New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane

Mulberry Lane #4

by Rosie Clarke

1943, Mulberry Lane, London. In the midst of another bleak winter, life is hard for the residents of The Lane.

When Rose Merchant arrives at Mulberry Lane, she is carrying a secret that haunts her. How can she tell her landlady and the Lanes' matriarch Peggy Ashley that she is the daughter of a murderer?

As Rose learns that she is amongst friends she gradually learns to trust and even to love. But when Peggy's estranged husband Laurie returns home for good, both Rose and Peggy's lives are once again turned upside down.

Can they both find their way through the heartache to find happiness?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2018

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the Mulberry Lane series and this latest instalment is just like sitting down to catch up with old friends. You are really immersed in the war stories, and the friendships and trials and struggles that the war brings with it.
When Rose arrives in the story she’s hiding a secret, will she feel able to trust those around her enough for them to help her overcome her past .
I can’t wait to read more in this series and hope we have more in store by Rosie Clarke

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

1943, Mulberry Lane, London.
This is the fourth book in the Mulberry Lane series. I have not read the other books in this series but definitely feel like I would enjoy reading the back story for these characters and catching up. Rosie Clark writes wonderful war time stories that make you feel as though you are talking to friends. You become invested in the struggles of daily life that war brings with it. The rationing and using coupon books to buy the necessities. This book felt very realistic for the time period portrayed and I look forward to more book by this author.
Pub Date 04 Dec 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story of the residents in Mulberry Lane and how they are coping during the war.I must admit i do love Rosie Clarke's books as she makes you feel as though you are there.Peggy,Maureen,Anne are still close friends and helping each other,Janet is staying with a friend after the death of Mike.A new face joins them and works for Peggy Rose is a great help and is in need of a new start,the people in the lane help her too,thats untill Laurie comes home and stamps his authority on the pub.There is also a bad apple in the lane about to cause trouble.I will be recommending this book well worth the 5*

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all the other three in this series. I must say I was not disappointed, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So, this is another well done Rosie Clarke and just cannot wait for Book 5 if there is one coming.

[Audrelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I finish one of Rosie Clarke’s Mulberry Lane books I am already anxiously awaiting the next.
Rosie writes beautifully, these characters of hers, I feel like I’ve known them for years..I hope Rosie Clarke continues to keep this story flowing....it is so entertaining, the characters are just so likeable.....seriously if you haven’t read her yet, you’re in for a real treat.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Ginger Book Geek is a bit (ok a lot) of a history nerd with a particular interest in the First World War and the Second World War. So imagine my nerdish excitement when I read the synopsis for ‘New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane’? On second thoughts, best not. I have read a couple of the Mulberry Lane series and I really enjoyed them so I couldn’t wait to start ‘New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane’. I was not to be disappointed and I flipping loved reading it but more about that in a bit.
There are a whole host of characters in ‘New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane’ and to single any of them out seems a bit harsh. The two characters I seemed to take to the most were Rose and Peggy. Rose arrives in Mulberry Lane to have a fresh start. At first we don’t know what it is she is running from but as the book continues little clues are given out and then in a wave of emotion Rose tells Peggy all about what happened to her family. It was at this point that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book and give Rose a hug. Rose is soon take on by Peggy as a general helper around the house and pub and Rose couldn’t be more happier. Rose struck me as being kind, gentle, helpful, friendly and a cracking young lady. Peggy is the landlady of the local pub. Well actually her husband is the landlord and Peggy is just keeping the pub ticking over for his return. Her husband is fighting overseas and he hasn’t contacted Peggy in some time. Part of the reason for that is the fact that Peggy had a fling with an American man, who is the father of the twins Peggy has not long given birth to. Peggy loves the children and she is worried what will happen when her husband comes home. Peggy is a super woman who seems to have unlimited energy. She is a pub landlady, she is the mother of toddler twins, she employs friends in the pub and she always has a shoulder to cry on for those who need it. She just never seems to stop. Peggy is a feisty, determined, stubborn and strong woman. I would love to have a friend just like her.
Oh my word, reading this book felt like I was reuniting with old friends. It didn’t take me long at all to get into the story and familiarise myself with the characters again. In fact the author uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that the characters were my friends. Yes I know this is a fictional book but if I take to a book, I immerse myself in the story and I tend to ‘live’ the story as if it is real.
I love the period of time in which this book is set. The action takes place from 1943 onwards. The author has clearly done a huge amount of research and this shines through in the quality of her writing. She uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I had been transported back in time and I had just landed in Mulberry Lane. I think that part of the reason why I am so interested in the Second World War is that I never knew my grandparents, who lived through the war and so reading books like this gives me an understanding of the conditions that they experienced and had to live through. It also helps me to feel closer to them as daft as that might sound to some.
I was hooked on this book literally from the first word onwards. The author’s writing style engages the reader from the start and much like a fisherman reeling in a catch so the author reels in the reader. For me ‘New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane’ was a real ‘CPID’ (can’t put it down) book. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because the book came everywhere with me. I found it nigh on impossible to put the book down and if I did have to put the book down then I would count down the time until I could pick the book up again. I just loved the author’s writing style, the storylines and the characters. I had tried to ration how much I read in one session but that intention soon flew out of the window because I couldn’t bear to stop reading more about the loves and lives of Mulberry Lane. I didn’t notice how quickly the time was passing and I was so disappointed when I closed the back cover. I was enjoying the book so much that I just wanted it to continue.
In short, I thoroughly and absolutely ADORED reading ‘New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers, particularly to those fans of wartime sagas. I hope that we hear more from those in Mulberry Lane. Fingers crossed. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke takes us back to 1944. Rose Marchant finds herself on Mulberry Lane in London’s East End looking for a new start. Rose has a secret that she does not want to come to light. Rose worked at a pub back home, so she heads to The Pig & Whistle to see if they are hiring. Peggy Ashley co-owns The Pig & Whistle with her estranged husband, Laurie who is away on war work. Peggy can tell Rose is hiding something, but she hires her and provides her with a place to live. Rose is enveloped into Mulberry Lane where she makes friends and meets someone special that she could imagine marrying. But will they still like her when they find out what she is hiding? Mabel Tandy owns the wool shop on the lane and has Ellie Morris along with her little girl living with her. Mabel has become a mother to Ellie and grandmother to her daughter. Ellie worries what will happen when Peter, her husband, returns home and learns that she kept the child. Tom Barton manages the neighborhood grocery store for Maureen Hart, but he is eager to turn eighteen and join the army. Peggy is thankful to have Rose helping in the pub and with her busy twins. Then Laurie returns home and takes charge of The Pig & Whistle and upsets the whole household. How will life change on Mulberry Lane now that Laurie has returned?

New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane is another delightful addition to The Mulberry Lane Series. Peggy Ashley is the matriarch of Mulberry Lane and watches over the other residents. She is friends with Maureen Hart and Anne Ross. Peggy is known for taking in stray chicks and giving them a helping hand. When Rose arrives, Peggy does not hesitate in offering her a job and a room. The characters in this series are well-developed. Rosie Clarke brings her characters to life making them realistic (characters that we love and others that we love to hate). I look forward to each new book to see how the residents of Mulberry Lane are faring during World War II. All of our favorite characters are back in New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane along with some unpleasant ones. I thought New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane was well-written and engaging. Personally, I recommend reading the books in The Mulberry Lane series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one. We see how the characters handle the war as it progresses. Life continues to go one at home while the war rages on around them. They face financial struggles, heartache, friendship, births, deaths, rationing, love, and fear. There are twists and turns that will keep readers riveted. Rosie Clarke captures the time period with the clothing, movies, slang, rationing, the struggles our characters face, the bombings, and the worry about loved ones off fighting the war. I wish I could tell you more, but I do not want to spoil it for you. I cannot wait for the next installment in The Mulberry Lane series to find out what happens next.

