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Tarabeg #1
Shadows in Heaven
Nadine’s wonderful new novel is rooted in one of the places dearest to her heart – the west coast of Ireland.
In post-war Tarabeg, two women are waiting for ambitious Michael Malone to return home. Rosie is the local schoolteacher and most people think she is promised to him. Just a few have guessed that he has secretly begun to woo Sarah, whose brutal fisherman father would kill her if he knew.
Both Rosie and Sarah love Michael, both hope to become his wife and their lives will interweave in a tale of tangled secrets, old promises and new feuds. Michael Malone’s choice will have fateful consequences for everyone – especially, in due course, for his young daughter.
This is the first in a new sequence of novels with a brilliant new cast of characters and a story that will lead to Liverpool in Mary Kate and back to Ireland in The Seven Acres.
In post-war Tarabeg, two women are waiting for ambitious Michael Malone to return home. Rosie is the local schoolteacher and most people think she is promised to him. Just a few have guessed that he has secretly begun to woo Sarah, whose brutal fisherman father would kill her if he knew.
Both Rosie and Sarah love Michael, both hope to become his wife and their lives will interweave in a tale of tangled secrets, old promises and new feuds. Michael Malone’s choice will have fateful consequences for everyone – especially, in due course, for his young daughter.
This is the first in a new sequence of novels with a brilliant new cast of characters and a story that will lead to Liverpool in Mary Kate and back to Ireland in The Seven Acres.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2018
1521 people are currently reading
340 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 62 reviews
July 12, 2018
Excellent book strong story with strong charactors,well worth reading i never like to write much in a review as i hate spoilers.I will highly recommend this book another good book from Nadine Dorries.
September 16, 2018
Very disappointed in this book, to many characters and a long drawn out story.
April 3, 2019
Absolutely loved this story set in Ireland. All the Irish folklore included. Happiness and sadness runs through this story but a real page turner.
November 25, 2019
I love the Irish Folklore.
Excellent book, a wonderful story of a village united
Excellent book, a wonderful story of a village united
July 20, 2018
Sarah
5 STARS for a wonderful book full of love laughter and also sorrow this is Nadine at her best well worth a read .
5 STARS for a wonderful book full of love laughter and also sorrow this is Nadine at her best well worth a read .
July 3, 2018
As the first in a trilogy this is a gripping and enticing read!
Not so much a family saga as one encompassing a whole village, this is rich in details of living in a rural community. Life in Ireland hasn't been easy and most families find their offspring heading for the new world as soon as they can afford the fare. Such has been the case with the Malones until Michael, the youngest, signs up to fight with the British Army much to the chagrin of some of the locals who have a deep-set hatred of the English. Michael has been secretly romancing the daughter of one - much to her mother's delight but hidden from her father for fear of what reprisals he will take against the women.
This is a tremendously packed read; vividly described in such a way that it's easy to picture the village of Tarabeg and it's inhabitants. It is an addictive novel with plenty going on and certainly kept my attention glued to the story. Nadine Dorries writes with an easy, flowing manner which hooks me every time, and if you haven't read her other books I would strongly recommend catching up! Tarabeg is certainly somewhere I can't wait to visit again and find out what happens next in this truly wonderful tale.
My thanks to Florence Hare of Head of Zeus and NetGalley for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Not so much a family saga as one encompassing a whole village, this is rich in details of living in a rural community. Life in Ireland hasn't been easy and most families find their offspring heading for the new world as soon as they can afford the fare. Such has been the case with the Malones until Michael, the youngest, signs up to fight with the British Army much to the chagrin of some of the locals who have a deep-set hatred of the English. Michael has been secretly romancing the daughter of one - much to her mother's delight but hidden from her father for fear of what reprisals he will take against the women.
This is a tremendously packed read; vividly described in such a way that it's easy to picture the village of Tarabeg and it's inhabitants. It is an addictive novel with plenty going on and certainly kept my attention glued to the story. Nadine Dorries writes with an easy, flowing manner which hooks me every time, and if you haven't read her other books I would strongly recommend catching up! Tarabeg is certainly somewhere I can't wait to visit again and find out what happens next in this truly wonderful tale.
My thanks to Florence Hare of Head of Zeus and NetGalley for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
February 13, 2019
What a stunning cover, my copy is slightly different from the one pictured, the girl wears a red dress and cardigan and the background is snow covered fields. The story is set in the village of Tarabeg, Ireland, where community means everything. At first I felt that there were too many characters, it was hard to figure out who was who. But as the story went on the need for so many characters was clear as the community element of this book is important. There are hard times for Michael and Sarah so much happens in this book, secrets come to light, scandals, murders and curses rock the village. I'm now looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 9, 2019
I liked this book but not as much as the others by this author. For some reason the characters didn’t have the same three dimensional personalities as in previous stories. There was romance but no fire in the belly, there was comedy but nothing laugh out loud, there was sadness but not howling loss. That said, I liked it enough to want to read the next instalment of this trilogy.
August 26, 2018
Enjoyed this book but felt it was very similar to The Four Streets, with a mother dying after child birth and the abuse on children, therefore a bit predictable. Regardless, it was a good read and I look forward to the next one.
February 10, 2019
This family saga is set in a village on the west coast of Ireland in the aftermath of the Second World War. Life is tough but the community pulls together to ensure that the wheels keep turning. The story starts as war finishes and Michael Malone is about to come home for the first time in 5 years. Two women are desperately waiting for his return, both hoping that he will choose them to be his wife. The decisions he makes have far-reaching effects on the whole community.
There is plenty of drama, and lots of very realistic touches with reference to the lifestyle and superstitions of a rural Irish community. Many of the characters were developed well and had their own individual personalities that were believable. There were a lot of strong characters around but that mirrors my experience of the Irish people and seems entirely realistic. It is very obviously intended to be the first part of a series as not all the loose ends are tied up and there are enough storylines to fill at least one more book.
Although there were times when I was quite gripped by the storyline, that wasn’t always the case and it was a bit too depressing in places to be enjoyable throughout.
I had not read any Nadine Dorries before and will probably not be rushing out to buy more. Having said that it was an enjoyable enough read.
There is plenty of drama, and lots of very realistic touches with reference to the lifestyle and superstitions of a rural Irish community. Many of the characters were developed well and had their own individual personalities that were believable. There were a lot of strong characters around but that mirrors my experience of the Irish people and seems entirely realistic. It is very obviously intended to be the first part of a series as not all the loose ends are tied up and there are enough storylines to fill at least one more book.
Although there were times when I was quite gripped by the storyline, that wasn’t always the case and it was a bit too depressing in places to be enjoyable throughout.
I had not read any Nadine Dorries before and will probably not be rushing out to buy more. Having said that it was an enjoyable enough read.
January 6, 2019
My first book of 2019. If I'm honest, it was the lovely cover that initially caught my attention on the shelves in Tescos.
I am new to Nadine's books, but being from Irish parentage, I love reading novels about the Emerald Isle.
The year is 1945 and the place is Tarabeg in Southern Ireland, two women Rosie and Sarah are waiting for the same man to return home after the war. Both of them are in love with Michael, but it is Sarah he choses amid family feuds, and even murder.
About three quarters of the way through the book we are introduced to Mary Kate, Sarah and Michael's daughter, and it is really only then that the story starts.
Although a really nice book, a good story and once that is well written, I did think that this is just the precursor to the follow up novel called Mary Kate, which if I'm completely honest, I don't think I'll bother with.
I am new to Nadine's books, but being from Irish parentage, I love reading novels about the Emerald Isle.
The year is 1945 and the place is Tarabeg in Southern Ireland, two women Rosie and Sarah are waiting for the same man to return home after the war. Both of them are in love with Michael, but it is Sarah he choses amid family feuds, and even murder.
About three quarters of the way through the book we are introduced to Mary Kate, Sarah and Michael's daughter, and it is really only then that the story starts.
Although a really nice book, a good story and once that is well written, I did think that this is just the precursor to the follow up novel called Mary Kate, which if I'm completely honest, I don't think I'll bother with.
