The Runaway Children

By: Sandy Taylor

Narrated by: Alison Campbell

An unforgettable journey of two evacuee sisters during the Second World War - and their determination to stay together no matter what.

London, 1942: Thirteen-year-old Nell and five-year-old Olive are being sent away from home to escape the devastation of the East End during the Blitz. Leaving behind their beloved mother and brothers, they don’t know if they will ever see them again. As the sisters adjust to their new life in a close-knit Welsh village, they gradually find hope in the friendships they make. And Nell kindles a special bond with fellow evacuee Jimmy, who makes her smile even at the hardest of times. But when little Olive’s safety is threatened, Nell makes a decision that will change their lives forever. They must run from danger and find their way home....

Together, through tears and laughter, the two sisters hold each other’s hands as they make an incredibly brave journey across war-torn England. Will they be reunited with the family they have missed for so many years? Or is there more heartache to come?

A moving story of unconditional love, friendship and the fight for survival during a time of unimaginable change. This book is guaranteed to find a place in your heart. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train and The Girl With No Name.

©2017 Sandy Taylor (P)2017 Bookouture

Love and loyalty win

This is the 2nd book by Sandy Taylor I have read. The audio quality of When We Danced at the End of the Pier was not as good. I was told that using enhanced audio would help. I changed my download to that and there was no problem The story is that of two sisters, five and thirteen who are evacuated to Wales during WWII. Their brother who is supposed to go with them refuses. Their mum and very new baby brother remain also in London. The two girls experience first welcome and love, and then a frightful billet with a nasty old woman and her disgusting son. They escape and travel around, always sticking together and supporting one another. One would think that the older is always looking out for her little sister, but little Olive is sweet, honest and loving. Sometimes it is she who has the bright ideas.

I loved the fact that these two stayed together through the whole war and triumphed in the end. We forget that thousands upon thousands of kids were separated from their families during the war in the U.K. For some it was the best thing which ever happened to them. For others it was a nightmare which never left them. This is not a profound story in many ways, but its gentleness and attention to detail made it a lovely read. The narrator was good, and could sound extremely young sometimes. Either she really is, or can just get into the characters. Her accents were good and she obviously liked the girls she was voicing. It's a lovely read for a dreary day. It will help restore your faith in people if you are feeling a bit jaded.

Less urgent, less anxious kind of love

The way the prime characters interacted was a most definite positive! Olive and her big sister are definitely characters that need their own series!

Delightful

I loved this book, it’s characters and the classy heartfelt manner the story unfolded… one of my favorite WW 2 fiction stories… I could feel each of their steps, pain, joy, taste their food and feel their love… a great read from a youthful perspective…

The Runaway Children

I loved loved the whole book! I will recommend this book to my daughter.
This story will stay with me for a very long time. I smiled, I laughed and I cried, all the while in my daily walks.
Thank you for this glorious book!!

Absolutely Wonderful

A lovely story with all elements, love of family, friends and neighbors. Each helping the other survive through the toughest of times. I highly recommend it.

Well read with perfect inflections.