The Promise in Poppies

Poppy Creek #8

by Rachael Bloome

Weddings, babies, and found-families abound in this heartwarming, emotionally satisfying conclusion (for now) to the beloved, bestselling Poppy Creek series.

You’ll laugh, sigh, and wipe tears from your eyes as you revisit friends from past books and spend time in the magical town that inspires hope, healing, and happily ever afters.

Get ready to root for unlikely heroes and fall in love with your favorites all over again.

Order your copy now.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth be told, I needed a book with poppies on the cover for a challenge so I chose this one only to discover that it is not only the eighth book in a series but also the last book! It was not a problem though because the story read very nicely as a standalone.

Cassie Davis lives in the picturesque town of Poppy Creek and finds herself in a struggle with the Mayor who wants to sell the library to a developer. Since it is the final book in a series lots of characters from earlier books turn up to have their issues resolved so there plenty of happy moments and even happy/sad tears.

This was a quick, easy to read and very enjoyable book. I should probably try the earlier books too but my TBR list is already too long!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies by Rachael Bloome

Synopsis /

In the picturesque town of Poppy Creek, Cassie Davis’s peaceful life takes an unexpected turn. Entangled in a battle to save the beloved library from an unscrupulous developer, Cassie faces fears of motherhood while reconciling with her own mom.

Donna Hayward , devoted to making amends and rebuilding her life, strives to maintain her sobriety and be the best mother she can be while guarding a troubling secret. The last thing she needs is to fall for an ex-con who sees beyond her scars, igniting a glimmer of hope in her heart.

Rhett Douglas, burdened by his past mistakes, is determined to repair his relationship with his son. Dating isn’t on his radar until an unexpected encounter with a captivating kindred spirit inspires a second chance at happiness.

When a shocking truth emerges, perceptions of love and family are put to the ultimate test. Is the tight-knit community of Poppy Creek strong enough to withstand the storm?


My Thoughts /

As it always does with the lead up to Christmas, work becomes increasingly busy and eats away at a lot of my free time; so I find myself falling woefully behind with my reviews. In an effort to keep up with my reading list in the race to the end of the year, and to clear out my ‘currently reading’ list, here’s a short outlier (yes, I’m in that territory!) summary of The Promise in Poppies by Rachael Bloome.

Give me a police-procedural where the mc is hunting down a serial killer; or a psychological-thriller where you are on the edge of your seat the whole time holding your breath; historical-fiction novels or cosy-mysteries – I’m okay with all of them; but, give me a sugar and spice and everything is nice sweet ‘romance’, and I’m left floundering and feeling awkward. Truth be told, I wouldn’t have picked this one up except for the fact that I needed a book ‘with poppies on the cover’ for a reading challenge. So here's my disclaimer: There’s not anything ‘wrong’ with The Promise in Poppies per se, it’s more the case that I’m probably not the right target audience.

Here's what I liked:

🏵️ The cover. I mean, just look at it….it’s like the equivalent of a Nigella Lawson or Donna Hay cookbook cover – sweet and enticing; it just exudes happiness.

🏵️ Short chapters make for a quick and easy read.

🏵️ The story is mostly light, full of laughter and love, however, the book did deal with some heavier topics (like alcoholism) but these were written with compassion, empathy and a great deal of sensitivity.

🏵️ There are strong ‘family’ themes; some sweet romantic elements; and some shocking secrets are uncovered which will have the whole town wagging their tongues.

🏵️ This was book #8 in the Poppy Creek series but I had no difficulty reading this one as a standalone.

What I didn’t like:

🏵️ The author had two of the characters falling deeply in love with each other after two minutes of being in each other’s company. They barely exchanged words, yet in the following pages, they were declaring their undying love for each other. It was all a little too quick and superficial for this reader.

Do I regret reading this? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It had some standout moments - second chances; starting over; finding love; and dealing with family relationships.

I’ve read the majority of reviews other readers have written about this book and I’ve loved reading every one of them – but I just couldn’t maintain that same level of excitement – so here I am, on outlier island – but that’s alright – because it’s okay to enjoy different things!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, 8th book in the series.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I don’t even know how to express my feelings regarding this amazing story, so well written by an equally amazing author, I might add!

There was a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this book. So many unanswered questions from previous stories were finally revealed.

As the daughter of an alcoholic mother, I had always loved Cassie’s character the most. But learning of Donna’s story helped me realize what I think I always knew in my heart. That sometimes pain, in its extreme, can cause people to attempt to deaden it in ways that are destructive.

