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Abandoned Child
All she wanted was a mother's love.
Ruth has been living the life of a wealthy widow on the Costa Blanca. But the money has run out and she’s going to need to provide for herself and her seven year old daughter Penny, an unwanted product of her short and loveless marriage.
She ups sticks and returns to Margate, England determined to set up her own business, at any cost. Penny is the last thing on her mind as she throws herself into her new venture, and the poor little girl is left in the care of others, distanced from the cold and uncaring mother whose eyes are on the dirty tricks she’s prepared to play to get what she wants.
Lorna, Ruth’s old friend, becomes everything to Penny, offering the love and attention she should have found with her own mother. For Lorna, Penny is the closest thing to the daughter she has always longer for. But Lorna harbours a devastating secret.
Ruth shocks everyone by packing Penny off to boarding school, with little regard for seeing her again. When tragedy strikes, Lorna’s cousin Maureen, a feisty ex-stripper from London, comes into Penny’s life.
It’s time for Penny to make her own way in the world, and she bravely decides to move to the big city. She’s thrown into the buzzing, grimy but thrilling streets of Soho and a life not so far removed from her past as she might have thought. However, there’s a dark side to the new life she is living, and it becomes clear it wasn’t just Lorna who had been keeping huge secrets.
Huge shocks and difficult times await Penny. She’s forced to make the most difficult choices. Can she make it in her new life, alone? Just how much is she her mother’s daughter, and what happens when Penny falls for the wrong man?
The heartrending new novel from the bestselling author of A Father's Revenge and A Broken Family.
'Heatbreaking and joltingly realistic' Annie Groves
Ruth has been living the life of a wealthy widow on the Costa Blanca. But the money has run out and she’s going to need to provide for herself and her seven year old daughter Penny, an unwanted product of her short and loveless marriage.
She ups sticks and returns to Margate, England determined to set up her own business, at any cost. Penny is the last thing on her mind as she throws herself into her new venture, and the poor little girl is left in the care of others, distanced from the cold and uncaring mother whose eyes are on the dirty tricks she’s prepared to play to get what she wants.
Lorna, Ruth’s old friend, becomes everything to Penny, offering the love and attention she should have found with her own mother. For Lorna, Penny is the closest thing to the daughter she has always longer for. But Lorna harbours a devastating secret.
Ruth shocks everyone by packing Penny off to boarding school, with little regard for seeing her again. When tragedy strikes, Lorna’s cousin Maureen, a feisty ex-stripper from London, comes into Penny’s life.
It’s time for Penny to make her own way in the world, and she bravely decides to move to the big city. She’s thrown into the buzzing, grimy but thrilling streets of Soho and a life not so far removed from her past as she might have thought. However, there’s a dark side to the new life she is living, and it becomes clear it wasn’t just Lorna who had been keeping huge secrets.
Huge shocks and difficult times await Penny. She’s forced to make the most difficult choices. Can she make it in her new life, alone? Just how much is she her mother’s daughter, and what happens when Penny falls for the wrong man?
The heartrending new novel from the bestselling author of A Father's Revenge and A Broken Family.
'Heatbreaking and joltingly realistic' Annie Groves
- GenresHistorical Fiction
392 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2013
156 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 1, 2014
A good, pleasant, easy read.
I won this book in a goodreads.com first reads giveaway. I hadn't read any of Kitty Neale's books before. The book started off really well, very easy to get into and the pace kept going and held your attention. Kitty Neale certainly has a gift for storytelling and there were plenty of happenings in the book to keep you interested. It was quite a good story but I felt it moved along too quickly. I don't like a lot of unnecessary detail or waffle but I felt this was skimming along and there wasn't quite enough descriptive detail. Too many coincidences too for it to be totally believable and for me to lose myself in the story. Some parts were a bit predictable and some things the reader found out 'what the reason was' too quickly; the scene should have been 'spun out' a bit more to create more suspense, then reveal later, without dragging it out too long. It's just about getting the timing right. I can see from other reviews that some fans of Kitty Neale have said that this perhaps wasn't her best so maybe it's that she is contracted to write a certain amount of books in a certain amount of time and she's had to rush this one out. It must be difficult for bestselling authors to keep to the same standard of all their blockbuster novels, pressure on them to deliver etc. Don't get me wrong, it was still a very pleasant and easy to read story, it just wasn't amazing. I didn't think that the choice of title particularly fitted the book. It gave the wrong idea about the content. 'Neglected' would have been more like it. The cover also didn't reflect the book, it seemed a bit old-fashioned which could deter potential readers. The child on the photo again bore no resemblance to the dark-haired Penny in the book. I felt the book was kind of like a tamed-down Martina Cole and Catherine Cookson mixed together. Two great authors though, so that is a complement to a certain extent. For the subject matter, I felt the language seemed toned down, as if the author was constantly trying to hold back. Although I don't like a lot of swearing for swearing's sake, again, you have to draw a fine line for realism without going over the top. Although I have read many of Catherine Cookson's books I do feel they are a bit dated now and I did feel like I was reading Catherine Cookson when I was reading this book and I do feel it may not be quite up-to -date enough for some readers. Would I read any more of Kitty Neale's books? Yes I would because this did have a lot of potential and I did enjoy it somewhat, I just feel it could have been so much better.
I won this book in a goodreads.com first reads giveaway. I hadn't read any of Kitty Neale's books before. The book started off really well, very easy to get into and the pace kept going and held your attention. Kitty Neale certainly has a gift for storytelling and there were plenty of happenings in the book to keep you interested. It was quite a good story but I felt it moved along too quickly. I don't like a lot of unnecessary detail or waffle but I felt this was skimming along and there wasn't quite enough descriptive detail. Too many coincidences too for it to be totally believable and for me to lose myself in the story. Some parts were a bit predictable and some things the reader found out 'what the reason was' too quickly; the scene should have been 'spun out' a bit more to create more suspense, then reveal later, without dragging it out too long. It's just about getting the timing right. I can see from other reviews that some fans of Kitty Neale have said that this perhaps wasn't her best so maybe it's that she is contracted to write a certain amount of books in a certain amount of time and she's had to rush this one out. It must be difficult for bestselling authors to keep to the same standard of all their blockbuster novels, pressure on them to deliver etc. Don't get me wrong, it was still a very pleasant and easy to read story, it just wasn't amazing. I didn't think that the choice of title particularly fitted the book. It gave the wrong idea about the content. 'Neglected' would have been more like it. The cover also didn't reflect the book, it seemed a bit old-fashioned which could deter potential readers. The child on the photo again bore no resemblance to the dark-haired Penny in the book. I felt the book was kind of like a tamed-down Martina Cole and Catherine Cookson mixed together. Two great authors though, so that is a complement to a certain extent. For the subject matter, I felt the language seemed toned down, as if the author was constantly trying to hold back. Although I don't like a lot of swearing for swearing's sake, again, you have to draw a fine line for realism without going over the top. Although I have read many of Catherine Cookson's books I do feel they are a bit dated now and I did feel like I was reading Catherine Cookson when I was reading this book and I do feel it may not be quite up-to -date enough for some readers. Would I read any more of Kitty Neale's books? Yes I would because this did have a lot of potential and I did enjoy it somewhat, I just feel it could have been so much better.
May 5, 2014
This book was ok but I wasn't captured by it. It was a bit disappointing, I thought the story could have gone in a different direction and made it a better read.
August 27, 2025
I did not finish it. It bored me to bits. Chapter after chapter, it was like a salad of ingredients just put in a bowl with no binding sauce, no oil, no condiment.
Taste is personal, of course, some people may love it and I hope they will.
This just isn't for me.
Taste is personal, of course, some people may love it and I hope they will.
This just isn't for me.
November 21, 2017
Set in Spain and England. An unloved child grows up to find some shocks about her parents.
August 8, 2019
This was a bookclub read, and though the cover screamed not for me, I wanted to give it my best shot. Well, I made it to the end of chapter 24, but really couldn't bring myself to read any further. The characters were very two-dimensional, the descriptions just a bit too clichéd, and the plot just a little too contrived. All the other reviews on Goodreads seemed so positive, I found it a little confusing, so this review is just here to say although most people seem to like this book, I didn't, and if you didn't, you are not alone.
March 12, 2022
I had to read this for my Library Book Group - it's not a book I would have chosen to read and my instincts would have been correct. It's clunky, with two dimensional characters and feels very old fashioned. Almost as though it was written in a much earlier era and the author bunged some more up to date reference points (Madonna) in to make it feel more modern.
I managed to finish it because despite all it's failings it's a very easy read - what I call a thick white sliced kind of a book.
I managed to finish it because despite all it's failings it's a very easy read - what I call a thick white sliced kind of a book.
March 23, 2025
Penny Smyth, all she wanted was a mother's love.
Spain 1977 widowed Ruth is always busy she had done well in her marriage but having Penny under her feet daily she just hasn't got time for her.
When the money starts to dwindle she decides to sell up and head back to London bringing with her friend Lorna. she has big plans to open up a letting agency with Lorna helping and also taking Penny off her hands.
This short tempered woman will get whatever it takes to be successful.
A heartbreaking story of a abandoned child.
The most lonely soul Penny as we see her grow and bloom into a woman.
And Lornas guidance along the way she will always be there fir her.
Wonderful just Wonderful,
Perfect in everyway.
I loved it.
Spain 1977 widowed Ruth is always busy she had done well in her marriage but having Penny under her feet daily she just hasn't got time for her.
When the money starts to dwindle she decides to sell up and head back to London bringing with her friend Lorna. she has big plans to open up a letting agency with Lorna helping and also taking Penny off her hands.
This short tempered woman will get whatever it takes to be successful.
A heartbreaking story of a abandoned child.
The most lonely soul Penny as we see her grow and bloom into a woman.
And Lornas guidance along the way she will always be there fir her.
Wonderful just Wonderful,
Perfect in everyway.
I loved it.
July 24, 2023
As this book was gifted to me, I felt obliged to read it. I found it neither gripping or heartrending as described on the cover. A whimsical tale with no great depth . I found myself skipping lots of text that wouldn't have made the read any more fulfilling . Shallow characters that I found difficult to follow their conversation. I did read all of the book but won't be passing it on with a recommendation to read , im afraid. This book is heading for the charity shop. Not my kind of read at all unfortunately
April 16, 2024
This book was one word …. DISAPPOINTING
I fell back in love with reading with Kitty Neale, but this book was just disappointing.
It didn’t grab me, it didn’t pull me in at all. It was boring and nothing interesting really happened until the very end, and even that could have been more than why it was.
I’ve now decided to steer away from Kitty Neale for a while.
I fell back in love with reading with Kitty Neale, but this book was just disappointing.
It didn’t grab me, it didn’t pull me in at all. It was boring and nothing interesting really happened until the very end, and even that could have been more than why it was.
I’ve now decided to steer away from Kitty Neale for a while.
March 28, 2025
What a tear jerker
Well I have read a lot of books and really good ones but this was one of those that wanted you to keep reading to see what was going to happen next and it didn't disappoint right down to the end would definitely recommend this book
Well I have read a lot of books and really good ones but this was one of those that wanted you to keep reading to see what was going to happen next and it didn't disappoint right down to the end would definitely recommend this book
July 15, 2019
Good entertainment on my flights and at bedtime.
October 4, 2019
💖
We all love kitty neale. Lost count of the number of her books I have read and this one is another fab one
We all love kitty neale. Lost count of the number of her books I have read and this one is another fab one
November 4, 2019
Some characters in the book were not really needed (I won't mention any names)
See if you agree 🎭
See if you agree 🎭
December 19, 2019
very interesting read
March 10, 2020
Abandoned child
This has been on my kindle for quite a while and I have only just read it, would definitely recommend this book as it was absolutely brilliant.
This has been on my kindle for quite a while and I have only just read it, would definitely recommend this book as it was absolutely brilliant.
June 11, 2020
A child who was unwanted finds love
A child whose mother never wanted her feels unloved until many special people in her life
E become a real family to her.
A child whose mother never wanted her feels unloved until many special people in her life
E become a real family to her.
March 30, 2023
I have read and enjoyed all of kitty neale books but however l didn’t enjoy this at all was very disappointed in the story if this had been the first one I had read I wouldn’t read any more
October 19, 2024
Another great book by Kitty Neale she captures you in within the first few pages
Highly recommend this book and all her other books she’s written
But sadly no longer with us
Highly recommend this book and all her other books she’s written
But sadly no longer with us
January 11, 2025
This was a good read but got bored halfway through but kept going and glad I did. Good ending. Would recommend 💕
September 23, 2025
Good read .
February 23, 2014
I won a copy of this book from this site. Although it's not my normal type of book I liked the sound of it and entered. I did enjoy reading it.
From very early on in the story you really get a feeling of sorrow for young Penny. The wording used in the story really gives you the feeling that her mother didn't want her and she was a problem. Dispite not being wanted by her mother Penny turns out to be a lovely young lady.
Throughout the whole book Penny faces problem after problem but finds a way to over-come them. I really thought she had found happiness towards the end when she met John, BUT no, the author throws in another twist to the poor girls life.
Well written book. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it, as I probably wouldn't have looked twice at it in a shop.
From very early on in the story you really get a feeling of sorrow for young Penny. The wording used in the story really gives you the feeling that her mother didn't want her and she was a problem. Dispite not being wanted by her mother Penny turns out to be a lovely young lady.
Throughout the whole book Penny faces problem after problem but finds a way to over-come them. I really thought she had found happiness towards the end when she met John, BUT no, the author throws in another twist to the poor girls life.
Well written book. Thank you for giving me the chance to read it, as I probably wouldn't have looked twice at it in a shop.
February 12, 2014
Won from a Goodreads Giveaway
I have to be honest I hate the cover of this book, it's not appealing at all. If I had seen it in a shop I'd have never picked it up. I liked the relationship between Lorna and Penny as I felt it was a realistic portrayal of what could happen in real life. Lorna had a similar up bringing to Penny and I feel like she thought she had to try and make a difference in her life and make her happier.
Was not a fan of this book, I usually finish a book in two days after two weeks I still had half of it to go. I decided not to keep reading as I found it so dull and boring. There was not much depth to any of the characters. The plot was uninteresting and did not grip me. I literally had to force myself to read each page.
I have to be honest I hate the cover of this book, it's not appealing at all. If I had seen it in a shop I'd have never picked it up. I liked the relationship between Lorna and Penny as I felt it was a realistic portrayal of what could happen in real life. Lorna had a similar up bringing to Penny and I feel like she thought she had to try and make a difference in her life and make her happier.
Was not a fan of this book, I usually finish a book in two days after two weeks I still had half of it to go. I decided not to keep reading as I found it so dull and boring. There was not much depth to any of the characters. The plot was uninteresting and did not grip me. I literally had to force myself to read each page.
May 4, 2014
I won this in a Good Reads giveaway. What a good book to win!
I enjoyed reading this. It was more of a lighter read than my previous book I read and that was just what was required! I chose my next book to read by the mood I feel in and quite often in contrast to the previous read.
This pulled me in emotionally and I wanted to know what happened to the characters. It was sad but obstacles of their upbringing were conquered in a satisfying way.
Well written and thoroughly enjoyed!
I enjoyed reading this. It was more of a lighter read than my previous book I read and that was just what was required! I chose my next book to read by the mood I feel in and quite often in contrast to the previous read.
This pulled me in emotionally and I wanted to know what happened to the characters. It was sad but obstacles of their upbringing were conquered in a satisfying way.
Well written and thoroughly enjoyed!
November 29, 2014
I won this books from a recent goodreads giveaway and I am so pleased that I did. This is the first book by Kitty Neale that I have read and it won't be my last. Brilliantly written with an engrossing story line and believable characters. Kitty Neale is clearly a talented author and I am keen to read some more of her books as soon as I can.
April 19, 2014
A great read which takes us from the Kent coast to the heart of London life for a burlesque dancer. We see what it means to be young and trying to start out in life with no true family as support. We also see the meaning of family and belonging. Although this title says Abandoned, Penny is never truly abandoned. She has lots of love and support from all the right people.
December 20, 2015
the sad complex story of an unwanted child and her efforts to find a place she belongs, just as she thinks she has the rug is pulled out from under her in a cruel twist but in the end things work out.
June 4, 2016
Not bad
I had read books by this author before but could remember which ones. I saw this free a while back and got it just realised it was one of the ones I have read and not the best.
I had read books by this author before but could remember which ones. I saw this free a while back and got it just realised it was one of the ones I have read and not the best.
May 3, 2014
I was dubious at first as whether to give it a go or not, however I’m glad I did a thoroughly enjoyable tale and characters.
January 8, 2014
Won from Good reads first reads so feel bad leaving a bad review, but I had to abandon half way through - and getting that far was a struggle.
February 11, 2014
This was easy to read and difficult to put down! I enjoyed reading this book and particularly liked the ending. A tear jerker!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews