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A Daughter’s Ruin
Disowned and desperate. But can she change her fate? Denied
Seventeen-year-old Constance has had a privileged upbringing in Clapham, with staff to attend to her every need. But her parents have always been cold and distant, never showing her love.
Disowned
Craving affection, Constance falls into the arms of Albie Jones, the cook’s grandson. But one fateful encounter leaves her ashamed and pregnant, and she is soon shunned from the family home.
Desperate
Heartbroken and threatened by scandal, Constance is forced to wed Albie and moves to Battersea, where she suffers unforgiving stares and cruel whispers from the neighbours. Trapped in a bitter and loveless marriage without a penny to her name, Constance has no choice but to stay and surrender. Will she ever find freedom – or happiness – again?
Seventeen-year-old Constance has had a privileged upbringing in Clapham, with staff to attend to her every need. But her parents have always been cold and distant, never showing her love.
Disowned
Craving affection, Constance falls into the arms of Albie Jones, the cook’s grandson. But one fateful encounter leaves her ashamed and pregnant, and she is soon shunned from the family home.
Desperate
Heartbroken and threatened by scandal, Constance is forced to wed Albie and moves to Battersea, where she suffers unforgiving stares and cruel whispers from the neighbours. Trapped in a bitter and loveless marriage without a penny to her name, Constance has no choice but to stay and surrender. Will she ever find freedom – or happiness – again?
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Published February 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 25, 2020
A Daughter's Ruin is an astounding read that I enjoyed from the very beginning.
Plain, but with a beautiful, caring nature, Constance Burton Blake is the main focus of attention throughout the book; an only child, born to Henrietta, a cold-hearted woman and a heavy drinker, and her Father Charles, who is often absent and carries a full-on condescending attitude. I didn't much care for either of them.
Constance finds herself in a situation and is ordered out of the family home.
I felt so sorry for Constance, my heart really went out to her, and she went from one bad place, into another.
I think that the author has created a wonderful, varying mix of characters, some I liked but a few were unsavoury and I didn't like them at all.
I liked Ethel, the Burton Blake's long-standing cook, who has her own secret and regrets; I loved how she cared for Constance and I was hoping that the past could be laid to rest. Can people forgive and bridges re-built?
Kitty Kneale is onto a winner with this wonderful book, it is well constructed and was an absolute joy to read. Yes, there are some upsetting scenes, this is the 1960's and racial discrimination was rife, women were still expected to be seen and not heard. It shows how far we've come in society, the equality between men and women and the author has written with sensitivity; not just with these issues but with others that are highlighted within the story.
I was really engrossed in the story and I wanted Constance to have a better life. A happy life.
I was very surprised with the ending; it is fantastic!
I loved every minute of it and I highly recommend!
Thank you
Plain, but with a beautiful, caring nature, Constance Burton Blake is the main focus of attention throughout the book; an only child, born to Henrietta, a cold-hearted woman and a heavy drinker, and her Father Charles, who is often absent and carries a full-on condescending attitude. I didn't much care for either of them.
Constance finds herself in a situation and is ordered out of the family home.
I felt so sorry for Constance, my heart really went out to her, and she went from one bad place, into another.
I think that the author has created a wonderful, varying mix of characters, some I liked but a few were unsavoury and I didn't like them at all.
I liked Ethel, the Burton Blake's long-standing cook, who has her own secret and regrets; I loved how she cared for Constance and I was hoping that the past could be laid to rest. Can people forgive and bridges re-built?
Kitty Kneale is onto a winner with this wonderful book, it is well constructed and was an absolute joy to read. Yes, there are some upsetting scenes, this is the 1960's and racial discrimination was rife, women were still expected to be seen and not heard. It shows how far we've come in society, the equality between men and women and the author has written with sensitivity; not just with these issues but with others that are highlighted within the story.
I was really engrossed in the story and I wanted Constance to have a better life. A happy life.
I was very surprised with the ending; it is fantastic!
I loved every minute of it and I highly recommend!
Thank you
March 9, 2020
The sort of book that you can't put down 😃
1964...some great quotes,
'She hoped to be able to wear tights. They were the in thing now, not silly stockings with girdles or suspender belts.'
'She'd join the library. She would need to escape the drudgery of her life now, and would find that escape in a good book.'
'I don't want to be shooting bunnies all day.'
'Shooting bunnies?.'
'He means farting, love.'
'Oh, I see. Right then, no beans.'
1964...some great quotes,
'She hoped to be able to wear tights. They were the in thing now, not silly stockings with girdles or suspender belts.'
'She'd join the library. She would need to escape the drudgery of her life now, and would find that escape in a good book.'
'I don't want to be shooting bunnies all day.'
'Shooting bunnies?.'
'He means farting, love.'
'Oh, I see. Right then, no beans.'
March 11, 2021
Enjoyed this book, really like Kitty Neals's style of writing.
This story was set in 1960's London, Constance lives with her parents in a substantial house with servants in Clapham she is an only child and craves affection and its not forthcoming from her parents. Constance often seeks the company of their cook, Ethel.
She meets Ethel's grandson, Albie, and from then on her life changes forever.
This story was set in 1960's London, Constance lives with her parents in a substantial house with servants in Clapham she is an only child and craves affection and its not forthcoming from her parents. Constance often seeks the company of their cook, Ethel.
She meets Ethel's grandson, Albie, and from then on her life changes forever.
February 22, 2020
An inspirational story
This book is set in Clapton London in the year 1964. Constance Burton Blake seventeen year's of age lives a very comfortable life with her over aged parents and wanted more out of life this is the swinging sixties not the forties. Her mother a heavy drinker wants her married off, her father an investment banker said she's far to young. She only has a year left in college and has dreams of a career in medicine. Then along comes their cooks grandson Albie Jones and her whole life is soon to be shattered. Constance story is Heartbreaking in places, I was choked up reading at times. With the friendship in the London community she strives. I loved every minute, if you want happiness you have to grab it with both hands. Constance is an inspiration and has a heart of gold. This author captures and savours this story for her reader's right through to the end.
This book is set in Clapton London in the year 1964. Constance Burton Blake seventeen year's of age lives a very comfortable life with her over aged parents and wanted more out of life this is the swinging sixties not the forties. Her mother a heavy drinker wants her married off, her father an investment banker said she's far to young. She only has a year left in college and has dreams of a career in medicine. Then along comes their cooks grandson Albie Jones and her whole life is soon to be shattered. Constance story is Heartbreaking in places, I was choked up reading at times. With the friendship in the London community she strives. I loved every minute, if you want happiness you have to grab it with both hands. Constance is an inspiration and has a heart of gold. This author captures and savours this story for her reader's right through to the end.
December 24, 2020
Not the usual type of book I read, but felt like trying something different and I'm glad I did as I really enjoyed it from start to finish and looking forward to reading more of these books.
March 23, 2021
Seventeen-year-old Constance has had a privileged upbringing in Clapham but her parents have always been cold and distant, never showing her love. Craving affection, Constance falls into the arms of Albie Jones, the cook’s grandson. But one fateful encounter leaves her ashamed and pregnant, and she is soon shunned from the family home. Heartbroken and threatened by scandal, Constance is forced to wed Albie and moves to Battersea, where she suffers unforgiving stares and cruel whispers from the neighbours. Trapped in a bitter and loveless marriage without a penny to her name, Constance has no choice but to stay and surrender. Will she ever find freedom – or happiness – again?
.
I LOVED this book!! I started it this morning and I’ve been reading it on and off all day staying up until 1am to finish it. I enjoyed getting to know the characters especially Constance, Ethel and Mary. I really warmed to the book and once the book ended I wanted more. A lovely read and I’m looking forward to reading more of Kitty’s books in the future. 4.5 🌟
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I LOVED this book!! I started it this morning and I’ve been reading it on and off all day staying up until 1am to finish it. I enjoyed getting to know the characters especially Constance, Ethel and Mary. I really warmed to the book and once the book ended I wanted more. A lovely read and I’m looking forward to reading more of Kitty’s books in the future. 4.5 🌟
March 25, 2020
Praise for kitty Neil.
Kitty Neil is such a good auther and her books are easy to follow . 5stars and well deserved . All her books are so different but when reading you feel yourself actually being there yourself. I would recommend this book to people and hope you enjoy it as much has me .
Kitty Neil is such a good auther and her books are easy to follow . 5stars and well deserved . All her books are so different but when reading you feel yourself actually being there yourself. I would recommend this book to people and hope you enjoy it as much has me .
August 31, 2020
Didn't want it to end
A take of riches to rags.
Constance born to a well to do family soon finds her circumstances changing and living in a 2 up 2 down house where the neighbours don't accept her and her life changed dramatically.
Kitty has a way with books that leave you smiling. Another fantastic read!
A take of riches to rags.
Constance born to a well to do family soon finds her circumstances changing and living in a 2 up 2 down house where the neighbours don't accept her and her life changed dramatically.
Kitty has a way with books that leave you smiling. Another fantastic read!
February 5, 2021
Set in the height of the swingin' 60's in Battersea. A young intelligent woman who had very little affection and love off her parents seeks affection in the arms of a known womaniser only to be ruined from the moment of passion.
This story shows how a young woman's ruin became her strength to offer refuge to women from domestic violence and trapped marriages.
This story shows how a young woman's ruin became her strength to offer refuge to women from domestic violence and trapped marriages.
November 7, 2025
loved this one. Connie was a only child, She had parents who didn't notice her. Staff that were more family. As a result of the cooks grandson getting Connie in the family way. As a result she was thrown out of the home and life style she only knew . to now living a life that was not know to her and forsed to marry. Did Connie come out best in the end ??
March 3, 2020
Wow, brilliant
What a sad childhood Charlotte had with a drunk for a mother and a father who didn't care. He made her matey Albie when she was pregnant.. Albie made her life a misery until she managed to escape. I love Kitty Neale. Can't wait for her next book
What a sad childhood Charlotte had with a drunk for a mother and a father who didn't care. He made her matey Albie when she was pregnant.. Albie made her life a misery until she managed to escape. I love Kitty Neale. Can't wait for her next book
March 23, 2020
Another great read
You never let us down Kitty, there is never a need to download a sample of your books. A daughters ruin was another lovely story, it would be really good to have a sequel and find out more about those wonderful characters. Easy 5*
You never let us down Kitty, there is never a need to download a sample of your books. A daughters ruin was another lovely story, it would be really good to have a sequel and find out more about those wonderful characters. Easy 5*
January 17, 2021
First time reading a book by Kitty Neale, throughly enjoyed the story and the charecters, I quickly began to feel anger towards Albie and the ending was a twist I did not see coming for his charecter. All the charecters seemed to get the ending they deserved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2024
A superb read! I couldn't put it down, well-written and the atmosphere has a glimpse of reality. Constance deserve to be happy at the end, with new gain friendship and family. Very satisfying ending for her.
February 26, 2020
Very enjoyable book
As usual a very good read.can't get enough of kitty neales books
Such believable characters and great storyline
Looking forward to reading another of kitty books
As usual a very good read.can't get enough of kitty neales books
Such believable characters and great storyline
Looking forward to reading another of kitty books
March 17, 2020
Excellent couldn't put it down
March 23, 2020
Another great read by Kitty Neale. An easy but compelling read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 12, 2020
Yet again Kitty Neale did not disappoint...loved this book from start to finish. Would love a sequel to find out what happens to the characters
May 14, 2020
Brilliant
Loved this book from
Page 1 highly recommended completely absorbed in characters and storyline - another fantastic book by the very talented Kitty Neale
Loved this book from
Page 1 highly recommended completely absorbed in characters and storyline - another fantastic book by the very talented Kitty Neale
May 16, 2020
I struggled to put this down, it was brilliant!
June 10, 2020
Amazing!
March 21, 2021
Big up to the women in this book for all their trials and tribulations. Really good.
March 30, 2021
This story is so captivating and heart wrenching I feel as though I want to read the follow on to it to see how all the characters are getting on
September 20, 2021
Another great story by Kitty Neale. Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Great characters and a great story too, couldn't wait to have a bit of reading time to carry it on!
December 17, 2021
I enjoyed reading this, it makes you think about what life was like in the past and there was a twist i wasnt expecting too.
Read
June 25, 2022DNF
66 pages/7 chapter in and I’m done.
The writing style is not it and neither are the characterisations
66 pages/7 chapter in and I’m done.
The writing style is not it and neither are the characterisations
August 30, 2022
I did not enjoy this at all. I ended up skimming through it just to see what happened, as I found the writing so clunky and the storyline was annoying.
November 25, 2022
A lovely book to read with the ending I wanted. I didn't like Albie at all and was going for better things for Connie. Is there a follow on book to this.
October 19, 2023
A good read, I really like this author.All of her stories are so good.
February 5, 2023
Historical Fiction – book is set in 1964 in Clapton London
A rich young girl – Constance – is devoid of love from both her parents. Her self-esteem is extremely low and her ability to judge people correctly is distorted due to never receiving any true affection. This causes her to be attracted to a seemingly sensible lad and soon she is outcast when the unthinkable occurs!
She is forced to marry this man who never wanted anything to do with her after their first affair. The offer of money from her father is the only reason the man agrees to marrying her and this results in a torturous marriage.
Readers feel sympathy for young Constance and the story is so engaging that one desperately wills to advise her as they read along. However, as the story continues, Constance learns valuable lessons and as they say some lessons can only be learnt through experience.
Kitty Neale demonstrates how there are always people we can turn to even if we don’t receive help from those we expect it from.
Constance made the unlikeliest of friends, some who were going through similar ordeals and others who’s own experiences gifted them with wisdom and empathy.
By the end of the book, the author shows how negative experiences can create positive changes. Constance used her experience to help others who were in predicaments like she had been in.
A rich young girl – Constance – is devoid of love from both her parents. Her self-esteem is extremely low and her ability to judge people correctly is distorted due to never receiving any true affection. This causes her to be attracted to a seemingly sensible lad and soon she is outcast when the unthinkable occurs!
She is forced to marry this man who never wanted anything to do with her after their first affair. The offer of money from her father is the only reason the man agrees to marrying her and this results in a torturous marriage.
Readers feel sympathy for young Constance and the story is so engaging that one desperately wills to advise her as they read along. However, as the story continues, Constance learns valuable lessons and as they say some lessons can only be learnt through experience.
Kitty Neale demonstrates how there are always people we can turn to even if we don’t receive help from those we expect it from.
Constance made the unlikeliest of friends, some who were going through similar ordeals and others who’s own experiences gifted them with wisdom and empathy.
By the end of the book, the author shows how negative experiences can create positive changes. Constance used her experience to help others who were in predicaments like she had been in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews