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Rivers of Wrath
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.
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.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
1786 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
93 books1,617 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 6, 2024
This book will stay with me for a very long time.
NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE.
This was incredible, there’s so much that I want to say, so I’ll try my best to explain how much I loved this book, and these characters, my messy, silly beautiful family.
Rivers of Wrath was so emotional because not only was there so much going on with the characters, especially with Peter and Nick but the IRA and the Irish people are significantly making an effort to rebel against the English and fight for their independence, and this book was so important because all of these things and events that happened in Ireland after WW1 happened in real life. This book taught me and informed me of history that I didn’t even know happened, and for that I’m very grateful for.
This book was my favourite in the series and has become one of my all time favourites, I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS, this world and the love they all share for the theatre, and I just want them all to be happy, they’ve been through so much and struggled so hard.
Oh and I hate Harvey with a passion, the most devilish character, I do not wish him well.
And NICHOLAS🥹 MY LOVE you deserve the world, it will always, always be you.
BRB SOBBING, this book was excellent and Jean Grainger is a talented writer.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐰.”
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲.”
“𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟕, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬.”
Please read this series, you will not regret it.
NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE.
This was incredible, there’s so much that I want to say, so I’ll try my best to explain how much I loved this book, and these characters, my messy, silly beautiful family.
Rivers of Wrath was so emotional because not only was there so much going on with the characters, especially with Peter and Nick but the IRA and the Irish people are significantly making an effort to rebel against the English and fight for their independence, and this book was so important because all of these things and events that happened in Ireland after WW1 happened in real life. This book taught me and informed me of history that I didn’t even know happened, and for that I’m very grateful for.
This book was my favourite in the series and has become one of my all time favourites, I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS, this world and the love they all share for the theatre, and I just want them all to be happy, they’ve been through so much and struggled so hard.
Oh and I hate Harvey with a passion, the most devilish character, I do not wish him well.
And NICHOLAS🥹 MY LOVE you deserve the world, it will always, always be you.
BRB SOBBING, this book was excellent and Jean Grainger is a talented writer.
“𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐰.”
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲.”
“𝐈𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟗𝟏𝟕, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬.”
Please read this series, you will not regret it.
July 7, 2024
If it's written by Jean Grainger, I will read it. I've read almost all of her books, and they are excellent. Characters are developed so that I consider most of them friends. The villains are oh, so nasty. The plot keeps me guessing in a good way. This writer is one talented Irish author. I've read the Cullen's Celtic Cabaret series all in a row. Now I'm starting the last book and only wish a Cabaret book 5 were waiting in my book shelf's wings.
November 22, 2023
Another exciting page turner from Jean Grainger. I love this series! The good guys are all likeable and the bad guys are perfectly villainous and odious. The plot is gripping and never predictable and it’s easy and quick to read without being simple, tedious or lightweight. This could be read as a standalone but id strongly advise you to treat yourself to the whole series!
February 7, 2024
great
I loved it. So interesting to see the early days of the republic. I have book 4 waiting in the wings.
I loved it. So interesting to see the early days of the republic. I have book 4 waiting in the wings.
December 5, 2023
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The performers of Cullen’s Cabaret are led by Peter, one of the original members who includes Nick, Enzo, and Two Soups. May married Peter and they are expecting their first child. She found her niche in administration while Peter continued to orchestrate the program.
This episode clamps down on much of the troubles of the time, the mayhem created by the Black and Tans.
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 and it’s impossible to predict the author’s next move.
This is such a dark and immersive plot revealing the darker side of the deadly struggles between the Irish and the English and paints a stark realistic picture of Ireland during the colorful twenties.
I received a review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars
The performers of Cullen’s Cabaret are led by Peter, one of the original members who includes Nick, Enzo, and Two Soups. May married Peter and they are expecting their first child. She found her niche in administration while Peter continued to orchestrate the program.
This episode clamps down on much of the troubles of the time, the mayhem created by the Black and Tans.
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 and it’s impossible to predict the author’s next move.
This is such a dark and immersive plot revealing the darker side of the deadly struggles between the Irish and the English and paints a stark realistic picture of Ireland during the colorful twenties.
I received a review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars
March 13, 2024
Rivers of Wrath
I feel as if I'm stuck in the movie Groundhog's Day! Everything I write to review Ms. Grainger's book sound the same! Another win! Always great writing! Wonderful characters, for the most part! It'd be awfully dull without a villain or two! Her descriptive writing is such that I can SEE the ruts made by the trucks & caravans through the fields! I can SEE the sea peeking through the forests, towns, & hills! I can hear it pounding the shore. The relationships pull me in & I feel their joy & pain, their fears & their victories! Ms. Grainger "takes me" all over Ireland, the surrounding nations as well, when her characters move about! I've recently found out that my DNA >/= 90% from the British Isles & these books take me to the "old country" homelands I'll never see with my own eyes! Plus, I learn from her books, mostly history, but of the lives of the times, too. In this book, I learned that Bram Stoker was Irish. I thought he would've been Transylvanian, or at least from one of the Slavic nations! But I digress. I love that Ms. Grainger's characters consist of strong, remarkable women & true gentlemen. Thank you, Ms. Grainger, for sharing all this & more with me, & others like me.
I feel as if I'm stuck in the movie Groundhog's Day! Everything I write to review Ms. Grainger's book sound the same! Another win! Always great writing! Wonderful characters, for the most part! It'd be awfully dull without a villain or two! Her descriptive writing is such that I can SEE the ruts made by the trucks & caravans through the fields! I can SEE the sea peeking through the forests, towns, & hills! I can hear it pounding the shore. The relationships pull me in & I feel their joy & pain, their fears & their victories! Ms. Grainger "takes me" all over Ireland, the surrounding nations as well, when her characters move about! I've recently found out that my DNA >/= 90% from the British Isles & these books take me to the "old country" homelands I'll never see with my own eyes! Plus, I learn from her books, mostly history, but of the lives of the times, too. In this book, I learned that Bram Stoker was Irish. I thought he would've been Transylvanian, or at least from one of the Slavic nations! But I digress. I love that Ms. Grainger's characters consist of strong, remarkable women & true gentlemen. Thank you, Ms. Grainger, for sharing all this & more with me, & others like me.
November 27, 2023
I always love Jean Grainger’s books and this one was no exception. Great characters—Nick, Celine, Peter, May, Enzo, Aida and others move through life changes. There were a lot of twists and turns to the plot, Peter’s sister Maggie joins the Cabaret, and Nick’s home of Brockleton plays a role. Nick’s relationship with his aging father improves, and the evil cousin Harvey rears his head again throughout the book, in alliance with May’s brother David, his character horribly changed after the War. The Irish political upheaval of the time, the vicious Blacks and Tans burning of large homes and other incidents all are well-described and informative to readers not familiar with them.
If I have a slight criticism, it is that there is what I saw as over-the-top drama that at times seemed a bit much. In addition, the three-way romance just didn’t seem plausible to me.
That stated, I love all of Ms. Grainger’s engrossing books and this was no exception.
If I have a slight criticism, it is that there is what I saw as over-the-top drama that at times seemed a bit much. In addition, the three-way romance just didn’t seem plausible to me.
That stated, I love all of Ms. Grainger’s engrossing books and this was no exception.
November 30, 2023
The 3rd episode in the Cullen Cabaret saga and doesn't disappoint of course.
The characters are wonderful, each one very different covering a wide spectrum, from Irish sympathisers to snooty Anglo/Irish aristocrats.
Our robust band of Cabaret artists are wonderful, all loyal to Peter Cullen the originator of the Cabaret and his wife May.
Things have moved on apace, with marriages, families, affairs, politics all being drawn into their stories.
Jean is a wonderful writer and my heart is in my mouth much of the time and tears in my eyes. Her background research is exceptional and explains so much about those troubled heartbreaking times. Not understood so much on my side of the water I don't think but Jean explains it all brilliantly.
I can't wait for the next and I think the last 😞 book in the series.
The characters are wonderful, each one very different covering a wide spectrum, from Irish sympathisers to snooty Anglo/Irish aristocrats.
Our robust band of Cabaret artists are wonderful, all loyal to Peter Cullen the originator of the Cabaret and his wife May.
Things have moved on apace, with marriages, families, affairs, politics all being drawn into their stories.
Jean is a wonderful writer and my heart is in my mouth much of the time and tears in my eyes. Her background research is exceptional and explains so much about those troubled heartbreaking times. Not understood so much on my side of the water I don't think but Jean explains it all brilliantly.
I can't wait for the next and I think the last 😞 book in the series.
February 29, 2024
Book three in the series focuses on Ireland's fight for independence from England.
"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." synopsis copied
"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." synopsis copied
March 17, 2024
Rivers of Wrath is the fabulous third book in the ‘Cullen’s Celtic Caberet’ series. Whilst it can be read as a stand alone a sincerely suggest that these books are best read in order to maximise the reader enjoyment and understanding of the story background.
Back in Ireland Peter and his diverse family of performers are riding the tide of success and going from strength to strength. However the tensions and divides in Ireland at that time are growing increasingly dangerous. There is no way they can avoid the troubles.
This is an incredible continuation of this series and once again I was gripped from the beginning. The wonderful characters combined with the engaging storyline and historical detail of that time create a book you will not want to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to everyone.
Back in Ireland Peter and his diverse family of performers are riding the tide of success and going from strength to strength. However the tensions and divides in Ireland at that time are growing increasingly dangerous. There is no way they can avoid the troubles.
This is an incredible continuation of this series and once again I was gripped from the beginning. The wonderful characters combined with the engaging storyline and historical detail of that time create a book you will not want to put down.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to everyone.
November 24, 2023
This book has so many unforeseen and unexpected twists that I was caught quite by surprise. They added immensely to the story that I just couldn't put it down. Although that last part is true of all of Jean Grainger's books. We find Peter, May, and nearly the entire cabaret troupe right in the heart of the increasing troubles between the Irish and their English occupiers. And the troubles really hit close to home as well. What was amazing was the bravery and selflessness exhibited by characters whom it might be least expected from. I can't say more about this book without giving it away so I'll just say, quickly grab this book, set aside a few hours, and immerse yourself in the ireland of early 1920's. You won't regret that you did.
December 4, 2023
Peter and May Cullen are awaiting the birth of their first child while continuing to entertain the population of County Cork with their multi-talented Cabaret players. The reappearance of May’s brother, David, presumed killed in the war, generates a great deal of initial excitement for May and her family.
David’s return, together with the continued political turmoil in Ireland, and the various personal upheavals and dilemmas faced by the cast make this third book in the series difficult to put down once started.
Jean Grainger moves her plot forward at speed while including extra detail, both aspects keeping her readers fully engaged. I received a free advance review copy of this book, from the author, and this is my honest opinion,
David’s return, together with the continued political turmoil in Ireland, and the various personal upheavals and dilemmas faced by the cast make this third book in the series difficult to put down once started.
Jean Grainger moves her plot forward at speed while including extra detail, both aspects keeping her readers fully engaged. I received a free advance review copy of this book, from the author, and this is my honest opinion,
December 9, 2023
At the end I just want more
Jean’s unique insights into the Irish struggle for freedom, is written with a sympathetic understanding of the difficulties of those on both sides. We are once again among friends, following the complications in their lives, sharing in their torments, so well described, while rejoicing in their triumphs.
Jean’s rich easy style is a pleasure to read. Throughout there are twist leading the story in new and unexpected directions. A couple of remarks suggest further developments and sure enough at the end there is a promise of more to come. Despair not, Book 4 will not be long, with its own stock of amazement.
Bring it on!
Jean’s unique insights into the Irish struggle for freedom, is written with a sympathetic understanding of the difficulties of those on both sides. We are once again among friends, following the complications in their lives, sharing in their torments, so well described, while rejoicing in their triumphs.
Jean’s rich easy style is a pleasure to read. Throughout there are twist leading the story in new and unexpected directions. A couple of remarks suggest further developments and sure enough at the end there is a promise of more to come. Despair not, Book 4 will not be long, with its own stock of amazement.
Bring it on!
April 18, 2024
Jean Grainger has written another winning novel. The main characters are so wonderful and believable. The more I read the more I become absorbed in their lives. I can’t wait to read each chapter because of the twists and turns that Jean Grainger is so good at writing into her work. Although I am always pushing for the end of the story to see what happens, I am so sad when it is over. I just never want it to end. I’m so happy that there is a fourth book in this series. I’m going directly into it now. I highly recommend this series to anyone interested in Ireland, Irish history, family dynamics, love, mystery and humor wrapped up in one great series.
February 7, 2024
The series goes from strength to strength both plotwise with quite a few unexpected twists and turns and emotionally, Hard to top the previous two series books, but a bit to my surprise this one did it and once I got seriously into it, I couldn't put it down until the superb ending which ties a lot of the subplots for good. But of course, there is more and the Cabaret moves to America next (at the invitation of none other than Harp of the previous series).
Highly recommended - both this book and the whole series
Highly recommended - both this book and the whole series
November 26, 2023
I’ve not yet read a Jean Grainger book that I didn’t love. Cullen’s Cabaret #3 is no different. There are changes in the troupe and in Ireland, and Peter and May are putting out fires constantly. Families will have their black sheep, and two here will try hard to destroy everything the Cabaret has built. Rebellion and aristocracy come closer and closer to the Cullens in the Irish fight for freedom. Mrs. Grainger has once again done a magnificent job with the good, bad, and ugly.
December 1, 2023
Worth the wait
The Cullen's Celtic Cabaret series has, for me, been a slow burn. I've persevered partly out of fascination with the Irish politics and partly because I have loved so many of Jean Grainger's other novels.
I'm so glad I kept going - because Rivers of Wrath, book 3, is a ripper! Unputdownable.
Knowing how prolific Jean Grainger is, I'm hoping I won't have to wait too long for book 4, the final book in this fascinating series.
The Cullen's Celtic Cabaret series has, for me, been a slow burn. I've persevered partly out of fascination with the Irish politics and partly because I have loved so many of Jean Grainger's other novels.
I'm so glad I kept going - because Rivers of Wrath, book 3, is a ripper! Unputdownable.
Knowing how prolific Jean Grainger is, I'm hoping I won't have to wait too long for book 4, the final book in this fascinating series.
December 9, 2023
Wow!! Worth the wait!
This book was lovely, sweet, often heartbreaking. I have learned so much about the struggle the Irish lived with for so long! Eight hundred years.
Towards the end it’s an absolutely edge-of-the-seat plot!! Could not stop reading!
She continues to be my favorite author. I’ve read all the other series more than once. Read them in order to get the most out of the overall plots. SO good!!!
This book was lovely, sweet, often heartbreaking. I have learned so much about the struggle the Irish lived with for so long! Eight hundred years.
Towards the end it’s an absolutely edge-of-the-seat plot!! Could not stop reading!
She continues to be my favorite author. I’ve read all the other series more than once. Read them in order to get the most out of the overall plots. SO good!!!
December 24, 2023
This book took me back to the times my parents were very young. My mother witnessed the shame and torture her father suffered from the tans one January night. Their cottage was stripped looking for guns Her mother and grandmother had the four children say the rosary all night to bring her father back. Their school had the ceiling shot up twice. Her teacher gave her purse to my mother to hide in her dress. These events scared my grandfather and mother for life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
I've read all of Jean Grainger's books and have loved them all. I really enjoy this series - characters are great, and lots of mystery and plot twists to keep the reader intrigued. I've enjoyed learning more about Ireland's fight for independence. Ms. Grainger superbly weaves historical truths into her fictional story to share Ireland's history with her readers. Looking forward to book 4 but sad to see the series end.
April 8, 2024
In the beach side town, the Cullen Celtic Cabaret did very well. They were working six days a week and the money was pouring in. However, May and Peter were not seeing eye-to-eye on the future of their money and the Cabaret. May wanted to build their dream of having a theater of their own from which to perform and Peter was set on going to America which would take every penny of the money they had left. Which was safer for their child?
December 3, 2023
Book 3 of this series does not disappoint. This book continues with the stories of our cabaret members and their friends and families, and grabbed me more than book 2, because I feel that I am getting to know the layers of the characters now and am invested in the story. Fascinating viewpoints of Irish-English relationships, post WWI issues, presented with human characters that are realistic and human. Although the world of cabaret is quite far away from my own real life experience, it is for me a way to live vicariously a new experience of people bonding and choosing their fellow performers to be family members, and the characters deal with all sorts of issues that are relatable in today's climate. I don't want to give away any plot points, but as usual with Jean Grainger's books they will make you laugh out loud and also reach for some tissues. This is a book series that would make a very entertaining mini-series on television with the performances as I imagine them and the behind the scenes relationships and drama.
November 29, 2023
Another wonderful book! I really couldn't put this one down and was totally drawn into the suspense of the fast moving book.
The story artfully lets the reader feel the atmosphere and vibe of the times and identify with our well loved characters as they play their part in the dramatic days of the rebellion in Ireland.
A must read!
The story artfully lets the reader feel the atmosphere and vibe of the times and identify with our well loved characters as they play their part in the dramatic days of the rebellion in Ireland.
A must read!
December 7, 2023
Five stars
What a beautifully written book taking place in the tumultuous era or Ireland's fight for independence. The characters take you back in time as they live through the hardships of daily life. Amidst all of that Cullen's Celtic Cabaret endures. This series is a definite read if you enjoy reading about Ireland.
What a beautifully written book taking place in the tumultuous era or Ireland's fight for independence. The characters take you back in time as they live through the hardships of daily life. Amidst all of that Cullen's Celtic Cabaret endures. This series is a definite read if you enjoy reading about Ireland.
December 11, 2023
Wonderful bookz
I read all three books, one after the other and loved them all. The history learned from these books is amazing as are the characters. I can hardly wait for the fourth book in the series. Jean Granger writes such wonderful books, I have enjoyed every one of them. Please keep writing Jean!
Frances Ellis
I read all three books, one after the other and loved them all. The history learned from these books is amazing as are the characters. I can hardly wait for the fourth book in the series. Jean Granger writes such wonderful books, I have enjoyed every one of them. Please keep writing Jean!
Frances Ellis
December 15, 2023
Hard to put down
I love the characters and there is plenty of action and drama. Can’t put it down, yet don’t want it to end. I wish some of the characters would have lasting legitimate relationships, ups and downs are fine. There are a few too many dalliances. Still, can’t wait for the last of the series due out in February.
I love the characters and there is plenty of action and drama. Can’t put it down, yet don’t want it to end. I wish some of the characters would have lasting legitimate relationships, ups and downs are fine. There are a few too many dalliances. Still, can’t wait for the last of the series due out in February.
December 20, 2023
Wonderful
When I first started this series, I questioned, but still read on. I know the talent and skill of Jean Grainger (I’ve read everyone of her books) therefore, I continued reading. I earnestly have to say this series soars to the top, right up there with “The Tour” series. Keep on writing Jean! I trust your decisions I whatever you’ve written.
When I first started this series, I questioned, but still read on. I know the talent and skill of Jean Grainger (I’ve read everyone of her books) therefore, I continued reading. I earnestly have to say this series soars to the top, right up there with “The Tour” series. Keep on writing Jean! I trust your decisions I whatever you’ve written.
January 28, 2024
A brilliant story
Jean Grainger is a true artist. The way she weaves her characters and their stories is pure genius. I also honor the way she leaves a few loose endings on completion thus avoiding the "happily ever after" fairy tale effect. It keeps her art pure. I a!so appreciate the historical background. Compelling story nicely done!
Jean Grainger is a true artist. The way she weaves her characters and their stories is pure genius. I also honor the way she leaves a few loose endings on completion thus avoiding the "happily ever after" fairy tale effect. It keeps her art pure. I a!so appreciate the historical background. Compelling story nicely done!
June 24, 2025
Jean Grainger illuminates history with admirable, struggling, and fascinating characters. With this third book in the series, I’m so busy pulling for May, Peter, Nick, Aida and their fellow Cabaret performers and crew. This review will be short as I have to get to the 4th book to see what happens to them!
Enthusiastically recommend this series and this writer!!
Enthusiastically recommend this series and this writer!!
November 30, 2023
wonderful series
Absolutely love all Jean Grainger novels. Almost read this in one day. Always enthralled and characters seem so real. Looking forward to next book in the series and all new novels in the future.
Absolutely love all Jean Grainger novels. Almost read this in one day. Always enthralled and characters seem so real. Looking forward to next book in the series and all new novels in the future.
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