The Tobacco Wives

It's 1946, and in Bright Leaf, North Carolina, tobacco is the primary crop, livelihood, and driving force for its economy. Maddie is 15 years old and spends the summer with her aunt, the town's seamstress, helping design and sew dresses for the wealthy wives of the tobacco executives.

It's an emotional story. Knowing the dangers of tobacco, especially to pregnant women, the tobacco executives ignore the warnings and continue marketing cigarettes to pregnant women- actually going as far as designing MOMimt cigarettes specifically for women- safe even the pregnant woman.

Maddie discovers a letter about these potential side effects and wants to rally support from the town's women. She's conflicted because she is aware of the town's dependence on tobacco but is also determined to do the right thing.

This book is engaging but also insightful. Great for historical fiction fans