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.
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