The Lily in the Snow

Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies #3

by Jackie French

The world is at war, and women are working, often behind the scenes, in areas from nursing to espionage. And despite their many successes, these are the women the men don't see. Spies for Britain are sent across German-occupied Europe. Their secret is that their missions are organised not by the official men in charge, but by the women men don't the assistants, secretaries and librarians. Even Winston Churchill himself is in the early stages of dementia and capably organized by women despite his dozing. Nor will the work of the female CIA, Bletchley Park analysts, or female physicists working on atomic energy be recognised until long after most of them are dead. Sophie Higgs (now the Dowager Countess of Shillings) is part of a spy ring of woman agents organised by other women. Her friend Ethel Cashman organises the British Ministry of Food, dealing with the USA to maintain vital supplies. Another friend Anne ventures once more into Mesopotamia, not as an archeologist this time, but to gather intelligence. And in Australia, Midge understands that food is as important as troops. And more than 50 years later, these are still the women history does not the women who helped win the war.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, War, British Literature

480 pages, ebook

First published March 18, 2019

About the author

Jackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Book #3 of the Miss Lily series has left me wanting more. Books 1 and 2 followed through WW I, this story is set in the late 20s in both England and Germany and the frightening events that occurred particularly in Germany at that time when Hitler was coming into power. At that time women were becoming so much more, gaining power and becoming more open in their words and actions. I particularly love one of Miss Lily's quotes in 1912: A good woman works from her heart. A great woman works from the heart of humanity. I recommend all three of these books, I love them.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great YA read. I don't usually read sequels in series, but I have enjoyed this series, even though the events were not always feasible- but that is the way of YA books after all. Strong characterisation, and a light read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! What a read! As another reviewer said, this is a real page turner. Jackie French’s writing is wonderful, as always, and she keeps you on your toes as to what will happen. I don’t want to give anything away as to the story line, as the book is only just out - but a wonderful read and a great sequel to the other two books. Thanks so much Jackie

[Cel Jel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had interweaving themes showing aspects of the reason why Hitler and his ideas appealed to some in Germany, why the National Socialists also were able to attract followers. How the choice of France to exact vengeance for the damage caused by the invasion and retreat, changing terms to exact one monetary compensation that left the Germans suffering and helped the cause of the National Socialists.
I did not enjoy this book as well as the other ones and found one of the story twists annoying.

[Kushmir · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
The Lily and the Snow follows Sophie Vaile as she navigates life as a mother of twins Rose and Danny, as a wife and the Countess of Shillings as well as the owner of a global company, Higgs Industries in what I like to call the ‘in-between phase’ linking the first and second world wars.

Hovering in the background is the rowing influence of Adolf Hitler, who has not only ensnared Hannelore, Princess of Germany, and Sophie’s friend, but also the Prince of Wales. The story itself is intriguing and well-structured but suffers from a lot of plot convenience. For example, the guy that Sophie met and slept with in the last book just happens to be in Paris looking after his injured brother. Sophie just happens to still have feelings for him and for Nigel.

As for Sophie, she is still as wonderful as she was in the first book. She’s a mother now and you can see that she loves the tranquillity of her life but is also bored of it as she has lost the purpose the war years gave her. I appreciate that French didn’t deprive of her agency while also ensuring that her maternal qualities were also not compromised. Sophie struggles with this balance throughout the novel and it is refreshing to see her this way. She is so sure of herself in the first two books, so this change is welcome and necessary.

French introduces Violette, who adds much needed youth and light to the story. Violette’s upbringing and the eventual unveiling of her heritage was one of the better parts of the novel.
One of my favourite things about this book was the subtle exploration of sexuality and gender presentation in earlier times. It enlightens you about the plight of LGBTQIA+ people at the time and makes you sympathise with Lily-Nigel.

Overall, this was a good read, though I can’t say I enjoyed it as much as the first two novels. I look forward to the fourth installation.

[Jill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Nigel Vaile, the Earl and Countess of Shillings Estate, are now living comfortable and stable lives. Their twins are a handful who happily entertain the Prince of Wales when he calls. His bagpipe playing is only bearable. They welcome him as Royalty. David also enjoys playing with the twins. Nigel is happy to settle into a quiet life. Sophie is starting to feel bored. Letters from friends are very welcome.

When Hannelore, another of Miss Lily's young ladies, and friend comes to call. She insists that both Nigel and his 'sister' Miss Lily, come to Germany and meet Adolf Hitler. The blackmail inference is that they will be scandalized, if they don't come. Boredom has been overtaken with preparations, for a trip they can't avoid. Once the Prince of Wales asks them to make inquiries about this German politician, they must go.

Sophie is unhappy with discussions that exclude her. Why won't Nigel, Jones, and Greenie include her in their planning? Especially now Violette has been included in their scheme.

This series is so intriguing. I love the characters and their complex natures. Their espionage connections must survive, even when Nigel Vaile cannot. Sophie's distress was heartbreaking. Having come to know her as a strong and vibrant character, I felt her loss deeply. That is the hallmark of an excellent writer.

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing story of Sophie and marraine to the earl and realising that miss lily and the earl are one and the same people. Through circumstances she marines the earl as he is about to go to surgery and after will not be able to have sex. Marries her and they have twins . For Nigel and herself there is some question as to whose they are however Nigel doesn't mind if they are his or a man Sophie met in Australia Day before she left for England up o the Sophie had never had sex. In England there is lots of enfermât ion about Edward and what he said and believed that with hitler felt that Jews and degenerates should of been killed at the beginning of the war and the war would not of lasted anytime. Great book and fast moving to now where green and john the butler find a daughter that John never knew was born and that green had thought died. Sophie learns that Nigel john and green have worked together in the past and they have strong connections which is now coming to the surface.

[Kelly Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the inter war years, the rise of fascism and events leading up to the great crash.

Hannelore is enamoured with Hitler and believes that Miss Lily’s network must be mobilised to support him in the fight against Communism. She was Miss Lily to meet Hitler and inveigled the Prince of Wales to make it happen.

Nigel is asked to help an injured serviceman in France who won’t speak. Nigel and Sophie visit and she meets ‘John’.

A waif is singing for her supper in London trying to find her mother, Lily Shillings. These strands come together and weave through the story that appears to be the final in the trilogy. Will it end happily?

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Miss Lily saga, a strong read that takes you from Shillings to Germany and onto Australia.
Sophie's life as the Countess of Shillings, summoned by one of Miss Lily's former ladies Hannelore to meet a rising European figure in order to report back to the Prince of Wales.
Blackmail, deceit, stigma of society and secrets. Juicy storytelling tinged with sadness yet hope of a new life.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. I love the strong female characters and the historical background....pretty much the perfect mix! Jackie French covers so many issues in this book, including gender, effects of war, disabilities, economics andHitler's beliefs. I do hope she revisits this series again soon.

[Anne Mcginnes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Endless descriptions of endless meals loosely connected by a minimal implausible plot and lots of padding.
I enjoyed the first book in this series. I found the second book tedious and far-fetched and not up the the author's usual standard. I expected Jackie French would redeem herself with the third book. She didn't.

[Chris Lindert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading the first two Miss Lily books by Jackie French and was looking forward to this one. It didn’t quite grab my interest as quickly but once it did, I could not put it down. The same fabulous characters, this time after the First World War and an exploration of both the post-war for many, as well as real fears about future conflict in Europe.

[Kat Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, the whole series is wonderfully written and rich in detail and emotion. Must read in order of the series otherwise not as powerful. The books description here on goodreads is absolutely irrelevant to the book, except in the wider scheme of politics and history in the overall setting of the books context.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series of events are getting more and more fanciful and convoluted as the series continues. I’m not mad about it.

I’m here for the setting, clothing and food descriptions. The ending was one of the more predictable, if not completely ludicrous, of the series so far.

Interesting how this sets up book 4.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The themes in this book explain reasons why Hitler and his ideas appealed to some in Germany, why the National Socialists also were able to attract followers. . Sophie is again a dominant part of the book with Nigel and Miss Lily influence. It certainly is an interesting series that involves some incredible ideas and influences.

[Allison Adriansz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book in the Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies Series. The book is a real page turner. Quite a number of the themes are very pertinent to the world today. Looking forward to the next book, if there is one.

[Mhau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better read than 2nd book. Though some of the plots rather unbelievable, interesting themes and characterisation more relatable to modern times. The supporting characters were enjoyable read. Am not a big fan of main character Sophie Higgs,

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books take a while to get through as they are character filled and also tiny bits of history thrown into the mix. Just when you think you have it all figured out, bang it twists. Jackie that was some ending twist. But I'm glad because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to that character just yet.

[Jenny Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Miss Lily’s Lovely Ladies series. Some very interesting twists and turns that move the story along and make it interesting. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series by Jackie French

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was a real page turner in exploring the events leading into WWII, and following the illustrious lives of Sophie and her household. It has left me even more curious to see what happens in the books to follow!

[Rambling Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Significantly better than the previous novel.

Review to come soon.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this trilogy.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this as much as the previous books in the series.

[Anitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Interesting twists. Different view of history.

Will there be book 4. The way is left open

[Jo Scarfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Jackie French is a very talented writer covering so many genres

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I rated the first two in the series with 5 stars, I think this surpassed both of them. Enchanting, captivating and deliciously written.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a surprise from beginning to end and has left me breathless, very emotional, and rather speechless.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed book #3 in the Miss Lily series. Parts of the plot seemed far-fetched but fun to read nonetheless. There were also a few noticeable editing errors throughout, for example, the same 5 sentences repeated twice across 2 pages (pp. 246-247). But overall excellent.

[CL · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 pretty good

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry Jackie, but this series is getting ridiculous. So, Lily (Nigel), and Sophie and family are off to Weimar Germany to meet Hitler where Hannelore hopes to persuade them to support the Fuhrer. But Hannelore suspects that Lily and Nigel are the same person (perceptive). Oh, and Violette, who is supposedly Lily's abandoned daughter, arrives at Shillings to blackmail the family. Oh, and John, Sophie's lover of one night in Australia, and probably the father of Rose, the oldest of Sophie and Nigel's twin children, also resurfaces.

Too much melodrama? Well, just wait till the complicated (of course) plot to extricate Nigel (Lily) from Weimar Berlin and convince the Germans that Nigel is dead happens.

Don't think I'll read volume 4.