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A Mother’s Ruin

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( 865 ratings, 35 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Mother’s Ruin by Kitty Neale is a powerful tale set in the backdrop of post-war London. It follows the journey of a young woman facing personal struggles and familial challenges amidst a transforming society. As she navigates love, loss, and redemption, the story delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the indomitable spirit of a mother's love.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This gripping romantic drama may appeal to you if you enjoy stories of resilience and familial bonds in the face of adversity. Set in a vividly depicted historical backdrop, it explores the journey of overcoming life's challenges with compassion and determination. Perfect for readers who find satisfaction in complex character developments and emotional depth.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

You can’t choose your family…

From the Sunday Times bestselling author Kitty Neale comes an emotional family saga about two women whose bravery and kinship will see them through the toughest times.

An absolutely heartbreaking family saga

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

You can’t choose your family…

From the Sunday Times bestselling author Kitty Neale comes an emotional family saga about two women whose bravery and kinship will see them through the toughest times.

Previously published in 2011

CRUEL: When her beloved Gran has a stroke, Sally and her family move back home to look after her. But Sadie's illness has made the wise woman they once knew bigoted and bad-tempered. Sadie is testing everyone's patience, including Sally's mum Ruth, and Sally’s husband Arthur.

CALLOUS: Their problems are nothing compared with Tommy, the little ruffian next door. With an absentee father and an alcoholic mother, Tommy has a hard life. However, Ruth sees the good in him and takes him under her wing, but his unpredictable and violent mother has other ideas.

CRISIS: Meanwhile, the stress of living cheek-by-jowl with Sally's family is starting to push Arthur away. As cracks in their marriage begin to appear, both Sally and Arthur must decide where their priorities lie before it's too late…

A heartbreaking historical novel about women, friendship, family and hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Dilly Court.

Readers absolutely love A Mother’s Ruin:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely superb book!… I couldn't put it down! The best book I have read for a long time.… Each page has you wanting to know what happens next! Romance, tragedy and intrigue all rolled into one!’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely fantastic and moving read, had me gripped and enthralled from start to finish. Couldn't put it down, many bleary eyed mornings, but totally worth it.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I chose 5 stars because there weren't any more to rate this brill read… thanks Kitty for being a literal genius xx’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fantastic! A book to lose yourself in. Could not wait to have five minutes to myself to have a little escapism, great.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant book from start to finish.’ Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Could of continued reading this story forever.’ Reader review

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Mother's Ruin by Kitty Neale has been praised for its heartfelt and realistic portrayal of life's adversities. Critics highlight its moving narrative filled with love, hope, and family amid drama and heartache. It is seen as a gritty, uplifting story that emphasises human resilience.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781847562302

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 December 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: AVON, a division of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 290g

Pages: 448

About the Author

I was raised in South London, the streets my playground, and this working class area became the inspiration for my novels. My working life was varied, from shop assistant, secretary to The British Tourist Authority and Manager of a busy GP Group Practice. In the Eighties I moved to Surrey with my husband and two children, but in 1998 there was a catalyst in my life when my son, aged 27died. After working for two years with other bereaved parents in a support group, I took up writing and my first novel, A Cuckoo in Candle Lane, was born. My husband and I now live in Spain.

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  • A Mother's Secret
    What happens when your darkest secret is exposed? Winnie Berry had been the landlady for the Battersea Tavern for over twenty-five years and loved every minute of it. Her husband Brian preferred the quiet of the upstairs, but Winnie liked to be in the thick of it; the atmosphere and the company. While her son has taken after his father...
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    London, 1944. With bombs raining over London, keeping the Battersea Tavern open is no easy feat for owner Winnie Berry — but the community need the warmth and familiarity of the pub more than ever. After marriage, Maureen Fanning had moved out to Wandsworth with her bad-tempered husband, Brancher. But when he loses both his job and their lodgings, the...
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  • The Abandoned Child
    All she wanted was a mother’s love… Curl up with this heartrending new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Mother’s Struggle and A Daughter’s Ruin. DESPISEDPenny’s childhood was spent in the shadows of her mother’s business schemes, feeling alone and unimportant. It fell to Lorna, her mother’s acquaintance, to take care of the lonely little girl, but...
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    From the Sunday Times Bestselling author. In a time of war, what's holding them together could tear them all apart... London, 1940. Winnie Berry is at the heart of the community in her pub, The Battersea Tavern. Her door is always open to those in need of a cup of tea and sympathy. Winnie's abusive husband has left and she...
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