Noel Streatfeild wrote twelve novels under the pseudony‘Susan Scarlett.’  Although she herself was dismissive of these light romances, they have many of the characteristics that made her ‘own’ books so successful, in particular the authenticity of the settings and the believable, often flawed characters that we immediately care about. In Poppies for England she turned once more to the theatrical background she knew so well.  It is 1946 and many are still feeling the aftershock of war. Rationing is still in place, and prisoners of war are returning home, only to find their families almost strangers.  Two such families, old friends with diverse theatrical talents, join forces to provide the concert party for the summer season in a seaside holiday camp.  In this ‘gay and cheerful book’ hidden talents emerge, romances struggle and blossom, jealousies and artistic temperament are overcome as the families find happiness once more.  “Peace was creeping back into the world and into the heart.”