Lost Angel

by Kitty Neale

Hope never dies... The dramatic novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of NOBODY'S GIRL. After losing everything in the Blitz, Hilda Stone and her 14-year-old daughter Ellen are desperate for a miracle. But their world is shattered when a telegram informs them that Doug - their beloved husband and father - has been lost at sea. In the depths of despair, Hilda is one day approached by a strange woman with a message - and both she and Ellen are astounded when the prediction becomes a reality. Years later, the teenaged Ellen makes a shocking mistake - but is rescued by the man who later becomes her husband, and the family finally find peace. But their joy is cut short when Ellen's baby daughter is killed in a tragic accident. Blaming herself for the accident, Ellen remembers the woman's prediction all those years ago and searches desperately for proof of an afterlife. Her search becomes an obsession and she reaches rock bottom - until she is given a sign. But will it provide the answers Ellen so desperately seeks?

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

530 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and heartfelt story about Hilda Stone and her daughter Elenn, who have to endure the bombings from 1940 onwards. The lose of loved ones and eventually there home, making them flee to the English countryside.
Ellen finding herself pregnant, is rescued by a neighbours son and finally marries him.There happiness is short lived as Ellen loses her baby in a tragic accident
In her grief she searches for proof of an afterlife which becomes obsessive.But miracles sometimes do happen and after so much sadness, peace can be found.
A book that can make you smile and cry,feeling great compassion for the writers characters.Well written and enjoyed in one sitting, would definately read another of Kitty Neale's books again.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

i don't normally read books from the war time era, but the blurb sold this one to me. it was an interesting story following the characters from childhood to adulthood there were some tragic moments that i wasn't expecting ..........i enjoy books that are not predictable.

[Lois Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. So sorry when I finished it. Amazing.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a lot to this book, easy reading but frustrating when you can see the direction its going in.

[Paula Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

understanding, sensitive and tearful story set during the second world war

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars
Firstly, a warning, anyone planning on reading this book, please do not read the blurb. Otherwise you will not need to read the book at all as the blurb tells far too much of the story. Just bizarre.
So, without giving massive spoilers, this story starts in Battersea south London in 1940 with Hilda and her nine year old daughter Ellen. Hilda’s husband is overseas with the war as bombs are raining down on London, destroying so much. As a result Hilda and Ellen move to the country for safety. But things become uncomfortable when Gertie’s real feelings for Hilda emerge. From there the story features time back in London and in the country. Life is tough for Hilda and Ellen in many ways. As Ellen grows up, Hilda tries to protect her daughter from many of life's problems. But, as they are often reminded, life does not always go to plan.
I had read and enjoyed another book by this author, which was why I picked this up. Sadly, I never really connected with any of the characters but always felt I was standing at a distance watching goings on. Can’t quite put my finger on why it didn’t work for me, but it didn’t. Just an okay read. However, I am equally sure a lot of people will enjoy it.

[Marc Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg what a brilliant read I didn’t want to put it down! Rosie Goodwin Writes a few books based on another subject and I actually picked up on of hers thinking be the same but set back in the day and I really enjoyed it and I saw it said similar authors Kitty Neale so I picked 1 of hers up to try and can’t stop reading them.
This is set in 1940 with Hilda,Doug and there daughter Helen and follows there lives through hard times and the blitz, they move away to Somerset to start a new life, Helen married to a man she likes but doesn’t love has a bit of a rough time and becomes really intrigued with finding out if there’s life after death. Go ahead and read it you won’t be a let o put it down

[Elaine Hargrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the Blitz going on in London you Ellen and her mum evacuate after the death of Ellen's grandparents killed when their house was bombed. Later their neighbours Mabel and her son Billie join them. When Ellen's dad retuns after believing him killed in action the family return to London still neighbours with Mabel, Billie and Percy ( brothers). Believing herself in love with Billy the inevitable happens and the family flee to the country again to begin a new life. To live life through Ellen's eyes the happy times and the sad. Real pull on the heart strings.

[Kaye Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has a great talent for fitting in so much drama! A real tear-jerker at times, but with happy bits too. Set in the WWII and post-war times in England, it is the story of same-sex relationships in a time where this was "unnatural", teenage pregnancy - when unmarried mother's were harshly treated, and the great question of faith and whether there is an afterlife or not. Great read - and typical of Neale's style.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely saga set during and after world war two. At times it felt a bit slow but it soon moved on to another phase where I was once again turning pages rather quickly. It's the story of Hilda and her daughter, Ellen, other characters are also very well defined and make you interested to find out more about them. This book covers many issues, many of which are still relevant today.

[Gill Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I really enjoyed this story. Following Ellens journey through to adult life and all the things that were thrown at her. I felt there could of been another few chapters to finish of her story. Maybe there will be a sequel!!!!

[Marta Pereira · Rating 2 out of 5]

A grand entrance, set in the British capital during the blitz - caught me to read it. Nevertheless, as I dove into the plot, got to find it lamer and lamer and did not consider it a well-accomplished narrative.

[Christine Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable book, couldn't put it down ! Set in the 2nd World War we follow Ellen's life from a young girl through to her 20's , from evacuation, boys, and life's ups and downs. Looking forward to reading more of Kitty Neale's novels.

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a endearing story about a family and a glimpse of how life and attitudes impact on their lives in the 1940-1950 . It leaves you with a warming heartfelt satisfaction for the family and their story .

[Ruthie]

The author lost her son when he was 27 and after joining a support group for bereaved parents was inspired to write. This book is in Sardinia and I must have read it. But sadly I can remember nothing about it.

[Pat Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of kitty Neale books never disappoint,keeps you gripped with the story lines.Especially it makes me think of my mum how she struggled with her situations back then.Hope you don’t stop writing your book kitty

[Sara Mcmillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen was a only child frightened of the bombs dropping but her mother refuses to send her away with Ellen's dad fighting in the war nit knowing if he's a live or dead. what happens to Ellen . read on to found out

[Jude Sharrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good read that was hard to put down

[Lynne Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Angel

I found this book uplifting and heartbreaking. A wonderful read !
I love that kitty Neale goes back in time for some of her stories.

[Marie Greaney · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Long winded, Writing style that didn’t help, found I actually didn’t care what happened so gave up and think I did well to get halfway through

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant through happiness and sadness
To a lovely ending love Kitty Neale books a must read

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me tearful and goosebumps.
Searching for faith, and oh what a journey.

[Linda Hobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book

[Rachel pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did it matter what other people thought ? What she chose to believe , what eased her pain what gave her comfort and the strength to go on - that was all that mattered. And how could anyone begrudge her that ?

Set in world war 2 , a heavily based family dynamic story . I picked this book up as it was sat on my grandmas shelf thought would read a few pages to pass some time what I didn't expect was how quickly I fell into the story . The characters are well thought of and you will love Ellen and will hate billy . You find fall for Percy . I want or need a second book to find out what happens to Ellen and Percy there has to be a second book . But then again it goes with the theme of the book , you just never know what happens when something stops you have to have hope that it all ends well.

I will admit at times this book can become annoying and I totally understand that but the ending got me good and the characters are so well written . It's my first book I have read set in world war 2 was nice to get a tastier of what it was like in WW2 and also my first but not last of Kitty Neale .

[Sandra Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book well done kitty, definitely read more of ur books.
Thank you

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very sad. It was at the time of the Blitz and Hilda Stone and her daughter Elaine have lost everything. Can anything be more tragic. Unfortunately yes, her husband is lost at sea. She then encounters a lady who says that her husband is alive, sure enough years later he appears. Elaine is now grown up with her own lovely family, tragedy strikes and her daughter is killed. What can she do, find this woman and make another miracle happen. Absolutely engrossing and touched your heart. Kitty Neale one of many of my favourite authors, she is just incredible the way she lays out her stories for you to enjoy and interpret.

[Wynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilda and her daughter Ellen were staying with Gertie (who us a lesbian n has feelings for her).

Mabel's son Percy had feelings for Ellen but she had her eyes for his brother, Billy...

Somehow, she got pregnant with Billy's baby. But by the time she found out, Billy was already married. Percy offered to marry Ellen. They had a baby girl Sarah...

But there was an accident and Sarah died...

Ellen later on had Percy's baby... I enjoyed the ending... :D

[Emma Crazywithtwins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never read a book set in the war before but I was gripped from the first page. I feel that the last 100 pages weren't necessary and found them quite disturbing and upsetting.

The blurb should never have been written. All the spoilers are on the back. This ruined the book for me. If you want to read this book, DON'T read the back cover!

[Helen O'Mahony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that I couldnt put down. Although the last section of the book, after Ellens baby was born was quite short in comparison with the rest of the book.
Would definately recommend.