THE TOBACCO WIVES by Adele Myers - Review & Giveaway

 


I absolutely loved Adele Myers debut novel, THE TOBACCO WIVES (WilliamMorrow). I learned so much about the history of Big Tobacco in North Carolina and its relevance today. Also, the book cover is fabulous. 

Sixteen year-old, Maddie Sykes' life has been difficult. Her father was killed in the war, her mother has basically checked out and is on the hunt for a new rich husband and Maddie was dumped off at her Aunt Etta's, in Bright Leaf, without any explanation.

Bright Leaf, North Carolina is the heart of Big Tobacco. It's also where Maddie's Aunt Etta has a thriving business sewing gowns for the Tobacco Wives - the rich, powerful wives of tobacco executives. Maddie also has quite a sewing talent herself and since she's going to be in Bright Leaf, for who knows how long, she's going to help her aunt. But Maddie doesn't plan for Aunt Etta to be hospitalized leaving her with the extremely large task of fitting, creating and finishing the gowns for these demanding women.

In addition to sewing gowns, Maddie discovers the underbelly of Big Tobacco and she's afraid of what to do with the information. Doing the right thing isn't always easy, or popular. Maddie realizes the truth is bigger than her and she's encouraged to expose the lies, health risks and the disturbing consequences of the tobacco industry. Maggie is a character you'll love for her heart and fearlessness. Readers will cheer her on, and love to hate more than a few others.

Myers spotlights the little known history of post-world war two, women's activism. Their dedication to the war effort and relationships that kept the country running.  Myers has a personal connection to the story, having grown up in North Carolina and she shares some insight at the end of the novel.

What's next, Adele Myers? Can't wait to find out.



Adele Myers grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

She currently works in advertising and lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, son, and their rescue dog Chipper.

The Tobacco Wives is her first novel.

Thanks to William Morrow Books we have one copy to giveaway. Just tell us your thoughts about cigarettes. Do you smoke, don't smoke, used to and quit?  I used to smoke in high school and college when I had a drink. Now, I don't smoke and I get a headache when I smell it. We'll announce a winner soon. Good luck.

GIVEAWAY: USA only please

Photographs courtesy: www.AdeleMyers.com

Comments

  1. When I had a drink. No longer smoke the smell makes me nauseous now. johart7@aol.com

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  2. I have never smoked a cigarette. Ever. And my grandpa was a tobacco farmer.

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  3. Hi, Congratulations on your release! Your book sounds like a great read. When I was 13 I had my first puffs of a cigarette with 2 of my cousins. I do not smoke at all. I just don't see anything to it except that it is not good for our lungs. Thank you for the chance. Have a great week. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  4. Smoked for a while a long time ago. Now I can't stand the smell of it or be near people who do (not that I know anyone).

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  5. I tried it once when I was a teenager and didn't care for it.

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  6. Never smoked, never will. My grandpa was a smoker and I hated the smell. He died younger than he should have because of it.

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  7. I used to smoke many years ago. Glad I stopped. In those days it was ok and “sophisticated.”

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  8. I don't smoke and the smell makes me nauseous.

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  9. I have never smoked. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. I've never smoked and I'm so glad that I never did.
    Dianne diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I have never ever smoked. Smoking never appealed to me and I did not care for the smell.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  12. I smoked for many years, starting as a teenager. I quit in my early 30's for 8 years, then started again. Finally quit again almost 7 years ago and don't plan to ever smoke again. toniann40@verizon.net

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  13. This sounds like a great book and I love the cover! I used to smoke in high school and continued to until I got pregnant. So glad I quit..the constant sinus infections I had went away as soon as I stopped smoking.

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  14. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  15. This sounds fabulous! I've never smoked. I grew up knowing smoking caused cancer and that was enough to keep me away from them...unfortunately I'm also old enough to remember being surrounded by others smoking in restaurants/bars so most of us couldn't avoid secondhand smoke. khpinelake (at) gmail (dot) com

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  16. never
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  17. I actually quit a few years ago after smoking for decades. It's stupid but it's something you just start infrequently & before you know it you're smoking packs a day. It wasn't that hard to quit IMO & it was one of the best things I have ever done. positive.ideas.4youATgmail.com

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  18. Can't stand the smell (Xialee1983@hotmail.com)

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  19. No thank you (Sellhighbuylow@hotmail.com)

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