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Blackberry Farm #3
Love and Duty at Blackberry Farm
Cambridgeshire – 1942 As a new year begins and the war continues, young Artie Talbot feels trapped. In his heart he longs to fight, like his two brothers, for his king and country but is duty tied to Blackberry Farm. As feelings grow between Artie and Jeanie Salmons, Artie wonders if marriage will help him to finally accept his lot and settle down. Meanwhile, his brother John Talbot must come to terms with the tragic loss of a lost love. Can he overcome his trauma and begin to build a new life for himself and his new born son? Frances Grant, a new mysterious land girl arrives hoping to escape a violent past. Surely the countryside will offer her the safety and anonymity she craves. But someone is vengeful and eager to settle an old score… As a terrible shock rocks the family, will love and duty be enough to get the family through the dark days ahead?
312 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2023
256 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 10, 2026
**review to come**
September 24, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this heartwarming read.
I love being transported back to a different time and place and being able to switch off from the world around me which was exactly what happened as soon as I started this book.
I find this series heartwarming and loved catching up with the characters on Blackberry Farm again. I found this fast paced and it has a nice ending.
I love being transported back to a different time and place and being able to switch off from the world around me which was exactly what happened as soon as I started this book.
I find this series heartwarming and loved catching up with the characters on Blackberry Farm again. I found this fast paced and it has a nice ending.
September 27, 2023
As the men fight and the war rages, there are some new arrivals on the farm...
The third in this delightful saga series by saga queen Rosie Clarke sees us returning to Cambridgeshire in the winter of 1942. Of course it can suffice well enough as a standalone but for full character development and backstory progression, I do recommended starting them from the beginning. I enjoyed revisiting with the Talbolts and their charges at Blackberry Farm. It was like meeting up with old friends.
In the last book we saw the brutal murder of Faith, John Talbolt's betrothed, and how she lived long enough to birth their baby son before succumbing to her head injuries inflicted by her uncle Ralph, who later perished in a car accident.
The Talbolts all banded together to help with the baby they didn't want to name as that honour should be reserved for his father when he returned home. However, John was recuperating in hospital some miles away after very nearly dying on a mission which saw him land in enemy territory and being rescued by French nuns who hid him before having him transported to Switzerland and then back to Blighty. When he was deemed physically well enough he was discharged and returned home to recuperate...setting eyes on his baby son for the first time. In the interim, the family had named him Jonny as he couldn't very well be called "baby" indefinitely. John was happy enough to keep the name they had given him though he found it difficult to bond with his son as he reminded him so much of his mother, who should have been here nursing him and caring for him.
Tom Gilbert, Pam's eldest, had been injured on duty and now is utilising his skills by training up others, for which everyone is grateful. It meant Tom stayed on home soil and out of the firing line so to speak. He had just become a father himself when his wife Lizzie gave birth to their own baby son, Archie, and he intended to be around to watch him grow up. Until he was given a mission to act as a supply chain to the Desert Rats... He promised Lizzie he wouldn't volunteer but if he was asked to go abroad he wouldn't refuse.
Meanwhile, Artie has finally found the courage to propose to land girl Jeanie Salmons and the farm is busy with wedding preparations - both sewing bridesmaid dresses and amassing food for the celebrations after the ceremony. Pam has been storing up her coupons so that she could give them a good spread.
A new land girl has also arrived at Blackberry Farm and she does so under a cloud. Frances Grant brings with her an air of mystery and a secret she must keep at all costs because should the Talbolts find out the truth about her she'd be out on her ear. Artie and Jeanie aren't at all sure what to make of her but they believe she is hiding something. Pam takes the young girl under her wing knowing that it's the love of a good family that she needs. When a trip to Ely sees Frances jump into the cold waters of the river to save a young boy from drowning, the local paper runs a piece on her complete with her photo which somehow makes it way to a national paper...and has the propensity to bring the cosiness of the world she has come to know and love crashing down. If her past could catch up with her here, then she would have no alternative but to leave Blackberry Farm.
As is the Farm isn't heaving with people as it is, Pam receives word that one of her estranged sisters has died and she is to receive charge of her 8 year old son George. Pam is devastated by the loss of her sister and if taking on George keeps him out of the orphanage then that is what she must do. What's one more mouth? Pam has always enjoyed a big family...now it is just extended. The more the merrier.
Life at Blackberry Farm has its ups and downs but their fighting spirit remains. With the new airfield nearby, Pam welcomes the airmen should they need a place to recharge or in need of a homecooked feed. Artie toys with the idea of following his brothers to fight for King and country but news at home puts things into clearer focus for him as he takes on more responsibility as well as providing for Jeanie.
I love Rosie Clarke and I love being transported back in time and witness the simplicities of life during wartime along with its hardships. But the amount of time food was discussed made it very difficult as I kept wanting to eat every time they gathered around the table for my own portion of poached eggs, bubble and squeak and streaky bacon. I could just smell the bacon, it made my mouth water. lol
Once again, I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first two though I did feel it dragged a little, but that could just be me as I've had some sadness of my own in the past week making it hard for me to concentrate. This is still a wonderful read and I enjoyed my time at Blackberry Farm and cannot wait to return...especially to Pam's kitchen. Hahaha...
I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #LoveAndDutyAtBlackberryFarm in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The third in this delightful saga series by saga queen Rosie Clarke sees us returning to Cambridgeshire in the winter of 1942. Of course it can suffice well enough as a standalone but for full character development and backstory progression, I do recommended starting them from the beginning. I enjoyed revisiting with the Talbolts and their charges at Blackberry Farm. It was like meeting up with old friends.
In the last book we saw the brutal murder of Faith, John Talbolt's betrothed, and how she lived long enough to birth their baby son before succumbing to her head injuries inflicted by her uncle Ralph, who later perished in a car accident.
The Talbolts all banded together to help with the baby they didn't want to name as that honour should be reserved for his father when he returned home. However, John was recuperating in hospital some miles away after very nearly dying on a mission which saw him land in enemy territory and being rescued by French nuns who hid him before having him transported to Switzerland and then back to Blighty. When he was deemed physically well enough he was discharged and returned home to recuperate...setting eyes on his baby son for the first time. In the interim, the family had named him Jonny as he couldn't very well be called "baby" indefinitely. John was happy enough to keep the name they had given him though he found it difficult to bond with his son as he reminded him so much of his mother, who should have been here nursing him and caring for him.
Tom Gilbert, Pam's eldest, had been injured on duty and now is utilising his skills by training up others, for which everyone is grateful. It meant Tom stayed on home soil and out of the firing line so to speak. He had just become a father himself when his wife Lizzie gave birth to their own baby son, Archie, and he intended to be around to watch him grow up. Until he was given a mission to act as a supply chain to the Desert Rats... He promised Lizzie he wouldn't volunteer but if he was asked to go abroad he wouldn't refuse.
Meanwhile, Artie has finally found the courage to propose to land girl Jeanie Salmons and the farm is busy with wedding preparations - both sewing bridesmaid dresses and amassing food for the celebrations after the ceremony. Pam has been storing up her coupons so that she could give them a good spread.
A new land girl has also arrived at Blackberry Farm and she does so under a cloud. Frances Grant brings with her an air of mystery and a secret she must keep at all costs because should the Talbolts find out the truth about her she'd be out on her ear. Artie and Jeanie aren't at all sure what to make of her but they believe she is hiding something. Pam takes the young girl under her wing knowing that it's the love of a good family that she needs. When a trip to Ely sees Frances jump into the cold waters of the river to save a young boy from drowning, the local paper runs a piece on her complete with her photo which somehow makes it way to a national paper...and has the propensity to bring the cosiness of the world she has come to know and love crashing down. If her past could catch up with her here, then she would have no alternative but to leave Blackberry Farm.
As is the Farm isn't heaving with people as it is, Pam receives word that one of her estranged sisters has died and she is to receive charge of her 8 year old son George. Pam is devastated by the loss of her sister and if taking on George keeps him out of the orphanage then that is what she must do. What's one more mouth? Pam has always enjoyed a big family...now it is just extended. The more the merrier.
Life at Blackberry Farm has its ups and downs but their fighting spirit remains. With the new airfield nearby, Pam welcomes the airmen should they need a place to recharge or in need of a homecooked feed. Artie toys with the idea of following his brothers to fight for King and country but news at home puts things into clearer focus for him as he takes on more responsibility as well as providing for Jeanie.
I love Rosie Clarke and I love being transported back in time and witness the simplicities of life during wartime along with its hardships. But the amount of time food was discussed made it very difficult as I kept wanting to eat every time they gathered around the table for my own portion of poached eggs, bubble and squeak and streaky bacon. I could just smell the bacon, it made my mouth water. lol
Once again, I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first two though I did feel it dragged a little, but that could just be me as I've had some sadness of my own in the past week making it hard for me to concentrate. This is still a wonderful read and I enjoyed my time at Blackberry Farm and cannot wait to return...especially to Pam's kitchen. Hahaha...
I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #LoveAndDutyAtBlackberryFarm in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 25, 2023
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.
Ordinary life still continues – births, deaths and marriages. We celebrate with those who celebrate and we mourn with those who mourn.
The community spirit pervades the whole novel and envelops the reader as we receive a warm welcome at Blackberry Farm. I cannot wait for subsequent books in this marvellous series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
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.
Ordinary life still continues – births, deaths and marriages. We celebrate with those who celebrate and we mourn with those who mourn.
The community spirit pervades the whole novel and envelops the reader as we receive a warm welcome at Blackberry Farm. I cannot wait for subsequent books in this marvellous series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2023
This is the third book in this wonderful war time series . It’s an absolute joy to be back with the Talbot family of Blackberry farm. It’s 1942 and the family are trying to recover from the awful tragedy that rocked their world the previous year. As the Second World War rages on the family are determined to get through it as best they can. When a new land girl Frances Grant arrives to help at the farm she seems to be hiding something. Has something happened to her in the past and is she trying to escape from someone ? Again Rosie Clarke has written another fabulous addition to this superb series. As like the previous books I came completely absorbed in the characters and the story from the first page. This is one of my absolute favourite war time saga series. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other two books in this delightful series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't my most favourite read, obviously this indicates my rating of this book, however I did enjoy It. I enjoyed the characters, the Family, and all that they went through in their daily lives. Sometimes to read a Family Drama or Saga is good, as I mostly read romances, or psychological thrillers & mysteries. This book had a bit of romance in It, some references to the attributes to God, even though It wasn't a Christian fictional book, & 2 of the men in this family are in the Airforce & Army, so you see how they deal with that & what they have to go through living such lifestyles. This was the 3rd book in the series, & I had forgotten this was a trilogy, even though I followed the storyline. Some books demand that you start from Book 1 in order to read a series, however, some books, even though they are in a series, you can read them as Standalones. You also get insight into the tasks that have to be performed If you work on a farm with Lifestock.
October 2, 2023
I am so utterly devoted and in love with this series and I think Love and Duty at Blackberry Farm is the best one yet! In the last book we left on a cliffhanger of Faith being murdered and giving birth and in this one Pam is looking after the new born baby but the father John doesn't yet know the circumstances of Faith's death. There is also a new land girl who is a little strange but is soon welcomed into the Talbot clan and is supported when the secret she is hiding is revealed. When a terrible shock rocks the Talbot family will they be strong enough to survive? This book also ends on a cliffhanger so I am so looking forward to reading the next book! The characters are all lovely and it's hard to put down because you become invested in their lives!
December 11, 2024
A good read. SPOILERS
With the nights drawing in, settle down with a good book like this one. Easy to read, good characters and plot line. It continues the story of the Talbots on their farm, and in war. John Talbot's fiancée has died leaving him with a son Jonny. He is finally able to return home, and finds out what really happened. George arrives, he is Pam's nephew, by her sister Mary who has passed away. He is eight years old. Frances also arrives a new land army girl to replace the previous one who had moved on. It looks like a new land army girl per book. Frances has a secret, and doesn't want to be found out. Jeanie and Artie are getting closer. But the war is still going and the men are needed to fight.
With the nights drawing in, settle down with a good book like this one. Easy to read, good characters and plot line. It continues the story of the Talbots on their farm, and in war. John Talbot's fiancée has died leaving him with a son Jonny. He is finally able to return home, and finds out what really happened. George arrives, he is Pam's nephew, by her sister Mary who has passed away. He is eight years old. Frances also arrives a new land army girl to replace the previous one who had moved on. It looks like a new land army girl per book. Frances has a secret, and doesn't want to be found out. Jeanie and Artie are getting closer. But the war is still going and the men are needed to fight.
September 29, 2023
A look at WWII time and the folks who stay behind to tend to home fires. They too have their duties, which are no less important to the war effort. Additionally, there is a peek at injured soldiers who come home to heal physically and as well as emotionally. The author helps the reader get a feel for it all. The sweet bits and bites of romance lend interest to this quick read historical story.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
November 10, 2023
Quite good
I have read the previous books and others by Rosie but I found this rather repetitive in places. Although it was sad what happened to Faith, it was repeated over and over again about how John missed her and felt guilty. It could have been several pages less. Also when Pam had the letter from her sister asking her to take George, it said that she had a brother in his twenties, she must bed in her forties, with three sons in their twenties and her sister's were much older than her but over had a son of eight which doesn't seem feasable really.
I have read the previous books and others by Rosie but I found this rather repetitive in places. Although it was sad what happened to Faith, it was repeated over and over again about how John missed her and felt guilty. It could have been several pages less. Also when Pam had the letter from her sister asking her to take George, it said that she had a brother in his twenties, she must bed in her forties, with three sons in their twenties and her sister's were much older than her but over had a son of eight which doesn't seem feasable really.
December 7, 2023
This series has been one of my favourites, I’m just so invested in the characters and their storylines that I was actually so excited to read this. I loved Artie and Jeanie’s romance in this story and thought it was lovely, in terms of a character who grew on me in this book it was definitely Frances. By the end of the book I just wanted happiness for Frances and felt so content with how her story was progressing. Really enjoyed the book and glad I carried it on, hoping for another book so I don’t have to leave BlackBerry Farm anytime soon.
September 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The latest novel in the Blackberry Farm saga, "Love and Duty at Blackberry Farm," takes us back to the Cambridgeshire Fens and the beloved Talbot family.
Join Frances, a land girl who seems to be hiding from someone, as she becomes part of the Talbots' world. Amidst the excitement, there's also a wedding to plan!
Rosie’s writing style is so immersive that readers will feel like they are part of the family. This is a fantastic read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Join Frances, a land girl who seems to be hiding from someone, as she becomes part of the Talbots' world. Amidst the excitement, there's also a wedding to plan!
Rosie’s writing style is so immersive that readers will feel like they are part of the family. This is a fantastic read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
September 29, 2023
I’m really enjoying the Blackberry Farm series and this book was just as great as the others. There are some great characters to follow during the difficult times of World War Two. Pam and Arthur and their family try hard to make their farm work for them. With two of their sons away fighting it leaves a lot of work on Artie’s shoulders. With the help of some land girls they manage as best they can. It’s nice to follow the ups and downs of life on the farm.
November 14, 2023
Rosie Clarke writes some lovely stories this again is one.
It is set in Cambridgeshire in 1942 around the Talbot family. We relive the murder of a young woman, men going off to war and the traumas and fear of those left behind.
All of her characters are so well described making it easy to picture them in your mind.
A really good story to pull you in. This is the 3rd in the trilogy. and I thoroughly recommend it.
It is set in Cambridgeshire in 1942 around the Talbot family. We relive the murder of a young woman, men going off to war and the traumas and fear of those left behind.
All of her characters are so well described making it easy to picture them in your mind.
A really good story to pull you in. This is the 3rd in the trilogy. and I thoroughly recommend it.
December 13, 2023
A visit with the Talbots
Reading a Rosie Clarke book is like a visit with a valued neighbor or friend. It's a catch-up of all the family goings-on while you’ve been away. You are never disappointed. Lots of possibilities for future visits, Tom and John surviving the war, George and Billy growing up, Frances and Frank getting married. Pam continuing to be the Matriarch.
Reading a Rosie Clarke book is like a visit with a valued neighbor or friend. It's a catch-up of all the family goings-on while you’ve been away. You are never disappointed. Lots of possibilities for future visits, Tom and John surviving the war, George and Billy growing up, Frances and Frank getting married. Pam continuing to be the Matriarch.
March 15, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library.
I enjoyed this story. It was entertaining and it is a little bit more low key. The characters are likeable and if you like historical fiction during WWII you might like this one.
I enjoyed this story. It was entertaining and it is a little bit more low key. The characters are likeable and if you like historical fiction during WWII you might like this one.
September 30, 2023
Absolutely love the blackberry farm series. Set during ww2, the family who own the farm struggle through with the help of the land girls.
No spoilers from me but if your a lover of family sagas and ww2 novels this is for you
No spoilers from me but if your a lover of family sagas and ww2 novels this is for you
October 4, 2023
another heartfelt episode
Another gripping tale read it in two days hope the next one will come soon Rosie with all it twists and turns l can imagine what might be the next chapters of the story but will have. to wait to see if l am right
Another gripping tale read it in two days hope the next one will come soon Rosie with all it twists and turns l can imagine what might be the next chapters of the story but will have. to wait to see if l am right
October 10, 2023
Family
Waited awhile on this Blackberry Farm Book..Enjoyed revisiting the old Friends and family..and meeting the new ones..Pam..Husband Sons and extended family..And the continuing war..
Waited awhile on this Blackberry Farm Book..Enjoyed revisiting the old Friends and family..and meeting the new ones..Pam..Husband Sons and extended family..And the continuing war..
December 3, 2023
Fabulous book, loved the setting, the characters and how it encompasses the era with the story. A real winter read, feel good to sit down with.
Only downside I felt it ended rather abruptly, but I hope there is a follow up to it.
Only downside I felt it ended rather abruptly, but I hope there is a follow up to it.
March 15, 2024
Great
This book is so filled with family and caring and !oving. Each character was developed so you knew each members thoughts on problems. I hope there is another book to ring it all forward.
This book is so filled with family and caring and !oving. Each character was developed so you knew each members thoughts on problems. I hope there is another book to ring it all forward.
April 23, 2024
BlackBerry farm
In totally in love with all the characters in BlackBerry farm, I can't wait for the third instalment, hope it's not too long to wait, I love the way you describe your characters. Thank you
In totally in love with all the characters in BlackBerry farm, I can't wait for the third instalment, hope it's not too long to wait, I love the way you describe your characters. Thank you
April 13, 2025
Lovely series
I just love reading this series of books. I've been reading them all one after the other. A great family saga. I will miss reading about the family when I've read the last one. Would recommend.
I just love reading this series of books. I've been reading them all one after the other. A great family saga. I will miss reading about the family when I've read the last one. Would recommend.
October 4, 2023
My review of Love and Duty at Blackberry Farm can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
October 5, 2023
It was ok left me wanting .more is there an number 4
October 7, 2023
Good read
Love reading this saga. Gets you singing to read more and not put the book down. Can't wait for next book in saga
Love reading this saga. Gets you singing to read more and not put the book down. Can't wait for next book in saga
October 13, 2023
Good read
Another good read in the series, fingers crossed there is to be another one as just live following this family
Another good read in the series, fingers crossed there is to be another one as just live following this family
October 27, 2023
A continued good read.
I enjoyed this book as you unravelled the stories about the old and new characters. I enjoyed the twists and turns.I
I enjoyed this book as you unravelled the stories about the old and new characters. I enjoyed the twists and turns.I
November 5, 2023
Thought this was the best book yet, couldn’t put it down really hoping for more.
November 8, 2023
Really enjoyed the book. The series was good. Need a forth book !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews