Lizzie Lane Livres

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.

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?

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

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.

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.