Review - the Poppy Sisters by Deborah Carr

The Poppy Sisters by Deborah Carr

Publisher: Harper Collins UK
Release date: 1 September 2023 

Back cover blurb: Two sisters, divided by war, face daily battles to save the lives of the wounded soldiers in their care. Phoebe is a VAD at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who’ve served at the Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she’s meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart. Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren’t the monsters she expected. But despite the differences in their situations, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences – the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can’t break it…

I had previously read and enjoyed the 'Mrs Boots' series by Deborah Carr, and this was something very different, but equally as enjoyable.

Phoebe and Celia are sisters, separated by War, but united by grief. They have recently lost their beloved parents and Brother and have each thrown themselves into work to help others, but also distract themselves from their own losses.

Phoebe is a VAD at a base hospital in Etaples, France, treating men who have been injured at the front. Celia is a nurse at a Prisoner of War camp on the Island of Jersey.  

Phoebe is inexperienced and at times feels overwhelmed by her role, but she knows that she is doing a good job, even if it is only helping her new patients settle into their surroundings and become less frightened.

Celia is more experienced, she knows her way around a hospital ward. She knows that she is doing the right thing, but sometimes she questions her feelings for the men in her care. Should she care so much how the enemy are feeling?

Both are suddenly and unexpectedly drawn to patients that they know they cannot and should not have feelings for. Phoebe's is an almost instant attraction, whilst Celia's is less obvious and more of a surprise. Particularly as the man in question is an enemy soldier.

But we cannot help who we fall in love with, and in times of war, does it really matter all that much. Surely it is better to live for the moment, than regret later?

This is a beautifully written book, and I wonder if there would be a sequel, as I would like to know more about our wonderful characters futures. Or maybe I should just use my imagination ... 

In any case, I look forward to reading more from this author. 

The Poppy Sisters is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.

Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.