Good book. Good author. Loved the characters and the plot. Look forward to reading more of her work.

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.

"A Heartbreaking Novel of Family Tragedy and Wartime Romance"

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!

Set mainly in the 1930s, Maureen O'Connoll grows up in the city of Brighton. Her father takes care of her and her younger sister Brenda, while their mother goes to work to take care of her family. Luckily Maureen also has her good friends Jack, Nelson and Monica with whom she experiences all kinds of things. As they grow up, the friends go through a lot, but at the core of it all Maureen continues to believe in the love for Jack she has felt since she first laid eyes on him; the two of them are meant to be together, no matter what. But when the Second World War looms, the future is no longer certain for any of them; will Maureen and her family and friends make it out alive, and what exactly does the war and life in general have in store for them?

After reading 'When We Danced at the End of the Pier' I can say with certainty that author Sandy Taylor is definitely a born storyteller. Just like with the first instalment of her Brighton Girls Trilogy, 'The Girls from See Saw Lane', I was immediately intrigued by the characters in the novel and captivated by their story until the very end. Sandy Taylor really manages to find the right balance between dialogue and scene setting, and mastered the art of writing a truly compelling war time story that will make you both smile and perhaps even shed a tear here and there. Maureen, Jack, Nelson, Brenda, Monica... The book is filled with characters that all have something to add to the story, and I loved learning more about them and their lives.

Even though this novel is the third part of a trilogy, I do not think it is necessary to read all books before picking up this one; it can definitely be read as a stand-alone, in my opinion. As with most war time stories, the novel deals with quite a few serious and sad issues, but at the same time the author managed to add a layer of fun to the story, and she really combines the different factors and emotions in a convincing way. I'm definitely adding Sandy Taylor to my list of authors to watch, and if you love war time fiction and haven't checked out one of her novels yet, I urge you to do so. Overall, 'When We Danced at the End of the Pier' is a captivating and emotional war time story about friendship, family, love and how to get through difficult times together; a great read!

Set between the wars,  Sandy Taylor captures  the era and the atmosphere beautifully. Told through the eyes of Maureen O'Connell, we see her grow up from a small child to a young woman fearing for those she loves in the madness of the Second World War. I loved the style of writing and the character of Maureen. I particularly loved her trips to church to pray for what was bothering her, but never forgetting to pray for the dog two doors down that got killed by the milkman's horse!

This is the story of friendship and young love. I thought it was a lovely book. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for giving me the chance to read & review it.

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 stoeis 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 <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-91r/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A beautiful twist to Life, Love, Friendship and Marriage. A book that anyone from any of the continents can relate to. The characters come to life as you move on with the read.Totally enjoyed it.

great read and easy to follow story line. look forward to reading more from this author.

When we danced at the end of the pier is the third novel in Sandy Taylor's Brighton Girls trilogy. You would think that this would be the concluding story of the trilogy, but no, infact this author has cleverly left the beginning til last.

 Maureen O'Connell is young when her family moves next door to Jack. But Maureen knows instantly she is going to marry Jack. He may be a boy, and generally they are undesirable creatures. But Jack is different.

 As they grow up next door to each other, Jack and Maureen do indeed become close, but Maureen is never quite brave enough to tell Jack how she feels. After having her heart broken once too often seeing him with other girls, Maureen vows to tell Jack exactly how she feels.

 Jack is hesistant at first, he hadn't realised that their friendship could be anything more. But quickly he realises that he feels the same. Sadly their time together is short lived as World War Two breaks out and Jack has to leave.


 Maureen is forced to make some difficult decisions about her future, along with her best friend Brenda and Jack's best friend Nelson, they know they must stick together during the War if they are all to come out on the other side

 When we danced at the end of the pier is a beautifully written coming of age novel, and the perfect beginning to the Brighton Girls trilogy.

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and Sandy Taylor how people loved and lost but also for this opportunity. It is a heartbreaking story that is also beautiful. It shows us how people loved and lost but also got each other through during the war. definitely recommend to everyone.

I really enjoy books where we get the whole story. I loved that we get to see Maureen’s life from when she was little. Sandy Taylor has created truly mesmerising characters in this book. Maureen is so head strong and realistic that it was like she was someone I knew in real life. The writing is so detailed that you feel like you’ve been pulled back into that time. It was like watching it on the television rather than reading it in a book. The language and narrative were very visceral.
 
I think what you can tell from anyone’s review of this book is that Sandy Taylor knows how to write emotions and put the her reader through the emotional ringer. Taylor hits the nail on the head with her poignant descriptions of the love Maureen has for Jack. There are so many happy and sad moments in this book and that’s why it is so good. It is a true reflection of the rollercoaster that is life. No matter what era you lived in you experience good and the bad. Sandy Taylor captures this perfectly.
 
One of the things I liked most about this book is how Taylor has crafted believable relationships between the characters. Especially Maureen’s bond with her sister Brenda, it is heart-warming and emotional to read. In fact, Maureen’s family life is so vividly painted for us that you feel like a fly on the wall. I can’t stress enough how vivid and fantastic the writing in this book is.
 
It’s not normally a book that I would read but I will definitely be devouring anything else this author writes.

Sandy Taylor’s first two books were emotional rollercoasters and When We Danced at the End of the Pier is yet another.  On this occasion we have a prequel -  it’s Dottie’s mother Maureen’s story and it is every bit as heart-breaking as her daughter’s.
Sandy takes us through her childhood years, growing up with her younger sister Brenda.  Her mother cleans well to do peoples’ houses. Her father, emotionally damaged by his experiences in the First World War - what today we would call post traumatic stress disorder - stays at home to look after his daughters and cook.  Despite his relapses he adores his two daughters and gives them  a warm, loving environment.  However this does not stop him being labelled a work shirker by the girls' unpleasant Uncle Fred and Aunt Vera.
When the family is moved from Carlton Hill to a new home in See Saw Lane, Maureen meets next door neighbour Jack. Although she is only eight years old at the time she instinctively knows they will always be together.
The story follows Maureen and Brenda’s  lives and their relationship with Jack and Nelson as they grow from children into young adults.  It’s a time of simple pleasures, of make do and mend and a great feel of community. There are so many changes to come for these four characters, not all of them good.  What does shine through is their resilience and ability to accept situations and make the best of them, no matter how difficult.  The two characters that particularly impacted on me were poor fatherless Nelson and the girls shell-shocked father.  Having said that, the rest of the cast are a brilliant weave of personalities - some to empathise with and some to thoroughly dislike. Sandy has a great gift for storytelling and I'm very much looking forward to what she has next in store for us readers.
A beautiful read that stayed with me long after I’d reached the last page and a fitting finale to the Brighton Trilogy

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.

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.

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.

I loved this book! I felt like I was with Maureen the whole way through!  Maybe. In a previous life I was Monica as I felt I knew her so well!  Can't wait for  the next one in the series. Highly recommended

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 was there were times when she felt embarrassed because of the way her Dada behaved, especially when people laughed at him, 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 the 2nd World War in 1945. It felt like Maureen’s life had been so much longer than this, so much tragedy for one still 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 out an answer out even if it was wrong.  The punctuation is spot on or should I say lack of it at times, because it really does bring these children to life. 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 it genuine authenticity.
Maureen had her own life plan and had no intension of going along with what life throw 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 is the first book in the Brighton Girls Trilogy talk about pull at your heartstrings this story has totally touched the bottom of my heart in fact I am a blubbering wreck after reading this. Sandy Taylor what have you done to me LOL. Blown me away is an understatement this book is truly breathtaking.

We follow a story of Maureen O’Connell set in Brighton and we follow her on an emotional roller coaster. Telling a story of her life starting when she is little girl then blossoming into a young lady,about growing up during the war. She has always been friends with Jack and Nelson but Jack holds the candle to her heart. Just when she finds love the war wrenches them apart. With a war going on and bombs falling around Maureen and her family. Maureen has never felt more alone. Can she look to a brighter future? And will she find the true happiness she’s dreamt of? 

OMG.....what a beautifully written story I felt all the emotions that Maureen goes through.The characters are likable and realistic. And I love Sandy’s style of writing drawing me in from the start keeping my captivated until the end. Where the story is nicely tied up. Now I cannot wait to read the second installment of this trilogy.

I still have a lump in the back of my throat just thinking about this amazing story. It made me laugh and cry I cannot recommend it enough. Giving it a 5 massive stars.

This is book one of a trilogy. I really enjoyed this book and have purchased the next two as a result and also bought them for my Mum.
It is an easy read and kept me entertained from the very first page to the last. 
4****

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.