Poppy’s Return by Pat Rosier

This thoughtful follow up to Poppy’s Progress explores issues of family relationships, especially grief and loss. Middle-aged Poppy Sinclair is content enough with her life and her comfortable relationships with her friends, family, and cat. She is thrown into turmoil, however, when she must move back to her hometown to care for her dying father. There, she must face not only the difficult, slow loss of a parent to cancer but also her lingering feelings for a former flame, Jane. In a time of strong emotions for her entire family, Poppy reaches a turning point in her life, torn by grief for her father and excitement over what Jane might offer. Exquisite characterization and engaging dialogue distinguish this subtly challenging novel.