Not My Child

by Kitty Neale

London, 1923. Cyril Black is finally out of prison. Rather than going home to his wife and son, he visits his mistress only to find that she's given birth to his daughter - and wants nothing to do with her. His wife, Florrie, reluctantly agrees to take them in. But there's no love in her heart for another woman's child...

1939. At sixteen, Penny Black lives in constant fear of her mother's temper. Her only friend is her twelve-year-old neighbour, Katy Darwin. When they learn Katy will be evacuated to the countryside, the two come up with a plan to smuggle Penny along. Farm life in Kent is a far cry from Penny's Battersea upbringing... but there's only so long she can live a lie. Will Penny ever find the love and acceptance she's always longed for?

The stunning new standalone wartime saga from Sunday Times bestselling author Kitty Neale. Pre-order now!

Genres: Historical Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Battersea London 1939.
With WW2 on the horizon,
Penny Black along with her best friend Katy Darwin both evacuate to the countryside of Kent.
Penny escapes her sour and bitter step mother Florrie with a false birth certificate.
Where they are both billeted together on the Gastons farm Clara and Will with two children of their own welcome the two girls and they settle in straight away. Penny doesn't ever want to go back to London ever again.
Can she ever find a family to belong to?
A breathtaking heartbreaking story to pull at your heartstrings in every possible way.
I could not put this book down not for a moment.
It was a beautiful read, and hope Penny gets a mention in more books to follow from this unique author.
Wonderful, perfect, loved it.

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not My Child” is a real emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Kitty Neale weaves a gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I truly couldn’t stop listening. Every twist and turn pulls at your heartstrings, making this an outstanding listening experience. Annie Aldington’s narration is, as always, superb. She brings the characters to life with such emotion that you feel every moment alongside them.

[irene currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart reading story

I have not enjoyed a book like this for a long time I could have gladly strangled penny's stepmom for her how much heartache can one girl take but she did if I could I would give this book more than five stars I hope that's not the end of penny's story but as always Sam this book was fabulous whether writing under Kitty Neale or under your own please please keep them coming

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I have read all Kitty Neales books, and now as previously her daughter ......I did enjoy this latest book with all the twists and turns, not feeling satisfied with ending, something didn't seem right?

I cried at the verse that kitty (Brenda) left for her daughter (Sam)
At beginning of book.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Michaels has certainly lived up to her late mother Kitty Neale's standard in storytelling. Not My Child is a book that you just cannot put down. It is worthy of a follow-up series on how Penny Blacks life goes forward. For me, this was a five-star read. Thank you, Kitty (aka Sam). Good wishes for the future.

[donna Hehir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I really enjoyed this book, loved all the character's and storylines. The only thing is I wish the ending wasn't so final. I was hoping to see a book 2 coming to see how Penny's future had turned out. I'm hoping there is a follow uo

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as always! A tale of heartbreak, loss, abuse, neglect, attempted suicide, death and lots more in between. 5 ⭐️

[Sara Mcmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny was born her mother died not long after she grew up being brought up by her dad's wife who was cruel to her. Penny ran away to find a new life. but did it end well. read to find out

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Brilliant read by Kitty I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book in this series hopefully there is one

[Shirley E. Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turning

I have enjoyed reading this book so much. It has so many twists and turns , I could not guess how it would end. Thank you Kitty Neale

[Sara Nimmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

This was another great storyline. I liked that Winne from the tavern was in there too. Looking forward to more books soon .

[Maria Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

fab read

A must read gripping from beginning to end . Could not put it done . Such great characters. Love Penny so sad what she went through with all her family.

[Carol G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read with lots of twists and turns.
I’m assuming there’s going to be a sequel?

[ANNE BARNES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent