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A Beautiful Ferocity: The Aisling Series, Book 2
The Great War is over, and the Roaring Twenties are promising a bright new future. Young people have broken free of the bonds that tied them to propriety and for the members of Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret it’s an exhilarating time to be alive.
England offers a world of possibilities, but with audiences desperate to hear them perform, everyone only too happy to put the awful war years behind them, the Irish troupe finds themselves facing their biggest challenge yet.
Ireland makes yet another bid for freedom, and British soldiers are dying there. Despite their successes in England, they are now met with resentment and hostility. Their once adoring fans have turned against them, fuelled by a vengeful theatre owner seeking revenge.
With their reputation in ruins and their future uncertain, they have no choice but return to Ireland, but can they make the show work in a country torn apart by political and military upheaval? Will Ireland embrace their theatrical antics, or will they reject it as improper?
Follow the members of Cullen's Celtic Cabaret as they navigate the treacherous landscape of 1920s Ireland, where their talents may be their only hope of survival.
England offers a world of possibilities, but with audiences desperate to hear them perform, everyone only too happy to put the awful war years behind them, the Irish troupe finds themselves facing their biggest challenge yet.
Ireland makes yet another bid for freedom, and British soldiers are dying there. Despite their successes in England, they are now met with resentment and hostility. Their once adoring fans have turned against them, fuelled by a vengeful theatre owner seeking revenge.
With their reputation in ruins and their future uncertain, they have no choice but return to Ireland, but can they make the show work in a country torn apart by political and military upheaval? Will Ireland embrace their theatrical antics, or will they reject it as improper?
Follow the members of Cullen's Celtic Cabaret as they navigate the treacherous landscape of 1920s Ireland, where their talents may be their only hope of survival.
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Published April 9, 2025
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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 46 reviews
February 11, 2024
Nicholas Vivian Shaw. That’s it. He has my entire heart and he deserves the world.
The second book in the series was very good, and follows straight after the events from the first book. The war is over, and Peter and his group have made their way to London, trying their best to break into the show business.
They have developed a huge group that has various different acts and talents, and we start to get to know the characters on a more personal level, and for that reason I enjoyed it so much.
I feel so attached to this group, Peter, Enzo, Nick (my favourite:) and Two-Soups, my heart breaks for him and I was so shocked when Betty died.
Also, the fight for Irish independence becomes even stronger in this book, and how Eamonn, Peter’s brother, is a major part of the IRA and wants Irish people to finally gain independence away from the British.
This is definitely my favourite so far, and I cannot wait to see how this story ends, hopefully with the trope being completely successful internationally!!!
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.”
“𝐇𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦.” it’s not fair Nick deserves everything and more:)
“𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐮𝐬, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬.”
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐚; 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐲.”
The second book in the series was very good, and follows straight after the events from the first book. The war is over, and Peter and his group have made their way to London, trying their best to break into the show business.
They have developed a huge group that has various different acts and talents, and we start to get to know the characters on a more personal level, and for that reason I enjoyed it so much.
I feel so attached to this group, Peter, Enzo, Nick (my favourite:) and Two-Soups, my heart breaks for him and I was so shocked when Betty died.
Also, the fight for Irish independence becomes even stronger in this book, and how Eamonn, Peter’s brother, is a major part of the IRA and wants Irish people to finally gain independence away from the British.
This is definitely my favourite so far, and I cannot wait to see how this story ends, hopefully with the trope being completely successful internationally!!!
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧.”
“𝐇𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦.” it’s not fair Nick deserves everything and more:)
“𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐮𝐬, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬.”
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐢𝐝𝐚; 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐲.”
October 5, 2023
‘A Beautiful Ferocity’ is the second book in the fabulous ’Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret’ series. As this book continues straight on from the first book ‘For A The World’ I definitely suggest that these books are read in order .. knowing the character’s backgrounds and their history are an integral part of this book.
Times are changing for Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret. It’s the 1920s and a tensions in Ireland are reaching boiling point. The performers are facing challenging times and as some secrets are being revealed, others are being created. This book has a bit of everything. Fun, excitement, tragedy, lies, danger, history, hope and determination. The characters are diverse and realistic, they have a depth and honesty that draws you in and drives the storyline.
I really enjoyed this book although the epilogue was rather odd and a little random. I’m sure it will become clear in the next book. I definitely recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a well written saga that you can really lose yourself in. Jean Grainger does not disappoint.
Times are changing for Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret. It’s the 1920s and a tensions in Ireland are reaching boiling point. The performers are facing challenging times and as some secrets are being revealed, others are being created. This book has a bit of everything. Fun, excitement, tragedy, lies, danger, history, hope and determination. The characters are diverse and realistic, they have a depth and honesty that draws you in and drives the storyline.
I really enjoyed this book although the epilogue was rather odd and a little random. I’m sure it will become clear in the next book. I definitely recommend this book to all readers who enjoy a well written saga that you can really lose yourself in. Jean Grainger does not disappoint.
October 3, 2023
Starting where For all the World ends, I enjoyed A Beautiful Ferocity even more than its predecessor as it is tighter, lots of things happen and the pages really turn by themselves. At the end of the previous volume with Peter seemingly absorbed in the operations of his cabaret in London and writing effusively in his letters about the sultry Spanish dancer Aida, May decided to take matters in her own hands and leave her house in Ireland to come there and force Peter's hand in a way or another, though of course knowing her, there was only one way in the end. While it takes tragedy and what almost amounts to bribery, namely using her trust funds which could be accessed on marriage before she attains the required age to fund the cabaret and keep it viable, May gets her way as expected, while in the meantime and as intimated at the end of the first volume, tragedy strikes also from another quarter forcing Nick's hand too. And so it goes, as we follow our characters, with a few twists and turns mostly connected with the Irish uprising against English rule but not only.
While both the personal and political keep getting even more complicated, the cabaret becomes seemingly prosperous at least for now and we have to see what will happen in the next volume which has become another highly awaited novel.
Overall an excellent book, even better imho than the first series volume - which tends to be less usual since the first volume always has the advantage of newness - and comparable with the best from the author, so I highly recommend it and of course the first volume too.
While both the personal and political keep getting even more complicated, the cabaret becomes seemingly prosperous at least for now and we have to see what will happen in the next volume which has become another highly awaited novel.
Overall an excellent book, even better imho than the first series volume - which tends to be less usual since the first volume always has the advantage of newness - and comparable with the best from the author, so I highly recommend it and of course the first volume too.
April 2, 2024
Jean Grainger continues to entrap her readers in her books. This is definitely one which grabs you and never lets you go. Even when you are finished, you are begging for more and now you have to wait for the next book. Jean has a fantastic ability to make you beg.
The Cullen Celtic Cabaret loses its home when the theater burns down. May convinces Peter that the thing to do is to become a traveling troupe. Since their name has been blackened by the former theater owner, they travel back to Ireland where they begin their travels across Ireland. The Caberet becomes a hit and they are generally doing well. Politically, things are heating up between the Irish and the British. Peter's brother is in the middle of the insurrection. Will Peter be able to keep out of it as he had promised himself when he was in the army. He wanted nothing to do with violence and war. With friends on both sides, where will he and the Caberet land?
Meanwhile, Nick decides to return to being the Honorable Nicholas Vivian Shaw, heir to the Baron de Simpre. First, it is to help Two Soup and then to help the Cullen Celtic Cabaret troupe. Since both his brothers have died, he has to face his parents, especially his father, who also fear for his death since he didn't return from the war.
Wonderful book and one of the series you need to read.
The Cullen Celtic Cabaret loses its home when the theater burns down. May convinces Peter that the thing to do is to become a traveling troupe. Since their name has been blackened by the former theater owner, they travel back to Ireland where they begin their travels across Ireland. The Caberet becomes a hit and they are generally doing well. Politically, things are heating up between the Irish and the British. Peter's brother is in the middle of the insurrection. Will Peter be able to keep out of it as he had promised himself when he was in the army. He wanted nothing to do with violence and war. With friends on both sides, where will he and the Caberet land?
Meanwhile, Nick decides to return to being the Honorable Nicholas Vivian Shaw, heir to the Baron de Simpre. First, it is to help Two Soup and then to help the Cullen Celtic Cabaret troupe. Since both his brothers have died, he has to face his parents, especially his father, who also fear for his death since he didn't return from the war.
Wonderful book and one of the series you need to read.
September 23, 2023
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
This is the continued saga of the characters that comprise Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Series led by Peter Cullen! The performers hit the road in the roaring twenties through Ireland.
The troup has settled into a rollicking cabaret that includes the first (ex-military) members and now with Celine, May, and chorus girls. May has bankrolled a “fit up” in partnership with Peter so they would not have to seek venues.
May is still madly in love with Peter—Nick with Celine. Nick has held a secret that he’s managed to hide until they face 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.
Tension builds with the couple’s relationships and in a twist ends with a cliffhanger. I’m loving this new series, a darker and immersive departure from the family dramas we’ve come to love by this talented author. I’m looking forward to installment three and in this case, you might wish to start with Book 1. Heartily recommended!
