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Below are a small selection of reviews left by readers of Poppy Day on Amazon, Waterstone's and Twitter. Click on the links to the left to see more of these.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read - just superb, 8 Feb 2012
By
Irene K. - This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I spent one weekend reading "Poppy Day" and I just could not put it down until I finished it. What a lovely and amazing story. I laughed and cried and aaahed all the way through it. Poppy is just such a wonderful and lovable character and I just loved the story unraveling with all its twists and happenings. As I was reading, it was as if I were watching a film - and I'm sure "Poppy Day" would make a brilliant film...
I also think it is wonderful and very generous of Amanda donating all the royalties from the book to the Royal British Legion to help the servicemen and women in the forces and their families. I hope "Poppy Day" continues to be a great success and that it'll also be translated into other languages, (such as German so that I can recommend it to all my German friends!) but also and foremost because the subject-matter in "Poppy Day" is so very relevant, thought-provoking and important affecting millions of people around the world today.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read, 3 Feb 2012
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I don't read books too often but after seeing the excellent reviews decided to order. I am so glad I did! A brilliantly written book which takes you on Poppy Day's journey! My advice, buy, it read it, and recommend to others! A film in the making!
5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing But Superb, 28 Jan 2012
This review is from: Poppy Day (Kindle Edition)
I had seen a review of this book in a magazine article and thought that the story was aimed directly at women readers, however after speaking with the author's husband I decided to download it to my Kindle. As my title says the book has been nothing but superb, you are drawn into the characters and their interaction with each other, link this with the current military and political situation in Afghanistan and this is a book that I struggled to put down each night as I read it. I suspect if I was on a long journey I would have read it straight through it is that enthralling. Anyone should enjoy this book, whether a civilian or in the military, woman or man, click to download, pay money to an excellent cause and become engrossed in Poppy Day's world.
Anonymous
Location:Wrexham
Heartwarming Love Story
08 January 2012
This book turned me from being a competent chef to burning everything I touched over the weekend that I read it in. I have never read a book where I have cared so much for what happens to the characters and so had to fit reading it around taxiing the kids to football and ballet, doing the food shop, cooking, cleaning and visiting relatives, all of which were eversoslightly neglected because I loved this story. Top recommendation for a brilliant read, but get rid of your commitements to enjoy it as you won't want any interruptions believe me. 10/10 in every respect.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Rollercoaster, 5 Jan 2012
I heard Amanda Prowse on the Billy Butler show on BBC Radio Merseyside and the passionate way that she spoke about the story intrigued me enough to buy a copy. I heard her again today on BBC Radio Manchester, where she was magnificent again and that spurred me on to tell you about a must read book...
Poppy Day is beautifully written and it describes the thing that all humans crave, that devotion to one another within a relationship with a love so perfect and pure that your partner would lay their life down for you without hesitation if it meant that they could save you from being hurt.
Okay, I cry at a lot of things, sometimes because they make me sad and sometimes becuase they make me so happy. Now I have added another category of why I cry; because something is so beautiful and Poppy Day fits into that slot. Don't get me wrong, this is not a weepy book, in fact it is the very opposite, funny, moving and uplifting all in one but the thing I take away from it is what makes a perfect love and that is beautiful. The great thing is that it isn't soppy either and my boyfriend is reading it now and loves it (which makes me think I chose well - the boyfriend and the book).
Amanda Prowse is fascinating to listen to and I bet even when she writes a shopping list it would be interesting. If you haven't already got it, don't hesitate, buy a copy now; it will probably be the best book you have read in a long, long time. 5 out of 5 Stars if you haven't already guessed!
5.0 out of 5 stars Just brilliant, 4 Jan 2012
Very real (which I suppose might scare some readers) but just a brilliant read - according to my ex-squaddie husband. I haven't had the chance to read it yet because he got his hands on it, and read it in record time. So it must be good! I've now started reading it and I can't put it down - although I would say it's not for the faint hearted... it's clearly written by someone who understands what it's like to be a military wife. So please read it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, 30 Dec 2011
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I bought this book after coming across it on Amazon, although realised afterwards I had been sublimely moved towards it by the receipt we received from the Slug and Lettuce in Durham, which was also advertising it. It's a very moving, easy to read book with a shocking twist towards the end that I didn't see coming at all. It is such a great way to support a worthy cause, keep up the good work @PoppyArmyWife
Unconditional Love
30 December 2011
I always say that the worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. Well, this book quite literally changes the lives of those fortunate enough to read it.
It is rare that I discover a book of this calibre and feel that it is a most deserving and worthy book for everyone who truly want to know what it means to love....and to love unconditionally.
For this reason, this book at it's core, is about life, about hope and love. It is a spiritual affirmation about how we endure, and that love truly spans time, space, and distance. This is a story that not merely takes us on a journey across the land, but of an opening of the mind to see the true essence of what it means to live and love.
My book of the year by a clear margin. Unique and wonderful.
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Bowled Over by this book!
29 December 2011
I have just finished Poppy Day - wow. I had read the other reviews and thought they might have been slghtly exaggerated - they werent. Its one of those books that comes along occasionally and totally grips you. I love the way Amanda Prowse writes - I took every step with Poppy and found myself willing her to make certain decisions. Its a beautiful love story but also had me on tenter hooks for most of it. I am slightly lost now that its finished. I keep replaying it over in my head, I wish that there was another from Amanda Prowse available now - ive heard shes releasing another one, dont know how she will top Poppy Day for me - the book of the year beyond a doubt. Briliiant. Buy it read it x
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5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding debut book..., 28 Dec 2011
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
After receiving my copy of Poppy Day I couldn't wait to finish my current book to start on this much anticipated book.
I have a very close friend who is a captain in the 2nd Mercian Regiment and completed his first tour of Afghan about 2 years ago and is eager to go on his second tour so I was very eager to read Poppy Day.
When I started the book I knew straight away that this was a book by an author of extreme writing talent. I couldn't put the book down and between work, household duties and the run up to Xmas all i have done is read Poppy Day. If you are wanting a book that can make your imagination come to reality then Poppy Day is the book. It is a highly intense and emotional journey through the eyes of a woman that only has love and commitment to a husband who is 1000s of miles away and helpless to change his situation.
Mandy deserves some kind of recognition/award for this debut book, it is an outstanding book that words cannot do enough justice for, all I can say is whens the next one published. Through hard work and personal experience Mandy and Simeon have produced a CRACKER...
Thankyou Mandy and Simeon for my special copy of Poppy Day it will be treasured and has pride of place on my bookcase... X
5.0 out of 5 stars Poppy Day, 21 Dec 2011
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
An informative and gripping book. The story is full of emotion, from the anger to euphoria. The writer has the ability to keep you within the story and anxious to move on all through.Truly an honest write and well worth a read
5.0 out of 5 stars So good I bought it twice!, 19 Dec 2011
By
Gary Burns - This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I ordered my first copy of Poppy Day after hearing Amanda on the Iain Dale show on LBC radio. She talked very passionately about the work of the Legion and as my father is a Poppy Appeal collector I thought I'd get him a copy. Then I had to work the weekend and didn't get back up to Birkenhead to visit him and with a bit of spare time over the weekend I read the book.
It was nothing short of amazing. The best story I have ever read bar none and hilariously funny in places too. Then this weekend I heard Amanda Prowse on BBC Radio Merseyside and she was doing a signing in a bookshop in Liverpool so I went over and got a signed copy to keep. What an amazing, geniune and generous lady, it was an honour to meet her.
I don't want to give the plot away, one of the strands is pretty obvious otherwise there would be no story but the others kind of creep up on you and then smash over you like a massive wave. I could hardly stand it when it gets to the bit where she is faced with the big choice but it sucks you in and carries you along and then it hits you. Really well done without being too graphic and for that reason it earns another massive tick.
If you only have enough money to buy one book make it this one. I guarantee that you will enjoy it, for a whole load of reasons. 10/10 best book buy ever.
5.0 out of 5 stars Take yourself on a journey., 19 Dec 2011
By
Lisa B - This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I bought Poppy Day after hearing the author speak on a radio show and it interested me enough to order it on Amazon. I'm really glad did, as I wasn't really expecting it to unravel the way it did. It is the most surprising book I have ever read as it has hidden depth and a couple of twists that were both brilliant and shocking. When I first got it I thought it might have been quite sad but am glad to say that it was very funny indeed. Great build up, fabulous story and terrific ending. Great value too earns it a deserved 5 stars.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Book of the Year, 19 Dec 2011
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
Poppy Day is a thought provoking and poignant book that is easy to read but will leave a lasting impression on you. It was a real insight into a strong, loving relationship. It is a very easy read and has a very wide appeal. One thing that struck me about it was that it seemed to cross a lot of boundaries - it could be read and enjoyed equally by those that usually read classics or more highbrow books or by those who take supermarket magazines. It is a study of life, love and humanity. I rarely read books twice but I have already started it again. Magnificent.
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly emotionally wise book, 14 Dec 2011
This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
I read this remarkable book virtually in one sitting. Amanda Prowse shows great wisdom - emotional and spiritual - in the telling of this story. Her characters are convincing and the gripping tale is spiked with humour. But what I liked most of all was the close identification I felt from the moment the 'action' began. I was constantly being put into situations where I found myself asking 'what would I do here?' As though I was being taken on a journey. Without wanting to give too much away, I thought the best part of the book is that it does not end where a more conventional book might, but deals honestly with the very real issue of PTSD.
Anonymous
Location:England
A Book That Transforms Your Heart
11 December 2011
Poppy Day is quite simply a book that not only transforms the face of your bookshelf, but more importantly, a book with the unique and unrivalled ability to change ones heart and perception of what it truly means to love....and to love unconditionally.
The uncomparable writing style and character development evidenced by Amanda Prowse for the characters of both Poppy and Martin, captures and reverberates in such a way that it allows us to feel the experiences and emotions endured by both characters. You physically feel as though you are entwined within the confines of the story yourself not as a mere reader, but as an active participant.
I myself, personally have never experienced first hand the trials and tribulations and heartbreak of having a beloved go off to war to fight for our countries freedom. However, this hasn't impacted my ability to connect with this book. In fact, much like Martin, as someone who elected to come to a different country to pursue opportunities that have allowed me the fortune of a better life for myself and those I love dearly, I understand and connect with his character. I also understand Poppy and the loved ones that I too left behind. For this reason Popppy Day has become my constant companion through many days and on many occassions since having had the privilege of reading it. It reinstills in me the belief that miles don't truly seperate us from the ones we love. If we want to be with someone we love, we are already there. For this reason on days in which no matter how lost I am, Poppy Day always takes me back to my personal truth, to my own pesonal reality.It is a spiritual affirmation about how we endure, and that love truly spans time, space, and distance. This is a story that not merely takes us on a journey across the land, but of an opening of the mind to see the true essence of what it means to live and love.
This book is truly an incredibly simple reminder of an incredibly simple truth we forget most of the time. This book is so inspirational and moving. There's philosophy and truth and so much more that I can't put into words. Everyone should have someone special enough to give this book to. And for anyone you love - add this book to their heart.
This author, and inspiring woman, Amanda Prowse had vision, compassion, and deep motivation in this work, read it, enjoy it, and most of all, share it. What a wonderful legacy for the future generations to understand what love truly is.
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Overall rating:
Anonymous
Location:Braintree, Essex
Heartfelt and sympathetic
09 December 2011
This book was a fascinating read and whilst appreciating it was only a story, it did have the ultimate ring to it of someone who had experience first hand of what being the wife of a serving military person was. Amanda brought the characters to life and certainly also understands Alzheimers with all its quirks. I was lost in it for hours and had tears streaming down my face and was willing the two young people to re-unite and move forward with their lives. It gave an insight into a life I know very little about and made me appreciate my life, my family and most of all, my husband so much more. What a rare talent Amanda has and I really look forward to her next book. Well done Amanda. You make this nation proud of it's Military Wives.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Affirmation of Love and Life Unlike Any Other, 17 Nov 2011
By
A McKenzie - This review is from: Poppy Day (Paperback)
It is often said that the worth of a book is to be measured by what you carry away from it. Rarely, does a book of this calibre come along that so vividly displays, and exemplifies the virtue of unconditional love.
This is a book that not merely changes lives of others, due to the authors unprecedented philanthropy, particularly for a debut novelist, whereby all proceeds of the sale of this book go directly to the Royal British Legion, but the impact of the writing of this novel quite literally changes the lives of those fortunate enough to read it.
In this empowering tale of love and war, Amanda Prowse, the wife of a serving solider herself, encaptures us and takes us on a heroing journey of the daily trials and tribulations experienced by the brave warriors in uniform that serve our country and their equally brave and loyal, often invisible warriors of their spouses and loved ones that left as "commanders" of their families that are left behind at home as they attempt to resume their day to day existence.
Whether or not you the reader have or haven't ever known anyone to go off to war to fight for their country, will not affect your ability to connect with this book. This is attributed to two factors. Firstly, the uncomparable writing style and character development by Amanda for both Poppy and Martin, where the emotions and experiences reverberate and touch you so deeply that you feel an immediate bond with them both that keeps you enraptured throughout the duration of this book and through the turmoil of emotions experienced. Secondly, because at it's core, this book is about life, about hope and love. It is a spiritual affirmation about how we endure, and that love truly spans time, space, and distance. This is a story that not merely takes us on a journey across the land, but of an opening of the mind to see the true essence of what it means to live and love.
This book is without a doubt one of the most poignant, moving and compelling novels I have read in a long time.
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