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Poppy's Dilemma
Poppy Abbott seems to have it all. Bright, successful and attractive, she lives in a beautiful apartment with sweeping views of Sydney. However, since the recent death of her beloved grandmother, she's been struggling to come to terms with her grief.
Feeling nostalgic one evening, Poppy decides to sort through her grandmother's belongings, which she hasn't been able to face before. She's hardly started when she comes across an old leather diary with the name 'Maggie Abbott' written in the front. It's not long before she's drawn into Maggie's life and her fears for her soldier boyfriend during the First World War.
As her interest in Maggie's diary intensifies, Poppy decides to spend some time at her grandmother's house in the country. Away from the city, Poppy begins to wonder if all the things she's always valued so much are what she really wants out of life. And then love intervenes...
From the bestselling author of Bridie's Choice, this is the story of a woman leaving a fast-paced existence in the city for a calmer, more meaningful life in the country, where she finds herself re-evaluating just about everything.
Feeling nostalgic one evening, Poppy decides to sort through her grandmother's belongings, which she hasn't been able to face before. She's hardly started when she comes across an old leather diary with the name 'Maggie Abbott' written in the front. It's not long before she's drawn into Maggie's life and her fears for her soldier boyfriend during the First World War.
As her interest in Maggie's diary intensifies, Poppy decides to spend some time at her grandmother's house in the country. Away from the city, Poppy begins to wonder if all the things she's always valued so much are what she really wants out of life. And then love intervenes...
From the bestselling author of Bridie's Choice, this is the story of a woman leaving a fast-paced existence in the city for a calmer, more meaningful life in the country, where she finds herself re-evaluating just about everything.
328 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
24 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Karly Lane
34 books381 followersKarly Lane lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW in Australia. A certified small town girl, she is most happy in a little town where everyone knows who your grand parents were. She writes women’s fiction – everything from romantic suspense to family sagas and life in rural Australia. She has romantic suspense titles published under Karlene Blakemore-Mowle and her latest release, Third Time Lucky is available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 28, 2014
Six months ago Poppy Abbott's much loved grandmother passed away and still Poppy misses her like crazy. Sitting in her beautiful apartment which has the best views of Sydney, Poppy feels like taking a trip down memory lane. Looking through photo albums brings back wonderful memories of her childhood and also lovely fond memories of her grandmother. Poppy comes across an old leather bound book with the initials of MA on the front of it. Opening it up she soon realises that it's a diary that belonged to Maggie Abbott. Knowing this must be a relative, but Poppy can't recall ever hearing her name in past conversations.
The diary begins in 1914 and it soon becomes clear that they are love letters and very quickly Poppy gets swept up in the pages of the romance between Maggie and a young man named Alex. But as Poppy nears the end the last few pages are missing and Poppy doesn't find out what happened to the young couple. Getting to the part where Alex goes off to war and just after that is where the pages are missing. Poppy is curious to know if Alex returned from the war and if they married and started a family.
Poppy decides it's time she head back to her grandmother's house to the country town of Warrial and make a start on cleaning up her house and sorting through her belongings. Being pestered by her boss, Gill it now seems like a good time to get away. Although Gill is married he still desperately wants to be with Poppy and can't take no for an answer so putting a bit of space between, Poppy hopes that Gill will get the message or will he.
Not long after she has arrived at her grandmother's house, Poppy is soon welcomed by a few of the neighbours and one of them being Jim Nash and his daughter Lacey. Poppy is hoping that maybe someone here will be able to tell her more about Maggie and Alex. Although Jim is very friendly Poppy isn't looking for friendship as she's not planning on staying that long. Will Poppy find out what happened to Maggie and Alex or will it stay a mystery? And does Poppy change her mind about being friends with Jim?
This is the first book I've read by Karly Lane and it definitely won't be the last. This is a beautifully written story and one in which I didn't want to end. A fabulous heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend.
The diary begins in 1914 and it soon becomes clear that they are love letters and very quickly Poppy gets swept up in the pages of the romance between Maggie and a young man named Alex. But as Poppy nears the end the last few pages are missing and Poppy doesn't find out what happened to the young couple. Getting to the part where Alex goes off to war and just after that is where the pages are missing. Poppy is curious to know if Alex returned from the war and if they married and started a family.
Poppy decides it's time she head back to her grandmother's house to the country town of Warrial and make a start on cleaning up her house and sorting through her belongings. Being pestered by her boss, Gill it now seems like a good time to get away. Although Gill is married he still desperately wants to be with Poppy and can't take no for an answer so putting a bit of space between, Poppy hopes that Gill will get the message or will he.
Not long after she has arrived at her grandmother's house, Poppy is soon welcomed by a few of the neighbours and one of them being Jim Nash and his daughter Lacey. Poppy is hoping that maybe someone here will be able to tell her more about Maggie and Alex. Although Jim is very friendly Poppy isn't looking for friendship as she's not planning on staying that long. Will Poppy find out what happened to Maggie and Alex or will it stay a mystery? And does Poppy change her mind about being friends with Jim?
This is the first book I've read by Karly Lane and it definitely won't be the last. This is a beautifully written story and one in which I didn't want to end. A fabulous heartwarming story that I thoroughly enjoyed and HIGHLY recommend.
May 1, 2015
After a disastrous work situation Poppy, while sorting out some of her grandmother’s effects after her recent death, finds an old diary with the name Maggie Abbott. She also finds some letters. But who is Maggie? What relation is she to Poppy? What is her story and why are some pages of the diary missing?
As often happens in stories that encompass two eras, I liked the story of Maggie which occurs around the time of World War 1 better than that of Poppy. This was mainly because I found Maggie easier to like than Poppy. It took me longer to warm to Poppy. Once she became more involved with her Nan’s next door neighbour Jim and his teenage daughter Stacey, Poppy won me over more. But it took a little while.
Poppy’s Nan sounded like the kind of grandmother and neighbour everyone wishes they had. The picture of the CWA and rural attitudes rang true. The novel also paints an accurate picture of the horror of and the price of war. Interesting too, that some of the events are based on real events and real characters, which adds that touch of authenticity. This is another good Australian novel and one I read quite quickly. We seem to have a lot of really good Aussie authors around at present.
As often happens in stories that encompass two eras, I liked the story of Maggie which occurs around the time of World War 1 better than that of Poppy. This was mainly because I found Maggie easier to like than Poppy. It took me longer to warm to Poppy. Once she became more involved with her Nan’s next door neighbour Jim and his teenage daughter Stacey, Poppy won me over more. But it took a little while.
Poppy’s Nan sounded like the kind of grandmother and neighbour everyone wishes they had. The picture of the CWA and rural attitudes rang true. The novel also paints an accurate picture of the horror of and the price of war. Interesting too, that some of the events are based on real events and real characters, which adds that touch of authenticity. This is another good Australian novel and one I read quite quickly. We seem to have a lot of really good Aussie authors around at present.
January 6, 2014
Escaping her job and the unwanted attentions of her married boss, Gill, Poppy Abbott took leave which was owed to her, left her beautiful apartment overlooking the majestic views of Sydney and headed for the country to her grandmother’s home. Nan had passed away six months previously, and Poppy missed her terribly. She hadn’t been back since the funeral, and felt now was a good time to clean out the house, and sort through her beloved Nan’s belongings.
She had come across an old diary in an box of Nan’s with the name “Maggie Abbott” on the front before she left Sydney and Poppy was intrigued. She didn’t recognise the name, but knew Maggie had to be in her family’s history somewhere. As she read through Maggie’s words and also letters from her boyfriend Alex which were tucked amongst the pages, Poppy became entwined in the lives of these two people, one of whom had been a soldier in WW1.
Her interest in Maggie and Alex’s lives from the early twentieth century helped her in her day to day quest to clean up her Nan’s house. Her grief was still raw, she couldn’t face visiting Nan at the local cemetery, and she found herself floundering, unhappy with herself and her future. When next door neighbour, Jim Nash and his teenage daughter Lacey made themselves known to Poppy, her initial reaction was to push them away – she wasn’t staying, she didn’t need friends, she didn’t WANT friends! So why did she find herself wanting their company when they weren’t there – especially Jim’s?
I really enjoyed Poppy’s Dilemma – Karly Lane is now up there on my favourite author list. I have loved all of her previous books which I’ve read, and I only found Karly last year! This one blends fact with fiction, as the history of the WW1 events in the novel were researched by the author, and the information which she has added in the Author’s Note at the end of the book is extremely interesting. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
She had come across an old diary in an box of Nan’s with the name “Maggie Abbott” on the front before she left Sydney and Poppy was intrigued. She didn’t recognise the name, but knew Maggie had to be in her family’s history somewhere. As she read through Maggie’s words and also letters from her boyfriend Alex which were tucked amongst the pages, Poppy became entwined in the lives of these two people, one of whom had been a soldier in WW1.
Her interest in Maggie and Alex’s lives from the early twentieth century helped her in her day to day quest to clean up her Nan’s house. Her grief was still raw, she couldn’t face visiting Nan at the local cemetery, and she found herself floundering, unhappy with herself and her future. When next door neighbour, Jim Nash and his teenage daughter Lacey made themselves known to Poppy, her initial reaction was to push them away – she wasn’t staying, she didn’t need friends, she didn’t WANT friends! So why did she find herself wanting their company when they weren’t there – especially Jim’s?
I really enjoyed Poppy’s Dilemma – Karly Lane is now up there on my favourite author list. I have loved all of her previous books which I’ve read, and I only found Karly last year! This one blends fact with fiction, as the history of the WW1 events in the novel were researched by the author, and the information which she has added in the Author’s Note at the end of the book is extremely interesting. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
December 14, 2013
Loved it! I really enjoyed the early Australian historical side of the storyline and that Poppy felt connected to her ancestor through her diary. The fact that the storyline was based on an actual historical event in the authors hometown gave it all the more authenticity.
April 20, 2015
I loved this book! I finished it in a night, I just couldn't put it down. The way the historical story was woven through the present day story was excellent. The different perspective on World War 1 was also really interesting and I really liked the fact that the characters of Poppy and Jim were flawed and normal, made them both seem more realistic. Overall a fantastic read by a great Aussie author!
October 7, 2018
4.5★
November 29, 2024
And the 5 stars for Karly Lane keep coming. Enjoyed this one as well.
December 7, 2013
Wow such a story that takes u back in time and takes u to a time and place where life was so different to what we have now it reminds me of the sacrifice that so many Australian men did for us when they went to war and for those who never came home but also the ones that came back broken and a after seeing what they had to see I would come back broken too:( I am constantly telling my kids and reminding them that if not for what all the men n women did so long ago what we have now could be so very different . I loved Poppy's story and how it works out in the end, love prevails all when it so very determined :) even for maggie and Alex although they both died maggie still loved him with all his issues ! A heartwarming read:) well done Karly Lane:))
July 22, 2016
* 3.5 stars as I liked the past storyline thread much more than the current day thread/main characters. Well researched historical story, that definitely left me wanting more from the past storyline & characters.
November 29, 2017
I couldn’t finish this book. I just couldn’t engage with it. Apparently Poppy moves to the country. I felt like I didn’t even get to the beginning of the plot.
January 30, 2022
A tragic WW1 love story and a woman wanting to start afresh is the premise for this wonderful read from Karly Lane.
After her Nan's funeral, Poppy Abbott took home a box of her belongings. In the box was a diary which belonged to one of her ancestors, Maggie. In it told the engrossing tale of her life in a country town and the fears for her soldier boyfriend, Alex. However, the diary stops abruptly with the rest of the pages torn out.
With her interest piqued, Poppy takes a well deserved break from her job and unwanted advances from her boss to return to her Nan's hometown of Warrial. There, Poppy soon learns of what happened to Maggie and Alex, and all the while falling in love with the community. However, Poppy is planning to move on- that's what she's best at.
However, also falling in love with her next door neighbour wasn't on the cards. Local stock agent Jim Nash is handsome, kind and has a teenage daughter, Lacey. In Poppy's eyes, Jim's a nice guy, and she doesn't do nice at ALL.
Will Poppy find her sense of belonging and happiness after all?
Like Poppy, I found myself engrossed and obsessed with Maggie's diary! Knowing that it was based on real people and events made it even more special. A definite highlight for me.
I enjoyed my visit to Warrial. Karly makes her characters so likeable and I felt like I was welcome to the small country town. However, I am also salivating at the thought of all the CWA goodies!! It's a small price to pay for such an addictive book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
After her Nan's funeral, Poppy Abbott took home a box of her belongings. In the box was a diary which belonged to one of her ancestors, Maggie. In it told the engrossing tale of her life in a country town and the fears for her soldier boyfriend, Alex. However, the diary stops abruptly with the rest of the pages torn out.
With her interest piqued, Poppy takes a well deserved break from her job and unwanted advances from her boss to return to her Nan's hometown of Warrial. There, Poppy soon learns of what happened to Maggie and Alex, and all the while falling in love with the community. However, Poppy is planning to move on- that's what she's best at.
However, also falling in love with her next door neighbour wasn't on the cards. Local stock agent Jim Nash is handsome, kind and has a teenage daughter, Lacey. In Poppy's eyes, Jim's a nice guy, and she doesn't do nice at ALL.
Will Poppy find her sense of belonging and happiness after all?
Like Poppy, I found myself engrossed and obsessed with Maggie's diary! Knowing that it was based on real people and events made it even more special. A definite highlight for me.
I enjoyed my visit to Warrial. Karly makes her characters so likeable and I felt like I was welcome to the small country town. However, I am also salivating at the thought of all the CWA goodies!! It's a small price to pay for such an addictive book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
September 18, 2018
Grieving after the death of her Nan, Poppy finds an old diary in amongst the family photos. As she gets swept into the story of Maggie and Alex, she returns to her Nan's house to sort things out, as well as take a much needed break from work. From there, is finds herself thrust into the life of her neighbours, Jim and Lacey, as well as the local CWA.
Look, I enjoyed this book. The story of Alex and Maggie was sweet and addictive, the telling through diary entries and letters from war were an endearing addition. For me, however, the entwining of the two stories was a bit disjointed. Both stories were great in their own right, but it almost felt as if they had just been cut and pasted together, rather than worked into each other.
Reading the author's note and the inspiration behind Alex and Maggie made the story that much more special.
Look, I enjoyed this book. The story of Alex and Maggie was sweet and addictive, the telling through diary entries and letters from war were an endearing addition. For me, however, the entwining of the two stories was a bit disjointed. Both stories were great in their own right, but it almost felt as if they had just been cut and pasted together, rather than worked into each other.
Reading the author's note and the inspiration behind Alex and Maggie made the story that much more special.
May 22, 2018
I detested this book. Firstly, adultery is a major red flag for me and the 'heroine' slept with her married boss (drunkenness is absolutely no excuse). Secondly, regardless of what the author claims in her end notes, this book most definitely glorified/ excused a murder-suicide, and stated the victim would have 'loved and forgiven him'. This article recently says it all: 'good blokes' don't murder people and there's no excuse. https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/go... Lastly, I actually found this book tedious to read - I only read about a fifth of it before skipping to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2021
No spoilers. This is one of those Karly Lane books whereby you are whisked away by her character building skills and the pages just leap to life, if there was any author I wanted having their book converted to screen, it would be Lane. Another delight of a book, such a cosy read, if you have time to read continuously it'd be hard to put this one down. Following the return of Poppy to her grandmothers house, Poppy realises that her life in the city is worlds away from the happiness she craves. She also finds herself trapped in love and wondering if she can return to her normal life.
August 24, 2018
Wonderful Australian novel that was reflective of the ruralness of our country. Enjoyed and easily followed the parallels of both stories - very cleverly knit together and apart showing a well balanced story. Well developed and highly likeable characters in Poppy and Jim, and the characters of Maggie and Alex were also delicately handled in its wartime setting. Loved how it all came together in the end!
February 3, 2022
Fantastic book. I really enjoyed the story even though it was somewhat predictable. The diary was intriguing and gave a glimpse into life in the past. I liked the true to life characters and that Poppy was able to recognise she’d made mistakes and came to learn that her past didn’t have to define her future.
The book was easy to read and entertaining. This is my second book by Karly Lane and I’m definitely keen to read more of her books.
The book was easy to read and entertaining. This is my second book by Karly Lane and I’m definitely keen to read more of her books.
April 26, 2020
I loved this book! The discovery of an old diary leads us into a split timeline book. I really enjoyed the history and how it tied into modern times. Great characters, lovely use of description. I'll be adding Karly Lane to my 'authors to seek out' list :)
March 2, 2019
Loved this book!! The tragic story at the heart of this book is so tragically sad, yet I confess I had a sense of where it was heading.
July 6, 2019
Started skipping sections
September 12, 2019
Very slow to get into and I had to close the book. Very disappointed
November 13, 2020
An enjoyable read
May 9, 2021
Another fantastic book by Karly Lane.
November 29, 2021
As always, really enjoyed another Karly Lane book and always enjoy Melle Stewart's narration.
January 27, 2022
Very emotional with great twisting plots
March 30, 2023
A typical Karly Lane escapism book. Just what I needed over a weekend of rest and relaxation.
June 13, 2023
An enjoyable read!! Has a bit of everything and found myself struggling to put it down.
September 6, 2023
Enjoyed this one wasnt sure exactly where it was going sometimes but it was good
April 21, 2024
Another great book by this Author. I found it hard to put down. Finished it in 2 days....Thank you Karly Lane...
May 30, 2024
I enjoyed Poppys dilemma- it has a mix of history as well as today and you found yourself wanting to know what happened with Maggie & her love during the First World War.
January 18, 2025
Great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews