Elaine Hastings grew up in west London, the second of two children to Irish parents. She studied art and graphic design at the University of the Arts London. Elaine works as the Creative Lead in a communications agency and writes fiction in her spare time. When not at her desk, you’ll find her curled up with a book or strolling in the local woods. She lives in Surrey with her husband and son, all three of them constantly pandering to their little black cat’s every whim. When We Were Young is her first novel.

PRAISE FOR WHEN WE WERE YOUNG 'Gloriously nostalgic and beautifully emotional, this is a great read'. The Sun‘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'Full of tantalising what-ifs and what-might-have-beens, this beautiful story of love, loss and learning to love yourself is the perfect summer read.' Claire Frost READERS ARE LOVING WHEN WE WERE YOUNG ‘Will and Emily will break your heart, but you'll come out the other end as a better person. I loved this book, and I have a feeling it's going to conquer a lot of hearts.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A beautiful story of loss and love.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘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.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & the Six. A beautiful story of loss and love.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartfelt, haunting and hopeful. With an ending that wraps things up just right.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘When We Were Young is a love story for anyone that has fallen in love, got caught up along the way and made mistakes… this book is for all of us!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Bittersweet, evocative and quietly devastating. When We Were Young is a beautifully told story about love, loss, and the enduring grip of the past.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Elaine Hastings grew up in west London, the second of two children to Irish parents. She studied art and graphic design at the University of the Arts London. Elaine works as the Creative Lead in a communications agency and writes fiction in her spare time. When not at her desk, you’ll find her curled up with a book or strolling in the local woods. She lives in Surrey with her husband and son, all three of them constantly pandering to their little black cat’s every whim. When We Were Young is her first novel.

PRAISE FOR WHEN WE WERE YOUNG 'Gloriously nostalgic and beautifully emotional, this is a great read'. The Sun‘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'Full of tantalising what-ifs and what-might-have-beens, this beautiful story of love, loss and learning to love yourself is the perfect summer read.' Claire Frost READERS ARE LOVING WHEN WE WERE YOUNG ‘Will and Emily will break your heart, but you'll come out the other end as a better person. I loved this book, and I have a feeling it's going to conquer a lot of hearts.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A beautiful story of loss and love.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘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.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘This is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & the Six. A beautiful story of loss and love.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartfelt, haunting and hopeful. With an ending that wraps things up just right.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘When We Were Young is a love story for anyone that has fallen in love, got caught up along the way and made mistakes… this book is for all of us!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Bittersweet, evocative and quietly devastating. When We Were Young is a beautifully told story about love, loss, and the enduring grip of the past.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