The heartwrenching new novel from bestselling author Kitty Neale
Can she put right the secrets of the past?
London, 1939. Winnie Berry has been the landlady of the Battersea Tavern for nearly twenty-five years, and the pub is like home to her – a place of tears and laughter, full of customers that feel like family. A place where she’s learned to avoid the quick fists of her husband, and where she’s raised her beloved son, David.
He’s inherited his father’s lazy streak and can’t seem to hold down a job, but when war is declared Winnie is determined to keep her son safe. She’s still haunted by the choice she made years ago as a desperate young woman, and she won’t make the same mistake of letting her family be taken from her…
But when a young woman crosses her path, the secrets of Winnie’s past threaten to turn her world upside down. There’s nothing stronger than a mother’s love – but can it ever have a second chance?
The first book in The Battersea Tavern series
Dive into a captivating story of love, secrets, and resilience with Kitty Neale's "A Mother's Secret," the first installment in *The Battersea Tavern Series*. Set against the backdrop of a London bracing for war in 1939, this heartwrenching novel introduces us to Winnie Berry, the steadfast landlady of the Battersea Tavern. For nearly a quarter of a century, the pub has been Winnie's sanctuary, a place where laughter mingles with tears, and its patrons have become her extended family. It's within these walls that she's learned to navigate the complexities of life, finding solace from her husband's volatile temper and raising her beloved son, David. David, while possessing a charm all his own, struggles to find his footing in the world, seemingly unable to hold down a steady job. As the shadow of war looms large, Winnie's protective instincts kick into high gear. Haunted by a desperate choice she made in her youth, a decision that continues to reverberate through her life, Winnie is determined to shield David from harm. The fear of losing another loved one grips her, fueling her unwavering resolve to keep her family safe. However, Winnie's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when a young woman unexpectedly enters her life. This chance encounter threatens to expose long-buried secrets from Winnie's past, secrets that could shatter the foundations of everything she holds dear. As the past and present collide, Winnie must confront the consequences of her actions and fight to protect the life she has built. "A Mother's Secret" is a poignant exploration of a mother's enduring love, her sacrifices, and her unwavering determination to protect her family against all odds. Kitty Neale masterfully weaves a tale of hardship and hope, painting a vivid picture of wartime London and the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The novel delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds, leaving readers questioning whether a mother's love can truly conquer all, and if second chances are ever truly possible. Get ready to be emotionally invested in the characters and be swept away by this compelling saga of love, loss, and the secrets that bind us together. This moving story will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Perfect for fans of historical fiction and stories about strong women overcoming adversity. Experience the captivating beginning of *The Battersea Tavern Series* today!