USA Today bestselling author Jean Grainger has done it again.One Irish house, two very different families, and a war that changed everything.Robinswood Estate, County Waterford, Ireland. 1946.Years of neglect and abandonment have left the family seat of the Keneficks almost derelict, but the new Lord Kenefick and his charming young wife Kate, are determined to breathe life into the old house once … are determined to breathe life into the old house once more.
The war is over and they have survived, so now they must set about making a bright future for themselves and their family. But the shadows of the past are ever lurking, and there are many who are not willing to see the new Lady Kenefick as anything more than the housekeeper’s daughter.
Kate’s family, the Murphys, find themselves once more, inextricably entwined with both the Keneficks and Robinswood, but this time everything is different. Or at least they hope it is.
The legacy of the war cannot be erased, and the events of those fateful years will not be forgotten. Can Robinswood provide a haven for those who need it, or are the scars of the past too deep?
Return to Robinswood is the second book in The Robinswood Story.
What reviewers are saying:
‘Grainger manages to seamlessly weave a rich history, a beautiful landscape and characters you care deeply about into a rattling good story that will leave you hungry for more.’
‘I love Jean Grainger novels, I feel like I’m actually there, in Ireland with people I care about so much. She has a rare gift.’
‘You know those books you read slowly towards the end, to make them last? Jean Grainger books are like that.’
more
The story set in an Ireland changing from decades of the old ways to an emerging new class after WWII. The characters come alive and one is carried along in their struggles and successes. Great storytelling. Looking forward to the next book.
Best to read all the series
Return to Robinswood kept me captivated from the first page. Ms. Grainger’s books are always emotional reads. It would be hard to find a better story teller. Ms. Grainger has the ability to make you feel you are part of the characters’ lives. This book begins just as WW II has ended. England is still experiencing rationing as bad as during the war so the world has not returned to normal. There are many plot twists in this wonderful, sweeping, inspirational saga.
This was a continuation of an earlier Jean Grainger book dealing primarily with two Irish families whose fortunes changed 180 degrees following WWII. There were various characters which lent to interesting divergent stories. This book will keep a reader’s interest from start to finish as well as provide a good look at some of the differences between the English and Irish during the twentieth century.
Return to Robinswood #2 – You must read both books in order! This is just as good as the first book What Once Was True. There is too much history to read Return without reading Once first. Return begins after the war has ended. The storylines started in Once continue full-hearted into Return as the characters begin to pick up the pieces and start living their lives again. There is so much emotion thorough out the pages, running the full range. While not a tearjerker, there is so much sadness, destruction, growth and happiness. Ms. Grainger does an excellent job with her vivid descriptions that the reader feels exactly what the characters are experiencing.
It was hard to put down the book, so immersed in the story I was until the last page. There is a lot of happenings in Ireland, England and the Deep South of America. There are a few kinks, twists and snakes along with the good that the characters deal with on their journeys to finding their life and happiness. It’s hard to review without starting into a book report, but I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment by ratting.
While a reader won’t be confused by skipping the first book, the depth of enjoyment and understanding really require both books read in order. They are worth it! I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
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*
Return to Robinswood is the second book in this wonderful Irish saga. It follows directly on from What Once Was True and begins after the end of WW2. Both the Murphy and Kenefick families have experienced so much change but they are increasing linked with each other and with the Robinswood estate. This exceptional book has characters that draw the reader into their lives, they have flaws and insecurities and are trying to make the best of post war Ireland. They slowly begin to make their own normal. Jean Grainger is an incredibly talented author and once again she has combined Ireland’s rich and varied history with fascinating characters and created something special. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It will keep you reading and touch your heart in many ways. This is a beautiful book.
World War 2 is over, and life returns to Robinswood after years of neglect.
A very enjoyable saga, with wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to the next in this great series.