Rosie Clarke

Dressmaker’s Alley—Danger lurks!

A relatively interesting story set in the early 1920’s referencing the women’s suffragette movement, sweatshop working conditions for seamstresses, and women being trafficked.
Winnie Brown, who’s part of the freedom movement, decides to look at the happenings at Madame Pauline’s, a shonky dress production establishment that treats its seamstresses abominably, on Dressmaker’s Alley in London’s East End. The women are given pittance wages, a 10-12 hour working day, no lunch break and short, infrequent toilet times. They are bullied and harassed.
Then there’s the stairs that lead to the closed off attic.
It’s in this area she meets Sam Collins, a cobbler with his own shop nearby. Sam’s sister Susie, as it happens, is the Dresser and personal maid to Lady Dianne Cooper, husband to Sir Henry Cooper. Sir Henry it appears owns the building where Madame Pauline’s is housed. He is completely unaware of anything untoward occurring there.
There’s a whole lot of coincidences that produce a set of seemingly intertwined situations. Maybe too many coincidences. They make the plot seem just too pat.
A clean romance with more than threatening overtones, exposing the hardships of the time, that women particularly faced.

A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (altro)

Rosie Clarke, a new to me author, kept me turning the pages well into the night, with her new book Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley. A gripping story with a seedy undertone, a mystery, a romance, and the inter workings of the suffragette movement. What a great start to a new series!

Clarke with her exquisite prose had this reader engrossed from the very first page. Taking place in 1923 London, Clarke’s attention to detail painted a vivid picture of the sweat shops and their conditions, which unfortunately is still relevant in parts of the world today, as well as the lifestyle of the upperclass. Her strong character development stood out in both classes as we follow Winnie, Lady Diane, and Susie through their respective roles in life, love, and adventures separately and together.

Great start for this historical saga by Clarke, and this reader is definitely looking forward to the future books in this series. I highly recommend this enthralling action-packed story for those who enjoy British Historical Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this awesome book, Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley, from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.… (altro)

sweat-shops, historical-research, historical-places-events, historical-novel, history-and-culture, economic-slavery, 1923, London, workplace-spying, employment-issues, friendship, class-consciousness*****

Inhumane working conditions did not end in Dickensian times but continues on without being hidden for far too long and even now in parts of the world. This is an excellent read backed by meticulous research and brought out with intimate humane care. I loved it and wonder what aspect of Women's Movement the author will expose next.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available April 5, 2024… (altro)

Life and Love at Mulberry Lane by Rosie Clarke takes us back to Mulberry Lane where The Pig & Whistle is closing for renovations. Peggy and Able Ronoscki are heading to America on a much-deserved vacation. Maggie Rowan will handle the food for the bar and the new restaurant while Fay Ronoscki is handling her new catering venture. Both ladies are excellent chefs, and they want to make of success of both businesses. Love may derail their plans when an up-and-coming singer sets his sights on Fay and a racing car driver fancies Maggie. The family is shocked when they receive news that Peggy has been injured, and she is in critical condition. The family will need to rally together to get through this difficult time. Life and Love at Mulberry Lane is the ninth book in The Mulberry Lane series. While Life and Love at Mulberry Lane can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order to get the full experience. It is spring of 1961 which brings changes to Mulberry Lane. Clothes, music, and attitudes are different. It is great to catch up with Peggy, Able, Janet, Pip, Maggie, Fay, Freddie, and the other characters. The author has created a great cast of characters for this series. I find the characters to be realistic and relatable. As with each book in the series, we are introduced to new characters. Freddie, Fay, and Maggie are growing up. While each one of them says they wish to delay getting married until their careers take off, cupid has a way of striking when you least suspect it. I have enjoyed seeing the characters grow up and begin their own families. I like how the family members are close and are there for each other. The people who live on Mulberry Lane are part of the extended family. We get to see how each member of the family copes with change, setbacks, and injuries. I thought the accident that injures Peggy and Able suited the time period and events happening in America. Peggy’s injuries were unexpected. The author captured 1961 with local and world events, the music references, the books, movies, and the change in people’s attitudes. I like that we get to see more career opportunities opening for women. While the younger generation is open to the shift in values, some of the older generation is still clinging to traditional values. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next with the residents of Mulberry Lane. Life and Love at Mulberry Lane is a historical tale about family, community, friendship, and love.… (altro)