A story set in the backdrops of WWII in the East End of London. It revolves around the main characters, Peggy and Maureen's life; of their family and life before and during the deadliest war. Unlike other war-fictions, this book doesn't draw an exact picture of life during the war, but an outline. The author focuses on the character's lives and lets us see the world from their perspective. You will find them worrying on lower turnover of stock, broken hearts, a hopeless future and even being distraught about throwing a Christmas party with less food and beverage. And that's where Clarke's writing becomes a credit- it's very engaging and pleasingly written, you can't help getting involved in their lives and becoming upset even for their smallest concern. Rosie Clarke has written over 120 books and this book really reflects her flair for writing an appealing story. An excellent read for any time of the year!

I love books set around the war years and Rosie Clarke has created a wonderful cast of characters from Mulberry Lane. You quickly get to know them all and feel as though you live amongst them and are filling your wicker basket in the shop ready to go home and prepare the dinner whilst experiencing the start of rationing and how that would affect the home front.
Peggy owns the pub with her husband Lawrence. He was never the same since he came back from the first world war- and although he is in his 40’s he is dreading being called up for the approaching war. They have two children and their son is desperate to sign up when he is old enough.
Maureen works in the shop and resents her father who stopped her marrying her childhood sweetheart.
You feel the different ways that the war affects all of the characters and feel the sense of loss and anticipation in turn.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series

A really well-written wartime saga set in a small neighbourhood within the capital city which involves families,  friends, businesses and neighbours as the country makes the transition from peacetime to the start of the second world war.
This is a period which has always fascinated me - being too young to have experienced it - and I love all the small details of daily life. This book is very descriptive, bringing all the characters alive and concentrating on the people and how they cope with the day-to-day changes and challenges which war brings upon them. At the heart of the tale is the local pub and the family who live there; I love the fact that they are written about individually and not just as a whole. The diversity of the inhabitants is true to life showing the bad along with the good, and the reader really becomes invested and cares about what happens with the characters.
This is the first in a new series and whilst there is scope to continue the story, I really appreciated that all the loose ends were tied up - be it loosely, so they can be unravelled and continued - as I do so hate it when a book leaves me hanging. No such worries here as this is a full and complete novel, whilst still being part of a series.
Rosie Clarke writes a compelling saga, and I shall certainly be watching out for the next volume .. in fact, I wouldn't miss it! A really satisfying and fulfilling read, thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended.

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

4 stars. I rarely read historical fiction so this book was a refreshing change for me. 

Set in Londons East End at the beginning on WW2, we meet the various characters of Mulberry Lane. Peggy, who owns the pub with her husband Lawrence appears to take on the role of matriarch in the community (and amongst the women). She is a strong lady who works hard for her family and values her friends. But she senses something is up with her husband and feels them drifting apart. Can their marriage survive the troubled times ahead? 

Janet, Peggy's daughter, is also dealing with her own family issues when she marries and has a baby with her sweetheart. Forced to grow up quickly, Janet learns what being married to a serviceman means. Will she get her happy ever after? 

Finally, we also meet Maureen. A lovely girl, forced to look after her father, she is left heart broken after missing her chance to marry the man she loves. Will any man ever compare to her Rory, or is she destined to be alone for the rest of her life? 

A wonderfully written book. I cannot wait to read the next story in this series! 

Thanks kindly to Netgalley, Aria and Rosie Clarke for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story starts with some of the residents of Mulberry Lane.

Peggy who is married to Lawrence and have two children Janet (who is 19) and Pip who is still at school, they have a nice life and own their own pub, though Lawrence is plagued by the past events of World War I which plays quite a part in their storyline. Are they all happy together or has it just become an habit??

And then there is Maureen who run the local shop and lives at home with her demanding and demeaning father, where has Maureen life gone and should she have done things in her life differently??

Nicely written story with a good mix of characters, which keeps you interested in the story though would be interested to read book 2.

Thanks to netgalley, bookouture and the publisher for letting me read this book. What a beautiful story. Loads of laughter and tears. Highly recommend it to everyone!

A really lovely book showing the ups and downs of family and friends during the war.I loved the closeness of the residents of Mulberry Lane,Peggy being so strong for her family,Maureen with her overbearing father but with the love of her gran and Anne all one big happy family.I can and will highly reccomend this book.

A story is set in the year leading to and the beginning of WW2 about the women in Mulberry Lane in the East End of London. It showed how the common blue collar  people coped with war while keeping their families and dreams alive. 
It created a great reading atmosphere and gave me a glimpse of a quite, regular London during war time.

Excellent book.  Great storyline and wonderful main characters.  I would recommend this book.

Fantastic new series  from an outstanding author. Can't wait for the series to unfold.
Peggy is a formidable character and can't wait for her next adventure

A great read, I love a good ole war time family saga, just something about makes you appreciate everything a bit more, will be searching out this author's previous books.