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Cliffehaven #19
A Place Called Home
It's 1945. Victory has been declared and those who have been away during the war are finally coming home to Cliffehaven.
Peggy Reilly is over the moon that her husband Jim is safely back from Burma. But the horrors that he has endured over many years are taking their toll, and adjusting to life at Beach View will not be an easy task.
Meanwhile evacuee chick Ruby Clark may be a grown woman now but she has much to contend with when her estranged mother Ethel appears having been released from prison. There is more heartache still to come and it's only with the love and support of her Beach View family that Ruby will weather the storms ahead.
After such a long separation, nothing can prepare Peggy and Jim for the challenges that face them now they are reunited. Will they be able to rekindle the love that kept them going for so long while they were apart?
Peggy Reilly is over the moon that her husband Jim is safely back from Burma. But the horrors that he has endured over many years are taking their toll, and adjusting to life at Beach View will not be an easy task.
Meanwhile evacuee chick Ruby Clark may be a grown woman now but she has much to contend with when her estranged mother Ethel appears having been released from prison. There is more heartache still to come and it's only with the love and support of her Beach View family that Ruby will weather the storms ahead.
After such a long separation, nothing can prepare Peggy and Jim for the challenges that face them now they are reunited. Will they be able to rekindle the love that kept them going for so long while they were apart?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2023
63 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Dean
33 books137 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 33 reviews
March 27, 2023
When I pick up an Ellie Dean book I know that's my day gone because I have to keep reading until I'm finished. I love this series. I thought book 18 was the final one so was delighted when I discovered this and though it says on Amazon that it's book 19 of 19 going by the ending I think there's more to come. I certainly hope there is! It's taken a new direction because the war is over so it's now about the aftermath.
I loved being back at Beach View Boarding House with Peggy and the gang. Peggy Riley is my book heroine. She's a wonderful character who has had to endure an awful lot in her lifetime. She's caring and loyal, a great friend and a loving wife and mother.
Jim is home from the war but he's not finding it easy. The things he's endured in Burma are making life difficult for him, also he's feels at times that he's surplus to requirements at home because Peggy has become so independent and his family grown up. With the help of his father, Ron, he gets himself on the right road.
Ron and Rosie have moved into their new house but things are not easy for them and they need a good heart to heart.
Ruby now runs the pub and her mother Ethel appears again. She's as miserable as ever but needs Ruby's help. I have no sympathy for her at all. She's an appalling person and I wanted Ruby to close the door in her face.
It can get a bit over sentimental at times, I'm not keen on this in books but the story makes up for it. A wonderful read.
I loved being back at Beach View Boarding House with Peggy and the gang. Peggy Riley is my book heroine. She's a wonderful character who has had to endure an awful lot in her lifetime. She's caring and loyal, a great friend and a loving wife and mother.
Jim is home from the war but he's not finding it easy. The things he's endured in Burma are making life difficult for him, also he's feels at times that he's surplus to requirements at home because Peggy has become so independent and his family grown up. With the help of his father, Ron, he gets himself on the right road.
Ron and Rosie have moved into their new house but things are not easy for them and they need a good heart to heart.
Ruby now runs the pub and her mother Ethel appears again. She's as miserable as ever but needs Ruby's help. I have no sympathy for her at all. She's an appalling person and I wanted Ruby to close the door in her face.
It can get a bit over sentimental at times, I'm not keen on this in books but the story makes up for it. A wonderful read.
March 23, 2023
Oh what a FABUPOUS book this was to read from the first page I was back in Cliffehaven back with the Reilly family and all the locals. I was so happy to know that Ellie Dean had another book coming out as I have so missed these books. From start to finish I felt at home reading of life in the Reilly home and in Cliffhaven. Even Doris is still the same pain in Peggy's life(lol) Fans will love this book as I did and congratulations Ellie Dean 5* and welcome back.
January 20, 2026
After the rather boring and rushed ending I thought of this as a reset for the series. The war is over, all the evacuees are gone or moved on, except Ruby who I wonder if the author hates since she snatched her happy ending from her in what was supposed to be the finale of the series.
It's fall of 1946 and as is the usual things are not very consistent. Food is strictly rationed, building supplies and clothing, and makeup are not, or maybe they are? It changes depending on the chapter you're reading. But the reset was needed and did improve the series a little.
Jim is back and is suffering horrible PTSD which was well done, from loud noises to bad dreams, alcoholism and he and his family are trying to deal with it. Jim finds a network of people who will help him through this. And he appears to have grown a lot from the skirt chaser he was at the beginning of the series.
Ruby is running the Anchor now and has a surprise visit from her mother who's out of jail. This story was also well done. The conflicting emotions you go through when your abusive mother returns and is sick and dying. It's very complicated but also very real and well done here. The ending was heartbreaking. Poor Ruby.
Peggy is better here, not quite as nosy and interfering although she has her moments. Not sure why they're turning Doris back into what she was, or trying to. But then again she did that to Ethel as well. She went from bad to a redeemed person then back to back for a weird plot point.
Ron annoyed the hell out of me. I would've murdered him. As a health care worker I despise people like him. What a selfish man. I loved that Rosie yelled at him but she sadly gave in eventually.
But overall this was like a brand new series. I'm going to do my best to forget the war part of the series as it went off the rails for me especially toward the end and treated one person horrifically and the person who treated him that way got her happy ending while poor Ruby who suffered all her life got knocked down. There's hints that things might go okay for Ruby though but as Rosie wisely said she'll need time before she moves on. Rosie has become my favourite in this series. She's become the wise voice of reason that Peggy once was. I can only hope this second Cliffehaven series continues to be good and doesn't drag on, which is what I think went wrong with the first series.
It's fall of 1946 and as is the usual things are not very consistent. Food is strictly rationed, building supplies and clothing, and makeup are not, or maybe they are? It changes depending on the chapter you're reading. But the reset was needed and did improve the series a little.
Jim is back and is suffering horrible PTSD which was well done, from loud noises to bad dreams, alcoholism and he and his family are trying to deal with it. Jim finds a network of people who will help him through this. And he appears to have grown a lot from the skirt chaser he was at the beginning of the series.
Ruby is running the Anchor now and has a surprise visit from her mother who's out of jail. This story was also well done. The conflicting emotions you go through when your abusive mother returns and is sick and dying. It's very complicated but also very real and well done here. The ending was heartbreaking. Poor Ruby.
Peggy is better here, not quite as nosy and interfering although she has her moments. Not sure why they're turning Doris back into what she was, or trying to. But then again she did that to Ethel as well. She went from bad to a redeemed person then back to back for a weird plot point.
Ron annoyed the hell out of me. I would've murdered him. As a health care worker I despise people like him. What a selfish man. I loved that Rosie yelled at him but she sadly gave in eventually.
But overall this was like a brand new series. I'm going to do my best to forget the war part of the series as it went off the rails for me especially toward the end and treated one person horrifically and the person who treated him that way got her happy ending while poor Ruby who suffered all her life got knocked down. There's hints that things might go okay for Ruby though but as Rosie wisely said she'll need time before she moves on. Rosie has become my favourite in this series. She's become the wise voice of reason that Peggy once was. I can only hope this second Cliffehaven series continues to be good and doesn't drag on, which is what I think went wrong with the first series.
April 5, 2023
I was so pleased to be reading book 19, that Ellie got to write as it finished Peggy and Jim's story.
March 16, 2023
Totally unexpected new installment from Clifhaven. I was so thrilled to have another visit with Peggy, Ron, Rosie and all the others. Ellie Dean has given us another lovely story.
March 25, 2023
Just The Thing
I’ve read every book in Ellie Dean’s Cliffehaven series (this is #19). Each one was like tucking into your favorite comfort food, curling up by warm fire 🔥 on a snowy
❄️ evening. I just hope this won’t be the last.
I’ve started to feel like these people are a part of my family and, Beach View House is my “home away from home”.
I’ve read every book in Ellie Dean’s Cliffehaven series (this is #19). Each one was like tucking into your favorite comfort food, curling up by warm fire 🔥 on a snowy
❄️ evening. I just hope this won’t be the last.
I’ve started to feel like these people are a part of my family and, Beach View House is my “home away from home”.
April 16, 2023
Jim is home, but he's struggling with the after effects. I found Jim's story to be quite sad. His struggles with noise must have been horrendous.
Like previous books, there are a few sidestories running throughout the book, which I also enjoyed. I always love Ron's antics, and it's good to see he's the same loveable rouge.
The war might be over, but there is still a lot to rebuild, rationing is still needed, and you still can't make a decent cup of tea! I've enjoyed seeing a snapshot of life after the war. One thing I was surprised to see were the modern kitchen appliances.
Another fantastic read, and I'm so looking forward to the next book.
Like previous books, there are a few sidestories running throughout the book, which I also enjoyed. I always love Ron's antics, and it's good to see he's the same loveable rouge.
The war might be over, but there is still a lot to rebuild, rationing is still needed, and you still can't make a decent cup of tea! I've enjoyed seeing a snapshot of life after the war. One thing I was surprised to see were the modern kitchen appliances.
Another fantastic read, and I'm so looking forward to the next book.
May 21, 2025
It was with a heavy heart that I finished reading 'Homecoming', as I believed that it was to be the last book in this series. Even after a 3-year gap I still found myself occasionally thinking about Cliffehaven and its inhabitants, and I missed hearing about the goings-on at Beach View; and so I made the decision to start the series over again - but this time, would read them in order!
Imagine my delight when, on searching Kindle, I discovered that Ellie Dean had decided to continue with the Cliffhaven saga, and that there were now another THREE books awaiting my attention!
It was such a treat to catch up with 'old friends'
Imagine my delight when, on searching Kindle, I discovered that Ellie Dean had decided to continue with the Cliffhaven saga, and that there were now another THREE books awaiting my attention!
It was such a treat to catch up with 'old friends'
March 19, 2023
Absolutely amazing!!!!
As always Ellie Dean has delivered perfection!! I have read this series from the very beginning and it has gone from strength to strength!! I really feel like all the characters are my best friends and can picture myself sitting around the kitchen table or standing at the bar of the Anchor pub and feeling like I'm part of the right knit community that is Cliffehaven. I just cannot wait for the next book!!
Ellie Dean, your husband would be so proud of you!!!!!
As always Ellie Dean has delivered perfection!! I have read this series from the very beginning and it has gone from strength to strength!! I really feel like all the characters are my best friends and can picture myself sitting around the kitchen table or standing at the bar of the Anchor pub and feeling like I'm part of the right knit community that is Cliffehaven. I just cannot wait for the next book!!
Ellie Dean, your husband would be so proud of you!!!!!
August 10, 2023
Such a good read
I’ve read all of the Cliffhaven series and am sorry this is the last book. Ellie Dean has described everything so well you can imagine completely as if you are there. Peggy’s life with all her evacuees has been a real treasure to read. It’s been funny & heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed learning about Ron & his shenanigans & Jim & his war which Ellie describes so vividly. I must find her other books she’s written. I’m going to miss the Cliffhaven series.
I’ve read all of the Cliffhaven series and am sorry this is the last book. Ellie Dean has described everything so well you can imagine completely as if you are there. Peggy’s life with all her evacuees has been a real treasure to read. It’s been funny & heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed learning about Ron & his shenanigans & Jim & his war which Ellie describes so vividly. I must find her other books she’s written. I’m going to miss the Cliffhaven series.
December 10, 2023
Bad memories
I have loved reading this series from the start it has been well written and at times has kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next in the seaside town of Cliffehaven. I am so pleased that Ellie Dean has decided to write another sequel which is book No 20 and is to be released March 2024 I can't wait.If you have not read any of these books try them they are brilliant they are sad, happy family orientated and with some war experiences as well but well written. Thank you Ellie Dean for a master piece
I have loved reading this series from the start it has been well written and at times has kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next in the seaside town of Cliffehaven. I am so pleased that Ellie Dean has decided to write another sequel which is book No 20 and is to be released March 2024 I can't wait.If you have not read any of these books try them they are brilliant they are sad, happy family orientated and with some war experiences as well but well written. Thank you Ellie Dean for a master piece
March 24, 2023
I can honestly say I have loved every book in this series.
Each one focusing on a different main character but evolving lives of everyone else in the family and peripheral characters too. I love that this is now post war and it talks about the hardships post war and what it was like for returning servicemen and women trying to integrate back into family life. Difficult subject matter handled beautifully.
Each one focusing on a different main character but evolving lives of everyone else in the family and peripheral characters too. I love that this is now post war and it talks about the hardships post war and what it was like for returning servicemen and women trying to integrate back into family life. Difficult subject matter handled beautifully.
April 3, 2023
I have been wishing for this book since Ellie announced that she wasn't writing any more so was so happy to hear she'd started writing again. After reading the 1st few pages it was like I was back in Cliffehaven with the Reilly family again and I loved it! I'm a little bit sad that I've finished it but I think there is another book on its way which hopefully won't be too long. So glad you're back Ellie Dean xx
November 6, 2023
I loved this book the 19th in this series
I felt at home reading this book back in the bosom of the Reilly family and the residents of Cliffhaven. Poor Jim had to get used to civilian life and Daisy was very wary of Him as he was in competition for her Mum's attention and a stranger in her young life. I felt quite emotional at times reading this book but also laughed at what Tom got up to. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in this series.
I felt at home reading this book back in the bosom of the Reilly family and the residents of Cliffhaven. Poor Jim had to get used to civilian life and Daisy was very wary of Him as he was in competition for her Mum's attention and a stranger in her young life. I felt quite emotional at times reading this book but also laughed at what Tom got up to. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in this series.
April 4, 2023
Another brilliant read
I have thoroughly enjoined all the books in this series and am sad that it has come to an end. I don't understand though why a description of the family is at the end of this book, it doesn't tie in with the book.
However I do hope there will be more series like this in the future.
I hope there will be mor
I have thoroughly enjoined all the books in this series and am sad that it has come to an end. I don't understand though why a description of the family is at the end of this book, it doesn't tie in with the book.
However I do hope there will be more series like this in the future.
I hope there will be mor
March 20, 2023
another brilliant read
This book a place called home was well worth waiting for I love the cliffhaven series following all the lives of the characters especially Peggy & Jim Ron & Rosie and everybody else Ellie dean is a fantastic author can’t wait for book 20
This book a place called home was well worth waiting for I love the cliffhaven series following all the lives of the characters especially Peggy & Jim Ron & Rosie and everybody else Ellie dean is a fantastic author can’t wait for book 20
March 23, 2023
Excellent
Another wonderful book from Ellie Dean following the lives of the Reilly family and the extended family. Now that the war is over, I hope there is going to be further books in this series, hopefully taking it to present day.
Another wonderful book from Ellie Dean following the lives of the Reilly family and the extended family. Now that the war is over, I hope there is going to be further books in this series, hopefully taking it to present day.
March 29, 2023
A place called home
Welcome back Peggy and co. I can't tell you how much I have missed Peggy and ger gang, it's so good to see them back again and I'm really looking forward to any further sagas in the Cliffhaven series. Thank you so much Ellie Dean
Welcome back Peggy and co. I can't tell you how much I have missed Peggy and ger gang, it's so good to see them back again and I'm really looking forward to any further sagas in the Cliffhaven series. Thank you so much Ellie Dean
April 7, 2023
The best series of books
Please write more it can't stop here
Peggy is the most wonderful and heart-warming personally. I wish I had a Peggy.
I've read this series 3 times and will read it many more..
Thankyou
Please write more it can't stop here
Peggy is the most wonderful and heart-warming personally. I wish I had a Peggy.
I've read this series 3 times and will read it many more..
Thankyou
May 10, 2023
Ready for the next one already :)
I loved reading every minute of this. It feels like home catching up with the Reilly's. I've cried, I've laughed and I couldn't put it down.
The only thing that could make this slightly better is for them to be made into a tv drama .
I loved reading every minute of this. It feels like home catching up with the Reilly's. I've cried, I've laughed and I couldn't put it down.
The only thing that could make this slightly better is for them to be made into a tv drama .
Read
March 23, 2023Omg I loved this book. I was so sad when I finished it
Please write another one please
I’ve read the whole series now
Please write another one please
I’ve read the whole series now
March 24, 2023
A Place Called Home
As always a really brilliant book, bringing so many of the characters back. Thank you Ellie Dean, keep in writing
As always a really brilliant book, bringing so many of the characters back. Thank you Ellie Dean, keep in writing
March 26, 2023
Fantastisch zoals altijd, kijk nu al uit naar deel 20 volgend jaar!!
March 28, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, catching up with how life has been treating the Cliffehaven people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2023
Welcome back to Cliffhaven
Once again back with Peggy and her chicks, and all the going ins in Cliffhaven. Can’t wait for the next book.
Once again back with Peggy and her chicks, and all the going ins in Cliffhaven. Can’t wait for the next book.
May 14, 2023
Have read the whole series wonderful books.
May 22, 2023
Sandra
Loved the new book. I have read the whole series and hope it will have more books to come. Excellent writing the characters are so real and loving.
Loved the new book. I have read the whole series and hope it will have more books to come. Excellent writing the characters are so real and loving.
October 16, 2023
Excellent as always.
December 25, 2023
A satisfying ending to the saga. The book was quite well written, but much of the dialogue was a bit naive and clichéd.
April 1, 2024
Looking forward to book 21
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews