Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls

The Tobacco Girls #4

by Lizzie Lane

BRISTOL 1943 and life for the Tobacco Girls isn’t getting any easier...

Bridget Milligan has donned a uniform and joined the nursing services where she becomes intrigued with the miracles of modern medicine. She’s also torn between family loyalty, her new career and Lyndon O’Neill, the love of her life. Is it too impossible to hope that everything will come out right in the end?

Phyllis Harvey is still serving in Malta where she sees the casualties of war first hand. Finally it seems like Phyllis is blessed with true in love, but fate can sometimes be a rocky road and nothing is that certain.

Maisie Miles is left holding the home front at the tobacco factory but with the sudden death of her grandmother finds herself once more alone in the world. However, thanks to a substantial inheritance, she is able to extend a helping hand to a friend in desperate need.

There are tears and laughter, goodbyes and new arrivals along with the hope that new beginnings are not far over the horizon.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, British Literature

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2022

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tobacco Girls Book 4

Bridget Milligan has donned a uniform and joined the nursing services where she becomes intrigued with the miracles of modern medicine. She's also torn between family loyalty and, her new career, and Lyndon O'Neill, the love of her life.

Phyllis Harvey is still serving in Malta where she sees the casualties of war first hand. Finally it seems like Phyllis is blessed with true love.

Maisie Miles is left holding the home front at the tobacco factory but with the sudden death of her grandmother finds herself once more alone in the world.

This story includes: grief, joy and anxiety. We meet some new characters but some old faces from previous books make a welcome return. As before, we get more backstories about the characters. The story is told from multiple points of view. This series is well written and the books could be read as standalones, but I recommend you read all the books in the order they were written in. You won't be disappointed.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LizzieLane for my ARC of #HeavenAndHellForTheTobaccoGirls in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls by Lizzie Lane is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction saga that is the fourth book in the equally wonderful Tobacco Girls series. I just love these books!

I have now read all four books and I truly think this series is getting better and better with each book.

This novel starts off where it’s predecessor left off in 1943. We are able to follow up with the three main characters and friends: Bridget, Phyllis, and Maisie. It was so great to befriend them again and see all of the action that each one is experiencing during the war.

There were a few surprises, suspense, and all three women working hard to find their own place in this world and to do their part in aiding in the war effort.

Such an enjoyable book and I am so looking forward to the next installment!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Boldwood Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately ( as of 12/23/21 no BB listing has been created and link will be updated when it is available )and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/3/22.

From the Publisher:

Bridget Milligan has donned a uniform and joined the nursing services where she becomes intrigued with the miracles of modern medicine. She’s also torn between family loyalty, her new career and Lyndon O’Neill, the love of her life. Is it too impossible to hope that everything will come out right in the end?

Phyllis Harvey is still serving in Malta where she sees the casualties of war first hand. Finally it seems like Phyllis is blessed with true in love, but fate can sometimes be a rocky road and nothing is that certain.

Maisie Miles is left holding the home front at the tobacco factory but with the sudden death of her grandmother finds herself once more alone in the world. However, thanks to a substantial inheritance, she is able to extend a helping hand to a friend in desperate need.

There are tears and laughter, goodbyes and new arrivals along with the hope that new beginnings are not far over the horizon.

About Lizzie Lane
​
Lizzie Lane is the author of over 50 books, a number of which have been bestsellers. She was born and bred in Bristol where many of her family worked in the cigarette and cigar factories. This has inspired her saga series for Boldwood The Tobacco Girls.
​
Follow Lizzie Lane
​
Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/LizzieLaneNewsletter
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lizzie-lane

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book followed on from the first in this series. I found it a very entertaining read and enjoyed reading about the three girls exploits during the Second World War. The descriptions of the hospital was interesting as well as the descriptions of the way people just managed on very little during this period of history. I hope that there will be another book after this one. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Just love this series

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction lovers do not want to miss this book! It is the fourth book in "The Tobacco Girls Series". This is the first one I've read. It is a wonderful standalone. However, I will be catching up with the other 3 books soon because I fell in love with the characters. The story is brilliant. It is told from multiple POV's about 4 strong women during the 1940's. It follows the lives of Bridget, Maisie, Phyllis and Carole. Although they share a connection, they each live independent lives.

Synposis
Bridget Milligan joins the "Civil Nursing Auxilitary". She loves her career, but her real love is Lyndon O'Neal. Does Lyndon share her hopes for the future?

Phyllis Harvey has been through much pain in her life. She is stationed at Malta and falls in love with Mick Fairbrother. Mick wants to get married, but he is a pilot flying dangerous missions. Will Mick safely return to Phyllis?

Maisie Miles is loving, but speaks her mind. Her grandmother dies and Maisie inherited her estate. However, something could take that from her. Will Maisie keep what us rightfully hers?

Carole admires actress "Jean Harlow" and wishes to be like her. Unknown to Carole, dangers lurk around her that could change her life forever.

"Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls" by Lizzie Lane, will be published March 3, 2022.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for this heartwarming e-book. I did not want the book to end. I can't wait for the sequel!

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls continues the story of the 3M's: Maisie, Phyllis and Bridget

I am just new to this series and have enjoyed catching up with the 3 friends.

War changes everything and these friends have managed to maintain their strong friendship through hell and high water.

They all have their strength and they all have their problems but through it all even though they have gone their separate ways their bond continues.

I missed Book 3 but managed quite easily to follow Book 4 .

I am so glad I picked up this series and I can't wait to catch up the 3 M's soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for most enjoyable and informative read.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in The Tobacco Girls series, HEAVEN AND HELL FOR THE TOBACCO GIRLS picks up from where the previous one left off as we follow the lives and loves of the Three M's - Bridget Milligan, Maisie Miles and Phyllis Mason (now Harvey).

To recap, the three girls became friends whilst working at the Wills Tobacco Factory (I can never recall its full name) in Bristol. Bridget and Phyllis had been friends for some time with young Maisie Miles joining their group with the onset of war in 1939 when her stepfather Frank Miles saw fit to have her employed there so she could then furnish him with information regarding deliveries and routes, thus Frank then relieving the delivery lorries of their cargo to sell on the black market. His partnership with local gangster Eddie Bridgeman saw him land himself in hot water, paving the way for Eddie to try and nab his hands on the very young Maisie...just how Eddie likes them. Once he tires of them, he then pimps them out to keep him in the lap of luxury to which he's accustomed. But Maisie was a force to be reckoned with, and with the help of her new friends, saw Eddie Bridgeman off, along with Frank Miles, in the hands in the local constabulary. Phyllis Mason had been walking out with Robert Harvey, forced together by her mother who saw herself above her class. But Phyllis saw fit to better herself by taking typing classes to become a secretary, only falling into bed with her tutor and up the duff soon after. He fled and Phyllis was stuck with Robert whom she married to give her baby a better future. But when Robert was declared missing believed dead and Phyllis miscarried, she then fled the imprisonment of her mother in law and signed up with the Royal Women's Air Force and being sent abroad where she met the love of her life in Malta - an Australian named Mick Fairbrother. Meanwhile Bridget Milligan's family has been separated due to air raids on the city with her younger siblings living in North Devon for the past two years but now they are home, but home is no longer familiar to them. Feeling restless herself, Bridget longed to see her beau, American Lyndon O'Neill, one of the plantation owners supplying tobacco to the factory in which she works. But Lyndon has been trying to make his way back to England to be with the girl he loves.

Now it's 1943 and Bridget has signed up to join the Civil Nursing Auxiliary with plans to become a nurse and do her bit to help with the war effort and with Phyllis now in the services herself in Malta, leaving Maise the last one of the three M's at the tobacco factory. But Maisie has stepped up since she was the young girl who joined all those years ago and has taken young Carole under wing just as Bridget and Phyllis had done for her...particularly as Carole reminds her so much of her younger self. With her bottle blonde hair and fire engine red lipstick, Carole idol is Jean Harlow and in her naivete sets out to replicate the actress in looks and spunk. But unbeknownst to her, dangers lurk in the background that could bring her world crashing down and change her life forever. Wise beyond her years, Maisie foresees trouble before it hits in some cases (others not so much), but in any case she is there to help and support the young girl who has no one. Having inherited a house, land and money from her grandmother, Maisie invites Carole to come and live with her...which suits Maisie since she doesn't much fancy living alone either. But then there is someone linked to her father that threatens to take everything from her, citing her claim to be who she says she is. There is only one way she can prove who she is and that is to see the one person she never wished to see again - Frank Miles. But can Maisie keep what is rightfully hers?

Since the attack on Pearl Harbour in the last book, which Lyndon just managed to escape, the Americans have finally joined the war bringing with them many sought after items that have long since been rationed in Britain - lipstick, nylons and even things like chocolates and sweets. But the only thing from the US Bridget longs for is Lyndon, who is working tirelessly to try and get back to the woman he loves. But it has been so long between letters, Bridget's mother Mary fears Lyndon is just uttering promises he doesn't intend to keep in order to have his way with her daughter. Needless to say, when she does come face to face with Lyndon the air is frosty indeed. In the meantime, she has signed up to be a nursing auxiliary but her dedication and aptitude see her being recommended for training to become a fully-fledged nurse. But the one thing that nurses cannot be is married...so should Lyndon return to England, she must hold him off until she is fully qualified. But it has been so long Bridget fears will she ever see him again?

Phyllis Mason, though still Harvey but in name only, has been through much in the past few years as well as her life. Her mother has long since scarpered for a life with her own man, adding that there was no room for Phyllis, and so she has had no one to count on but her friends and herself. But now that she is abroad in Malta there is only herself to look out for her. After her train wreck of a marriage, Phyllis resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood...until she met and fell in love with Australian Mick Fairbrother and together they continue to make plans for her future, despite her still being married to Robert Harvey. Phyllis plans to divorce her brutish husband and rid herself of him and his horrible mother, but that is no mean feat stationed hundreds of miles away on an island in another country. Meanwhile, the couple remain happy and continue to plan their future together and she has written to her friends that she has finally found love of her life. Mick is a pilot flying for the RAF but being a pilot is a dangerous occupation. He could easily be shot down and disappear into the sea...and Phyllis fears every time he goes out on a mission. Will Mick return safely to Phyllis or is she destined for heartbreak once again?

This series continues to grow from strength to strength as situations change and the threat of invasion grows ever near. A lot of research has gone into this series to make it the success that it is and to bring each and every character to life...even the hateful ones. But HEAVEN AND HELL FOR THE TOBACCO GIRLS is tinged with sadness as we bid farewell to a couple of much-loved characters, one of which even brought a tear to my eye. As always, the story is filled with grief, anxieties, love and laughter as each come into their own as they grow from strength to strength (just as this series has).

HEAVEN AND HELL FOR THE TOBACCO GIRLS is an engaging addition to The Tobacco series that was a quick read as I revisited the women and their lives in Bristol and beyond. My one complaint is the ending. It was so abrupt, I turned the page to find only "Historical Notes" instead of another chapter. I felt like I was in the middle of a conversation that just ended abruptly with the disappearance of whoever I may have been talking with. It was just gone.

I look forward to seeing where Book 5 takes the girls as they move towards the European invasion and D-Day, marking the beginning of the end of the war. And where the girls will go from here.

With tears and laughter, HEAVEN AND HELL FOR THE TOBACCO GIRLS (in conjunction with the rest of the series) is perfect for fans of wartime sagas such as Rosie Clarke, Pam Howes and Nadine Dorries.

I would like to thank #LizzieLane, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #HeavenAndHellForTheTobaccoGirls in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Eunice R · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet the Tobacco Girls again in this sequel to the first book in the series entitled, The Tobacco Girls. Another WWII time frame evolves in this saga where young ladies suddenly have greater chances to break out of the 'norm' mold to do and be something other than a wife or mother (although these are noble callings too) or to only work in a factory. Chances too, for those of the lower financial status folks to achieve greater skills such as nursing, which Bridget, one of the tobacco girls, grabbed to do in this Heaven and Hell For the Tobacco Girls narrative. Phyllis and Carole also find new niches for themselves and Maisie comes in for a couple of surprizes. It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway...There were some fine young men, at least according to the Tobacco Girls, among the officers and other military men, even among the Yanks. So yes, there is some romance laced through the story.

As the book title suggests, some of these new experiences were indeed like Heaven but when talking about those war years, well, that's where the 'Hell' would be realized; the privations and heartache and more. We hear about it from each of the girls in turn and turn again as the story moves along. I was able to feel those ups and downs, right along with them.

One small drawback to this book, which could be a stand alone historical fiction novel, is that not having read the first in the series, I did find myself wondering what I'd missed. There seemed to be some missing links. Therefore, potential readers may well wish to find copies of both books to read.

~Eunice C. Reviewer/Blogger~

January 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1940s wartime Bristol, the reader dips into the lives of three young women. This is the fourth book in the series and though I have yet to read the first, 'The Tobacco Girls', I did read the second and third tales, 'Dark Days for the Tobacco Girls' and 'Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls' I hugely enjoyed this story, Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls. Lizzie Lane includes occasional reminders here and there as to what happened to the young women previously, so this works as an individual novel. The women are Bridget Milligan, Maisie Miles and Phyllis Harvey (née Mason), known as the Three Ms. Bridget has joined the nursing service the Civil Nursing Auxiliary and Maisie is working at the W. D. & H. O. Wills tobacco factory, whilst married Phyllis is in the WAAF and is still overseas.

In Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls with the sudden death of her grandmother, Maisie finds herself alone but with a substantial inheritance. She works with her friend, the young, red lipstick wearing Carole, whom she has taken under her wing and is able to help her out when Carole becomes in need. After Phyllis's disastrous marriage, she had resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood until she fell in love with Australian pilot, Mick Fairbrother and now they are planning for their future. Bridget is longing to see her beau, American Lyndon O'Neill, one of the plantation owners supplying tobacco to the factory, however, Lyndon is still trying to get back to England from the US.

Readers get to see the effects of the horror and hardship of war through the author's terrifically evocative writing. There are dashes of delight scattered throughout the tale as well, in terms of treasured friendship, support and love. An atmospheric, gritty and heartwarming read I now find myself desperate to catch up with book one as well as wondering what's in store for the Three Ms in the fifth instalment.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in 1943 so a bit later during WWII than the previous few books I've read which were closer to the start of the war, this was also the first book that I'd read that looked at the cigarette and cigar factories. It is part of a series, and is book 4 following The Tobacco Girls, Dark Days for the Tobacco Girls and Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls. I hadn't read any of these but I was still able to follow along the story as it can be read as a stand alone. However, on reflection I feel like I would have grown towards the characters more if I'd read the previous books as I would have had a greater understanding of what they'd been through and how they got to where they were now.

The story is split between three girls; Bridget, Maisie and Phyllis, who originally worked together at the tobacco factory but are now experiencing very different sides of the war. Phyllis is in Malta and was probably the character that I was least drawn towards out of the three but both Maisie and Bridget are still in the UK. I think Bridget was probably my favourite girl of the three and I loved seeing her journey and eagerness develop as she was taught more about modern medicine, especially getting to see the impact that penicillin had on both her and the patients it was administered to.

Maisie was probably having the hardest time of the three but you could see her strength and resilience in the way that she carried on and was a pillar of strength for many of the other women in the factory. This was especially clear when we hear about Sid's drawings to her hidden in his letters as that must have truly been heartbreaking to see and understand!

Overall this was a good, compelling read and it has definitely left me wanting to know more. I have so many questions so I'm hoping that there is going to be a book 5 coming at some point soon...

[Hayley Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Jess: I chose this as I have lost my reading mojo and knew this would be an easy read to get me back into the swing of things.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Lizzie’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I must admit that I have a special fondness for the series featuring 'The Tobacco Girls’, who are a plucky bunch of women, who all work at the tobacco factory. I have followed the series from the start and have loved each and every book that has been released. ‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ is the fourth instalment of the series and it’s another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I glimpsed ‘Tobacco Girls’ on a cover of a book that I hadn’t read, that was it for me. From then on, I was determined to get my hands on a copy and as soon as that happened, well the rest of the day was history as far as doing anything else other than reading was concerned. I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for an afternoon of reading. I picked my Kindle up and I ended up becoming that wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. I had become caught up in the lives and loves of the girls again and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for them. The pages turned over that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ and I had to say farewell to the Tobacco Girls. For me, ‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ was the true definition of an unputdownable, gripping, page turner of a read. The story kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lizzie Lane. Lizzie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into one hell of a story, which will tug on the toughest of heartstrings. Lizzie has clearly done a lot of research into the time period covered by the story and this makes the story feel that bit more authentic. Lizzie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes them so well that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading ‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ really did feel as though I was on an emotional rollercoaster with all the ups and downs, twists and turns and so on. I love the way in which Lizzie make the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Heaven & Hell For The Tobacco Girls’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lizzie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget Milligan, Phyllis Mason Harvey, and Maisie Miles are back. Phyllis is in Malta where she has fallen in love and believes this man is the one. Bridget is leaving the tobacco factory and joining the Civil Nursing Auxiliary. She misses Lyndon who is in the states but trying to find a way to get back to England. Maisie Miles is the last of the 3Ms left at the tobacco factory. After having a goodbye party for Bridget, Maisie returns home to find her grandmother dead in the parlor. Maisie’s inheritance leaves her wondering where she fits in and how to proceed with her life. Caroline has been promoted to giving tours to visitors at the tobacco factory. She loves her new job and is working hard to lose her accent plus improve her diction. Caroline offers to do a good deed and ends up with an unexpected complication. Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls by Lizzie Lane is the fourth novel in The Tobacco Girls series. While Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls can be read as a standalone, I believe it is best to read the series in order. It will allow you to have the complete background on the characters and follow their journey from the beginning of the war. It is the spring of 1943 in Bristol. The war has been going on for years and rationing is taking its toll. I thought Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls was well-written with developed characters. The characters are realistic and suited the time period. The author captured the era with the war activities, clothing, rationing, language, and the war news. Everyone wants to do their bit. We get to meet a couple of new people who enter the ladies’ lives. I like how all different races and nationalities are portrayed in this story. The war allowed our Bristol ladies to meet people from other countries right in their hometown. Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls is an emotional story. There is grief, love, joy, anger, and sadness in this dramatic tale. We get to learn more about the ladies and their families. Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls is told from multiple points-of-view. I found it a little difficult in the beginning, but I found it easier as I got further into the story. There is some violence in the story that might be a trigger for some people plus there is bigotry (just to let you know). The story ends leaving me wondering what will happen next with The Tobacco Girls. Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls is a dramatic tale with nosy neighbors, tons of tea, fashion rationing, flamboyant flyboys, medical miracles, nimble nuptials, and daring dames.

[Melanie Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been aware of the Tobacco Girls series for a while now, but haven't had the time to get stuck in, so this seemed like too good an opportunity to be missed! Heaven & Hell for the Tobacco Girls follows a number of girls who originate from the Tobacco factory in Bristol.

Bridget is leaving the tobacco factory in order to train as a nursing auxiliary, as she is keen to make a real difference to those fighting in the war. But she needs to work out if she can have a career, love and family.

Phyllis has already left the tobacco factory for foreign shores. Based in Malta, she has seen the real impact of the war. Having found love, she has dreams for the future but the unpredictable nature of the war means that nothing is certain.

Maisie remains at the tobacco factory, but feels lonely as her friends leave her behind. When her Grandmother passes away and leaves her an unexpected inheritance she hopes to really help those around her.

This is a novel all about women keeping the home front running for those away fighting. It is about a group of women who want to make their mark and help with the war effort, whilst also realising how much of the world is opening up to them - they have choices, they can look for love on their own terms and they can find fulfilling work. Careers are opening up to them like never before and they are finally starting to be able to make their own decisions on how they want their lives to be.

I read Heaven & Hell for the Tobacco Girls as a standalone novel, but if I'm honest I wish I had read the others in the series first. Whilst the characters all had back stories that were mentioned, I would have preferred to have known about their stories in more detail. That's just me though, this novel gives you more than enough information to be able to thoroughly enjoy it without having read the previous novels in the series! It was also nice to read a wartime novel not based in London. London suffered the brunt of the bombing during the Blitz, but it is often easy to forget that the whole of the country was doing everything it could for the war effort, so it was nice to read a novel set in Bristol!

I am more than happy to recommend this novel to you all. It is a great example of war fiction, but it's also a lovely novel about women, friendship and love.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are further hardships and triumphs in store for the Tobacco girls in the latest installment of Lizzie Lane’s involving and evocative Second World War saga series.

In 1943 Bristol, the war continues to wreak maximum havoc and destruction over everybody’s lives. Bridget Mulligan is doing her bit for the war effort and becomes a nurse where she finds herself completely enthralled by the wonders of modern medicine. Bridget would love nothing more than to make nursing her calling, but torn between duty towards her family, the man she loves with all of her heart and her new job, she finds herself at a crossroads. Will she make the right decision? Or will she end up taking a particular path that will lead to heartbreak and regret?

Phyllis Harvey is serving in Malta where her days and nights are spent tending to the wounded and the injured who need her help. Phyllis at long last finds the love that she had been looking for, but in an uncertain world where things can change in a heartbeat, will Phyllis’ most cherished dreams come true? Or will she end up losing everything she had hoped for with a cruel twist of fate?

Maisie Miles is the only one of the tobacco girls keeping the home fires burning, but with her grandmother’s unexpected death, she feels more alone than ever. A substantial inheritance certainly makes things easier for Maisie and will enable her to help out a friend who is in desperate need of her help.

The coming months will be challenging and difficult for the three tobacco girls, but even when everything seems impossible, they must continue to believe that there are brighter days ahead…

Lizzie Lane’s sagas never fail to draw readers in and keep them engaged and entertained until the very last page and in Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls, this gifted storyteller has once again written a heartfelt, emotional and dramatic tale about friendship, sacrifice, love and war that takes readers back in time to a tumultuous period of history full of strong women willing to do whatever it takes for the people they loved most in the world.

Best read with a cuppa and a great big box of tissues, readers will fall under Lizzie Lane’s spell anew with her latest novel, Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I say? Lizzie Lane has made me cry again. She is the absolute master at taking her readers on an emotional journey with her superbly written WW2 sagas. These Girls have already been through so much, there can not possibly be anything left for them. How very wrong! Book 4 in this series is outstanding. Each of the girls, although appear to have gone their separate ways because of the war that is still raging, still write to each other and are very much keeping their friendships alive. the 3 ‘M’s’ are still going strong.

If I had to pick a favourite Tobacco girl then Maisie would just pip Bridget and Phyllis to the top spot. I adore her feisty nature, the way she stands up for Carole, who she has taken under her wing. She takes no nonsense from the American soldiers and she faces her own battles with strength and courage. Bridget and Phyllis face their new lives with just as much verve but I definitely have a soft spot for Maisie.

I could literally write pages on how much I love this book and Lizzie Lane. I thoroughly enjoyed my revisit to the tobacco Girls and can not wait to see what is on the Horizon for them. This is an utterly addictive book that is written with such quality that you can not fail but to be drawn in to the lives of the families and friends. Even some of the undesirable ones have some redeeming features, well all but one! but I’ll leave you to find out about that despicable person!

One of the things I love about Lizzie is that she tells a good story, warts and all. It’s not all hearts and flowers, its honest, gritty and truly gripping. Everyone needs to read the The Tobacco series. It’s flippin’ fantastic, (I do think the series is better as a whole but each book does work well as a stand alone, you will want to read them all though)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth in the Tobacco Girls series, Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls is set mostly in Bristol but also Malta; war rages on. War changes everything in expected and unexpected ways. People truly believe life is precious and as one may only have today choices are sometimes made in haste. Some do what they typically wouldn't, good and bad. Food is still rationed and American soldiers arrive, known for their tempting chocolate and bubble gum. I like that the author includes these and other authentic historic details, some of which are gritty but realistic.

Though plunged into grief, sorrow, anxiety and disappointment the three Ms (and newcomers) still manage to find moments of joy. Bridget is now in the thick of things nursing and discovers a passion and niche for new and promising medicine. Her beloved is, of course, involved with the war and they seldom see each other. Phyllis is in Malta (happy about the mentions of Sicily...I LOVE Sicily!) and an operator for Command Radio Telephony. Her job is an interesting one. She has fallen in love, too. Maisie is the one M remaining at the tobacco factory, sometimes wishing she could do more. But she embarks on an adventure of her own with news of an inheritance.

Other characters from previous books enter the picture and we are introduced to new ones, too, including Carole who is a beautiful VIP escort at the factory. I adore that the back stories of characters are revealed in each of the books so wonderfully. It is not crucial to read the previous three books in the series to enjoy this one but you will definitely want to!

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this engrossing book, my favourite in the series so far.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are following three girls during World War 2 as they make their way in a world at war. The descriptions of the places and things is so accurate you feel as though you are right there with them. For Bridget Milligan we find her in the nursing services and more than a little in awe of modern medicine. She has a found her calling in life but at the same time is torn between her family, her career, and the man she loves.

While Phyllis Harvey is in Malta serving in the Air Force and has been through a lot. She fled a mother who was overbearing, the loss of a baby, and a presumed dead husband that she didn't love. Now she has met a man she truly loves but who knows what the future will hold for them.
That leaves Maisie Miles holding down the fort at home in the tobacco factory and is alone now that her friends are gone off t war and her grandmother has died. That doesn't mean she is helpless. In fact, Maisie was my favorite of the girls. She may have been left behind but someone has to do the work at home.

This book was so wonderful as I have said. Every description makes you feel as though you are right there with the girls. Every heartbreak, moment of grief, joy, and pain hits you in your soul. Having not read any of the other books I was wasn't lost on what was going on and there is enough backstories that I was able to keep up. It is beautifully written and the characters are timeless.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.  This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation 

[Nancy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging WWII-era story of three young women who are working or have worked at W.D. and H.O. Wills, a well-respected tobacco factory in Bristol, England. The three ladies are from working-class backgrounds and call themselves the “three M’s”—Maisie Miles, Bridget Milligan and Phyllis Mason (later Harvey). Their lives, loves, and career struggles are well-described and keep the reader’s interest.

While I have not read the rest of the books in the series, I have come to love the #BoldwoodBooks authors who write about lives of the average people and especially women, during WWII. Therefore I requested this ARC from #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks, and it did not disappoint. I will be reading more by this author and in this series.

One thing I particularly loved was how the author portrayed small details of the times: for example, girls who wanted to advance to tour guides at the factory learned “to sound their haitches” as Carole the tour guide did, this being an indication of the upper classes. Another interesting point was the shortage of makeup and how young women knew to melt the last bits with Vaseline to prolong their small supply. The groundbreaking new use of penicillin was of interest, my parents both being WWII vets. I had no idea exactly when its wider use began. And finally, that mixed marriages were forbidden to US soldiers at the time was an unknown based on prohibitions in some states.

I enjoyed this multi-faceted story greatly and thank #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the ARC

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty much a slice of time for the girls who started out together as tobacco girls, close to the end of WW2. I hadn't read the previous books, but things were well explained, and it didn't hurt the story. It's nice to read of such close friendships, through everything that happens to them. With multiple characters in the book, there are several lives being lived, several lines to follow. Each has their own complicated story, as the point of view shifts from one to another. Nothing boring for sure. Keeps you wanting to pick it up again to see what's going to happen. Life is interesting in England during this part of the war, especially as so many men were stationed there, hailing from all over. Discrimination and racial inequality of the era is also touched on briefly, mainly coming from American citizens. An emotional roller coaster at times. Excellent read with just a few brief spots that would make someone who wants a clean read feel uncomfortable. A bit frustrating though as it cuts off somewhat abruptly, leaving you hanging until the next book to find out what happens.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

@BookandTonic #HeavenandHellfortheTobaccoGirls #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the continuing story of Bridget, Phyllis, Maisie and Carole as they do their duty during WWII. Tobacco factory workers, their paths separate during war time aas Phyllis goes to Malta where she is stationed, her pilot boyfriend disappearing one night during a surveillance mission, Bridget joins up as a nursing assistant with hopes of becoming a full fledged nurse, and Maisie and Carole remain at the factory, holding down the homefront.
This is the story of their lives and how things change during war time. It shows each girl's different way of coping with the challenges they face and addresses their dreams and hopes for the future after the war ends.
I really liked the down to earth way the girls are presented, it makes them real and lifelike. I could imagine meeting someone like Bridget or Maisie and becoming friends with them. The characters are easy to identify with and the book reads smoothly taking us on their separate journeys.
I enjoyed this continuing story and hope to read the next installment as soon as it comes out. I recommend to all historical fiction fans, a quick easy read for a day off. Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley, and to Boldwood Books for having me on this blog tour.

[Kathy Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the characters are fictional, the events of WWII are on point. These three friends, Maise, Bridget, and Phyllis formed their friendship while working at the Tobacco Factory. Now, each of them is headed off in different directions. Bridget, being interested in the nursing field while holding onto the hope of marriage someday to the American, son of the owners of the tobacco factory, told her parents her desires without a very enthusiastic response, but being 21 had its advantages. Phyllis was currently in Malta working in the WAAF as a plotter, after having had a miscarriage and leaving the confines of a very manipulative mother-in-law and a POW husband whom she didn't love! Maise hung in at the tobacco factory making friends with those she worked with while living with her grandmother. My how their lives were going to change as the war continued. Carole became closer to Maise and moved into a position off the stripping floor and giving tours. When Maise's grandmother died leaving her the house and a substantial bank account and investments, her life would change without those around her knowing the details, except her closest friends. Lyndon returned only to have Bridget enrolled in nursing school yet making his intentions clear while getting more involved with active duty in London instead of just lecturing the young troops. Phyllis found herself in real love with Mick who was a pilot and often in dangerous situations. She wanted a divorce so that her relationship could advance to the next level. Carole had a kind heart and found herself in a situation that she certainly never thought would be! Definitely needed the next book to find out the answers....

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls is book four in the Tobacco Girl series. The series is written by Lizzie Lane. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I have not read the other books in the series. They can be read as standalones.

This is a WWII novel that is set in 1943. We see three friends: Bridget, Phyllis and Masie. Their friendship started while the were working at the tobacco factory. The women's lives have changed a great deal with the war. They are now scattered due to the war. America has entered the war. War life is starting to take their toll on the characters. Even though this is the only story that I read, I could see the characters evolve and grow within this one story.

The book is well written. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I will be going back and reading the series from the beginning. The writing flows easy. The author has done good research to make this story as real feeling as possible.



Thank you to the author and Rachels Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully heartwarming read in this wartime series!

As the war rages on, the three M’s find themselves apart, each doing ‘their bit’; Maisie is the only one still working in the tobacco factory while Phyllis remains in Malta and Bridget is pursuing her dream of a nursing career, still very much in love with Lyndon and hoping her family will come round to the idea of their being in love. Phyllis is finally glimpsing love again – will it end better than the first time round? When Maisie’s grandmother dies, she find herself homeless again – but with a considerable inheritance solves not only her problems but those of a friend.

This is one of the best series set in Wartime Britain, demonstrating how life opened up for young women and showing the majority grabbing it with both hands. These three friends have come through some tough times but one thing is for sure: they are always there for each other, no matter how far apart. With twist and turns galore, this one kept me glued to the page from start to finish, and I relished each and every word. A superb addition to this series and I’m looking forward to the next one. Easily worth all five sparkling stars!

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to netgally for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.

Once again we meet up with the 3 M's who are now split up. Phyllis is still doing her bit in Malta. Bridget has signed up, also to do her bit by signing up to become a nurse. Maisie who was living with her Grandmother, finds that she passed away whilst out for the evening.

We meet the mother-in-law of Phyllis and once again is causing trouble. Maisie has a letter from a solicitor in regards of her Grandmothers will. Has she got to move out of the house ? Well you will have to read it to find out !

The siblings of Bridget return home from the country where they had been evacuated. Upon arriving home the notice a strange smell. They live the near the Gas works ! This took me back to when I was a child early 1950's. We also lived near a gas works and it was not pleasant, but in those days you learnt to live with it. Lyndon comes back to England from America. He is an instructor. However he wants to join the air force.

It all makes for another great read which I can recommend.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the “Three M’s” continues. The series includes: The Tobacco Girls, Dark Days for the Tobacco Girls, Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls, and Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls, all written by Lizzie Lane and all are available on Kindle Unlimited.

Here we have Phyllis, who’s joined the fight as a transcriptionist who’s fallen in love with a pilot from Australia. Her heart is broken when he doesn’t return from his last trip and she’s worried he died during the latest raid.

Maisie’s grandmother passed away and Maisie finds herself putting pieces of her family puzzle together with random bits of information she’s gathered here and there. While it feels like her world is falling apart, Maisie stays strong in her fight to claim what’s rightfully hers and keep her composure when it feels like the world is against her.

Bridget and her American beau meet up as often as they can after he returns to England. Bridget is training to become a nurse while Lyndon joining up and fighting. Her mother isn’t convinced he’s worthy of Bridget’s heart and fears he’ll break it leaving Bridget crushed.

Then there’s Carole, the young recruit at the tobacco company who Maisie’s been mentoring. Carole find shelf shocked when she learns who her father is. And she also ends up being taken advantage of by a manager at the tobacco company.

And lastly, there’s Aggie, the matron of the tobacco company who simply watches over all the girls. Aggie suddenly passes while at work and it affects all the girls and the whole community.

All are tied together by the tobacco company. Everyone is dealing with the war in their own ways. It’s refreshing to read about life during this time period and how they potentially dealt with the struggles they faced from day to day.

I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because of its easy read and follow along. It simply takes me away from my daily grains and throws me in the midst of tobacco girls and their own struggles.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have very much enjoyed this series, and in this book our three heroines - Maisie, Phyllis and Bridget are all surviving the War and suffering in different ways. Maisie is still at the tobacco factory, but getting more responsibility. She has taken young Carole under her wing as she learns more of her unfortunate background. The evil Eddie Bridgeman still hasn't finished making both their lives miserable.

Phyllis is serving abroad, and is finding love in unexpected places, believing her husband to have died (much unlamented) at Dunkirk. Bridget is also falling in love with her rich American boyfriend, who seems to have the luck of the devil in getting posted near her but her family don't seem so keen on him.

The book offers a nice flavour of life in England during the War, and it is great to read what is happening to the girls. I'm looking forward to the next in the series (you do need to read them in order for full enjoyment!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kamla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started with #1 and was surprised to be really engrossed in the story - listened to #2, equally enjoyable and got another 4 stars.
Then we come to #3 which gets 4 Stars and getting better and better - and there my free library ended, so I bought this #4 from Audible - and I'm so glad I did.

I cried in parts - it gets my elusive 5 stars.

How wonderful for this Author to keep history alive in an accessible way. So well written and researched - there are a lot of true facts incorporated into the stories of the 3 main girl characters although we meet many more along the journey.
You will adopt your own favourite, mine was Sid. Poor Sid. I hope we see him in #5 and #6. And Phyllis - so much edge of the seat stuff you will not sleep until you know what happens.

Thoroughly recommend this series - don't let the titles or covers put you off 😉 Absolutely Wonderful xx

[Becki Basley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls (book four the Tobacco girls series) by Lizzie Lane (Audiobook Read On Everand app)

It’s now 1943. The three Ms lives continue to change as the war continues. Their friendship still endures.

Bridget has left the tobacco factory to train as a nurse and finds she really loves the work but is torn between pride in a career and her relationship with Lyndon.

Phyllis is still in Malta and unfortunately her challenges and heartaches continue. Will she ever find happiness with her Australian?

Maisie remains at the factory even though an inheritance would make it easy for her to leave, she loves the factory and the people too much to leave.

Onto the next in the series

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book in this series and doesn’t disappoint it deals with hardship, love and loss.

We pick up with the three M’s, Phyllis is in Malta and has met Mick who seems to be the one she wants to settle down with and is in love for the first time. Bridget is training to be. a Nurse and is still in love with Lyndon and Maisie is still working in the tobacco factory where her life seems to have improved.

It was interesting to read all the historical bits in the book and brings it all to life. The author weaves a spell of you wanting to live with all the characters.

I would recommend this book and the previous books as well.