Lizzie Lane is back again with the newest installment in the Tobacco Girls series. Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls have the girls right in the midst of WWII. Watching the familiar characters live through the realities of war was fascinating.
- Title: Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls (Tobacco Girls Book 3)
- Author: Lizzie Lane
- Publisher: Boldwood Books on September 28, 2021
- Genre: Saga/Historical Fiction
- Pages: 323
- Formats Available: Paperback & Digital
- Rating: 4/5
Trigger Warnings: Death, War Setting with Bombings, Child Abuse, Pedophilia
Many thanks to Lizzie Lane, Boldwood Books, and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a digital copy of Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls with a request for an honest review.
Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Order Now: Amazon US | Amazon UK
About Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls
As war rages, everyone has to do their bit…
Bristol 1941
As the clouds of war grow bleaker both at home and abroad, the Tobacco Girls are determined to do their bit for King and Country. To that end Maisie Miles and Bridget Milligan become voluntary ambulance drivers.
As well as coping with the frequent air raids, Maisie is kept on her toes with three new junior employees one of whom is particularly testing.
Bridget’s heart becomes torn between family loyalty and American tobacco tycoon Lyndon O’Neill III, the man she loves.
Meanwhile Phyllis Harvey has joined the WAAF, opting to serve overseas whilst trying to escape her past. Her letters home are upbeat and her friends are initially envious of descriptions of sunshine and blue sea. The truth she hides is that life on the island of Malta is fraught with extreme food shortages, daily air raids and the fear that tomorrow might never come.
The future appears far less certain as the reality of war bites into The Tobacco Girls’ lives.
Provided by Rachel’s Random Resources for Tour Use
My Review
Bridgette and Maisie are still plugging away at the tobacco factory. Phyllis is off living her dream of freedom from the Harveys. Maisie received a slight promotion and now has charge of three new girls to the line. But, Maisie has to watch her back with Carole and Pauline. One is full of trouble, and the other is nothing but a hanger-on willing to make trouble to gain favor. Eddie, the slick gangster, is back and looking to cause more heartache for Maisie. Unfortunately, involving Carole. Will these girls make it through with their lives, or will the tables turn on them in the end?
When I reviewed Dark Days for the Tobacco Girls, I disliked Bridgette and Phyllis. I still find Bridgette condescending, but now she also seems like a spoiled brat. No matter how hard I try, I can’t like her. However, Phyllis has become a different person. She is caring, kind, and she works hard. Phyllis isn’t allowing her heart to sway for every man who shows her attention. It seems as though she has grown up in her time with the WAAF. Maisie is the same old Maisie. I still love her to pieces, and I want nothing more for her than to find her place in the world. I hope it will be with Sid.
The newcomers, Carole, Pauline, and Jane, add a bit of flavor to the mix. Carole lives a troubled life yet presents a cocky exterior. She lives a fine line between wanting to be a grown-up and still being a 14-year-old kid. Pauline means nothing to me as she is just a foil for Carole’s antics. Jane, though, is sweet and intelligent. I enjoyed getting to know Jane. I also think I could come to like Carole after the chip falls off her shoulder.
I admit that I found this book a little boring. The action scenes that surround the warlike atmosphere are wonderful. I enjoyed reading those scenes, but the other parts were predictable and dull. I keep waiting for something drastic to happen between Lyndon and Bridgette. But, aside from her spoiled nature, they offer very little in the way of entertainment. I also miss Maisie’s grandmother, Grace. She was a hoot in the last book, but she didn’t have much to do in this one.
The Malta setting makes me want to visit. It sounds like a gorgeous place. Though, the description of the war conditions tells a big story about the island. I loved learning about the ancient ramparts that are now a barrier to the Italians. The catacombs were a bit spooky. Though, I can understand wanting to be underground while the bombs fell. Being above ground where everything was turning to rubble would be terrifying.
I am pleased to award Fire and Fury for the Tobacco Girls 4 out of 5 stars. The story is enjoyable, though I still suggest reading the series from the beginning. It isn’t necessary, but I think you will enjoy this book more with the background from the first two.
See My Review for Book 2 of the Tobacco Girls Series: Dark Days for the Tobacco Girls
About the Author – 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 new saga series for Boldwood, The Tobacco Girls, the first part of which will be published in January 2021.
Author Contact Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub
Sign Up for Lizzie Lane’s Newletter
Kimmie, not only are your reviews great, but your graphics are amazing!
Thank you so much lovely!! I need to check out today’s Friday Finds!!
Nice review! I read Dark Day for the Tobacco Girls and enjoyed it, but haven’t read this one yet.
I like this series, but it is a bit predictable which stinks, but I do enjoy it. Maisie is my favorite character, and I still need to read the first novel of the series. I truly think that after I read that one, I might feel differently about Bridgette, but for now, I still don’t care for her much.