A great book for a great series. Loved reading it. Ellie Dean is a great author and I loved all of her work.

I adore this author and this book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
Characters that fall out of the pages of the book and make you fell apart of the story, the setting comes alive and captured is well with words.
A great read. that I would highly recommend.

Read other books in this series and was happy I requested and read this one.
It's an entertaining, poignant and engrossing read that made me root for the characters.
The story flows, the cast of characters is as good as always.
A good read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

For those who have followed this popular series from the beginning, reading Homecoming is something of a bittersweet experience as it heralds the conclusion of the story for the inhabitants of Cliffehaven, and for those familiar characters who are picking up the pieces in the aftermath of WW2. However, for Peggy Reilly, and her husband, Jim, life is still very unsettled, as Jim, following the brutal events of the war with Japan, is still stationed in the Far East, with no indication of when he will be allowed home. Never downhearted for long, Peggy sheds her tears in private as she allows her life goes on in Cliffehaven, her unique ability to chivy people along is never far away.

This is a really lovely series and I must admit that I have only read a couple of the books but what I have loved is the author’s care and consideration towards, not just her characters, who are wonderfully authentic, but also to her readership who have invested emotionally with all those diverse characters who call Beach View Guest House Home. Sure there have been trials and tribulations aplenty but throughout the whole of the series, and particularly in this last book, there’s a real sense of history, and whilst inevitably there’s the knowledge that the author is tying up loose ends, she also allows her lovely characters to have their own special moments in the spotlight.

The Cliffehaven series spans the momentous years of WW2, from 1939, through to the end of 1945, and does so with humour, sadness and love. Teeming with memorable moments Homecoming concludes the series with a fine eye for historical detail and the deep knowledge by the author of giving her readers exactly what they wanted in this touching finale.

If you are new to this author’s exceptional ability to bring history alive, it going to be advisable to start at the very beginning and enjoy the experience of the Cliffehaven series for yourself.

It was bittersweet to be starting Homecoming, the final book in the Cliffehaven series by Ellie Dean, which follows Peggy Reilly and her family as they battle to keep the home fires burning during World War Two. I only came to know about this series over the course of the last five or six books but still I do feel a deep connection to it as the characters and storylines have become very familiar. Even though, it's the last book it probably could be read as a standalone. But being completely honest, in order to get a real sense of all the different characters and the trials and tribulations they have gone through and of course to familiarise yourself with the various settings it would be best to go back to the beginning or even go back several books like I have done.

Ellie Dean has certainly written a very fitting conclusion to what has been a wonderful series. There was a real sense of tying up loose ends and of answering so many questions that had been bothering me for some time. Nothing ever felt rushed in trying to conclude various storylines and it shouldn't have given the length and breadth of the series. It would have been a shame to rush through things given how deeply invested readers have become in the characters that come from all walks of life.

Peggy has been the foundation of these books so to see her waver at times during this story was a turn up for the books. I think she was going through so many emotions that after six long years of war she found it challenging to keep a lid on everything. She has been the backbone for all her chicks, so many who have come and gone over the years, that when they stopped needing her she was at a loss as to what to do. It didn't help matters when news reached her that Jim, her husband, would not be home for Christmas. She feels like everyone around her is getting their happy ending and doesn't she deserve the same. But still like all the challenges and demands that have gone before Peggy gathers herself together and continues to keep going forward with Jim at the centre of her heart and mind. She does keep her sadness under wraps and is delighted for others when everything appears to be coming together for them.

Peggy really is a worrier who can't rest easy until the very last minute unless she knows that her chicks and close family members have finally got the happiness that they deserve. There were several weddings to enjoy scattered throughout the story. Including some I would never have expected but perhaps for me one of the best things that had happened was concerning Frank, Jim's brother. At last the wool had been pulled from his eyes and my god I was glad it had. He deserved better than what he had experienced during the war. Although a really big showdown between Peggy and someone connected to Frank would have been very welcome as plenty of truths would have been told.

Love and kindness is always to be found at Beach View Boarding House and given the war has shown how life is too short and precarious to waste, I was so glad that all the different characters which are really too numerous to mention, just really went for it in this book. It was like a huge weight had been lifted from their shoulders now that the threat of death and destruction was gone. In a way they reverted back to their old selves and tried to forget the moments of great fear and sorrow that had gone before and instead they focused on embracing all the good things that life was surely going to through their way. Or at least they hoped so as things didn't instantly go back to normal. There were still a little few surprises thrown in every now and again just to keep the story tipping along instead of a continuous sense of concluding things. Doris's storyline was one for example and as for Ruby, I thought ah why do that to her? Then I understood that the world had bigger things in store for her. Peggy works her magic until the very last minute and it was a joy to see as she has definitely established herself as a character readers will never forget.

