Tag Archive | Rosie Clarke

Heartache At Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke

Oct5

In Love & War

Heartache At Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel. It is part of the Blackberry Farm series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order so you can track character progression.

We catch up with the action in 1940. The war has very much been established as young men are away at war and land girls are working on the farm.

Blackberry Farm welcomes all with open arms, including the reader. The farmhouse takes in all who need shelter, love and care. The welcome is as warm as the fireplace. The farm is busy but never too busy to support those in need.

War is terrible. Husbands, brothers, sons all go off to war – but not all return. Those who do may well be injured but loved ones are just happy to see them again.

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Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke

May8

Community Care And Compassion

 Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel. It is the sixth book in the Harpers Emporium series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The novel covers the year 1918, a year that everyone hoped would bring the end to the world war. As the book closes on 1918 we see the hope of peace has materialised.

War touches everyone. Many suffered losses. Those who did return often left pieces of themselves on the battlefields of Europe. Many suffered physical wounds – disfigurations were common as it was only with the end of World War I that plastic surgery and reconstructions began. The men who returned whole in body had often left their minds behind. Shell shock or PTSD was not understood. The returning men needed love, care and compassion. Their families witnessed huge personality changes in previously mild-mannered men.

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A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke

Feb6

Community Lives

A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel set in 1958. It is the eighth book in the Mulberry Lane series but can be read as a stand-alone. This was my first trip to Mulberry Lane and I loved it. The background to all the characters was given.

There are two main families, and as with all families at that time, they had both been touched by losses in World War II.

The off-spring are beginning to find their feet as we witness the hopes and dreams of the young adults.

There are hearts that are philanthropic as they want to make a difference. Position and wealth are not their motivating factors, the need that they identify is. Kind hearts see the poor and the marginalised, treating them with kindness and compassion, without thought of personal safety.

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War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke

Nov6

A Warm Welcome

War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke is a charming historical novel opening in Britain in 1939 as war is approaching.

The action alternates between Norfolk and London. Both have a community spirit that is warm and welcoming. The countryside residents work together to ensure the farms still run. Land girls from London arrive too.

Dreams keep us pressing forward. As we follow a character, we witness her strength and tenacity to pursue her dream and to press forwards.

The characters are well drawn, likable and realistic. Their love and care reach beyond the pages to envelop the reader.

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