Kitty Neale

A fairly typical 'gritty reality' book set in London in the 1950s. A likeable enough heroine, but too many sordid situations for my tastes: rape, sadism, attempted murder, burglaries, bullying and more, all within the space of about a year.

Well-written on the whole, and would probably be enjoyed by those who like the Catherine Cookson style of novel.

I thought A Daughter’s Courage was well-written and an engaging story. Dorothy falls in love with ne’er do well, Robbie. The old saying that love is blind applies to Dorothy because she refuses to see Robbie’s faults and falls for his excuses every time. A Daughter’s Courage is a gritty and realistic family saga. A Daughter’s Courage is a story with drama, romance, hurt, friendship, anger, intrigue, grief and family. I thought the author captured the time period and locale. There show more is British slang included which can be discerned from the text. They have some interesting expressions. A Daughter’s Courage has a satisfying ending. I am giving A Daughter’s Courage 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading more books by Kitty Neale. show less

A Family’s Heartbreak is a heartrending tale. It is an emotional story that deals with the tough topic of domestic violence. There are some sections that are difficult to read that will have you reaching for a tissue. The story is so much more than that though. We see how Jenny struggles to improve the life for herself and her siblings. She does not want them to grow up being terrified. Jenny wants the kids to know a loving, safe home which is what she is trying to provide with the help of show more her grandmother and Craig. I thought the story was well-written with a good flow and steady pacing. I could picture the various characters from the author’s descriptions along with the setting. The situations are realistic and characteristic of the time period. A Family’s Heartbreak is about overcoming a difficult situation. There is hope, love, offering second chances and forgiveness. We see them find joy in simple outing and being together as they struggle to overcome adversity. They are a dysfunctional family with complicated relationships and plenty of family drama. A Family’s Heartbreak will have you staying up late as you quickly turn the pages to learn what happens next to the Lombard family. show less

A Sister’s Sorrow is an emotional historical novel. Sarah Jepson lives with her alcoholic mother in Battersea in 1948. She is fourteen and is still attending school. That changes when her mother gives birth to Tommy. Sarah refuses to “get rid” of Tommy as her mother demands. She drops out of school to care for her brother and scrabbles to provide for both of them. Four years later, they are forced to survive on their own. Sarah gets help from the kindhearted George and falls for the show more love-them-and-leave-them, Roger. We follow on her journey with its various ups and downs. The story progresses at a gentle pace. I thought the author captured the era and what it was like to be poor in Battersea. It was a hardscrabble life especially when you have little education. I did feel the story was a little too long and there is some foul language. A Sister’s Sorrow is a touching story that will play on your emotions. Tommy’s fate will have you reaching for a tissue especially since he is such a sweet little boy. I loved the ending of A Sister’s Sorrow. A Sister’s Sorrow is a gritty, historical saga that will linger with you long after you finish it. show less