the author explores fully the difficulties that returning servicemen and women experience in trying to fit back into civilian life, not to mention contending with the death of comrades while they get to carry on living their lives.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s easy to read and yet doesn’t shy away from the hard-hitting aspects, and it’s a love story that doesn’t descend into anything that is overly saccharine. It’s emotional, moving and heart-rending and yet ultimately uplifting and enriching. I was intrigued to read the author’s note at the end about where her inspiration came from. Such a great basis for a lovely debut novel.
Lisa Carter is a journalist who has worked for The Sun, The Mirror and the Daily Mail where she edited the Femail pages for over ten years. She lives in London with her husband and three sons.