What I really loved about Homecoming was that it was split into different sections and different settings. Up until now I felt we had only gotten very brief snippets as to what was happening with Jim away fighting in Asia. In this book, entire chapters were given over to what happened following the surrendering of the Japanese and how Singapore attempted to get back on its feet again. I found these sections fascinating but also horrific in equal measure as news emerges of just what happened to so many people captured and taken as prisoners of war by the Japanese. I thought it was brilliant that the author showed how life didn't go back to normal for anyone once was was declared over. Instead endless struggles and hardships prevailed for so many.

As Sarah and Jane make their way from Cliffehaven to Singapore to be met by Jim whose work has been extended to take statements from those being brought back in from the jungle, I was on the edge of my seat. I desperately wanted to know what had happened to their father and specifically Sarah's fiancée. The tension and expectation was built up bit by bit and whilst they were waiting we really got to see how Singapore got back on its feet and how the people had to cope with and accept so many changes that had occurred since the Japanese took over. I think the sections set away from Cliffehaven were my favourite because I love reading about different countries and their experiences but also for so long I had wanted to know even more and Ellie Dean was finally letting everything spill forth.

Jim definitely underwent a transformation and the fact that his duty was extended even though he so desperately wanted to reunite with Peggy and his family gave him the time to take stock of what he had been through. Hearing the horrific acts imposed upon so many prisoners also gave him plenty of food for thought and allowed him to consider what his next step should be. I thought it was interesting to show the anguish and nerves he had about going home. You would take for granted that once the war was finally over that soldiers would be rushing back to their families but it was both realistic and interesting to see that despite a longed for reunion there was also apprehension because everyone and everything had changed so significantly. How can you return to a place you call home and know there is security there but you yourself are so deeply affected by all that you have done and witnessed?

Ellie mentioned in the end notes that readers had hoped the series would continue on bringing it right into the 50's and 60's but she herself thought it was best to remember them as they are instead of becoming old and frail. I agree with her. I have a picture built up in my head of everyone and I am deeply satisfied with the conclusion and I feel that's how I want them to stay. Everything was so expertly done throughout Homecoming and it really did feel as if all the strands of the story were slowly coming together to give us that ending that we have all craved for so long, Peggy included. I have to admit to being a tad emotional because of what happened and because I knew I would never read of the majority of these characters again or at least in the same setting and timeframe.

So I was delighted to see, that Ellie Dean will turn her attention to a new series which will focus on Ron and Dolly in their youthful years set before, during and after World War One. This was such a thrill to read and I think it is a brave thing to do given how deeply connected people have become to Peggy and everyone else but I am definitely looking forward to it. Homecoming was the perfect ending to a lovely series packed full of emotion, heartache, devastation but above all else love, support, friendship, community bonds, kindness and the power of family. Sadly there will be no more but Ellie Dean has certainly whet my appetite for Ron and Dolly's story or perhaps one day in the future we could see Cliffehaven becoming a staple of our Sunday night TV viewing. I for one would love that.

I have to say that Ellie Dean is one of my all time favourite authors. Mrs. Ginger Book Geek (my lovely Mam) recommended Ellie's books to me and when I read 'The Waiting Hours', I was blown away by how flipping fantastic the story was. Since then I have kept pace with Ellie's new releases whilst at the same time trying to catch up on earlier books in the series. 'Homecoming' is the latest and sadly the last book in 'The Cliffehaven Series' and it is another amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Homecoming' but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about the cast of characters? It was impossible to take an instant dislike to any of the characters with the exception of John's son but we won't talk about him. Two of my favourite characters are Peggy Reilly and Ronan (Ron) Reilly. Peggy is Ron's daughter-in-law and is married to Jim, who at the beginning of the story is still out in the Far East. Peggy is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, stand in mother and friend. I don't know how she does it. She runs a home, works and takes care of her family and anybody who needs her without collapsing in a heap. Peggy needs a Superwoman costume. 'Homecoming' sees a different Peggy in the sense that she is still excitedly waiting for Jim to come home, but at the same time she is having to say goodbye to her surrogate family as they spread their wings to start their own new lives. Peggy puts a brave face on things and tries not to let her emotions show too much. Peggy is kind, compassionate, feisty, determined, tenacious and wise beyond her years. Ron is definitely a loveable rogue, who has the best of intentions when he sets out to do things but things don't always happen the way that he wants them to. In other words something usually goes wrong. I was chuckling out loud at one part of the book when his beloved ferrets go on a wander. Ron has some secrets about his war service record but he keeps them under his hat. Ron knows practically everybody there is to know in Cliffehaven and his influence extends to a far larger area than the town itself. Peggy often feels that she has one more child in the shape of Ron. Ron recently married Rosie, who owns a local pub and he often feels that he has women nagging him from all directions. I loved the friendly banter that he has going with Cordelia, who is an elderly resident of Peggy's boarding house. Ron is generous, hard working, kind, sensitive (although he won't admit to it), compassionate, feisty, determined, stubborn, mischievous and he is fiercely protective towards his extended family. If somebody is in a pickle and Ron is in a position to help then he will do. I wish that Ron was my Grandad as he sounds like a hoot. I was sad to reach the end of this book as I thought that I would have to say goodbye to Peggy and Ron forever, little did I know...…………...
As soon as I read the synopsis for 'Homecoming' I started feeling very excited and desperate to get my hands on a copy. I was even counting down the days until the book was released. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour, I thought my Christmases had come at once and so of course I accepted and did a happy little jig, which was thankfully only witnessed by my two Labradors. Anyway back to the review. However I had to fight my Mam for the chance to read the book first. It wasn't a pretty fight and the OAP won. I kept hearing Mam muttering comments about what she had read but she wouldn't tell me what she was muttering as she didn't want to spoil the story!
From the moment I started to read until the moment I closed the back cover, I was under this book's spell and then some. 'Homecoming' is the definition of an unputdownable pageturner of a book. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read this book shortly before I switched my light off to go to sleep. Let's just say I ended up reading into the wee small hours and I had to force myself to put the book to one side as I was so tired. Whilst I was drifting off to sleep all I could think about were Peggy, Ron and Jim and I even ended up dreaming about them. As soon as I woke up later that morning, I picked the book up and it never left my hands. I didn't want to miss a single second of the story and so the book accompanied me everywhere. I read the book in just under 24 hours which is extremely good for me. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am usually easily distracted but not when I pick up one of Ellie's books.
'Homecoming' is superbly written but then I find that to be true of any of Ellie's books. She draws you into the story from the synopsis alone and when you start to read the book itself that is it. It didn't take me long at all to get back into the Cliffehaven life and I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends, that is except for John's son, who needs a good slap with a wet fish. Ellie writes such realistic stories and uses such vivid descriptions that if I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was part of the story myself and that I was in Cliffehaven itself. In fact I want to move to Cliffehaven and live at Peggy's house. Of course I know this is fiction and therefore not real but if I enjoy a book to the extent that I enjoy reading 'The Cliffehaven Series' then I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real.
'The Cliffehaven Series' has to be one of my favourite family saga series' ever and I am sad that 'Homecoming' is the last episode as it were. However, a little birdy has told me that we haven't seen the last of Peggy, Ron and the others just yet as Ellie Dean is writing another series featuring Ron and Peggy in their earlier years.
It's just my opinion but I think that 'The Cliffehaven Series' is crying out to be adapted for television. The television companies would be mad if they let this series slip through their fingers. I am even thinking about who should play which part if the series is cast.
In short, 'Homecoming' is another amazing story from the fantastic Ellie Dean. I would definitely recommend Ellie Dean and all her books to other readers. I look forward to reading the new series once it has been written. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

As always, a fantastic read from Ellie Dean. I'm so sad that this wonderful series appears to be coming to an end as I've enjoyed every second of reading the books. Fantastic characters and a lovely writing style that draws you in and makes you feel like you're amongst them.

I’ve been a huge fan of this wonderful series since the beginning and it has been so lovely to follow the residents through the years. I started this book with mixed feelings as on one hand I was very excited to read another Clifthaven book but on the other I was sad that this series was coming to an end.

One of the things I like about this author is her ability to always find new storylines to keep the series interesting and fresh. This book was no exception and I found the inclusion of life after the war to be very interesting, especially as it is something that isn’t touched upon much in other books. It must have been very difficult for couples coming back from the war to learn to live with each other again. The author does a great job in describing the situation so it feels real as she doesn’t make it overly dramatic.

This was a beautiful story that was excellently told and one that quickly absorbed me into the story. It’s a story of joy, sadness and above all love in all forms. It’s one that definitely needs to be read with some tissues handy as their are some poignant moments and some truly heartwarming ones that brought tears to my eyes in equal measures. It’s a fantastic way to end the series and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

Huge thanks to Rachel Kennedy from Arrow publishing for inviting me onto the tour and for my copy of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc.
Ellie Dean always delivers the most enjoyable books. Homecoming is definitely a most enjoyable book. It's full of joy, laughter and tears. I would highly recommend it.

Absolutely devastated that this was the last in the series! A privilege to be able to read it before release; thank you! Readers will need boxes of tissues!

The accounts given on Singapore and Burma are harrowing especially when I lost family members who were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese. I am visiting Singapore in June and feel the book has given me a taste of city life and I look forward to visiting Raffles knowing the part it played at the end of the war.

I know the end had to come although at times the book was quite fast paced and could probably have been split into two books to give readers of the series more details on some parts. Delaney seemed to pop up and disappear again so quick.

Being the last it would have been good to have had a round up as to what happened to the characters in the years to come, for instance did Cissy ever find love again?

All in all thank you for such an amazing series. I will miss each and every one of the characters and miss looking forward to the new book being released.

Having loved all the Cliffehaven Books and have them i was so looking forward to reviewing Homecoming and i can honestly say Ellie Dean has written a beautiful story full of joy,love and sadness.This book has had me in tears of happiness and sadness that the Reilly family,friends and of course peggy's chicks have all come together in this book whether in person or spirit.I won't spoil the book as that would be so wrong but i feel this is the best book and i cannot wait to put it on my shelf along with the others and to wait to see what Ellie Dean delights us with next.Just have plenty of tissues handy.