This is the continued saga of the characters that comprise Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret Series led by Peter Cullen! The performers hit the road in the roaring twenties through Ireland.
The troup has settled into a rollicking cabaret that includes the first (ex-military) members and now with Celine, May, and chorus girls. May has bankrolled a “fit up” in partnership with Peter so they would not have to seek venues.
May is still madly in love with Peter—Nick with Celine. Nick has held a secret that he’s managed to hide until they face 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.
Tension builds with the couple’s relationships and in a twist ends with a cliffhanger. I’m loving this new series, a darker and immersive departure from the family dramas we’ve come to love by this talented author. I’m looking forward to installment three and in this case, you might wish to start with Book 1. Heartily recommended!
February 27, 2024
The second book in the series has the troupe taking their variety show on the road, using a big tent like a traveling circus. The Great War might be over, but now Ireland wants independence from England.
"England offers a world of possibilities, but with audiences desperate to hear them perform, everyone only too happy to put the awful war years behind them, the Irish troupe finds themselves facing their biggest challenge yet.
Ireland makes yet another bid for freedom, and British soldiers are dying there. Despite their successes in England, they are now met with resentment and hostility. Their once adoring fans have turned against them, fueled by a vengeful theatre owner seeking revenge.
With their reputation in ruins and their future uncertain, they have no choice but return to Ireland, but can they make the show work in a country torn apart by political and military upheaval? Will Ireland embrace their theatrical antics, or will they reject it as improper?
Follow the members of Cullen's Celtic Cabaret as they navigate the treacherous landscape of 1920s Ireland, where their talents may be their only hope of survival." synopsis copied
"England offers a world of possibilities, but with audiences desperate to hear them perform, everyone only too happy to put the awful war years behind them, the Irish troupe finds themselves facing their biggest challenge yet.
Ireland makes yet another bid for freedom, and British soldiers are dying there. Despite their successes in England, they are now met with resentment and hostility. Their once adoring fans have turned against them, fueled by a vengeful theatre owner seeking revenge.
With their reputation in ruins and their future uncertain, they have no choice but return to Ireland, but can they make the show work in a country torn apart by political and military upheaval? Will Ireland embrace their theatrical antics, or will they reject it as improper?
Follow the members of Cullen's Celtic Cabaret as they navigate the treacherous landscape of 1920s Ireland, where their talents may be their only hope of survival." synopsis copied
September 25, 2023
We return to Cullen's Celtic Cabaret who have come back to enthral and entertain us!.
I particularly love Peter and Nick who have stuck together through thick and thin, taking us from the early days in Dublin and their very different backgrounds to the front of Ww1, London and back to Dublin.
After a disastrous end to the Acacia in London, and following one of May's brilliant ideas the troupe relocate to Ireland with their 'fit up'. Life isn't easy by any means but thanks to further developments for Nick and Celine, things begin to look up. All the performers work hard to make it a success under May's vigilance.
All the characters' performances are different and go down well with the public with May keeping tabs on the finances with her astute business brain.
As usual Jean has woven a tapestry of different characters with wonderful background stories and has left us at the end with another cliffhanger to ponder and I can't wait for Book 3 to answer our questions.
Thank you Jean
I particularly love Peter and Nick who have stuck together through thick and thin, taking us from the early days in Dublin and their very different backgrounds to the front of Ww1, London and back to Dublin.
After a disastrous end to the Acacia in London, and following one of May's brilliant ideas the troupe relocate to Ireland with their 'fit up'. Life isn't easy by any means but thanks to further developments for Nick and Celine, things begin to look up. All the performers work hard to make it a success under May's vigilance.
All the characters' performances are different and go down well with the public with May keeping tabs on the finances with her astute business brain.
As usual Jean has woven a tapestry of different characters with wonderful background stories and has left us at the end with another cliffhanger to ponder and I can't wait for Book 3 to answer our questions.
Thank you Jean
September 30, 2023
Jean Grainger’s latest novel is packed with the endeavours of the Cullen Celtic Cabaret troupe in the two years after the end of WW1. Amid the political upheaval in Ireland at the time, Peter and his friends move from successful shows in London to unemployment, followed by travelling shows across the land of his birth.
The activities and thoughts of Peter and his family, friends and colleagues are explored and described in fascinating detail, motivating the reader to turn pages without hesitation so as to discover the outcomes in each situation.
Just as in Book 1, the final chapter, while giving closure to the current book, leaves an opportunity for a potential Book 3…and ends with an enigmatic epilogue (not a cliffhanger), making the reader impatient for the definite prospect of the next book.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
The activities and thoughts of Peter and his family, friends and colleagues are explored and described in fascinating detail, motivating the reader to turn pages without hesitation so as to discover the outcomes in each situation.
Just as in Book 1, the final chapter, while giving closure to the current book, leaves an opportunity for a potential Book 3…and ends with an enigmatic epilogue (not a cliffhanger), making the reader impatient for the definite prospect of the next book.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
September 11, 2024
More Twists
As I read this second book in the series, I couldn’t help but think back to my own younger years and the years of friends and family. The plans we make, the manipulative works we attempt in order to make happen our hopes of the future…so often for naught and sadly occasionally for total ruin.
A Beautiful Ferocity continues the story of Peter and May, and the cast of the cabaret who become their family. Tragedy mixed with celebration are so true to life. But sometimes our deepest desires can wreck havoc rather than happiness.
A quick read that keeps you abreast of the going’s on of Cullen’s Cabaret. I’m delving into #3!
As I read this second book in the series, I couldn’t help but think back to my own younger years and the years of friends and family. The plans we make, the manipulative works we attempt in order to make happen our hopes of the future…so often for naught and sadly occasionally for total ruin.
A Beautiful Ferocity continues the story of Peter and May, and the cast of the cabaret who become their family. Tragedy mixed with celebration are so true to life. But sometimes our deepest desires can wreck havoc rather than happiness.
A quick read that keeps you abreast of the going’s on of Cullen’s Cabaret. I’m delving into #3!
September 18, 2023
A very enjoyable second book in the Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret series, as enjoyable as the first. The plot drew me in, from the Cabaret’s sad and dramatic departure from London after the Acadia burns, to the development of the traveling “fit-up” in Ireland. There is romance, jealousy, even weddings, and the inclusion of colorful new characters such as “Millie.” Nick and Celine draw closer, Peter and May’s marriage is celebrated. Peter’s brother Eamonn’s involvement in Irish revolution and the struggle with the Blacks and Tans eventuates.
The Epilogue left me puzzled, but anxious for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
The Epilogue left me puzzled, but anxious for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2023
A Beautiful Ferocity is the next inistallment in this Impressive saga of a post WWII cabaret troupe! Ms. Grainger's materful storytelling brings the reader into the diverse lives of these cabaret players. There is a lot of drama as they struggle to stay afloat. The reader gets an inside view of the life and loves of this group of diverse characters as they try to continue earning a living while the Irish continue to fight British rule. It is impossible not to get sucked into this sweeping saga!
October 26, 2023
Wow! really excellent book!
Another cliffhanger ending (be sure to read book 1 in the series first!) so can’t wait to read book 3!
Ms. Grainger really is my favorite author. Beautifully written books with characters one would like to know in real life, and twists in the story that keep one not wanting to put down the book!
All of her series are wonderful and should be read in order. My favorite series is The Tour but I loved all of them.
Another cliffhanger ending (be sure to read book 1 in the series first!) so can’t wait to read book 3!
Ms. Grainger really is my favorite author. Beautifully written books with characters one would like to know in real life, and twists in the story that keep one not wanting to put down the book!
All of her series are wonderful and should be read in order. My favorite series is The Tour but I loved all of them.
January 8, 2024
A Beautiful Ferocity
Jean Grainger has done it again! The second of the series is as good as the first! The small Troup ofo entertainers is growing, both in numbers & in popularity! They've become a family & a business together. Joy & heartbreak snake around each other amongst the members. Everything seems to be going great, until it ain't! No spoilers! Read this book to find out for yourself!! You won't regret it!
Jean Grainger has done it again! The second of the series is as good as the first! The small Troup ofo entertainers is growing, both in numbers & in popularity! They've become a family & a business together. Joy & heartbreak snake around each other amongst the members. Everything seems to be going great, until it ain't! No spoilers! Read this book to find out for yourself!! You won't regret it!
March 8, 2024
Everything Jean Grainger writes is gold. This is book two of a four book series. A must read it can stand alone or read all the books in this series. You will not be disappointed. Ireland in the 1920 was changing from rural to a more cosmopolitan country. This book is about how a small group of entertainers tried to make their mark on the world. Each person we meet has a very interesting story.
You will stay up late to finish this book.
You will stay up late to finish this book.
July 22, 2024
Peter and May are married and she uses her inheritance to set up a traveling theater in a tent. The different members of the show are all friends. Nick revels to his father that he is alive, as a distant cousin, a real loser, will inherit the barony otherwise. Nick marries the girl of his dreams but I am a bit suspicious of her motives. May is pregnant, but she loves two men and they are brothers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
Book two and I already caring about these characters! I even cried twice, once for happiness and once for sadness. The story develops naturally making it an easy read but there are times I wish I could reach through my Kindle and shake one or two of the characters. Now to wait patiently (yeah right) for the next book in the series.
November 9, 2023
Another Engaging Ssfies
I have read and enjoyed all of the series by this author and this one is no exception. Ms. Grainger has written books from different times, in different locations, some with great humor, and others more serious, but all have been well written with memorable characters.
I have read and enjoyed all of the series by this author and this one is no exception. Ms. Grainger has written books from different times, in different locations, some with great humor, and others more serious, but all have been well written with memorable characters.
January 22, 2024
I loved the comraderie!
Jean Grainger's wonderful pen and imagination are compelling. Her character development is such that you feel you are in the midst of the action in every scenario. In each book she creates strong family connections, and it all takes place in the middle of two national conflicts ... a world war and a revolution. That is mastery!!
Jean Grainger's wonderful pen and imagination are compelling. Her character development is such that you feel you are in the midst of the action in every scenario. In each book she creates strong family connections, and it all takes place in the middle of two national conflicts ... a world war and a revolution. That is mastery!!
September 9, 2023
A great book. Highly recommend the Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret series. The first one was good, this one is even better and I’m already eager to find out what happens next. A colourful and likeable cast of characters and an enjoyable plot with plenty going on to keep your interest! 5 stars!
September 14, 2023
I am completely stuck in with these characters now! I loved the mingling of the “classes” in this book as well as the historical references of the time. I’m glad this series is coming quickly, I’m anxious for book 3 now! Well done Jean Grainger!
October 2, 2023
once again Jean Grainger enthralls us
While this book is different than some of her other books, Jean Grainger once again expands on some wonderful characters - north villains and heroes and brings a wonderful story to light.
While this book is different than some of her other books, Jean Grainger once again expands on some wonderful characters - north villains and heroes and brings a wonderful story to light.
October 11, 2023
Awaiting Book 3
This series is so different from anything I have read previously but I love it. It takes you back to another era and Jean creates it beautifully. The characters are colorful and passionate. Great Read!
This series is so different from anything I have read previously but I love it. It takes you back to another era and Jean creates it beautifully. The characters are colorful and passionate. Great Read!
November 21, 2023
Once again..
Once again Jean Grainger doesn't disappoint!
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and loved the characters. And apparently the third one comes out at the end of the month.
What Luck Can't Wait!
Once again Jean Grainger doesn't disappoint!
I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and loved the characters. And apparently the third one comes out at the end of the month.
What Luck Can't Wait!
November 30, 2023
What might have been
I get that this is a drama. But as intriguing and riveting as I found the first book, I find myself thoroughly disappointed this time. I like to see people struggle and find happiness, not watch it be curbed at every turn.
I get that this is a drama. But as intriguing and riveting as I found the first book, I find myself thoroughly disappointed this time. I like to see people struggle and find happiness, not watch it be curbed at every turn.
February 4, 2024
Sub par Jean Grainger Book
I read the first in this series, and it started out good but slowly regressed. Since the story was continued, I read this book. Unfortunately, it is just very slow and tedious to the point I won't finish the series. I cannot honestly recommend it.
I read the first in this series, and it started out good but slowly regressed. Since the story was continued, I read this book. Unfortunately, it is just very slow and tedious to the point I won't finish the series. I cannot honestly recommend it.
February 20, 2024
While wonderful, this was not as captivating as the first book in the series. It was a little predictable, but still a good story.
HOWEVER, the Epilogue is tantalizing!! On to Book Three in the series!
HOWEVER, the Epilogue is tantalizing!! On to Book Three in the series!
September 29, 2023
Looking Forward to Book 3
I like the ongoing escapades of all the characters in the cabaret. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you.
I like the ongoing escapades of all the characters in the cabaret. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you.
November 30, 2023
great story
She writes very readable stories that hold your attention from page one to the last page! Always enjoy each one I read and this was no exception.
She writes very readable stories that hold your attention from page one to the last page! Always enjoy each one I read and this was no exception.
December 28, 2023
another winner
What a wonderful story! The characters are Al engaging and the pages turn themselves. Great read whilst on holiday. Thank you, Ms. Grainger!
What a wonderful story! The characters are Al engaging and the pages turn themselves. Great read whilst on holiday. Thank you, Ms. Grainger!
January 23, 2024
Great writing
Loved the way the story unfolded without revealing the outcome. The history of the time is well told. Jean Grainger always keeps the best until the end.
Loved the way the story unfolded without revealing the outcome. The history of the time is well told. Jean Grainger always keeps the best until the end.
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