The Women of Mulberry Lane

Mulberry Lane #5

by Rosie Clarke

Love and heartbreak, birth and death, joy amid hardship, are all here in the gripping fifth novel about the people of Mulberry Lane during World War Two. The war is nearly over – or is it? The women of Mulberry Lane anxiously wait for news. Peggy doesn't know if she'll ever again see Able, the American father of her twins, while a very odd letter from estranged husband, Laurie, threatens to set the cat among the pigeons. Rose can't stop loving Jimmy, while Tom can't stop loving her. Will Gordon ever again be the man he once was? Can he be a proper husband to Maureen, and if he can't, what will become of their marriage? The men, women and children of Mulberry Lane fight on with indomitable spirit, as the endgame of the Second World War enters its most deadly phase.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women of Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the fifth and final novel in The Mulberry Lane series. When I pick up a Mulberry Lane novel, it is like visiting old friends. I am sad that this is the last time I will get to spend time with Peggy, Maureen, Tom, Janet, Shirley and the rest of the residents of Mulberry Lane. The Mulberry Lane series does need to be read in order. I thought The Women of Mulberry Lane was well-written and engaging. I was drawn into the story from the very first page and I stayed up very late to finish it. Peggy Ashley is such a wonderful character with her big heart, friendly smile and ever ready cup of tea. Peggy deserves a happy ending after everything she has been through. She is a strong woman with a positive outlook. Tom Barton is one of my favorites. He has come a long way since the beginning, and he is liked by everyone on Mulberry Lane. There are, of course, those disagreeable characters (i.e.—Rory and Laurie) and I keep hoping that they will get their comeuppance. I like how the people in the lane stick together. They are there to help each other in good times and, most especially, in bad. The Women of Mulberry Lane is an emotional novel and you will need to have a box of tissues nearby. There is love, heartbreak, joy, grief, and anger as the residents of Mulberry Lane struggle to survive the war. Rosie Clarke captures the time period with the way the characters speak, the clothing, the war work women had to do in addition to their other responsibilities, and rationing (food, clothes, petrol). Life is never easy for the residents of the East End, but the struggle was even more intense during the war. You will not want to miss this final installment in The Mulberry Lane series to see how our characters stories play out. The Women of Mulberry Lane has squabbling siblings, booming bombs, wounded soldiers, boundless tea, and forever friends.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good series, you really feel a part of Mulberry Lane while reading, not sure if I’ve mentioned this before in any reviews but I always listen to music while I read, it can be pretty tricky sometimes trying to match music to what I’m reading, however this time it’s been really easy and I’ve been listening to music from the 30’s and 40’s and it’s been like being in a different world! Wonderful!

Reading about WW2 has been so interesting, seeing what it was like for families to live through!
It’s really made me curious, I already knew both my Grandfathers served in the war, they were both born in 1912 and 27 years old when the war started, I will definitely be asking my parents for any info on that as I know very little, however thinking about how my Grandparents and their families lived through it makes it that much more interesting. I know my dads mum was married and had 2 children when her husband was killed in the war, and then after the war ended she married my Granddad and had 3 more kids. Both my parents families lived in London, I was born in London, and i am loving the way everyone talks in this series coz as much as I try to write in a manner that isn’t common I am very much common and a Londoner at heart!

But back to the book lol well the war is over for everyone on Mulberry Lane, and it seems a lot of changes are happening, i‘m excited to see what happens next for them all! That’s all from me folks I’m off to read the next book whilst listening to some Vera Lynn 😊

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say i have loved being a part of the Mulberry Lane series because when you read you do feel as though you are there right in the lane.Peggy has had a hard time with Laurie and believing that the man she loved was dead,but finding the letter that laurie had hidden informing peggy that Able was alive.While waiting for a reply to the letters she had sent to find out where Able was.Then one day he walked into peggys kitchen and from there life in the lanes changed.I have enjoyed being a part of Mulberry family and now the war is over.If i could i would give more than 5* and say thank you to Rosie Clarke for a wonderful series of books.

[Peggyzbooksnmusic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Mulberry Lane series set in London during WWII. I bumped this up from 2.5 stars to 3 stars as I liked the ending. Very predictable story line and to be honest not sure if I'll read this author again.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ww2 series

I’ve loved every book in this series following all the characters in mulberry lane I’m sad I’ve only got one more book in this series to read what a great author Rosie is thank you x

[Winterhummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So eine schöne wohlfühl-Reihe 😊

[Jodi Philippon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The women of Mulberry Lane

I have read all of the Mulberry Lane series and found this last book to be very predictable. It seems the characters have almost identical storylines with the same ending. I also found that some of the characters' names were not consistent throughout the book. Rory Mackness became Rory McPherson, Henry Jackson was Harry Jackson. I love the characters and was looking forward to this book; however, this was kind of boring to read.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this journey during the war years along the little London Lane, we’ve met many of the women on the ‘hone front’ and watched them grieve, laugh, love and support one another through the tough times during World War II. It’s been a journey full of beginnings and endings, loves found and lost, and friendships tested and strengthened. And while some have left of their own accord, everyone seems to come back to the lane with fond memories, a sense of belonging, and plenty of hope for better after the war. Peggy is still running the Pig & Whistle while her errant husband Laurie is off in hospital with what is described at tuberculosis. Now decided that her marriage is truly over, she’s wanting a divorce, as she plans for the next step for her and her little twins. She’s still hopeful that Able will come back to her and the children, but with her daughter finally moving on from the death of her husband and she and her daughter planning to move to the country with her new man, things are going to be changing again.

And here is where Clarke excels: we have the story of Tom – son of the lane and well thought of by all. His crush on Rose is unrequited, if unchanged, and she’s determined that soon she and Jimmy will marry, We have Maureen and her husband, their struggle with his injuries and starting to make his own way in supporting the family. The loss of her grandmother, her daughter’s growing up with ambitions to be a doctor, the friendships, struggles and above all, support through good and bad that makes this series a winner. If you are a fan of heartfelt stories that make you admire, cheer for and weep with the characters – this is the series for you. Fans of Home Fires and Land Girls on PBS will enjoy these books, as they take the lives of wartime women, doing everything to keep their families happy and healthy against great odds and give us that slice of life that is so common to us all. A lovely series with a wonderful ending full of dancing and revelry in the streets before everyone finds a new path in the newly optimistic time.

I received an eAr 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

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women of Mulberry Lane: The Mulberry Lane Series Book 5 is by Rosie Clarke. World War II is coming to an end and the women of Mulberry Lane are going to have to make some changes in their lives. Their husbands, loved ones, and sons will hopefully be coming home soon. The V2 rockets will be coming to an end as hopefully, will rationing. They just have to hold on long enough for that to happen.
Peggy Ashley is waiting for word on her lover, Able to come back for her and their twins. He has never met them and unless he got her letter, he doesn’t even know about them. Her estranged husband is in a hospital in the North and she has been told by the hospital not to contact him at this time. This doesn’t bother her at all until he sends her a letter asking for money for his portion of the Pub in exchange for a permanent separation. Separation? She wants a divorce. Her daughter, Janet, has recovered from the death of her husband, Mike, and seems to be moving on with Ryan. He has accepted her daughter as his own. Peggy’s son, Pip, is in the air force and is stationed in the North with his wife, Sheila. She just prays he will be just fine.
Her best friend, Maureen, has been lucky that her husband, Gordon, has come home, although injured and not himself. She just hopes he will get better soon so he can take over the grocery store. He will be able to do that, even if he limps. His daughter, Shirley, has grown very close to Maureen but even she is growing up. Her Grandmother lives with them and helps with her son, Robyn, and their son, Gordy. It is definitely a yours, mine, ours situation, except Robyn’s biological father still might show up.
Tom Braden, the local handyman, and his Father are in the military and everyone hopes they will return unharmed. Meanwhile, Rosie who helps at the Pub, is renting their house while she waits for her fiancé Jimmy to come home. When he is home, Tom reassures her that if she needs anything while Jimmy is gone, she can rely on his friendship.
Friendship is the uniting factor between all of the inhabitants of Mulberry Lane. They have gone through the Blitz, rationing, and the war together. Childbirth, death, murders, desertions, and waiting together. Can they hold on a little longer?

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely terrific conclusion to this heartwarming series! 

As it nears the end of the war the women of Mulberry Lane face even more worry and heartbreak and, as they have done throughout the fighting years, they draw together and support each other through thick and thin .. and there are some very hard times indeed.

I have loved everything about these books. Rosie Clarke has hit exactly the right notes, keeping the story true to real life during World War Two while creating a fabulous array of characters. The hardships along with the day to day struggles make for riveting reading and with several families in the lane, there is a great variety of personalities and stories. Everything about this rang true - not that I was around during the war, but I have read plenty about it and my own parents survived it - although I do realise that life in the capital city was far removed from that in the Scottish countryside! I have enjoyed each and every one of the previous four novels but this one brings everything to a very satisfying end, leaving no story line unfinished and I shall miss the Mulberry Lane books. However, I'm looking forward to whatever this author comes up with next - she's always worth reading. A full five stars for this one, no doubt about it.

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the end of the war is coming....

This book almost feels like an end to all things mulberry lane but there are now more books. Perhaps the writer left it, then returned to them later on. Anyway this was more Peggy centric than any of the others. Some are more Rose, Maureen or Jan. Anne is in it again but fleetingly.
There's still the drama, tragedy and violence but I think the last two chapters felt very rushed. I can't wait to start book 6, but I just thought it seemed as if the writer was saying "All's well that ends well".
Tying up loose ends, getting rid of the bad eggs and letting everyone be happy. Life is swings and roundabouts, ups and downs so hopefully the next book will not be so "sweet".

I gave it 5 stars because I love the characters, am invested in them and their doings. But just the rushed bits.
Maureen is like Sally Harper in the Harpers books.
Highly recommended

[Christina J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2 stars

This was a good ending for the series of Mulberry Lane. I assume it is the last one. There was lots of heartache and disappointment, but everything turned out in the end. Clark obviously doesn't know how Americans talk because Able, being an American, would never have said shan't or that something could be sorted out. Americans generally don't talk as formal as he talked. I'm an American. I know. Lol There's a lot of repetiveness in Clark's books. With an editor's eye, the book could be shortened. We don't need to be told so and so lives around the corner five times or that so and so had been wounded seven times. The repetition gets old and boring. Everyone talks the same way, too. There aren't any distinguishing or different ways the characters interact or are separate from other characters. All in all, it was okay.

[J Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finale to 5 book series

I have been captivated by the women (and men) of Mulberry Lane since the first chapter of the first book. The strong characters these women display as they deal with the hardships, dangers and friendships forged from the earliest days of World War II through the final surrender of Hitler are so remarkable. Mulberry Lane is in London. The attacks on London by bombs and later rockets makes the British experience of WWII at home very different from what American women and their families experienced. The sfory-line ends well. There are no unanswered questions about things that happened during the 5 book series. Ms Clarke is an excellent writer. Start with the first book and read through this one. It's like a good long movie. Enjoy!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book of the Mulberry Lane series was not a disappointment. What a beautiful series to read and what a beautiful way to end, but with The Women of Mulberry Lane. The entire series primarily revolved around Peggy, Janet, Maureen and Anne, women who supported and held their families up during a pivotal and trying time in all of Europe, WWII. These women nursed, cooked, ran business, dried tears, but mostly kept the home fires burning while all of Europe was in utter chaos.
The Women of Mulberry Lane (Mulberry Lane #5) wrapped up the lives, loves and loses of these women, and will leave the reader with a sense of closure and satisfaction. As a reader if you love historical fiction with strong women, a great story-line and lasting friendships, then this series is for you.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read for fans of historical domestic fiction! It does help, I think, to have read at least one of the previous books because there are lots of characters and the saga of the families in the East End has had any twists and turns. This time out, there's a lot of drama as WWII is coming to an end- there's a rotten husband, a missing American lover/father, a wounded man, and a sort of love triangle that could go very very wrong. WHat's important is that the women - Peggy, Rose, and Maureen- deal with all their troubles (and triumphs) with equanimity and a positive outlook. They also stick together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I am looking forward to more!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars but I wish I could give this book and the whole series more. I highly recommend this book and the whole Mulberry Lane series. As the war is starting to come to an end the families and friends of Mulberry Lane are still pulling together helping each other get through all the different problems and crises thrown at them by the war. The way Rosie writes it really draws you into the book and the lives of all the characters. The only criticism I have is that I didn’t want to put the book down or for it to end. A truly fabulous read.

[Karola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der Zweite Weltkrieg im East End von London
Das London des Jahres 1938 im East End beschreibt in diesem Roman Frauen in diversen Lebenslagen, mit ihren verschiedenen Sorgen, die sie miteinander in der Mulberry Lane verbindet und als Freunde zusammenhalten lässt, besonders als die Bomben aus Deutschland rundherum für Zerstörung und Angst für die dortige Bevölkerung sorgen. Über mehrere Jahre erlebt der Leser viel Liebe, Tod und Hoffnung von einigen weiblichen Charakteren im Zweiten Weltkrieg, auch die Mangelversorgung an Lebensmitteln, dem Schwarzmarkt etc..

[Janet Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and engaging

I love the full Mulberry Lane series, Rosie captivates her audience with just the right suspense to leave you wanting more.

You feel like you know the characters and can empathise with them through their difficult times and celebrate with them during their achievements.

I'm sad this series is over but I think it has been finished well with characters beginning a post war (better) life.

[Cindy L. Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was me of the very best I've ever read!

The Mulberry Lane series captured me from the very first. I feel like I lived through their trials, happiness, heartbreak and loves right along with them. Well written and very well developed plot and characters. I hate to see the series end!

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book the fifth in the series. it was a while since I read book 4 but it is written in such a way that you can easily recall the characters and continuing storyline - life’s ups and downs of relationships including sadness, humour and great friendships - thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend this whole series

[Margaret Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read all five books in the Burberry lane series and I loved every one of them out drew you in to the stories and I felt they were my friends and felt part of they family and co b

Read all five books in the series They drew you in to the story and you felt you were tbey with them would recommend felt I was part of the family

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favourites to read as I just adore the characters and the storylines as there is always just something going on that you don’t expect, the familiarity of the lanes when you come back into the series is just amazing and I love each book so much. I’ll be sad once this series has finished but for now I’m enjoying every book and each storyline.

[Michelle Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series of Mulberry Lane. Sort of book once you pick it up i felt compelled to continue. It is fairly easy read that you can pick up where left off without having reread the whole chapter again

Rosie Clarke is definitely a great writer that draws you into the scene of the book and makes you want to read the next in the series almost immediately

[noreen stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a happy ending

I have followed through the entire series. The characters were written so they became your friends and wanted them to succeed holding it together during WW2. The author kept the characters real warts and all.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women of Mulberry Lane

This books carries the story on from where New Arrivals left off!! The series of books has lead us into the lives of the Women and men from Londons eastend. What an amazing saga.

[lisa jane costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read them all! Just brilliant.

I've just finished the series. I really enjoyed them, they are easy to read and the characters loveable (but a few!) Grab a brew and snuggle down for a very enjoyable read.

[Judy Palmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mulberry Lane

I have read all of the books in this series and have enjoyed all of them so much.
Kept track of all the families and the additions, break ups, and deaths. Real life.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lanes

Well with war coming to an end life is changing for the women of mulberry lane Peggys life is a big change for her but with Able back in her life she can do what makes her and her family happy .it's the same with all the regulars life is moving on 5 stars .

[Patricia joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant new read!

I absolutely loved this book. Have been following this writer for several years now and each story is connected through its characters, definitely heart warming and a very good read that you can't put down easily.

[jacqueline bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book to read with lot's of informative information about the way people coped during the war. Well worth reading

A very enjoyable book with lot's of information regarding how the people of London coped during the war. Heartfelt and uplifting.