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Battersea Tavern #2
A Family Secret
From the
Sunday Times
best-selling author.
In a time of war, what's holding them together could tear them all apart....
London, 1940. Winnie Berry is at the heart of the community in her pub, The Battersea Tavern. Her door is always open to those in need of a cup of tea and sympathy.
Winnie's abusive husband has left, and she finds herself foolishly falling in love with black-market trader Harry Hampton. But Harry is married, and Winnie soon finds herself tied up in his web of secrets.
Meanwhile Winnie's son is back in London—not to visit his own child, but to charm the latest barmaid at the Battersea Tavern, which will lead to devastating consequences for the family.
With bombs dropping all around them, is it too late for Winnie to uncover the secrets of those closest to her in order to protect her true family?
In a time of war, what's holding them together could tear them all apart....
London, 1940. Winnie Berry is at the heart of the community in her pub, The Battersea Tavern. Her door is always open to those in need of a cup of tea and sympathy.
Winnie's abusive husband has left, and she finds herself foolishly falling in love with black-market trader Harry Hampton. But Harry is married, and Winnie soon finds herself tied up in his web of secrets.
Meanwhile Winnie's son is back in London—not to visit his own child, but to charm the latest barmaid at the Battersea Tavern, which will lead to devastating consequences for the family.
With bombs dropping all around them, is it too late for Winnie to uncover the secrets of those closest to her in order to protect her true family?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2022
71 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 6, 2022
With her abusive husband Brian, Winnie Berry owns the Battersea Tavern. Brian has left Winnie and the running of the pub. The year is 1940 and people do what they can to survive. Harry Hampton, known as Have it Harry, because he always has or can get what people are after. It is black market and he charms and operates much of his clientele from Winnie’s pub. Generous hearted, sympathetic Winnie develops feelings for him but Harry is married to Carmen and Winnie is still married to Brian. Plus Harry has secrets Winnie never guessed at. Carmen is a woman never satisfied and she makes sure everyone knows it. She and Harry are determined to keep their tightly held secrets. But secrets have a way of leaking out and causing massive trouble.
Winnie’s son David is also back in London, not to visit his child Martha, who is being raised by her mum Rachel with the help of Winnie and Rachel’s recovering alcoholic mother Hilda, but for his own destructive reasons. David disrupts several lives and creates trouble that has drastic consequences. As bombs drop on London, inhabitants take shelter where they can when the sirens go off, as they do all too often.
This is an interesting look at a number of people and how they coped with life’s joys and problems amid the war. It was obvious once I started it that this was the second book in the series and I had not read the first Battersea Tavern book. But the author filled in the story enough to get the gist of what had gone before. Winnie, is a warm hearted character who is not judgemental and who mostly tries to see the good in people. Sometimes that leads to trouble. She is fiercely protective of Rachel and Martha. We also meet The Hampton siblings Errol and Cheryl. Cheryl is close to her father but Errol and Harry have always had an uneasy relationship.
The characters come across as well developed and believable. Great to see how people respond in stressful times, Winnie is especially memorable. She and others come out with some blunt but often times amusing turns of phrase. The pace moves along well, and certainly kept me engaged with the characters. Recommended for all who like family stories and stories set during war time. A book with lots of heart, one that evokes various emotions as more than one secret is uncovered. An enjoyable read that will appeal to many readers.
Winnie’s son David is also back in London, not to visit his child Martha, who is being raised by her mum Rachel with the help of Winnie and Rachel’s recovering alcoholic mother Hilda, but for his own destructive reasons. David disrupts several lives and creates trouble that has drastic consequences. As bombs drop on London, inhabitants take shelter where they can when the sirens go off, as they do all too often.
This is an interesting look at a number of people and how they coped with life’s joys and problems amid the war. It was obvious once I started it that this was the second book in the series and I had not read the first Battersea Tavern book. But the author filled in the story enough to get the gist of what had gone before. Winnie, is a warm hearted character who is not judgemental and who mostly tries to see the good in people. Sometimes that leads to trouble. She is fiercely protective of Rachel and Martha. We also meet The Hampton siblings Errol and Cheryl. Cheryl is close to her father but Errol and Harry have always had an uneasy relationship.
The characters come across as well developed and believable. Great to see how people respond in stressful times, Winnie is especially memorable. She and others come out with some blunt but often times amusing turns of phrase. The pace moves along well, and certainly kept me engaged with the characters. Recommended for all who like family stories and stories set during war time. A book with lots of heart, one that evokes various emotions as more than one secret is uncovered. An enjoyable read that will appeal to many readers.
August 7, 2022
It's so good to be back with Winnie Berry, the Battersea Tavern series book two and 1940 London is fighting a horrendous war but it wont stop Winnie running her pub.
Harry Hampton and Winnie secretly only have eyes for each other both married to their spouses nothing can mean anything it all down to a big crush, Have-It harry as he always has black market stuff handy spends a lot of time in the pub and always see's Winnie alright.
The Family Secret is a one can't put downable read, and boyo boy there's a lot along the way to surface as you read.
A big tear jerker, tragedies of was, a lot of helping each other out, is not named and charity.
and harbouring family secret's do come back to bite one day with this full of almighty ones.
Battersea Tavern is the heart of the community Winnie Berry has a heart of gold.
I enjoyed every single chapter and book three can't come quick enough for me now.
This author is an exceptional writer with everything she write to hold her readers emotional feelings that grab and touch me. I cried, I laughed, but most of all I was content this book deserves all it's credit of been a best selling book in the making, 5*****
Harry Hampton and Winnie secretly only have eyes for each other both married to their spouses nothing can mean anything it all down to a big crush, Have-It harry as he always has black market stuff handy spends a lot of time in the pub and always see's Winnie alright.
The Family Secret is a one can't put downable read, and boyo boy there's a lot along the way to surface as you read.
A big tear jerker, tragedies of was, a lot of helping each other out, is not named and charity.
and harbouring family secret's do come back to bite one day with this full of almighty ones.
Battersea Tavern is the heart of the community Winnie Berry has a heart of gold.
I enjoyed every single chapter and book three can't come quick enough for me now.
This author is an exceptional writer with everything she write to hold her readers emotional feelings that grab and touch me. I cried, I laughed, but most of all I was content this book deserves all it's credit of been a best selling book in the making, 5*****
August 14, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book. it really was unputdownable. This is the second book in the Battersea Tavern series and features many of the characters we met in "A Mother's Secret."" Winnie, the landlady, is back with her heart of gold and looking after her regulars and friends, but has she been looking after "have it Harry" a bit too much? , well his wife Carmen certainly thinks so, but she certainly has plenty of secrets too. Set in London during 1940 amid bombs falling every night, there is plenty of camaraderie and friendships but also devastating events. A well deserved five star read.
November 1, 2022
Again a fantastic story ,love this series can’t wait for next part
Based in ww2 Winnie berry runs the pub,how they managed through the war
Never fails to amaze me ,
I don’t do spoilers ,I will just say you won’t be disappointed 5*
Also I’d like to give a big shout out to Annie Aldington who reads this ,
Just love when I get an audio and she is reading it.,she does a great job with
All the characters 👍😍
Based in ww2 Winnie berry runs the pub,how they managed through the war
Never fails to amaze me ,
I don’t do spoilers ,I will just say you won’t be disappointed 5*
Also I’d like to give a big shout out to Annie Aldington who reads this ,
Just love when I get an audio and she is reading it.,she does a great job with
All the characters 👍😍
August 11, 2022
The second book in the series with familiar characters and new ones too. A fast paced and brilliant read never a dull moment at Winnie’s - love all the characters and unexpected happenings can’t wait for the next book !!!
December 13, 2022
This is the 2nd book in this series. Set in 1940 during WW2 Winnie Berry is the landlady of the Battersea tavern. While coping with war, nightly air raids and the loss of friends and loved ones, Winnie is in the heart of the community, bringing people together and helping out where she can. Another fabulous story by Kitty Neale. Hoping there will be more. 5 ⭐️
September 10, 2022
WOW What a cracking book I loved it just as I love the characters and Kitty Neale is such a wonderful writer as she draws you into the story and into the lives of the characters.I can't wait for the next book 5*
December 23, 2022
I really enjoyed the 1st book in this series and hoped this would be good too but I think this was better. It still featured Winnie and the Battersea Tavern but centred more on Have-it Harry and his family. Beautifully written and a very good storyline. I look forward to reading more 🤞
December 2, 2025
a family secret
Fantastic book 2nd book in the Battersea tavern books brilliant read it had me hooked from the first word to the last I want to read the next one but I’m not sure if there is one yet
Fantastic book 2nd book in the Battersea tavern books brilliant read it had me hooked from the first word to the last I want to read the next one but I’m not sure if there is one yet
October 9, 2022
A good follow up to A Mother's Secret. I cannot abide her son David's character. War is full on now with the characters going through the Blitz and the suffering that brings.
February 23, 2023
Really loved this story of community spirit and its share of ups and down
October 31, 2023
Very good sequel to A mother’s Secret.
November 12, 2023
A lovely but sad read
January 24, 2024
Loved this book, second in a series, read in 1 day, a book that couldn't be put down.
Next in the series please ASAP!!!
Next in the series please ASAP!!!
March 2, 2024
Really enjoyed this book
September 12, 2024
A typical Kitty Neale sorry with plenty of drama
November 17, 2024
brilliant
Another great read can’t wait for the final episode. Harsh truth about WW2 some really sad bits get your tissues ready .
Another great read can’t wait for the final episode. Harsh truth about WW2 some really sad bits get your tissues ready .
June 29, 2025
Like Eastenders during the war !
August 23, 2025
Battersea Tavern Amazing
Amazing series full of love , laughter , heartache with true community spirit . Great fireside / bedtime read .
Amazing series full of love , laughter , heartache with true community spirit . Great fireside / bedtime read .
November 12, 2025
A nice easy read
September 10, 2024
Another great read in the Battersea Tavern series . It was great to be back with Winnie Berry and I look forward to the next book.
October 6, 2023
It was so good to be back in the Tavern with Winnie & co ❤️
The friendships and community spirit around the pub are just as heartwarming and endearing as the first in the series.
I love how Winnie cares about those around her and is always willing to come to their aid.
The authors writing style makes you feel that you are right in the story with all of the characters.
So many different storylines, but they work so well alongside each other. One loss to the community nearly broke me! Not going to lie but it brought tears to my eye and I’m still not over it!
The friendships and community spirit around the pub are just as heartwarming and endearing as the first in the series.
I love how Winnie cares about those around her and is always willing to come to their aid.
The authors writing style makes you feel that you are right in the story with all of the characters.
So many different storylines, but they work so well alongside each other. One loss to the community nearly broke me! Not going to lie but it brought tears to my eye and I’m still not over it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews