Six Poppies: A sweeping and emotional modern wartime romance

by Lisa Carter

PRE-ORDER the sweeping love story of a war veteran and the woman he thought he'd left behind, perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Jojo Moyes.


Afghanistan, 2007. Carl meets Sarah, a nurse, at Camp Bastion and feels an instant connection with her. But when he discovers that she’s the childhood sweetheart of his fellow soldier, Danny, he vows to keep his distance. Little does he know how much she wishes he’d reach out. . .

After many gruelling months, Carl, Sarah and Danny make it home - now living miles apart, no longer in neighbouring tents. Honouring the lives of the friends he lost to war with a tattoo of six poppies, Carl vows never to forget their stories. Many miles away, Sarah tries to forget the man she swore to leave behind.

But Carl and Sarah are thrown back together, it’s clear that both of them are broken – and that the scars of what they went through together run deep. . .

Genres: Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

I was interested in reading this book. The cover and synopsis drew me in, but unfortunately, I found it difficult to connect to the story. The style of writing wasn't quite right for me.

I felt it should have been made clear, trigger warnings before reading it, and dealt with many sensitive issues that were triggering.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went out of my comfort zone when choosing this book (I normally enjoy WW1 and WW2 fiction but thought I'd try a more recent war fiction title) and boy am I glad I did.

What a fantastic book which kept the reader guessing right until the end as to who the 6th Poppy would be for. It had me on the edge of seat when life got a bit much for Carl but I was rewarded with a happy ending! Living in Yorkshire I particularly enjoyed his time at home and out on the Moors with the dogs as could picture myself there.

My only negative is that it would have been good to have learnt more about life in Camp Bastion and the patrols and work carried out by the Army.

I will certainly look for more titles by this author and would highly recommend this book to other. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course Lisa Carter for writing such a good book and allowing me to read an Arc copy.

[Bernadette Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book by the cover and the premise of the story. This book would have been the perfect read for this time of year. I read this book at the beginning of November and finished it a few days before remembering all those that have passed away in wars and conflicts on Remembrance Day. Unfortunately, the book isn't published until 30th January 2025, so you have all got a bit of time to wait until you can engross yourself in it..

Remembrance Day from Wikipedia.

Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The day is also marked by war remembrances in several other non-Commonwealth countries.

This is a dual time frame story that is centred around the conflict in Afghanistan and the years afterwards. It features a love triangle between two soldiers, Danny and Carl that are friends and a young female nurse Sarah. As their lives are thrown together Carl and Sarah form a connection, but Carl soon realises that Sarah is a childhood sweetheart of Danny's. Carl makes a decision that he is better keeping his distance from Sarah, as he respects his relationship with his army colleague Danny.

As their lives are thrown together again, how will Carl and Sarah cope with what fate has in store for them?

This was a deeply emotional read, that centred around the characters of Danny, Carl and Sarah , both during the conflict in Afghanistan and in the ensuing years once home following the conflict. Unless you have been involved in similar situations, you have no idea how you would cope with the trauma of what you see and what happens to you, your colleagues, your friends or the people that live in the Country that you are fighting in.

This will be among my top books of the year and will stay with me for some time. Thanks for writing this story for us Lisa and I look forward to reading more books by you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite read of 2025 so far. It's beautifully written and captivated me from start to finish. It is essentially a love story but is so much more than that because it tells the story of the war in Afghanistan and the effects it has on serving military personnel and their families.

There are lots of moments of heartbreak in it and it had me crying more than once, particularly the last few chapters.

Most of the story is told from the perspectives of Carl and Sarah, the two main characters and the chapters feature present day events with flashbacks to the war in Afghanistan. It's emotional reading about the events which led to so many of Carl's comrades losing their lives, it really hits home how war is so devastating and how brave the service men and women are.

I loved the author's note at the end where she tells us how the book came about and how a former Royal Marine was the inspiration for this book, reading about his experiences and friends he lost in the war bought on further tears. Lisa has done so much research and has written about PTSD and it's effects in a raw and honest way.

This was an absolutely brilliant read, thought provoking, brutallybhonest, raw and emotional and it will stay with me for a long time.

If you love a book that will tear at your heart strings I highly reccommend this one, a 5 star read for me.

[Tubocurare · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the worst books I ever read (sorry). The premise was so intriguing but the plot lacked depth in every way possible. We were retrospectively told of things happening without ever getting any of the important scenes/dialogues, the love story was thus extremely lacking and the ending way over the top for me. Not my book.

[Lisa Bergin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ohhh das war noch trauriger als gedacht… sie hätte schon bissi mehr peace am ende gönnen können 🥹

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and again you read a very special book, and this was one of those books for me.

It is at heart a love story but it’s also a story about being a soldier - when in action and how it can affect the mind once discharged.

The dual timeline takes us from Britain in 2011 to Afghanistan in 2007/2008 where we follow the stories of Sarah and Carl when they return home and try to rebuild their lives after being in the army.

We soon find out the significance of the six poppies as Carl reflects on the loss of his friends and struggles to come to terms with it. Meanwhile, Sarah goes back to nursing while also nursing, Danny, the man she followed to war.

I was captivated by this story from the start and found it hard to tear myself away from it. It’s such a poignant, tragic story but so beautifully written. It really tugged at the heart strings and I was a blubbering wreck by the end!

Such a moving story, I can’t recommend it enough!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, i didn't expect to be ugly crying to a book on New years Day, but that's exactly what I've been doing whilst finishing this one off.
Told in dual POV, the story follows Carl as he tries to adjust to life outside the army and Sarah, who is also trying to adjust alongside her boyfriend.
Each of the characters is struggling in their own way, and the book delves into PTSD of soldiers and is somewhat based upon a real-life person.
This was a tough read. It held me in its grip as it reached the crescendo, and it didn't let me go. I shall be thinking about this one for a long time, about the characters, about the act of war and what the fall out from that could be, but also about hope and how the smallest thing can and should be seen as a positive.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afghanistan, 2007. Soldier Carl meets nurse Sarah at Camp Bastian, and feels an instant attraction to her. When he discovers that she is the long-term girlfriend of his pal, and fellow soldier, Danny, Carl knows he has to keep his feelings under control.

2011. Carl is home on UK soil, searching for a way to deal with his experiences in Afghanistan, and the grief he carries for the friends he has lost. When the marriage of two of their Army colleagues brings Carl and Sarah back together, it is obvious that the connection between them remains, even after all they have been through. But Sarah is tied to Danny, now a shadow of his former self, and Carl is bound by promises he has made. Is there still a chance for them?

Lisa Carter's powerful and intimate portrait of this small cast of characters is beautifully written, and hits you right in the feels. The story unfurls from the points of view of both Carl and Sarah, moving back and forth between 2007, with scenes of life at Camp Bastian that delve into the close knit relationships between the characters, and the perils of military life in a hostile environment that mean not all of them make it home; and 2011, when Carter lays bare their struggles to live with the impact of terrible losses, haunting memories, and fractured minds.

Carl seems to have found a way to keep going by opening up to friends, old and new, and through his dog-walking business. He decides to pay tribute to his lost colleagues by having a poppy for each of them tattooed on his back. His sessions at the tattoo parlour break up the story, and hit hard as he reflects upon each person lost. Meanwhile, Sarah is finding it impossible to see anything of the Danny she used to know in the shell of the man who she has lost to flashbacks, and the bottom of a bottle. Her life has become one marred by violence, but when she meets Carl again, she see the chance of a better future - if only they can move past their trauma.

Carter hold nothing back when she examines what PTSD can do to those who have been on the front-line, and those who live with them, so there are quite a few difficult scenes to navigate around this thread of the story. She does a brilliant job shining a light on the intense relationships between soldiers, and those who serve alongside them (particularly nurses and local ancillary staff), and how lives lost in service impact those who are left behind, particularly when of comes to survivor's guilt.

Although this story is heavily tinged with sadness, and made me cry throughout, it is also equally about love, friendship, remembrance, and hope. The romance between Carl and Sarah is utterly bewitching. You really do not know where fate will lead them, until the ultimate sob-fest ending, and Carter portrays their relationship with such yearning that your heartstrings are well and truly tugged. The cast of characters around them is wonderful too, especially Cherub and Jenni.

I consumed this book from cover to cover, and ugly cried at the end. This is a fitting tribute to all those solders who have lost their lives in battle, and to those who somehow have to find a way to live when they return - with a knock-out romance to boot. Lisa Carter is an author to watch.

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Poppies is an emotional read, but one that had me absorbed from the very first page. It’s a love story, but it is also so much more.

It is a deeply moving story of men and women who served in Afghanistan as we move between their time in Camp Bastion and four years later living back in the UK. We see the challenges they face as they learn to readjust to “normal life” and come to terms with all they have dealt with and all they have seen and its impact not just on them but those around them - and for some, it is a struggle …

Carl was a soldier and Sarah a nurse, and girlfriend of Carl’s friend Danny, both serving in Afghanistan in 2007. In 2011 Carl is trying to rebuild his life and learn to live with his survivors guilt - and decides to pay tribute to his lost colleagues by having poppy tattoos representing each of his lost friends.

Meanwhile Sarah is struggling to deal with Danny, a shell of the man she once knew who takes out his frustration on her. Carl and Sarah have always had a connection - but can they put their past behind them to build a happier future for them both with all the baggage they bring?

This is a book that lays bare the impact of PTSD on former soldiers and on those around them - and it makes for an emotional read, and one that can’t fail to make you reflect. And you root for Carl and Sarah, hoping beyond hope that their romance can be something positive that emerges from all the tragedy …

It is a book that if you are anything like me will have you reaching for the tissues as you long for a happy ending - and one that will stay with you as you reflect on the sacrifices made by some remarkable people. It is deeply moving - even more so when you read the Author’s Note at the end explaining the inspiration behind the story - and an impressive debut novel.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no doubt that the war in Afghanistan left its mark on those service personnel who fought and died there. Six Poppies is an emotional story which, although fiction, is based on factual experiences and highlights the difficulties of adapting to life when you feel you have lost everything and of the horrors of PTSD, which so often goes untreated.

Carl and Sarah meet at Camp Bastion and although there’s an instant connection between them Sarah is the girl friend of Danny, Carl’s fellow soldier, and is therefore off limits. With emotions running high and danger never far away this group of soldiers bond together like brothers , they feel loss sharply and grieve keenly for those who never make it home. Back in England, Carl picks up the pieces of his life, honouring his lost comrades with a poppy design inked onto his back by a talented tattooist. However, even though his life is returning to some semblance of a new normal, Carl can never forget Sarah and the dream of what might have been…

This beautiful story is told from both Carl and Sarah’s perspective, we find out more about them, their lives going forward and the hurt they each carry within them. And as each beautiful poppy is etched painfully into skin we learn the significance of each one, the memories evoked, and the raw pain of not being able to do more for those who lost their lives. Carl and Sarah’s story broke my heart into a million pieces and as their connection becomes ever more irresistible so we learn more about the harsh reality of living life broken in mind and spirit.

Poignant, beautiful, emotionally charged, this is one love story which will stay with me for a long time.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[HARRYTOWN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BOOK CLUB · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEWER ONE

Carter vividly portrays the lingering effects of war, focusing on Carl's struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His journey underscores the challenges many veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life, highlighting the emotional scars that remain long after the battlefield has been left behind. Through Sarah's experiences as a nurse in Camp Bastion, the narrative sheds light on the often-overlooked roles of women in military environments. Her challenges and resilience offer a nuanced perspective on the contributions and sacrifices of female personnel during wartime.

REVIEWER TWO

The six poppy tattoos Carl gets serve as a poignant tribute to his fallen comrades. Each poppy represents a life lost, emphasizing themes of remembrance and the personal ways soldiers honour their bonds and cope with survivor's guilt. The complex relationship between Carl and Sarah, who is initially involved with Carl's fellow soldier Danny, explores the moral intricacies of forbidden love. Their connection raises questions about loyalty, desire, and the boundaries set by personal and professional ethics.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the locations in the novel here


Although billed as a romance, this is a story about war, PTSD and what our troops go through when serving their country. This is heart-breaking stuff and the end chapters are some of those that will linger in my mind, perhaps for ever. This book nearly broke me as it was heart-breaking to read about the effects of war and how years later, men and women who have fought on the battlefield can be fighting their mental demons. And that fight few of us ever hear about.

I don't know what to say about this novel but to say that everyone should read it, schools should read it, book clubs should read it. And we might have a Remembrance Day every year, as someone says in the book, every day is remembrance day for those who have served.

Powerful and raw.

[Positive Vibes Only Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to Six Poppies by the cover, book title and military setting. The book is centered around the conflict in Afghanistan and four years after when they return home to the U.K. A journey of resilience and redemption captured my heart and soul and a deeply, emotional read and love story/triangle of two soldiers and a young woman.

In 2007 in Afghanistan, Carl meets Sarah, a young nurse, at Camp Bastian and feels a connection with her but he finds out she’s the childhood sweetheart of his friend/soldier, Danny and vows to keep his distance.
Although the story is deeply emotional, tragic and sad, it's a beautifully written story about love, friendship, remembrance, and hope. This is one for the readers of military romance.

Trigger warnings, trauma of war, PTSD, suicidal ideation, death, domestic violence, cheating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me the ARC.

[Kelly Hollingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a devastatingly beautiful book filled with the whole spectrum of emotions for the characters and the reader. The pain of loss, longing and love in this modern day setting absolutely got to me. It highlights the unimaginable events of military life in Afghanistan and both the consequences and long term effects on the serving personnel and their families with great diplomacy and respect. This is an important read and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I am lucky enough to have poppies grow every year in my garden. Every time one flowers now I will think of this book and remember the story.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really tragic story from start to finish. It focused on a group of friends with Carl and Sarah at the centre but they weren't a couple. The military setting was core to this tale, with past (Afghanistan) and present (UK) narrative style.

I know I should have felt moved by this story and the heaps of tragedy but I just didn't connect with the characters or the plot. I don't think the writing was the kind of style that appeals to me in this type of fiction. I couldn't get down with the romance.

Thank you to Michael Joseph books for the review copy.



**Lots of content warnings with this book including PTSD, suicidal ideation, death, domestic violence, cheating**

[Nics Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! What a man amazing book from Lisa Carter. I read this in a few sittings.

The connection between each character is full of joy, love and loss.

Each chapter is told from different POV’s and the time line changes between Afghanistan and the present however, the story is really easy to follow.

The love Carl has for each friend or family member seems to grow throughout the book and although there are sad times, his heart is filled with memories of joy to cherish.

Maybe a few PTSD triggers throughout also, something to consider.

P.S…The Soundtrack 🎵

Read it, read it. READ ITTTTTTT ❤️‍🩹

[Alfie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never (in my 20 years of reading) cried whilst reading a book. I typically enjoy reads like Catcher In The Rye and A Farewell to Arms.

But this is truly something else. I felt myself agonisingly invested in the lives of what felt like so much more than characters, the narrative was gripping and I could not put this down, culminating in an overwhelmingly emotional climax. (I won’t say anymore)

This is a MUST READ for all, men and women alike.

Thank you Lisa for such a special read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an utter joy…

The beautifully woven character-based narratives blend with the devastating wartime backstory with such skill and harmony. I have never read a novel that made me uncontrollably cry to this extent.

The prose is elegant and the characters are crafted precisely. The quality of writing in Six Poppies really reminds me of Ian McEwan and the richness of the characters is absolutely stunning.

In other words, you must read this.

[Raye]

This will be rated closer to the date of publication. I read this prior to speaking with the author. A book that made me cry, gave insight into trauma and dug into the damage that is done after fighting in a war.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Ultimately, I do think it's a romance but with a lot of other themes throughout. Friendship, found family, grief and loss. Not my fave military themed romance but nice to read a British one for once. Please check trigger warnings when reading this.

[Romina Zesati · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable, felt like all the characters had the same voice. Fast read.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly written, a real eye opener into the war in Afghanistan.
Loved all the characters, I laughed and cried throughout the book.
Would highly recommend.

[Rosie Viva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa’s writing transports you! A beautiful story, I got swept up and couldn’t put this down.

[Gill Parr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The subject matter was dealt with sensitively and raised some issues that I hadn't had any previous notion of. The characters were slightly one dimensional but the storyline was believable and at times heart wrenching.

[Amy E · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75*

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Jane Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I mean it. @michaeljbooks made my day by sending me this, it made me cry, made me fall in love with every single character and I was angry with war, survivor’s guilt and every single step of the grieving process. This was both a quick but difficult read at times. Harrowing yet heartwarming it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.