Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

The ideal lady wears lace, speaks quietly, and never—under any circumstances—fixes an automobile. But Gwyn Ruthers has never cared two snaps about being the ideal lady. With the war to end all wars exploding across the English Channel, she leaves behind her restrictive life as a chauffer's daughter to serve in an all-female ambulance unit in France. She's not about to let her social status or gender prevent her from serving her country. Not even a handsome captain can distract her from her mission. Most of the time.

Captain William Crawford wouldn't wish the ravages of war on any man, much less the captivating woman who insists on driving into battle instead of staying safely at home. He can't deny that the troops need more medical help, but not when it puts innocent women in danger. How can he lead his men against the Jerries while worrying about Gwyn's safety?

Bound together by circumstances, Gwyn and William can't stop the love growing between them. Can their relationship survive, or will it become another casualty of war?

I’m in! I’ve heard great things about this novel and look forward to reading it.

I’m in! I’m not sure if it’s the cover but I’m looking forward to this one :)

I'm in - hoping time will allow for it this month.

I started it last night and am really enjoying it! Won it in a giveaway last December. I have already talked to J'Nell , and she will be joining us as she is able. Says she is so excited we chose her book.

Hi everyone! I'm beyond thrilled that you've chosen Poppies for your book this month!!! I'm really looking forward to the discussion, and don't be shy about any questions you have for me about the book, behind the scenes stuff, etc.

Welcome J'nell. So glad you could join us. We always love having the author drop in.

I plan on starting this one tonight . . . looking forward to it!

Welcome J’nell, looking forward to discussing your this book with you and the group. I will be starting over the weekend :)

J'nell can you share with our readers a bit about yourself and your background as well as what made you become a writer?

Loraine wrote: "J'nell can you share with our readers a bit about yourself and your background as well as what made you become a writer?"

I grew up as a voracious reader. I loved disappearing in the pages of great adventures and swoon worthy romances. Sometime in college I decided to write my own because I had too much inside me and writing is the only way I know to express myself. I wanted to write stories and characters that capture my imagination. My hope is that others will enjoy them just as much :) The world wars in particular fascinate me because it is the height of drama and emotion and heroism. Diving into these moments that showcase often the worst in humanity to find the strings of hope is one of the most beautiful stories I can portray. And for me, no story is complete without a love to see the hero and heroine through the murkiest of waters until finally delivering them a happily ever after.

Thanks for sharing J'nell. I grew up as a voracious reader too, but would much rather read than write LOL:) I love reading about World War I because my grandfather fought in it with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. He kept a journal when he could, and I have it. Keep writing because we all are reading addicted.

Loraine wrote: "Thanks for sharing J'nell. I grew up as a voracious reader too, but would much rather read than write LOL:) I love reading about World War I because my grandfather fought in it with the Canadian Ex..."

I love hearing about people's connections to the wars. I come from a long line of military service, but as far as I know, there haven't been any connections to WWI. I did have an ancestor beat a redcoat over the head with a skillet when he tried to arrest her husband during the Revolutionary War.

LOL! I am a member fo the DAR. Capt. Stephen Tucker rode with the Lexington Alarm which was connected with Paul Revere. Also have some other Patriots in my line. Haven't found any Civil War connections, but Grandfather- World War I, Uncle-World War 2, and my husband Vietnam.

I had a great uncle that fought in WWI, and experienced a mustard gas attack. Because of the attack, he ended up in a sanatorium after the war and passed away a couple of years later. I have his discharge papers, a New Testament he was issued, and a photo. Unfortunately I didn't know about him until many years after my great aunt passed away. Nobody would talk about him. I enjoyed your book tremendously. Very realistic and powerful without being gratuitously graphic.

Linda wrote: "I had a great uncle that fought in WWI, and experienced a mustard gas attack. Because of the attack, he ended up in a sanatorium after the war and passed away a couple of years later. I have his di..."

What an incredible family legacy. It's so sad to think of the suffering this war (all wars) caused and its lasting effects through the generations. Mustard gas was horrendous. When I was in the military we had to do chemical training and part of it was stepping into a gas chamber without a mask. I still shudder to think about it.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! My editor made sure it wasn't too over the top with realities.

Sorry to cut in, in the middle of a conversation. But I’m a little excited. So I live in the UK and when I started the book I thought. “Hmmm where is Great Malvern... does it still exist?”

Well today I’m travel for work and guess where my train just stop GREAT MALVERN!!

Ok I know I’m being a little dramatic but it’s nice being in the place where the book you just finished was partly set :).

What fun Charlene! I love it when I visit some place that I have read about or at least know where it is located.

Charlene wrote: "Sorry to cut in, in the middle of a conversation. But I’m a little excited. So I live in the UK and when I started the book I thought. “Hmmm where is Great Malvern... does it still exist?”

Well t..."

Oh my goodness! That is super exciting! I probably would've squealed on the train :) I would love to visit there, and it's so cool that you live in the UK. I've only been to London, but would love to see the countryside on my next trip.

J'nell it would be fun to get a reading addicted group together to all go to England, since there are so many Christian fiction books that are set in England!

Loraine wrote: "J'nell it would be fun to get a reading addicted group together to all go to England, since there are so many Christian fiction books that are set in England!"

Yes! I'd love this.

I am still waiting to read this months book.my library has special ordered it in.

I am really enjoying the other book of the month.

J'nell wrote: "Linda wrote: "I had a great uncle that fought in WWI, and experienced a mustard gas attack. Because of the attack, he ended up in a sanatorium after the war and passed away a couple of years later...."

Thank you for your service!

Loraine wrote: "J'nell it would be fun to get a reading addicted group together to all go to England, since there are so many Christian fiction books that are set in England!"

Great idea! My husband and I visited England in 2015, and we stopped by several places I'd read about in books. I love standing in characters' shoes!

Charlene wrote: "Sorry to cut in, in the middle of a conversation. But I’m a little excited. So I live in the UK and when I started the book I thought. “Hmmm where is Great Malvern... does it still exist?”

Well t..."

Very cool!

For those of you who are reading or finished, I will be posting discussion questions on Friday.

I finished Poppies and found it very engaging. As a writer, I also enjoyed the creative descriptions ("his waiting bucket of practical water"? Love it!).

I have several relatives who have served - my dad in WW2, one brother in Viet Nam, and others - and they simply don't talk about their experiences. The realism in this book helped me understand what they might have gone through and why they'd rather not talk about it. On the other hand, rays of hope are also portrayed in this book, so it didn't leave me feeling sad/discouraged.

J'nell - I'm curious to know if you have a background in medicine? I'm a physician and, although I can't speak to the specific accuracy at that point in history, I was impressed that the overall descriptions of medical cases and treatments seemed quite accurate.

Della wrote: "I finished Poppies and found it very engaging. As a writer, I also enjoyed the creative descriptions ("his waiting bucket of practical water"? Love it!).

I have several relatives who have served ..."

I adore creative descriptions. When I find just the right one it makes me giddy! Like I've struck even if no one else appreciates it.

Though I tend to write a lot of war stories, they're never meant to be discouraging. My whole point is to write about hope and the incredible human spirit during terrible times. The greater the despair, the greater the achievement to pull through it. Just know that my stories will always have a happy ending.

I have no background in medicine whatsoever! The only thing I had to rely on was my rudimentary first aid training in the military where all I remember is how to stick a tube up someone's nose and sucking chest wounds. And the only reason I remember the latter is because it sounds so terrible. How could I not put that in a book?! I would pin all my knowledge on a book called The Roses of No Man's Land by Lyn MacDonald. It was the best resource for everything by far because it contains first hand descriptions from the medical staff and nurses during the war. Excellent book and very illuminating. I can't tell you what it means for an author to hear that their research was spot on because I take great pride in it, so thank you!

PS I've always been terrified to write about doctors and nurses because there's so much to know and I'd hate to get it wrong.

Sounds like you got it right J'nell. Validation from Della!

Here are some discussion questions from J'nell to start us off. I want to thank her for quickly coming up with some discussion questions since I have been out-of-pocket between my husband's back problems and our Blizzard that slammed us on Weds and Thurs.

1. All her life Gwyn has sought adventure and desires nothing more than to see the world. When the Great War hits she finds the perfect opportunity to travel while doing her duty to her country. Was Gwyn brave or selfish to seek her adventure on the front line?

2. Halfway through the story, Gwyn is ordered to travel with William’s unit to Trônes Woods which is under fierce attack. William orders her to stay put so she will be safe and so that the soldiers would be able to find her and the ambulance, but she goes into the woods to help the wounded. Was Gwyn wrong to disobey orders and go after the wounded in the woods?

3. From the first moment they met, William and Gwyn are complete opposites. He with his horses and discipline, and she with her cars and adventure. Why are they drawn to each other? Would William have been better matched with someone like Cecelia?

4. During the war women were quick to help with the effort in any way they could. Many stepped into the positions previously occupied by men by going to work in munitions, factories, as ambulance drivers, and police women. Others felt called to roll bandages, knit socks, and pack baskets filled with goodies from Blighty. Though seemingly different, all were greatly needed and appreciated. If you lived during this time, which occupation would you choose?

My reading time has been limited this month. Just finished Among the Poppies and very much enjoyed it.

I see Gwyn as both selfish and brave for wanting to go to the front lines. Selfish because she is thinking of herself and not about the impact it would be on her father to lose her.

Gwyn went into the wood to help wounded because it seemed like the right thing to do even though she'd been told to stay at the ambulance. She wasn't a soldier ordered to stay at the ambulance so she had the freedom to leave.

Interesting question about what job I'd see myself doing during that time. Perhaps helping out at a hospital in some way.

2. I don't think Gwyn was wrong to go into the woods. She was actually with a private organization who was geared towards taking care of the wounded. She was put in William's care, but she was not military personnel; so she had to make the best decision for what her job was as a medical caregiver.