[Edel Waugh Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four in this series set in 1943 in London . The story centers around the family and friends who live on Mulberry lane , they are a very tight knit community each with their own ups and downs and everyone tries to help each other out . It is a truly heartwarming story that really gets you invested in the characters from the very start and you are rooting for them to do well throughout the story as they try to make the best of life during the war and all the hardships that go with that . To make a good story even better there is two despicable characters included , I was hoping for their demise so I read eagerly to see if I got my wish .
The plot was so good I did not want to put it down , so I didn’t , who needs sleep anyway ! Would I recommend this ? Most definitely!



I received this book to review from the lovely people over at Netgalley .

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed listening to the 4audible books the wedding of Mulberry Road was also on my kindle

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. Another delightful read by Rosie Clarke. I really love the Mulberry series as you really get a good feel for the era the series is set in and feel like you know the characters really well. This book will not disappoint, however I do recommend readers begin at book 1 first. Hoping this isn’t the last book in the Mulberry series.

Thanks kindly to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Doris Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggling with loss, friendships, choices and fear, the people of the little neighborhood of Mulberry Lane in London’s East End. A major target because of the docks and warehouses, they’ve had relative calm in the ongoing years, if one doesn’t count the relationships and struggles of the people of the area. And Rosie Clark has created a hopeful story full of challenges and community as the “Lanes” band together to share, support, survive and struggle together through the hardships and uncertainties of war, one that seems never-ending.

The women left behind, are making the best of the hardships they are facing: and managing to make decisions, choices, friendships and loss with a strength and sense of community that seems all the more palpable because of the shared struggles. Using deft characterization and issues that pull at the heart, there is a clear sense of a common purpose: getting through the war in the best way possible, with friends and family working with and around the shortages, sharing their worries and joys, building a family out of neighbors and friends – one that cares comes together to help and support one another. There are several characters in this story, and bits of their backstories are shared as this one progresses, but what comes through, above and beyond the ‘what happened to get us here’ is the solid community sense: the friendships that truly provide comfort and understanding, and the fierce determination that these women show in their ability to make the best and most of the resources available to them.

Wonderful for the characters and the resilience shown during the struggles, the ‘homefront’ stories are often more centered on the “land girls’ or those working as spies and codebreakers – but it’s the ordinary people who held the country together through the years with pure determination, despite fears, loss and challenges. Clarke has brought those stories to light with characters that you can’t help but cheer on, empathize with and hope for an easier time. Most of us are unaware of the years of struggle that accompanied the war, during and after, and finding a new respect and understanding of the ways that people came together in times of difficulty and could serve as a model for us all.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Melanie Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be invited to read New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane and participate in the blog tour, by Victoria Joss at Aria. I have been following Rosie Clarke's Mulberry Lane series since the beginning. Please check out my blog www.chapterandcake.com for my other reviews of this series.

I hate to be predictable but I love historical novels set during WWII! More than that though, I love the characters that Rosie Clarke has created within this series of novels. Peggy Ashley leads a group of strong women who in the face of adversity work hard to keep their families safe, whilst cementing the independence that they have come to rely on while their men are away fighting for their country. New Arrivals at Mulberry Lane introduces us to a new character, Rose Merchant, who joins the Lanes, alone and lost. Alone and lost until she meets Peggy that is! She was a subtle character introduced to an already strong group of female characters and I feel that she really added to the dynamics of the Lanes. Our old favourites also returned in this novel; Maureen, Ellie and Anne. In addition, some of the men are starting to trickle back from the their war efforts; Gordon, who is tragically injured, and Laurie, who has been discharged from his secret wartime work under a dark cloud. Their return changes things for women on the Lanes, and not always in a positive way

New Arrivals in Mulberry Lane can be read as a standalone novel, but I would much rather recommend that you read all four novels in this series. I am already looking forward to reading book five in this series!

Thank you to Victoria Joss at Aria, and to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Arrivals in Mulberry Lane is Book 4 in the Mulberry series. It is written by Rosie Clarke. The book takes place in London during 1943 on Mulberry Lane. The people here have adapted to a new world created by World War II. Most of the young men are gone and only the elderly and very young are left. The women have stepped up to replace the men in their jobs while keeping up with their homes and families. We watch as the women adapt to their new lives.
Rosie Merchant has come to Mulberry Lane looking for work and to leave the rumors of her behind. Her Father is thought to have killed his son and then his wife before committing suicide and Rosie has left home to leave the rumors behind. Luckily, she looks for work at the Pub with Peggy. Peggy is running her husband’s pub while he is working for the government in Scotland. Her marriage was not broken but severely bent. Her husband had an affair and then Peggy fell in love with an American airman and had twins. Her husband accepted him as his but refuses to have anything to do with them nor will he come home. Their son is flying for the RAF and is not speaking to either of them. Their daughter lost her husband to the war and has left home with her daughter to try to recover. Peggy needs help with the pub and her twins and Rosie fits the bill.
As things change for the other members of Peggy’s circle, the dynamics of Mulberry Lance also changes. People come and go from their lives as they try to survive. Their stories weave a view of what it must have been like during this period of history. The book is very good and is quick to read.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII domestic sagas are among my favourite kind of reads, and Mulberry Lane makes it to the top of my favourites list.

While we catch up with Peggy and her friends, there is a newcomer to the lanes - a young woman looking for a fresh start in life. Where better than The Pig and Whistle? With her twins now toddlers and a pub to run plus all the food to prepare from scratch to sell in the bar, Peggy is in desperate need of another pair of hands, but no sooner do things settle down than a spanner - and a whopping big one at that - gets thrown into the mix!

I really love this series; not only does the author keep things moving and packs her novels with lots of events from the community, there is always someone new popping up to be drawn into the warmth which Peggy is at the centre of. Definitely a series to read from the beginning, it's always such a pleasure when a new book comes out and I can get to find out what's happening to all my favourites. It's never dull and, I imagine, shows the reality of life for those at home during that terrible war. As with the previous novels, this is a riveting read with the odd surprise and shock and whilst it is a complete read on it's own, I am so looking forward to the next one to find out how things pan out. A great read, and one I have no hesitation in recommending to others who enjoy reading about this time.

My thanks to publisher Aria for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm getting hooked.

I've read this book so quickly because I want to know what happens next. I love the characters and I keep wanting all the drama, tears and laughter.
In this book it has jumped a year but we've seen that Peggy's rule at the pub is changing as husband Laurie returns, with a troublesome cough. He also is jealous of Peggy's friendships, and also of her new confidence. He is also still not happy about the twins. He also hides a letter for Peggy in his room. He left the SOE? In something under a cloud. He is also not happy that anyone wants happiness and again appears to not want his son Pip to get married, refusing to sign the document. Or to sign in the future.
He seems thoroughly selfish, reprehensible and something else, leering after other women. A new character Rose, had moved into the pub and been happy but after he made unwelcome overtures she left. He had virtually told her she wasn't wanted now he was home. Highly recommended.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Clarke does a wonderful job of writing an interesting wartime novel. New Arrivals At Mulberry Lane is the forth to this series. While it is a stand alone book, you would gain so much more by going back and starting from the beginning. The story takes place in a small town with almost everyone living on Mulberry Lane. It is a great example of neighbors helping neighbors.

The author has a special way of bringing her characters to life. She gives us people we can't help but love, and ones we love to hate. Rosie shows us a painstaking look how life would be in London during the war. Supplies are low, rationing is severe and everyone is required to do their part for the war effort.

I received a copy of this book from Aria publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here in this review are my own.

[Christina J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Mulberry Lane drama...

I can't give this more than three stars. Clark's books are pretty much all the same with different characters sprinkled in with each new addition to a series. She has a distinct writing style of repetiveness and run-on sentences. There are also many grammatical errors, missing and added words. A good editor would help significantly. She rehashes a lot from previous books and also repeats herself of the same details throughout her books. Nothing has been tied up in this book except part of Ellie's saga and part of Maureen's. Peggy's husband continues being a jerk, but karma has come calling. I expect there will be another book in this series, and even though these aren't books with deep thoughts or great character build up, I'll read it to see what happens. Lol

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book in the Mulberry Lane series which has become one of my favourite series I have ever read and I just love returning to the lanes but this one for me wasn’t a 5 star read simply because I found this one a little flat as I don’t think a lot happened it was more tying loose ends up from other books in the series which I thought was good but just didn’t feel like a lot happened. I love the characters and was happy to see a certain character leave this series but am desperately hoping for another character to come back in the next book! I can’t wait to carry on with the series.

[J Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great story continues to captivate

The women of Mulberry Lane are of different ages and backgrounds. This book sees new faces on Mulberry Lane. The women are stalwart and courageous as they struggle to survive in London during World War II. I hope this is the 4th book you have read about these good people who support each other on the lane. Ms Clarke continues to write fascinating stories about true-to-life people. Enjoy!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binge read the entire series to date and I have to say that Rosie Clarke has a way of making you not want to put the book down until finished. What I enjoyed most was the strength shown by the characters in what was a harrowing difficult time for not only the men fighting in the most awful conditions but also for those who were waiting for their loved ones to come home. I'm so looking forward to the next and I assume last book in the series due out next month.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #4. I really liked this one. There was a bit more action, suspense, and surprise. It was nice to see Anne take a larger role. I think she is a great addition and I really want to read more about her vs Janet. The trio of Peggy, Maureen, and Anne make fir a great series. Adding in Tom, Rose, and the new Vera, makes for a lovely cast of characters. Hopefully we see more of Ryan now as well. I love this series.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! It was my first Audible book for the series. The narration was spot on and listening to the various English accents added to the atmosphere of the story for me.

I really like reading about life during WW2. No matter what life throws at the women of Mulberry Lane, they stick together and help each other out.It's an inspiration to see and what we need more of these days!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Mulberry Lane series, and I really enjoyed this book. It was like catching up with old friends. There was lots going on in this book. There were moments of happiness but also some sad times too. I’m hoping that Rosie will write another book soon, as there are still things I’d like to know how they turned out. I highly recommend this series.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WW2 saga

I love Rosie Clarke’s writing, she is one of my favourite authors. This book, part 4 of the mulberry Lane series did not disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting new characters and have been left looking forward to how the series will continue. Fantastic read.

[Terena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another visit to Mulberry Lane with Peggy, Maureen, Janet, Tom, and friends. I enjoyed it as per usual, another few twists and turns as the war rages on. Although I am glad there is going to be a next book in the series as even though some loose ends were tied up, it seems to end a little abruptly.

[Enid Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life’s ups and downs

Fascinating read of life in the Mulberry Lane area of London during WW2. Fact and fiction a really interesting set of stories about life for those left at home while soldiers fought the Hitler regime
Excellent character descriptions and storylines smallest and tears made it a compelling read
Well written Rosie

[Gea · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were so many characters thrown at me in the first few chapters of this book, that I simply found it impossible to engage with any of them. I just realized this is #4 in a series, and I definitely felt I needed to read those first.

[noreen stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't stop reading

Love this series, the characters are strong, brave women holding on to their lives through the hardships felt in Britain during world war 2. Can't wait for her next book in the series.

[Anne F Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

At my age it is rare to find a new writer to replace those who have passed on. I have now discovered Rosie Clarke and I love her. I gulped this book down in rapid time. Reading Rosie is like being wrapped in a cosy blanket in front of a fire. Go Rosie Go !!!