First things first: the title. Isn’t it beautiful? I absolutely adore it. I was worried: what if I didn’t like the book? No one wants to say they dislike a book with such a beautiful title :O Fortunately, When We Danced at the End of the Pier was a truly enjoyable novel that I can’t wait for you to read.

This is a story about family, friendship and love. A family saga that spans quite a few years and features Maureen, Brenda, Jack, Nelson, Monica, and Maureen and Brenda’s parents. If I had to choose a favorite part, I’d say that the father story broke my heart (and it will break yours too). I desperately wanted to know what was going on, although I kind of suspected. He was a sweet and loving dad and I wanted him to get better. When We Danced at the End of the Pier is one of those novels where all the main characters are good-natured people and you can’t help but root for them. They deserve to be happy (especially my little Brenda!)

Maureen was the protagonist and a classic goody two-shoes. I’m not saying she wasn’t as interesting as the others (after all, she was the key of everything), but there were times when I wanted to sit down and talk to her, knock some sense into her. For example, she falls in love with Jack the very first time they meet and she already knows they’re going to marry one day. She doesn’t even tell him about it! I wanted to tell her that you can fall in love more than once, that there are different types of love, and that your teenage sweetheart isn’t always the person you’re supposed to be with. Maybe yes, of course, but not always. I think you can now guess who I was rooting for 😉

Even though I was completely engaged from the beginning, I still felt the writing was maybe too saccharine, as I don’t have much patience when it comes to cheesy stuff. However, I noticed that, as the main characters grew up, the writing evolved as well. And I kind of liked that, as it felt natural and fitting: the writing being a reflection of the characters’ minds. It was a rather short book but it made a lasting impression.

This is not a book filled with action, as you can expect from the title, the cover and the blurb. I remember reaching 25% and thinking that not much had happened yet, but still, there hadn’t been a dull moment. I was totally engrossed by the setting, the story and these characters. I already felt they were part of my family and their day-to-day tribulations were as engaging as any thriller I’ve recently read.

I also remember moments when I felt I had something in my eye… Finally, don’t worry if you see this is #3 in a trilogy. I didn’t know that but this can be read as a standalone. And what a lovely read!

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 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 towns 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 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.

Excellent book! Great characters and a brilliant storyline. I would highly recommend this book.

A breathtaking, heart pounding, engaging story. When We Danced at the End of the Pier perfectly captures the time, the emotion and the hope of this era.

A great read. I was hooked from the first page as the author brings the characters and settings to life. I have never been to Brighton but could picture it as being on the front line of war torn England. It is a story of love, kindness and undying friendship. The little refuge girl made me laugh but also made me cry. I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author.

Set in pre WWII Brighton England little Maureen O'Connell knew she was going to marry Jack, the boy next door she and her sister spy on from a top a tree in their back yard.

She befriends Jack and his friend Nelson. But years later the death of her father and the beginnings of the war bring changes to Maureen and her family.

A gripping war time era read, the heartbreak and endless tragedy of the time make the characters of this spellbinding page turner seem very real.

I greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review this ARC through Netgalley and Bookouture for a honest review.

4 stars

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.

A welcome break from my usual genre. Thoroughly enjoyed ths trilogy.

An emotional read yet again, fantastic prequel that had me crying, gasping out loud and laughing especially at the dead dog two doors down! Has been an amazing trilogy and I'm excited to read more by this author.

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. This 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.

What a beautiful book. Set in the lead up to WW2 you can really feel the background of Brighton in the 30's with the wonderful writing and scene setting. I loved this story - it has it all - realistic, diverse characters, humour and sadness. A warm. loving family and loyal friends. I recommend for anyone who loves historical fiction and family saga's. I was so happy to find that I have the Girls from See Saw Lane on my to be read list..... I will be starting soon to continue the story of this wonderful family. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced review copy.

A beautifully written story of love, loss, and tragedy of 4 friends. This was such an emotional story. It made me laugh it made me cry. But also gave me a warm fuzzy feeling/ I loved every minute of it. The best one in the trilogy.

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.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my review. Maureen O"Connell has known she would marry Jack since the moment she laid eyes on him from the top of her tree that overlooked Jack's house next door. She has grown up with Jack and his best friend Nelson, through poverty and the looming fear of WWII. When war breaks out Maureen fears that her world will fall apart when both Jack and Nelson must go off to fight. This is a beautifully written story about love and loss in times of war.

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!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
I really enjoyed this book. It is set in Brighton in the 1930s and on through the war years telling the story of 4 friends, Maureen and Monica, Jack and Nelson and their families. It is a story of families and friendships, love and loss. It really brought the period to life, people were still suffering from the horrors of the first world war and it seemed unthinkable that the country was set to go to war again. The characterisation was wonderful, even the background characters were fleshed out to seem realistic, Peter in the book shop was one of my unexpected favourites! It is at times heartbreakingly sad but also uplifting and I would thoroughly recommend it.

A lovely read. Full of laughs and gasps and tears. A real page turner and highly recommended

Thank you Netgalley. This was the first book that I had read by this author and thought it was absolutely brilliant. It was extremely sensitive and emotional. Cannot wait for another book by this author

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.

Review posted on Goodreads and will leave my reviews on Amazon UK and Amazon.com on publication day.

Love is the strongest of all emotions and never has it been written so beautifully as in this book. My heart broke but I was unable to put it down until the end then I wanted to re-read it. I was totally immersed in the story.