New from USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jean Grainger,One House, two families and a war that changes everthing that once was true….Robinswood, Co Waterford, 1939. The once grand house is home to two very different families.Despite delusions of grandeur, Lord and Lady Kenefick and their adult children, live a life of decayed opulence as the money needed to keep such a large house and grounds ever … a life of decayed opulence as the money needed to keep such a large house and grounds ever dwindles.
Meanwhile, the Murphy family, Dermot, Isabella and their three almost grown up girls, live and work on the estate and do their best to keep everything running smoothly.
Social structure is vital. Everyone knows their place, but as war looms, both families find themselves drawn into the conflict and begin questioning everything that once was true.
From the leafy grounds of an Irish stately home, to the bombed out streets of London in the Blitz, allow yourself to be swept away once more in Jean Grainger’s latest bestselling historical saga.
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I’m a huge fan of Ms Grainger’s warm, witty writing – no matter what era, she takes appealing, courageous characters and tests them in original, interesting ways. I love sitting in parlours and drawing rooms all over Ireland, and this one has a slight edge for me because it educated me so much about a phenomenon I only ever heard of growing up in England – the IRA. I was really hard-pushed to decide against informative, whimsical page-turner and inspirational, witty tear-jerker. The only category I can say for sure it doesn’t fit is steamy.
Each of the three Murphy sisters has her share of action, adventure and romance, and although I loved Eve’s steadfast loyalty and Aisling’s daring, it’s the mercurial Kate who won my heart with her star-crossed attachment to her childhood sweetheart and her determination to stand up for herself and her family through the troubled times.
I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll get to spend some more time with this delightful family – if you can’t wait to spend more time under Ms Grainger’s spell, I strongly recommend The Tour – the start of a thrilling trilogy which paints such wonderful pictures of Ireland, you’ll soon be booking your ticket on a tour bus.
Highly recommended for lovers of beautiful writing, evocative storytelling and anything Irish.
This is an incredible, engaging and honest novel set in Ireland during WW2. Jean Grainger cleverly weaves not only the war but also Ireland’s struggle for independence and class differences into a wonderful family saga that will touch your heart and keep you reading right to the end. I loved everything about this book, the characters, the history and the story. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is another gem from this truly brilliant author.
Introduction to the inhabitants of a bankrupt Irish estate from the uppity widow Lady to the long-standing housekeeper and groundskeeper’s family at the time when big changes need to be made. The time period is WWII. Enjoyable read as you follow the young people branching out, and more to come in the next book!
This was a pleasant, but bland WW II light romance set in Ireland. It was an easy read that touches on the historical conflict between the Irish and English as well as the relationship between the British nobility and the working class at the beginning of World War II. The story takes place chiefly in Ireland with a few scenes set in England as the war progresses. It is a period of great change and the story follows those changes for the nobility of one great country estate contrasted against a family employed by the estate. The hereditary estates of the landed gentry are starting to crumble putting an end to their extravagant lifestyles and the war is upending the social class system that provided cheap labor to run the estates. Several tame romantic themes run throughout the story. The characters were likable, but a little too bland for my taste. Given that this was set at the start of World War II and several of characters were in the military, I thought there would be a bit more action and intensity involving the main characters, but the war seemed more of a backdrop to the story than a major factor. There is a dash of intrigue at the end, but it still needed a bit more to keep it interesting,
Loved this book. Looking forward to next two in Robinswood Series.
Read the series. You will be thrilled, I promise. The 3 books will cause you to wish there were 4! After reading “What Once Was True”, I couldn’t wait to read the 2nd book then the 3rd. I LOVED the stories, the characters, the scenery. Jean Grainger is now my Go To Author.
Elizabeth
Jean Grainger has done it again. Her books are great. I have loved all that I have read of hers. Still my favorite is Under Heaven’s Shining Stars. Perhaps that spoke most closely to my heart, but you can’t go wrong in spending time with ANY of Jean Grainger’s books.
I always get so caught up in a book by Jean Grainger. This sweeping saga kept me mesmerized. Jean Grainger’s characters came alive and drew me into their story. I highly recommend anything by this author.
This is yet another of Mrs Graingers really, really good books. She can’t write them fast enough for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this World War 2 saga set mainly in Ireland, and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
A wonderful mix of history, romance and mystery. I don’t usually enjoy historical novels but this one kept my attention throughout.
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*
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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*
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I am a huge fan of Jean Graingers, but this story fell short for me. The story was not as meaty with her usually very descriptive and involved narratives. It felt rushed to me.
I’m still looking forward to her next novel as I’ve enjoyed all the previous stories.