While We're Apart

By: Ellie Dean

Narrated by: Penelope Freeman

The compelling new Second World War novel from Sunday Times top-ten best-selling author of Some Lucky Day.

It is 1942, and England is at war. Mary Jones has just celebrated her eighteenth birthday and said good-bye to her childhood sweetheart, Jack, when she learns her house has taken a direct hit during a tip-and-run raid.With both her parents dead and her home destroyed, a distraught Mary moves in with Jack’s parents.

But her father's trunk is still intact amid the ruins, and Mary discovers a shocking secret amongst his diaries. Mary travels to Cliffehaven on the south coast in search of answers. There she is billeted withPeggy Reilly’s fearsome sister, Doris. When warm-hearted Peggy befriends Mary, she discovers the young woman’s secret. But she begins to regret getting involved, for there can be only trouble ahead...

©2005 Ellie Dean (P)2015 Random House Audiobooks

narration

Penelope Freeman's narration sounds a bit like she's narrating Harry Potter or Charles Dickens--all a bit over the top. I much prefer Aldington and Maisey.

Half a Book

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This is only half a book because there is a cliffhanger. There is too much time spent recapping who everyone is, and too much time spent outside of Clifhaven though. Mary is a bit boring. She comes with a pre-established career path, and boyfriend so there wasn't much suspense.

Would you recommend While We're Apart to your friends? Why or why not?

I think it was a decent book. But some of the backstory I just skimmed. I don't need to be told that Ron is the dapper Irish grandfather who loves poaching and hunting with his ferrets for the umpteenth time.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Penelope Freeman?

I would

Was While We're Apart worth the listening time?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Be warned. Its only the first half of the story. To get the second half you need to pick up the book since Audible doesn't sell book 10 for some reason.

Love Ellie Dean - hate this narrator

I love all of the books in the series, but I absolutely hate Penelope Freeman. It makes me want to skip all of the ones that are narrated by her.

Neither The End Nor Beginning

This is part of the beach view series so you really needed to have read at least one or two others to understand who some of the characters were. Plus I'm sure Ms Dean isn't going to leave us all hanging since there are many loose ends to be tied up in Peggy's family alone..plus the wars not even over!

I love all of the books but I suggest you start with the first one and it will fall in line Better

Good read, terrible narration!

I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed all of the Cliffhaven series, with the exception of the narrator. I almost stopped listening a few times. The characters voices were awful, some were like nails on a chalkboard. I much preferred Julie Maisey. Also, it would be really nice if book nine were available on Audible as it is the second half of this book. Guess I will have to purchase a hard copy and read it on my free time.

Good, but somewhat disappointing!

Didn’t care for the reader at first, took some getting used to after the first books were read very well by someone else, Once I did it was fine. While the storyline was good it seemed unfinished. Even though this book is part of the series ,the other books in this series are complete in themselves. Added to this disappointment I find the next book is not available as an audio.

Left in the Dark

What would have made While We're Apart better?

A better ending to the story, left one up in the air, maybe needs a sequel

Would you be willing to try another book from Ellie Dean? Why or why not?

Yes I think so.

Which scene was your favorite?

The bombing of the waterfront and the saving of Mother & Baby

What character would you cut from While We're Apart?

None that I can think of

Any additional comments?

Yes needs a better ending. Left a lot unexplained.