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Tarabeg #2
Mary Kate
Dorries is the queen of the saga and she is back with a heart-wrenching, captivating new novel' Bookish Jottings. Liverpool, 1963. Mary Kate Malone is seventeen and bitterly unhappy that her father has married again after the death of her mother. On her last day at school, she decides to leave home in Tarabeg on the west coast of Ireland and head for Liverpool to find her mother's sister. But absolutely nothing goes to plan. Within hours of disembarking, she finds herself penniless and alone, with no place to stay and no idea how she will survive. Meanwhile, back in Ireland, where old sins cast long shadows, a long-buried secret is about to come to light and a day of reckoning, in the shape of a stranger from America, will set an unstoppable chain of events in motion. What readers are saying about the Tarabeg 'A brilliant read, a wonderful story and I have already pre-orderd the next book' 'Great read! Nadine Dorries is a top author, love her books!' 'Did not want it to end!! Gripping, detailed... Really draws you in to the story
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2019
978 people are currently reading
205 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 39 reviews
May 26, 2020
Brilliant. I loved catching up with the residents of Tarabeg and of course Mary Kate. As in all of Nadine's books you develop a great affection for the characters, so much so that you find yourself willing them to make the right choices.
In this, the second book of the series we see Mary Kate leaving Tarabeg for Liverpool, unfortunately just as she has left the boat and about to get a taxi she is attacked and robbed.
I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out how Mary Kate is getting on in Liverpool, and how all her family and friends are in Tarabeg. An easy five stars.
In this, the second book of the series we see Mary Kate leaving Tarabeg for Liverpool, unfortunately just as she has left the boat and about to get a taxi she is attacked and robbed.
I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out how Mary Kate is getting on in Liverpool, and how all her family and friends are in Tarabeg. An easy five stars.
May 10, 2022
A pleasant easy read but nothing special
January 11, 2019
From Liverpool to Ireland with some Boston thrown in for good measure, MARY KATE by Nadine Dorries is another wonderful historical tale that will effortlessly pull you back in time.
In America, a man soon learns more about his Irish ancestry and is determined to fulfil his promise to his dead father but are the people back in Ireland ready for his arrival and all that it holds? While at the same time seventeen-year-old Mary Kate is determined to fly the nest and make a different life for herself that doesn't include living forever in the small Irish village of Tarabeg and so she hatches a plan that will lead her into all sorts of danger and trouble. As nothing seems to be going to plan will Mary Kate find her place in this world and realise the strength of family and love?
Engaging, descriptive, and with perfect pace, MARY KATE by Nadine Dorries is a story about life and the strength needed to do what you must to try and be happy. There is plenty of drama, danger, secrets, and friendship, all entwined with the richness in detail and the often harsh reality of what life was like back then. While this is a sequel, this story can be read as a standalone story which is what I did and I fully enjoyed it from start to finish. Definitely a must for historical fiction fans.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
In America, a man soon learns more about his Irish ancestry and is determined to fulfil his promise to his dead father but are the people back in Ireland ready for his arrival and all that it holds? While at the same time seventeen-year-old Mary Kate is determined to fly the nest and make a different life for herself that doesn't include living forever in the small Irish village of Tarabeg and so she hatches a plan that will lead her into all sorts of danger and trouble. As nothing seems to be going to plan will Mary Kate find her place in this world and realise the strength of family and love?
Engaging, descriptive, and with perfect pace, MARY KATE by Nadine Dorries is a story about life and the strength needed to do what you must to try and be happy. There is plenty of drama, danger, secrets, and friendship, all entwined with the richness in detail and the often harsh reality of what life was like back then. While this is a sequel, this story can be read as a standalone story which is what I did and I fully enjoyed it from start to finish. Definitely a must for historical fiction fans.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the tour organiser
July 27, 2025
This is a good book, but refers back to the first books of the series an awful lot, so if, like me, you read the rest a while ago, it would help if you refreshed your memory of all the characters and what has happened to them previously, before you read this one. Otherwise it's another good read from this author.
January 9, 2019
This is book #2 of the Tarabeg series. Whilst I have read other books by this author, this is the first book I have read from this series. It can though, be read as a standalone book.
It’s 1963 and 17 year old Mary Kate Malone has left school. Unhappy that her father has married again after the death of her mother, Mary Kate leaves her little Irish village of Tarabeg and heads for Liverpool. When she arrives in Liverpool, she finds herself penniless with nowhere to stay, but when a Good Samaritan takes pity on her, things start to look up. Meanwhile across the ocean in Brooklyn, Joe Malone Junior has been left an inheritance in his father’s Will, but he will need to travel to Tarabeg to uncover a long buried secret.
I’ve read books from this author before and have enjoyed how the stories were written. The synopsis of this book interested me, but I have to admit the cover of the book did make me think this book was set a lot further in the past than 1963. Based partly in Liverpool and in Tarabeg, a village on the West Coast of Ireland, this story covers the lives of the families in the Tarabeg and predominantly Mary Kate Malone, the daughter of Michael Malone. The book also introduces us to Joe Malone, an Irish American who finds out, on the death of his father, that he is due an inheritance, but he will need to travel to Tarabeg where his inheritance was left generations before.
The chapters switch from different characters points of view, but all done without causing any confusion in the storyline. Mary Kate is obviously the main character, and I do prefer the storylines which do feature her, and to be honest I would have liked more of her story! She comes straight out of a convent school and decides to go to live with her Aunt in Liverpool, but does this without telling her father. Her father, Michael’s, storyline is interesting and I did like him as a character. There are a lot of characters in this book, particularly when the story moves back to Ireland, and this did make it difficult to keep up with who’s who!
The secondary storyline of American Joe Malone had promise from the beginning and I was looking forward to seeing how this storyline panned out. To be honest, Joe didn’t really feature much in the book until towards the end, and I was a bit disappointed with this. When he did eventually reappear, I did enjoy this part of the story though and found it to be quite moving and emotional.
Mary Kate was an enjoyable read and I loved the Liverpool storyline! Having been to Liverpool many times, it’s always nice to read about places that you know and I could picture these places as I was reading. It’s a heart-warming read about families and relationships and really caught my attention and I found it difficult to put down. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series, and look forward to the next book to continue the series.
It’s 1963 and 17 year old Mary Kate Malone has left school. Unhappy that her father has married again after the death of her mother, Mary Kate leaves her little Irish village of Tarabeg and heads for Liverpool. When she arrives in Liverpool, she finds herself penniless with nowhere to stay, but when a Good Samaritan takes pity on her, things start to look up. Meanwhile across the ocean in Brooklyn, Joe Malone Junior has been left an inheritance in his father’s Will, but he will need to travel to Tarabeg to uncover a long buried secret.
I’ve read books from this author before and have enjoyed how the stories were written. The synopsis of this book interested me, but I have to admit the cover of the book did make me think this book was set a lot further in the past than 1963. Based partly in Liverpool and in Tarabeg, a village on the West Coast of Ireland, this story covers the lives of the families in the Tarabeg and predominantly Mary Kate Malone, the daughter of Michael Malone. The book also introduces us to Joe Malone, an Irish American who finds out, on the death of his father, that he is due an inheritance, but he will need to travel to Tarabeg where his inheritance was left generations before.
The chapters switch from different characters points of view, but all done without causing any confusion in the storyline. Mary Kate is obviously the main character, and I do prefer the storylines which do feature her, and to be honest I would have liked more of her story! She comes straight out of a convent school and decides to go to live with her Aunt in Liverpool, but does this without telling her father. Her father, Michael’s, storyline is interesting and I did like him as a character. There are a lot of characters in this book, particularly when the story moves back to Ireland, and this did make it difficult to keep up with who’s who!
The secondary storyline of American Joe Malone had promise from the beginning and I was looking forward to seeing how this storyline panned out. To be honest, Joe didn’t really feature much in the book until towards the end, and I was a bit disappointed with this. When he did eventually reappear, I did enjoy this part of the story though and found it to be quite moving and emotional.
Mary Kate was an enjoyable read and I loved the Liverpool storyline! Having been to Liverpool many times, it’s always nice to read about places that you know and I could picture these places as I was reading. It’s a heart-warming read about families and relationships and really caught my attention and I found it difficult to put down. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series, and look forward to the next book to continue the series.
January 10, 2019
Mary Kate is the second book in the Tarabeg series that this time focuses more on the daughter of Michael Malone as she leaves the security of her convent run boarding school and returns to her family at Tarabeg in County Mayo. Despite this being part of a series I can honestly say it works really well in its own right and I don’t think that anyone would struggle to follow the story if they had not read the first book.
Mary Kate is quite strong willed and determined not to be stuck in a rut back home, following in the footsteps of all the female family members before her. Not wanting to stay at home and live with her father and step mother, she wants to see something of the world and find out what life has to offer her. She believes that this means going to Liverpool to her Aunt Bea. She is the apple of her Great Grandfathers eye and both he and the local teacher help her in her quest to get there. It is her determination of spirit that actually helps her deal with everything that happens from that point onwards as she starts to realise that maybe a new life is not as easy as she had built up in her head.