There were also, of course, so many wonderful scenes regarding the other well known people of Poppy Creek. What an idyllic town!

This story left me breathless! A must read!

I received an ARC copy and this review is in my own words.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed a lot of books over the years, and I don't think any review has ever felt as bittersweet as this one. I've had the immense pleasure of having the opportunity to be part of Rachael Bloome's ARC team ever since her very first Poppy Creek novel, The Clause in Christmas. I've recommend this series to more people than I can count, I've reread them more times than I should probably admit to, and I have a thank you card that Rachael sent me several years ago in a prominent spot on my bookshelf. This series has really come to mean the world to me over the past few years, and I'm so sad that we've finally come to the end (for now) of it. I went into this one expecting great things, but it absolutely went above and beyond anything I could have possibly hoped for.

Readers first met Cassie's mom Donna back in the first book, and we were definitely not given the best first impression. Donna had been an alcoholic, and had never really been there for her daughter in the ways she needed her to be. However, she's recently taken steps to try and finally get her life back on track, and when unexpected news finds its way to her, she decides to finally try and be the steady presence her daughter deserves in her life. However, being there for Cassie means returning to her hometown of Poppy Creek-the town where her greatest heartbreak occurred, and the town that still seems to hold everything against her. As secrets are revealed and romance seems to be in the works, Donna will learn that you absolutely can go home again, and that no one is ever too broken for the pieces to be put back together.

From start to finish, The Promises in Poppies is a roller coaster ride of emotions that I ended up reading the majority of in one sitting. Readers are treated to moments with favorite characters from previous books, plus ends are tied up and questions raised during the start of the series are finally answered. This book truly tugs at the heart strings in the hard subject matter it dives into, and certain moments were so relatable for me on certain circumstances that it honestly had me tearing up. I also have to comment on the fact that I loved that the author included a little bit of a faith element within this one! I wasn't expecting that and it made a wonderful story even better.

While I'm definitely not ready to say goodbye to one of my favorite fictional towns of all time, I can wholeheartedly say that Rachael Bloome gives Poppy Creek the send off it deserves, and while it would be hard pressed for me to pick a favorite from the series, this one is definitely right up there near the top.

Final Rating: 5/5 ( and if I could rate it more I would!)

I can't possibly recommend this one enough, and it's definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far. A must read for fans of clean and small town romances!

Thanks so much to Rachael Bloome for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Poppy Creek!!! Rachael Bloome has written another wonderful addition to her Poppy Creek Series. The Promise in Poppies is book 8 in the series…..and I hope not the last. This is a heartwarming story that will make you smile, shake your head, laugh out loud and shed a tear. I have read this series and Ms. Bloome brings it all together in this one. She will tug at your emotions from the start as she brings the characters together and answer all your questions and tie up any loose ends from the previous books. Once again, Ms. Bloome deals with some hard subject matter but handles it with great care. I cannot recommend this one and the whole series enough…….you will not be disappointed.

Thank you Secret Garden Press and Rachael Bloome for this pleasurable book to read and review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#secretgardenpress #rachaelbloome #thepromiseinpoppies
#thepoppycreekseries #arc

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

The Promise in Poppies is a heartwarming, lovely story about second chances, hope and faith, and also about finding family. This is the eighth book in this series, and I enjoyed catching up with all the folks who live in Poppy Creek. The small town setting adds so much to the story, bringing with it warmth and a close-knit community. There is romance, there is some drama, but mostly this book is brimming with all kinds of love.

[Mylie McKissack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the conclusion of this series so much!!! I cannot wait to start her new series.

[Melissa-ann Strausser]

#8 I thought 7 was the end but thank goodness I was wrong. The series keeps getting better

[Alyssa Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the perfect end to the series! It tied everything together and wrapped it up. But it also left a possibility for more! (I hope!)

[Sierra Reyelts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very satisfying & cute conclusion to this lovely series!

[Emily Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a pleasure and an absolute honor to be an ARC reader for Rachael's Poppy Creek series. This book was a literal perfect wrap-up (for now?) and tied up some loose ends, answered lots of questions, and offered redemption. While I'm sad to say "see ya" to this town and its precious people, I'm also very excited to meet the new people and places Rachael plans to introduce us to!

[Heather.loves.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in the Poppies by Rachael Bloome 5 ⭐

📖Cassie struggles with her fears of becoming a mother. Donna comes back to town to try and make amends.

Welcome Home 🏡 All your favorite couples from this beloved series are back. I felt in the middle of the action from the introduction.

With its rich history, festivals for all seasons and pleasant communities, Poppy Creek is a place I love to visit.

This latest book has an added bonus of a mystery subplot.

I cheered for Donna as she embraced sober living.

You can begin again was a beautiful theme woven into the story.

The Clause in Christmas, book one, is Cassie and Luke's love story. In some ways, this felt like a sequel of their story and I loved being back with my favorite couple.

❤️Things I loved ❤️
-a romance between leads over 50
-second chances
-redemption
-peeking back into the lives of my favorite couples from prior books (what happens after the HEA)
-Founder's Day Festival
-All the baked goods & coffee

I enjoyed every minute of my time in Poppy Creek. If you've not read the series, books 1 & 2 are available free on YouTube as audiobooks.
Books 1-7 are available on Scribd & Audible.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect book to end the Poppy Creek series. This town will always own a piece of my heart. I am so glad to have all the loose ends wrapped up and to hear Donna's story was perfect.

[Wendy Gnau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been an ARC reader for Rachael Bloome for awhile. It’s a wonderful honor which I take seriously. I know I will always be treated to a glorious story. Awaiting the ARC for The Promise in Poppies was bittersweet for me as I knew it would be an amazing read, but it would also be the final book (for now) in the Poppy Creek series; I wasn’t certain if I was ready to say goodbye.

The Promise in Poppies has us returning to the delightful community of Poppy Creek. All of our favorite characters return as well while the town prepares for Founders Day, and bands together to save the beloved library from an unscrupulous developer.

While the story includes each treasured character we’ve grown to love, it focuses on Cassie, Donna (Cassie’s mom) and Rhett (Vick’s dad). Cassie is facing motherhood and all the fears associated with it. Donna has returned to Poppy Creek to be there for Cassie and help out any way she can. She is facing the demons connected to Poppy Creek and struggling to maintain her sobriety. She is also striving to be the mother Cassie needs while continuing to hide the secrets Cassie longs to know. Rhett is working on having a relationship with his son while questioning if he truly deserves one. In a chance encounter, he meets Donna. They are drawn together, each having a troubled past, each desiring a connection with their grown child, and each hoping for a second chance at happiness.

As with each Rachael Bloome novel, you find yourself rooting for the happy ending and loving how she weaves it all together. Learning of Donna’s & Rhett’s broken pasts, you find understanding. You will also learn of the town’s past. You learn where all your beloved townsfolk are and where they are headed. You anticipate that moment when the meaning in the title of the book comes to light; that glorious moment in The Promise in Poppies will not disappoint (it brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face).

Though I was uncertain if I was prepared to read the final book in Rachael’s Poppy Creek series, I am so glad I did. The Promise in Poppies beautifully wrapped up many story lines and answered questions that have lingered in the series. It closes in a way where you can envision the future. The town of Poppy Creek, and all of the characters within remain happily between the pages and within our hearts forever.

Once finished with the novel, you can enjoy a Bonus Scene and the Poppy Creek Cookbook by downloading them from Rachael’s website rachaelbloome.com

My final rating is 5/5.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies is the eighth book in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. Cassie Davis has built a wonderful life in Poppy Creek. With a surprise pregnancy, Cassie faces her fears of motherhood while trying to rebuild her relationship with her own mom. Donna Hayward has devoted the last two years maintaining her sobriety as well as making amends. She returns to Poppy Creek to help Cassie, determined to be the mother she needs now, while guarding a secret, the one piece of information that Cassie has been asking for: the identity of her father. The last thing Donna expected was to fall in love with Rhett Douglas, the ex-con who, burdened by his own past mistakes, helps her see that there may be a second chance for love. As the town bands together to save the beloved library from a land developer, shocking secrets emerge. Will the tight knit community of found families be able to handle these revelations?
I love the community of Poppy Creek! The cast of characters and the beautiful setting makes for a great series of love, laughter and even a few tears as life lessons are learned. I love the author’s use of faith-based concepts and Scriptures without being preachy or heavy handed. The struggles of the characters are real without easy or simple solutions and there wasn’t a character I didn’t love or not cheer for. The Promise in Poppies is an uplifting read that warms your heart with its hope, healing and happily ever afters. The books in this series can be read out of order, however, if you haven’t started the Poppy Creek series, I highly recommend starting in order with book 1, The Clause in Christmas which introduces Cassie to this beloved small town. The Promise in Poppies brings the series full circle. I hope there will be more books in this wonderful series. I highly, highly recommend The Promise in Poppies.


The Promise in Poppies is available in paperback and eBook

[Gwenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies is a great conclusion (for now, at least!) to Rachael Bloome's Poppy Creek series. Although I recommend reading the series in order, this book opens with clear descriptions of the characters and their primary relationships.

Poppy Creek has always been a sort of idyllic destination for me, the reader. Characters faced and overcame challenges, and for the most part community support in conflict resolution was abundant. This book made me reexamine my own preconceived notions as it addressed some challenging harmful life decisions and the barriers to overcoming them. I do believe in forgiveness and redemption, but I've faced some challenges that apparently have made me a little more judge-y than I should be. It was encouraging to see how Ms. Bloome crafted the characters in such a way that they were both fallible and still forgiveable. Aren't we all?

This book is at its foundation about family - family from birth and chosen family. The characters are real and believable. Frank Barry is still Frank Barry and he's always been one of my favorites! I got to know and understand Donna a whole lot better and although there's a villain I'd like to give a talking-to, I found that my perceptions were changed for the better in reading this book. Grace and redemption are real.

I had the privilege to read an advance copy with no obligation. I wholeheartedly recommend The Promise in Poppies for both Poppy Creek series fans and readers new to Ms. Bloome's writing.

[Readsandeats · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to finish this wonderful series.
I love that with every book in this series we have met previous characters and catch up with their lives.
We come back to Cassie who discovers that she is pregnant, whilst thrilled about it she is also nervous. Being surrounded by friends is great and when her Mum arrives in town for an extended visit she is partly glad but also apprehaensive. Cassie's Mum is an alcoholic and at present is doing well staying away from alcohol. Donna wants to make amends to Cassie and wants a better relationship with her daughter, can that happen?
When it is discovered that the Major of the town wants to sell his lease of the building to a property developer, the town are outraged and set about to save their library, Cassie and her friends are heading the campaign.
Rhett is living his quiet life and working at building back his relationship with his son. Rhett was in jail and regrets that phase of his life and wants more than anything to gain back his son's love and respect. The last thing he and Donna expected was a connection, could it become more?
As various things happen in the town, secrets are revielved that could shake some foundations, can families stay together and build even strong foundations for themselves and the town?

I have loved this series and would highly recommend it.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Rachael Bloome’s Poppy Creek series, I eagerly awaited her eighth book, The Promise in Poppies. And it delivered!

I gained new understanding of the longings, hopes and fears of characters I’ve come to know and love. They stumble and shine as they wrestle with family relationships, recovery from addiction, workaholism and other real-life issues.

There’s humor and heartbreak, grief and gratitude, faith and forgiveness in The Promise in Poppies. Along with mystery, history and heaping helpings of romance. Besides individual dramas we see this close knit community working together to save their historic library from being sold to a developer.

While this book can stand alone, it is more enriching when read in series since many plot threads from previous books are finally woven together. The new insights even make me want to reread the first seven books.

While this volume claims to complete the series, a few dangling teasers give me hope that Bloome may one day invite us to visit Poppy Creek again!

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies is about Donna, Cassie's mother who comes back to Poppy Creek to make amends with Cassie for never being in her life. Donna had been an alcoholic all of Cassie's life and has now stopped drinking. She hopes to be accepted back into the town and into Cassie's life. Cassie has a lot going on with running her coffee shop, putting together a fund-raising festival for the library and the thoughts of possibly becoming a mother. The mayor is going to sell the beloved library to a corrupt developer, but the mayor agrees to keep the library if enough money is raised. Donna meets Vick's father Rhett, and a relationship develops. Rhett holds a support group meeting, several of the townspeople attend, and Donna is warmly accepted. This is a charming and heartwarming story with twists and turns and some shocking truths come out. It will make you smile and cry and leaves you full of positive and good feelings. It can be read by itself, but I highly recommend you read the entire series starting with book one. Pure happiness.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies is a culmination of the stories of the people and festivals we have in the other books in the series. As in real life there are some glitches that happen to even those whose life is generally going well. This story gives incentives to keep going, keep trying even when we don't know how it will end. Cassie Davis has some big family hurdles to clear, as do Vince and his father Rhett. As they do so, they manage to become stronger, better people.
This story also gives more background on the town, how it started, founding families, etc. It also shows that good family does not necessarily make good people. And it ends on a very high note that makes me hope that at some future date I may be visiting Poppy Creek again.
During the course of the book I laughed some, I cried some, bit a few fingernails and thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still love reading this Poppy Creek series. I just finished the 8th in the series and I still can’t get enough of the town and the wonderful people in it. This is about Cassie Davis. Her life is changing drastically. She’s found out she is pregnant, she’s trying to save the library and her mom Donna is back in Poppy Creek. Donna is trying to make amends, rebuild her life and stay sober. She also is finding herself falling for Rhett Douglas. The story had me going through a range of emotions and I hated to put it down. It’s filled with friendship, family, love and second chances. I’m completely hooked on this sweet, romantic series. I can’t wait to dive into the next one and escape reality for awhile. Well done!

[Jacquie Stricklind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series keeps getting better. I am sad this is the last book in the series. Donna is a recovering alcoholic who wants to spend time with her daughter once she finds out she is going to have a baby. When she drives to Poppy Creek she goes into a bar and meets Rhett who has served time in prison they have an instant connection. Also, Donna is keeping a very big secret from Cassie, her daughter. Cassie wants to know who her father is. Meanwhile the mayor wants to sell the library to a developer can Cassie and her friends stop the mayor from selling their library? Read this really good book to find out who Cassie's father is, and can Donna and Cassie form a good relationship. Also, what happens to the relationship between Rhett and Donna. Enjoy!

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book (?) in A Poppy Creek Novel....I seriously hope not! This series is amazing and "The Promise in Poppies" didn't disappoint. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me, I cried, laughed and cried some more.

We're back in Poppy Creek, which if it was a real town, I would love to live in with all the characters. The characters are complex and have a lot of issues to resolve and it seems like this story pulled it all together to answer questions that have plagued the other stories in the series. I don't have a favourite character or couple because they are all wonderful, if I had to choose one, I think it would be Cassie. She has been through a lot in her life and she had a rough relationship with her mother. Will she make amends with her mother, Donna or will they stay estranged? Well, if you have ever read a Rachael Bloome book then you know the answer to this question? If you haven't read A Poppy Creek book then I suggest you get the first book because trust me once you read it you will devour the rest of the series!

Rachael Bloome's writing is amazing. She weaves a complex story with her characters and makes you love all the them. The stories pull you in and you don't want them to end. Knowing this could possibly be the last book in the series it was bittersweet. I was sad when it ended and felt it was a little rushed at the end but it didn't distract from the story. I loved it.

Highly recommend!

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of second chances

I personally believe everyone deserves a second chance, in their own way. This book was an amazing story of a second chance at starting over, finding love, and healing family relationships. It's beautiful, heartwarming, heartbreaking at moments, and filled with moments you'll want to enjoy every second of. This series has been amazing and this book was no exception. While at first when reading about this book, I wasn't sure how it could turn out well with a happy ending but I loved how author Rachael Bloome tied everything together and gave everyone the ending they deserve with smiles.

[Figlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I started reading this series two or three years ago then never finished it or forgot to finish when the final installments were published so I truly appreciate the character overview of the series that is provided at the beginning of this finale. It was truly helpful.

Amazing romance(s), new beginnings, continuation(s), and conclusions to the entirety of the series. I cried multiple times. I loved the final chapter more than even the epilogue, and I am a gal who love an epilogue.

This is a romance series worth your time whether you're looking for a faith-based read or not.

Rated 5 Scavenger Hunts!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the Promise in Poppies, and it is the kind of book that leaves your whole soul happy. This was such a wonderful ending to an amazing series. This particular book allows us to see one woman’s journey to forgive herself, and to ask forgiveness from those that she hurt along the way. The book also gave us an opportunity to find closure with all of the relationships from previous books in the series. You don’t need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one but it certainly helps give you back story on all of the characters.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was both anticipating and dreading the release of this book! As much as I wanted to catch up with my friends in Poppy Creek, I also wasn’t ready to have to say goodbye. Mrs. Bloome tackled tough subjects with her usual manner of realism, compassion, and hope. Her writing evokes a range of emotional responses including laughter, tears, compassion, anger, and pure joy. This story was a perfect way to say, “Goodbye for now,” to all the characters we have come to know and love throughout the series.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so full of secrets, heartache, love, hope, and family that it made for a beautiful story set in Poppy Creek, California.  It felt like several characters had returned and found home again.  I liked how Cassie had a town full of people who loved her and was getting to have her mom be more  a part of her life.  It seemed like Poppy Creek held hope and magic for everyone, except maybe the old mayor.  It was a fun, romantic story to read.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Promise in Poppies is an amazing conclusion to this series! It is the well written book I did not know we needed. This engaging tale answers so many details from previous stories. It updates the reader on so many couples and events in Poppy Creek. If is also a mature couple romance, a mother/daughter reconciliation and so much more. I would award it 10 stars if I could. I just sat down and read, immersing myself in all things Poppy Creek. Kudos to Ms. Bloome for writing awesome book I did not know we needed!