I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying Being Mary Ro. The material is suitable for mature young readers, contains small sketches (by Melissa Ashley Cromarty) and is an excellent first novel for Ms. Linehan Young.-- The Miramichi Reader --

"Being Mary Ro" is a story about independence.... Find out for yourself. Read "Being Mary Ro. -- The Beacon --

We’re only halfway through the novel when Mary pulls the trigger. The strength and courage required to shoot the pistol, is the same strength and courage that afterwards allows Mary to travel to … and pursue an independent career as a … I’m not telling. Find out for yourself. Read "Being Mary Ro." It’s first rate entertainment. -- The Telegram --

A charming book-- Bonnie Kogos, Sudbury Star --

Ida Linehan Young... does a superb job in developing the characters of this novel. Young Mary Rourke, initially portrayed as a victim whom we feel great sorrow for, demonstrates resilience and strength throughout the entire novel. At first fractured by the vision she has of herself, the reader is afforded an opportunity to be a part of her journey of self discovery and transformation. At the end of the novel, we cannot help but feel like proud parents and are relieved that Mary has found her place. She is relatable and is a reminder that we can all overcome the adversities of life. Being Mary Ro is the full meal deal! It will whisk you away to the Victorian era of the late 19th century but also contains drama and crime. And of course, no great story would be complete without a healthy dose of true love and romance.-- Fireside Collections --

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.-- Nicole Little - Author --

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.-- Michelle Irwin, Goodreads August 15, 2019 (5/5 rating) --

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...-- Beatrice Reid, Goodreads July 15, 2021 (5/5 rating) --

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!-- Paula, Goodreads November 6, 2018 (5/5 rating) --