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

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…

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.

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.

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!!

Amazing!!!!

Very much loved this story!! The little girl, Olive, had me laughing out loud throughout the story.

Love this story

Love historical fiction where history is part of an ordinary persons life. The narration was believable.

A lovely story

I enjoyed this story albeit it was not the typical WWII story. It was an
Overall feel good story about two sisters-evacuees - sent away by parents ,like so many children in London, in order to keep them safe from air raids. I agree with others,
it could be a good read for younger readers. As these sisters journey thru four years away from their family they encounter many people along the way eager to help them and who influence and motivate them into becoming the young women they grow to be.

Best narration, I’ve ever experienced!

I have listened to close to 100 audiobooks and I’ve never experienced a narrator that drew me into the story in this fashion. Att one point I began believing that it was actually the characters talking themselves, which is of course, the ideal goal for narration. The character development is amazing and you grow to love the characters and identify withtheir struggles The story is sorrowful, joyful, suspenseful, and just about everything you need in a good book. I am a big fan of World War II fiction and this is definitely one of my favorites.

Good listen

Loved the story
Loved the narrates accent
Would like to listen to more of her stories

World War II story, but with a different emphasis

It was another World War II story, but it was neither based in Eastern Europe nor wasn't based in Israel or the US – or even in Germany. And it really wasn't a story about the war per se. The ending was a little bit too pat, and although happy ending was expected, there was a little bit too many unconventional meetings and reunions, but overall it was an enjoyable story and none of the characters were inked consistent or disappointing in their presentations. It did end in a pleasantly happy plane.
(posted on GoodReads)