Three unputdownable stories of Irish love, loyalty, patriotism and betrayal.
USA Today bestseller, and winner of the Author’s Circle Best Historical Fiction 2016.‘What you get with a Jean Grainger book is warm, authentic writing that welcomes you into the heart of Ireland.’ Kate Kerrigan, New York Times bestselling author of the Ellis Island trilogy. If you like Maeve Binchy, Rhys Bowen or Jojo … bestselling author of the Ellis Island trilogy.
If you like Maeve Binchy, Rhys Bowen or Jojo Moyes, you’ll love Jean Grainger. Enjoy three best selling Irish stories in this great value box set.
1200+ pages, 1000+ 5* reviews
So Much Owed
The Buckley family of Dunderrig, West Cork, Ireland, find themselves drawn into WW2 despite Ireland’s neutrality.
From the Nazi presence in the drawing rooms of middle class Dublin to the bombed out streets of London, So Much Owed will sweep you away in a story of intrigue, betrayal, love and loyalty.
Shadow of a Century
1916 – Dublin’s streets are running red with revolution as Ireland makes her final bid for freedom, but for two families the stakes are even higher than their country’s liberation. Should they sacrifice their own happiness to make Ireland free?
Under Heaven’s Shining Stars
Cork 1960 – Three boys, who defy society, and the Catholic Church, to save each other. Liam, Patrick and Hugo realise that friends are often the family that we choose.
Some Amazon reviews;
‘Best historical fiction I have ever read.’
‘Jean has a knack of getting inside the Irish history and letting love shine through.’
‘Move over Maeve Binchy, this is unputdownable.’
‘Meticulously researched but presented in such an accessible way, you’ll feel like you know the characters, and you’ll really care about them.’
‘A must for anyone with Irish blood in them.’
Experience the full spectrum of emotions as these stories sweep you away to the Emerald Isle…
more
Keeps you reading and sad when you turn the last page. You want the story to continue
Three very different stand-alone books in one collection. These books will take you to 1916, where love blossoms amidst the chaos of the Irish revolution, to Dublin during WW2 and finally to 1960s Dublin. Each one is wonderful in its own right but together this collection highlights just how talented Jean Grainger is. Her characters are real with flaws, like all of us, and her descriptions of Ireland are a great touch. I definitely recommend this collection, it will appeal to everyone who just wants a very good story .. or three.
These books are interesting and captivating, you get a great for feel for the country of Ireland and they are hard to put down.
So Much Owed – An awesome, must read book. WWII is the time frame and the story is set in Ireland and England. Interesting, multidimensional characters that keep the reader caring about them and their journey during the war. There’s past history, WWI and the Troubles, faced by some of the characters that shape the decisions made during WWII. The storyline is mesmerizing and intense, immersing the reader in a world of joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Ms. Grainger is a talented storyteller and I enjoyed everything I’ve read so far by her. 5*
Shadow of a Century – A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy’s books, you’ll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character’s comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven’s Shining Stars – This story reminded me so much of Angela’s Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela’s is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
What Once Was True – A well written, well thought out novel with interesting people, events and places. The historical parts are well done and personal as told by the participants of those events. The storyline blends history with the growth of all the characters. Ranging in ages and social status, the effects of the Troubles and World War II are clearly seen. If you love Binchy and Pilcher, and authors like Pearl S. Buck, this heartwarming and heart breaking world that Ms. Grainger crafted will sweep you away with her vivid descriptions and characters. 5*