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A Daughter’s Courage
Her strength is all she has left…
When Dorothy meets Robbie, she falls for him quickly and it’s not long before the pair are engaged. But then an unexpected pregnancy puts everything at risk, and Dorothy is left alone – with Robbie nowhere to be seen.
Heartbroken, Dorothy picks up the pieces of her life as a working girl in Battersea helping to support her mother and father. But before long, things start to become difficult. Her father’s health is worsening, money is tight and worst of all, Robbie hasn’t come back for her.
Can Dorothy find a way back to happiness in the face of real adversity? Will she have the courage to make it on her own – or is someone else waiting in the wings to save her?
Gritty and moving, this is the perfect read for fans of Dilly Court and Maggie Hope.
When Dorothy meets Robbie, she falls for him quickly and it’s not long before the pair are engaged. But then an unexpected pregnancy puts everything at risk, and Dorothy is left alone – with Robbie nowhere to be seen.
Heartbroken, Dorothy picks up the pieces of her life as a working girl in Battersea helping to support her mother and father. But before long, things start to become difficult. Her father’s health is worsening, money is tight and worst of all, Robbie hasn’t come back for her.
Can Dorothy find a way back to happiness in the face of real adversity? Will she have the courage to make it on her own – or is someone else waiting in the wings to save her?
Gritty and moving, this is the perfect read for fans of Dilly Court and Maggie Hope.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2018
206 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 18, 2018
Really enjoyed this audiobook by Kitty Neale. Very well written and narrated and kept me well entertained on a long journey. Time flew while I listened to this story.
July 11, 2018
Absolutely brilliant, from cover to cover.
May 25, 2019
This is a lovely book, a very well written and thoughtful storytelling. Dorothy meets Robbie.... but is he the right brother for her.... as the story develops a lot of changes are ahead for Dorothy. Her life takes an unexpected turn... she sees Robbie for who he really is after her friend dies... . Will be reading more of kitty’s books.
April 4, 2018
Loved this book I couldn’t put it down. You are drawn into Dottie’s life from page one. I was willing her to realise what Robbie Ferguson was like. Unfortunately they say love is blind, and Dottie was so in love with Robbie she refused to see his faults and always accepted his excuses. A great read that I highly recommend.
January 15, 2018
When Dorothy meets Robbie, she falls for him quickly and it’s not long before the pair are engaged. But then an unexpected pregnancy puts everything at risk, and Dorothy is left alone – with Robbie nowhere to be seen.
Heartbroken, Dorothy picks up the pieces of her life as a working girl in Battersea helping to support her mother and father. But before long, things start to become difficult. Her father’s health is worsening, money is tight and worst of all, Robbie hasn’t come back for her.
Can Dorothy find a way back to happiness in the face of real adversity? Will she have the courage to make it on her own – or is someone else waiting in the wings to save her?
Gritty and moving, this is the perfect read for fans of Dilly Court and Maggie Hope.
This was a great story from start to finish with lots of twists to the storyline, well written and nicely descriptive.
I love the end and how Robbie ends his story you really hope that something not very nice happens to him, and the story doesn't disappoint!!
Heartbroken, Dorothy picks up the pieces of her life as a working girl in Battersea helping to support her mother and father. But before long, things start to become difficult. Her father’s health is worsening, money is tight and worst of all, Robbie hasn’t come back for her.
Can Dorothy find a way back to happiness in the face of real adversity? Will she have the courage to make it on her own – or is someone else waiting in the wings to save her?
Gritty and moving, this is the perfect read for fans of Dilly Court and Maggie Hope.
This was a great story from start to finish with lots of twists to the storyline, well written and nicely descriptive.
I love the end and how Robbie ends his story you really hope that something not very nice happens to him, and the story doesn't disappoint!!
April 10, 2018
Another brilliant book yet again from Kitty Neale, I simply love her books. Could not put this one down. A very gritty saga taken in Dotties life and romance with Robbie who used her,but they say love is blind. Luckily, Robbie had a very kind brother in Adrian, so all was well in the end. I thoroughly recommend this book for an excellent easy read.
April 13, 2024
A wonderful family saga type book and one which I thoroughly enjoyed . An easy read and one which I highly recommend.
December 13, 2019
Beautiful
1956 Battersea London. The story of Dorothy Butler, living with her mother and father Alice and Bill a broken man with a small army pension, after eleven year's he's still no better and unable to work, her mum has to take in washing, while Dorothy works at the bakery. It was a struggle. Robbie Ferguson dishy is taking her dancing, she deserves a good time, they have been dating five months, hes a bit of a jack the lad, and wants them to marry, Dottie ignores all the talk ,shes head over heels in love. But Dottie is set to get her heart broken, Nelly at work tries to tell her, but all she wants is Robbie especially now. Trouble comes around and she's in for a rocky ride. This book has everything as you read. I found myself gripped into every chapter, full of heartache, a totally gripping Christmas London saga to be enjoyed. I certainly did.
1956 Battersea London. The story of Dorothy Butler, living with her mother and father Alice and Bill a broken man with a small army pension, after eleven year's he's still no better and unable to work, her mum has to take in washing, while Dorothy works at the bakery. It was a struggle. Robbie Ferguson dishy is taking her dancing, she deserves a good time, they have been dating five months, hes a bit of a jack the lad, and wants them to marry, Dottie ignores all the talk ,shes head over heels in love. But Dottie is set to get her heart broken, Nelly at work tries to tell her, but all she wants is Robbie especially now. Trouble comes around and she's in for a rocky ride. This book has everything as you read. I found myself gripped into every chapter, full of heartache, a totally gripping Christmas London saga to be enjoyed. I certainly did.
May 23, 2018
Kitty Neale never fails to deliver. I love her books as you know what you are getting. This was a really good unputdownable tale with some good characters and lots of sad predicaments. Really enjoyed it.
April 14, 2018
Lovely read that I enjoyed
Loved this book,but knew that I would as I love every book written by kitty neale.
The story line and characters are so real i get totally in the zone
10/10
Loved this book,but knew that I would as I love every book written by kitty neale.
The story line and characters are so real i get totally in the zone
10/10
April 9, 2018
A lovely book and a joy to read,Dottie is a sweet girl who falls in love with Robbie but things aren't what they seem as she ends up alone after robbie runs away.Devistated she then finds she's pregnant her mom Alice is not happy but does try and support dottie.This is a story of love,hurt,anger and family and friendship.All i can say is how much i loved this book and can highly recomend it Kitty Neale never disapoints well worth 5*
April 10, 2018
Another great read
Yet another fantastic read from Kitty. My only gripe is more a personal thing of mine in that I wanted to find out what happened to all the other characters featured in the book.
A book with real believable characters and yet another of Kitty's book that I devoured in one day lol. Brilliant
Yet another fantastic read from Kitty. My only gripe is more a personal thing of mine in that I wanted to find out what happened to all the other characters featured in the book.
A book with real believable characters and yet another of Kitty's book that I devoured in one day lol. Brilliant
April 8, 2018
Love kitty neale brilliant as usual can't wait for next book
Fantastic love kitty neale brilliant story as usual takes you right in to the story and keeps you there from start to finish
Fantastic love kitty neale brilliant story as usual takes you right in to the story and keeps you there from start to finish
April 9, 2018
Received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, would recommend to anyone.
May 20, 2020
I honestly detested this book. The writing is poor, the characters are flat and one dimensional. You don’t have the opportunity to get attached to any of the characters, and the decisions that they make don’t really make any sense in context.
The plot is over dramatic and contains nothing but soap-opera events that you can’t relate to because the author took no time to build up the characters for the readers.
Women fall into two categories in this book: attractive and dumb/naive/child-like, or unattractive/larger bodied and smart. That is not to say that I personally feel that bigger bodied women are unattractive, however that is the idea that the author plants in the readers head. One of the side characters, Nelly, in the book is constantly described with negative language, like “her flabby arms”. Terms like these are rittled throughout the book, which shows a possible bias that the author may have towards larger women and their toxic perfectionist ideals towards the stereotypical “thin” body that is held in high societal regard.
Much of the plot feels rushed, despite being over 400 pages. It simply jumps from one event to another without any character development taking place.
The language is corny and unnecessary. Things are over explained, and she uses terms like “man mountain” to describe stature.
The only positive point I can offer this book is that it is an easy read. I was able to read this relatively quickly, despite all of the negatives.
Overall the book falls flat in so many ways.
The plot is over dramatic and contains nothing but soap-opera events that you can’t relate to because the author took no time to build up the characters for the readers.
Women fall into two categories in this book: attractive and dumb/naive/child-like, or unattractive/larger bodied and smart. That is not to say that I personally feel that bigger bodied women are unattractive, however that is the idea that the author plants in the readers head. One of the side characters, Nelly, in the book is constantly described with negative language, like “her flabby arms”. Terms like these are rittled throughout the book, which shows a possible bias that the author may have towards larger women and their toxic perfectionist ideals towards the stereotypical “thin” body that is held in high societal regard.
Much of the plot feels rushed, despite being over 400 pages. It simply jumps from one event to another without any character development taking place.
The language is corny and unnecessary. Things are over explained, and she uses terms like “man mountain” to describe stature.
The only positive point I can offer this book is that it is an easy read. I was able to read this relatively quickly, despite all of the negatives.
Overall the book falls flat in so many ways.
January 15, 2018
When Kitty Neale brings out a new book, I am so excited and know I'm in for a treat, her books have never failed to disappoint me, A Daughters Courage was a fabulous read, with an addictive storyline that had me captivated throughout.
November 7, 2022
I wanted to enjoy this book so much. Instead I was left so angry with every other chapter!! The writing is good!! it makes you feel emotions towards the characters!! Like the palpable loathing I have for the main character Dorothy is so real throughout the book.
Let's start with Dorothy's love for Robbie. First love? I get it, it makes you feel completely overtaken by emotions so strong you feel you can't live a life without that person. I get it. But what Dorothy felt for Robbie bordered on obsession. It makes no sense to me that with all the rumors going around about the guy, she still decided to blindly believe every single thing he said. 'Let's get married' 'omg I don't have a ring to give you yet cause this is rushed but let's have sex, don't worry I'll get you the ring' like let's put the bad decisions aside for a bit, the fact that he robbed a jewelry store and her first thought was 'he did it all because of me because I wanted a ring'?? The anger in my body. I'm saying this again, her love for Robbie was unhealthy!
Now Alice, see I had no issues with the her. She was a hard working woman who loved her family. But the fact that her first thought when she saw Robbie's brother was to ask him to marry her daughter in order to save face?? Like, 'yeah just marry this woman who you don't know, don't care if you've got your own life to live lol your brother did this after all' it made no sense to me. I understand she wanted her daughter to not be shunned in the community, but still???
Anyway, I broke a little when she died.
The rest of the book is okay. That's what got it the 3.5 stars, the plot was ongoing and it showed how much of a bastard Robbie was and how much if a dumbass Dorothy was whenever it came to Robbie. I loved that at the end she saw him for who he was and managed to get her mind straight not only for herself but for the people around her too (RIP Yvonne). I also love love love the fact that Robbie got what he deserved.
What hurt me the most though? It was the fact that it took our beloved Dorothy, the ENTIRE BOOK to say "I love you" to her husband. I could FEEL her husband's hesitation to accept the words thinking she's just saying them just because. It broke me. I hope you're happy with how much you've hurt my soul!!
Let's start with Dorothy's love for Robbie. First love? I get it, it makes you feel completely overtaken by emotions so strong you feel you can't live a life without that person. I get it. But what Dorothy felt for Robbie bordered on obsession. It makes no sense to me that with all the rumors going around about the guy, she still decided to blindly believe every single thing he said. 'Let's get married' 'omg I don't have a ring to give you yet cause this is rushed but let's have sex, don't worry I'll get you the ring' like let's put the bad decisions aside for a bit, the fact that he robbed a jewelry store and her first thought was 'he did it all because of me because I wanted a ring'?? The anger in my body. I'm saying this again, her love for Robbie was unhealthy!
Now Alice, see I had no issues with the her. She was a hard working woman who loved her family. But the fact that her first thought when she saw Robbie's brother was to ask him to marry her daughter in order to save face?? Like, 'yeah just marry this woman who you don't know, don't care if you've got your own life to live lol your brother did this after all' it made no sense to me. I understand she wanted her daughter to not be shunned in the community, but still???
Anyway, I broke a little when she died.
The rest of the book is okay. That's what got it the 3.5 stars, the plot was ongoing and it showed how much of a bastard Robbie was and how much if a dumbass Dorothy was whenever it came to Robbie. I loved that at the end she saw him for who he was and managed to get her mind straight not only for herself but for the people around her too (RIP Yvonne). I also love love love the fact that Robbie got what he deserved.
What hurt me the most though? It was the fact that it took our beloved Dorothy, the ENTIRE BOOK to say "I love you" to her husband. I could FEEL her husband's hesitation to accept the words thinking she's just saying them just because. It broke me. I hope you're happy with how much you've hurt my soul!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
[Introduction - Immediate Hook and Scope]
Kitty Neale has delivered another brilliant story that completely engrossed me—I honestly couldn't stop listening! From start to finish, this book is packed full of so much life and drama that will keep you absolutely hooked. It truly has everything in it: family sagas, elements of crime, heart warming romance, and deep friendship.
[Praise - Characters and Relationships]
The characters in this novel are exceptionally well-crafted, and I genuinely liked all of them.
Adrian is an absolute standout; he is a brilliant man all around and such a lovely, supportive husband to Dorothy. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change throughout the story, especially seeing Adrian cope with a difficult brother like Robbie.
Speaking of Robbie, even he was a brilliant character! Though horrible, he was compelling, and you just wanted to see what he would do next.
While I liked Dorothy, I do think she was very naive at times. Luckily, she had the steadfast support of her friend Nelly to guide her through life's challenges.
[Praise - Emotional Depth and Pacing]
The story is emotionally rich, and the author handles the difficult moments with immense skill. There are some really sad moments in this book—including the miscarriage and two deaths—that were executed so well and added significant emotional weight to the narrative. With lots going on from the very first page, the pace never drops, ensuring the reader is constantly invested in the characters' lives.
[Conclusion - Final Summary]
A Daughter's Courage is an absolutely phenomenal read. I truly can't think of one bad thing about this book. If you love gripping historical/family sagas filled with complex characters and high drama, this one is not to be missed!
Kitty Neale has delivered another brilliant story that completely engrossed me—I honestly couldn't stop listening! From start to finish, this book is packed full of so much life and drama that will keep you absolutely hooked. It truly has everything in it: family sagas, elements of crime, heart warming romance, and deep friendship.
[Praise - Characters and Relationships]
The characters in this novel are exceptionally well-crafted, and I genuinely liked all of them.
Adrian is an absolute standout; he is a brilliant man all around and such a lovely, supportive husband to Dorothy. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change throughout the story, especially seeing Adrian cope with a difficult brother like Robbie.
Speaking of Robbie, even he was a brilliant character! Though horrible, he was compelling, and you just wanted to see what he would do next.
While I liked Dorothy, I do think she was very naive at times. Luckily, she had the steadfast support of her friend Nelly to guide her through life's challenges.
[Praise - Emotional Depth and Pacing]
The story is emotionally rich, and the author handles the difficult moments with immense skill. There are some really sad moments in this book—including the miscarriage and two deaths—that were executed so well and added significant emotional weight to the narrative. With lots going on from the very first page, the pace never drops, ensuring the reader is constantly invested in the characters' lives.
[Conclusion - Final Summary]
A Daughter's Courage is an absolutely phenomenal read. I truly can't think of one bad thing about this book. If you love gripping historical/family sagas filled with complex characters and high drama, this one is not to be missed!
January 22, 2019
A Daughter’s Courage by Kitty Neale is the story of Dorothy Butler. Dorothy lives with her mother, Alice who works hard going laundry to take care of her family since her agoraphobia prevents her from leaving the home. Dorothy’s father, Bill has not been the same since the war ended and receives a small pension. Dorothy has fallen under the spell of Robbie Ferguson. Robbie proposes to Dorothy and then proceeds to charm her into his bed. Robbie has found an easy way to earn some money, but, when the job goes sideway, he takes off for Scotland. Dorothy discovers she is in the family way and goes looking for her young man. Adrian Ferguson, Robbie’s brother, provides financial assistance and has an unexpected offer for Dorothy. Find out what happens to Dorothy in A Daughter’s Courage.
I thought A Daughter’s Courage was well-written and an engaging story. Dorothy falls in love with ne’er do well, Robbie. The old saying that love is blind applies to Dorothy because she refuses to see Robbie’s faults and falls for his excuses every time. A Daughter’s Courage is a gritty and realistic family saga. A Daughter’s Courage is a story with drama, romance, hurt, friendship, anger, intrigue, grief and family. I thought the author captured the time period and locale. There is British slang included which can be discerned from the text. They have some interesting expressions. A Daughter’s Courage has a satisfying ending. I am giving A Daughter’s Courage 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading more books by Kitty Neale.
I thought A Daughter’s Courage was well-written and an engaging story. Dorothy falls in love with ne’er do well, Robbie. The old saying that love is blind applies to Dorothy because she refuses to see Robbie’s faults and falls for his excuses every time. A Daughter’s Courage is a gritty and realistic family saga. A Daughter’s Courage is a story with drama, romance, hurt, friendship, anger, intrigue, grief and family. I thought the author captured the time period and locale. There is British slang included which can be discerned from the text. They have some interesting expressions. A Daughter’s Courage has a satisfying ending. I am giving A Daughter’s Courage 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I look forward to reading more books by Kitty Neale.
April 30, 2018
Another great book from Kitty Neale.
A familiar story about an innocent young girl being taken advantage of. Dorothy is made of strong stuff despite being naive. She has the blinkers over her eyes when it comes to Robbie. Nothing will cloud her judgement of him, whatever the evidence.
Dorothy losses her mum suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving her to look after her dad. Sadly he is not we'll and things are hard enough for Dorothy, without finding herself in a predicament. Robbie is not helping in the least, as usual, and is continually building up debts to unscrupulous people.
Luckily Robbie has an older and wiser brother who tries to help Dorothy and who is forever picking up the pieces left behind by Robbie's behaviour. Will Dorothy trust him? Will Robbie receive his comeuppance? You'll have to find out for yourself.
A familiar story about an innocent young girl being taken advantage of. Dorothy is made of strong stuff despite being naive. She has the blinkers over her eyes when it comes to Robbie. Nothing will cloud her judgement of him, whatever the evidence.
Dorothy losses her mum suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving her to look after her dad. Sadly he is not we'll and things are hard enough for Dorothy, without finding herself in a predicament. Robbie is not helping in the least, as usual, and is continually building up debts to unscrupulous people.
Luckily Robbie has an older and wiser brother who tries to help Dorothy and who is forever picking up the pieces left behind by Robbie's behaviour. Will Dorothy trust him? Will Robbie receive his comeuppance? You'll have to find out for yourself.
February 2, 2022
I'm sorry to say I didn't like this book. It just felt like one long series of car crashes in the character's lives. I won't spoil them for future readers but it felt like just one thing after another. Every time I thought 'okay, this has got to be the peak of it now', the bad stuff just kept on coming. I found it depressing and mentally draining.
On the plus side, Kitty Neale is very very good at writing characters you hate! I loathed Robbie with everything I had. She is a very good writer... the book just wasn't for me.
On the plus side, Kitty Neale is very very good at writing characters you hate! I loathed Robbie with everything I had. She is a very good writer... the book just wasn't for me.
September 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this gritty and fast paced family saga. Kitty has a talent for writing brilliant and believable characters. Dottie falls in love with bad boy Robbie, and then she goes through a terrible time, while Robbie seems to get away with everything. Dottie has a faithful friend in Nelly, who helps her to cope with all her heartache. I genuinely loved all the characters (except for the horrible Robbie of course). I'll look forward to reading more Kitty Neal.
March 2, 2018
I am a great fan of Kitty Neale is A Daughter’s courage is yet another fantastic book. From the very first page I was hooked and felt all the characters and emotions come to life - there were unexpected twists and turns and I couldn’t read each chapter fast enough. Really enjoyed connecting with the characters - the ending was enthralling and unexpected. Would highly recommend.
January 25, 2023
Better than expected! Easy read with a good plot. Was expecting more of a love story/self discovery storyline but it had just enough action and twists to keep you wanted to know what’s next. I think the ending could have been somewhat better but I feel that it’s a good sign to a good book… you want to know more.
April 29, 2018
Wow
Kitty Neal doesn't disappoint with another gritty page turner. A great read with an array of colourful characters. Fast paced to keep you hooked to the last page. Waiting patiently for the next book.
Kitty Neal doesn't disappoint with another gritty page turner. A great read with an array of colourful characters. Fast paced to keep you hooked to the last page. Waiting patiently for the next book.
May 6, 2018
A super read about falling for sweet words from the wrong man, I don't know many people who have not fallen for the wrong person at some point but I just loved that even though she was heartbroken and thing were tough Dottie never gave up and thank goodness for Adrian.
May 8, 2018
I was totally drawn into this book from the first page and just couldn't put it down. How I felt for the character Dorothy! Beautifully written, totally gripping. Would highly recommend. 5*
My thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
My thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
May 11, 2018
Well done kitty.
5 stars and well deserved you have cracked it again .Brilliant reading for fans of kitty neal . Brilliant reading from the beginning to the last page I would certainly recommend this book .
5 stars and well deserved you have cracked it again .Brilliant reading for fans of kitty neal . Brilliant reading from the beginning to the last page I would certainly recommend this book .
July 25, 2021
It's a well narrated story by Kitty Neale. Every unexpected turns of Dorothy's life kept me interested throughout reading. Writer presented Dorothy and Adrian as very nice characters. Other characters also well introduced. I would like to recommend to others.
June 27, 2024
Brilliant
Omg I am so enjoying reading Kitty Neale's books
My normal genre is gangland so for me to turn to
This type of book then they must be good and I promise you
That you won't be disappointed
Omg I am so enjoying reading Kitty Neale's books
My normal genre is gangland so for me to turn to
This type of book then they must be good and I promise you
That you won't be disappointed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews