This book is a beautifully crafted dual-timeline novel that explores the weight of the past and the quiet, powerful moments of connection between generations. Told across two timelines—1994 and 2016—it follows 16-year-old Liv, a music-obsessed teenager who idolizes the late Will Bailey, a tragic musical figure from the ’90s. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that her seemingly ordinary mum, Emily, once knew Will intimately—and may have been part of the mystery surrounding his untimely death. The time transitions are smooth, the pacing tight, and the emotional pull immediate. The alternating POVs give a layered understanding of both Liv and Emily, as well as the people who orbit their lives. One of the standout characters is Magda—vibrant, honest, and memorable in her own right.

What sets this novel apart is its emotional authenticity. Themes of grief, guilt, lost dreams, and the fragility of mental health are woven in with care and insight. The inclusion of the “ask twice” campaign is subtle yet impactful, reinforcing the novel’s message about listening, understanding, and compassion. This is a novel that lingers—both for its nostalgic brush with the ’90s music scene and its deeply human story of love, loss, and second chances. Overall, it is a moving, multi-layered coming-of-age story with emotional depth and lyrical heart.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

The bones of the book are great, but a few things bring it down a bit. The author does a great job setting up the characters to make you emotionally connected, and Ty timeline jumps / split POVs aren’t hard to follow. Some details could have been left out of the book and the 3rd act was a bit messy - I didn’t think, for example, Liv’s bag getting taken added anything to the story and was super rushed over, and the whole “all of a sudden Emily realized she should be with Scott and William is never mentioned again” thing was a bit out of left field and rushed. William didn’t end up adding much to the story other than length (you could argue she needed him to know she was ready to date but it was a bit clunky and didn’t support that narrative).

Let me start by saying this debut wrecked me in the best way.

When We Were Young is like if Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote a love letter to '90s romance, Britpop dreams, and all the moments that shape us and then ripped your heart out and handed it back tenderly with a cup of tea.

In 1994, Emily and Will are the kind of couple you root for: scrappy, creative, intense. They're the definition of young love burning bright—equal parts passionate and messy. By the time Glastonbury and gallery openings roll around, you're already bracing for the fall.

Flash to 2016, and Emily is… not who she used to be. She's a mom now. She’s settled. She’s haunted. And her daughter Liv is just now finding out about this big, beautiful, tragic chapter in her mom’s life. The unraveling that follows? So good. So tender. So perfectly devastating.

🖋️ What I Loved:
* It gives One Day meets Daisy Jones vibes (but quieter, more grounded)
* Emotional slow-burn revelations that sneak up on you
* A perfect blend of nostalgia, grief, and the reminder that we all carry versions of our past selves

This book is for the romantics, the creatives, the former indie kids who still think about the one that got awaynand maybe for the moms who once danced barefoot in muddy festival fields.

4 stars. Beautifully written. Bittersweet in the best way. Bring tissues and a playlist.

oh what a heart tugging and heart lifting novel. this was so beautiful it had me in its hands,arms, pages for the whole duration. so well written, the plot so tight. the author new her plot,new her characters and new us readers. i adored this book.
the two different timelines was just as capturing as the other and it wasn't a chore to be involved in either.
there is so much depth and emotional awareness in this book. it was raw and honest but also compassionate and kind.
the relationship between our mother and daughter is one many of us have seen, known or felt. or feelings you can really relate to.
i wondered how i would be feeling knowing Will was gone. it broke my heart. how can this be that we've not got a happy ever after for the love story before we even enter the book!? but the we got to meet the mum, the daughter and the story continued and was made in to so much more.
but i needed to stick with it. i was hooked so there was no option.
but im so glad. im so so glad i got to experience and read this book. loved it.

gorgeous, whirlwindy debut novel about love, loss, tragedy, and music told through timejumps and through three POVs: Liv in the present, Emily in the present, and Emily in the past. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I just love stories about rock bands such as Daisy Jones, Songs in Ursa Major…basically anything music related and When We Were Young did not disappoint!

You know pretty early on what’s happened to Will but how he got to that point is what the story focusses on.

I definitely preferred the chapters which went back to when they were young as I wasn’t sure on the present day plot with Emily’s daughter.

However, I was not expecting that little twist near the end and it really brought it all together and was very emotional.

Loved it 🎤🎸

🎧🎨🧳❤️ When we were young - Elaine Hastings ❤️🧳🎨🎧

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Release date - 17th July 2025

Blurb - 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?

My thoughts 💭- wow 🤩

Firstly thank you to @avonbooksuk and @netgalley for a ARC of this beautifully stunning book.

I absolutely adored this one, could not put it down from the off! Multi POV, time travelling chapters and short chapters are always things I love as a reader and this book did not disappoint! There’s a couple trigger warnings so I’d definitely give those a check but this book honestly has it all.

Mystery, suspense, love, growing up and so much more!

All of the characters are loveable, quirky in their own ways and related which again is something I love.

This is definitely a book I need a physical copy of as a trophy on my bookshelf. Incase you didn’t realise it’s one I’d recommend 😂🥰

@ehastingswrites

#bookreview #ARC #arcreader #arcreview #whenwewereyoung #elainehastings #booksbooksbooks #netgalley #avonbooksuk

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a copy to review.

I absolutely loved When We Were Young. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and felt sad that Will was dead and he and Emily could never be together but it was also a story of moving on after grief. I felt really bad for Emily, Will's friends and Mary who all felt like they could have prevented his death. I also enjoyed Liv's story and was rooting for her throughout the book. It was my favourite book of 2025 despite the heavy topics discussed in the book.

Content warning: suicide, overdoses, and mental health issues.

This book was marvelous! I loved the sweet characters. It was just darling and the setting was perfect. I loved every page.

When We Were Young is a beautiful, emotional journey that I know will stick with me for a long time. Once I'd finished reading, I needed time to process and reflect on everything, as I truly felt like I'd been through every moment with these characters.

This is not your typical rockstar read, though it of course contains the things that go along with the lifestyle. It's much, much more than that. With not just romance, but friendships and family bonds that are tested in every way possible. There is loss and regret, but also healing. There are past and present chapters and multiple povs, which I love, because I always feel it allows a deeper connection to the characters. Emily and her teenage daughter Liv had their struggles, particularly over Emily's secret history with musician Will, but Liv wasn't going to give up and what a story she discovered!

This book was absolutely bittersweet and the tears flowed at several points, but I loved every moment. 5 stars for this remarkable read.

From Will Bailey’s early days in the 1990s, busking at the train station with dreams of becoming a rock star, When We Were Young is a story of both light and darkness. Of hopes and aspirations, tragedy and despair.
Art student Emily comes into Will’s life, passing through on her way to catch a train. She becomes both his obsession and muse as he regularly looks out for her, writing songs of unrequited love. But when dreams come true and Will and his band become famous, and he captures the heart of the young woman he has always wanted, predictably things don’t go to plan.
Fast forward to 2016 and Emily has a teenage daughter, Olivia (Liv). Her dramatic reaction to a track playing on her daughter’s phone in the car, sets Liv on a quest to find out more about deceased rock star Will Bailey and his connection to her mother.
This is a wonderful debut. I loved the writer’s ‘voice’, the characters and a story that at times held so much hope and yet contained so much sorrow. It’s one of the best books I’ve read so far this year - an impressive and thought provoking read - and can’t wait to see what Elaine Hastings does next.
I would like to thank Harper Collins, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of When We Were Young in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very good story as it follows Emily on a dual timeline throughout her life and love with Will, a musician.

Olivia, Emily's daughter, initiates the revelation of Emily and Will's relationship as she comes across Will's music some 20 years later.

I couldn't give it 5 stars as it was too similar to the scandal of Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid, and the relationships and lost time of Mayluna by Kelley McNeil.
If I had read this first I would have given it 5 stars; it's easy to read and you get drawn in by the plot and the characters lives. At times I did forget I was reading and binged it 24 hours

Well I devoured this book so fast. It was such an emotional story about loss and grief. I cried more than should be allowed. Will and Emily and Liv and Scott and Matty and Rue and Mary - all left with this gaping hole and some form of guilt. This story takes you on an extremely emotional journey. I loved it so much. Thank you Avon and NetGalley and the authors for the opportunity to read this story early.

Warning: on page discussion of suicide, overdose, and mental health struggles.

An exploration of love and loss. This beautifully written novel in not like your average rockstar romance. This book explores what it was like to love creative people and how the loss of that person effects your life and the life of your friends and family too. A daughter finds her mum has a connection in her past to a famous musician from the 90s and wants to find out more as her mum will not talk about it. The story, told in a very effective dual timeline, unravels the past and reveals secrets hidden for 20 years.
I loved the characters in this book, and in parts it reminded me of a film I loved watching when I was at Uni, called Rockstar. its not the same but the theme did take you backstage, describing what it was like to be an up and coming musician trying to make it in the industry.
An enjoyable read.

The format of this ARC made it very difficult to read. It took a while for me to get into but it did pick up. I think this novel would be great for people who liked novels like the Griffin Sisters or Daisy Jones and the Six.

This had Daisy Jones and the Six vibes - a lovely read about past loves and rock stars.

When Emily's daughter discovers that her mum was rockstar. Will's one true love she tries to find out what really happened to Will and what lead to his death, going against her mum's wishes.

This was a heartfelt read and a little melancholy as from the start you were waiting for the moment of Will's death,

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.

Would recommend

When a music obsessed teenager finds out that her mother used to know a musician who tragically died in his twenties she's intrigued, an internet search reveals her hardly recognisable mother Emily at the edge of the Glastonbury Pyramid stage where he was performing.

This book stole my Sunday, one chapter in and I was hooked, unable to put it down until I'd turned the final pages. Dual timelines, great characters and compelling narrative piece by piece reveal a wonderful story of friendship, family, love and loss. Loved it

Thank you again to Avon Books UK for allowing me access to this ARC through Netgalley.

This dual timeline book takes us into the lives of up and coming musician Will Bailey and the love of his life Emily.
By 1999, Will and his band are the next big thing, with record execs putting on the pressure for the all-important 2nd album, but a loved-up Will is struggling with writer's block, and with Emily needing to focus on her own dream of being an artist, the whirlwind romance seems to be running its course.

Will's dreams are tragically cut short though when he suddenly passes away late that summer...

16 years later, Emily has never gotten over Will's death and the guilt that she harbours. Her only focus in life is her 16-year-old daughter, Liv.
When Liv accidentally discovers her mum knew *the* Will Bailey, she can't let it drop, despite her mum's pleas. She is determined to delve into the past and find out what really happened that fated summer.

Elaine Hastings debut novel is a fantastic story of young love, devastating loss, mental health struggles, and how allowing yourself to let go can set your soul free.
•
Before reading this, I'd heard that if you loved Daisy Jones and The Six, then this was the book for you. That's quite a recommendation to live up to!
Whilst I see the comparisons, this book is very different.
Not only is it dual timeline, it's also multi-PoV, so there's a fair amount of jumping back & forth. I found it easy to keep up with though.
I loved Will, my heart ached for him. Liv, whilst at times a slightly frustrating teen, meant well.
And Emily? I went back and forth over her, but by the end, I liked her a lot.
It was an emotional story and one I would agree that if you love TJR, you will likely enjoy this.
Published on 17th July, keep an eye out for this one!

This is just the best book on so many levels! Firstly, the cover is just stunning and is the perfect cover design to encapsulate the novel. And this is just the most spectacular debut from Elaine Hastings and I am so looking forward to reading her next book! But first … When We Were Young!

Love, music, and loss come together in a beautiful story that spans past and present. I loved the dual timeline. I found it engaging and very easy to follow, seamlessly intertwining the past and the present.

In 1994, busker Will and art student Emily fall hopelessly in love. They share an immense passion for music and being creative in their own ways, dreaming of a future full of possibilities. They are so happy and love their world that they have composed together. This is a book about love but also a book about loss …

Just when everything is falling into place and their future feels certain, tragedy changes everything.

By 2016, Emily is a single mother. Her love for creativity is buried deep inside. I found myself rooting so much for Emily to rediscover her creative spark and do what she loves. I wanted her to shine again – she deserved this so much.

When Emily’s daughter Liv uncovers the truth about Will and the secrets her mum kept, she’s desperate to understand why. And what did actually happen to Will? Liv is determined to find out. Liv thought she knew everything about her ordinary Mum, but discovering her secrets leaves her feeling very hurt and confused.

I loved seeing Liv and her mum’s relationship evolve, strengthening their bond and bringing them closer than ever.

The characters were absolutely brilliant. We got such a deep insight into each of them that I felt like we really knew them so well. There were heartbreaking moments that deeply touched me.

If you love books and music, this book is a perfect match – such a heartfelt story. I absolutely loved it. Challenging themes are thoughtfully explored with depth and great care. Although they are very hard topics, it is so important that they are included in novels. When We Were Young highlights the vital importance of why talking is so important and when you ask your friends if they are okay, ask twice. Even brief conversations can have a big impact and make such a difference.

Losing loved ones tragically is deeply painful, and self-blame often follows. When We Were Young powerfully highlights the importance of accepting your past and embracing self-forgiveness, freeing you from any guilt you may feel, opening the door to new beginnings. Our past shapes our future, and accepting it helps us move forward, one day at a time.

A deeply touching and emotionally powerful story. When We Were Young is beautifully written, moved me so much but also brought a smile to my face. Most importantly it left a lasting impact and a very clear pivotal message. I will never forget this book.

Thank you very much Avon Books UK for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Avon Books for the eARC of When We Were Young. I was initially drawn in by the cover, it caught my eye right away and peaked my interest. When I read the description this sounded so similar to my favorite book of all time, Mayluna by Kelley McNeill. I have been chasing the feeling that that specific book gave me for over a year now and I definitely thought this book would be the one to do it for me. Especially since this was described as being good for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six byTaylor Jenkins Reid, another of my favorite authors, I couldn't wait to dive into this one!

Two Decades, One Love Story and a song that changed everything. With a tag line like that, how could you go wrong? I am such a music lover, any romance that centers around music, bands, song writing, or a connection through music is always going to draw me in. Connections through music are not something that all people will get to experience in their lifetimes so when you meet someone, or read about two people who connect through music on such a deep level it is awe inspiring.

The story is told across dual time lines, Emily and Will's story when they meet in 1994 and everything that unfolds to get to where we are in present day, 2016, when Emily is just a "boring mom" to her 16 year old daughter, Liv, who could never imagine that her mom lived such an interesting life in the past.

The story is easy to follow, and the multiple POVs give a much broader picture and make you feel more connected to the character's and their stories. You are provided with a lot of background information, as well as being able to see our main character through the eyes of another person.
This makes characters feel so much more complex and fleshed out in my opinion. This was such an easy read to get lost in, I was gripped from the very beginning.

Elaine Hastings did a great job with her character development and creating characters that the reader can feel fully invested in. If you don't have a strong connection to the characters, it can be hard to get lost in a book, and I think the way that the author executed the character development to further the plot along and connect the two time lines was done flawlessly.

This is such a sorrowful, heartfelt, and hopeful novel that will pull at your heart strings from chapter 1. You want to root so badly for the romance in the past timeline even though you already know how the present time line will end (for the most part). This was such a beautiful story that dealt with topics such as grief, guilt, and I loved the healing journey that Emily went on.

This book definitely broke my heart but ultimately put it right back together at the end. As someone who keeps my past memories and relationships near and dear to my heart, I could really relate to the themes of coming to terms with your past and forgiving yourself. To me, this felt like such a cathartic read and I absolutely adored this. I would definitely read other works by this author in the future. I recommend When We Were Young to music lovers, to those who dwell on the past, to those who may be harboring guilt over a past situation, to those that are on a healing journey, and especially to those that love to see how the connections we make throughout our lives influence our current relationships.