April 19, 2019
3 out of 5 stars
This was a book chosen for me by my partner and being historical fiction it did intrigue me. Set in Ireland in the 1940’s this is partly a romance but also a tale of curses and family. The historical side of the book I found interesting but the characters are weak and the actual story takes time to get into. I wish I could say that the storyline was strong enough to support the characters but to me it wasn’t. The ending had lots of loose ends which annoyed me. I will say though there were some points in the middle of the story regarding the malones that gripped me and made me want to carry on reading but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
This was a book chosen for me by my partner and being historical fiction it did intrigue me. Set in Ireland in the 1940’s this is partly a romance but also a tale of curses and family. The historical side of the book I found interesting but the characters are weak and the actual story takes time to get into. I wish I could say that the storyline was strong enough to support the characters but to me it wasn’t. The ending had lots of loose ends which annoyed me. I will say though there were some points in the middle of the story regarding the malones that gripped me and made me want to carry on reading but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
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June 20, 2019I wonder if the peraon who wrote the blurb on the rear of the book actually read it. They say Rosie is the local school teacher and most people think she is promised to him jut few have guessed he has secretly began to woo sarah. Well the story starts with the main character leaving for war and he is with Sarah before he leaves. There is no mention of Rosie. Being promised to him. Having said that the book is upto Nadine Dorries usual standard lots of characters whos lives intertwine with each other but there are a lot of unanswered questions and no mention that there is a follow up book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
Another wonderful saga by Nadine Dorries . This story is set in the 1940’a on the west coast of Ireland in a rural village called Tarabeg. I loved everything about this book , the description of the life led by the people in the village, the people themselves and how everyone looked out for each other . If you enjoy saga type books I totally recommend this. I was delighted to read this is the first book in a new saga by this talented author.
November 21, 2018
This story didn't get interesting for me until close to the end of the book. A lot of bad things went on until then... murder, beating a child, a bank robbery, a fortune teller, a spell caster. Some good things too, a good and loving marriage, the birth of a girl child, and deep long-lasting friendships.
In the final chapters, not only what is happening in the village but why comes to the forefront.
In the final chapters, not only what is happening in the village but why comes to the forefront.
October 7, 2019
Loved it!
I loved this book! I am a big fan of Nadine Dorries. This book did not disappoint. Nadine always has a mix of characters in her books and this is no exception. You really get to know her characters and she is not afraid to tackle issues such as domestic violence and abuse within the Catholic Church. I cannot wait to read the second book. Definitely a must read!
I loved this book! I am a big fan of Nadine Dorries. This book did not disappoint. Nadine always has a mix of characters in her books and this is no exception. You really get to know her characters and she is not afraid to tackle issues such as domestic violence and abuse within the Catholic Church. I cannot wait to read the second book. Definitely a must read!
June 1, 2020
Super
What a wonderful wonderful story from beginning to end. It had me captivated with all the goings on in the village where everyone was being neighbourly. I thoroughly enjoyed it therefore would recommend it. However profanity and swearing put me off even though the slang was used hence 4 stars. Thank you for an excellent storyline.
What a wonderful wonderful story from beginning to end. It had me captivated with all the goings on in the village where everyone was being neighbourly. I thoroughly enjoyed it therefore would recommend it. However profanity and swearing put me off even though the slang was used hence 4 stars. Thank you for an excellent storyline.
June 5, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book all looks wonderful for Michael and Sarah after tragedy struck Sarah her mother killed by her brut of a father glad to see Michael saved her from her father and who he wanted to marry her off too and a sad ending to her life which I wasn’t expecting after the birth of her second child so sad recommend to read
October 23, 2020
I didn't finish this book because I just got bored of it. The base of the story itself was good and that's why wanted to read this book but I didn't feel like the story was about what the book said it would be about at all. There was too many characters, I didn't enjoy the writing because I found it hard to follow/hard to understand and so just gave up in the end.
July 22, 2018
I love Nadine's books this was a really great read and quite sad. I
did get a bit confused with so many characters but on the whole it was lovely and I look forward to the next. The only thing is the cover the girl doesn't have emerald eyes!
did get a bit confused with so many characters but on the whole it was lovely and I look forward to the next. The only thing is the cover the girl doesn't have emerald eyes!
August 28, 2018
Nadine Dorries certainly knows how to hook you on her characters. The other really likeable part about this novel is discoving the part that mythology, superstitions and the heavy thumb of the Catholic Church played in the daily lives of the Irish poor population.
October 29, 2018
Great writing
Had a little trouble with a time line there for a while. But loved the story and eat with Kleenex at the end. All the books I have read by Nadine have been very heartwarming and lovely. Recommend all her books.
Had a little trouble with a time line there for a while. But loved the story and eat with Kleenex at the end. All the books I have read by Nadine have been very heartwarming and lovely. Recommend all her books.
February 7, 2019
Book 5 for 2019, Shadows in Heaven by Nadine Dorries. This is a family saga that I really enjoyed and I shall be seeking out the next book in the series. 4 Stars.
This book is set in the aftermath of the Second World War in a small village on the West Coast of Ireland. Two women are waiting for the same man to return home, Michael Malone.
Rosie is the local schoolteacher and along with most people she thinks he is hers. However a few have guessed that he has secretly begun to woo Sarah, whose brutal fisherman father would kill her if he knew. Both Rosie and Sarah love Michael, both hope to become his wife.
When Michael comes home he weds Sarah but the lives of the two women are forever interwoven in a web of secrets, old promises and new feuds. Michael Malone's choice will have fateful consequences for everyone – especially, in due course, for his young daughter.
This book is set in the aftermath of the Second World War in a small village on the West Coast of Ireland. Two women are waiting for the same man to return home, Michael Malone.
Rosie is the local schoolteacher and along with most people she thinks he is hers. However a few have guessed that he has secretly begun to woo Sarah, whose brutal fisherman father would kill her if he knew. Both Rosie and Sarah love Michael, both hope to become his wife.
When Michael comes home he weds Sarah but the lives of the two women are forever interwoven in a web of secrets, old promises and new feuds. Michael Malone's choice will have fateful consequences for everyone – especially, in due course, for his young daughter.
February 28, 2019
It is rare for our book club to all to agree on a book. One should normally not judge a book by its cover but this book's cover does what it says on the tin. Fans of Nadine Dorries will not be disappointed by this book as it similar to her others. However, it was not for us.
June 5, 2019
My favourite author
Nadine never fails to deliver a fantastic read.
Only criticism is that there were a lot of characters, lots of names to remember and felt lost at times trying to think who was who. Can’t wait to read the 2nd one now
Nadine never fails to deliver a fantastic read.
Only criticism is that there were a lot of characters, lots of names to remember and felt lost at times trying to think who was who. Can’t wait to read the 2nd one now
August 2, 2019
Really enjoy Nadine Dorries books and this one did not disappoint me. It was set in Ireland,. Funny and sad at time a page turner. Want to read the other two books in this series. Mary kate and The velvet ribbon.
March 5, 2020
Shadows in Heaven A gritty family drama from the Sunday Times bestseller
A good story about love and family and friends that accept each other and forgiveness for wrongs done to others
A good story about love and family and friends that accept each other and forgiveness for wrongs done to others
July 27, 2020
A very gritty family story set in Ireland
When Michael came home from we2 he marriage love off his life not long after her father killed her mother they had love and hope years later Sarah loses her life after child birth and his life changes forever
When Michael came home from we2 he marriage love off his life not long after her father killed her mother they had love and hope years later Sarah loses her life after child birth and his life changes forever
October 29, 2020
Fantastic!!
As someone who grew up in Tipperary and lived in England when my father and mother moved. The storytelling in this book and the characters are as real as can be. Beautifully written. ,🔔
As someone who grew up in Tipperary and lived in England when my father and mother moved. The storytelling in this book and the characters are as real as can be. Beautifully written. ,🔔
July 11, 2024
I have read a lot of Nadine Dorries books and I'm disappointed to say I found this one dragged. There is a lot of conversation and not a lot of anything happening. I won't be reading the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews