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When We Were Young

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What to expect

Preorder this gorgeous debut novel about love and loss, perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and David Nicholls now!

'Elaine Hastings’ stunning debut will keep you turning the pages until you close the book and either reach for someone you love, or get on the move and create something!’ Jessica Anya Blau

Spring, 1994. Will, a talented busker, falls for Emily, a quirky art student. By 1997, Will is playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, and Emily is unveiling her first gallery show. They spend a whirlwind summer touring with Will's band, caught up in their love for their art and each other.

But within two years, Will is dead.

Spring, 2016. Emily remains single. Her art is long forgotten. Now, life revolves around her 16-year-old daughter, Liv. But when Emily accidentally reveals she once knew Will, Liv is stunned. How could her ordinary, predictable mother have known someone like Will Bailey?

And why does Emily blame herself for his death?

Interweaving dual timelines, When We Were Young explores what it means to have loved and lost, and reminds you that the ones you love can set you free.

Critics Review

PRAISE FOR WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

‘Elaine Hastings’ stunning debut will keep you turning the pages until you close the book and either reach for someone you love, or get on the move and create something!’ Jessica Anya Blau

‘When We Were Young is a powerful love story about how our past can stand in the way of our present, but also about how we can overcome anything and find new beginnings. The 90s music scene was vividly drawn.’ Ally Zetterberg

‘Heartbreakingly beautiful. Daisy Jones & the Six meets The Idea of You. When We Were Young is a sweeping love story with characters you fall in love with. I absolutely loved it!’ Natalie Cooper

READERS ARE LOVING WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

‘This book broke my heart in places and then stitched it back together at the end, it was a story about coming to terms with your past and forgiving yourself.’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘This is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & the Six. A beautiful story of loss and love.’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

‘Will and Emily will break your heart, but you’ll come out the other end a better person. I loved this book, and I have a feeling it’s going to conquer a lot of hearts.’ Reader Review ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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