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Softly Grow the Poppies
Set against the background of World War I and two stately homes that became hospitals for the wounded, Softly Grow The Poppies is an epic saga of love and war.
Rose Beechworth is mistress of a charming country house, left to her by her wealthy father. In the summer of 1914, her friend Alice Weatherly, a spoilt but lovable heiress, longs to kiss Captain Charlie Summers goodbye. When Rose accompanies Alice to Liverpool's Lime Street Station, she meets Charlie's brother Harry ... and falls head over heels in love.
As the war takes its terrible toll, Alice becomes a wayward heroine, while Rose finds herself running not one but two great houses, and it seems impossible that any of them will ever find happiness again ...
Rose Beechworth is mistress of a charming country house, left to her by her wealthy father. In the summer of 1914, her friend Alice Weatherly, a spoilt but lovable heiress, longs to kiss Captain Charlie Summers goodbye. When Rose accompanies Alice to Liverpool's Lime Street Station, she meets Charlie's brother Harry ... and falls head over heels in love.
As the war takes its terrible toll, Alice becomes a wayward heroine, while Rose finds herself running not one but two great houses, and it seems impossible that any of them will ever find happiness again ...
- GenresHistorical Romance
393 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Howard
65 books51 followersAudrey Howard was born on 1929 in Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, and grew up in St Annes on Sea, Lancashire, where she lives in her childhood home.
Before she began to write she had a variety of jobs, among them hairdresser, model, shop assistant, cleaner and civil servant. In 1981, while living in Australia, she wrote the first of her bestselling novels published since 1984. In 1988, her novel The Juniper Bush won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Before she began to write she had a variety of jobs, among them hairdresser, model, shop assistant, cleaner and civil servant. In 1981, while living in Australia, she wrote the first of her bestselling novels published since 1984. In 1988, her novel The Juniper Bush won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 28, 2017
One of the most badly written books I have read in a book group. The writer does not understand the meaning of 'show, not tell' and the characters were all 2 dimensional versions of people. The bad ones were truly bad, the good ones angelic although one character was described as being a wonderful woman ( Alice) who abandons both her son and then her husband and runs off with another man. The only reason I gave it 2 stars was because there was some interesting information about WW1. I have no idea what we will be able to discuss about this book at our book group.
February 26, 2020
Another romantic drama set during the years of World War 1. It was different in that everything did not turn out fully OK in the end, but really has very little to offer.
It is set in a different scene; i.e. not the bombed streets of England, but in the country side in houses set aside for recovery hospitals.
It is easy reading, or listening as it was in my case, but really not good enough literary presence to give more than two stars.
It is set in a different scene; i.e. not the bombed streets of England, but in the country side in houses set aside for recovery hospitals.
It is easy reading, or listening as it was in my case, but really not good enough literary presence to give more than two stars.
July 15, 2017
Another enjoyable story by Audrey Howard set during WWI. The descriptions of the conditions and injuries the soldiers endured were horrific, but the romance between Harry and Rose was touching. Even though the ending finished too neatly for my liking Softly Grow the Poppies was still a nice book to curl up with by the fire on a cold winter's day.
April 2, 2020
Not having ready Audrey Howard before I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the main romance story running through the book. A lovely setting too and interesting to have a WW1 story on a farm.
I did get a feeling of the times and there were some appealing minor characters too.
I did get a feeling of the times and there were some appealing minor characters too.
June 19, 2018
I found this novel excruciating slow and after wading through it for awhile abandoned the novel before completion. (Not something I do easily)
February 2, 2019
Audiobook
September 1, 2020
A poorly written and predictable story
Many phases are repeated as if the author had forgotten the content of prior chapters
Many phases are repeated as if the author had forgotten the content of prior chapters
December 12, 2015
i couldn't put this book down. it starts with two unlikely heroines and two potential love stories. both get the power of love and wartime. i really enjoyed this book except for the ending, that i felt was quite rushed, just a snippet of something that could've led to a next book. but overall 4 stars
July 27, 2014
Audrey Howard always takes you there to the scene and describes her
characters beautifully - she has to be one of my most favourite
writers - although, I must admit, I didn't find this nearly as
enjoyable as all the other books I've read of hers.
characters beautifully - she has to be one of my most favourite
writers - although, I must admit, I didn't find this nearly as
enjoyable as all the other books I've read of hers.
February 25, 2013
As usual from Audrey Howard an excellent, well told story. Some elements are foreshadowed in the ending but a good read.
September 20, 2025
I feel bad for having to waste my time finishing this book. A lot of unnecessary parts
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January 12, 2018Awful
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews