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Brighton Girls Trilogy #1
When We Danced at the End of the Pier
Brighton 1930: Maureen O’Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about the enduring power of love, hope and friendship during the darkest of days. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe, Kitty Neale and Ellie Dean.
What readers are saying about When We Danced at the End of the Pier
�A beautiful and emotional read. I don’t think I can remember the last time a book moved me to tears so many times whilst reading it. I shed tears of happiness as well as sadness. This is one author who creates characters that will totally capture the readers hearts and I know that them and their story will remain with me for a very long time to come.� By the Letter Book Reviews
�What an amazing, sensitively written, emotional, poignant and absolutely wonderful story! The author's writing is exquisite and we are drawn into Maureen's world, feeling for all the characters every step of the way.� Renita D’Silva
�Oh my word I honestly can't remember the last time a book made me feel so emotional. Well this book made me laugh one minute and bawl my eyes out the next. It was absolutely brilliant. Right from the first page I was glued to it and just didn't want to put it down. Sandy Taylor is one amazing writer and the way she writes and describes the character really pulls you into the story. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is simply amazing.� ŷ Review
‘The story was deeply emotional and moving...All the characters are endearing and touching. The dramatic scenes are heart-wrenching...The author really managed to write a beautiful tale about family, true love and friendship. If you are a bit of a softie, expect a few tears rolling down your cheeks!� La Biblio De Caro
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about the enduring power of love, hope and friendship during the darkest of days. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe, Kitty Neale and Ellie Dean.
What readers are saying about When We Danced at the End of the Pier
�A beautiful and emotional read. I don’t think I can remember the last time a book moved me to tears so many times whilst reading it. I shed tears of happiness as well as sadness. This is one author who creates characters that will totally capture the readers hearts and I know that them and their story will remain with me for a very long time to come.� By the Letter Book Reviews
�What an amazing, sensitively written, emotional, poignant and absolutely wonderful story! The author's writing is exquisite and we are drawn into Maureen's world, feeling for all the characters every step of the way.� Renita D’Silva
�Oh my word I honestly can't remember the last time a book made me feel so emotional. Well this book made me laugh one minute and bawl my eyes out the next. It was absolutely brilliant. Right from the first page I was glued to it and just didn't want to put it down. Sandy Taylor is one amazing writer and the way she writes and describes the character really pulls you into the story. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is simply amazing.� ŷ Review
‘The story was deeply emotional and moving...All the characters are endearing and touching. The dramatic scenes are heart-wrenching...The author really managed to write a beautiful tale about family, true love and friendship. If you are a bit of a softie, expect a few tears rolling down your cheeks!� La Biblio De Caro
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
2,459 people are currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Sandy Taylor
37books251followersSandy’s eighth novel, THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 1 September 2022 reaching #1 in the British and Irish Historical Literature category within six days of publication.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists� Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
Sandy Taylor grew up in 1950s and 1960s Brighton, and now lives in Somerset. She is the author of THE IRISH NANNY (Bookouture 30 July 2021), a Kindle #1 bestseller in three categories simultaneously and #24 in the Kindle Top 100, THE ORPHAN’S DAUGHTER (Bookouture 5 February 2020), which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists� Association’s 2021 Romantic Saga category awards, THE LITTLE ORPHAN GIRL (Bookouture, 24 September 2018), a Kindle Top 100 bestseller and a #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller, THE RUNAWAY CHILDREN (Bookouture 8 December 2017), which spent almost two weeks at the #1 Kindle Saga Bestseller position in December 2017, WHEN WE DANCED AT THE END OF THE PIER (Bookouture March 2017), COUNTING CHIMNEYS (Bookouture June 2016) and THE GIRLS FROM SEE SAW LANE (Bookouture December 2015). Sandy Taylor is published in three languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
March 16, 2017
Set in Brighton in 1930 Maureen O'Connell was a carefree girl but her family is on the brink of tragedy. Maureen has held a candle for Jack since she was a little girl. But war wrenches them apart. Living through dangerous times with her family, Maureen has never felt more alone. Will Maureen ever find happiness?
This is a well written story of love and the hardships war brings. The book pulled me in within the first few pages. It's emotional, funny and tells how people pulled together during the war. A lovely read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Sandy Taylor for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written story of love and the hardships war brings. The book pulled me in within the first few pages. It's emotional, funny and tells how people pulled together during the war. A lovely read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Sandy Taylor for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookoutre and Sandy Taylor for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both ŷ and Amazon. On ŷ from today under Karen Whittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
This is a heartbreaking read. It is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. It is mesmerising, moving and wonderful. It is sensitvely written, completly packed with emotion, and I was drawn into their world from the very beginning. You completly feel for every single one of these characters as you take each of them to your heart. I ended up staring at this book once it had ended and now all my other books that I read this year need to be as good as this. This has set the standard.
Highly recommend to all
Happy reading everyone
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both ŷ and Amazon. On ŷ from today under Karen Whittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
This is a heartbreaking read. It is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. It is mesmerising, moving and wonderful. It is sensitvely written, completly packed with emotion, and I was drawn into their world from the very beginning. You completly feel for every single one of these characters as you take each of them to your heart. I ended up staring at this book once it had ended and now all my other books that I read this year need to be as good as this. This has set the standard.
Highly recommend to all
Happy reading everyone
January 21, 2020
Seven-year-old Maureen O’Connell and her little sister Brenda were deeply loved by their Daddy and Mum. They had just moved to See Saw Lane and Maureen loved climbing the big tree in their yard which overlooked the next door neighbour’s place. That was when she first saw Jack and Nelson. Jack lived there with his mother and father while Nelson was Jack’s best friend.
As their lives continued, the friends went through everything together. Maureen had always known Jack was for her; as they grew older, nothing changed her thoughts. When she left school, she got a job in a bookshop and delighted in working with Maggie, tidying and cleaning, finding dusty old books that people loved. But war was looming, and their happy, carefree lives would change.
Brighton was struck heavily by the bombs; people were killed, buildings demolished. Maureen and her family were frightened � what would their futures be? Those dreams that Maureen held � would they come true? Would they know true happiness again?
When We Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor is a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work (only a recent discovery) and this one was no different. Narrated by Maureen, her childhood years were full of humour; with Brenda by her side they got up to mischief (as children do) and I was laughing out loud on many occasions (and will admit to a few tears as well). When We Danced at the End of the Pier is #1 in the Brighton Girls Trilogy; I’ve read #2 already, and now have #3 left to read. Highly recommended.
As their lives continued, the friends went through everything together. Maureen had always known Jack was for her; as they grew older, nothing changed her thoughts. When she left school, she got a job in a bookshop and delighted in working with Maggie, tidying and cleaning, finding dusty old books that people loved. But war was looming, and their happy, carefree lives would change.
Brighton was struck heavily by the bombs; people were killed, buildings demolished. Maureen and her family were frightened � what would their futures be? Those dreams that Maureen held � would they come true? Would they know true happiness again?
When We Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor is a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoy this author’s work (only a recent discovery) and this one was no different. Narrated by Maureen, her childhood years were full of humour; with Brenda by her side they got up to mischief (as children do) and I was laughing out loud on many occasions (and will admit to a few tears as well). When We Danced at the End of the Pier is #1 in the Brighton Girls Trilogy; I’ve read #2 already, and now have #3 left to read. Highly recommended.
October 29, 2017
This won Book of the Month on my blog for April 2017:
Having absolutely loved the other two books in this trilogy, in fact they made it into my top ten books read in 2016, I was so incredibly excited about this book. At first I was a little disappointed to discover the third book to be published was actually becoming the first book in the trilogy. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about going back in time to before the two books I had already read and loved. However, any concerns I had were completely forgotten within minutes of starting this book, as I was reminded of why I love this author so much. Yet again, I was transported into the emotional fictional world the author had created and fell in love with the characters.
Set in the 1930s, this story has a feeling of fun and innocence to it at first, but as the characters grow up and the Second World War approaches, the story takes a far more serious turn.
Right at the beginning of the story I was already laughing about the smell of boy. I tease my husband for smelling of boy, so I told him what I’d just read and that I wished he smelt of strawberry jam and lemons, and was promptly told to shut up and get on with my reading, ha ha. I did love the humour. Sometimes the humour was dark, but it still made me smile.
I was so touched by the adorable observations of a 6 year old Brenda. I just wanted to squish her with cuddles:
‘I am too happy for my body.�
‘It’s the beautifulness of it, Maureen,� she’d said very wisely. ‘Beautifulness can make you cry sometimes, don’t you think?�
While one side of the story was quite fun, there are some very serious situations these young characters are made to face and deal with throughout the story, which at times broke my heart. I felt like I was going through everything with them. It made me feel grateful I didn’t grow up during wartime. I did get my first job, working at a dog kennels and cattery on a farm, at 14 years old (working 48 hours a week in the summer holidays, and 8 hours a week during term time for 50p an hour), but I’m grateful that I didn’t have to and that it was something I chose to do. However, I did love the job Maureen got to do when she left school, and felt a little jealous, as I was eager to get involved with the sorting, dusting and rearranging with her.
Having read the later books, there was a moment in bed after starting this book, that I suddenly sat up and thought I had worked out the ending of the book in advance, as I remembered a surname of one of the characters in the later books. Needless to say it took me quite some time to calm my excitable mind and fall back asleep. I was right, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book. In fact, I had tears in my eyes near the end, and I’m sure it’s because I already knew the later characters and what the future held for them. However, if you haven’t read any of this trilogy yet, I do recommend you read it in order, reading this book first.
This is beautiful and emotional story about growing up, friendship, love, grief and hope, and despite having finished this book a couple of days ago I’m still not quite ready to leave it behind me.
Having absolutely loved the other two books in this trilogy, in fact they made it into my top ten books read in 2016, I was so incredibly excited about this book. At first I was a little disappointed to discover the third book to be published was actually becoming the first book in the trilogy. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about going back in time to before the two books I had already read and loved. However, any concerns I had were completely forgotten within minutes of starting this book, as I was reminded of why I love this author so much. Yet again, I was transported into the emotional fictional world the author had created and fell in love with the characters.
Set in the 1930s, this story has a feeling of fun and innocence to it at first, but as the characters grow up and the Second World War approaches, the story takes a far more serious turn.
Right at the beginning of the story I was already laughing about the smell of boy. I tease my husband for smelling of boy, so I told him what I’d just read and that I wished he smelt of strawberry jam and lemons, and was promptly told to shut up and get on with my reading, ha ha. I did love the humour. Sometimes the humour was dark, but it still made me smile.
I was so touched by the adorable observations of a 6 year old Brenda. I just wanted to squish her with cuddles:
‘I am too happy for my body.�
‘It’s the beautifulness of it, Maureen,� she’d said very wisely. ‘Beautifulness can make you cry sometimes, don’t you think?�
While one side of the story was quite fun, there are some very serious situations these young characters are made to face and deal with throughout the story, which at times broke my heart. I felt like I was going through everything with them. It made me feel grateful I didn’t grow up during wartime. I did get my first job, working at a dog kennels and cattery on a farm, at 14 years old (working 48 hours a week in the summer holidays, and 8 hours a week during term time for 50p an hour), but I’m grateful that I didn’t have to and that it was something I chose to do. However, I did love the job Maureen got to do when she left school, and felt a little jealous, as I was eager to get involved with the sorting, dusting and rearranging with her.
Having read the later books, there was a moment in bed after starting this book, that I suddenly sat up and thought I had worked out the ending of the book in advance, as I remembered a surname of one of the characters in the later books. Needless to say it took me quite some time to calm my excitable mind and fall back asleep. I was right, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book. In fact, I had tears in my eyes near the end, and I’m sure it’s because I already knew the later characters and what the future held for them. However, if you haven’t read any of this trilogy yet, I do recommend you read it in order, reading this book first.
This is beautiful and emotional story about growing up, friendship, love, grief and hope, and despite having finished this book a couple of days ago I’m still not quite ready to leave it behind me.
April 5, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on
Oh my goodness, this was such a gorgeous read! It was one of those books that truly transports you to a different place and time, I was totally swept away by this lovely story.
It begins when Maureen is just a young girl, she has a simple life and a loving family who she adores. Her father is battling demons from the war so he cares for her and her sister, Brenda while her mother works to provide for their family. When they move to Brighton she quickly makes friends with three other young people; Jack who also lives on See Saw Lane, Nelson who is Jack’s best friend, and Monica her new best friend. These four had the most touching friendship, it was so sweet. As they grow up together, it seems a war is imminent and though they’re all frightened, they have each other.
This read like an epic saga, it had bittersweet romances, tragedy, picturesque scenery, family drama, many moments of laughter and so much heartbreak. I don’t often cry when reading but Taylor caused me to shed more than a few tears, it was that moving. It was a captivating read and one that I won’t soon forget. The characters were so full of depth, the sort that burrow into your heart and steal a piece of it by the end. It was spectacular and I would love to see it play out on the big screen, I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fiction.
Oh my goodness, this was such a gorgeous read! It was one of those books that truly transports you to a different place and time, I was totally swept away by this lovely story.
It begins when Maureen is just a young girl, she has a simple life and a loving family who she adores. Her father is battling demons from the war so he cares for her and her sister, Brenda while her mother works to provide for their family. When they move to Brighton she quickly makes friends with three other young people; Jack who also lives on See Saw Lane, Nelson who is Jack’s best friend, and Monica her new best friend. These four had the most touching friendship, it was so sweet. As they grow up together, it seems a war is imminent and though they’re all frightened, they have each other.
This read like an epic saga, it had bittersweet romances, tragedy, picturesque scenery, family drama, many moments of laughter and so much heartbreak. I don’t often cry when reading but Taylor caused me to shed more than a few tears, it was that moving. It was a captivating read and one that I won’t soon forget. The characters were so full of depth, the sort that burrow into your heart and steal a piece of it by the end. It was spectacular and I would love to see it play out on the big screen, I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fiction.
March 31, 2017
Maureen is quite head strong even from being a child. She knows as soon as she sets eyes on Jack, the boy next door, that they are destined to be together. A friendship starts up between herself, Jack, Jack’s friend Nelson and Maureen’s friend, Monica. The friendship between these four was so heart warming to read.
Nelson is a character that won my heart right from the start. I totally loved him. He doesn’t have the best of lives to start with due to his mother, but the friendship his friends give him is something that goes above and beyond. I don’t think I will ever forget the image I had in my mind of him with his brown jumper that he literally lived in.
The only way I can describe this story is that it is very bitter sweet. There is so many nice and lovely friendships as well as moments that made me smile and warmed my heart. On the other hand though, there are a few events that had me heart broken along with the characters and had me reaching for a tissue. It is certainly an emotional roller coaster of a read.
When We Danced At The End Of The Pier is simply a beautiful and emotional read. I don’t think I can remember the last time a book moved me to tears so many times whilst reading it. I shed tears of happiness as well as sadness. This is one author who creates characters that will totally capture the readers hearts and I know that them and their story will remain with me for a very long time to come.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Nelson is a character that won my heart right from the start. I totally loved him. He doesn’t have the best of lives to start with due to his mother, but the friendship his friends give him is something that goes above and beyond. I don’t think I will ever forget the image I had in my mind of him with his brown jumper that he literally lived in.
The only way I can describe this story is that it is very bitter sweet. There is so many nice and lovely friendships as well as moments that made me smile and warmed my heart. On the other hand though, there are a few events that had me heart broken along with the characters and had me reaching for a tissue. It is certainly an emotional roller coaster of a read.
When We Danced At The End Of The Pier is simply a beautiful and emotional read. I don’t think I can remember the last time a book moved me to tears so many times whilst reading it. I shed tears of happiness as well as sadness. This is one author who creates characters that will totally capture the readers hearts and I know that them and their story will remain with me for a very long time to come.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 23, 2018
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this book. Young Maureen climbs a tree, peeks over a fence and sees the young boy she knows she will love forever. Hers is the voice that tells this story and she tells it beautifully.
The author set the story in Brighton beginning in the years not long after the end of the Great War. I felt as if I was there observing as I read and I fell in love with Maureen and her family and close friends Jack, Monica and Nelson. Life was not easy back then and as a reader I empathized with each one as they faced everything life threw at them. As war began again, I feared with them and I cried, enough that I really couldn't sleep I was so stuffed up. The detail the author used in her writing was perfect.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading fiction set in wartime or for those who enjoy stories of family and friendships that endure through all.
The author set the story in Brighton beginning in the years not long after the end of the Great War. I felt as if I was there observing as I read and I fell in love with Maureen and her family and close friends Jack, Monica and Nelson. Life was not easy back then and as a reader I empathized with each one as they faced everything life threw at them. As war began again, I feared with them and I cried, enough that I really couldn't sleep I was so stuffed up. The detail the author used in her writing was perfect.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading fiction set in wartime or for those who enjoy stories of family and friendships that endure through all.
March 31, 2017
I read this book last weekend and haven’t stopped thinking about it. Without a doubt, this is my favorite book so far this year and I just know that it will remain in my list of favorites for all-time.
When we Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor begins with Maureen and Brenda moving into a new home with their mum and dad. I was immediately drawn to this family and especially little Brenda. She used to say the most random yet beautiful things. It took a while for me to realize that something wasn’t quite right with some members of the family. Nevertheless, I really liked this family. The story had me hooked from the first page. I think that I was already crying by the third chapter.
Maureen met Jack after this move. She was still quite young but she fell in love from that moment. Through Jack, we got to meet Nelson who stole my own heart. I really liked this boy. He was in the background most of the time but was still a key part of the story. I liked his gentle spirit and just wanted things to work out for him. This kid both broke and warmed my heart. The last person to join this group of friends was Monica. A feisty little girl.
The story takes us through the MCs childhood years all through to their adulthood. The author narrates the story in a way that makes you feel like you really know the MCs. Maureen, Brenda, Nelson, Jack and Monica felt familiar and I liked seeing them go through life through the years. Characterization in this book is so strong that even the support characters all stood out. For instance, Peter and Mrs. Bentley only feature in a number of chapters but they are part of the story throughout. I felt like I knew each one of the characters in the mood. I grew attached to them and my heart broke when each one of them went through a difficult time.
The writing of this book is beautiful, poignant and flawless. I can’t remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Not just at the end but I cried thrice while reading this book. The imagery was so good that I could visualize the characters and the setting. I loved the description of the sea and the small town and when they danced at the end of the pier, I was just right there with them.
When we Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor reminded me of my favorite book, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The setting and time period had a number of similarities. Both books gave me characters that I still think of. Characters who I grew attached to. Characters whose stories broke my heart and made me cry. Part of the story was set in Ireland and I found myself thinking of Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. However, although the book reminded me of my favourite books, it was quite unique in its own ways. The writing and characterization made it different and the story was one of the most beautiful ones that I have ever read.
I have found a new favorite book. This is a book that I will not stop recommending to everyone. It is the most beautiful, heart-breaking story that I have read in a while and I want everyone to read it.
When we Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor begins with Maureen and Brenda moving into a new home with their mum and dad. I was immediately drawn to this family and especially little Brenda. She used to say the most random yet beautiful things. It took a while for me to realize that something wasn’t quite right with some members of the family. Nevertheless, I really liked this family. The story had me hooked from the first page. I think that I was already crying by the third chapter.
Maureen met Jack after this move. She was still quite young but she fell in love from that moment. Through Jack, we got to meet Nelson who stole my own heart. I really liked this boy. He was in the background most of the time but was still a key part of the story. I liked his gentle spirit and just wanted things to work out for him. This kid both broke and warmed my heart. The last person to join this group of friends was Monica. A feisty little girl.
The story takes us through the MCs childhood years all through to their adulthood. The author narrates the story in a way that makes you feel like you really know the MCs. Maureen, Brenda, Nelson, Jack and Monica felt familiar and I liked seeing them go through life through the years. Characterization in this book is so strong that even the support characters all stood out. For instance, Peter and Mrs. Bentley only feature in a number of chapters but they are part of the story throughout. I felt like I knew each one of the characters in the mood. I grew attached to them and my heart broke when each one of them went through a difficult time.
The writing of this book is beautiful, poignant and flawless. I can’t remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Not just at the end but I cried thrice while reading this book. The imagery was so good that I could visualize the characters and the setting. I loved the description of the sea and the small town and when they danced at the end of the pier, I was just right there with them.
When we Danced at the End of the Pier by Sandy Taylor reminded me of my favorite book, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The setting and time period had a number of similarities. Both books gave me characters that I still think of. Characters who I grew attached to. Characters whose stories broke my heart and made me cry. Part of the story was set in Ireland and I found myself thinking of Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt. However, although the book reminded me of my favourite books, it was quite unique in its own ways. The writing and characterization made it different and the story was one of the most beautiful ones that I have ever read.
I have found a new favorite book. This is a book that I will not stop recommending to everyone. It is the most beautiful, heart-breaking story that I have read in a while and I want everyone to read it.
March 9, 2017
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Sandy Taylor for a copy of this book. I have read the other books in this series and this one doesn't disappoint. I thought this was the best one of the series.
This was a very emotional story set in the 1930's about Maureen o'connell and her friends Jack, Nelson and Monica and her sister Brenda. In the time of times around the 2nd world war of Love, friendship and tragedy. It showed in hardest of times how a community can stick together.
I absolutely loved this book. It's not everyday that a book can stir all your emotions. This made me laugh and made me cry. I loved all the characters in the story, especially little Gertie. I didn't want it to finish.
I wonder what kind of book next the author will bring out. I can't wait.
This was a very emotional story set in the 1930's about Maureen o'connell and her friends Jack, Nelson and Monica and her sister Brenda. In the time of times around the 2nd world war of Love, friendship and tragedy. It showed in hardest of times how a community can stick together.
I absolutely loved this book. It's not everyday that a book can stir all your emotions. This made me laugh and made me cry. I loved all the characters in the story, especially little Gertie. I didn't want it to finish.
I wonder what kind of book next the author will bring out. I can't wait.
May 25, 2017
Maureen knew at a young age that Jack, the neighbor boy, will be hers forever. Soon, with his friend Nelson and her friend Monica the four are inseparable through all the childhood trials and tribulations, knowing that they have a bond far too strong to break. When you add in Maureen’s little sister Brenda � the moments that sparkle over their childhood, along with the trials for both Jack and Monica due to parents who are less than optimal, is stunning. The acceptance, caring and worries shared in this little group show the innate strength that Maureen possesses, even as things get scary and confusing. For that will happen � as war will come to threaten and disrupt their lives once again.
What we all know is that war is difficult, and there aren’t only casualties on the battlefields. Maureen’s father is a veteran of the first World War, and has never quite been the same man, or even a whole man, since his return. From lives that were poor but mostly happy in the getting by to a whole new set of struggles, friends leaving and in danger, the threat of bombs and death a very real possibility, the story winds through struggles and trials, coming together for support, family and friendship, and the sorrows when it all seems to explode into nothing but loss. Bittersweet yes, but so ultimately engaging and evocative of the time, the characters come alive in ways unexpected with plenty of moments to laugh in spite of the darkness (or even using that darkness) around them.
A completely unexpected story that feels as if it tells the true stories of those at home and at war, and the changes, sacrifices and little moments that prove the desire and determination to move on and keep going aren’t wasted. Taylor has brought these characters to life with a gentle touch, in showing the innocence and surprisingly astute views of the characters as children, then allowing them to develop into adults in the most difficult of times, experiencing loves, losses and little victories, the story reads like one of a life, or lives, lived to the fullest allowed in spite of the obstacles facing them. I’ve not read the others in this trilogy, a situation I intend to remedy immediately,
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
What we all know is that war is difficult, and there aren’t only casualties on the battlefields. Maureen’s father is a veteran of the first World War, and has never quite been the same man, or even a whole man, since his return. From lives that were poor but mostly happy in the getting by to a whole new set of struggles, friends leaving and in danger, the threat of bombs and death a very real possibility, the story winds through struggles and trials, coming together for support, family and friendship, and the sorrows when it all seems to explode into nothing but loss. Bittersweet yes, but so ultimately engaging and evocative of the time, the characters come alive in ways unexpected with plenty of moments to laugh in spite of the darkness (or even using that darkness) around them.
A completely unexpected story that feels as if it tells the true stories of those at home and at war, and the changes, sacrifices and little moments that prove the desire and determination to move on and keep going aren’t wasted. Taylor has brought these characters to life with a gentle touch, in showing the innocence and surprisingly astute views of the characters as children, then allowing them to develop into adults in the most difficult of times, experiencing loves, losses and little victories, the story reads like one of a life, or lives, lived to the fullest allowed in spite of the obstacles facing them. I’ve not read the others in this trilogy, a situation I intend to remedy immediately,
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
April 6, 2017
When We Danced At The End Of The Pier is a beautiful story, set before and during the second world war.
I bloody loved Maureen (read it and you'll understand!) and her little sister Brenda. They have a relatively happy early childhood, in Brighton, with loving parents. They don't have much money, but their home is full of love. They spend a lot of time with their Dad, who they love dearly despite not really understanding him or why he can't work. He had served in the first world war and had never been the same since. His love for his daughter's was heart-warming, but his struggles heart-breaking. Their Mum worked, cleaning the homes of the rich, to pay the rent and put food on the table.
It was lovely to read of a time before the distractions of the internet and social media, etc. Maureen and her family didn't have a lot, but they made the best of everything and truly cherished each other and their friends.
Maureen is in love with Jack, from the very first time she saw him over her garden fence. She knows she will marry him one day and as she grows up she becomes more and more convinced that they are destined to be together. Jack is going to be a doctor and she can't wait to be a doctor's wife. They spend most days together, along with their best friends Monica and Nelson. Awwww, I loved Nelson. He's such a sweet character. They are happy with each others company.
When World War 2 breaks out it changes everyone's lives forever. I can only imagine living through such a frightening and uncertain time.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling it for anyone, but I was totally immersed in Maureen's story as she grows into a young woman. She made me laugh out loud at times and I have had a tear in my eye on more than one occasion.
This story is full of love, family, true friendship, grief and finding happiness after heart-break. I have loved every page!
Many thanks, as always, to Bookouture for my auto-approval status on Netgalley and to Kim Nash for inviting to be a part of the blog tour for this wonderful book.
I bloody loved Maureen (read it and you'll understand!) and her little sister Brenda. They have a relatively happy early childhood, in Brighton, with loving parents. They don't have much money, but their home is full of love. They spend a lot of time with their Dad, who they love dearly despite not really understanding him or why he can't work. He had served in the first world war and had never been the same since. His love for his daughter's was heart-warming, but his struggles heart-breaking. Their Mum worked, cleaning the homes of the rich, to pay the rent and put food on the table.
It was lovely to read of a time before the distractions of the internet and social media, etc. Maureen and her family didn't have a lot, but they made the best of everything and truly cherished each other and their friends.
Maureen is in love with Jack, from the very first time she saw him over her garden fence. She knows she will marry him one day and as she grows up she becomes more and more convinced that they are destined to be together. Jack is going to be a doctor and she can't wait to be a doctor's wife. They spend most days together, along with their best friends Monica and Nelson. Awwww, I loved Nelson. He's such a sweet character. They are happy with each others company.
When World War 2 breaks out it changes everyone's lives forever. I can only imagine living through such a frightening and uncertain time.
I don't want to say much more for fear of spoiling it for anyone, but I was totally immersed in Maureen's story as she grows into a young woman. She made me laugh out loud at times and I have had a tear in my eye on more than one occasion.
This story is full of love, family, true friendship, grief and finding happiness after heart-break. I have loved every page!
Many thanks, as always, to Bookouture for my auto-approval status on Netgalley and to Kim Nash for inviting to be a part of the blog tour for this wonderful book.
March 31, 2017
Oh my word I honestly can't remember the last time a book made me feel so emotional. Well this book made me laugh one minute and bawl my eyes out the next. It was absolutely brilliant. Right from the first page I was glued to it and just didn't want to put it down. Sandy Taylor is one amazing writer and the way she writes and describes the character really pulls you into the story. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is simply amazing.
My thanks to Netgalley,Bookouture and Sandy Taylor for allowing me to review this book in return for an honest review. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
My thanks to Netgalley,Bookouture and Sandy Taylor for allowing me to review this book in return for an honest review. I voluntarily reviewed this book.
April 3, 2017
Well this really is one of those books that will stay with you. How beautifully written it is. Maureen is only a child but she has had to get a much older head on those little shoulders, to make sure that not only she and her little six year old sister Brenda are safe but also her dada. Eight year old Maureen knew that dada wasn’t like other people because sometimes he was very sad and he made wrong choices and he didn’t go to work but she knew he loved them and mum.Mum went to work cleaning for rich ladies where they lived in Brighton although her dada was from Ireland.As little as she wasthere were times when she felt embarrassed because of the way her Dada behaved, especially when people laughed athim, but she was like the little mother that tried to protect both Dada and Brenda from a cruel world.
This story begins in 1930 and spans through to the end of the2nd World War in 1945. It felt like Maureen’s life had been so much longer than this, so much tragedyfor onestill so young.
Sandy Taylor has gathered up the essence of perfection in this book. She captured the innocence of these two little girls, with the questions they asked and the logic they use to work outan answer out even if itwas wrong. The punctuation is spot on or should I say lack of it at times, because it really does bring these children tolife. It makes you read how children talk, sometimes in long gushes of words and others with such care each word needs its own space. It even feels like she has had the era bottled up and literally poured it out onto these pages. to give itgenuine authenticity.
Maureen had her own life plan and had no intension of going along with what life threw at her. She knew the boy she would marry and which friends would always be in her life. One thing was for sure the peoples lives she touched would never be the same, even mine.
This story begins in 1930 and spans through to the end of the2nd World War in 1945. It felt like Maureen’s life had been so much longer than this, so much tragedyfor onestill so young.
Sandy Taylor has gathered up the essence of perfection in this book. She captured the innocence of these two little girls, with the questions they asked and the logic they use to work outan answer out even if itwas wrong. The punctuation is spot on or should I say lack of it at times, because it really does bring these children tolife. It makes you read how children talk, sometimes in long gushes of words and others with such care each word needs its own space. It even feels like she has had the era bottled up and literally poured it out onto these pages. to give itgenuine authenticity.
Maureen had her own life plan and had no intension of going along with what life threw at her. She knew the boy she would marry and which friends would always be in her life. One thing was for sure the peoples lives she touched would never be the same, even mine.
February 7, 2017
I LOVE Sandy Taylor's writing and was eagerly awaiting this book, especially after I saw the beautiful cover! And wow! What an amazing, sensitively written, emotional, poignant and absolutely wonderful story! The author's writing is exquisite and we are drawn into Maureen's world, feeling for all the characters every step of the way. This is an amazing book that I would recommend to absolutely everyone! Thoroughly enjoyed and cannot wait for Sandy's next offering.
March 2, 2017
I wasn't quite sure when I started this book whether I was ging to like and finish reading it. I'm so glad that I did. Maureen, the main character has a life littered with tragedy and hardship but she doesn't let it define her. At times through the book there were tears, sad and happy.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the trilogy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the trilogy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy.
March 20, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Brighton 1930: Maureen O'Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they've seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she's always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she's found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she's dreamt of?
I must say this book was misleading. I was expecting much more from this description. The publisher description may seem simple but in fact, this book was very simple.
If I had to classify it, I would say this is a book for YA readers. While it does touch on a few sensitive subjects such as PTSD, suicide, religion, child abuse, and poverty, I found the writing very childish. This could have been due to the fact that the protagonist was nine at the beginning of the story and so it was meant to be read as if she was writing it. But through all this conflict - and, eventually the war - everything was glossed over. So if you are reading this as an adult you might be disappointed, but I do think this would be a good YA novel to give some experience to them about what it was like in Europe during the second world war. Despite the fact that I wasn't a fan of the style of writing, I didn't mind the story. It kept me entertained and I never thought to abandon this book so for this I am rating it three out of five stars.
Brighton 1930: Maureen O'Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they've seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she's always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she's found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she's dreamt of?
I must say this book was misleading. I was expecting much more from this description. The publisher description may seem simple but in fact, this book was very simple.
If I had to classify it, I would say this is a book for YA readers. While it does touch on a few sensitive subjects such as PTSD, suicide, religion, child abuse, and poverty, I found the writing very childish. This could have been due to the fact that the protagonist was nine at the beginning of the story and so it was meant to be read as if she was writing it. But through all this conflict - and, eventually the war - everything was glossed over. So if you are reading this as an adult you might be disappointed, but I do think this would be a good YA novel to give some experience to them about what it was like in Europe during the second world war. Despite the fact that I wasn't a fan of the style of writing, I didn't mind the story. It kept me entertained and I never thought to abandon this book so for this I am rating it three out of five stars.
December 8, 2020
I probably would have loved this book when I was in third grade.
This book, set in England from 1930 to the end of WWII, is basically a coming-of-age story about four best friends named Maureen, Jack, Nelson, and Monica. It is narrated by Maureen, who is only seven when she moves to a home on See Saw Lane with her parents and younger sister. She immediately falls in love with Jack, the boy next door, and is absolutely certain they will get married one day.
I expected to really like this book. Seventy-five percent of the Amazon reviewers gave it five stars. Seriously? This isn’t labeled as YA, but I thought the writing was unbelievably juvenile. It��s understandable in the beginning, when the narrator is only seven. But the dialogue and Maureen’s inner thoughts continue to sound very childish to the last page. I expect I would have loved this book when I was in third grade, and it probably would have been appropriate for me back then. Any references of a sexual nature are pretty obtuse. When they are about sixteen, Monica asks Maureen if she and Jack have “done it yet?� When I was in third grade, I would have had no idea what “it� was. (Kissing maybe?) I considered several times not finishing the book.
I was going to give this a two-star rating, but when Maureen, who is clearly the heroine of this book, orchestrated a major deception that would have a profound effect on certain people’s lives, I changed my mind. Maureen had no right to hide the truth. It was immoral and indefensible (in my opinion), and yet the author didn’t see fit to even mention again.
One star.
This book, set in England from 1930 to the end of WWII, is basically a coming-of-age story about four best friends named Maureen, Jack, Nelson, and Monica. It is narrated by Maureen, who is only seven when she moves to a home on See Saw Lane with her parents and younger sister. She immediately falls in love with Jack, the boy next door, and is absolutely certain they will get married one day.
I expected to really like this book. Seventy-five percent of the Amazon reviewers gave it five stars. Seriously? This isn’t labeled as YA, but I thought the writing was unbelievably juvenile. It��s understandable in the beginning, when the narrator is only seven. But the dialogue and Maureen’s inner thoughts continue to sound very childish to the last page. I expect I would have loved this book when I was in third grade, and it probably would have been appropriate for me back then. Any references of a sexual nature are pretty obtuse. When they are about sixteen, Monica asks Maureen if she and Jack have “done it yet?� When I was in third grade, I would have had no idea what “it� was. (Kissing maybe?) I considered several times not finishing the book.
I was going to give this a two-star rating, but when Maureen, who is clearly the heroine of this book, orchestrated a major deception that would have a profound effect on certain people’s lives, I changed my mind. Maureen had no right to hide the truth. It was immoral and indefensible (in my opinion), and yet the author didn’t see fit to even mention again.
One star.
February 23, 2017
It was an absolute delight to read the novel When we danced at the end of the pier by Sandy Taylor. The story was deeply emotional and moving. As the reader, you see Maureen grow up at a time of great tragedy: the looming threat of a possible war and the actual horrors of the Second World War (deaths, bombing, evacuees), all in a poor section of Brighton called See Saw Lane.
Throughout their childhood, Maureen and her sister Brenda have had to deal with a “broken daddy� who seems to be wrestling with his own demons. It made them grow up faster, a matter that is obvious in Maureen’s narrative voice and strong personality. Apart from that, Maureen’s friends also have to deal with their share of family and personal drama, from poverty to abuse. She shares a very strong bond with her best friends, including Nelson, Monica and Jack! She will live an incredible love story, as well as an incredible loss that will move you to the core (courtesy of a great narrative and writing style from the author’s part).
All the characters are endearing and touching. The dramatic scenes are heart-wrenching, especially those dealing with bombings. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, which makes for a very realistic novel. You can almost feel and sense everything at the same time as Maureen. The author really managed to write a beautiful tale about family, true love and friendship. If you are a bit of a softie, expect a few tears rolling down your cheeks!
Throughout their childhood, Maureen and her sister Brenda have had to deal with a “broken daddy� who seems to be wrestling with his own demons. It made them grow up faster, a matter that is obvious in Maureen’s narrative voice and strong personality. Apart from that, Maureen’s friends also have to deal with their share of family and personal drama, from poverty to abuse. She shares a very strong bond with her best friends, including Nelson, Monica and Jack! She will live an incredible love story, as well as an incredible loss that will move you to the core (courtesy of a great narrative and writing style from the author’s part).
All the characters are endearing and touching. The dramatic scenes are heart-wrenching, especially those dealing with bombings. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, which makes for a very realistic novel. You can almost feel and sense everything at the same time as Maureen. The author really managed to write a beautiful tale about family, true love and friendship. If you are a bit of a softie, expect a few tears rolling down your cheeks!
April 1, 2017
I loved this book- it really takes you through the range of emotions. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in turn. The characters form deep childhood friendships that see them into adulthood. Maureen falls in love with Jack next door whilst climbing a tree as a child and hopes to spend the rest of her life married to him.
We feel the after effects of the first world war still lying on the shoulders of Maureen's dad- whilst the second world war is approaching. He has never recovered and you experience the damaging effect it had on families when post traumatic stress was still a diagnosis way in the future.
Maureen finds work in a delightful book shop and eases the financial hardship for the family.
We see romances blossom and heartbreak rear its head as war takes hold. I really got drawn into the story and couldn't put it down.
We feel the after effects of the first world war still lying on the shoulders of Maureen's dad- whilst the second world war is approaching. He has never recovered and you experience the damaging effect it had on families when post traumatic stress was still a diagnosis way in the future.
Maureen finds work in a delightful book shop and eases the financial hardship for the family.
We see romances blossom and heartbreak rear its head as war takes hold. I really got drawn into the story and couldn't put it down.
April 20, 2018
A very moving story set in Brighton from 1930 to the end of WW2.
It tells of hardship, family ties, friendship and enduring love. Although quite sad in parts, there is still a touch of humour.
Beautifully written; I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this trilogy.
It tells of hardship, family ties, friendship and enduring love. Although quite sad in parts, there is still a touch of humour.
Beautifully written; I am looking forward to reading the next two books in this trilogy.
May 10, 2017
A beautiful twist to Life, Love, Friendship and Marriage.
This is a book I later found out was in a series that I had not heard about but the author does a beautiful narration that allows one to read without feeling that you have missed out.( Brighton Girls Trilogy)
Maureen is the main character that holds the soul of this novel. Her life intertwines with the other characters of the book and you cannot think of another character without thinking of her. A little girl born in poverty brings out her story on her struggles of love and family and the world war II. The war that took her father from her.
I love the outlook of Maureen about life. She calls herself a skint but she still manages to enjoy her own version of life. They play at the downs, walk by the beach and go to dance at the end of the pier. Which was her greatest wish. Her friend Nelson had a brown jumper which he never wanted to take off. A clear indication of the life that they lived. Jack’s mother knits him a new sweater which he never wore.
The family dynamics are of any nuclear family that all readers can understand. Unfortunately, Maureen and Brenda lose their father to Suicide. It i.e. evident how society has still not managed to accept this situation. The family is left with a lot to deal with and very many mixed emotions. Maureen tried to deal with this emotion in the best way she could.
‘Look after your sister,� Daddy had said. ‘Bye-bye, sweet face,� he’d said. He knew that he wasn’t going to come back to the lagoon; he knew that he was never going to see us again. ‘Look after your sister,� he’d said. ‘Bye-bye, sweet face.� Had I said goodbye to him? I wasn’t sure. I was angry, I had never been so angry. If I’d known he was going to bloody top himself, I would have said goodbye. In that moment I hated him. I hated him for leaving me; I hated him for not loving me enough to stay. ‘Sorry for your trouble,� someone said.
A light had gone out of my life and nothing would ever be the same again. I wanted to cry but I couldn’t � I hadn’t cried since the night Daddy died. Mum was crying all the time, so was Brenda, and I was trying to be strong for them but I didn’t feel strong, I didn’t feel anything. I felt so empty, there was this big hole inside me that couldn’t be filled. I ached for my daddy, I wanted him back; I wanted to go back to a time when we were happy. Pushing Brenda along the seafront in the squeaky pushchair, skimming stones on the sea, running across the Downs, tumbling in the grass, feeling his arms around me. I knew that if I started to cry I would never stop, so I kept everything inside. I was finding it harder and harder to picture Daddy’s lovely face. At night in bed I concentrated really hard.
The aspect of love is very evident and dear to the Authors heart. Maureen falls in love with Jack and does not want to be convinced otherwise. It takes eight years for him to finally see through her eyes�. Talk about patience and perseverance�... She holds on so tightly and could not believe in Jack’s final advice as he left for the war.
Was it possible he had a premonition?
‘know it’s not what you want to hear, my love, ‘he said softly, ‘but we can’t pretend that I’m going on some kind of holiday. People are dying and I might be one of the unlucky ones. I will try and stay safe, I promise you that, because we have a life together, you and I. I want nothing more than to marry you, Maureen, and have children and grow old with you, but if that can’t happen I want to know that you will be alright. I want you to remember what we have had and how lucky we have been. Not many people have had what we’ve had. We’ve grown up together, Maureen, we didn’t have to search the world to find each other. You were there up in the tree and I was just over the fence. I can hardly remember a time without you. Even if I don’t make it back, we have already spent almost a lifetime together and all those memories will be there in your heart. I will be there in your heart and I will stay there until the day comes when you don’t need me anymore.� Does this love exist in our current society?
Brenda gets a chance to fall in love to as well as Monica who sits by the town waiting for the right man to come by. ( Hehehe!, love her decision to never live poor. So is life. Sigh!!)
Nelson the boy who actually holds his love for Maureen seems to have been short changed but comes out as the hero. If only Maureen had known sooner or let her eyes, see. ‘As I was walking home, I thought about my friend Nelson and I thought about how I had kissed him on the cheek and how he’d kissed me back. And I remembered how he smelled. My good friend Nelson smelled of strawberry jam and lemons.� She should have smelt and accepted the Strawberry Jam and Lemons.
At the end of this book I carry a heavy lesson; not to assume depression and the beauty of family and friendship.
This is a book I later found out was in a series that I had not heard about but the author does a beautiful narration that allows one to read without feeling that you have missed out.( Brighton Girls Trilogy)
Maureen is the main character that holds the soul of this novel. Her life intertwines with the other characters of the book and you cannot think of another character without thinking of her. A little girl born in poverty brings out her story on her struggles of love and family and the world war II. The war that took her father from her.
I love the outlook of Maureen about life. She calls herself a skint but she still manages to enjoy her own version of life. They play at the downs, walk by the beach and go to dance at the end of the pier. Which was her greatest wish. Her friend Nelson had a brown jumper which he never wanted to take off. A clear indication of the life that they lived. Jack’s mother knits him a new sweater which he never wore.
The family dynamics are of any nuclear family that all readers can understand. Unfortunately, Maureen and Brenda lose their father to Suicide. It i.e. evident how society has still not managed to accept this situation. The family is left with a lot to deal with and very many mixed emotions. Maureen tried to deal with this emotion in the best way she could.
‘Look after your sister,� Daddy had said. ‘Bye-bye, sweet face,� he’d said. He knew that he wasn’t going to come back to the lagoon; he knew that he was never going to see us again. ‘Look after your sister,� he’d said. ‘Bye-bye, sweet face.� Had I said goodbye to him? I wasn’t sure. I was angry, I had never been so angry. If I’d known he was going to bloody top himself, I would have said goodbye. In that moment I hated him. I hated him for leaving me; I hated him for not loving me enough to stay. ‘Sorry for your trouble,� someone said.
A light had gone out of my life and nothing would ever be the same again. I wanted to cry but I couldn’t � I hadn’t cried since the night Daddy died. Mum was crying all the time, so was Brenda, and I was trying to be strong for them but I didn’t feel strong, I didn’t feel anything. I felt so empty, there was this big hole inside me that couldn’t be filled. I ached for my daddy, I wanted him back; I wanted to go back to a time when we were happy. Pushing Brenda along the seafront in the squeaky pushchair, skimming stones on the sea, running across the Downs, tumbling in the grass, feeling his arms around me. I knew that if I started to cry I would never stop, so I kept everything inside. I was finding it harder and harder to picture Daddy’s lovely face. At night in bed I concentrated really hard.
The aspect of love is very evident and dear to the Authors heart. Maureen falls in love with Jack and does not want to be convinced otherwise. It takes eight years for him to finally see through her eyes�. Talk about patience and perseverance�... She holds on so tightly and could not believe in Jack’s final advice as he left for the war.
Was it possible he had a premonition?
‘know it’s not what you want to hear, my love, ‘he said softly, ‘but we can’t pretend that I’m going on some kind of holiday. People are dying and I might be one of the unlucky ones. I will try and stay safe, I promise you that, because we have a life together, you and I. I want nothing more than to marry you, Maureen, and have children and grow old with you, but if that can’t happen I want to know that you will be alright. I want you to remember what we have had and how lucky we have been. Not many people have had what we’ve had. We’ve grown up together, Maureen, we didn’t have to search the world to find each other. You were there up in the tree and I was just over the fence. I can hardly remember a time without you. Even if I don’t make it back, we have already spent almost a lifetime together and all those memories will be there in your heart. I will be there in your heart and I will stay there until the day comes when you don’t need me anymore.� Does this love exist in our current society?
Brenda gets a chance to fall in love to as well as Monica who sits by the town waiting for the right man to come by. ( Hehehe!, love her decision to never live poor. So is life. Sigh!!)
Nelson the boy who actually holds his love for Maureen seems to have been short changed but comes out as the hero. If only Maureen had known sooner or let her eyes, see. ‘As I was walking home, I thought about my friend Nelson and I thought about how I had kissed him on the cheek and how he’d kissed me back. And I remembered how he smelled. My good friend Nelson smelled of strawberry jam and lemons.� She should have smelt and accepted the Strawberry Jam and Lemons.
At the end of this book I carry a heavy lesson; not to assume depression and the beauty of family and friendship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2017
I will say up front I adore books by Sandy, this is the third in the 'See Saw Lane' trilogy that I have read and I am left bereft at finishing it. As I neared the end I was eeking out my reading purely to keep the magic going for as long as possible. This is truly a 'hangover' book, ie: whatever comes next has so much to live up to because I am still in this books' world. At times like this ideally I would like a period of reflection before having to move on to another book, but as a reviewer I don't have the luxury of time.
This drew me in from the first sentence, the love shines through, Maureen and her family are the stars of the story. The unbreakable bond between Maureen and her sister Brenda is so endearing, the relationship with their Da, he worships his angels. I love the amount of play time they had with him, running on the downs, playing on the beach, him making a doll's house for Christmas etc .. mum was the strength of the family and worked tirelessly often against the odds to ensure they were all cared for.
Maureen spies the boy next door, Jack when she is about eight years old and vows to her friend Monica that he will be the love of her life. Nelson is Jack's friend but he has his own troubles .. the little group are firm friends and we follow their journey throughout the book.
It's 1930's Brighton, times are hard, war is looming. I particularly loved the references to Brighton, I have lived near there most of my life so I could visualise all the places mentioned, knew the distance they walked from one place to another, recognise the street names, cafes and cinemas etc, this truly bought the book to life for me.
A deeply moving, heart wrenching tale that spans many years. Tragedy befalls so many but love and friendship endures so much when it is tested to extreme limits. There are glimpses of humour all be it based on a serious nature, the long running comments about 'two doors' down dead dog' lifted my spirits when the book was almost too emotional to continue. My parents lived in this era so it particularly bought back memories of their stories of rations, gas-masks, air raids, bombs etc.
It explores friendship, romance, family loyalty, faith all in a way that ensures the reader is included. The title relevance is so poignant, a beautifully sentimental book that will be enjoyed by anyone who likes to immerse themselves in a saga.
I truly hold the other two books in the series with great affection but this one excelled itself, it was an absolute privilege to be able to read an ARC. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author .. I read and reviewed this voluntarily.
This drew me in from the first sentence, the love shines through, Maureen and her family are the stars of the story. The unbreakable bond between Maureen and her sister Brenda is so endearing, the relationship with their Da, he worships his angels. I love the amount of play time they had with him, running on the downs, playing on the beach, him making a doll's house for Christmas etc .. mum was the strength of the family and worked tirelessly often against the odds to ensure they were all cared for.
Maureen spies the boy next door, Jack when she is about eight years old and vows to her friend Monica that he will be the love of her life. Nelson is Jack's friend but he has his own troubles .. the little group are firm friends and we follow their journey throughout the book.
It's 1930's Brighton, times are hard, war is looming. I particularly loved the references to Brighton, I have lived near there most of my life so I could visualise all the places mentioned, knew the distance they walked from one place to another, recognise the street names, cafes and cinemas etc, this truly bought the book to life for me.
A deeply moving, heart wrenching tale that spans many years. Tragedy befalls so many but love and friendship endures so much when it is tested to extreme limits. There are glimpses of humour all be it based on a serious nature, the long running comments about 'two doors' down dead dog' lifted my spirits when the book was almost too emotional to continue. My parents lived in this era so it particularly bought back memories of their stories of rations, gas-masks, air raids, bombs etc.
It explores friendship, romance, family loyalty, faith all in a way that ensures the reader is included. The title relevance is so poignant, a beautifully sentimental book that will be enjoyed by anyone who likes to immerse themselves in a saga.
I truly hold the other two books in the series with great affection but this one excelled itself, it was an absolute privilege to be able to read an ARC. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author .. I read and reviewed this voluntarily.
June 17, 2017
*Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*
4.5 stars
Finally, a historical fiction book that I like!! True, I haven't tried many... But they never seem appealing and this one sounded finally appealing to me!
So, basically there are two other books in this trilogy, and they were written before this one, but this became the first book. So if you haven't read the other books I would recommend reading this one first because you will know what the other books will be about after reading this one!
This is such an amazingly beautiful story! I absolutely loved how we start by seeing the characters as kids and as the novel goes forward it's like we grow with the characters. We see them change, we see them adapt to life; it's just such a nice way to connect to the characters and they were amazingly developed!
This started really light because they were kids and slowly developed to a more serious feeling. Plus, there's a bit of a dark humor to this novel that turns it just perfect!
Sometimes I am a bit worried about reading a book where the principal character(s) is a kid because I rarely can connect and they always feel too... well, kiddish. But this one doesn't! It actually turns it even more special! I loved how we could feel their innocence and sincereness, and how heartwarming and clever it was.
The characters were fantastic, especially Brenda at 6 years old! She was the cutest most honest thing! But I loved all of them, especially the sister's relation! They are such special characters! But the writing was just phenomenal! It was just so perfect for this book. It was funny, it was emotional and it was exciting.This is an extraordinary story about growing up, friendship, love, grief, and hope in a time of war.
I don't know what to say more, but I do know that although I said a lot, it is NOT enough to describe how much I loved this book, it definitely stole my heart. The only thing about this book and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it's a very predictable story. And I was expecting something happening that I didn't expect and that never happened... So that's the only thing amiss.
This is one of my favorite books and I will definitely buy this book and all the others from the collection!! I for sure recommend it even if you are not a fan of historical fiction!
4.5 stars
Finally, a historical fiction book that I like!! True, I haven't tried many... But they never seem appealing and this one sounded finally appealing to me!
So, basically there are two other books in this trilogy, and they were written before this one, but this became the first book. So if you haven't read the other books I would recommend reading this one first because you will know what the other books will be about after reading this one!
This is such an amazingly beautiful story! I absolutely loved how we start by seeing the characters as kids and as the novel goes forward it's like we grow with the characters. We see them change, we see them adapt to life; it's just such a nice way to connect to the characters and they were amazingly developed!
This started really light because they were kids and slowly developed to a more serious feeling. Plus, there's a bit of a dark humor to this novel that turns it just perfect!
Sometimes I am a bit worried about reading a book where the principal character(s) is a kid because I rarely can connect and they always feel too... well, kiddish. But this one doesn't! It actually turns it even more special! I loved how we could feel their innocence and sincereness, and how heartwarming and clever it was.
The characters were fantastic, especially Brenda at 6 years old! She was the cutest most honest thing! But I loved all of them, especially the sister's relation! They are such special characters! But the writing was just phenomenal! It was just so perfect for this book. It was funny, it was emotional and it was exciting.This is an extraordinary story about growing up, friendship, love, grief, and hope in a time of war.
I don't know what to say more, but I do know that although I said a lot, it is NOT enough to describe how much I loved this book, it definitely stole my heart. The only thing about this book and the reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it's a very predictable story. And I was expecting something happening that I didn't expect and that never happened... So that's the only thing amiss.
This is one of my favorite books and I will definitely buy this book and all the others from the collection!! I for sure recommend it even if you are not a fan of historical fiction!
April 13, 2019
5 stars for When We Dance at the End of the Pier (spoilers ahead)
Where do I start? This book was packed with emotional rollercoaster. Well developed and complex characters with a great story set on a historical backdrop. What motivates you when you've had your heart broken over and over again?
A seemingly question that revolved around the main charcaters of the book.
Praise Sandy Taylor for a bringing to life Maureen O' Connel, a young girl who come from poverty but had a very much loving family. She had been a smart and attentive as growing up, looking after her younger sister Brenda as her dad struggled through his PTSD coupled with depression. Then come meet Jack- the love of her life, Nelson- the second chance at love and Monica- the bestfriend.
It was heartbreaking to read of Maureen's heartbreak throughtout as she lost her father as a child in the most horrific way, lost her love and found another during the darkest days. This book exemplified how horrible it was when the bombs started dropping from the sky as the war broke out and you realise in war, no one is truly a winner in the end.
A wonderful read for all world war 2 historical fiction enthusiasts. Read about the strength of a woman who chose to go on with her life even at the hashest circumstance and how kindness was exemplified at a time where cruelty was its peak.
Where do I start? This book was packed with emotional rollercoaster. Well developed and complex characters with a great story set on a historical backdrop. What motivates you when you've had your heart broken over and over again?
A seemingly question that revolved around the main charcaters of the book.
Praise Sandy Taylor for a bringing to life Maureen O' Connel, a young girl who come from poverty but had a very much loving family. She had been a smart and attentive as growing up, looking after her younger sister Brenda as her dad struggled through his PTSD coupled with depression. Then come meet Jack- the love of her life, Nelson- the second chance at love and Monica- the bestfriend.
It was heartbreaking to read of Maureen's heartbreak throughtout as she lost her father as a child in the most horrific way, lost her love and found another during the darkest days. This book exemplified how horrible it was when the bombs started dropping from the sky as the war broke out and you realise in war, no one is truly a winner in the end.
A wonderful read for all world war 2 historical fiction enthusiasts. Read about the strength of a woman who chose to go on with her life even at the hashest circumstance and how kindness was exemplified at a time where cruelty was its peak.
July 17, 2017
I have gone back and forth about how to rate this book. At the beginning I was so bored. I didn't want to keep reading. The writing style is very verbose. The language is beautiful but I kept thinking "enough already" where is the purpose, why am I reading so much detailed info about all these seemingly just supporting characters. I found myself skipping over paragraphs. It had a diary feeling to it and honestly I was bored. I kept plugging through and the book got better when I was a little over halfway through. I still felt like there was a lot of unnecessary extra in there but I just skipped over to the next part. As the characters grew up it seemed like the story got better. The narrative about the war was powerful. I felt like I was there. I could see it in my mind. I love the perspective of a commoner; one being bombed as opposed to a soldier or a frontline contributer to the war effort. I felt like this was a real life story of hardship, joy, love and anticipation; So many things we experience in our daily lives. That's why I rated the story as high as I did. I can get over language if the story is real. It wasn't overly full of action but it was normal life.
I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 23, 2018
Brighton 1930: Maureen O’Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
Summary from Amazon:
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about the enduring power of love, hope and friendship during the darkest of days. Perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff, Nadine Dorries and Diney Costeloe.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
Summary from Amazon:
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?
An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching story about the enduring power of love, hope and friendship during the darkest of days. Perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff, Nadine Dorries and Diney Costeloe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
This first book of a trilogy is set in Brighton. It is about a group of friends, following them from childhood into becoming adults. A bit predictable, but a good story.
"Brighton 1930: Maureen O’Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?" synopsis copied
"Brighton 1930: Maureen O’Connell is a carefree girl, but her family is on the brink of tragedy, war is looming and life will never be the same again.
Jack and Nelson have always been dear friends to Maureen. Despite their different backgrounds, they’ve seen each other through thick and thin.
As Maureen blossoms from a little girl into a young woman, the candle she’s always held for Jack burns bright. But just as she’s found love, war wrenches them apart. The man she cherishes with all her heart is leaving.
When the bombs start to fall, Maureen and her family find themselves living in the most dangerous of times. With Jack no longer by her side and Nelson at war, Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of?" synopsis copied
March 2, 2018
This book was slow but it was a perfect life-takes-time kind of slow. It would make a great movie, I'd say. I had already read the first two books in this series and it had been a while ago, so I couldn't quite place HOW it was going to be related, like, when would Dottie or (I couldn't even think of her friend Mary's name) show up? Or would they? I had hopes for what would happen next, and wow, but in the end, I was not disappointed, I'll just say that without spoiling anything for anyone. I loved, loved, loved the ending, and I just want to say thanks. Sandy Taylor seems sweet in her little bit after the book where she wants us to review her books because it's helpful to her as a new author. There is one book left she's written that I haven't read. I will be making that happen. Yes, thanks, Sandy Taylor. You are doing a great job!
April 21, 2024
The love I have for this book, so beautifully written. Maureen moves into a house on see saw lane and meets a boy jack who she says she’s going to marry and his best friend Nelson. They grow up together and after Maureen tells Jack that she loves him they start dating. WWII happens and Nelson an orphan volunteers while Jack studies to be a doctor. Eventually he enlists after being called a coward. He leaves and dies on a train Maureen ends up pregnant (had sex bonfire jack left) Nelson ends up marrying her to support her and the baby. Maureen moves to Ireland to be away from the war, Nelson goes missing, a year-ish goes by the war ends and Maureen goes home with daughter Rita. Maureen goes on a walk with her sister and Nelson is on the hill waiting for her. They end up having 2 more kids and Maureen finally realized she loves Nelson and had to let go of Jack.
May 16, 2018
Maureen O'Connell is a child who lives with her family in Brighton in 1930. Maureen's father served in WWI and, while he is a wonderful father to Maureen and her sister, Brenda, he finds it very difficult to cope with normal life.
Maureen sees a boy in the garden next door, Jack, and immediately falls in love with him. She becomes good friends with him and his friend, Nelson.
Maureen and her family have a hard life. She and her sister and her childhood friends remain very close.
As WWII looms, Jack and Nelson go away to serve their country.
This was a heartwarming book. Once I began reading, I didn't want to stop. I didn't realize it was the final book of a trilogy so now I will go back and read the first two.
Maureen sees a boy in the garden next door, Jack, and immediately falls in love with him. She becomes good friends with him and his friend, Nelson.
Maureen and her family have a hard life. She and her sister and her childhood friends remain very close.
As WWII looms, Jack and Nelson go away to serve their country.
This was a heartwarming book. Once I began reading, I didn't want to stop. I didn't realize it was the final book of a trilogy so now I will go back and read the first two.
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