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Being Mary Ro
In the late nineteenth century, after disease and circumstance have left her alone in the world, Mary Rourke believes she is predestined to spinsterhood in her small community in Newfoundland. When a series of dramatic events brings a strange man to her door, Mary emerges from the comfortable isolation that she knows to follow her dreams in Boston. Those desires do not come without sacrifice and hard choices. When her past comes back to haunt her, Mary must decide whether there is room for both her aspirations and her heart—or if she must surrender one to have the other.
Book 1 of 4 (The Promise 2, The Liars 3, The Stolen Ones 4)
Book 1 of 4 (The Promise 2, The Liars 3, The Stolen Ones 4)
271 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2018
7 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Ida Linehan Young
13 books146 followersIda Linehan Young is a wife, mother, and grandmother living, writing, and publishing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
Recently retired from the information technology sector in the federal government, Ida created Seaweed Publishing to complement her substantial, award-winning, and best-selling writing portfolio.
Ida’s first published works, a memoir, debuted to a record-breaking crowd in 2014. She has since published across multiple genres with historical Newfoundland fiction, non-fiction, speculative fiction, crime, and children’s books.
Influenced by her love of local history and the familial art of storytelling passed down by her father, Edward Linehan, and her maternal grandfather, Frank Power, she began writing stories that told of her people and her roots. She researches the past of her beloved birthplace and writes to showcase the richness and storied past of her province.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 9, 2020
This is the captivating narrative of Mary Rourke (Mary Ro), a character that has overcome incredible loss in her young life and who has dutifully settled down in her small Newfoundland community where she expects to live out the rest of her years alone in her parent’s old house. A series of momentous events leads Mary Ro to question the life that has long seemed predestined for her. Everything could change, all she has to do is take a leap of fate.
In many ways I feel as though this is a coming of age story, despite the fact that Mary is well into her mid twenties when it takes place. The loss she has suffered in her formative years seems to have kept her sheltered far more than the small isolated town in which she lives. She just needs a little push to break out of her mold and, sometimes, life has of a way of making that happen, even when we aren’t sure we want it to.
I loved how fiction and non-fiction (historical aspects such as the fire in St. John’s for example) were interwoven. I could very well believe that Mary Rourke was a real person and this was her true story – she felt very “alive” to me. I adored the character of Donal as well as Meg and how both of them, and their friendships, played an integral part in Mary discovering her destiny. This book is abundant with wonderful, unique characters who are quintessentially Newfoundland without miring them in clichés. They were all incredibly well developed and relatable.
Not only is “Being Mary Ro” by Ida Linehan Young an enjoyable read but, on a more personal note, it also gave me some incredible insight into my own family and how their lives must have been at the turn of the century in rural Newfoundland. Indeed, my great-grandparents arrived in Newfoundland from New York in the early 1900’s (one of their children later moved to Boston, married and had a family there); I’ve often wondered why and how and I feel like this book answered a lot of questions for me.
I don’t often reach for historical fiction but I think this author may have completely changed that for me! I am very much looking forward to reading more by Linehan Young.
In many ways I feel as though this is a coming of age story, despite the fact that Mary is well into her mid twenties when it takes place. The loss she has suffered in her formative years seems to have kept her sheltered far more than the small isolated town in which she lives. She just needs a little push to break out of her mold and, sometimes, life has of a way of making that happen, even when we aren’t sure we want it to.
I loved how fiction and non-fiction (historical aspects such as the fire in St. John’s for example) were interwoven. I could very well believe that Mary Rourke was a real person and this was her true story – she felt very “alive” to me. I adored the character of Donal as well as Meg and how both of them, and their friendships, played an integral part in Mary discovering her destiny. This book is abundant with wonderful, unique characters who are quintessentially Newfoundland without miring them in clichés. They were all incredibly well developed and relatable.
Not only is “Being Mary Ro” by Ida Linehan Young an enjoyable read but, on a more personal note, it also gave me some incredible insight into my own family and how their lives must have been at the turn of the century in rural Newfoundland. Indeed, my great-grandparents arrived in Newfoundland from New York in the early 1900’s (one of their children later moved to Boston, married and had a family there); I’ve often wondered why and how and I feel like this book answered a lot of questions for me.
I don’t often reach for historical fiction but I think this author may have completely changed that for me! I am very much looking forward to reading more by Linehan Young.
October 11, 2018
Simplistic in the extreme, cliche ridden and editorializing (telling the reader how to feel)and completely lacking in character motivation. POV keeps shifting. Editing issues. Add to this one dimensional characters and an unbelievable ending where everyone "adores" everyone else. If that's your cup of tea, have at it.
I admire the writer for giving it her best but I demand more character depth in novels.
A completely rushed and unrealistic ending. Far too many bows on the box of chocolates.
I admire the writer for giving it her best but I demand more character depth in novels.
A completely rushed and unrealistic ending. Far too many bows on the box of chocolates.
November 15, 2019
My favourite part about the book was the Newfoundland history and setting. I know very little about Newfoundland but feel like I have a sense of its history from this story. Mary Ro is an interesting character and it was fun to watch her character grow throughout the story. Good story and great characters! If you are going to read Ida’s stories - start with Mary Ro and continue on with The Promise. I’m looking forward to reading more from Ida Linehan Young.
May 5, 2018
A better-than-average historical fiction/romance novel set in the late 1800s in Newfoundland and Boston. Full review here: http://bit.ly/maryro
May 11, 2018
A fine ol' yarn.
Follow the link to see my complete review:
http://www.cbncompass.ca/living/book-...
Follow the link to see my complete review:
http://www.cbncompass.ca/living/book-...
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November 9, 2019Absolutely loved Being Mary Ro! I couldn’t put it down til I was finished. Ida takes you back in time and it’s like you’re actually there. Right away I wanted a trilogy!
May 11, 2023
I read the books out of order, but it didn’t matter in the end as what I did know of Mary Ro was actual very little!
A wonderful story of a time when life was hard, and how through love and loss this wonderful character becomes a doctor (in a time where there weren’t many women who were), and with the help of another amazing character, created something that would save many lives.
A very good read. I could not put the book down!
A wonderful story of a time when life was hard, and how through love and loss this wonderful character becomes a doctor (in a time where there weren’t many women who were), and with the help of another amazing character, created something that would save many lives.
A very good read. I could not put the book down!
April 29, 2018
I love everything about this book.
The setting in terms of place and time are unique so that the story could not have been told in any other setting. The author clearly did her research into life in Newfoundland and in Boston around the end of the 19th century and wove those details wonderfully into her story.
The main character, Mary Ro, is fascinating. When we first meet her, she is hurt, isolated, lonely, and full of self-doubt. But she has such inner strength, intelligence, resolve, resiliency, and compassion that I couldn't help but root for her to attain happiness. She is a good person without being sickly-sweet or one-dimensional. She has insecurities but lets common sense overcome them. She attracts the loyalty and love of other good people by the way she sticks to her values and strengths. She is genuine enough to be excited at the prospect of seeing simple things like fireworks for the first time. How can anyone not love this character?
I enjoy the way the author writes. Her style is straightforward without pages of eye-numbing, floral passages but detailed enough that we see the beauty of the island of Newfoundland and the glittering ballroom in Boston. The story absolutely clips along with no dull parts.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and a student of Newfoundland history. I have written a non-fiction book about life in 19th century Newfoundland and so as a result this book was bound to appeal to me. And it does. I loved every moment reading it and the smile has not left my face since finishing it. But being a fan of Newfoundland history isn't necessary for enjoying this book. It's an exciting story with dramatic events, a heroine who deserves every page devoted to her, and a tale of satisfying life changes.
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
The setting in terms of place and time are unique so that the story could not have been told in any other setting. The author clearly did her research into life in Newfoundland and in Boston around the end of the 19th century and wove those details wonderfully into her story.
The main character, Mary Ro, is fascinating. When we first meet her, she is hurt, isolated, lonely, and full of self-doubt. But she has such inner strength, intelligence, resolve, resiliency, and compassion that I couldn't help but root for her to attain happiness. She is a good person without being sickly-sweet or one-dimensional. She has insecurities but lets common sense overcome them. She attracts the loyalty and love of other good people by the way she sticks to her values and strengths. She is genuine enough to be excited at the prospect of seeing simple things like fireworks for the first time. How can anyone not love this character?
I enjoy the way the author writes. Her style is straightforward without pages of eye-numbing, floral passages but detailed enough that we see the beauty of the island of Newfoundland and the glittering ballroom in Boston. The story absolutely clips along with no dull parts.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and a student of Newfoundland history. I have written a non-fiction book about life in 19th century Newfoundland and so as a result this book was bound to appeal to me. And it does. I loved every moment reading it and the smile has not left my face since finishing it. But being a fan of Newfoundland history isn't necessary for enjoying this book. It's an exciting story with dramatic events, a heroine who deserves every page devoted to her, and a tale of satisfying life changes.
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
July 15, 2021
Ever since I read Ida Linehan's first book,, " No Turning Back, Surviving The Linehan Family Tragedy" , I fervently wished for another page turner!! Then 'Being Mary Ro' was published,, and my wish was granted,,,I was NOT disappointed!
Mary Ro's strength, and independence, had me captivated from the very beginning! I was holding my breath; I could hardly wait to get to the next page to find out what happened next...
Mary went from the depths of despair to the top of the world: happiness, shock, excitement, regret, exhilaration, and everything in between. A matter of life and death had Meg and Mary urgently running for the Dr.; Danol,hiding in Mary's shed, while his life slipped away; A gun, a knife,, a death in Mary's house; These are but a few of the many moments/situations that made this book such page turner!! I just could not put the book down...
I can't help but wonder how Mary's life turned out as time passed; what happened to the other people that I met during my read? Would it be too much to expect another book? A sequel perhaps? I need to know what happened to all of Mary's family and friends as they lived their lives,,, "inquiring minds have a right to know!" Mary feels like an old friend...
Mary Ro's strength, and independence, had me captivated from the very beginning! I was holding my breath; I could hardly wait to get to the next page to find out what happened next...
Mary went from the depths of despair to the top of the world: happiness, shock, excitement, regret, exhilaration, and everything in between. A matter of life and death had Meg and Mary urgently running for the Dr.; Danol,hiding in Mary's shed, while his life slipped away; A gun, a knife,, a death in Mary's house; These are but a few of the many moments/situations that made this book such page turner!! I just could not put the book down...
I can't help but wonder how Mary's life turned out as time passed; what happened to the other people that I met during my read? Would it be too much to expect another book? A sequel perhaps? I need to know what happened to all of Mary's family and friends as they lived their lives,,, "inquiring minds have a right to know!" Mary feels like an old friend...
September 1, 2018
Liked: the settings, the family and community ties, historical aspects including medical aspects and a coastal community dealing with a shipwreck, a few plot twists.
There were some weaker aspects that perhaps could have been addressed with a bit of rewriting after feedback from an editor, and/or from generally heavier editing, including:
- Some bits of text - especially in first the part of the book set in Newfoundland - seem like they belonged in a community history book rather than a novel, which interrupts the flow of things.
- Occasional repetition.
- A very "tell rather than show" approach to the thoughts and decisions of the main character, sometimes with cliched phrases.
Conclusion: Kudos on the cover design, which will attract many historical fiction readers. On the text: An okay book, which could have been better with the right writer-editor connection. I'm interested to see what Linehan writes next.
There were some weaker aspects that perhaps could have been addressed with a bit of rewriting after feedback from an editor, and/or from generally heavier editing, including:
- Some bits of text - especially in first the part of the book set in Newfoundland - seem like they belonged in a community history book rather than a novel, which interrupts the flow of things.
- Occasional repetition.
- A very "tell rather than show" approach to the thoughts and decisions of the main character, sometimes with cliched phrases.
Conclusion: Kudos on the cover design, which will attract many historical fiction readers. On the text: An okay book, which could have been better with the right writer-editor connection. I'm interested to see what Linehan writes next.
July 1, 2018
Wonderful book. You can easily lose track of time will reading this book. A page turner. As you get to know Mary Ro, you fall with her into her life and you can picture yourself in the NL community with her.
March 27, 2022
I enjoy discovering Canadian writers that take me to a time and place I know nothing about. This series takes place in Newfoundland in the early settler times with a strong female character and those around her. Check out my review on https://canadiancookbooks.ca/canadian... - looking forward to the next book in the series. https://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/...
August 20, 2018
I normally read fantasy books but from being from Newfoundland, I’m always interested in reading local authors. I were quite pleased with this book even though I wanted Mary Ro and Danol to be together.
November 29, 2022
Absolutely love all of Ida’s books
February 17, 2023
This was the first book of Ida Linehan Young that I read. I thought it was wonderful! I’ve read them all now except the most recent one.
I love Ida’s style of writing. The conversations between characters, the settings and the smallest details certainly add to the storylines.
If you haven’t read this one, you should! It’s absolutely the first great book of many!
I love Ida’s style of writing. The conversations between characters, the settings and the smallest details certainly add to the storylines.
If you haven’t read this one, you should! It’s absolutely the first great book of many!
November 6, 2018
I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I started reading this book...but I have to say I was hooked! Just when you thought it was going a certain way - nope - didn’t happen! I couldn’t put the book down...had to see what happened next! One of my new favorites! Strongly recommend to anyone!
March 30, 2019
From start to finish I was captivated! I admit that I purchased this book a year ago but knew that when I started reading it that I would never put it down. Boy, was I right! I was so deep into this story that I read it it one day. I felt like I was there alongside Mary. Ida did a wonderful job making me feel and see the world through Mary's eyes. I didnt want the book to end. Unfortunately all good things come to an end. I cannot wait to read your new book "The Promise".
September 9, 2023
I instantly fell in love with the character Mary Ro and how Ida brings her to life as she perseveres through heartache, betrayal, love, and loss. This is a true page turner, keeping you at attention to learn what happens as Mary Ro marches onward and upward! Three cheers for Being Mary Ro!!!
February 28, 2019
I enjoy books that are historical. Ida’s book kept me reading, I loved Mary Ro’s character. She is strong woman who knows what she wants. I was sorry to get to the end. Looking forward to Ida’s next book!
March 8, 2019
Excellent book. Can't wait for the sequel coming out in a few weeks.
March 9, 2019
Really enjoyed this book! Had a hard time putting it down! That’s a sign of a good book! Can’t wait for the next one!
March 30, 2019
Loved this book. When I started reading it, couldn’t stop. Few twists in it to make it a page turner. Highly recommend this book.
May 10, 2019
Love the 'realness' of these stories set in Newfoundland.
May 17, 2019
Loved it! Finished it in 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down till i5 was done. Loved the story and characters! Can’t wait to start The Promise. Great job Ida!
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February 9, 2020Life in early NL ... awesome
September 11, 2024
Loved this book and anything by Ida Linehan Young.
June 8, 2020
A lovely read!
June 21, 2022
‘Being Mary Ro’ is the first Ida Linehan Young novel I’ve read. Luckily, I’ve already bought all her other novels and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey. ‘The Promise’ is up next. Good job Ida!
May 18, 2019
I loved reading "Being Mary Ro". I could not put it down. Thank you Ida for getting me reading again. Please keep writing those books, but make them bigger so I can read longer!!!3💞💞
December 29, 2019
Great book! Loved the story Of Mary Ro and her life in historical Newfoundland and Boston. I immediately got into the story and didn’t want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews