Peggy Ronoscki is happily settling into life running her guesthouse on Mulberry Lane, surrounded by close friends and family. Life just seems too good…
But then disaster strikes.
Pip, her beloved son is left in a coma following a devastating car crash and a young girl collapses in the market leaving Peggy no option but to nurse her back to health. As things begin to go awry, Peggy worries she has brought trouble to her doorstep? Can her life ever return to normal? Or has Peggy’s good nature led her astray?
A delightful journey to the London's East End in this seventh installment in the Mulberry Lane series, STORMY DAYS ON MULBERRY LANE follows the women and their families who live in and around Mulberry Lane. I can't believe I have not read anything from the series before now because it is simply a wonderfully easy read that is gentle, light and heartwarming. Despite having never read the previous six books, I was still able to pick it up as if I'd just left the women and I was revisiting them once again. Not once did I feel out of place or as if I had missed out on too much because everything that is needed for this story is found within these pages. I not once found myself lost in a story I had come into partway but felt as if I had always been there from the beginning.
It's 1950 and this story focuses on Peggy Ronoscki, or "Peggy of the Lanes", as she is more fondly known as. It is clear from the beginning that Peggy, her husband Able and their twins Fay and Freddie have moved back to London from the slower pace of the Devonshire coast where they ran a successful and highly profitable cafe.
Now Peggy is happily settled back into life in the Lane and running her guesthouse whilst helping out in the Pig and Whistle pub with her daughter-in-law Sheila. Surrounded by her family and friends, with the exception of her daughter Janet who now lives in Scotland with her husband Ryan and daughter Maggie, Peggy is the sort of friend you would want any type of crisis. She is a rare gem with her strength of character, strong values and her ability to always see the good in people. If she could do a good deed for anyone, she would...no questions asked. And she would ask for nothing in return. But sometimes that kind of generosity can be taken advantage of...as Peggy is soon to discover.
With the war now over and rationing still rampant on selected items, the effects may still linger but the backbone of the people remain. They have lived through a World War, some of them two wars, and yet the people of Britain remain stoic. Five years on and the city, as well as the country, are slowly rebuilding their homes and their lives. And Peggy's guesthouse is somewhere I would love to stay, should there be such a thing in this day and age. She is a caring hostess who goes out of her way to make every one of her guests feel at home with lovely rooms and hearty home-cooked meals. Such is her hospitality that someone puts her name forward to the Landlady of the Year award which will see her shortlisted and invited to cook a traditional menu that she would normally serve her guests at the illustrious Savoy Hotel. Peggy does it just for the love of what she does and doesn't expect to win when up against other more talented hostesses. But will she surprise them all and take out the prize?
Peggy's life has not been without heartache. She was once married to a man who betrayed her with another before falling victim to the war. She and her two children, Pip and Janet, moved on and she met and married Able Ronoscki and had twins Fay and Freddie, now aged 10. But throughout every challenge, Peggy's unfaltering resolve and hope gives both herself and others the strength and the courage to be the best they can in any circumstance.
Now Peggy's daughter-in-law and publican of the Pig and Whistle is heavily pregnant with her second child, her daughter Janet is miles away in Scotland expecting her second child also and one of the other women in the lane, Rose Barton, is also expecting another. All three women are heavily pregnant and all due within weeks of each other and Peggy being Peggy, intends to be there for each of them.
However, Sheila's baby arrives a couple of weeks ahead od schedule and as she calls to tell her son Pip the news that he is the father of a beautiful little girl, she is greeted with the news that he has been involved in a car accident and is currently in hospital in Winchester with critical injuries that have left him in a coma. Peggy's first instinct is to go to her son but Sheila needs bed rest and she must take over the running of the pub as well as her guesthouse in her place. But upon hearing the news about her brother, heavily pregnant Janet travels down from Scotland to see her mother before making the trip to Winchester to see Pip. And then Sheila decides she must also go to see her husband, despite needing bed rest after the birth. Leaving Peggy behind to run both establishments...with the help of her friends. But when Rose goes into labour, she then finds herself down one pair of hands.
In the midst of it all, Peggy's kindness is taken advantage of when she takes in a young girl called Gillian whom she finds half starved, pale and weak on the street. She feeds her, clothes her and gives her a place to stay until she is stronger. But every time Peggy suggests she take a walk with her outside, Gillian becomes fearful and skitters away to her room. She is aware that the girl has been used and abused by someone or others, but what damage has it left on the poor girl? Then things start happening in the guesthouse...salt in the sugar, phone messages not passed on and then Fay takes a tumble down the stairs, leaving her unable to skate for some weeks. But when things start going missing, Peggy realises that her generosity has been taken for granted and she must have a word to Gillian. Only when she knocks on her door, she finds Gillian has trashed the room and left. Peggy is stunned. She only did what she thought was right by the girl...how could she repay her like this?
We also catch up with friends such as Maureen and her husband Gordon, daughter Shirley and boys Gordy and Matty, as well as Rose and Tom Barton. In the guesthouse there is also sweet Alice who Peggy has known since before the war and took in because the woman was lonely living on her own, and then there is Pearl who comes in to clean the guesthouse. We follow Shirley on her working holiday to Clacton-on-sea with her boyfriend Richard and her ambitions to become a doctor, having already been accepted to study medicine at Durham university.
There is always something happening in the lanes that you are made to feel a part of as you watch romance, illness, new life and mysteries unfold. As well as Peggy's mouth-watering food. There are plenty of ups and downs as life continues for the women of Mulberry Lane and their families.
I am only sorry I have not discovered this series before now as I would love to follow the women from the beginning...but I guess one day I will find the time to go back and revisit them from the start.
A heartwarming story from beginning to end, STORMY DAYS ON MULBERRY LANE is a must for any and all fans of historical fiction, particularly those of heartwarming sagas.
I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #RachelsRandomResources, #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #StormyDaysOnMulberryLane in exchange for an honest review.
I’m glad it’s finished. Saint Peggy got just that little bit too sickening saintly in this one! I did enjoy the earlier books set during the war, her innovative cooking was interesting but this book seemed a bit over the top, with nothing much more interesting than Peggy & Maureen’s continuous meals. I wanted to give Peggy a good shake for risking her families lives by being so taken in by someone clearly beyond saving. It was all just a bit naff! with much of the book being filled with long drawn out conversations about nothing particularly interesting. This is purely my take and I’m sure many people loved it.
I was over the moon excited when I was asked to be a part of Rosie Clarke's Mulberry Lane series, like an invitation to visit the women and the families to see what drama and adventure awaits. As always, the women and the families' stories are light hearted and heart warming - this series, a historical fiction saga is not one to miss. It is great to catch up on characters I have loved and to discover some new ones as well.
This time, in Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane, the war is over set in the 50's, people are trying to normalize their lives, and Peggy is thriving in her guest house. Though there are still stormy days ahead, Rosie Clarke is able to tell this segment of the story with uplifting stories, enjoyable sub-plots that is sure to delight lovers of historical and women's fiction.
My sincerest thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for this amazing and fun read I enjoyed immensely.
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the 7th book in The Mulberry Lane series. I recommend reading the series in order, but you would not be lost if you read Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane as a standalone (by why would you do such a thing). Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane picks up where A Reunion at Mulberry Lane ended. It is like visiting old friends. Rosie Clarke has created delightful, developed characters. Peggy Ronoscki is a strong woman with a big heart. You can tell how much Peggy cares for her family, friends, and the residents of Mulberry Lane. She is happy to be back. I like that she is called “Peggy of the Lanes”. We get to catch up with Maureen, Sheila, Janet, Rose and Tom Barton, Shirley, and Alice. Alice is a sweet elderly woman who lives in Peggy’s guesthouse. She is a grandmother to Fay and Freddy. Her life has a renewed purpose now thanks to the Ronoscki family. There is plenty going on in Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane. Peggy takes in a young woman who needs help, but she soon has regrets when various incident happen. Shirley Hart is off for the summer to work with Robert and other medical students. A fellow waitress takes a dislike to Shirley and her belonging begin to disappear. Sheila, Pip’s wife, goes into labor three weeks early while Pip is away. Pip is in an auto accident several hours from home and is in severe condition. Tom Barton’s wife, Rose is pregnant, and Tom begins work on a project with Able. I like how the residents of Mulberry Lane are there for each other. When someone is in need, there is always someone to help. Life is never dull on Mulberry Lane. I thought Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane was well-written with steady pacing. I like that the story has mystery and suspense. We get to see what everyday life was like in London in 1950. The author captured the time-period which has rationing on many items ending. Historical events from around the world are included such as the Korean War. Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane is an emotional novel that will capture your heart.
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane is the seventh book in this wonderful series, and once again it focuses on our heroine Peggy Ronoscki. She has finally returned to the lanes, both for herself and for the opportunities that it provides her children. She is once again surrounded by her beloved friends and family and she is content with her life. The war is over, rationing has eased and she loves to look after those that stay at her guesthouse. But when Peggy finds a collapsed girl in the marketplace, her good nature pushes her to take her in and care for her. Her son Pip is also involved in an awful car accident, leaving Peggy to hold together everything in the lanes so that her daughter and daughter-in-law can rush to be by his side. Peggy's good nature may finally come back to bite her, as trouble starts to follow in her wake!
Whilst Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane can definitely be read as a standalone novel, I would not recommend it because you'd be missing out on the wonderful, colourful stories that bring you to this point in the lanes. Peggy Ronoscki is such a central character in the Mulberry Lane series, that it would be a shame to miss out on understanding her story and how she came to be at this point in her life. She is such a kind and caring character, who clearly suffered during WWII, but it made her stronger. Her strength of character is a delight to read, and her husband Able compliments her so beautifully that they are really a pleasure to read about. Maureen and her daughter Shirley are also favourite characters of mine, and I've really enjoyed watching them grow and evolve as characters throughout this series. Shirley in particular really comes into her own in this novel.
So whilst we have left WWII behind us in this novel (and I am a big fan of fiction set during WWII, particularly when its following the strength of women), I continue to love this series as it shows us how that period in time continues to have an effect on all those who made it through. I love revisiting characters, and continuing to watch them evolve and grow, and the Mulberry Lane series is no exception to this. I am more than happy to recommend this novel to you (along with the other 6 in the series!). If you haven't get discovered the ladies of Mulberry Lane, a snowy, lockdown day like today is the perfect opportunity! So grab yourself a hot chocolate and blanket, and curl up with the women of Mulberry Lane!
Rosie Clarke’s Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane is the latest emotional, involving and captivating installment of her terrific series set in 1950s London, saga fans simply cannot get enough of!
Peggy is the happiest she has been in a very long time. For the first time in ages, everything seems to be going well, there are no worries or upsets to concern herself over and she is back running her beloved guesthouse surrounded by close friends and family. However, Peggy should know by now that life is far from quiet in Mulberry Lane as she discovers when tragedy strikes and her beloved son Pip is left in a coma following a devastating car crash! Peggy is absolutely beside herself with worry. Will Pip manage to pull through? Is her son lost to her forever? Or will her hopes for his recovery be dashed to smithereens with bad news being very likely?
Peggy has got enough to worry about. But just because she is going through a very difficult time, it doesn’t mean that she is blind to other people’s suffering. When a young girl collapses in the market, Peggy feels duty-bound to nurse her back to health. But does Peggy know just what she is letting herself in for? Will she end up regretting her act of selfless charity? As troubles begin to pile up at Peggy’s door, the kind-hearted matriarch wonders whether better times are ahead…or whether she is going to end up punished for helping out somebody who was in need!
With her spirits low and her hope in humanity diminishing with every passing day, Peggy is going to need her friends and family to rally around her and pull her out of the doldrums. But Peggy shouldn’t give up hope just yet…because in Mulberry Lane, you just never know what’s around the corner…
Reading one of Rosie Clarke’s Mulberry Lane sagas is like catching up with an old friend and in her latest novel, Stormy Days, there is plenty of laughter, tears, joys and triumphs as readers find themselves completely caught up in all the latest goings-on in the Lane. I’ve been a fan of Rosie Clarke’s for years and thoroughly enjoy the fact that she writes with great humanity, sensitivity, poignancy and a soupcon of laughter that never fails to keep readers completely glued to the pages of her novels.
Heart-warming, dramatic and totally engrossing, Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane will delights Rosie Clarke’s legion of fans and win her scores of new ones who are sure to fall in love with her immensely enjoyable historical sagas.
I have been a fan of Rosie’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with every book that she has written to date but I am getting there. I have a special fondness for the ‘Mulberry Lane’ series. ‘Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane’ is the seventh book in the best selling series and it was released on 2nd February 2021. It’s another corker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit. It took me next to no time to become addicted to this story. In fact, just seeing that the book was up for pre-order was enough to grab my attention. Ever since I saw the book for pre-order, I have been impatiently waiting for it. As soon as I started to read the book itself that was it, I just knew that I would not be able to tear my attention away from the book for even just a nanosecond. That was exactly what happened. This was one of those books that I was desperate to finish because I needed to know how things turned out for Peggy and her family but because I was enjoying the story so much, I didn’t want the book to finish. I hope that makes sense. The more of the story I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to bid farewell to Peggy and the others. ‘Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Rosie’s books to date. She has a way of grabbing your attention from the start and draw you into the story. Rosie creates characters who are impossible to dislike and she describes them so vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the character of Peggy and when I was reading the book I felt as though I had been reunited with an old friend. Reading ‘Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane’ felt like being on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and twists and turns. I felt as though I was part of this story and that’s thanks to Rosie’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane’ and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rosie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
This is the seventh instalment of the Mulberry Lane series, and after reading and loving all the previous books I simply could not wait to dive in to this one.
The book begins with Peggy, who has returned to London. She is as busy as she has always been, but as she has her family and friends close by, she is very content with her life here.
Peggy is a well known and loved member of the community, and is known by all to have a bug heart and her willingness to help anyone who needs it has certainly placed her as a pillar within the community. However, Peggy’s trusting, compassionate nature could end up causing her trouble when she meets a young girl who seems to be in need of help. There is clearly more to the story than what the girl is letting on, but Peggy is loving as always and does her best to help this young girl none the less.
And then we catch up with Shirly, who I must admit has been a firm favourite of mine throughout this series. Shirley and Richard head away for the summer to get some work before she is due to start college. It has been truly delightful experiencing Shirley as she matures and grows as an individual.
This story was so beautiful and heart warming, and well and truly captivated me from the start. I adored all of the characters in which we have come to know and love throughout this captivating series. This book brought a brand new storyline to life. The situations in which the characters find themselves in throughout is realistic and something people on a normal, every day basis could easily experience, which for me made it effortless to connect with the characters and the challenges in which they faced.
This book is beautifully written, with a story that truly captivates you from the start. I simply could not put this book down. The ending was perfection, and although it was lovely to see what would become of the characters, I did find myself incredibly sad that this fabulous story had come to an end. I will be eagerly anticipating future additions to this engrossing series.
'Stormy Days On Mulberry Lane' by Rosie Clarke is the seventh book in the 'Mulberry Lane' series. A series that I have really looked forward to with every book I have read. This one takes us to London in 1950 and we see Peggy settling back into her guesthouse life, with everyone around her who she loves and cares for. As always things are going perfectly. Then the day comes that Pip, Peggy's son is in a horrific car crash and is left in a coma. Then Peggy takes a young girl in who has collapsed in the market. Peggy thinks nothing of nursing her back to full health, the only problem is Peggy really is too trusting and is this the one time she wishes she had walked away? Only time will tell. Rosie Clarke manages to make me feel like I am back with old friends every time I open a Mulberry Lane book. Her characters are so vivid and lifelike you can't help yourself becoming one with the story. A well written saga of family, friends and community that draws you in from the start. This is historical fiction at it's best, a story about what feels like real people. Their lives aren't perfect and we are faced with the bad and the good, just like ourselves and this creates a perfect setting for a book that resonates at a deep level with me anyway. A book that can be read as a standalone, but, for the full impact of the characters it is a good idea to start from the first book, then you learn what every character have been through over the years and let me tell you, the empathy just pours out of me! An excellently created historical fiction saga that take you straight back to the days when community really was a massive part of peoples lives and noone went truly without. A nod to days gone by that are truly missed and without books such as Rosie's we would not be able to at least read about them. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book and finally thank you to Rosie for writing these books that warm my heart!
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane continues the story in the series, the focus is again on "Peggy of the Lanes" and her family and friends.
Life is starting to return to normal after the end of WWII, but certain things still remind them that things still have a way to go. Some things are still in short supply, but things are moving forward. Peggy and Abe are settled into running the guest house, cakes, pies and pastries are made on a daily basis. The community who live in the Lanes or visit are made very welcome by this close-knit community. Peggy and Abe are well thought of and respected, and both work all hours. Peggy's return to the Lanes has been a godsend for some and the warm, friendly reputation that he had is once again there for all to see. She meets people new and old.
The author has once again written a story that continues with the thread of family, friends, community and spirit. It is great to return to the series with this new book and catch-up with the old characters as well as meeting the odd new one.
The series has moved on and is set in the '50s, things are moving forward as characters grow up, new babies are born and different challenges are to be overcome. The author has created such a wonderful and heartwarming series that really does feel like reuniting with old friends. I do think you could read any of these as stand-alone books, but to be perfectly honest I would advise reading in order to get the full impact of what each of the main characters has been through.
This is a book that would definitely appeal to readers of sagas, historic fiction and want a read that is full of warmth, hospitality and a sense of belonging. A gorgeous read and one I would definitely recommend.
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is a charming, continuing tale of neighbors on a middle class London street, now after World War II. Its leading lady is Peggy who is the leader and mother of them all. She and her husband, Able, have settled into a comfortable life at the boarding house she built and runs. Along with them are their two children, Freddie and Fay, who spend much of their time ice-skating, and Alice, an elderly friend. Able spends much of his time pursuing ways to make more money with the money he already has and has recently decided to go into business with Tom, another neighbor, building a six-unit apartment house with Tom as the builder and decorator. He trusts Tom. All are anxiously awaiting babies from Sheila and Rose, as well as Peggy's daughter, Janet, in Scotland. Shirley, Maureen's and Gordon's daughter is going away to work the summer as a waitress at a resort a resort town with Richard, her boyfriend. With everyone so busy, what can go wrong?
This is a charming series of books taking the reader to a time and place they would otherwise never get to visit. Just a chapter puts the reader right back into the situation they left when the last book ended. Clarke has a way with characters, writing them so well, that it is as if we know them personally. Everything that happens is real life and suits the situation. It is a bright spot in my day to be back on Mulberry Lane, with all the people who have become my friends.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #stormydaysonmulberrylane
Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Rosie Clarke, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a digital copy of Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane with a request for an honest review.
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane is a delightful book of a bygone era. The story is heartwarming yet tragic at times. I enjoyed getting to know Peggy and her family. The love and respect that this novel showcase is refreshing.
I wasn’t aware that this book is part of a series. I learned that Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane is the seventh novel in the Mulberry Lane series as I wrote this post. I would never have guessed it from reading it, either. It works well as a standalone book. But, I will likely go back and read other books in the series. I want to learn more about the other ladies of the lane.
I will also say that this book made me incredibly hungry. It is a good thing I only read for two days because I have been so hungry, and nothing sounded as good as Peggy’s food. I was ready to go to the grocery store to pick up an apple pie so I could kick that craving.
One thing that bothered me a little bit about the novel is that everyone seemed too perfect. Apart from Gillian, not one person had a flaw. It was unnerving to read about people so perfect. It was unbelievable and took away from the story.
Regardless, I loved the book, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good saga. I am happy to award Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane 4 out of 5 stars. If you need a cozy, feel-good read, this one is perfect for you.
Stormy days indeed but this uplifting book is laced with love and brims with hope in a broken world. Rosie Clarke has a beautiful way of telling a story and uses the heartaches of the broken world to remind us there are truly incredible people, kind people. Sure, the characters may be fictional, but people like them do exist.
WWII has ended only a few years earlier and the effects are lingering, such as thinking about rationing for sugar. People in Britain are beginning to enjoy treats and freedoms they couldn't earlier. Peggy's new guesthouse is a place I'd love to stay in with a caring hostess, lovely rooms and wonderful food. Her resourcefulness enables her to find another way to make a little bit more cash. Though her life is bombarded with challenges, her unfaltering resolve and hope not only uplift others but herself.
We follow compassionate Peggy, her husband Able, friends, family and other characters over a period of months in their lives. There are interesting subplots, too, including new life, romance, illness, medical college and mystery as well as delicious food descriptions. The twists and bends are interesting!
Fans of Historical Fiction, be sure to add this gentle book to your To Read list. My discovery of the author Rosie Clarke this year has been such a happy one!
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Another great story in the Mulberry Lane series. It is always good to read about favorite characters, the old ones and some new ones.
Peggy is running the boarding house on Mulberry Lane and a cake shop in front . It all seems to be running well, but we know life happens and all does not always run smoothly there are always wrinkles along the way. Peggy takes in a waif from the streets named Gillian and odd things begin to happen putting Peggy and her family at the boarding house in a dangerous situation.
Along with this her son Pip is in a bad car accident while away working. Now if that isn't enough she has grandchildren waiting to be born very soon, and her dear friend Alice pushing eighty falls ill.
Along with other family matters along the way Peggy, Maureen, Sheila and Rose will deal with life in their loving ways, along with Able, Gordon and Tom their spouses. I love the characters and the storylines. The part with Shirley and Richard is great. Shirley is growing up and learning to deal with life in a responsible way.
You will love this fun family filled book of adventures There is never a dull moment on Mulberry Lane. I loved this heartwarming family story and I recommend it .
Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
I love this series and can’t believe that we are at book seven with this already – I have to say that this was just as good as the other books in the series and I am so pleased!
The book was well written and it had a really well developed plot. The author has brilliant attention to detail and she really brought the period, location and characters to life as she has done with the other books in the series – they are all fabulous reads and it is great that the series is still going so on so strong.
I loved every page of this book and it was a real page turner – it had me hooked from the first few pages and I loved being able to catch up with the characters too.
The characters in this book (and series) are well developed and they worked so well together, it really did feel like catching up with old friends - they have a great mix of personalities
It Is 5 stars from me for this one, very highly recommended and a fab read for any other fans of historical sagas out there – I really loved it and I cannot recommend this series enough, it really is wonderful!
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the 7th book in the amazing Mulberry Lane series. I have read, and treasured, each book in this series and am so glad it is still going. This one did not disappoint.
This continues on from the previous book and here we see the new life changes and decisions that Peggy, Able, Freddie and Faye experience. We also get to see a lot more of Shirley as a young woman learning and figuring out love and life. Of course there is plenty afoot with Jan, Ryan, and Maggie as well as Sheila, Chris, and Pip. Throw in Alice, Tom, Rose, Maureen, Richard, and the rest of the gang, and one feels that they are right back home in The Lane.
There are plenty of ups and downs, as with life in general, and all the additions kept this story interesting and entertaining. I really love this series and hope there will be more.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Boldwood Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke is the 7th book in the amazing Mulberry Lane series. I have read, and treasured, each book in this series and am so glad it is still going. This one did not disappoint.
This continues on from the previous book and here we see the new life changes and decisions that Peggy, Able, Freddie and Faye experience. We also get to see a lot more of Shirley as a young woman learning and figuring out love and life. Of course there is plenty afoot with Jan, Ryan, and Maggie as well as Sheila, Chris, and Pip. Throw in Alice, Tom, Rose, Maureen, Richard, and the rest of the gang, and one feels that they are right back home in The Lane.
There are plenty of ups and downs, as with life in general, and all the additions kept this story interesting and entertaining. I really love this series and hope there will be more.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Boldwood Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
It was lovely to catch up with some of the women from previous books and see what they were up to. This book focuses on Peggy Ronoscki who is married to a wonderful American man called Abe and their twins Freddie and Fay.
The story is set in the 1950's Peggy is happily running her guest house and looking out for her friends, Because she is such a caring lady she takes in a young woman called Gillian who is in need of her help but who Peggy hasn't met before. Strange and worrying things start to happen and Peggy is now concerned about taking in the girl as she feels threatened and concerned for her family and friends.
This is such a lovely book with lots of suspense and intrigue, but also warmth and charm. We re-meet up with old friends like Maureen, Sheila, and Rose also Gordon, and Tom among others. The book gives us great detail so that we can imagine where we are. There are a few expectant mothers and it is exciting to see who will deliver first and under what circumstances. The trials and tribulations of everyday life in The Lane keep the reader wanting more making the book very enjoyable. Great book, lovely series.
This is book #7 of the Mulberry Lane series. This is the first book I’ve read from this series, and whilst I’ve started it all wrong by reading the last book first, I picked up the storyline easily. There are a lot of characters though and it did take me a while to work out who was who, so I would recommend starting from the first book for better understanding of the characters past stories! If you’ve already read them, then you will be welcomed back into the Mulberry Lane community with open arms! We’re back in London; the Second World War has ended and life is starting to get back to normal. Peggy Ronoscki is running the local guesthouse and things are going well for her, husband Able and twins Faye and Freddie. When a young girl is found nearby, obviously living on the streets and with tales of abuse at home, Peggy takes pity on her and gives her a room until she is well enough to cope on her own. Peggy’s good nature may just be her downfall though when this girl may not be everything she seems.
I enjoyed this book and whilst it being my first visit to Mulberry Lane, I really connected with the characters. Peggy is a woman with a heart of gold and definitely the sort of person that you would love as a friend, being down to earth, friendly, caring and with strong morals. I loved her relationship with Able who obviously loved her unconditionally! It was lovely to read a book from this era where the characters weren’t poor or destitute, with the Ronoscki family (and their friends) all seemingly doing well financially and able to support each other. Alongside Peggy’s main storyline, there are lots of other stories for her family and friends. I particularly enjoyed reading Shirley’s journey to medical school and also her learning that love is not always smooth sailing! I’ll look forward to future books in the series following her storyline!
This is definitely a book of family, love and life. All of the female characters are strong, determined women, who have lived through the war and come out the other side just as tough! I loved the friendships this book showed us, and the life lessons that they are still learning. It was heart-warming, engrossing and once started I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it. Full of tears, happiness and laughter, I will definitely be going back to the previous books to catch up on the stories of the residents of Mulberry Lane! Would definitely recommend!
Book 7 of the Mulberry Lane series, having read the previous six books it was like visiting a friend. Just love the way from page one you follow the ongoing story of Peggy Ronoscki . She has happily settling back into life running her guesthouse on Mulberry Lane, surrounded by close friends and family.
The story tells the trials and tribulations of Peggy, her family members and friends. Peggy is the sort of friend you would want if you could choose, strength of character and caring to everybody and has strong values. Another enjoyable book which surprised me in someways because I wondered if it would keep my interest and it definitely did that and exceed my expectations. Cannot wait for book 8 lol .
I have only recently discover this series and I love historical fiction set in London and this book did not disappoint.
Peggy is one of those rare gems you hear about when stories from during the war are told, who went out of their way to help people. In this story her legendary kindness continues as she settles into life back in the lanes with her husband and twins.
Mulberry Lane is full of feisty, passionate women who will do anything to help their own. This story is tinged with sadness throughout, it feels so real as you read and it just reinforces the awe I hold for women of this generation.
A superbly told story that has left me keen to know what comes next for these ladies as yet again the balance shifts as life keeps evolving.
Now that Peggy is back in the lanes, all the old friendships are in full swing. Her guest house is up and running and beginning to build a good reputation while the twins are thriving in the city. Then disaster happens when son Pip is involved in a car crash which leaves him in a coma, and Peggy takes in a young girl who faints in the market. Known for her compassion, even Peggy wonders if she's taken on more than she can cope with this time.
It's so nice having another instalment in such a wonderful series. Meeting up with family and friends and finding out how their lives are turning out as well as discovering the intricacies of newcomers to the East End makes for a great read. This is an excellent seventh book and, while it can be read as a stand alone, it's so much more meaningful if you have read the complete series. A grand read, and one I'm happy to give 4*.
This time, the book follows on from the last one. Fay is having skating lessons, and Freddie is learning ice 🏒 hockey. Able is going into business building with Tom. Peggy has three women to mother as their babies are due. Janet has a child, Sheila and Rose Barton. Another waif and stray catches Peggy's heartstrings, but she appears to be spiteful and then does things that make Peggy wonder if she is telling lies.... Someone has entered Peggy into a landlady competition. I have no idea who. Doesn't say in the book. Alice is becoming frail. These stories are wonderful, and it's the community spirit that comes across all helping each other. Highly recommended.
1950 London, Peggy Ronoscki runs the guesthouse Mulberry Lane along with Alice and it running nicely, Husband Able is a great support to her along with her growing family. her daughter in law Sheila pregnant with her second child to Pip is landlady at the Pig & Whistle pub that she runs for Peggy, Peggy is very famous for her preserves and Jams the guesthouse is always fully booked with holiday makers, but stormy days are ahead for her how will she cope, Peggy is such a heart warming person to all who know her. I loved this book such a story to tell from this story teller once again, for wonderful enjoyment for all her readers
I have now reviewed eight novels by Rosie Clarke. Historical fiction is not a genre I review much on my blog but Rosie Clarke is one of my favourite authors in this genre.
The synopsis is pretty self-explanatory in terms of the plot and as I have reviewed the previous book and others from the series, the characters were familiar to me.
I really got a sense of "coming home" at the start with this novel and a feeling of bring back around family. As a city lover myself, I felt Peggy's happiness at being back after her adventures running a café in a more rural location. I quickly got a sense of all that was familiar to Peggy and her family.
As the saying goes, you can take someone out of the city but you can't take the city out of a person. Mulberry Lane and all its inhabitants have a brilliant sense of community and there were always fresh baked goods as Peggy takes immense pride in keeping a good home wherever she lives.
Peggy, or "Peggy of the Lanes" as she's fondly known, is approachable, trustworthy faithful loving kind helpful patient and just an all-round good person.
I really felt for her and her family when her son was so seriously ill and was wishing so hard that he'd be OK. If someone deserved him to pull through, it was her.
Peggy and her family are people to love and root for. Now than ever they needed the people of the Lane to come together.
But will things work out as expected?
My heart was in my mouth and I was fighting tears at Rosie Clarke's emotional portrayal of the hard times in this novel. This is one of those books that makes you think "why do they have to go through this?" Surviving a war is one thing and now this.
Rosie Clarke has made this installment of the saga as breathtaking as the rest I have reviewed.
Atmospheric, raw yet also a gentle pace that is absorbing, get ready for another rollercoaster ride in the life of Peggy and family.
Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
This was another heartwarming entry in the Mulberry Lane series. What I love most about Rosie Clarke’s books is the warm sense of community, caring for neighbors, and generosity of heart of main character Peggy Ronoscki, her husband Able, and so many others in the neighborhood. The characters care for each other through life’s trials such as Peggy’s son Pip’s severe accident, the rescue of the abused Gillian, her later violence against Peggy, and beloved Alice’s final illness. The enjoyment of life and friendship is paramount in these books, and I will continue to look forward to others by the author.
Many thanks to #Netgalley for an ARC of #Stormy Days on Mulberry Lane.
Rosie has done it again. This is another fantastic book about Peggy and her friends and family from Mulberry Lane. This is book seven in the series and there is lots going on. The war is now over and things are starting to settle down. Peggy is busy with her boarding house and she also has two new grandchildren on the way. It was lovely catching up with everyone again in this book. Rosie writes in a way that draws you into the book and you feel like you are old friends yourself with all these fab characters. I highly recommend this whole series.
Book 7 in the Mulberry Lane series and this one is another excellent read. Peggy and Able and the twins are living back in London where Peggy is the landlady of a guest house. Her daughter in law Sheila is now running the Pig & Whistle pub. Everything is going well but there are difficult times ahead. The author has such a great way with writing and as I’m reading this book I can get an actual sense of being there with all the characters. Aw mentioned this is book number 7 and I would recommend reading this series in order.
I have loved this series and each time I return to the lanes I feel like I’m back with friends. I love returning and being back with the characters and their lives as I just feel at home. This storyline had a few twists and turns which I didn’t expect but that just added to the storyline and kept me reading. There were a few parts of this story where I found it quite upsetting but finished the story feeling so happy with how it ended. I just love being in Mulberry Lane and can’t wait to return when the next book is released.
Someone please let me know what I missed. Maureen and Gordon’s son, 5 years younger than Gordie, just disappears by the end of the book. He’s in the beginning in the character descriptions in 7, but he’s disappeared by book 8? He couldn’t have died, because 1. I would have read about it and 2. Maureen would have talked about losing two kids not just Robin.