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The Four Streets Saga #3
The Ballymara Road
The final gripping instalment of the great trilogy, which began with THE FOUR STREETS and continued in HIDE HER NAME.
On Christmas morning, in the unforgiving harshness of a convent in Galway, Kitty Doherty gives birth to her baby - who is immediately taken away for adoption in America. But Kitty's life is hanging by a thread, her only hope a dangerous journey through the ice and snow to Ballymara and her Irish family.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Sean and Alice try to set up a new life, far away from the families they have deserted in Liverpool. And in the Four Streets change is afoot, as a new priest arrives and the mystery of Father James's murder begins at last to unravel.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
755 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Dorries
41 books270 followersNadine Dorries was born in Liverpool in the 1950s and raised on a council estate, the daughter of a bus driver. Her first novel, THE FOUR STREETS, was inspired by memories of her childhood, particularly her Irish grandmother who she was very close to.
Nadine trained as a nurse, then followed with a successful career in which she established and then sold her own business. She has been the MP for Mid-Befordshire since 2005 and has three daughters.
Nadine is currently working on her second novel, a sequel to THE FOUR STREETS.
Nadine trained as a nurse, then followed with a successful career in which she established and then sold her own business. She has been the MP for Mid-Befordshire since 2005 and has three daughters.
Nadine is currently working on her second novel, a sequel to THE FOUR STREETS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 2, 2015
Third and final instalment of 'The Four Streets' trilogy. Throughly enjoyed the first two books in this series but I have to say this one was a let down. The stories came to a very abrupt finish and Dorries spent too much time going over past events from the other two books. Some of the stories that have been building up were left very open at the end, bit disappointing after the promising first two books.
June 7, 2017
Loved this, hard to put down. If you like sagas that have a lot of grit then this series is for you. I read Hide her name a few months ago and after starting to read Ballymara Road I quickly recognized the characters and once more became involved in the story. This book does have swear words which usually I don't like but in this book they are there because of the characters way of life and it only makes the story more real. The series includes murders, a kidnapping, child abuse, affairs, illnesses, weddings, secrets and lots of gossiping but ultimately it's a story of community.
June 7, 2017
This is the final book in The Four Street's trilogy. It was an enjoyable read, but not as good as the first two books. Unfortunately, I felt as if the storyline was conveniently predictable, and to be honest, nothing exciting or surprising really took place. The whole concept of the book is grand, but it just didn't captivate me enough.
September 6, 2017
I have never read a book where I didn't want it to end, but that is what happened has I read the last book in this trilogy. I was so in grossed in it, i just wanted to read more about all the people, it was sad and funny at times, Catholic liverpool, irish immigrants. Dark secrets. And sumtimes shocking. could not put this book down. A great read by Nandine Dorries. Deserved more than 5 stars.
September 3, 2018
The final book of the Four Streeys trilogy and the completion of events started two books ago. After reading the Four Streets and Hide Her Name and keen to read what happens to Kitty, Nellie, Alice and all the other characters.
Unfortunately things were tied up just a little too conveniently --- SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT --- the rich American couple from Chicago, who pay to adopt a baby from Galway unknowingly just happen to be connected to characters from the Four Streets. The police make huge assumptions which affects the outcome of a double murder investigation. A number of other characters are tied up just a little too coincidentally. I also would have liked a little more detail on the outcome of the laundry run by the 'Sisters of NO Mercy' where Kitty and many other unfortunates had their babies.
Having said all that, I enjoyed this and the other books in the trilogy. Personally I like having loose ends tied up and in a series full of hardship and tragedy it was nice to have a few (if not all) happy endings. Each book only takes a few days to read. Not the most resounding recommendation I know but this trilogy is worth a read. It's just not hitting my favourite books to keep.
Unfortunately things were tied up just a little too conveniently --- SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT --- the rich American couple from Chicago, who pay to adopt a baby from Galway unknowingly just happen to be connected to characters from the Four Streets. The police make huge assumptions which affects the outcome of a double murder investigation. A number of other characters are tied up just a little too coincidentally. I also would have liked a little more detail on the outcome of the laundry run by the 'Sisters of NO Mercy' where Kitty and many other unfortunates had their babies.
Having said all that, I enjoyed this and the other books in the trilogy. Personally I like having loose ends tied up and in a series full of hardship and tragedy it was nice to have a few (if not all) happy endings. Each book only takes a few days to read. Not the most resounding recommendation I know but this trilogy is worth a read. It's just not hitting my favourite books to keep.
September 1, 2016
This final book in the "Four Streets" trilogy starts tragically but as the story progresses,more and more good things happen - yes, including romance. Without being a spoiler all I can say is I loved the ending and the trilogy was just outstanding reading.
June 21, 2015
I'm a bit sad that the story ended.
March 14, 2025
Rushed and boring is how I would summarise this book.
Overall, I think this book had a lot of issues- constant jumping from character perspective without any indication being its biggest flaw. There was an inconsistency with time placement also. Time jumps were consistent and frequent. Often, more confusing than her character shifts.
I personally didn’t like Dorries writing style or her approach to very sensitive subjects. I commend her for writing on pertinent, but often unspoken, social issues- most notably child abuse and the abuses of the Catholic Church. However, I feel she tackled them poorly - I just don’t feel they were approached with the sensitivity they deserve.
Overall, I think this book had a lot of issues- constant jumping from character perspective without any indication being its biggest flaw. There was an inconsistency with time placement also. Time jumps were consistent and frequent. Often, more confusing than her character shifts.
I personally didn’t like Dorries writing style or her approach to very sensitive subjects. I commend her for writing on pertinent, but often unspoken, social issues- most notably child abuse and the abuses of the Catholic Church. However, I feel she tackled them poorly - I just don’t feel they were approached with the sensitivity they deserve.
January 31, 2019
Loved reading The Four Streets Trilogy.
March 3, 2024
This was a great ending to the series.
September 22, 2016
I have now completed the trilogy and these are not normally the type of books I choose. The first one was a book club choice and I read it in a day or so. Walking past the next two in the library, I picked them up and once I had, I struggled to put them down again. They are a great read and I really enjoyed them. the characters were great and the love and warmth of this area and these people seeped from the pages. These are a piece of our social history - however grim and immoral in places. The Catholic Church has so much corruption and even now we are only finding out some of this. So many lives touched in so many ways by so few. May we wish that hell is real and that they have all gone there, having felt protected and hidden in the name of God. These books are a great read and a great reminder to us all of the last 100 years and how far we have all come and how much we all have.
December 11, 2015
Powerful and moving.
This is the third book of the four streets trilogy. Beautifully written, it touches on very sensitive subject matter, which unfortunately still happens to this day. You find yourself drawn into the lives of the Catholic Irish immigrants.
I look forward to reading more from this excellent author.
This is the third book of the four streets trilogy. Beautifully written, it touches on very sensitive subject matter, which unfortunately still happens to this day. You find yourself drawn into the lives of the Catholic Irish immigrants.
I look forward to reading more from this excellent author.
August 7, 2015
Disappointed in this after thoroughly enjoying the first two. I felt it almost seemed written in a rush, lacking the character depth that the first two had. Kitty's fate saddened me and I felt the story lacked a lot after that. Struggled to finish it
October 19, 2016
Very intense, but confusing. I had trouble keeping all their characters and their relationships straight, I don't understand why the book is named after a place that barely figures in the story, and not all the events of the book were fully explained by the end.
January 7, 2024
Was this predictable? Yes
Was it thrilling? No
Was it satisfying? Absolutely
Like the other two in the trilogy it was, at times a painful read but throughout it all there was hope. I would certainly recommend it
Was it thrilling? No
Was it satisfying? Absolutely
Like the other two in the trilogy it was, at times a painful read but throughout it all there was hope. I would certainly recommend it
January 1, 2017
I loved it although I was hoping a little bit more of development. It felt rushed and I would have liked to know more.
June 28, 2015
Last in the trilogy but just as good as the other two with the same strong characters and picked up all the storylines leaving no loose ends.
July 1, 2015
The third and last book based in 1960 - 1970's Liverpool and Ireland following Irish emigrants and the community they formed. Really loved all three.
August 30, 2015
The final book in the four streets trilogy. Loved them all. Can't wait to read more from Nadine Dorries.
September 9, 2015
Loved reading all three books wanted to read more, love the many different characters and surprised what had happened.good books to read well written.
February 13, 2017
The final book in The Four Streets Trilogy is filled with compelling characters and tragedy in line with the first two books in the series. Kitty goes to Ireland to give birth and conceal the baby that could potentially link her father to the murder of the priest responsible for her condition. More tragedy strikes the four streets and the neighbours pull together once again support each other through a wrenching loss. Secrets hidden in Liverpool become unravelled as Daisy returns with a new found confidence. More hearts are untied and reunited in this concluding part in which we conclude this easy to read and entertaining trilogy.
December 10, 2017
I have read the three books four streets hide her name anth last one Ballymara road .l found these books very compelling and l loved their strong characters even Alice the cruelty of the nuns was appalling and l loved Maggie and FRANK wonderful.characters .
I read all 3 books the fours streets Hide her Name and the Ballymara road.
I loved the strong characters even Alice l found the cruelty of the nuns appalling and shocking l loved Maggie and FRANK so showed so much courage. Daisy was lovely getting her just reward in the end. This group of books kept me gripped. I have just finished the last one this morning which nearly made me late for 11 oc Mass
I read all 3 books the fours streets Hide her Name and the Ballymara road.
I loved the strong characters even Alice l found the cruelty of the nuns appalling and shocking l loved Maggie and FRANK so showed so much courage. Daisy was lovely getting her just reward in the end. This group of books kept me gripped. I have just finished the last one this morning which nearly made me late for 11 oc Mass
March 21, 2019
I couldn't put it down
Oh my word, I read all 3 books in this trilogy and although they can stand alone I think it's best to read them in the correct order. I was absolutely glued to every word, waking in the night and reading instead of going back to sleep straight away. I couldn't wait to see what happens. The Ballymara Road ties up all the loose ends and I was torn between reading it quickly to see how or ends, or taking it slower as I didn't want to sorry to end. Thoroughly recommend this book,(but ideally read 1 and 2 first to get the whole story)
Oh my word, I read all 3 books in this trilogy and although they can stand alone I think it's best to read them in the correct order. I was absolutely glued to every word, waking in the night and reading instead of going back to sleep straight away. I couldn't wait to see what happens. The Ballymara Road ties up all the loose ends and I was torn between reading it quickly to see how or ends, or taking it slower as I didn't want to sorry to end. Thoroughly recommend this book,(but ideally read 1 and 2 first to get the whole story)
March 26, 2019
Brilliant read.
Another brilliant book by Nadine Dorries this book was hard to read in some chapters to think these vulnerable women and children were treated in this way by nuns and priests ,but having read books telling true stories about these places i can relate to the suffering they went through.The people of the four streets drew you in to their family lives which when reading you felt like one of them the sadness they felt and the happiness was so real.I would recommend this author to any book readers who love a good trilogy.
Another brilliant book by Nadine Dorries this book was hard to read in some chapters to think these vulnerable women and children were treated in this way by nuns and priests ,but having read books telling true stories about these places i can relate to the suffering they went through.The people of the four streets drew you in to their family lives which when reading you felt like one of them the sadness they felt and the happiness was so real.I would recommend this author to any book readers who love a good trilogy.
June 4, 2018
Heartwarming
Read the last two of this trilogy quite a while ago and enjoyed catching up on the goings on in the streets. You definitely need to read the first two before this as it can be confusing working out who is related to who and what happened in the past. Loved the reminiscences of life how it used to be when friends , family and neighbours helped each other in adversity.Sadly doesn't happen as often these days.
Read the last two of this trilogy quite a while ago and enjoyed catching up on the goings on in the streets. You definitely need to read the first two before this as it can be confusing working out who is related to who and what happened in the past. Loved the reminiscences of life how it used to be when friends , family and neighbours helped each other in adversity.Sadly doesn't happen as often these days.
March 3, 2019
Compelled once again to read without stopping! It is a little bit predictable at times as to what is likely to happen, but still well worth reading and does not disappoint.
Lots of twists come to light which draw you into the book further. I did think it may have abruptly came to an end, thinking that maybe that storylines would be drawn out a little bit more, possibly leading to a sequel after life has taken new turns and how residents of four streets returned to some sort of normality.
Lots of twists come to light which draw you into the book further. I did think it may have abruptly came to an end, thinking that maybe that storylines would be drawn out a little bit more, possibly leading to a sequel after life has taken new turns and how residents of four streets returned to some sort of normality.
April 20, 2019
Kitty, Nellie, Heartfelt
I didn’t give a review or the one before this as it wasn’t completed without this one. Get a box of tissues ready because there is such a lot of heartache and heartbreak throughout this novel. It shows the strength of the Irish community as the neighbours are as close the each other as any family could ever be. Their love, their loyalty, their endurance that has them helping each other over the most devastating times that comes their way.
I didn’t give a review or the one before this as it wasn’t completed without this one. Get a box of tissues ready because there is such a lot of heartache and heartbreak throughout this novel. It shows the strength of the Irish community as the neighbours are as close the each other as any family could ever be. Their love, their loyalty, their endurance that has them helping each other over the most devastating times that comes their way.
June 16, 2022
This trilogy was a cracker. Got to know all the characters and their lives the hardships their tears and laughter. Their ups and downs, the poorest of the poor and how the Four Streets came together for each other. The heartbreak and heartache the joy and love. Enjoyed it all. Highlighting sadly the Catholic church and abuse of small young children by priests, hospital porters and men in government and police. Sadly this still happens in this century. An excellent read
February 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this series. Be warned that you have to read all 3 as they dont work as stand alone books. They are easy to read and the story line is both interesting and easy to follow. I read a few reviews before starting these books and I was on the fence as there seemed to be an equal amout of positive and negative reviews. Im glad I went ahead as I enjoyed all three books.
June 10, 2021
4.5 Hoopla audio book. This was the 3rd book in the trilogy. This probably could have been condensed into 1 book and omitted all the repetitive background info form the previous books. Once it got back to the on going story it was OK. I really enjoyed the audio which added so much to each of the characters. I am sure that I would have rated this less than 4.5 if I had read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews