The Poppy Girls
By (Author) Kirsty Dougal
Penguin Books Ltd
Penguin Books Ltd
23rd November 2025
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Historical fiction
Paperback
368
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 35mm
500g
A brand new saga from Kirsty Dougal - as the Battle of Britain rages on, can the girls of the Poppy Estate Factory put aside their differences for the common good Richmond, Surrey, 1940. Overhead, the Battle of Britain rages. Below, at the Poppy Factory, disabled WWI veterans assemble remembrance wreaths while working on a secret wartime project. Meanwhile, on the estate where they live, three of their daughters are coming of age. Studious Carrie wants nothing to do with war and is intent on going to university. Sarah, the daughter of a war hero, is desperate to get involved on the home front, while newcomer Mabel keeps herself to herself. These young women have nothing in common, but as the Blitz begins, everyone within the estate must do their bit, and they are thrown together in ways they couldn't ever have imagined. Can the Poppy Girls put aside their differences for the greater good
Praise for Kirsty Dougal * : *
This superbly plotted saga has all the ingredients of a heartwarming and engrossing read -- Maisie Thomas, author of Christmas with the Railway Girls
I was hooked from the start. The meticulous period detail and true-to-life characters had me immersed in the action, and I didnt want the story to end. A joy to read -- Vicki Beeby
A wonderful wartime family saga not to be put down -- Reader Review *****
Kirsty Dougal has a background in advertising and now runs her own consultancy. Over the past 25 years, she has interviewed the Great British public on everything from Rolos to razors. Kirsty also writes WW1 sagas as Poppy Cooper; The Post Office Girls and A Post Office Christmas, and contemporary fiction as Kirsten Hesketh. Married with a son and daughter and two exceptionally fluffy moggies, Kirsty is also a keen amateur archaeologist and loves to spend her weekends on a local Roman dig. She loves walking and is a staunch supporter of Wycombe Wanderers - especially when they are winning! Kirsty lives in Oxfordshire. You can find Kirsty on Twitter- @kirsten_hesketh