Although the book title would lead you to believe that the story was solely about Mary Kate, this is very much not the case. At the start of the story you are introduced to Joe Malone from Boston and his links to the Malone clan in County Mayo. I will admit I did wonder how his story would link into that of Mary Kate’s as it was a thread that seemed to end abruptly. His reappearance towards the end of the book however ties it all in quite nicely but did have me wanting to find out more to the story of the Boston arm of the family.
I loved the fact that the story is told from the viewpoints of different family members as it really gives you a sense of how close they are and how the actions of others affect the whole clan, right down to the youngest member. With the story going between Liverpool and Ireland you really get to see how different lives were based on where they live, from attitudes to the opportunities they have available to them.
Never having read any books by this author in the past but having seen good reviews, I was keen to pick this book up and get stuck in and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Mary Kate is a gentle and charming story that slowly draws you in and keeps you engaged right to the end.
Mary Kate is quite strong willed and determined not to be stuck in a rut back home, following in the footsteps of all the female family members before her. Not wanting to stay at home and live with her father and step mother, she wants to see something of the world and find out what life has to offer her. She believes that this means going to Liverpool to her Aunt Bea. She is the apple of her Great Grandfathers eye and both he and the local teacher help her in her quest to get there. It is her determination of spirit that actually helps her deal with everything that happens from that point onwards as she starts to realise that maybe a new life is not as easy as she had built up in her head.
Although the book title would lead you to believe that the story was solely about Mary Kate, this is very much not the case. At the start of the story you are introduced to Joe Malone from Boston and his links to the Malone clan in County Mayo. I will admit I did wonder how his story would link into that of Mary Kate’s as it was a thread that seemed to end abruptly. His reappearance towards the end of the book however ties it all in quite nicely but did have me wanting to find out more to the story of the Boston arm of the family.
I loved the fact that the story is told from the viewpoints of different family members as it really gives you a sense of how close they are and how the actions of others affect the whole clan, right down to the youngest member. With the story going between Liverpool and Ireland you really get to see how different lives were based on where they live, from attitudes to the opportunities they have available to them.
Never having read any books by this author in the past but having seen good reviews, I was keen to pick this book up and get stuck in and I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Mary Kate is a gentle and charming story that slowly draws you in and keeps you engaged right to the end.
January 18, 2019
This is the sequel to Shadows in Heaven, and although one might assume that the main focus is on Mary Kate and the people who love her, the rest of the family tries very hard to draw attention away from her. It is a layered family saga with entertaining characters. Never a dull moment with any one of them.
The fact Mary Kate has decided to embark upon wildly exotic travels, from Ireland to Liverpool, comes as a shock to her family. They expect her to settle down near them and stay within the inner hub. She has other ideas and sense of adventure to placate.
Rosie is a character who may divide opinions. At times I felt sorry for her, because living her life in the shadow of a ghost is difficult. Then there is the other side of Rosie, the more spiteful and harsh version of the woman always destined to be second best.
I was annoyed on her behalf about the way she was treated by her husband Michael, his family members and of course by Mary Kate. This woman has raised Mary Kate’s brother since his first moments, becoming his surrogate mother after his mother died in childbirth. She is his mother, just not genetically, and yet everyone still behaves as if she is an usurper.
Sarah’s presence is felt throughout, as are other ghosts, which is a delightful addition to the story. It gives this family a stronger sense of being bonded together. Daedio in particular is driven by the advice given by long lost loved ones, and he is also the one who made me smile the most.
It has a Catherine Cookson vibe, but less gritty and with more emphasis on the chaotic family entanglements, and of course the family is Irish. It’s heart-warming, sometimes tragic and it’s also quite amusing at times. Topping off the emotional turmoil and drama with a cheeky sense of humour is what makes this a compelling story.
* I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
The fact Mary Kate has decided to embark upon wildly exotic travels, from Ireland to Liverpool, comes as a shock to her family. They expect her to settle down near them and stay within the inner hub. She has other ideas and sense of adventure to placate.
Rosie is a character who may divide opinions. At times I felt sorry for her, because living her life in the shadow of a ghost is difficult. Then there is the other side of Rosie, the more spiteful and harsh version of the woman always destined to be second best.
I was annoyed on her behalf about the way she was treated by her husband Michael, his family members and of course by Mary Kate. This woman has raised Mary Kate’s brother since his first moments, becoming his surrogate mother after his mother died in childbirth. She is his mother, just not genetically, and yet everyone still behaves as if she is an usurper.
Sarah’s presence is felt throughout, as are other ghosts, which is a delightful addition to the story. It gives this family a stronger sense of being bonded together. Daedio in particular is driven by the advice given by long lost loved ones, and he is also the one who made me smile the most.
It has a Catherine Cookson vibe, but less gritty and with more emphasis on the chaotic family entanglements, and of course the family is Irish. It’s heart-warming, sometimes tragic and it’s also quite amusing at times. Topping off the emotional turmoil and drama with a cheeky sense of humour is what makes this a compelling story.
* I received a copy courtesy of the publisher*
July 2, 2019
What a wonderful progression from Book 1 in this series. Mary Kate leaves school and leaves Tarabeg bound for Liverpool to stay with her Auntie Bea and Captain Bob. Little does she know that they left to return to Tarabeg only the day before. She gets mugged on arrival in Liverpool and a good doctor tends to her needs. Their lives cross paths again only a few days later and there is chemistry between them. His wife is committing adultery and has no time for the children. Mary Kate's father Michael goes to Liverpool to bring Mary Kate home but she is having none of it so has to return home alone, full of guilt that he cheated on his wife Rosie. Meanwhile a dishy American relative turns up in Tarabeg and immediately falls in love with the place.
This is such a good well written story and I can hardly wait for the sequel!
This is such a good well written story and I can hardly wait for the sequel!
March 1, 2019
I have read and have loved many of Nadine Dorries previous books but I hadn't read the first book in this series. I really enjoyed it and found it can easily be read as a standalone novel - although I will be reading the first book in the series now as I enjoyed this one so much.
I really liked all of the characters and found them warm and believable. Well written with strong characters and beautifully described locations - in west Ireland and Liverpool. A lovely saga of family, friendship, relationships and new beginnings. I was drawn in from the start and enjoyed the ending. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked all of the characters and found them warm and believable. Well written with strong characters and beautifully described locations - in west Ireland and Liverpool. A lovely saga of family, friendship, relationships and new beginnings. I was drawn in from the start and enjoyed the ending. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2019
Left in suspense!
I from the moment I started reading I was captured by the stories unfolding for the characters from Tarabeg. My heart goes out to Rosie who has stood by Michael since Sarah death but how she feels for Michael won't be reciprocated his heart is now in Liverpool.
Can't wait for the next book to see how life pans out for Mary Kate - this won't have a happy ending. What will become of Michael will he stay with Rosie or turn to Cat. As for Joe the new arrival.???
I from the moment I started reading I was captured by the stories unfolding for the characters from Tarabeg. My heart goes out to Rosie who has stood by Michael since Sarah death but how she feels for Michael won't be reciprocated his heart is now in Liverpool.
Can't wait for the next book to see how life pans out for Mary Kate - this won't have a happy ending. What will become of Michael will he stay with Rosie or turn to Cat. As for Joe the new arrival.???
February 5, 2019
Love all Nadine Dorries books , I started with 15 streets trilogy and thought i would never find another book as absorbing and gripping -
Mary Kate has proved me wrong. Unfortunately I read this first by accident but still thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters immensely but feel I would have enjoyed it even more had I read Shadows in Heaven first. Would highly recommend this book but make sure you have time to completely Immerse yourself .
Mary Kate has proved me wrong. Unfortunately I read this first by accident but still thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters immensely but feel I would have enjoyed it even more had I read Shadows in Heaven first. Would highly recommend this book but make sure you have time to completely Immerse yourself .
January 30, 2019
Second book in the Tarabeg series. Seventeen year old Mary Kate leaves school and decides to go and live in Liverpool to, as she puts it, experience a life away from the confines of the Convent and the small Irish village of Tarabeg. There is a rude awakening for her as soon as she gets off the ferry and life is not quite as she had expected.
June 19, 2019
She has done it again another great book
After reading the 1st book I moved straight onto this one the 2nd one. Enjoyed it just as much was left wanting more again but am now throughly dissapointed that I have to wait till January for the 3rd. Fingers crossed it’s as good as these 2
After reading the 1st book I moved straight onto this one the 2nd one. Enjoyed it just as much was left wanting more again but am now throughly dissapointed that I have to wait till January for the 3rd. Fingers crossed it’s as good as these 2
May 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than the previous one if anything. The only thing that held me back from giving it the fifth star was that it packed too much into it on occasions and left me quite tired at the end of certain chapters when I reviewed it back in my mind. All in all a good read with very very many developments. I hope the third book in this series that I’m about to read slows down a tad.
June 8, 2020
Super
What a marvellous story continuing on from the first book. Mary Kate is certainly a head strong wilful girl who knows what she wants. I was captivated right from the beginning. However, I’m not a fan of swearing or near swearing even though it’s the Irish way hence 4 stars. Furthermore I would still recommend it. Hopefully I’ll be able to get the third book soon.
What a marvellous story continuing on from the first book. Mary Kate is certainly a head strong wilful girl who knows what she wants. I was captivated right from the beginning. However, I’m not a fan of swearing or near swearing even though it’s the Irish way hence 4 stars. Furthermore I would still recommend it. Hopefully I’ll be able to get the third book soon.
September 23, 2020
I read the first book in the Tarabeg series over a year ago and really enjoyed it. When I recently saw the other 2 books in the series for free on Book Bub, I had to get them.
This second book, Mary Kate, was just as good as the first, Shadows In Heaven. It's a good old fashioned, Irish family saga that follows the Malone family through the decades, from Ireland, to Liverpool and to America. I loved it.
I am now reading the final book, The Velvet Ribbon.
This second book, Mary Kate, was just as good as the first, Shadows In Heaven. It's a good old fashioned, Irish family saga that follows the Malone family through the decades, from Ireland, to Liverpool and to America. I loved it.
I am now reading the final book, The Velvet Ribbon.
March 15, 2022
A wonderful story of a sixteen year old Mary Kate finding her way in life after losing her mother. Mary Kate wants to leave Tarabeg and cons a friend to drive her to the ferrie and make her way to Liverpool where she gets into all means of strife. A long-buried family secret causes a chain of events in place with a visit from a stranger from America.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
First class!
Another amazing story by Nadine Dorries. It has been lovely to watch Mary Kate grwo into a young woman. I cannot believe how it ended and I am left wanting more! I am super excited for book three.
Another amazing story by Nadine Dorries. It has been lovely to watch Mary Kate grwo into a young woman. I cannot believe how it ended and I am left wanting more! I am super excited for book three.
December 7, 2019
Nadine Dorries has a knack for producing brilliant characters in her stories and I enjoyed the second book in this series equally as much as the first. Moving onto the next generation of Malones and their adventures both sad and comedic was a joy to read and I look forward to the next instalment.
July 11, 2020
Nadine Dorries books always take you on a lovely journey, this one to a lovely village in Ireland and then to Liverpool.
A gentle read that kept me interested all the way through. Look forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.
A gentle read that kept me interested all the way through. Look forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.
July 18, 2020
When a girl who the all the family love
Mary Kate is loved by all her family when she leaves school her life changes for the worst but gets a lot better and a stranger brings the family together as he's not who they thought he is family
Mary Kate is loved by all her family when she leaves school her life changes for the worst but gets a lot better and a stranger brings the family together as he's not who they thought he is family
June 27, 2021
Overall I enjoyed the book and the two plot points. However I didn't enjoy how two fully grown men had feelings for Mary Kate, a girl who is still 17 in the book, it just felt weird to me. But other than that, I found it a compelling read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2019
Mary Kate
What a fantastic series can’t wait for the next instalment. Mary Kate is a brilliant character and now she’s making her own way. Fantastic read *****
What a fantastic series can’t wait for the next instalment. Mary Kate is a brilliant character and now she’s making her own way. Fantastic read *****
April 12, 2019
Tougher
Things are getting tougher for Mary Kate leaving home, getting robbed, falling In love. Her father wanting her to return
Things are getting tougher for Mary Kate leaving home, getting robbed, falling In love. Her father wanting her to return
August 29, 2019
A really enjoyable story ☺
The quote that got me was
'I've come to take you over to the other side. It's time now.'
A lovely story and the characters blended well
The quote that got me was
'I've come to take you over to the other side. It's time now.'
A lovely story and the characters blended well
September 18, 2019
Love Nadine stories, can’t get enough of them.
October 19, 2019
Enjoyed second book in the Tarabeg series can't wait to read next one
December 18, 2019
A good bit better than the 1st book I may even buy the rest.
January 1, 2020
Cant believe I've to wait to read the last book but never mind it wont be long will have to pay a lot more for this one dont think it will be included in my free books
July 10, 2020
I needed something easy reading..And this was brilliant..loved it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews