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Cliffehaven #14
With a Kiss and a Prayer
Cliffehaven, May 1944
Peggy Reilly is enjoying a rare moment alone in the garden of her Beach View Boarding House. Against the now familiar backdrop of squadrons roaring overhead and the wireless humming, it seems both impossible that war continues, and yet inconceivable that it will ever come to an end.
Meanwhile Ron Reilly is headed to his grandson’s send off, ahead of the awaited Allied invasion. But when the celebrations get out of hand, Ron lands himself in hot water with his sweetheart Rosie. And this time his Irish charm won’t be enough to get him off the hook.
And as much as Peggy tries to keep the peace in Cliffehaven, she can’t work miracles. With family, friends and her evacuee chicks scattered across the world, the war has forever changed the lives of those she loves. It will take a strong spirit to ensure that love triumphs over the heartache around them.
Peggy Reilly is enjoying a rare moment alone in the garden of her Beach View Boarding House. Against the now familiar backdrop of squadrons roaring overhead and the wireless humming, it seems both impossible that war continues, and yet inconceivable that it will ever come to an end.
Meanwhile Ron Reilly is headed to his grandson’s send off, ahead of the awaited Allied invasion. But when the celebrations get out of hand, Ron lands himself in hot water with his sweetheart Rosie. And this time his Irish charm won’t be enough to get him off the hook.
And as much as Peggy tries to keep the peace in Cliffehaven, she can’t work miracles. With family, friends and her evacuee chicks scattered across the world, the war has forever changed the lives of those she loves. It will take a strong spirit to ensure that love triumphs over the heartache around them.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
480 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2018
147 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Dean
32 books136 followersEllie Dean lives in Eastbourne, which has been her home for many years and where she raised her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 20, 2018
I've read all the books in this series and enjoyed them as I did this one, however, I didn't think it was as good as the previous books.
I loved meeting Peggy again and Ron, Harvey and Queenie are still my favorite trio up to their usual shenanigans. Once again Ron has let Rosie down and spends most of the book unsure of what's happening to their relationship. Peggy is trying to keep them all going at Beach View and still having run ins with her snooty sister Doris and with her sister-in-law Pauline in this story.
There were chapters which dealt with the war in Burma, where Jim is stationed and I enjoyed these as my Uncle fought out there at that time.
Some things irritated me in this one. Doris is just becoming wearisome at this point. Peggy would stand up to Hitler himself if any of her immediate family or girls boarding with her were in trouble, yet she lets Doris walk all over her, put her family down and treat Peggy herself like dirt. I don't think anyone would put up with this, family or not. It doesn't ring true. Here in this one we have Pauline following the same path and again Peggy says very little.
Also they're in the fourth year of the war and they still have sugar for their tea and for baking cakes. A string of sausages even appear and I think these things were well gone at this stage.
It just felt like not a lot happened in this book, other than one person insulting another and a lot of the people got on my nerves.
I loved meeting Peggy again and Ron, Harvey and Queenie are still my favorite trio up to their usual shenanigans. Once again Ron has let Rosie down and spends most of the book unsure of what's happening to their relationship. Peggy is trying to keep them all going at Beach View and still having run ins with her snooty sister Doris and with her sister-in-law Pauline in this story.
There were chapters which dealt with the war in Burma, where Jim is stationed and I enjoyed these as my Uncle fought out there at that time.
Some things irritated me in this one. Doris is just becoming wearisome at this point. Peggy would stand up to Hitler himself if any of her immediate family or girls boarding with her were in trouble, yet she lets Doris walk all over her, put her family down and treat Peggy herself like dirt. I don't think anyone would put up with this, family or not. It doesn't ring true. Here in this one we have Pauline following the same path and again Peggy says very little.
Also they're in the fourth year of the war and they still have sugar for their tea and for baking cakes. A string of sausages even appear and I think these things were well gone at this stage.
It just felt like not a lot happened in this book, other than one person insulting another and a lot of the people got on my nerves.
February 1, 2018
My latest visit to the Beach View Boarding House was brilliant as always. This is a series you can depend on, the familiar strong characters, the wonderful location and the lovely storytelling of Ellie Dean, what more could you want?
Looking forward to the next book which is out in August.
Looking forward to the next book which is out in August.
January 31, 2018
Beach view
Another excellent book about my favourite people Peggy, Ron, Cordelia, all the young ones I feel as if they are my neighbours .
I love Ron's exploits you never know what he is getting up to . And Jim it brings home the war in Burma . Looking forward to the next instalment 5 STARS a brilliant read .
Another excellent book about my favourite people Peggy, Ron, Cordelia, all the young ones I feel as if they are my neighbours .
I love Ron's exploits you never know what he is getting up to . And Jim it brings home the war in Burma . Looking forward to the next instalment 5 STARS a brilliant read .
May 14, 2018
Great series
This is a good light fictional story of historical events in England during World WarII. I recommend the entire 15 book series.
This is a good light fictional story of historical events in England during World WarII. I recommend the entire 15 book series.
January 30, 2018
Another fabulous book from Ellie Dean in the Beach View Series and i have to say i know the end is coming but will cry when it does.This series of books have followed the reilly family through the war in their every day lives.All the new faces that have been welcomed by the family and those that have not.Well worth 5* and more.
July 9, 2018
Really enjoyed this book took along time to read as lots to process because of the twists and turns of the character's
June 21, 2024
I used to love these. seems the longer the series goes on the more Peggy and Ron start to annoy me. Peggy at first was a kind hearted soul, now she's an interfering busy body. Seriously is Peggy the only one in this series who can fall in love and stay faithful to her man while he's far away fighting? A man from what I remember of earlier books wasn't the most faithful of husbands? Why, why did they have to put the Sarah storyline in? It's stupid and pointless. She was young she didn't know what true 1love was til she met a lying American. So young women can't meet the love of their lives get engaged and stay true? She should forget the man she first fell in love with because he could be dead? Shut up Peggy! The amount of times I wanted to slap her during this book. What happened to Peggy? She was a kind listening ear but I don't remember her being this obnoxious or interfering. Men and women can't be friends is one idiotic line she uttered. If that were true everyone would be screwing around on their respective partners including you. Cordelia was right when she declared her hatred of that American. They started their relationship based on a lie but that's forgivable because your fiance who's stuck in a Japanese POW camp probably longing for the day he can see his beloved again, well he's probably dead and even if he's not screw him. He'll probably be ruined anyway. But Jim who went after anything in a skirt he's worth waiting for and staying true to. Ron was equally annoying. I think I would've killed him if I was forced to live with someone like him. Defying Rosie's wishes he continues to go to Gloria's pub so of course she gets mad at him. But he never faces consequences for the dumb stuff he does. Also how is he so in the know with what spies were up to in the war? Seriously the amount of classified information casually floating around here by people who really shouldn't know anything and the fact that people like Peggy keep pushing for information is alarming. I'm glad this is fiction cause we would've lost the damn war with all the loose lips in this town. I also hated how Ethel went from reformed woman to her old ways which came from out of nowhere. She was thought of rather nicely in previous books then boom bitch from hell. There was so much to complain about here. I did enjoy Rita's storyline and actually hope she ends up with the Australian pilot I like him better than Matthew. Not a fan of Peggy seeming to take swipes at Rita's dad as she has done throughout the series. This time it was him popping in before the invasion for a quick visit and then writing his daughter a farewell letter that she disapproved of, which all or almost all soldiers wrote before d-day. Peggy has a breakdown at the end of this book. Maybe if she minded her own damn business, she'd be happier? I also ,liked seeing Danuta again. Her book was one of my favourites along with Rita's and Sarah and Jane's stories. I wish they'd looked at her war instead of Jim's. I never liked Jim that much, he's an ass like his dad. Maybe combat will change him for the better? We can only hope. And did they have to name his two buddies Bert and Ernie? That name choice amused me because, well, I'm not a fan of Jim and I kept picturing the two muppets whenever their names came up. The antics of the various animals was very amusing. Things didn't go well for Adolf the rooster but turned out well for Flora and Dora and poor Queenie and her meetingas quite funny. The next book is set up in the last few pages and boy is it going to get interesting at Beach View. For that alone I'll continue to read but based on this book I can already guess that poor Sarah is going to end up with a lying idiot and that ticks me off.
May 6, 2020
In mid 1944, Peggy Reilly and the inhabitants of Beach View Boarding House are inured to life during wartime. This includes hearing the familiar backdrop of squadrons roaring overheard and the wireless humming, it seems impossible that war continues, and yet inconceivable that it will ever come to an end. Meanwhile Ron Reilly is headed to his grandson Brendon's send off, ahead of the awaited Allied invasion. But when the celebrations at The Crown pub get out of hand, Ron lands himself in hot water with his sweetheart, Rosie Braithwaite. And this time his Irish charm won't be enough to get him off the hook. And as much as Peggy tries to keep the peace in Cliffehaven, she can't work miracles. With family, friends and her evacuee chicks scattered across the globe, the war has forever changed the lives of those she loves. It will take a strong spirit to ensure that love triumphs over the heartache around them. 1944 was also the year where the Germans detonated their V-1 and V-2 rockets, known as Operation Steinbock or Little Blitz. It was a strategic bombing campaign by the Luftwaffe that targeted southern England and lasted from January to May 1944. In late 1943, the Allied Combined Bomber Offensive was gathering momentum against Germany. The Allied air forces were conducting a strategic bombing campaign daily against German industrial cities. In retaliation, Adolf Hitler ordered the Luftwaffe to prepare a bombing operation against the UK. The bombing offensive also served as propaganda value for German public and domestic consumption. The operation ran parallel to Bomber Command's campaign against Berlin, which occured from November 1943-March 1944.Eventually, the revenge attacks gave way to attempts to disrupt preparations for the impending Allied invasion of France, but Steinbock had worn down the Luftwaffe's offensive power to the extent it couldn't mount any significant counterattacks when the invasion began early June.People were tuning more than ever into their wirelesses as the war's climax approached.And The British Red Cross helped pack comfort packages for POWs.
May 16, 2018
It's hard to believe that I have now read fourteen books in this series. The characters and the town of Cliffehaven now feel like old friends. This installment did not disappoint, as it focused on all those old friends rather than introducing new characters. It is now the spring of 1944, and everyone can tell that the Allies are preparing for an invasion of France, but no one knows when or where it will happen. This leads to a great deal of worry and tension, as almost everyone has loved ones that will be affected. As well, people are dealing with the continuing hardships of the war, including rationing, travel restrictions, and lack of communication with loved ones. Added to all this is the fact that many complicated relationships have been formed as a result of the war. Much of the focus of this novel is the personal problems of the various characters, with the war as a backdrop and sometimes causative factor for those problems. This gives the book a bit of a soap opera feel, as there are many story lines involving relationship drama running at the same time, and a generous dose of humor and improbability. Surprisingly this approach works very well, in spite of feeling somewhat disjointed at times. The book ends with a couple of big and rather improbable turns of events, which I think will provide lots of new material for future books. The war is drawing to a close, and thus the series likely is as well, and unfortunately I am now caught up and must wait a few months to find out what happens next.
February 9, 2018
Brilliant
Yet again I couldn't put this down. Have read the story of Peggy right from the start and now can't wait for her next one. So full of life with its ups and downs. One minute I feel really sad and the next laughing at the antics of Ron and Harvey and now Queenie is starting to join them! Poor Danuta and what she went through to help during the war. The hours of research are incredible to tell the story of what went on to save this country from the Nazis. How Peggy copes with the rationing and her family spread out is sad and yet how true it would have been. Loved that Ethel got her just desserts and hope to read next time that Stan is happy again. Roll on August when the next instalment arrives on my kindle.
Yet again I couldn't put this down. Have read the story of Peggy right from the start and now can't wait for her next one. So full of life with its ups and downs. One minute I feel really sad and the next laughing at the antics of Ron and Harvey and now Queenie is starting to join them! Poor Danuta and what she went through to help during the war. The hours of research are incredible to tell the story of what went on to save this country from the Nazis. How Peggy copes with the rationing and her family spread out is sad and yet how true it would have been. Loved that Ethel got her just desserts and hope to read next time that Stan is happy again. Roll on August when the next instalment arrives on my kindle.
October 20, 2018
I read the entire 15 book series and preordered the final book which is due out in Jan 2019. I read a lot about this period so sometimes want something a little lighter and this is where this series comes in. The characters are entertains and fast changing but with an uplifting end to each of their stories,you can also enjoy the boarding house setting throughout the series,but one thing that amazes me is the amount of Spam those folks ate! LOL! Wonder how they survived through such horrible times. Read the series,it’s worth the time invested. Won’t review the books individually but rate them all four star as they are very entertaining.
January 27, 2018
Briliant
Yet another amazing book in the cliffehaven series. Couldn't wait for it to come out and catch up with Peggy and the rest of the Beach View residents. Yet again Ellie takes us right into the heart of the family allowing us to follow the happy and sad times with them all. I feel as if I know them all and really don't know what I will do when the books finally come to an end. These stories would make a great TV series. Can't wait for the next one, I have pre ordered it already.
Yet another amazing book in the cliffehaven series. Couldn't wait for it to come out and catch up with Peggy and the rest of the Beach View residents. Yet again Ellie takes us right into the heart of the family allowing us to follow the happy and sad times with them all. I feel as if I know them all and really don't know what I will do when the books finally come to an end. These stories would make a great TV series. Can't wait for the next one, I have pre ordered it already.
April 1, 2018
I began the last in the Beach View series with a feeling of sadness as it’s 1944 and things are drawing to a conclusion as far as the war is heading.
I wanted to savour the story and read it slowly, but as usual I’m left wanting more.
The way the last few chapters run, I didn’t think they’d go this way, but it’s wartime and things happen. I’m eagerly looking forward to August and the imminent release of the next book.
I don’t want to comment on the story, as spoilers can be easily dropped in, but it’s up there as one of Ellie Dean’s best yet
I wanted to savour the story and read it slowly, but as usual I’m left wanting more.
The way the last few chapters run, I didn’t think they’d go this way, but it’s wartime and things happen. I’m eagerly looking forward to August and the imminent release of the next book.
I don’t want to comment on the story, as spoilers can be easily dropped in, but it’s up there as one of Ellie Dean’s best yet
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, I like them all but I do like the ones that are centered in Cliff haven and About
I really enjoyed this one, it was a good and easy read! I like the ones best that are centered at the boarding house and About the family there!
I really enjoyed this one, it was a good and easy read! I like the ones best that are centered at the boarding house and About the family there!
January 26, 2018
Absolutely amazing!
Loved this book from the first sentence to the last full stop. I felt as if I was actually there, feeling the grief and the excitement along with Peggy and the rest of the family, I can't wait for the next installment, well done Ellie xx 😀😀😀
Loved this book from the first sentence to the last full stop. I felt as if I was actually there, feeling the grief and the excitement along with Peggy and the rest of the family, I can't wait for the next installment, well done Ellie xx 😀😀😀
January 26, 2018
With a kiss and a prayer
Once more Ellie you have surpassed your self and left me wanting more always want the story never to end you are an amazing writer and now longing for the next episode
*****
Once more Ellie you have surpassed your self and left me wanting more always want the story never to end you are an amazing writer and now longing for the next episode
*****
January 28, 2018
Another great book were you feel as though you are living with them
I have read all the Whitehaven books, they are by my favourite author Ellie Dean.
I just get so caught up in there lives you feel part of the family. Can't wait for the next one.
I have read all the Whitehaven books, they are by my favourite author Ellie Dean.
I just get so caught up in there lives you feel part of the family. Can't wait for the next one.
February 8, 2018
Great book
Another great book by Ellie Dean, the cliffehaven series a great to read.
You feel like you know the people in the book.
It brings a tear to your eyes, and also makes you laugh at what Ron gets up to
Another great book by Ellie Dean, the cliffehaven series a great to read.
You feel like you know the people in the book.
It brings a tear to your eyes, and also makes you laugh at what Ron gets up to
February 24, 2018
Another great book in this series.
It was good to read about how the family was getting on. It as if they belong to us. I did not see the end coming which I found a tragic surprise.
Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
Nick Poole.
It was good to read about how the family was getting on. It as if they belong to us. I did not see the end coming which I found a tragic surprise.
Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
Nick Poole.
August 6, 2018
I love these books. This one ends with some mystery when a v1 rocket blows up Doris's house with her 20 chosen aristocratic women inside. The cans of fuel that Doris had her gracefully of made the damage worse and why were some of the women found in her bedroom.
November 29, 2018
Excellent book
This book transports you back in time to the second world war. You feel every bit part of the family. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Peggy and family.
This book transports you back in time to the second world war. You feel every bit part of the family. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to Peggy and family.
April 20, 2019
I have read a couple of the Cliffehaven books before and really enjoy hreading about the exploits of Ron, Peggy and the other inhabitants of the Beach View Boarding House. Must read some more to fill in the gaps.
June 20, 2020
Loved it!
Another brilliant book. Peggy feels like a friend now ! A lovely story and you get involved in all the characters
Ellie Dean is a brilliant writer. Can’t wait to read the next one
Another brilliant book. Peggy feels like a friend now ! A lovely story and you get involved in all the characters
Ellie Dean is a brilliant writer. Can’t wait to read the next one
February 2, 2018
Review to follow.
February 8, 2018
Tissues at the ready for another moving story line
February 12, 2018
Excellent reading as usual. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 15, 2018
Brilliantly written as always.
As always brilliantly written. Makes you feel part of the family. Can't wait for the next enthralling episode in August
As always brilliantly written. Makes you feel part of the family. Can't wait for the next enthralling episode in August
March 15, 2018
A good wee read about a family during the second World War which I enjoyed and looking forward to finding the others in the series.
March 18, 2018
Another fab book in the cliffhaven saga look forward to the next one in Aug X
April 16, 2018
This series never fails to disappoint, such a heart warming story every time with the added bonus of learning about the Allied invasions, and what went on with Japanese fighting in Burma....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews