As the Sun Breaks Through

Cliffehaven #15

by Ellie Dean

Cliffehaven, June 1944

As the planes continue to circle over Cliffehaven, Peggy Reilly’s sister Doris must seek refuge after a V-1 blast destroys her home. Rita, Sarah and the other residents at Beach View Boarding House quickly find their peace disturbed and it’s not long before even Peggy loses her patience. But with more bad news to come, will Doris finally be forced to swallow her pride?

Meanwhile Peggy’s father-in-law Ron Reilly is delighted when his sweetheart Rosie returns home. Until a heart-breaking confession suggests things may never be the same between them.

With loved ones scattered far and wide across the globe, and tensions running high, the end of the war feels somehow further than ever. And yet with the long-awaited Allied invasion in sight, a glimmer of light is starting to break through…


A fabulous, heart-warming Second World War novel in Ellie Dean's bestselling Cliffehaven series (previously called the Beach View Boarding House series).

Genres: Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2018

About the author

Ellie Dean lives in Eastbourne, which has been her home for many years and where she raised her three children.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifteenth book in the series and I've read them all. I felt the last two weren't the best but it's back on track with this one. I loved it!
Peggy Reilly and her family are a lovable bunch. The house is always full with people coming and going all the time. In this book Peggy has her horrible sister Doris living with her as she's been bombed out. I've always disliked Doris intensely and would never put up with the treatment she dishes out to all and sundry. Can she change?
Ron and his dog Harvey are two favorites of mine. Ron is an old rogue who's always trying to get out of doing jobs around the house but he loves Peggy to bits and she couldn't do without him. We see quite a lot of him and his beloved Rosie in this book.
There's a lot going on in this edition. I know the war is coming to an end but there's still a lot to be told so here's hoping there are a few more books to come.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I love, love, love this series of books. Ellie Dean is by far my favourite author. I feel as if Peggy, Ron, Cordelia and the rest are much loved family members that I only get to catch up with them now and again. There is so much warmth in these books that it flows from the pages and can't fail to bring a smile to your face or perhaps a tear. This book has mainly good news for the residents of Cliffhaven, the war is slowly nearing its end and unfortunately so is this series. I didn't want this book to end and I await the next book eagerly.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has improved the series. Peggy still needs to learn boundaries and frankly I'm not sure the author understands wartime rationing either. Another reviewer said this series has gone on too long and as with many long running series characters start becoming caricatures of themselves and drama is thrown in to shake things up and it doesn't need to be there.
The story picks up right where the last one left. D-day has arrived and there's hope in the air that the war will end soon. Sarah is dealing with her overly hopeful mother who looks forward to having a girls back home. Sarah and Jane don't know if they want to go home. This was the story that annoyed me. Seriously I wish a bomb would drop on Delaney, which is a dumb name and also probably a girl name? He's a pompous arrogant twat who lied to everyone about being married so girls wouldn't throw themselves at him. Dude there's an air base filled with handsome heroic pilots some of them American, what makes you think they'd go after some dumb desk jockey? He took advantage of a lady far from home and who is missing her family and fiance and I hate him and am tired of people in this book making him out to be this wonderful guy. He is not. Also, I can get Jane not wanting to go home given how she was treated but Sarah loved her life in Malaya and Phillip. I would be so desperate to go home to see my mother and baby brother I've never met before. I sincerely hope that Sarah returns to her mother and falls in love with either Phillip or with a handsome Australian and leaves that arrogant lying American behind. But given how he's being pushed I doubt she will which makes me question Sarah's intelligence.
Okay one rant over the next is Peggy's lack of boundaries and respect for other people. Her constant need to romance, marriage and to but into others lives has gotten annoying as the series goes on. Rita states she wants a small no fuss wedding which Peggy immediately pushes in saying no way she's going to have a big wedding no matter what. Way to respect other's wishes. Also not everyone wants romance or to get married even back then.
Third rant, does no one know there's a war going on? Two instances of white bread being sold, expensive yes but also how did that happen with such tight rationing? There seems to be endless amounts of jam, meat, makeup and other items which were in very short supply and as another reviewer said there seems a fairy tale aspect to this series where there's little shortages and not one main character ever dies. Also there's Peggy in the past few books demanding to know where people are like Danuta which would be top secret and the fact that Ron let it slip would be terrifying if this wasn't fiction and could cost people their lives. Seriously there are women who worked as spies and their husbands and children only found out years later, some didn't know until after the person had died.
Otherwise this book does improve on the last few and Peggy despite being annoying at times was much better. Doris is staying with the family after her house was bombed out. It starts with a big blow up and then after Doris attends a memorial service for her lost friends her Mrs. Bucket persona is shattered and she becomes a decent person at last.
Ron and Rosie finally get engaged, as does Fran whose wedding ends the story.
My favourite character Danuta has recovered at last and she returns to the house and starts to plan for her future. And I love her and hope she finds happiness.
There's a few scenes with Jim in Burma but as I never liked him, since his whole character is heavily flirting to the point where I think he might've cheated on Peggy earlier in the series, I didn't really care. I'm tired of him and Ron being painted as these wonderful loving men when really they are or were both lazy skirt chasers.
Anyway this book was decent, the war is winding down for sure, Paris is liberated now and they are getting close to Berlin and I'm both excited and irritated to see what will happen to everyone when this is all over.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved moving into Beachview with the Reilly family and their chicks.Rosie has returned and Doris lost her home two very different women's story of life and how to cope.I love joining peggy in the kitchen and hearing about everyone's day and to learn of their loved ones who are fighting abroad.Ron worries about jim and makes sure he there should peggy need him.I don't want to spoil the book for others so will just say if you haven't read the cliffehaven series then i can 100% recommend them.well worth 5*

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

So in love with Ellie Deans Cliffehaven series. If your a big fan of Historical fiction/ war fiction then you NEED to start these. Cannot wait again for January for the next instalment, really not looking forward to the last book :(

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and family

Another fantastic book of the cliffehaven series it will be a sad day when this series ends i love all the characters in these books and will be sorry when the series comes to a close hopefully with the wedding of Ron and Rosie 5 STARS for a fabulous read .

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always such a pleasure to return to Cliffehaven; this is now the fifteenth book in Ellie Dean's wartime saga and though only the third I have read, it already feels like returning to old friends. The tide of war is definitely turning and there's an air of hope surrounding the residents of Beach View Boarding House. Naturally it's not all plain sailing however, particularly as Peggy Reilly's dreadful sister, Doris has moved in after her house was destroyed by a Doodlebug. We saw an overburdened Peggy in the previous novel, With a Kiss and a Prayer but this time she's better supported and is a determined woman who will take no nonsense - especially from her sister. I'm sure I won't be the only one to cheer when Doris finally pushes her too far...
As with any long running saga, it's preferable to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the history of the characters but Ellie Dean always includes just enough back story to welcome new readers and it shouldn't take long for anybody starting here to become engrossed in the lives of the people of Cliffehaven. Though most of the book is set in the seaside town, some scenes are set in Burma again, where Peggy's husband, Jim is still fighting the Japanese. I sometimes feel that the war in the Far East is a little neglected in fiction but not so here, as the intense, energy sapping heat and perilous jungle terrain is brought vividly to life. The Japanese are slowly being overcome but still present a terrible danger and there's always a nerve-wracking feeling to the passages featuring Jim as injury and death never feels too far away here. When the monsoon starts, the rains should provide a blessed relief but soon the deluge brings back unwanted memories of the trench warfare of the First World War for Jim. His father, Ron also fought in that war and the pair are still haunted by the terrible things they witnessed.
This is really a series about those left behind and the constant worry they had for their loved ones fighting so far from home is portrayed with honesty and compassion. These are women who spend their days dreading a telegram, and the effect is has on everybody when one is delivered is almost palpable. Lives have been torn apart by the war and the suffering isn't over yet as more lives are lost or forever changed by injury. Though the reader is never left in any doubt as to how emotionally and physically draining those long years were, the indefatigable spirit of the people shines through too. Ellie Dean juxtaposes the difficult times with scenes of love, joy and humour and there is much to celebrate in As the Sun Breaks Through. The birth of babies is always special but particularly so in wartime and Mother Hen, Peggy looks forward to her brood growing bigger as Cliffehaven prepares to welcome more new arrivals. Romance is in the air too, both among the young and those who have a few more years on the clock and it turns out that it's never too late for people to change. The sense of community is truly touching as the residents of Cliffehaven help each other out time and again and I don't mind admitting I felt the prickle of tears a few times. Though the violence of war may be the worst that mankind can inflict on one another, the humanity of ordinary people persists even through the darkest days.
As the Sun Breaks Through has been my favourite of the Cliffehaven novels I have read so far. I've grown to love these characters and have become deeply invested in their lives. This many be fiction and as such it is never short of drama but the historical details add a real authenticity to the proceedings and are so evocative too. With the liberation of Paris, the war in Europe will be over soon but with our hindsight we know that's it's not all smooth sailing from here on and there's some ominous foreshadowing that there are still difficult times ahead, particularly as the full extent of Nazi atrocities becomes known. This has now become a must-read series for me and I'm eagerly looking forward to the publication of next instalment, On a Turning Tide next year.

[michelle reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series

I thoroughly enjoyed this next chapter in the lives of the people in Cliffehaven. I've read every book and enjoyed every one. Another great storyline. Can't wait for the next one!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As The Sun Breaks Through is the fifteenth book in the Cliffehaven series by Ellie Dean and despite being nearly 500 pages long I raced through the story as it was so engaging, realistic and endearing. Normally I would shy away from starting a series where so many books had been previously written, as I was new to this series only beginning with book thirteen The Waiting Hours, but there is something that always draws me to a good wartime, family saga book. I was glad I took the chance as I have fallen in love with the characters and the easy style of writing that sees chapters slip by as you become more engrossed in the story and all the goings on in Cliffehaven. It's also proof that each book is easily read as a standalone as I have had no problem following the main plotlines and the author slips in aspects of past books through Peggy's recollections and the fact she keeps in contact with all of the women who have passed through the doors of the Beach View Boarding House. As the series is nearing its conclusion I relish the fact that in the future I can go back and read all the books and meet of all the characters I haven't had the pleasure of getting to know yet. That sense of finishing a book and not having any more to read won't be present for me but also I really get the feeling that this series is one to be reread time and time again.

This new book follows directly on from where With a Kiss and a Prayer left off. Literally there is no gap of a few weeks or months instead we continue on in June 1944 as the Allies have just launched their major offensive to finally put a stop to the horrors of war instigated by Hitler. But following the events of the men away fighting is not the sole focus of the book, no instead we follow the lives of matriarch Peggy O'Reilly, her family and her chicks as she likes to call the young women who stay with her. Although every now and then there is a chapter from Jim's, Peggy's husband, point of view who is away fighting the Japanese in the jungles of Burma. I loved these chapters as they show the harrowing realities of being away from your family, fighting to exist every minute of every day not knowing what awaits around the corner. The tension and unease oozes from the pages and is in stark contrast to the lives of those at home patiently hoping and praying that the war will come to an end. That's not to say those in Cliffehaven have an easy life, of course they don't but I think dropping in chapters about Jim every so often re-enforces the fact that so many men sacrificed so much for their country.

With As The Sun Breaks Through, I got a real feeling that things were slowly starting to come to a resolution even though there is another year of the war to play out. There were no major new characters introduced which normally happens with each book, instead there was a real exploration of the characters already present that have I become invested in and familiar with. There was real character development and growth and the wrapping up of a few storylines. Given that this is the second to last book I enjoyed what I would call this winding down process. I think waiting until the last book to sort everything out would mean storylines which had been explored over so many books may be given a very rushed conclusion. I loved the brief paragraphs where Peggy would explain what had happened to one of the girls who had stayed at the boarding house and what they were up to now.

What I really enjoyed about this book is the fact that Peggy began to show her vulnerability and worries but also that she stood up for herself. She for so long has been the one who held everything together, who was all kinds of things to many people. The person who showed sympathy, compassion and support at every corner and now was the time when she showed a different side to her character and was more willing to accept help from others when for many years she was the one who had been dishing it out. She has taken so many girls under her wing in times of desperation when they needed help and a home and her generosity of spirit must not be undermined. But at times she came across to me as a bit of a pushover especially with regard to her sister Doris.

What a character was Doris. She was selfish, maddening and irritating and impossible to warm to at all.She seemed to think everyone and everything was beneath her, that there was one set of rules for her and she could boss and order people about at will. She has created a bad name for herself within Cliffehaven and when she needs support the most with the loss of her house through bombing will people be willing to give it to her? When Peggy stood up to Doris I wanted to applaud her as it is great to see someone get their comeuppance when it is so richly deserved. Doris in this book undergoes a transformation, a softening of sorts but one wonders is it too little too late?

What makes this series so special is that it embraces you right from the very beginning and allows you in to gain an insight into the lives of so many families during the war years but it do so in such a non flashy, over the top way. There aren't dramatics thrown in just for the sake of it. Instead it all flows so naturally and you feel like you are reading about friends who you are lucky enough to get to check in with perhaps twice a year to see how they are getting on with the daily struggles of deprivation and the constant worry and fear for loved ones. Ellie Dean has created one big family atmosphere with these books and at the centre of it all is Peggy who offers love and stalwart support. She gives others the courage and strength to carry on and has to be one the best written characters in a war time saga book. She likes feeling useful like one of the women all part of one larger army doing their bit to help win the war. But that's not to say she does all this unaided and for me her father-in-law Ron offers the comedic value to break up the feelings of despair and also anger that can be evident, which is natural of course.

Ron is the loveable rogue, who always has a few tricks up his sleeve and is never without his faithful canine companion Harvey by his side. We saw a new side to Ron in this book as he needs to grow up a little bit and make some life affirming decisions regarding commitment. Can he pick up the pieces with landlady of the local pub Rosie recently returned to Cliffehaven or is it too late to secure happiness? Is it possible for him to turn over a new leaf? Ron really stepped up to the mark in this story that's not to say he hasn't already supported the family in the absence of his son but I felt previously at times he got away with too much and presented this persona where he had a devil may care attitude and that he could flit in and out of the house at will without any due consideration for its inhabitants. But now we got more of an insight into all the simple little things he does that mean so much and that really he has a heart of gold. I hope he will get the happy ending he deserves.

There were lots of other characters mentioned who themselves have shared their stories and how they came to be in Cliffehaven in past books. Ivy who works in the armaments factory, Rita volunteering at the fire station, Fran working as a nurse at the local hospital and Danueta who has suffered so much but is now emerging stronger and attempting to recover and put the past behind her. The book I would definitely want to go back and read would be the one where Sarah's story featured as she left Singapore before it fell to the Japanese. From what I read here it sounded brilliant and now she is being forced by her mother to go and live with her family in Australia once war is over and loved ones return from fighting or hopefully will be released from prisoner of war camps. The only problem is has Sarah found a new and happy life and is there some one else waiting around the corner for her?

I relished every moment reading this wonderful book, it shows that love, life and laughter can exist in the darkest of times and it paints a realistic and accurate portrait of families during the war years. Of how communities came together and demonstrated that happiness had to be grabbed at every opportunity. It’s sad that many people's lives and futures were shaped by outside influences which they had no control over but without the sacrifices of those people who knows where we would be today. The sense of community, friendship and love that exudes from this book just gives you such a real good, warm feeling inside despite everything the characters experience.

Beach View House is packed full of genuine people who make up one big family who experience many ups and downs. In this book there are impossible choices to be made, relationships to be mended and amidst the times of joy there is anxiety pervading and tensions rising as the war grows ever nearer to a conclusion. But will those Peggy and co love so much return safe and sound? How can the town of Cliffehaven hope to remain the same place it was? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure amid darkness a ray of light is beginning to shine through, hope and unbreakable bonds between people who love and trust one another may just be enough to see them through to the bitter end. I really don't know how I'll wait until January 2019 when the final book On a Turning Tide is published to see how everything turns out as I have thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[claire lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read

Five star rating as this book doesn't disappoint. The reader can follow all the dramas of the characters and feel as if they are there with them. I don't know how Ellie does it she is such a great author. I know the series is coming to an end and I shall be very sad when it does as it has been like a part of my life for all of the saga. As I have said in previous reviews this would make an epic tv series. Let's all get in touch with the BBC and itv and get it on the screens so we can 're live the Cliffehaven experience.

[Gail Amendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a joy to be back in Cliffehaven again. This is the fifteenth book in the series, so each installment is like a reunion with old friends. This book picks up immediately after the last, and covers the summer and early fall after D-Day. The people of Cliffehaven have been suffering for five long years of war. People are worried about their loved ones away fighting, and the new V-1 flying bombs have brought renewed fear into their lives. At Beach View, our lovable protagonist Peggy is trying to adjust to life with her difficult sister Doris, as she has moved in with Peggy after losing her home to a V-1. Peggy's husband Jim is serving in the jungle in Burma, and we see snippets of what is happening to him. I read those parts with trepidation, as I knew it was unlikely to end well. Although difficult things continue to happen in the lives of the characters, the mood gradually lifts through the course of this book, as the people begin to rejoice in the Allied victories that came in the months after D-Day, and there is a sense of optimism by the end. This book endeavors to bring us up to speed with what is happening in the lives of many of the former residents of Beach View. There are a lot of them, but most of the updates take the form of Peggy's musings and remembrances as she goes about her daily life, so they actually fit in quite well with the story. One can tell that the author is preparing to wind the series down, which makes me sad. It wouldn't be a Beach View book without a little romance, and there are several in this one, none of which dominates the story. Really no one character or story line dominates this book, and it almost seems to be a book about nothing in particular. It is just a look at a few weeks in the lives of a group of people that I have come to care about, and which I have to keep reminding myself are not real.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

English south coast, 1944. As the planes continue to circle over Cliffehaven, Peggy Reilly's sister Doris Williams must seek refuge after a V-1 blast destroys her home in Havelock road. The residents at Beach View Boarding House quickly find their peace disturbed and it's not long before even Peggy loses her patience at her sister's snobbery and highhandedness. But with more bad news to come, will Doris finally be forced to swallow her pride, and will she find redemption in spite of her shortcomings? Meanwhile Peggy's father-in-law Ron Reilly is delighted when his sweetheart Rosie returns home. Until a heartbreaking confession suggests things may never be the same between them. With loved ones scattered far and wide across the globe, and tensions running high, the end of the war feels somehow further than ever. And yet with the long awaited Allied invasion in sight, a glimmer of light is starting to break through. The Burma campaign that Peggy's husband, Jim Reilly fights in, was a series of battles fought in the then British colony of Burma. It was part of the South-East Asian theatre of World War Two and primarily involved forces of the Allies; the British Empire and the Republic of China, with support from the US. They faced against the invading forces of Imperial Japan and others. The Allies recaptured Burma in late 1944. The Japanese tried invading India, which ultimately failed following the battles of Imphal and Kohima.The geographical characteristics of the region meant that weather, disease and terrain had a major effect on operations. The lack of transport infrastructure placed an emphasis on military engineering and air transport to move and supply troops, and evacuate wounded. It was also the only land campaign by the Western Allies in the Pacific Theatre which proceeded continuously from the start of hostilities to the end of the war.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Dean does it again. Ron and Rosie make plans for what they want for the future. With the death on her ex-husband , Doris makes changes to her life, the war seems to be coming to an end but there are still a lot of fighting to go on. Danula is out of the hospital and goes 'home" to live with Peggy. Fran is getting married. Kitty and Charlotte have their babies. Jim is in a hospital in India and his letters are cheerful as his injuries were non life threatening but things that he says makes Ron believe that there are deeper issues with his son (and there are). Next book is in January. I cannot wait.

[Fi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this entire series; I feel as though I 'know' the residents of Beach View, & actually find myself thinking about them even when I'm not currently reading one of the books .... "I wonder how Peggy is getting on without Jim by her side?" (as I'm peeling the potatoes); "Isn't Cordelia lucky to have found such a caring second family" (as I sort the laundry); "I do hope Ron & Rosie get together and stay together" (as I change the bed) ..... sometimes I feel as though they're more family to me than my actual family!
I know that I'm very near to the end of the series now & I'm really dreading getting to finish the final book

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally the long wait for this book is over. I devoured it in a matter of hours. It was lovely to visit Peggy and her family again, to follow the shenanigans of Ron and Harvey again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has a great mix of drama,humour and sadness.....and I can't wait for the next book in January.

I highly recommend this book. ...in fact I highly recommend this whole series...if you haven't read them...what you waiting for.....😆

[Jan Brickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most heart felt series I've read.

I've enjoyed this series from the first book on. Once I start reading it's easy to get lost in the story and the setting I almost feel like I'm there.
Ellie Dean's writing describes the setting perfectly. The characters are so real and interesting. The plot is well developed. The books are heart felt and easy to read. I can't wait to start the next book. I loved them all!

[MRS CHRISTINE SITTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

Yet again another story of Peggy and all her tribe. Have loved every book in this series and yet again couldn't put this one down. It had everything laughter, tears and some amazing surprises. Ron with his secrets from WW1 and even Doris was amazing. Love Ron and Harvey so much with their antics. Can't wait for the next one and hope it isn't the last one.

[Trudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this latest trip to catch up with Peggy and and the others in Cliffehaven. I love this series so much that I tried to slow down but as usual I read this too quickly and have to wait until January for the next. Couldn't fault this book at all apart from that it could have been longer 😁

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

It was lovely to catch up with everyone at Beach View and find out what happened after the V1 attack on Doris's house.
A very entertaining read and I look forward to the last instalment of the saga when they reach the end of the war. Thank you Ellie. Peggy and her family seem like the closest of friends to me now.

[Anne wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I chose a five star rating as that is what it deserved. Drama,passion,sadness all i. Equal qualities. These books have brought the horrors of war and the comeradrie is so true to life too you feel as though you are part of it.
Looking forward to the next book already preordered

[Sheila Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

History come to life.

Another brilliant book in this series. The writing is so good that I felt I was there, living the story with the characters who bring the history of those times to life so very well. Can't wait for the next one.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ellie Dean's Beach View Boarding house series! I listen to them on audio and it is such a treat. I feel as if I am there in the kitchen with Peggy and all the girls. Looking forward to the next book!

[Jane Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great

I have loved everyone of the books I can't wait for the next one I have cried and laughed my way through their ups and downs and every book just gets better and better as I say I d just great reads

[kathleen dorning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want it to end so pleased one more to come love the books

Can't wait for the next book all emotions coming too an end can't wait for Jim to come home love Peggy an how dorris has changed hope it goes on an on

[Beverly Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most enjoyable book of the series!

Great story of this continuing series. I love that Peggie and Doris (sisters) found a common ground and learned to love each other’s differences. I have a sister I struggle with and have found common ground too.

[Sheila Hawksworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it x

I have all the Cliffehaven books - either in books or Kindle. I cannot believe that it will be ending soon, and my father fought in Burma so it really is a treat to read about it as he would never talk to us girls about Burma.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book as always
The ups and downs of Beach view again make for an amazing read and with such a happy ending even though war is still on people’s lives just carry on having a great time but also thinking constantly of loved one gone or still fighting this war

[Corrine Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I hate that I have to wait till January for the next

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read like reading one of the family love it

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to miss this series when it is done.