The final book in The Mulberry Lane Saga series from Rosie Clarke. Sweeping changes are on the horizon and Mulberry Lane is in for a shock... London 1962
At first it was a rumour that Peggy Ronaski and Maureen Hart could hardly believe. If true, it would turn the lives of everyone on Mulberry Lane upside down.
Peggy could lose her beloved pub. Maggie her acclaimed restaurant. Maureen her business and her home. Everyone had something to lose.
Whilst old friends try to come to terms with the shocking news, the younger generation continue to forge ahead in the swinging sixties. Relationships flourish and new opportunities blossom; the ever changing world becoming their oyster. But family bonds remain strong, after all, it's people that matter not the buildings.
Could this be the end of Mulberry Lane or a new beginning for everyone?
Praise for Rosie
'Brilliant read. Wonderful characters that draw you into Harpers world. Thoroughly enjoyable.' Kitty Neale
'When it comes to writing sagas, Rosie Clarke is up there with some of the best in the business' Bookish Jottings
'Full of drama, romance and secrets ... A perfect example of its genre' That Thing She Reads
'This is wonderful historical fiction that is so character-driven you'll wish these women lived on your street' Reader Review
'Absolutely loved this latest instalment and revisiting the ladies of the Lane. Another great story of love and heartache' Reader Review
Rosie Clarke is an excellent author. Her historical saga's always tick every box for me. This is the final book in her Mulberry Lane saga series, which I really will miss!
There has been heartbreak and all sorts of joy throughout this series, and I was looking forward to seeing exactly how Rosie Clarke ended this superb series. I enjoyed every single page of this book, with the familiar characters who always feel like I back with good friends. It held its fair share of sad times, but it was also joyful to read. Every character's journey was perfect for them.
If you are someone who reads a lot of my reviews, you will be familiar with the fact that I love getting lost in history. I buzz of being entertained and educated at the same time. Last Orders at Mulberry Lane gave me the swingjng sixties in glorious technicolour, and that's exactly why I read Rosie Clarke's books. She has a special knack of drawing the reader back into times long gone, and I just love her storytelling.
A page turner of a read and a series I will miss along with the characters. All are written perfectly and stories to warm your heart. I look forward to this authors next endeavour, and just know I will be reading it! Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the book in exchange for my honest review.
The 10th and final book in the Mulberry Lane series. And just like all the previous books in the series I loved it . Right from the very first book I was engrossed in these characters and the story . The final book has wrapped everything up really well with a perfect ending .
"And tomorrow we turn the page and begin again..."
"That's right...It is a whole new story, another chapter of our lives..."
I had tears reading the final chapter and pages of this book. It is the end of an era. I may not have been there from the beginning, but I have travelled alongside side them all from "Stormy Days at Mulberry Lane" and became familiar with the characters and fell in love with the spirit of community that is now left behind. Mulberry Lane has become a character all of its own and it is here that the focus has remained throughout...despite sojourns to the country. They all come back to the Lanes. It's where the heart of their community, their lives, beats strongest.
But changes are on the horizon and the Lanes as they all know and love them will never be the same again. What are they to do? Fight for the community they have lived and grown up in? Or accept their fate and find pastures anew?
It's the swinging sixties and times have changed since the dark days of war that Peggy and Maureen were once caught up in. They survived Hitler's bombs, surely they could survive this disruption too? But Peggy isn't getting any younger, in her sixties herself, and trade has died down at the Pig & Whistle in recent times. Maybe their patrons have caught wind of the council's plans and have moved on before they were forced out.
Her children have grown and have lives of their own now. Janet busy renovating properties, Pip about to take on a new job opportunity, Fay married to rockstar Jace and living in America and Freddie living and studying at Cambridge to become a sports teacher. Even her granddaughter Maggie is about to marry Greg. Maybe it is time for her and Able to retire...or at least take on a smaller project to keep them going.
Then there is Maureen and Gordon, Rose and Tom, Shirley and Ray While this is only a short read, there is a lot packed into it as Rosie Clarke gathers us to bid farewell to the characters we have come to know and love over the years. While times are changing and life goes on, this book highlights the steadfast love of family in the wake of new relationships as the doors begin to open up for the next generation.
I love Rosie Clarke's sagas and while it was sad to bid farewell to Mulberry Lane and its residents, I know I can go back and start the series from the beginning and meet them all over again and those I never knew because they had already gone by the time I joined the series. And I look forward to doing so.
This book is a fitting end to a wonderful saga series I have enjoyed being a part of. I was almost sad to see it end and not join them in their new ventures. But that's would be another story altogether. A new place, a new start, new beginnings. In the words of Able and Peggy in the closing lines of the book...
"And tomorrow we turn the page and begin again..."
"That's right...It is a whole new story, another chapter of our lives..."
Thank you for giving us the community of Mulberry Lane and for sharing their lives and loves with us. A beautiful, fitting farewell.
I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #LastOrdersAtMulberryLane in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 10th and final book in the Mulberry Lane series, not bad as it was only due to be a trilogy. I am so glad it lasted longer than the original 3 planned books.
Last Orders at Mulberry Lane is a book that enjoys memories from the past but also about what the future holds for the community in Mulberry Lane. Families have lived, grown up and had children of their own and are welcoming the next generation into the world. As some arrive others pass as is the way of things.
The lanes have been the focus of the story but it is about the community within not just the area. This final book brings the series into the '60s, and while changes are going on our group does not get caught up in the wilder side of life. They have focus and are either hard studying or have other responsibilities to deal with. That doesn't mean that they are straight-laced and prudish though.
The book was a goodbye but also it was a way to move on and this for me was done so well. The author could have easily been caught up with the "what was" but also focused on the future and the different options and prospects open to the families and community. Remembering that this was a community that went through the bombing of the war and it brought a special bond and friendship over the years.
This is a book about families and also how things have changed socially. There are new relationships and things for the next generation to look forward to. But for the Mulberry Lane Community, it is a chance to have a final get-together with friends.
If you are a fan of historical romance and fiction then this is a series I would recommend. It has been a wonderful journey and not only would I recommend this book but also the whole series.
We bid a fond farewell to Rosie Clarke’s immensely enjoyable London-set saga series with the final dramatic instalment: Last Orders at Mulberry Lane.
Everybody in Mulberry Lane is in shock. If the rumours are true, life for this London community will never be the same ever again and Peggy Ronaski and Maureen Hart are understandably worried about what the future might hold for all of them. Peggy could end up losing the pub that she’s put her heart and soul into and Maureen’s home and business could also end up being a casualty of the changes that threaten to upend all of their lives.
As the older generation at Mulberry Lane try their hardest to come to terms with the fact that their way of life could be gone forever, their sons, daughters, nieces and nephews are forging ahead into the future and making the most of the opportunities coming their way in swinging London. Nothing lasts forever, but in times of crisis the young and old of Mulberry Lane will realise that home is where the heart is and that it’s people that matter most.
Rosie Clarke brings this wonderful series to a touching, emotional and heartfelt close with Last Orders at Mulberry Lane. Guaranteed to bring a tear to every reader’s eye, Last Orders at Mulberry Lane is another compelling Rosie Clarke saga full of brilliantly realised characters, gripping plotlines and plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the last page.
Readers old and new to Mulberry Lane will love Rosie Clarke’s latest saga, Last Orders at Mulberry Lane.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I generally enjoyed this series and getting to "know" the characters. after this release, I am glad the series is over. All good things come to an end, and honestly, I'd have been okay if there had only been 9 books in all.
While it was interesting to see what happened next and get a bit of a wrap up, so much of this felt poorly edited - characters restating their thoughts over and over, to the point that in several places, I had to ensure I hadn't accidentally skipped back several pages on my Kindle. Add to that, with the extreme number of characters the author has dealt with over the series, it felt like every page or two in the first fourth of the book, it was nothing but repetition either from previous books in the series or the "main" story line in this one.
The whole Maggie and Ryan bit drove me insane. A character (rightly so, based on all we were told about Maggie in the past) stated that Maggie wouldn't like being kept in the dark. Then she was apparently completely kept in the dark and had no reaction to the news when she apparently was told, because the last thing we hear about her reaction was a single, throwaway sentence to her mother.
This certainly wasn't the worst thing I've ever read, and while I recommend it to any fans of the series just to get that final wrap up, I'd be hard pressed to recommend the entire series to someone, just based on how phoned-in things felt at times.
I would like to express my gratitude to Rachel's Random Resource and Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book. In this review, I will share my candid thoughts about it.
"The Final Mulberry Lane Series" is the 10th and final book in this series. As I read it, I felt the warmth and sweetness of home, and it reminded me of my grandmother's kisses. Although this book marks the end of the series, the author does an excellent job of showcasing the daily lives of the families and how they are progressing. The story focuses on the community, not just the area. This final book takes us into the '60s and introduces changes that are happening. However, our group of characters is not enticed by the wilder side of life; they are responsible and focused on their studies or other commitments. Despite this, they are not straight-laced or prudish.
The author concludes the series beautifully, providing a fitting farewell to the characters and wrapping everything up nicely.
Last Orders at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the culmination of this saga that saw the reader through World War II and several generations of births and deaths. Peggy and Maureen are still there as is the Pig & Whistle but not for much longer as the council has determined it is a slum and must be torn down to make way for new high-rise apartments and shopping malls. They had to admit much of it had seen better days, being owned by older folks who could no longer maintain their property or landlords who didn’t bother. The questions arose. Where would they go? What would they do? Many of the young ones had married and moved away. There had been a death or two and of course, some births. But these two friends, and their husbands pondered the future.
These characters have been through a lot together and have not only pulled through, but are the better for it. We have followed them for over 60 years and it is agreed that it is time for them to rest. It has been a wonderful journey where the reader has watched children be born and grow up. We have seen multiple marriages, often the second better than the first. Clarke is to be complimented for building this world and allowing the growth that his taken place, both in the characters and in their surroundings. It has been a terrific journey. Thank you!
I was invited to read Last Orders at Mulberry Lane by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RosieClarke #LastOrdersAtMulberryLane
The Mulberry Lane series by Rosie Clarke has been an exciting journey, and the finale, Last Orders at Mulberry Lane, did not disappoint!
The story picks up with Peggy and Able in 1962, and it seems like everything they, along with their friends and neighbours have worked so hard for, is about to come crashing down. Can they make the most of it? While the younger generation are enjoying the swinging sixties, the older generation is concerned.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it left me with one significant question: Will we see Peggy, Maureen, Able, and everyone else in a new series? I hope so!
For the best experience, I highly recommend reading the entire series. If you've already read the previous books, then don't wait any longer; get your copy of this finale today!
This is the last in the Mulberry Lane series and I felt that everything was wrapped up although there was plenty of drama on the way. Set in 1962 this follows Peggy, Maureen and their families and friends as they prepare for change. If the rumours of redevelopment are true both could lose their businesses. Decisions have to be made and with the younger members of their families moving in with their own lives things will never be the same. I liked how the sense of family support and community was still very much the main thread. This has great characters and the various storylines all flow together. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
This is the perfect ending to a wonderful series of books. I thought I would be sad because, indeed, the last orders would be called at Mulberry Lane, but the author wound up each character's story beautifully. Yes, there were sad moments, but they were far outweighed by the special, happy moments. There was a perfect balance of low and high moments, which helped make the book perfect.
This book isn't purely to wind up the characters' stories, it also introduces new dramas which keep the book exciting. I loved every minute of it and recommend both this book and the entire series.
Interventionist every one of the Mulberry Lane books and will be sorry there is to be no more of them. This final book tied up any loose ends and it was nice to see everyone settled into new lives away from Mulberry Lane. Peggy is the matriarch of the Lanes and it was a fitting tribute to all that she achieved there through the years with a leaving party organised by her family. Rosie Clarke is a great storyteller and I hope there will be another series of books in a similar vein in the future.
A great Series and sorry it has finished.I think Rosie could do another book about what all the characters are doing progressing with their new lives.Story was great and she brought them all to life as if we knew them personally.A great writer and found it hard to put the books down. Well done Rosie.x
I have enjoyed all the books in this saga. This one brought tears to my eyes and am very sad to say goodbye to Peggy, Able, Maureen and all the characters of Mulberry Lane. It’s with great sadness I say goodbye Mulberry Lane and a well written ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Saga by Rosie Clarke who never disappoints in her writing,. Thank you Rosie.
A delightful ending to the Mulberry Lane series. Peg and family and friends have become neighbors to those of us who anxiously awaited the next installment. Rosie Clarke has a way of grabbing your attention which makes it hard to put the book down. Lovely read.
After reading all the Mulberry Lane series, I thought we were done. Rosie came back with a final chapter. It is a very well written book and a great finish to a great series. Every character ended where they belonged. The major losses were devastating but life goes on. Love the characters in the series and glad to see their final destination.
With the Mulberry Lane due to be demolished for flats, Peggy and the others must all find new homes. All the ends are tied up and a happy ever after ending for all. A very good series for those who enjoy this sort of saga. Very little violence or swearing. Just good old fashioned sense of community. Goodbye Peggy pleasure knowing you. Highly recommended.
This is the tenth book in the Mulberry Lane series and I’ve loved every single book, I’ve loved following the characters and their lives throughout the years. This was a bittersweet book as I loved how it ended and everyone had a happy ending but I’m also sad it’s finished and I’ll never be back in Mulberry Lane, such an incredible series and such a special one to me.
You always get a gentle historical saga from Rosie and this one was no exception.
For the final book in the Mulberry series, where we've had 10 books, to get to know the characters and their daily lives. there is heartache, fun, weddings, funerals, and much more. It is a delightful finish to a lovely pleasurable series
This is the last book of the series, and boy, will I miss these characters; Peggy, Maureen, and everyone in between. I really enjoyed this series. While there were some flaws and inconsistencies, especially in the later books, I put my blinders on and still enjoyed the journey. This book wrapped everything up nicely.
Well, that was tedious, and it took me so long to finish. It was littered with inconsistencies and was so repetitive. I got absolutely fed up of reading about apple pie, “cooking” cakes, little shivers, gurgles of pleasure! Also, Truro is not near Hastings nor was 1962 The Swinging Sixties, it was basically still the 1950s that early in the decade.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this lovely story. Peggy, Able, and Co are a lovely lot of characters, and the way their family members and friends all pull together to look after each other is lovely!! (Not seen as much these days, unfortunately). I am sad to have now finished the story. Xx
I loved the story, and getting to know all the characters of Mulberry Lane. The trials and tribulations, and the closeness and commeraderie . I would love to see some sequels for Peggy and Maureen and their families
I am sorry that this saga has finished l always enjoy Rosies books l read all as they come and l wonder at her prolific plots well thought out l am looking forward to the next harpers book due out soon
I hope you consider starting a series of the new pub. It would be great these characters are wonderful and still have alot of living yet to do. I highly recommend the Mulberry Lane series. All of Rosie's books are wonderful.
I have loved the Mulberry Lane series and this last book tied up all the loose ends so we know what happened to everyone. I shall miss Peggy and all her family and friends but I’m sure Rosie will have something new for us to read soon. I highly recommend this series.
I’ve read all the series of the Mulberry Lane books and i found them to be a lovely read. It’s such a shame that this book is finally the last book in the series. The families you read about are just like the neighbours of years ago.
This Was a Fantastic Series and I am sorry to see it ending Would Love A Series on the Dog and Duck And What the Younger Generation Get Up Too Love Any Rosie Clarke's Books 📚
This book was a great way to tie the whole series together. It shared of Peggie’s family and how they would all spread their wings. It has some sad times that made me cry. I loved the series. Very easy read.