Tag Archive | Rosie Clarke

Love & Duty At Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke

Sep29

A Warm Welcome

Love And Duty At Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke is a charming historical novel and the third book in the Blackberry Farm series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first for character development and progression.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces on Blackberry Farm in East Anglia. The year is 1942 and the war has touched the lives of all. There is an airstrip near the farm and land girls work the land.

Two out of the three sons are serving in the war, one is a farmer. Farming was a reserve occupation and important to the war effort too.

Blackberry Farm always provides a warm welcome as it opens its doors to all. The spirit of hospitality is huge.

We see the devastation that war brings as young men on both sides are killed or injured and their families mourn.

Some injuries are visible. Others are locked inside minds tormented by guilt, grief and unworthiness as they fight their private internal wars.

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A Sister’s Destiny by Rosie Clarke

Jun29

Carpe Diem

A Sister’s Destiny by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set from just before World War I to just afterwards. It was a time of change for women as the war presented them with opportunities. These did not go far enough as women, when they married, had to give up their jobs.

The leading lady is very much a modern woman for the times. As the novel progresses, she develops a strength of character. She faces challenges but overcomes them with courage, dignity and kindness.

World War I offered opportunities to become a nurse. Hard work, dedication and a strong stomach were needed to survive, especially if one was sent to the Front.

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Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke

May2

Of Kind & Encouraging Hearts

Changing Times At Harpers by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel and the seventh book in the Harpers Emporium series. It can be read as a stand-alone.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces. It is now 1920, the first world war is behind but its affects are still being felt in the form of shell shock. A character has been altered from a gentle soul to an angry, fearful young man. With specialist care, it is hoped that he will recover.

The 1920’s are years of change. Women did men’s jobs during the war and kept Britain going. Now they are being forced back into the home but having tasted freedom, the Women’s Movement is gaining momentum and lobbying for change.

Women have a mental strength of character but can still be overpowered physically by men who are stronger.

Tragedy strikes as illness brings down a family member. We see the shock and devastated lives.

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Life And Love At Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke

Feb7

The Heartbeat Of Life

Life And Love At Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the most delightful historical novel that entertained me from the start.

The action is set in 1961 as we follow residents of Mulberry Lane in London. It is a time of opportunity as new ventures are opening up. We also travel to the south coast to accompany the life guards there.

Foreign travel is on the horizon. The world appears to be shrinking as planes become accessible for ordinary folk.

We hear of the brutality in Alabama as Martin Luther King jr leads peaceful protests for equality. The people are met with cruelty and violence. A huge heart from London is not used to the laws of segregation, seeing only people in need of help. She cannot stand by and do nothing but there are terrible consequences.

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