War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm is the beginning of Rosie Clarke’s new series. We are taken back to March of 1939. I love Ms. Clarke’s Mulberry Lane series, so I was eager to check out this new historical novel. I found it a little slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the characters and their situations. I soon found myself caught up in this engaging story. I liked getting to know the Talbot family on Blackberry Farm as well as Lizzie and the other secondary characters. I just loved Pam. The author provided good descriptions of the people and the locale. She captured the time period as well with books, movies, clothing, cars, current events, and the slang. I liked the contrast between the city (with the Salmons) and the country (with the Talbots). It was interesting to see how the author connected the two families (one in Cambridgeshire and one in London). We get to see how the war affects the people in England. The new regulations put in place was interesting especially for farmers. Family and friendships are especially important during the war. People became closer during this time period. It was amazing how people helped each other. Rosie Clarke created two wonderful families in this story. I can always count on this author’s books to have good characters plus for her books to give you that warm, happy feelings. There is some mild foul language in the book and one scene where a woman is attacked by a man she trusts (fair warning). Readers who enjoy dramatic historical sagas, will be delighted with War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm. War Clouds Over Blackberry Farm is an uplifting tale that has duplicity, love, war, hope, loss, friendships, and family. ( )