#jeangrainger – Rosepoint Publishing

Allied Flames: The Knocknashee Series Book 6 by Jean Grainger #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog #WWIIHistoricalFiction

The Knocknashee Story

in Historical British & Irish Literature

Book Blurb:

After years of letters and missed chances, Grace Fitzgerald and American journalist Richard Lewis have finally confessed their love. Though the world is at war, their bond feels certain and unshakable. But when Richard and Jacob’s plane is shot down over occupied France in 1943, Grace’s world is thrown into turmoil.

Invited to Savannah by Richard’s family, Grace is drawn into their refined yet uneasy world—a stark contrast to her humble life in Ireland. With Richard missing and every sign pointing to tragedy, Grace refuses the luxury of despair. Some things are simply to be borne.

Amid secrets, divided loyalties, and the unrelenting shadow of war, Grace must summon all her quiet strength to endure what cannot be changed. Love may not conquer fate—but it can outlast it.

Allied Flames is the sixth book in the bestselling Knocknashee Series

My Review:

After the apparent loss of Richard in Book 5, Grace goes into deep grieving, embarrassingly more so than the loss of her late husband. Everything, including Richard’s own family, who have invited her to Savannah to join their memorial, points to his irretrievable loss.

But if that is true, why can’t she shake the feeling that he is not well and truly gone? (Isn’t it the hope we all hold that it can’t really be true and we’re simply waiting for proof?)

But devastated or not, she must go on, and does so grudgingly with the help of friends and the community. Wrestling with the invitation to the memorial, she is determined not to go and finds herself doing it anyway. Richard’s family lovingly accepts her into their fold while her (ex-) father-in-law seeks his daughter and her adopted family in a separate thread.

(Yes, it’s a complex story with a number of threads and though Book 6 is beautifully written and compelling, you would probably do best to start with Book 1 if you haven’t already.)

The characters have all earned a place in your heart at this point, and it’s gratifying to be able to follow their lives and those of the village inhabitants. Meanwhile, the author paints a grisly picture of war-torn France and the desperate situation there. Can’t say much more than that. You’ll understand when you read it.

A Grainger book breathes the myths, history, and Irish lives into her emotional and heart-filled narrative’s characters. She is quite the storyteller—maybe it’s that ingrained Irish blarney?—and her stories are compelling and enriching.

Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this installment of the series. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Historical British & Irish Literature, Historical Irish Fiction, World War II Historical Fiction
ASIN: B0FCLD5RC3
Print Length: 335 pages
Publication Date: October 13, 2025
Source: Author

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Jean Grainger is a USA Today bestselling author with over 100,000 5* reviews of historical and contemporary Irish fiction. She is acclaimed for her authentic portrayal of Irish life and history. Born in Cork, she draws from her experience as a history lecturer, teacher, and tour guide to craft characters that feel like friends, and sometimes foes. Grainger’s works span multiple series and standalone novels, covering significant periods in recent Irish history, but told from the perspective of families, the humans behind the headlines. Her stories often intertwine historical events with personal journeys, exploring themes of family, friendship, and human resilience. Grainger’s writing style, characterized by its warmth and authenticity, has earned her comparisons to renowned Irish authors like Maeve Binchy. Her dedication to research and character development has resulted in a loyal readership who feel deeply connected to her stories and characters.

I appreciate you!

Sincerely, Grace: The Knocknashee Series-Book 4 by Jean Grainger #BookReview #HistoricalIrishFiction

Book 4 of The Knocknashee Story

#1 Best Seller in Historical Irish Fiction

Book Blurb:

Knocknashee, County Kerry, Ireland

1941

For twenty-one-year-old Grace Fitzgerald, life is finally looking bright. Orphaned as a child and later struck down by polio, she then endured years of cold indifference at the hands of her sister Agnes. Now, with Agnes finally gone, Grace has found love with her handsome young husband and peace surrounded by friends in her home village of Knocknashee and in her ongoing friendship with the American journalist Richard Lewis.

But just as Grace begins to enjoy her hard-won freedom, a dark shadow falls, and most devastating of all, her dearest friend Tilly may be entangled in the sinister events unfolding around her.

Sincerely Grace is the fourth book in the Knocknashee Series.

My Review:

That masterful Irish storyteller is at it again with Book 4 of the Knocknashee Story now in November 1941.

Grace’s tenure as headmistress of the Knocknashee School is on very rocky grounds when Canon Rafferty is set to return.

While WWII continues to keep Richard and Jacob on this side of the pond, it also means he is sent into the fray to write stories and Jacob to take pictures. It keeps him closer to Grace when the chips are down with the Canon but also puts him and Jacob in harm’s way. Their escape and eventual return to London give both men a closer regard for Sarah and Pippa.

In the meantime, Declan, Grace’s groom has been killed in the search for men hit by a U-boat bomb. Grace becomes a widower about the time Richard (who is still unaware that Grace never got his letter of declaration) is becoming closer to Pippa.

There is conspiracy, possible espionage, and stories of the struggles of Ireland during “the Emergency” as well as interesting tidbits about the war you may not have been aware of previously. The intrigue ramps up and the tension tightens as forces still appear to be working against Richard and Grace ever becoming aware of the other’s feelings. It plays heavily on the reader’s heart since we are now fully engaged in Pippa’s character, a lovely, selfless your lady who appears to have given her heart to Richard.

Life is never dull in the village and the series continues to weave a narrative that builds connection and love to the characters.

Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Women’s Friendship Fiction
ISBN: 1917732031
ASIN: B0DT68LN2L
Print Length: 292 pages
Publication Date: April 28, 2025
Source: Author

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK

#TuesdayBookBlog

Happy St Patrick’s Day! – Celebrate with Traditional Irish Soda Bread or Corned Beef and Cabbage

A little story to add to the Reading Ireland Month celebration and all things Irish, the #Begorrathon, an annual event hosted by Cathy at 746 Books.

Reading Ireland Month 2024

I usually reprise my little Beans, Beans story for St Patrick’s Day, but if you’ve been following me awhile, you’ve seen it. So this year, I thought I’d bring back another old St Patrick’s Day story originally posted back in March, 2017.

Rockaway Beach Private Festival, Rockaway Beach OR — Logo courtesy FB Rockaway Pirate Festival page

Well, what in the world were we thinking? Driving an old Class A RV to the coast where I’d signed up for a craft booth to sell my grandfather’s books on Rockaway Beach, Oregon for a Pirate Festival. (Rockaway Beach is part of the Tillamook Coast, of course, Tillamook–famous for fabulous cheeses.)

One of the booth sales ladies in the Yuma Winter Craft Shows told me about the pirate festival in Oregon when I rented spaces during the winter in Arizona to sell my grandfather’s books. Several of his books talked about pirates, so I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and a great venue for his books and promptly put in my reservation for the following June. The dates coincided with our son’s birthday, born on the CE’s birthday. (Sadly, it appears the Festival has run into insurance problems and has had to cancel the last couple of years.)

But, hey, it’s the Oregon coast. Can you say R A I N? (and cold and wind)

Arriving in a downpour Friday evening, I was a little dismayed about the thought of trying to set up our display in the wind and rain on Saturday. I was prepared with boxes of my grandfather’s books, a treasure chest with trinkets, and pirate scarves. And, yeah, the RV was leaking.

Our costumed daughter got right into the whole scene and made braided hair strings (she even decorated Jack Sparrow’s look-alike with one), and we had other pirate-related gedunks.

It was a blustery day, the sun ducking in and out of clouds, but we were able to install our little booth. People were dressed in costumes, there was music and blunderbusses, but not a lot of sales.

To celebrate the birthdays, we found a special traditional Irish café and ordered a big pot of corned beef and cabbage. The lady there—SOOO gracious and generous—threw in soda bread for us all. (We bought a birthday cake and candles separately.)

Irish Soda Bread courtesy Jean Grainger — Photo by Jean Grainger

So it is that I remember with fondness the soda bread, though I’ve not done so grand a job as the lady in Rockaway Beach. Just in case, however, that you also have a fondness for traditional Irish Soda Bread, I’ve attached a page containing a special family recipe from one of my favorite Irish authors, Jean Grainger, who just released Yesterday’s Paper, from the Knocknashee series. She posted this soda bread recipe several years ago in response to requests. Do yourself a favor and check out her book.

Have a safe and happy March 17!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

History’s Pages: The Knocknashee Story – Book 3 by Jean Grainer #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog

in Historical Irish Fiction

Rosepoint Rating: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

In the tumultuous year of 1940, an extraordinary friendship spans the Atlantic. Grace Fitzgerald, rooted in the seemingly peaceful Irish village of Knocknashee, and Richard Lewis, an intrepid war correspondent from Savannah, Georgia, share a connection that transcends simple categorization as World War II rages on.

As Europe burns and America deliberates its involvement, Grace and Richard find themselves witnessing history from vastly different vantage points. While the tight-knit community of Knocknashee anxiously monitors “the Emergency” from neutral Ireland, Richard brings the harsh realities of war to life through his reports from bomb-ravaged London.

Though each explores romantic possibilities closer to home, Grace and Richard’s bond remains unmatched—a connection that defies distance and circumstance. But as the world plunges deeper into conflict, they face crucial choices that could alter their lives forever. Can their unique relationship withstand not only separation, but also the life-changing decisions each must make in a world torn apart by war?

“History’s Pages,” the captivating third installment of the Knocknashee Story, weaves a tale of deep friendship, personal choices, and resilience against the sweeping canvas of history. Perfect for fans of “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” and “The Nightingale,” this novel will transport you to a world where ordinary people navigate extraordinary challenges, and where the most profound connections often defy simple definition.

My Review:

Oh my goodness, can Ms Grainger weave a tale or what?

I am loving this series, I swear her best one yet, and this one particularly grips with graphic inclusion of the escalating war weaving in and out of the quiet Irish village of Knocknashee where Grace is headmistress.

Grace Fitzgerald and Richard Lewis missed each other on her trip to the states with Declan as I mentioned in Book 2, Yesterday’s Paper. The year is 1940 and with Hitler on the march and Europe descending into continent wide war, Richard, with his sister Sarah and boyfriend and budding war photographer Jacob Nunez, are finding success with their articles and photos sent home for their U.S. paper.

Between their experience in France and then London, Richard finally gets a hasty chance to run to Knocknashee to meet Grace. It was a fast and furious, emotionally charged meeting between the two, leaving far more emotive glances than words. Opposites in every way from his old money background and masculine physicality to her simple and poor childhood. a bandy leg legacy of the polio suffered as a young girl. Still…The attraction couldn’t be denied.

Their correspondence continues but on a cautious level. The Irish village men and women are shocked when a beloved priest is sent away to make room for the canon no one wished to see back. While Ireland maintains their neutrality, the war continues to escalate with Richard and his crew seeing first-hand how Londoners dig in to combat the conflagration inflicted nightly on their city.

The author turns on that strong sense of ironic humor as she moves her women through the awakening of male dominated jobs that become easily performed out of necessity by the absence of men during war time. The scarcity of food and supplies become a matter of money and coupons. More than goods, services are increasingly dear—including the delivery of mail—which complicates the relationship even further.

This juxtaposed against the strict moral codes dictated by the church and imposed even as the world outside a cloistered setting crumbled daily.

So much going on in these tales, the depth of “the Emergency” creating havoc and modification to daily life everywhere.

Loved the new characters introduced, including the Cockney girl, Pippa, and the sophisticated Swiss miss, Virginia. Again, the contrast between the characters astonishing yet so well developed.

The third installment hooks and doesn’t disappoint, ending too quickly and looking for the next. Her writing style is compelling, endearing, and unique, assuming a kinship with her reader. She loves her work, obviously inspired with this storyline, well researched and authentic. It shows. I hope you didn’t miss Book 1 and 2. You may wish to start at the beginning but should not miss this episode.

While I was hooked and flipping pages, my only negative would be the full repeat of a few of those letters. Still, the storyline kept me so captivated and flipping pages, it didn’t become a big issue. I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Friendship Fiction
ASIN: B0DGFZ94G5
Print Length:
Publication Date: January 28, 2025
Source: Author

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK

The Author: Jean Grainger is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, acclaimed for her authentic portrayal of Irish life and history. Born in Cork, she draws from her experience as a history lecturer, teacher, and tour guide to craft engaging narratives. Grainger’s works span multiple series and standalone novels, covering significant periods in Irish history, including World War I, the 1916 Easter Rising, World War II, and the mid-20th century. Her stories often intertwine historical events with personal journeys, exploring themes of family, friendship, and human resilience. Grainger’s writing style, characterized by its warmth and authenticity, has earned her comparisons to renowned Irish authors like Maeve Binchy. Her dedication to research and character development has resulted in a loyal readership who feel deeply connected to her stories and characters.

Icon courtesy Freepik.com

Lilac Ink: The Knocknashee Story by Jean Grainger #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog

Rosepoint Rating: Five Stars

The prolific pen of Ms Grainger has churned out another start to a can’t-miss new series with unique empathetic characters in an atmospheric village of the turbulent Irish coastline.

Book Blurb:

As the world teeters on the brink of war in 1937, two young souls separated by an ocean are about to discover a connection that defies logic and time.

Grace Fitzgerald, a fiery-haired dreamer, longs to escape the confines of her windswept Dingle fishing village. Across the Atlantic, Richard Lewis, heir to a Savannah banking fortune, suffocates under the weight of societal expectations he can’t quite understand.

When their worlds collide through a twist of fate, Grace and Richard uncover a bond so profound it shakes the very foundations of their existence. As Europe inches towards chaos, they find themselves caught in a whirlwind of discovery, challenging everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.

From the rugged Irish coastline to the genteel streets of Georgia, ‘Lilac Ink’ weaves a tapestry of love, destiny, and self-realization against the ominous backdrop of impending global conflict. Grace and Richard must navigate not only their impossible connection but also the turbulent waters of family expectations, social norms, and their own conflicting desires.

This mesmerizing journey through time and place will leave you questioning the very nature of fate and the extraordinary power of human connection. In a world being torn apart, can two hearts, inexplicably linked, find a way to beat as one?

My Review:

Oh my goodness, I love the descriptions of the quaint villages of Ireland, the people who live there, and the immersive stories that Ms Grainger generates!

The new series finds Grace Fitzgerald under the tyrannical thumb of her older sister, Agnes. She has been there since her return from the hospital following a four-year battle with polio. She has been left with a gimpy, painful right leg and is at the mercy of her sister, the headmistress of the school where she works as an assistant teacher.

In frustration and despair one evening, Grace throws caution to the wind off Dingle Peninsula and discovers someone across the Atlantic shares much the same frustration with his own family, though his circumstances are pretty much 180 degrees from hers.

Agnes is a scheming, nasty, spiteful woman bitter with the way her life turned after the loss of both parents and her sudden, unhappy role as Grace’s caregiver. It’s not that Grace isn’t grateful for the roof over her head, but…

Aside from Agnes and Canon Rafferty, who provide strong dastardly antagonistic roles, there are a number of wonderful support characters all given just enough development to engage. (When the time comes, they rally around Grace—I loved it.)

As with all of the author’s books, there is Irish and British history woven into the narrative, and as this book is set just pre-WWII, the tension of the country and its inhabitants. The storyline is a marvelous mix of storytelling, history, suspense, and that Irish sense of humor.

At this point, I’m sufficiently invested to anxiously await the next installment in her promising new series. Character-driven, I’ve got to see where they go and already placing bets, no money involved, as this author is always full of surprises.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest opinions. If you aren’t already a Grainger fan, now is a good time to check out her books.

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Friendship Fiction
ASIN: B0CYY51D7H
Print Length: 296 pages
Publication Date: July 23, 2024 Happy Release Day!
Source: Author
Title Links: Lilac Ink [Amazon-US]
Amazon-UK

The Author: JEAN GRAINGER USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

SELECTED BY BOOKBUB READERS IN TOP 19 OF HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS

WINNER OF THE 2016 AUTHOR’S CIRCLE HISTORICAL NOVEL OF EXCELLENCE

Hello and thanks for taking time out to check out my page. If you’re wondering what you’re getting with my books, then think of the late great Maeve Binchy but sometimes with an historical twist. I was born in Cork, Ireland in 1971 and I come from a large family of storytellers, so much so that we had to have ‘The Talking Spoon’, only the person holding the spoon could talk!

I have worked as a history lecturer at University, a teacher of English, History and Drama in secondary school, a playwright, and a tour guide of my beloved Ireland. I am married to the lovely Diarmuid and we have four children. We live in a 200 year old stone cottage in Mid-Cork with my family and the world’s smallest dogs, called Scrappy and Scoobi..

My experiences leading groups, mainly from the United States, led me to write my first novel, ‘The Tour’. My observances of the often funny, sometimes sad but always interesting events on tours fascinated me. People really did confide the most extraordinary things, the safety of strangers I suppose. It’s a fictional story set on a tour bus but many of the characters are based on people I met over the years. Little was I to know that it would end up as a six-book series…

[truncated]

Many of the people who have reviewed my books have said that you get to know the characters and really become attached to them. That’s wonderful for me to hear because that’s how I feel about them too. I grew up on Maeve Binchy and Deirdre Purcell and I aspired to being like them. If you buy one of my books, I’m very grateful and I really hope you enjoy it. If you do, or even if you don’t, please take the time to post a review. Writing is a source of constant contentment to me and I am so fortunate to have the time and the inclination to do it, but to read a review written by a reader really does make my day.

#TuesdayBookBlog

The Gem of Ireland’s Crown by Jean Grainger – #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Book 4

Book Blurb:

The opportunity of a lifetime lands in Peter Cullen’s lap and nothing is going to stop him taking full advantage, not even the misgivings of his wife. Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret has been flying high, but the real goal, the secret desire of Peter’s heart, America, is finally, incredibly, looking like a reality.

The troupe are not at all prepared for what awaits them in prohibition era Atlantic City and they are dazzled by the bright lights. Keeping discipline and ensuring everyone remains focused drives Peter to the edge of his patience, but he soon realises that this is the least of his problems, as the gloss and sheen of the New Jersey shore reveals a dark side, and somehow his cabaret has fallen foul of it.

My Review:

When last we left Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret, the troupe was experiencing the dark side of the troubles between the Irish and the English during the twenties. Political tensions created drama for Peter’s brother and Nick acknowledged his aristocratic status with an extended visit to Brockleton.

Book four introduces the cautious decision to sail to America where they have an eye-opening introduction to prohibition era Atlantic City, New Jersey. Maud Flynn owns the theatre where the cabaret will play as well as the troupe’s residential accommodations. She has made extensive arrangements for them and laid down rules and expectations. It appears to be a clean, tight ship surrounded by sights and sounds, as well as slang and colloquialisms.

As “Oscar Wilde’s line in his short story ‘The Canterville Ghost’: ‘We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, the language.”

There were interpersonal struggles as well between those who found romance from within their group, but were not exactly free to act on their passions. May and Peter have a daughter now, Aisling, who has become somewhat of a darling of the troupe. Many of the members have discovered her intelligence and aptitude for learning either their particular skill or language. There may have been no booze, but the living was rowdy.

“The old Irish adage that ‘twas often a fella got his nose broken by his mouth’ was particularly true here.”

Despite the wildly successful splash they’ve made with their acts, their interpersonal relationships begin to force hard decisions. Tension escalates as each has to take a hard look at status quo. Additionally, there is an ever-darkening atmosphere as people and activities at arm’s length hide behind those bright lights and change the course of plans. Issues with Peter’s brother Eamonn become seriously tragic.

I can imagine that Atlantic City during prohibition was probably a wide-open port city during prohibition, entertaining everything from bootlegging, speak-easies, and the Boardwalk to summer resorts. There were bound to be gangsters as well.

The widely diverse characters are a strong hook in this series as well as the descriptive location in this installment. Any threads previously hanging were handled quickly in an Epilogue—almost too quickly—but settled the characters and issues.

I received a review copy of this book from the author who in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Women’s Sagas, Saga Fiction, Family Saga Fiction
ASIN: B0CNGFLT6R
Print Length: 354 pages
Publication Date: February 7, 2024
Source: Author

Title Link(s): Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)

The Author: JEAN GRAINGER – USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

SELECTED BY BOOKBUB READERS IN TOP 19 OF HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS.

WINNER OF THE 2016 AUTHOR’S CIRCLE HISTORICAL NOVEL OF EXCELLENCE

Hello and thanks for taking time out to check out my page. If you’re wondering what you’re getting with my books then think of the late great Maeve Binchy but sometimes with a historical twist. I was born in Cork, Ireland in 1971 and I come from a large family of storytellers, so much so that we had to have ‘The Talking Spoon’, only the person holding the spoon could talk!

[Truncated]

Many of the people who have reviewed my books have said that you get to know the characters and really become attached to them, that’s wonderful for me to hear because that’s how I feel about them too. I grew up on Maeve Binchy and Deirdre Purcell and I aspired to being like them. If you buy one of my books I’m very grateful and I really hope you enjoy it. If you do, or even if you don’t, please take the time to post a review. Writing is a source of constant contentment to me and I am so fortunate to have the time and the inclination to do it, but to read a review written by a reader really does make my day.

#TuesdayBookBlog

Rivers of Wrath by Jean Grainger – #BookReview – #TuesdayBookBlog

Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret – Book 3

in Historical Irish Fiction

Book Blurb:

When Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret rolls into a sleepy Irish seaside town, their eccentric and theatrical presence stirs up a flurry of excitement—the public clamouring to buy tickets for the greatest show in Ireland.

Set against the backdrop of a relentless war for Ireland’s freedom, the stakes are higher than ever for Peter Cullen and his troupe as they try to stay out of the conflict. But as they soon discover, that’s a luxury nobody can afford. As well as fighting the forces of occupation, some people are using this time of chaos to settle old scores, and it seems the cabaret has gathered some sinister enemies. With danger lurking around every corner, Peter must fight to protect all he’s worked so hard to build.

Rivers of Wrath is the third book in the Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Series.

My Review:

Ah, the Roaring Twenties and the continuing saga of Cullen’s Cabaret. The performers are lead by Peter, one of the original members who include Nick, Enzo, and Two Soups. May married Peter and they are expecting their first child. She found her niche in administration while Peter continues to orchestrate the program.

This episode clamps down on much of the troubles of the time, the mayhem created by the Black and Tans. May’s brother, David, has never been the same since his return from the war. Peter’s sister Maggie joins the cabaret and they finally acknowledge Nick’s aristocratic status with an extended visit to Brockleton, the estate he inherited and accepted effectively blocking his cousin Harvey from controlling the property. Aida makes an extreme sacrifice.

From escalating political tensions to interpersonal tensions between members of the cabaret, the storyline builds the tension and adds twists and turns the reader doesn’t expect.

There continues to be deceit and deception while the plot veers into left-center field. Impossible to predict the author’s next move, only that her well plotted narratives will reveal an emotive, heart-rending conclusion in Book 4—whether or not it’s the avenue you’d prefer traveling.

Such a dark and immersive departure from her loving, supportive family dramas, this one digs deeper into the darker side of the deadly struggles between the Irish and the English and paints a stark realistic picture of Ireland during the twenties.

I thoroughly enjoyed Book 2, A Beautiful Ferocity that ended with a cliff-hanger and knew Book 3 was going to get serious. Then I received a review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Women’s Sagas
ASIN: B0CJFVCLHR
Print Length: 312 pages
Publication Date: November 28, 2023
Source: Author
Title Links: Rivers of Wrath [Amazon-US]
Amazon-UK

The Author: JEAN GRAINGER – USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

SELECTED BY BOOKBUB READERS IN TOP 19 OF HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS.

WINNER OF THE 2016 AUTHOR’S CIRCLE HISTORICAL NOVEL OF EXCELLENCE

[Truncated]

#TuesdayBookBlog

A Beautiful Ferocity by Jean Grainger – #BookReview – Women’s Historical Fiction

in Historical Irish Fiction

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret – Book 2

Book Blurb

In A Beautiful Ferocity, the second instalment of the Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Series, we’re taken on a thrilling ride through the Roaring Twenties as Ireland fights for her freedom. Peter Cullen leads his troupe of eclectic performers through the troubled country, in a daring new direction, entertaining audiences who’ve had enough of the old ways. When their cabaret is threatened, the performers must fight to keep their dream alive, treading the dangerous line between propriety and entertainment.

When outside forces intervene, and put not just their livelihoods in danger, but their lives, loyalty, friendship and even the bonds of love are tested to the edge of endurance.

Book Review

Yes! The continued saga of the characters that comprise Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Series, the troupe lead by Peter Cullen! The performers hit the road in the roaring twenties through Ireland with an eye on England and, hopefully, the US.

The performers have settled into a rollicking show that includes the first members, Peter, Nick, May, Enzo, and Celine. May has bankrolled the “fit up” in partnership with Peter so they could keep their own money and not have to seek venues. They added chorus girls.

May is great at the administration, control of supplies, costumes, and equipment while Peter orchestrates the program to keep each performance fresh. May is still madly in love with Peter—Nick with Celine. Nick has held a secret that he’s managed to hide until the troupe faces a financial crisis.

As always, there are little charms of wit, wisdom, and good old Irish sense of humor peppered through the well paced narrative.

“She might have a title, but she ain’t no lady.”

“…poor old Cecily was so ugly, even the tide wouldn’t take her out.”

Tension builds with the couple’s relationships and builds in the conclusion to a move that smacks of deceit and deception demanding the reader know what will happen with the characters and hoping it will follow a plot path that leads to happy ever after.

It’s obvious, however, the author may have other ideas as she abruptly ends the installment with a cliff hanger. I thought Book 1, For All the World, kicked off the series with a great hook. I’m loving this new series, a darker and immersive departure from the family dramas we’ve to love and I’m looking forward to installment three. Heartily recommended!

Book Description

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CDZR54XD
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 27, 2023
Print length ‏ : ‎ 273 pages
Source: Author
Genre: Historical Irish Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Women’s Historical Fiction
Title Link: A Beautiful Ferocity [Amazon US]
Amazon UK