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Blackberry Farm #5

Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm

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Cambridgeshire – 1944
Pam Talbot dedicates her life to keeping those who live and work at Blackberry Farm fed, safe and sound as Artie holds the fort whilst brothers Tom and John are away on national service.

Still reeling from the death of her beloved husband Arthur, Pam makes a rash decision in Arties’s favour which backfires causing him to neglect his duty on the Farm. Now Artie is struggling to run two farms and to add to his woes a new land girl sets her sights on him and won’t take no for an answer.

John is transferred to convalesce in Sussex but is struggling to come to terms with his life changing injuries and new life. Can Sister Jane help him find peace and see a brighter future?

Tom, still on active duty, is ordered undercover in his army unit to discover a traitor. Tom’s life hangs in the balance if his secret mission is exposed. Can Tom find the traitor and be granted the honourable discharge he so craves?

The Talbot’s are never far from trouble and tragedy – maybe their luck is about to change – or maybe not...

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2026

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Rosie Clarke

80 books339 followers

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477 (71%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,699 reviews180 followers
March 9, 2026
Bad luck continues to haunt the Talbot family in this next instalment of the series. Readers share in the highs and lows on the farm and beyond as the war continues across the globe. Despite rumours that it might be coming to an end, that the tide is turning, the Talbots certainly don’t experience this and, even though there are some sad times in the book, it definitely made for another good read.

It’s a series where it’s essential to have read the books in order to truly get a grasp of events and characters. Continuing shortly after the previous story, it was lovely to return and see familiar faces once more. Each member of the family offers something different to the novel and I enjoyed how Clarke continues to pursue all of the key story lines – by this fifth book in the series, you feel like you know the characters particularly well and even by the end of this one, there are still some unresolved plot strands that need concluding – too bad there is a bit more of wait before Clarke releases the next novel!

Some readers may feel that there is a bit of repetition taking place by now. After all, John’s convalescence path felt quite similar to his earlier experiences. Similarly, the role of the land girls felt a bit like an echo of a previous book. Yet, the outcome was still interesting to see because of how the Talbot family rally together and support one another. Furthermore, Susan’s tragedy was especially tense and even though the pathetic fallacy indicated something bad was going to happen, I could not foresee how Clarke would resolve it.

You cannot help but feel sorry for the Talbot family: it is like one thing after another in terms of bad luck. When happiness does occur, it is surrounded by so much misfortune that Pam’s misery is palpable. The fact that Tom continues to be in active service, even though he has been sent on dangerous missions, made me feel that his time is limited. This feeling was intensified when Tom is recruited to become a spy and discover who is leaking secrets to the enemy. Knowing how unlucky the Talbots have been, I was never sure whether circumstances would completely turn against Tom.

Whilst the novel ended on a note of optimism, the war continues to rage on. It is 1944, so with still longer yet to go, I finished the book brooding on how the Talbots would see the war to the end and whose lives would remain intact. As Tom has yet to receive his honourable discharge, I feel like the writer will pursue Tom’s service until the nail-biting conclusion. I therefore just hope that the final book will ensure some happy ever afters for the Talbots – it’s certainly overdue.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Heather Copping.
695 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2026
This is number five book in the series set around Blackberry Farm in Cambridgeshire in England by the popular saga writer Rosie Clarke.
It's April 1944 and Pam Talbot living on her farm in the Cambridgeshire Fens is finding it emotionally draining looking after the farm, her family are supportive but with the war raging they can't be there all the time to support her and help. Her daughter in law Lizzie has just realised that she is expecting again, something she's pleased about, but she's really worried about her husband Tom, who is Pam's son. She knows its something to do with the Army but she doesn't know what it can be. But Tom is indeed keeping a secret from his family, a secret he can't tell! Is there a traitor in his unit?
Meanwhile his brother is recovering in hospital after suffering really bad injuries, he is keeping his family away because of his injuries and he has a good friend in Sister Jane, but he would like her to become more than just friends. Will he find love again?

A really enjoyable read about a close knit family, their work on the family farm in the Cambridgeshire fenland countryside, while the war still goes on around them. There are sad moments and happy joyful moments and I really loved it. A great five-star read from me.

#TearsAndFearsAtBlackberryFarm
#RosieClarke
#Boldwoodbooks
#Netgalley
3,457 reviews36 followers
January 1, 2026
Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke sees the reader rejoining the story in progress. Arthur has died and Pam had given a plot of land to Artie, feeling bad for him. It turns out to have been valuable and he sold it and bought more farming land. It was looking as if he had bit off more than he could chew. Tom was still in the army, training, and John was in a recovery home, nursing his wounds, both burns and mental. Sister Jane had traveled with him and taken over the management of the care home. She was in love with John but no one knew that at this point. Pam was struggling and Artie was too busy to help her. Jeanie was pregnant again and Artie was happy but would miss her help in the fields. Life moved on.

These are mostly happy people. There is some infighting and people get cross, but they are happy with their lives. Pam still misses Arthur so much it hurts. He was taken too soon. Jeanie gets disgusted with Artie sometimes; he is so thoughtless. While John sees no way forward with his life and contemplates suicide, Jane is there for him. Finally he lets his mother and his son, Jonny, come to visit and that opens up his life tremendously. He has seen Tom, being a soldier he would understand, and he did. Tom is too good a soldier. As a result his commanding officer puts him in some precarious positions, but he always seems to manage. This is a terrific slice-of-life saga, full of characters for whom we have come to care. There is no real plot, but lots of little ones. I love this series!

I was invited to read Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RosieClarke #TearsAndFearsOnBlackberryFarm
2,900 reviews59 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 30, 2025
Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm was a very emotional, dramatic story. World War Two has been going on for years. There seems to be no end in sight. The challenges are never ending. The struggles to make do continue but hope remains. I found the story to be inspirational.

Pam Talbot is trying to keep the farm running as her son, Artie becomes more invested in his own land that he was able to buy thanks to his mom's generosity. She soon learns she can no longer rely on the dedication of one of the Land Girls. She soon learns not all are honest or caring. She only knows that she must keep going.

She has a lot on her shoulders. Her youngest son is struggles with his recovery after his plane crashed. She must care for his young son while caring for other family members. Her eldest child has survived numerous injuries only to return to his secret job in the army.

The story brings out so many emotions. Tears fell over loss and the horrors of war. Will the struggles ever ease? My heart bled for those that fell victim to those that took advantage of the desperation of others. I was reminded that the ugliness happened everywhere. My heart grew as those that gave up found new love. It was a reminder that new beginnings can happen anywhere at anytime. The story is a great example of the WW2 motto, Keep Calm and Carry on. No matter what happened the amazing characters discovered ways to keep going.

Profile Image for Heather Copping.
695 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2026
This is number five book in the series set around Blackberry Farm in Cambridgeshire in England by the popular saga writer Rosie Clarke.
It's April 1944 and Pam Talbot living on her farm in the Cambridgeshire Fens is finding it emotionally draining looking after the farm, her family are supportive but with the war raging they can't be there all the time to support her and help. Her daughter in law Lizzie has just realised that she is expecting again, something she's pleased about, but she's really worried about her husband Tom, who is Pam's son. She knows its something to do with the Army but she doesn't know what it can be. But Tom is indeed keeping a secret from his family, a secret he can't tell! Is there a traitor in his unit?
Meanwhile his brother is recovering in hospital after suffering really bad injuries, he is keeping his family away because of his injuries and he has a good friend in Sister Jane, but he would like her to become more than just friends. Will he find love again?

A really enjoyable read about a close knit family, their work on the family farm in the Cambridgeshire fenland countryside, while the war still goes on around them. There are sad moments and happy joyful moments and I really loved it. A great five-star read from me.

#TearsAndFearsAtBlackberryFarm
#RosieClarke
#Boldwoodbooks
#Netgalley
Profile Image for Lily.
1,704 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2026
In the latest Blackberry Farm novel, readers follow Pam Talbot as she keeps the rest of her family still at the farm together while Tom and John are away on national service. A rash decision in Artie’s favor backfires and causes him to neglect his duty on the farm, and the new land girl won’t take no for an answer. John, convalescing in Sussex, struggles to come to terms with his injuries and new life, but Sister Jane might be able to help him find peace. Tom is ordered to go undercover to discover a traitor, and his life is at risk if his mission is exposed. As 1944 continues and challenges come to Cambridgeshire, the Talbots must use their inner strength to keep going. The characters are the stars of the book, and the alternating perspectives allow each storyline and its respective challenges to develop and resolve themselves. The depth of detail of the historical setting brings the book to life as a fantastic backdrop for the characters’ storylines, and the new characters in this book add complications to the Talbots’ lives. Well-written and packed with detail, historical fiction fans will love the latest installment in this World War II series from Rosie Clarke.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Profile Image for Karen.
606 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2026
Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm is the latest emotional journey by the talented Rosie Clarke.

Set in 1944, Pam continues to care for the farm workers while her son, Artie, tends to the land alongside the land girls, as his brothers are away fighting in the war. Unfortunately, Pam is still mourning the loss of her late husband, and her son, John, has been taken to a hospital in the south for rehabilitation. He refuses to return to the farm, haunted by the memories it holds. Meanwhile, Pam’s other son, Tom, is engaged in secret special training for recruits but finds himself needing to recuperate at home with his family.

Each son faces his own set of challenges, and Pam stands strong as she strives to keep the family united. But can she bring them all back together?

Once again, Rosie captivated me, evoking tears and then more tears! She possesses a remarkable ability to draw you in, making you feel like an invisible participant in the story. To say that I loved it would be an understatement! Here’s hoping for another instalment!
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,828 reviews1,701 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 15, 2025
Blackberry Farm #5

Cambridgeshire - 1944.

Pam Talbot dedicates her life to keeping those who live and work at Blackberry Farm fed, safe and sound as Artie holds the fort whilst brothers Tom and John are away on National Service. Still reeling from the death of her husband Arthur, Pam makes a rash decision in Artie's favour which backfires causing his to neglect his duty on the farm. Now Artie is struggling to run two farms and to add to his woes, a new land girl sets her sights on him and won't take no for an answer.

I think I've only read one other of the books in this series. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The story is heartwarming and held my attention throughout. I really need time to read this series from the beginning. Loved this book.

Published 1st January 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley 'BoldwoodBooks and the author #RosieClarke for my Arc of ##TearsAndFearsOnBlackberryFarm.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
287 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2026
This is a wonderful historical saga featuring a farming family during world war 2. 

Pam is the matriarch at the farm and is struggling to keep things afloat while her sons are away. 

One son, Artie, is now running his own farm meaning he is neglecting the duties at Pam's farm. I wasn't keen on Artie. 

Another son, Tom, is serving in the army, training soldiers for secret missions. I enjoyed the chapters following him as he went undercover to find a traitor on his base. 

Pam's other son John is in a convalescent home after suffering burns in a plane crash. It was interesting reading of his recovery journey as he tries to adjust to his injuries. 

A really lovely read that I just got lost in. Lots of interesting characters with little side plots all weaving together.
Profile Image for Jeanette Fallon.
819 reviews17 followers
January 2, 2026
Rosie Clarke does me in everytime.  I have read her previous books plus this series.  I am amazed how she writes such fantastic characters.

I am a big fan of WWII fiction.  This story is a continuation of a loving family trying to survive during this time. Pam, the matriarch of the family, does everything she can to keep her family together.  

Young Susan is in college studying to be a nurse. She finds love and is hopeful for her future.

John, scarred by battle, has no hope for the future. 

Artie was tempted to lose everything by the flirty land girl.

Tom leaves his family and the farm that he loves to serve his country.

I loved the book.  You will, too!
Profile Image for Susan.
261 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
This is book 5 in the Blackberry Farm series, and once again, we follow all the regulars from previous books. This one is centered quite a lot on Daughter Susan and her relationship with Terry, as well as son Tom and his experiences in the British Army during the last years of WWII. I was again happy to be immersed in the Talbot family happenings - of which there were many. I'll definitely read the next (and probably final?) installment which comes out late in 2026. I do love a series that actually follows a group of folks you have learned to know and follows through in the next book. Thankfully, this one does that!
Profile Image for Karen Tebbutt.
103 reviews
January 19, 2026
Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm is such a great read! Rosie has captured my attention with her wonderful storytelling and vivid characters. The setting is warm and inviting, and the plot is filled with heart and emotion. It’s the perfect mix of drama and charm that keeps you turning the pages.

One thing I absolutely loved was how it made me want to go back and read the other books in the series. I’m now eager to explore the rest of the Blackberry Farm world.
Profile Image for Diane.
978 reviews16 followers
January 14, 2026
Another book in the great BlackBerry Farm series.. The war is still going on and Pam is struggling to keep the farm running smoothly without her beloved husband. There is a rollercoaster of emotions in this book as the family try to cope with life and everything that comes with being at war. I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next book
Profile Image for Kim.
503 reviews4 followers
January 14, 2026
Whenever I hear that Rosie Clarke has a new book out, I make sure to set aside time to sit down and enjoy it. She writes incredible stories and is my go-to author for a good saga. I’m really enjoying this series of books set in Cambridgeshire in 1944, and this is the fifth installment. In addition to the charm of the setting, the story is filled with emotion and heartache.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,584 reviews
January 4, 2026
This is the fifth book in the wonderful Blackberry Farm series. Although it is book five it can be read as a standalone . I loved being back with the characters I’ve come to know and love from the previous books . There’s a lot going on in the lives of Pam Tqlbot and her family . Each chapter had me captivated and I was so immersed in the story that it didn’t take me long to finish this emotional and at times heartbreaking story . I was delighted to see that book 6 in this great series will be published in early 2027 and I certainly can’t wait to read it
5 reviews
January 4, 2026
Amazing

Rosie has a real gift, I laughed and cried through this 5th book in the series which I read in 2 days. Wonderful Author, would thoroughly recommend any of her books, especially this series.
5 reviews
January 24, 2026
Heartwarming and authentic Fenland family war story

Another great read in this series. I live in Fenland and could really identify with the setting, which was very accurate. Can’t wait for the next one.
91 reviews
January 29, 2026
Such a lovely read

I love this series of books. The characters come to life and you feel for all the family and worry about them. Can't wait for the next instalment.
261 reviews
February 6, 2026
Never Give Up

# 5 was as good as the 1st 4..Rosie Clarke..keeps The BlackBerry Farm Family.. and their legacy go on even with all they have endured
12 reviews
February 21, 2026
Nice read

Read all the books in this series and enjoyed this one to although some stages were a bit predictable. Let's hope next book has more twists and turns.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
31 reviews
January 13, 2026
I was eagerly anticipating this sequel, but it really was disappointing. Tragedy upon unnecessary tragedy in this family, to the point where it seems like the author just wrote down whatever could possibly go wrong then used all of those ideas. This is fiction, it’s too much. It’s not worth looking forward to the conclusion of this series.
Profile Image for Kacey/Kris.
410 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2025
A wonderful continuation of the series. Life is hard on a farm and this story of farm life is no different. Pam does the best she can to help the people around her and keep her farm. More to learn about when you read the book.
487 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
Pam's family seems to have rotten luck. She's lucky to have a big family who hold her in high regard but life isn't easy and it takes it's toll on them all.

The land girls should be helping but one is an absolute pain. I was hoping she'd get her comeuppance but that might need to wait for the next story.

Tom's war work seems stressful and it leaves you conflicted. He's good at what he does but his family need him. Artie on the other hand is frustrating. He does have some redeeming qualities but he can't seem to help but annoy. Jeannie seems to keep him in line though.

This isn't the first or last in the series. I haven't read the others but would like to pick them up. Feel like I'm invested in Pam and her family now. It can be easily read as a standalone story but it does leave you curious as to how it all started on the farm and where they end up
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews