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...
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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