Ellie Dean
Ellie
Dean lives in a tiny hamlet set deep in the heart of the South
Downs in Sussex which offers the tranquillity so necessary for
an author. Ellie finally married her childhood sweetheart eight
years ago, and together they share two daughters, three sons and
six grandchildren, who are scattered all over the world.
Latest book: FAR FROM HOME
It
is 1940 and Staff Nurse Polly Brown has been granted a posting
at Cliffehaven Memorial Hospital on the south coast to be near
her badly injured husband, Adam. But her decision has meant that
she has had to part with their beloved five-year-old daughter,
Alice, who is travelling to safety in Canada.
Polly's heart is torn in two as she says goodbye to Alice and
heads to the Beach View boarding house in Cliffehaven, where she
throws herself into her work.
But as she confronts the fact that Adam may not survive his injuries,
a telegram arrives at Beach View. The boat Alice was on has been
torpedoed by a German U-boat...
THERE'LL BE BLUE SKIES
1939.
Life has not been easy for sixteen year old Sally Turner, or her
much younger, crippled brother, Ernie. Their feckless mother,
Florrie, has all but abandoned them now war has been declared,
and the pubs and dance-halls of the East End of London are crowded
with service-men – and their beloved father, Harry is at sea
with the Atlantic Convoys. Sally has no choice but to accompany
Ernie when he is evacuated to the south coast of England.
The sights, sounds and scents of the East End are all she has
ever known, and as the familiar landmarks are replaced by open
countryside, Sally is as fearful as her little brother – but
she must keep her dread to herself, for he depends upon her to
keep him safe.
Their arrival in Cliffehaven realises all Sally’s worst fears,
for it seems no-one wants to take in a child crippled by polio,
and the only option is for Ernie to be placed in an orphanage.
Sally defies the authorities and refuses to be separated from
him.
Sally and Ernie are rescued by Peggy Reilly, the owner of Beach
View Boarding House. It is in this warm, welcoming home that Sally
and Ernie discover love, comfort and the true meaning of family. And
then Florrie turns up, and Sally’s security and new-found self-belief
is endangered.
But as 1940 brings the horrors of Dunkirk, and enemy bombing-raids
to Cliffehaven, it is clear to everyone that Sally and the children
must be evacuated to Wales. Sally is distraught, for it will mean
leaving behind the people she’s come to love, and the fledgling
home dressmaking business that is beginning to flourish. But
hardest of all, it will mean never seeing John Hicks again –
and never to know why he seems so determined to break her heart
with his coldness.
KEEP
SMILING THROUGH
due for release August 2012
Bibliography:
THERE'LL BE BLUE SKIES
is Ellie Dean's first family saga for Arrow.
FAR FROM HOME
is the second in the Beach View Boarding House series for Arrow
KEEP SMILING THROUGH
continues the series, due for release August 2012
WHERE THE HEART LIES
follows the family's fortunes, due for release early 2013
