A superbly written book
This is the third book in a series. They can be read as standalones but it’s better to read them in order.
The back stories of the characters is done so well

Golden Poppies is a beautiful and powerful story of two generations of American women who fight against all odds to protect the bond they share and to create a better future for themselves. Author Laila Ibrahim exquisitely captures the realities of a racially segregated nation, the political struggles of the Gilded Age, and the inner battles that each woman must face. Despite their differences, Jordan and Sadie’s mutual respect, loyalty, and determination show readers that our destinies are intertwined and that through solidarity we can create a better world. An inspirational story of female friendship and resilience, Golden Poppies is sure to become a timeless classic.

"Golden Poppies" by Laila Ibrahim, was a wonderful, insightful novel, part of a series, yet I read it as a stand-alone book, and enjoyed it very much. Highlighting the post-slavery era in America, in different areas of the country, highlighting the much-needed additional woman's freedoms, as well as family and friend bonds and dedication. Beautiful characters, woven in interesting ways along political and social challenges, and the small and big ways to prevail. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Plot: Generational impact of slavery on both families of the slave and master and how the children managed to become friends and treat each other as equals. It also coincides with the women suffrage movement and how both black and white woman came together to initiate change.

Triggers: Depression, abuse, pain

Opinion: I actually liked the book and it wasn't so gory or too painful to read, however I feel like the book still lacked character or a certain flavour to have made the story line clearer and more powerful. Aside from that, I had issues in the manner the author portrayed some characters. Personally I was irritated with how Jordan's character was written especially when it came to her daughter marrying a light skin black man. I wish she would have been written as more understanding and it would have opened up a way to make that discussion within the book.

All in all, it was good book, I'm glad Sadie managed to escape from her abusive husband although it would have been nice to read some background of him to understand where his harsh spirit came from. it honestly just can't be because he is German.

3 stars and I wouldn't mind reading more from the author.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really love this series, didnt even know it was a series when i start it tbh but happy it is!

Golden Poppies is the third instalment in a series which has followed Mattie a plantation slave and the plantation owner’s daughter Lisbeth. This book is set in the early 1890’s and tells the story of a middle-aged Lisbeth and her complex relationships with the characters we have met before, Sadie, Jordan and Emily. Lisbeth is summoned from her home in California to Chicago by Jordan as Mattie is an elderly woman who is close to death, Lisbeth and her daughter Sadie travel over 2000 miles by train to be with Mattie in her final days. This is a wonderful book which tells the next part of the story which started over 50 years earlier. Times have changed dramatically, but attitudes towards different races and women still are vastly unequal. These women’s courage and loyalty to one another is tested as they fight for true acceptance and liberation.

I adored this series, and this book, for me was the perfect way to continue the story with yet another generation of Mattie and Lisbeth’s family and to leave the future for the generations to come. I was outraged by the attitudes people had towards the mixing of races and the struggles each woman dealt with as they lived their lives but in awe of the bravery and strength each of these characters had. Overall, this book has a message of hope and freedom, friendships, family and the ties which bind us together for a lifetime.

Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book! It can be read as a stand alone but it is better understood if you read the other books first, Yellow Crocus and Mustard Seed. It is a beautifully and well written novel that continues the story of two families...one black and one white. The book shows the incredible bond both families have with each other and I thought it was a great conclusion to the story.

This is the third book in an absolutely stunning series! If you haven't read the other books, I highly recommend going back and starting with Yellow Wife. It was my favorite of the series, but it also provides so much insight into the characters and the story for this third book.

Golden Poppies was another beautiful story, and I absolutely enjoyed it! The way these characters' lives have been forever intertwined is beautiful to read about. I loved the continuation of the story through the children, and I really hope there is another book to continue this story further!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I enjoy Laila Ibrahim's stories and Golden Poppies does not disappoint. I thought it was really good. Four and a half stars.

i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed going on this story. I look forward to more from the author.

I wish I would have known this was the third in a series I think that would have changed how I looked at this book. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book. I think it would have just added to it. This story is about two families one black and one white and the powerful ties that bind them two together. I loved how the author pulled you into the story of their lives and made it hard to put down. If you are a fan of historical fiction this book is one to look into.

I haven't read the other two books in the series, but Golden Poppies functions as a stand-alone novel as well. Laila Ibrahim is a strong writer with a dedicated following. And, if I had read this book a few years ago, I am sure I would have loved it. At this point, however, I think it is important for writers to carefully examine the role and historical accuracy of Black characters in their books. The story of the bond between the white plantation owner and the enslaved Black woman and their descendents is overplayed and not indicative of the lived experience of the majority of those who endured slavery.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Golden Poppies by Laila Ibrahim is the third in a series of books, which I did not know when I picked up my copy. It continues the story of two intertwined American families in the 1890's. One family is black, the other white, but their shared history links them despite the fact that they now live very separate lives in Chicago and Oakland respectively. Much of this history and back story is described in detail in the previous books , which I had not read, and while the author does give enough background to allow the reader to understand the basics of the relationships and shared history , I do feel that I would have engaged with and enjoyed the book much more had I read the earlier books. I struggled to connect with any of the characters in the first half of the book, thought this became less of an issue later. I enjoyed the sense of history and setting in the book, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of vividly bringing the past to life.
I read a review copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher,all opinions are my own.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I'll be posting my review on Goodreads and Amazon

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and Laila Ibrahim for this e-copy in return for my honest review. Having loved Yellow Crocus and Mustard Seed, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read this book. Laila brings her characters to life in this fascinating book filled with sadness, hope and love and gives great insight into their plight. This book can be read either as a standalone or as part of this series.

I had to read the first two books before this one and so glad I did. Love the characters, so much feeling. Really glad I was able to read this series. I will definitely check out other work by Laila Ibrahim. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy!

Since I loved Yellow Crocus and then Mustard Seed, I was so looking forward to Golden Poppies and loved it as much as it’s predecessors. Laila Ibrahim has a knack for bringing her characters to life. Loved the continued saga of Jordan and Sadie, daughters of Mattie and Lisbeth. I so admire all 4 of these women for their bravery and persistence in trying to achieve social justice. I was intrigued by a reminder of the Pullman strike, seen through the eyes of porters and conductors instead of through the lens of high school history texts, gave me a new understanding. Given the racial unrest so prevalent during the pandemic and rioting occurring throughout the US, it was disheartening to read that the gains made in the late 1800’s have not resolved the challenges African Americans still endure more than 100 years later. Hopefully Laila is not finished with these very special characters. Many many thanks to Laila Ibrahim, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasurable experience of reading Golden Poppies.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the main characters and was completely invested in their lives. I have come to discover that me feeling invested in at least one character is important to my feelings regarding a story.

I will say this was a hard book in regards to some abuse and eye opening about life after slaves were freed.

I learned quite a bit about the time period but more than that I learned how important it is to have a sisterhood. A sisterhood that exists regardless of race, class or age. We all need women in our lives who will support us, comfort us and stand up with us. We need mentors and need to mentor others. This was a wonderful book about strong women.

Another beautifully written emotionally moving novel by Lili Abraham.Book three in the series a book sen through the eyes of two women one black one white.This novel is seen through the eyes of their daughters.A novel that is perfect for today’s climate .#netgalley#lakeunionpublishing

If you're in the mood for a layered story with lots of equally valuable moving parts, a real page-turner that takes you far away from reality, grab this book and make room for the other books in this series of connected standalones. I see so many people asking for recommendations on really engaging books, and this is one that I would recommend every time. There is no fluff here, and it checks every box for captivating women's historical fiction. Loved it and will be on the lookout for more of this author's work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.