Lizzie Lane Knihy

Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, this latest installment in the Tobacco Girls series follows the lives of resilient women navigating the challenges of their time. As they confront personal struggles and societal changes, themes of friendship, love, and perseverance emerge. Readers can expect heartfelt storytelling and rich character development, capturing the essence of a transformative era. The narrative promises to engage fans with its blend of historical detail and emotional depth.

Set in Barbados in 1818, this captivating series opener delves into the tumultuous lives of the Strong family, where a legacy of deceit intertwines with intense emotions. As secrets unravel, the narrative explores themes of passion, love, and the darker sides of human nature, leading to shocking betrayals and tragic outcomes. The story promises a gripping blend of romance and suspense, inviting readers into a richly woven historical backdrop filled with intrigue and complex characters.

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.

Bristol 1939 At forty years of age, Mary Anne Randall still turns heads. With an abusive husband spending most of his wages on beer, she has resigned herself to be the sole breadwinner to protect her family and keep the wolves from the door. In order to make ends meet Mary Anne runs a pawnbroking business from the wash house at the end of the garden. Following the outbreak of war an opportunity presents itself to escape her loveless marriage and find true love. Will she take that chance, or carry on living just for her children and not for herself?

The start of BRAND NEW SERIES from bestselling author of 'The Tobacco Girls' Lizzie Lane Bristol 1936 Jenny Crawford has resigned herself to a loveless marriage living hand to mouth with their two children. Like many others, husband Roy struggles to find work at the docks but a chance encounter turns the family's fortunes around. Not only does he get regular work but they are also allocated a council house on Coronation Close on the outskirts of the city. Jenny and the children are overjoyed, this is the fresh start she could only ever dream of. But trouble feels never too far away. With Roy spending more time with Sir Oswald Molsey bullying black shirts, Jenny is left to her own devices and eager to fit in begins to make new friends. Thankful of peace, Jenny has her head turned firstly by an old love and then by her knight in shining armour. Does she allow herself to glimpse a chance of happiness? Whatever happens the consequences could be dire if Roy ever finds out.

The narrative centers on Horatia Strong, who, after a challenging labor, presents her husband Tom with a son and heir. However, the joy of the birth quickly turns to turmoil as dark secrets emerge, compelling Horatia to protect the truth at all costs. The stakes are high, as the revelation could threaten the very foundation of the Strong family's legacy. As tensions rise, the family's resilience will be tested like never before.

"Bristol 1939. School leaver Maisie Miles suspects her father, a small-time crook, has an ulterior motive for insisting she gets a job at the W. D. & H. O. Wills tobacco factory but keeps it to herself.She's befriended by effervescent Phyllis Mason and kind-hearted Bridget Milligan who take pity on her and take Maisie under their wing. But beneath their happy go lucky exteriors they all harbour dreams and worries about what the future holds. Engaged to be married Phyllis dreams of romance and passion but when it comes there are dire consequences. Bridget seemingly the level headed one harbours a horror of something unspeakable that she cannot easily come to terms with.There's great comradeship at the tobacco factory, and with the advent of war everything is about to change and even the closest friendships are likely to be strained."--Publisher

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.

Bristol 1941 Having left her abusive husband for very good reasons, Mary Anne Randall finds herself judged harshly by her friends and neighbours, after courageously risking everything for a second chance at happiness with Michael. With Michael away fighting Mary Anne is less concerned by her tarnished reputation and focusses on keeping her beloved children safe. But with the bombs beginning to fall on Bristol, danger is all too close to home. Will Mary Anne rise above her tarnished reputation and protect those she loves from the uncertainty of a world at war? A sequel to A Wartime Wife.

A gritty story of two girls, from opposite backgrounds and their search for freedom and happiness. 1925 - The Midland Canals Born on the canals, feisty Beth Dawson, knows danger lurks in the shadows. When she falls victim to a vicious attack and knowing she might be pregnant, she quickly marries a fellow boatman. Her mundane existence is interrupted by the arrival of Anthony Wesley whose mission is to organise the impoverished boatmen for strike action. Anthony makes her feel valued and she wants to help the cause in any way she can. Along the way she makes friends with rebellious Abigail Gatehouse, daughter of the owner of the company. She too is in love with Anthony and sensing the attraction between them, Abigail is overcome with jealousy. Both young women are soon caught up in events that spiral out of control. Only time will tell where the future lies for either of them. In the meantime, it's all about survival... Previously published as Where the Wild Thyme Blows by Jeannie Johnson

"If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency. If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed." Joanna Ryan's father has gone off to war, leaving her in the care of her step-mother, a woman more concerned with having a good time than being any sort of parent to her. But then she finds a puppy, left for dead, and Joanna becomes determined to save him, sharing her meagre rations with him. But, in a time of war, pets are only seen as an unnecessary burden and she is forced to hide her new friend, Harry, from her step-mother and the authorities. With bombs falling over Bristol and with the prospect of evacuation on the horizon, can they stay together and keep each other safe? A gripping, heartwarming historical saga from bestselling author Lizzie Lane. Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin 'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier.

She must face the terror of war alone to survive... 1939 - India When headstrong Nadine Burton learns that the woman, she thought was her Indian Ayah was in fact her mother, she rebels against her father in a flamboyant display of disrespect and dares to dance with her two local best friends at a public party. Her father, local official, Roland Frederick Burton is furious. He arranges for her to be exiled from India and married off to Australian Martin McPherson, owner of a rubber plantation north of Singapore. Within a year Singapore falls to the Japanese. Martin is killed and Nadine becomes a prisoner of war, imprisoned in Sumatra, where her dancing skills don't go unnoticed by her captors. Amidst the horror she finds a friend in a Japanese American major caught up in the war whilst visiting his grandparents in Japan. Much like her, he straddles two cultures and worlds. As their love deepens, boundaries are crossed and together they must unite to survive. Don't miss this emotional and powerful saga about a woman's determination to beat the odds, perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Fiona Valpy. Previously published as 'East of India' by Erica Brown

Will an unlikely friendship be enough to save them? After escaping a train bound for a death camp with a trusty German Shepherd dog, a girl wakes to find that she has no memory of her former life. Lily is fostered by the kind RAF pilot who found her and his wife, Meg. It is not long before their lives are disrupted once again by the war and, with their home in ruins, they are forced to flee to the country. In the Somerset countryside, Lily is reunited with Rudy, the heroic German Shepherd. However it soon becomes clear that Rudy is not just her companion, he is protecting her too, and someone wants him out of the way…

All she wants is somewhere to call home... Frances Sweet can't really remember her real parents. Brought up by her uncle, her cousins Ruby and Mary have always treated her like their little sister. As the war continues to keep her cousins separated from the men they love - Frances is growing up fast enough to catch the eye of dashing American soldier Declan. But she also has a greater longing - to find the mother who abandoned her years before... Full of hardship, love and emotion, discover the final instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling Sweet Sisters trilogy.Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin 'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier

Polly longs for an easier, more glamorous life, but with her irrepressible young daughter and her charming - if scheming - husband, will things improve? Charlotte is trying to forget her illicit wartime romance and accept the shortcomings of her marriage. And Edna is desperate to protect her young family, even if it means keeping secrets...

Lydia is in training to be a nurse when she first meets Robert and, despite the differences in their class and background, they fall head over heels for one another. With no means of contacting Robert on the Western Front, Lydia volunteers herself, joining the Red Cross. But her love affair with Robert has had more than one consequence...

Bristol - 1945 The war has ended; the men are returning home to their loved ones, but for some things have changed. Charlotte Hennessey-White's husband, David is no longer the gentle loving man he once was and Charlotte, so independent during the war, is devastated. Edna Burbage's strong fiancée, Colin has suffered appalling physical injuries. He won't hold her to her promise of marriage, but she insists her feelings are unchanged. But is that true? Is she marrying him out of love or pity? And Polly Chandler's sweetheart, Gavin who'd she'd planned her whole future around, hasn't come home at all. War and suffering have changed their men leaving the women to cope on their own. But they too are changed. They harbour secrets best kept that could do untold damage to these already fragile lives.

BRISTOL 1940. The Tobacco Girls cling together as the clouds of war turn dark. Bridget's big, happy family fragments when her siblings are evacuated. Maisie's safe haven is jeopardised and she is forced to move on, but where too this time?Phyllis is struck down by tragedy and her life spirals downwards into despair until a new horizons beckons.

The Sweet family have run the local bakery for as long as anyone can remember. Twins Ruby and Mary Sweet help their widowed father out when they can. Mary loves baking and has no intention of leaving their small Gloucestershire village. while Ruby dreams of life in London. But as war threatens, there will be changes for all of the Sweet family, with brother Charlie off to serve and cousin Frances facing evacuation. But there will be opportunities, too, as the twins' baking talent catches the attention of the Ministry of Food.... The gripping first instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling heartfelt, gripping Sweet Sisters trilogy. Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin 'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier.

Can her family ever be reunited? Her wastrel father arranges for her sisters to be sent to their grandparents, her brother to be adopted, and Magda to live with her Aunt Bridget. But her aunt holds a bitter resentment towards her, and Magda's dreams of reuniting her family seem hopeless...

Some battles will be fought on the Homefront... The war has had a devastating effect on the Sweet Family with young Charlie Sweet, lost at sea, presumed dead and bombs falling on nearby Bristol. Still there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon in the form of Mary Sweet's upcoming wedding to her Canadian beau. But even that has failed to rouse their father from his grief. But in London a baby has been found in a bombed out house, sheltered in the arms of his dead mother. A child to make life worth living again... Discover the gripping, heartfelt second instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling Sweet Sisters trilogy. Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin 'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier.

There are no secrets that time does not reveal... Bristol 1937 The year is 1937 and the country is still reeling from the abdication of King Edward the Eighth the year before. His brother, the Duke of York has become King George the Sixth and will be crowned in May. The country is on a high. Union Jacks are being dusted off and bunting is being made. Thelma, Jenny and residents of Coronation Close are all a buzz with planning the street parties and celebrations for the great day. But behind every door shameful secrets and sins linger on Coronation Close, just bubbling to expose themselves...

Amidst the devastation of a cholera outbreak in Bristol, the Strong family grapples with the loss of their young daughter, Anne, which threatens their wealth and social standing. Blanche and her husband, Conrad Heinkel, a sugar merchant, face the challenge of uniting their family to navigate the crisis and preserve their legacy. The narrative explores themes of resilience, the fragility of status, and the impact of tragedy on familial bonds.