What do you think?
Rate this book
The Four Streets Saga #4
Coming Home to the Four Streets
Trouble is coming to the four streets, especially for its redoubtable women, who've struggled through a bitter winter to put food on the table. The Dock Queen Carnival is only weeks away, but there's no money for the usual celebrations. No sign of a tramp ship with illicit cargo to be quietly siphoned off by the dockers.
Peggy Nolan, with seven boys and a husband too lazy to work, has hit rock bottom and is hiding a terrible secret. Little Paddy, her mischievous eldest, is all too often in trouble, but he'd do anything for the mother he loves. How can he save her from selling herself on the streets – or worse?
Maura and Tommy Doherty always looked out for any neighbour in trouble, especially Peggy, but they're far away, running a pub in Ireland and corrupt copper, Frank the Skank, is moving into their old house on the four streets. Can anything bring them home in time?
Peggy Nolan, with seven boys and a husband too lazy to work, has hit rock bottom and is hiding a terrible secret. Little Paddy, her mischievous eldest, is all too often in trouble, but he'd do anything for the mother he loves. How can he save her from selling herself on the streets – or worse?
Maura and Tommy Doherty always looked out for any neighbour in trouble, especially Peggy, but they're far away, running a pub in Ireland and corrupt copper, Frank the Skank, is moving into their old house on the four streets. Can anything bring them home in time?
327 pages, ebook
Published March 4, 2021
441 people are currently reading
231 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 16, 2021
I received this free from the publisher for an honest review:
A very romantic view of what it's like to live in abject poverty, written by a Minister of the government that's trying to take us back to those times
A very romantic view of what it's like to live in abject poverty, written by a Minister of the government that's trying to take us back to those times
April 26, 2021
Brilliant story
This story brought a smile to my face as i started to read it brought back all the memories from the four streets the people and their families it felt i was there living with all of them the characters that made you laugh and also the sadness that some had in their lives.These times were hard but these lovely people stuck together helping each other where they could although they had little themselves.Well done Nadine this story cheered me up no end .i would recommend this author.
This story brought a smile to my face as i started to read it brought back all the memories from the four streets the people and their families it felt i was there living with all of them the characters that made you laugh and also the sadness that some had in their lives.These times were hard but these lovely people stuck together helping each other where they could although they had little themselves.Well done Nadine this story cheered me up no end .i would recommend this author.
April 4, 2021
Just finished the last of the four of these books. Loved all of the stories and characters. I really didn’t want to put it down or to finish it! Something tells me this story isn’t finished and I certainly hope it’s not.
I can really relate to the characters as in life I’ve come across many people living day in day out in hardship. But this book has great community spirit which you cannot buy.
For Peggy life looks as if it’s on the way up!!
I can really relate to the characters as in life I’ve come across many people living day in day out in hardship. But this book has great community spirit which you cannot buy.
For Peggy life looks as if it’s on the way up!!
January 19, 2022
This author certainly knows how to bring an era to life with the harsh conditions, little money and a community that looks after its own. Times were very different for the women in Liverpool. Women had few rights, often big families, and only the money that their husbands gave them. Of course, some men were good to their families, but the ones that weren't, caused terrible hardships. If they didn’t work, they didn’t get paid. Peggy Nolan was run into the ground trying to look after her seven sons and lazy good-for-nothing husband.
Stories are going on around the streets where she lived, but the heartache rests with her. Her next-door neighbours are good people. Maura always made sure that the boys had something to eat, but when good fortune fell on Maura, and her husband Tommy, they took the chance to move to Ireland, and the promise of a good life for their family.
Once Maura and Tommy were gone, there was no one else to drag Peggy’s lazy husband to work. He always made sure he had his cigs and booze. Things just crumbled without Maura to help out, and Peggy hits rock bottom.
What a tremendous story this is! There is such a kinship between the women that binds them to look after each other's kids whenever they can. The author captures the desperation, that these women lived every day. The times were unsettled with the men not knowing from day to day, if they would be working on the docks.
There are so many stories going on here that will be life-changing for the whole community. There are stunning characters that I felt responsible for, wanting to jump in on each page and be able to do something. A fabulous story that makes you look back at your own family and think wow, these were special people. How humble it all made me feel.
It is a brilliant storyline, and although this is the fourth book about this community, it was my first, and I loved it.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
Stories are going on around the streets where she lived, but the heartache rests with her. Her next-door neighbours are good people. Maura always made sure that the boys had something to eat, but when good fortune fell on Maura, and her husband Tommy, they took the chance to move to Ireland, and the promise of a good life for their family.
Once Maura and Tommy were gone, there was no one else to drag Peggy’s lazy husband to work. He always made sure he had his cigs and booze. Things just crumbled without Maura to help out, and Peggy hits rock bottom.
What a tremendous story this is! There is such a kinship between the women that binds them to look after each other's kids whenever they can. The author captures the desperation, that these women lived every day. The times were unsettled with the men not knowing from day to day, if they would be working on the docks.
There are so many stories going on here that will be life-changing for the whole community. There are stunning characters that I felt responsible for, wanting to jump in on each page and be able to do something. A fabulous story that makes you look back at your own family and think wow, these were special people. How humble it all made me feel.
It is a brilliant storyline, and although this is the fourth book about this community, it was my first, and I loved it.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
April 3, 2021
Gripped from start to finish !
Absolutely fantastic, I could not put this book down. So sad it’s ended,but absolutely gripping story. Definitely recommend this if your a Four streets fan.
Absolutely fantastic, I could not put this book down. So sad it’s ended,but absolutely gripping story. Definitely recommend this if your a Four streets fan.
December 30, 2020
Liverpool, Its a hard winter coming and times are hard for Four Streets, i loved this book right through and all the characters, no work for the men means no food to feed the families, but good news lies ahead for them all. Loved it
March 6, 2021
Just brilliant
This book wasnt half long enough. I didnt want it to end. I loved every book in the four streets series. Im sure the author could come up with another few haha
This book wasnt half long enough. I didnt want it to end. I loved every book in the four streets series. Im sure the author could come up with another few haha
Read
August 24, 2021Lovely book, a really good read. If you've read the others in the series it's nice to catch up on what's happening with all the families.
January 2, 2022
What an awesome book!
I have read this entire series of The Four Streets, and I have to say that the author outdid herself on this last book. The story comes to a wonderful ending with a perfect conclusion. What a story.
Peggy is in deep trouble. Maura and Tommy have gone to live in Ireland. Kathleen travels between the house in Liverpool and her family farm in Ireland, doing her best to keep her family well cared for and safe. But there is deceiving going on. Someone has said that there is a rumour that the Four Streets are to be torn down in a slum clearance scheme, but the families that live there, who are more like one big family, are naturally against the idea. They just want to live in peace and feed their families.
This was as intriguing and exciting as drama in written form can get. It is wonderful to have followed the tumultuous lives of the Four Streets families. I have really enjoyed all the drama of their lives. I myself have lived through growing up in a slum in London, and I found this series of books really special because of my own memories of wearing second hand clothes, and not having enough to eat. I feel a kinship to these characters and their difficult, drama filled lives.
I admire the author, who has truly brought these characters to life on these pages. Before I read this series of books, I had never heard of Nadine Dorries, but now I am a huge fan of hers. She writes wonderfully rich, full bodied stories that have reached down into my heart and touched me deeply. My only regret is that I wish there were more!
I have read this entire series of The Four Streets, and I have to say that the author outdid herself on this last book. The story comes to a wonderful ending with a perfect conclusion. What a story.
Peggy is in deep trouble. Maura and Tommy have gone to live in Ireland. Kathleen travels between the house in Liverpool and her family farm in Ireland, doing her best to keep her family well cared for and safe. But there is deceiving going on. Someone has said that there is a rumour that the Four Streets are to be torn down in a slum clearance scheme, but the families that live there, who are more like one big family, are naturally against the idea. They just want to live in peace and feed their families.
This was as intriguing and exciting as drama in written form can get. It is wonderful to have followed the tumultuous lives of the Four Streets families. I have really enjoyed all the drama of their lives. I myself have lived through growing up in a slum in London, and I found this series of books really special because of my own memories of wearing second hand clothes, and not having enough to eat. I feel a kinship to these characters and their difficult, drama filled lives.
I admire the author, who has truly brought these characters to life on these pages. Before I read this series of books, I had never heard of Nadine Dorries, but now I am a huge fan of hers. She writes wonderfully rich, full bodied stories that have reached down into my heart and touched me deeply. My only regret is that I wish there were more!
March 10, 2023
1950s Liverpool. A poverty stricken area made up mostly of dock workers and their families.
One family move back to their homeland of Ireland, but then return. They are drawn back into the vortex. In another family, a woman with a lazy, work-shy husband has another baby she can't afford to feed - and nearly kills herself, but the women of the Four Streets save her. The milkman has an affair with a war widow. How original.
I read this because my daughter chose it for me. I would never have picked this for myself, but I thought I would give it a go. Broaden my horizons and try not to be such a book snob. Then I realised who the author was, a Tory scumbag who is in charge of things she knows nothing about. No wonder this book is disparaging against poor people. It is bursting full of damaging stereotypes.
Some of the storylines were interesting enough and some of the characters likeable, but it was often extremely predictable and not always very well written.
Meh.
One family move back to their homeland of Ireland, but then return. They are drawn back into the vortex. In another family, a woman with a lazy, work-shy husband has another baby she can't afford to feed - and nearly kills herself, but the women of the Four Streets save her. The milkman has an affair with a war widow. How original.
I read this because my daughter chose it for me. I would never have picked this for myself, but I thought I would give it a go. Broaden my horizons and try not to be such a book snob. Then I realised who the author was, a Tory scumbag who is in charge of things she knows nothing about. No wonder this book is disparaging against poor people. It is bursting full of damaging stereotypes.
Some of the storylines were interesting enough and some of the characters likeable, but it was often extremely predictable and not always very well written.
Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2021
This is the fourth book in this series, without reading the other three books I thought it was a great read. I liked the fact it is centred around a street with lots of interesting characters, you can see when times were really hard how these people stuck together and helped each other out. Even through a really bad time of sadness and heartbreak you can really see the neighbours pulling together to help one another even if they don't have much themselves. It was a powerful story, one that literally blew me away, I will have to get stuck into the other three now as I always like to know the characters background. I also want to learn more about the history of the place and also the street as I am sure I would find that very interesting too. An enjoyable read.
June 11, 2022
A third in a series. Got to know all the characters and rooted for a few favourites and of course wanted to see the baddies get their cumuppance. Horrid men whom after the war only cared for themselves taking so much from others. The Four Streets in Liverpool' were a tight community and those less unfortunate were helped by the unfortunate whom themselves had little. Men had to hope they were taken on at work and endure the rent was paid so they were not evicted. Being staunch Irish catholics there were many children. This story is about their lives and challenges. I loved every minute and it left me wanting more.
February 15, 2022
Thanks to Midas PR for the review copy.
I have never read a book by Dorries before so this book was an introduction to her writing.
I can understand why this book is described as perfect for fans of Call the Midwife.
I did warm to the story of the various residents of the Four Streets and their various life dramas.
Particularly of course Peggy who has seven sons and a work shy husband.
Then there is Maura who has moved away from Liverpool to try and live in Ireland instead, running a pub there. But things do not run smoothly.
I have never read a book by Dorries before so this book was an introduction to her writing.
I can understand why this book is described as perfect for fans of Call the Midwife.
I did warm to the story of the various residents of the Four Streets and their various life dramas.
Particularly of course Peggy who has seven sons and a work shy husband.
Then there is Maura who has moved away from Liverpool to try and live in Ireland instead, running a pub there. But things do not run smoothly.
November 15, 2021
Great Four Streets Saga
Another fantastic book with the Four street comings and going’s. Definitely need to read the books in order so to know who’s who and although it’s been a while since I read the last one within a few pages the history comes flooding back. Well written, short chapters and fantastic characters what’s not to love about this Irish / Liverpool saga. Thanks Nadine and your publisher.
Another fantastic book with the Four street comings and going’s. Definitely need to read the books in order so to know who’s who and although it’s been a while since I read the last one within a few pages the history comes flooding back. Well written, short chapters and fantastic characters what’s not to love about this Irish / Liverpool saga. Thanks Nadine and your publisher.
June 19, 2022
Never read this author before and when I read the premise of the book I realised that it was part of a collection but after reading the 1st couple of chapters this didn't matter. It was easy to get into as a stand alone book and it didn't feel like it was part of a set.
Really enjoyed the story and all the characters were really believable. 👌
Would highly recommend. I'm going to try and read the rest of this series now and more of this author!
Really enjoyed the story and all the characters were really believable. 👌
Would highly recommend. I'm going to try and read the rest of this series now and more of this author!
November 28, 2023
Brilliant love Four streets
Absolutely love Four Streets, I couldn't wait till this book game out. I am really hoping there be another book that comes out. I won't give the plot away my favourites are the Doherty's and Penny. It must have been so hard back in the days for family scrapping to keep living. Please there be another book for the Four Street. I need to know what happens to Eric the milk man.
Absolutely love Four Streets, I couldn't wait till this book game out. I am really hoping there be another book that comes out. I won't give the plot away my favourites are the Doherty's and Penny. It must have been so hard back in the days for family scrapping to keep living. Please there be another book for the Four Street. I need to know what happens to Eric the milk man.
July 16, 2025
I picked this book up and then realised it is part of a series. So I ordered the series and eventually came back to this one. Quite a few new characters introduced which were a bit hard to keep up with and to be honestly I wasn’t really interested in them after reading the first 3 books. I am sad it has come to an end but could have been slightly better if they concentrated on the previous characters more. Not my usual genre of books but overall a really good series.
December 31, 2025
This is the fourth book in a series that takes place in Ireland and Liverpool. The book dives in, and I had not read the first books, so I found it difficult to understand the backstory here. I think I would have appreciated it more had there been some introduction. It seemed to go back to the backstory, but I was confused about the characters and understanding. This distracted me from getting the most out of the story.
January 25, 2022
What a wonderful story!
I’ve now read four the Four Streets trilogy!
Stalled on the fourth book as I didn’t want it to end! Kept checking the pages left (on my kindle), thinking, no, not yet!
It has been a long time since I’ve caught myself day dreaming about book characters.
Please,do read them in order.
I’ve now read four the Four Streets trilogy!
Stalled on the fourth book as I didn’t want it to end! Kept checking the pages left (on my kindle), thinking, no, not yet!
It has been a long time since I’ve caught myself day dreaming about book characters.
Please,do read them in order.
November 11, 2024
beautifully written an accurate of the 1950s
It’s seldom that a book so accurately describes the way life was in history. Every detail from reading the tea leaves, to the dockyards workers was exactly the way it was. This story reminds me of the BBC TV series , Call of the midwife , a very similar author. I enjoyed Darrien’s book “the snow Angels” too.
It’s seldom that a book so accurately describes the way life was in history. Every detail from reading the tea leaves, to the dockyards workers was exactly the way it was. This story reminds me of the BBC TV series , Call of the midwife , a very similar author. I enjoyed Darrien’s book “the snow Angels” too.
June 1, 2025
As I have not read any of the other books in this series, I found it a bit hard to follow all of the characters - there are a lot.
The people are poor but hard-working (mostly) with large Catholic families and under the rule of the church and the dockside.
Despite hard times, they are a real community. I quite enjoyed reading this book.
The people are poor but hard-working (mostly) with large Catholic families and under the rule of the church and the dockside.
Despite hard times, they are a real community. I quite enjoyed reading this book.
May 2, 2021
Fabulous
Wow , I just love this series of books , what amazing writing and story line . Love all the characters expect fir the priest ...
Would highly recommend to any one amazing.
Wow , I just love this series of books , what amazing writing and story line . Love all the characters expect fir the priest ...
Would highly recommend to any one amazing.
June 13, 2021
A very good read I like the four street story I am glad I bought it
All the four street story s have been good some heart wrenching but I'm glad I read them all give them a try I did and was glad I did
All the four street story s have been good some heart wrenching but I'm glad I read them all give them a try I did and was glad I did
August 18, 2021
Best book by far
I would reccomend reading the books close together. I had a big gap between the first 2 and the last 2. I remember 4 streets started out a trilogy, so I hope after the addition of 4th book there could possibly be a 5th.
I would reccomend reading the books close together. I had a big gap between the first 2 and the last 2. I remember 4 streets started out a trilogy, so I hope after the addition of 4th book there could possibly be a 5th.
September 5, 2021
Another great read
I love the Four Streets books, well written and so hard to put down. Whenever I pick these books up, I know I will be reading in to the early hours. Can't wait for the next installment.
I love the Four Streets books, well written and so hard to put down. Whenever I pick these books up, I know I will be reading in to the early hours. Can't wait for the next installment.
January 22, 2022
Great read
I loved this book, all the women of the four squares are tough cookies it Brought back such lovely childhood memories to me of the community spirit when I really young all the neighbours was referred to as auntie .
I loved this book, all the women of the four squares are tough cookies it Brought back such lovely childhood memories to me of the community spirit when I really young all the neighbours was referred to as auntie .
June 7, 2022
My Musings
This was a hard one to get into. While I enjoyed the characters, and the action, there is very little character development. I don't think I will continue the series. Happy reading!
This was a hard one to get into. While I enjoyed the characters, and the action, there is very little character development. I don't think I will continue the series. Happy reading!
June 23, 2022
Grips you from the start
Loved this, it was so lovely reading about the trials and tribulations of the characters of the four streets saga.....like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers
Loved this, it was so lovely reading about the trials and tribulations of the characters of the four streets saga.....like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers
September 20, 2022
I read this book as the first one from Nadine Dorries’ Four Streets collection! (Oops) but it did not stop me enjoying it. A pleasant story of ups and downs in a descriptive setting in Liverpool. A good insight into life in historical Liverpool!
November 19, 2022
Each book us better than the last
I never wanted this series to end , what the hell an I gonna reading
now?
I am not gonna give away any insights of these books. But trust me, you will not be disappointed!
I never wanted this series to end , what the hell an I gonna reading
now?
I am not gonna give away any insights of these books. But trust me, you will not be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews