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The Knocknashee Story #6
Allied Flames
After years of letters and missed chances, Grace Fitzgerald and American journalist Richard Lewis have at last declared their love and though the world is in the grip of war, their future is bright. But when Richard is shot down over occupied France in 1943, Grace's world shatters.
Invited to Savannah for Richard's memorial, Grace finds herself thrust into the rarefied world of his wealthy family—a million miles from her own humble experience. Yet in the midst of her own despair, she discovers an unexpected helping the Lewis family navigate their grief and find healing.
As she works to mend the broken bonds around her, Grace must confront a devastating how do you rebuild when the foundation of your future has been torn away?
Yet, even in wartime, hope can survive—and miracles do happen.
Allied Flames is the sixth book in the bestselling Knocknashee Series
Invited to Savannah for Richard's memorial, Grace finds herself thrust into the rarefied world of his wealthy family—a million miles from her own humble experience. Yet in the midst of her own despair, she discovers an unexpected helping the Lewis family navigate their grief and find healing.
As she works to mend the broken bonds around her, Grace must confront a devastating how do you rebuild when the foundation of your future has been torn away?
Yet, even in wartime, hope can survive—and miracles do happen.
Allied Flames is the sixth book in the bestselling Knocknashee Series
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2025
1041 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
93 books1,620 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 121 reviews
October 14, 2025
Outstanding and the best in the series to date; twists, action, backstory - in one of the cool touches of the novel, Richard gets to meet Allen Dulles even if only tangentially, though recognizing the "better obey this guy or else" nature of the US chief spy in Switzerland at the time...
Opened it and just couldn't put it down until I finished it - superb ending also, and the series could have definitely ended there as the author planned before she decided to do a seventh book, which hopefully will do justice to this wonderful and uplifting series.
Highly recommended novel and series which has everything one wants in historical fiction - great characters, action, events, settings around the globe, romance and so much more
Opened it and just couldn't put it down until I finished it - superb ending also, and the series could have definitely ended there as the author planned before she decided to do a seventh book, which hopefully will do justice to this wonderful and uplifting series.
Highly recommended novel and series which has everything one wants in historical fiction - great characters, action, events, settings around the globe, romance and so much more
December 4, 2025
This book series has become so much filler and recapping with each book. While I’m invested in Charlie and Tilly’s lives, I just do not need this much detail anymore about all the goings on in Knocknashee.
Charlie’s story really carried Grace’s portion of this book. I was so invested in he and Lilly. Though his wife, Dymphna, has lost me. Her behavior around his long lost daughter is atrocious. This poor man lost his wife and both his children. Let him have his daughter! I HATE Dymphna. Charlie and Declan deserved better than the life Jean has written for them both.
I hate how many times we need to be reminded of things. Yes we know Grace doesn’t like her tea iced. We know she didn’t love Declan as much as she loves Richard, which feels really icky to be reminded because poor Declan. We know what happened with all these characters in previous books without being constantly reminded. This is a series, not a standalone. We don’t need so much repetition.
Richard’s story was strong, if not quite plausible. The man has nine lives. But I’m ready for this series to end. It has gone on too long and I’ve mostly lost interest, which is a bummer.
Charlie’s story really carried Grace’s portion of this book. I was so invested in he and Lilly. Though his wife, Dymphna, has lost me. Her behavior around his long lost daughter is atrocious. This poor man lost his wife and both his children. Let him have his daughter! I HATE Dymphna. Charlie and Declan deserved better than the life Jean has written for them both.
I hate how many times we need to be reminded of things. Yes we know Grace doesn’t like her tea iced. We know she didn’t love Declan as much as she loves Richard, which feels really icky to be reminded because poor Declan. We know what happened with all these characters in previous books without being constantly reminded. This is a series, not a standalone. We don’t need so much repetition.
Richard’s story was strong, if not quite plausible. The man has nine lives. But I’m ready for this series to end. It has gone on too long and I’ve mostly lost interest, which is a bummer.
October 16, 2025
too much filler
Instead of 7 books this story should have been 3. I skipped pages of fluff in the last 3 books.
Instead of 7 books this story should have been 3. I skipped pages of fluff in the last 3 books.
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October 10, 2025As we begin book six, the deep love story between Grace and Richard continues.
At the end of book five, Richard was reported as being shot down with his brother-in-law Jacob and lost over Germany.
Returning the reader to Knocknashee, we find Grace grieving for the loss of the love of her life, Richard. Despite everyone saying to her she needs to accept that Richard has gone, there is deep inside of her a feeling that he is not dead. She is invited by Richard’s father and family to go to Savannah for a memorial service. This brings about many doubts in her mind and strengthens her determination not to go, she feels that if she does, then she has given up on Richard every returning to her. Yet his family were acknowledging he was gone by holding the memorial service.
As we turn the pages, we find Grace experiencing utter despair and deepest emotion, even more so than when she lost her first husband.
The story also gives us more insight into the lives and stories of other characters that Grace is close to and brings together interesting elements from the first five books.
For me, it tore at my heart strings as I turned the pages, more so than in the first five books in this series. However, I also felt hope that somehow like Grace, that the story would change and Richard would miraculously appear somewhere and somehow.
A takeaway for me from this story was- how would I feel if I lost the love of my life, do people just accept and move on? Or do they keep them alive in their hearts, and refuse to find closure?
Once again, the exceptional story writing skills of Jean Grainger, comes to the fore and any reader of this series will not be disappointed in Allied Flames.
At the end of book five, Richard was reported as being shot down with his brother-in-law Jacob and lost over Germany.
Returning the reader to Knocknashee, we find Grace grieving for the loss of the love of her life, Richard. Despite everyone saying to her she needs to accept that Richard has gone, there is deep inside of her a feeling that he is not dead. She is invited by Richard’s father and family to go to Savannah for a memorial service. This brings about many doubts in her mind and strengthens her determination not to go, she feels that if she does, then she has given up on Richard every returning to her. Yet his family were acknowledging he was gone by holding the memorial service.
As we turn the pages, we find Grace experiencing utter despair and deepest emotion, even more so than when she lost her first husband.
The story also gives us more insight into the lives and stories of other characters that Grace is close to and brings together interesting elements from the first five books.
For me, it tore at my heart strings as I turned the pages, more so than in the first five books in this series. However, I also felt hope that somehow like Grace, that the story would change and Richard would miraculously appear somewhere and somehow.
A takeaway for me from this story was- how would I feel if I lost the love of my life, do people just accept and move on? Or do they keep them alive in their hearts, and refuse to find closure?
Once again, the exceptional story writing skills of Jean Grainger, comes to the fore and any reader of this series will not be disappointed in Allied Flames.
October 28, 2025
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
After the apparent loss of Richard in Book 5, Grace goes into deep grieving. Richard’s own family has invited her to Savannah to join their memorial for him.
But if that is true, why can’t she shake the feeling that he is not well and truly gone?
Devastated or not, she must go on, and does so grudgingly with the help of her friends and community and she leaves for Savannah with her ex-father-in-law, who has reasons of his own for going to America.
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 be so familiar with the village inhabitants. Meanwhile, the author paints a grisly picture of war-torn France and the desperate situation there.
A Grainger book breathes the myths, history, and Irish lives into her emotional and heart-filled narrative’s characters. She is quite the storyteller—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. 4.5 stars
After the apparent loss of Richard in Book 5, Grace goes into deep grieving. Richard’s own family has invited her to Savannah to join their memorial for him.
But if that is true, why can’t she shake the feeling that he is not well and truly gone?
Devastated or not, she must go on, and does so grudgingly with the help of her friends and community and she leaves for Savannah with her ex-father-in-law, who has reasons of his own for going to America.
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 be so familiar with the village inhabitants. Meanwhile, the author paints a grisly picture of war-torn France and the desperate situation there.
A Grainger book breathes the myths, history, and Irish lives into her emotional and heart-filled narrative’s characters. She is quite the storyteller—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. 4.5 stars
December 6, 2025
This last book in the series was amazing! Heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. Jean Grainger is a brilliant storyteller. And I loved all of the characters. Strongly recommend the entire Knocknashee series!
October 27, 2025
Wonderful continuation of this series! Lots of twists and turns. Really fascinating plot twists and turns!
October 17, 2025
The Knocknashee series is possibly Jean Grainger’s best, and Allied Flames is outstanding. Please read it, you’ll love it! Totally full of plot twists, turns, and Jean Grainger’s wonderful character depth that I adore. It opens in April 1943, with a heartbroken Grace writing a letter to fiance Richard Lewis, an American journalist who is “gone,” presumed dead after having gone down in a B17 which crashed and burned due to Luftwaffe strafing. She knows he will never read it, sadly. She is emotionally devastated.
Grace is invited by Richard’s father, Arthur Lewis, to Savannah, Georgia to a memorial service for Richard and his brother-in-law, Jacob Nunez, married to Richard’s sister, Sarah. Though she initially doesn’t plan to go, she ultimately does, accompanied by her late husband, Declan’s father, Charlie McKenna. In previous series books, Charlie has learned that his daughter, now called Lily, who had been taken and adopted out as a baby by the evil Canon Rafferty, is living in the US, near New York City, and he longs to meet her.
I won’t go into further plot details here except to say they will draw you in and surprise you continually. And the characters, so wonderful and sometimes humorous, especially the Irish-born Mrs. McHale, who works for a Catholic church in the US and goes off on laugh-inducing tangents constantly.
An excellent book, and I highly recommend it.
Grace is invited by Richard’s father, Arthur Lewis, to Savannah, Georgia to a memorial service for Richard and his brother-in-law, Jacob Nunez, married to Richard’s sister, Sarah. Though she initially doesn’t plan to go, she ultimately does, accompanied by her late husband, Declan’s father, Charlie McKenna. In previous series books, Charlie has learned that his daughter, now called Lily, who had been taken and adopted out as a baby by the evil Canon Rafferty, is living in the US, near New York City, and he longs to meet her.
I won’t go into further plot details here except to say they will draw you in and surprise you continually. And the characters, so wonderful and sometimes humorous, especially the Irish-born Mrs. McHale, who works for a Catholic church in the US and goes off on laugh-inducing tangents constantly.
An excellent book, and I highly recommend it.
October 17, 2025
Oh Grace and Richard my heart was broken all over again when Richard was presumed dead after the plane he was in was shot down.
Grace is a wonderful character and I admired her strength to be able to visit the Lewis's for the memorial. Charlie her father in law is honoured to go along with Grace for support.
Back in France things take a much more dangerous turn and Jean's incredible writing makes the situation so realistic during that terrible time.
I have read all Jean's books from when she started on her incredible journey and every time I think she can't surpass what's gone before but wow the Knocknashee series is certainly at the top if not the best!
Thankyou so much for bringing such joy into your readers' lives.
Can't wait for the final chapter in the saga.
Grace is a wonderful character and I admired her strength to be able to visit the Lewis's for the memorial. Charlie her father in law is honoured to go along with Grace for support.
Back in France things take a much more dangerous turn and Jean's incredible writing makes the situation so realistic during that terrible time.
I have read all Jean's books from when she started on her incredible journey and every time I think she can't surpass what's gone before but wow the Knocknashee series is certainly at the top if not the best!
Thankyou so much for bringing such joy into your readers' lives.
Can't wait for the final chapter in the saga.
October 16, 2025
I love the Knocknashee series of books. I think sometimes as a series goes on it loses momentum, gets boring or far fetched but not this one, it just gets better and better. I love how Jean Grainger isn’t afraid to kill off a key character or other such drama so you really do never know how things will turn out but regardless you always feel satisfied with the result even if it wasn’t what you hoped for or expected. I can’t wait to read the final book in the series although I’ll be sad to say goodbye to these characters. This would make an absolutely fabulous mini series. I can just see it on the BBC on a Sunday night!
November 11, 2025
Strains credulity a bit
I have been enjoying the series and so far haven't had any problems accepting the author's reality. However, there are a few events in this book that, while admittedly possible, seem barely plausible. If you are not as cynical as I am, it's another enjoyable entry in the Knocknashee story.
I have been enjoying the series and so far haven't had any problems accepting the author's reality. However, there are a few events in this book that, while admittedly possible, seem barely plausible. If you are not as cynical as I am, it's another enjoyable entry in the Knocknashee story.
October 25, 2025
I kept putting reading Allied Flames off since I knew it was the next to last book in the series. I didn't want the series to end and still don't. When you start one of these books, the others seem to jump right back into your mind so you know exactly what has happened and who all the characters are and what they have done in the past. It is if you have just read them all in order as one huge book. This one will no doubt be the same.
Richard and Jacob (Sarah's husband) went on a mission in a bomber to write a story about the bombers on a run. Unfortunately, their plane was hit and went down with no survivors. Sarah and Grace are devastated. Sarah was left to clear out their apartment in London and came to visit Grace in Knocknashee before heading back to the United States to her family. With her, she brought all the letters Grace had written Richard. Grace knew she kept hers; but had no idea Richard had kept those she had written him. Now, all their letters were together, unfortunately. To help her in her grief, Grace kept writing to Richard and adding those letters to the box. She then had to face the village and her family and all their condolences and their grief for her. Everyone wanted to help her; but it really didn't work. Grace wasn't sure Richard was really gone. Her head knew; but her heart didn't. But life in Knocknashee went on and she had to deal with that.
Her brother Maurice, a former priest, and his wife and family came home to start again. Sharing a house with them was hard for both Grace and Patience to get used to as each was use to having their own home. Charlie Mckenna had known since Declan and Grace had visited America, that his daughter had been found after having been adopted as an infant. As far as Declan left it when he saw her was that she was a distant cousin of his family. Charlie is wondering if it were better that she know she had a father in Ireland who loves her dearly. Added to all of this, the war is resulting in more and more rationing. it is all of the minute details that gives us a glimpse into life in Knocknashee and even America during World War II.
Richard and Jacob (Sarah's husband) went on a mission in a bomber to write a story about the bombers on a run. Unfortunately, their plane was hit and went down with no survivors. Sarah and Grace are devastated. Sarah was left to clear out their apartment in London and came to visit Grace in Knocknashee before heading back to the United States to her family. With her, she brought all the letters Grace had written Richard. Grace knew she kept hers; but had no idea Richard had kept those she had written him. Now, all their letters were together, unfortunately. To help her in her grief, Grace kept writing to Richard and adding those letters to the box. She then had to face the village and her family and all their condolences and their grief for her. Everyone wanted to help her; but it really didn't work. Grace wasn't sure Richard was really gone. Her head knew; but her heart didn't. But life in Knocknashee went on and she had to deal with that.
Her brother Maurice, a former priest, and his wife and family came home to start again. Sharing a house with them was hard for both Grace and Patience to get used to as each was use to having their own home. Charlie Mckenna had known since Declan and Grace had visited America, that his daughter had been found after having been adopted as an infant. As far as Declan left it when he saw her was that she was a distant cousin of his family. Charlie is wondering if it were better that she know she had a father in Ireland who loves her dearly. Added to all of this, the war is resulting in more and more rationing. it is all of the minute details that gives us a glimpse into life in Knocknashee and even America during World War II.
November 9, 2025
Allied Flames
I was NOT happy when I finished this book! Because that meant there is only one more book to go in this series!! Every series that Ms. Grainger writes seems to be better than the last! Her characters are so real! They don't seem fictional at all! I feel their emotions, both good & bad. They, most of them anyway, become my friends! In this series, the protagonists are from the time period of my parents, so I understand much of their lives just from hearing my Mom & Dad talk of their past, despite their being from opposite shores of the Atlantic. My ancestry includes the Irish & Scottish who settled the Southern Appalachian region. It's kind of amazing how much of "the old ways" gets passed down even with so much distance, geographical & time-wise, in between! I love learning "where'd THAT come from", & Ms. Grainger's stories teach me those things! I probably spend almost as much time Googling as I do reading!
She teaches me history & geography as well! I'll never see Ireland in this life, but I "see" it through her words! She has a way of describing scenes & events in a way that I think I'm THERE! In this particular series, she also visits my homestate of Georgia & I have spent a lot of time in the Savannah & St. Simon's Island areas. Despite the time differences, I recognize both by her writings.
Although I hate for this series to end, I look forward to the next one, whatever it's subject matter & historical era may be! I HIGHLY recommend that you read this book series! I don't believe that you'll be disappointed!
I was NOT happy when I finished this book! Because that meant there is only one more book to go in this series!! Every series that Ms. Grainger writes seems to be better than the last! Her characters are so real! They don't seem fictional at all! I feel their emotions, both good & bad. They, most of them anyway, become my friends! In this series, the protagonists are from the time period of my parents, so I understand much of their lives just from hearing my Mom & Dad talk of their past, despite their being from opposite shores of the Atlantic. My ancestry includes the Irish & Scottish who settled the Southern Appalachian region. It's kind of amazing how much of "the old ways" gets passed down even with so much distance, geographical & time-wise, in between! I love learning "where'd THAT come from", & Ms. Grainger's stories teach me those things! I probably spend almost as much time Googling as I do reading!
She teaches me history & geography as well! I'll never see Ireland in this life, but I "see" it through her words! She has a way of describing scenes & events in a way that I think I'm THERE! In this particular series, she also visits my homestate of Georgia & I have spent a lot of time in the Savannah & St. Simon's Island areas. Despite the time differences, I recognize both by her writings.
Although I hate for this series to end, I look forward to the next one, whatever it's subject matter & historical era may be! I HIGHLY recommend that you read this book series! I don't believe that you'll be disappointed!
November 25, 2025
Borrowed Kindle Unlimited
4 stars
Spoilers possible
Wow. What a roller coaster of emotions.
Very good. I found I had to “suspend disbelief” as in the “reality” of the chances of these characters actually being able to find each other in occupied France during WW2 is little to none. (The scene with Alfie, Richard and Jacob). But in this historical fiction, if that’s what the author wants to do, I’m going with it because these characters have went through so much. We need some good things to happen for this destined love!!!!
And that’s where I’m a little sideways with the ending of this book…..
We got Lazarus back from the dead and good grief, Richard and Grace are separating?!?!?! Again?!?!?!!
Grace. Girl….respect the beliefs. I have strong convictions too. So why not have Father Iggy marry y’all and consummate this marriage!!!!!! And then my behind would go with Richard to America!! Good grief.
There’s just no way that we would separate again; at the very least we would marry.
I’m still reeling from the author’s ending.
Ready for the final book.
4 stars
Spoilers possible
Wow. What a roller coaster of emotions.
Very good. I found I had to “suspend disbelief” as in the “reality” of the chances of these characters actually being able to find each other in occupied France during WW2 is little to none. (The scene with Alfie, Richard and Jacob). But in this historical fiction, if that’s what the author wants to do, I’m going with it because these characters have went through so much. We need some good things to happen for this destined love!!!!
And that’s where I’m a little sideways with the ending of this book…..
We got Lazarus back from the dead and good grief, Richard and Grace are separating?!?!?! Again?!?!?!!
Grace. Girl….respect the beliefs. I have strong convictions too. So why not have Father Iggy marry y’all and consummate this marriage!!!!!! And then my behind would go with Richard to America!! Good grief.
There’s just no way that we would separate again; at the very least we would marry.
I’m still reeling from the author’s ending.
Ready for the final book.
October 10, 2025
I so enjoy diving back into another Jean Grainger book, and this one was no exception. The characters that Jean creates are so vivid in my imagination, which is why this was one of the more difficult books for me to read in this series - Grace's despair and grieving hit me hard, like a dear friend who you care for and cannot understand why she has to go through so much in her life. And yet, as in real life, many people have to go on after a loss, and Grace does just that, with the support of her friends in her community, and a steadfast yet slightly broken spirit. Luckily the strength of all of the characters in the book helped me to read on, and enjoy the story but also learn some tidbits of historical information. From Ireland to Georgia to France to Switzerland, the adventure continues, and gives me hope that even if soul mates are separated by time or distance that they will always feel connected.
November 24, 2025
I have loved this series of books and I will finish the last book when it comes out, but book 6 was so sad and grueling at times. Poor Grace has only had a brief time of happiness in 6 novels. She had so much loss and sadness and in Allied Flames, the whole book is about her grief and suffering and it is hard to take. I do love the different settings and perspectives on WWII between ireland, which was neutral, the USA, London and her, France. You do get to see the issues from different angles and the impact the war had on people's lives. There are many other challenges here besides the war, with the Catholic Church dominating the lives of the Irish people and the control they had over all aspects of their lives. The sad story of babies being sold by the church and the moral stranglehold the church had on people is hard to imagine. There are lots of good, strong characters here, almost too many at times. Anyway, I am hoping that Book 7 will bring some resolution and happiness!
October 9, 2025
I've followed Jean Grainger since I got my copy of "Under Heaven's Shining Stars" from BookBub way back when. Now I own every book from every series and I'm so happy that I do!
Allied Flames, number 6 of 7 books in the Lilac Ink series definitely does not disappoint. Her characters are so realistic, and the way she weaves real history AND a bit of Irish magic into her stories makes every book "un-put-downable"!
Start this series from the beginning with "Lilac Ink" and keep going until we have to leave the characters of Knocknashee and Savannah, GA behind (sadly). Then get ready to meet a whole new cast of characters in whatever story she comes up with next...or go back and meet all the old characters from "The Tour", "Mags Munroe", "Robinswood"...too many to mention them all. You won't be sorry!
Allied Flames, number 6 of 7 books in the Lilac Ink series definitely does not disappoint. Her characters are so realistic, and the way she weaves real history AND a bit of Irish magic into her stories makes every book "un-put-downable"!
Start this series from the beginning with "Lilac Ink" and keep going until we have to leave the characters of Knocknashee and Savannah, GA behind (sadly). Then get ready to meet a whole new cast of characters in whatever story she comes up with next...or go back and meet all the old characters from "The Tour", "Mags Munroe", "Robinswood"...too many to mention them all. You won't be sorry!
October 10, 2025
Another great book from Jean Grainger. This second to last book continues this story with some sad and some great news. The story continues with happenings in several places around the world before, during, and after World War II. The heroine is Grace who lives in Knocknashee, Ireland and "meets" via a bottle she throws into the sea, a young man in North Carolina. Now, Knocknashee is actually a real town in West Ireland and has a large rounded hill, of which there are several in Ireland. "Knocknashee" can be roughly translated as Fairy Hill. (And no, its not about fairies). Its hard to write about the happenings in this book without spilling the beans on the preceeding ones. So do yourself a favor and start at the beginning. You won't be sorry to have chosen ANY of her many books.
February 7, 2026
This is the last book in the 7 book Knocknashnee series. A very good series indeed!
The 1st book, "Lilac Ink" begins when 18 yr old Grace Fitzgerald of Dingle Village, Ireland places a note in a washed up bottle on the beach, asking the finder to respond to her request for a written correspondence. She then tosses the bottle back into the sea.
Years later she recieves a reply. And, a correspindence begins with Richard Lewis of Savannah, Ga.
The series contines as the reader follows along with each letter to and from the participants. Plus giving the reader a birds eye view of the lifestyles and individual happenings to the two writers eventually continuing through World War II.
A very Interesting, well written series!
The 1st book, "Lilac Ink" begins when 18 yr old Grace Fitzgerald of Dingle Village, Ireland places a note in a washed up bottle on the beach, asking the finder to respond to her request for a written correspondence. She then tosses the bottle back into the sea.
Years later she recieves a reply. And, a correspindence begins with Richard Lewis of Savannah, Ga.
The series contines as the reader follows along with each letter to and from the participants. Plus giving the reader a birds eye view of the lifestyles and individual happenings to the two writers eventually continuing through World War II.
A very Interesting, well written series!
October 16, 2025
Jean Grainger has written another fabulous story that is near impossible to put down! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Grace, Charlie, Richard and all of the other characters. What I love most about Ms. Grainger's stories are how so very real the characters are....they feel like dearly-loved friends.
As per her usual style, she has filled this installment with plenty of action, drama and feeling. This book made me laugh, cry and other emotions in-between. Reading books with a dual storyline can sometimes be challenging, but Jean masterfully weaves together a most engaging story that is sure to please!
As per her usual style, she has filled this installment with plenty of action, drama and feeling. This book made me laugh, cry and other emotions in-between. Reading books with a dual storyline can sometimes be challenging, but Jean masterfully weaves together a most engaging story that is sure to please!
November 10, 2025
This is book 6 in the continuing saga. Will Richard and Grace ever be reunited?
"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." synopsis copied
"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." synopsis copied
October 9, 2025
I have said so often how very much I love Jean Grainger‘s books. She is an exceptional writer. Her characters are as if right out of real life. Her plots are very realistic. It’s as if she takes a family and tells their story with information gleaned from journals and newspapers. In Allied Flames, the war goes on and life in Knocknashee returns to assemblance of normalcy. The town needs a bit of celebration. Just about the time that celebration comes to a close, a joyful surprise occurs. To avoid any spoilers, I’ll leave it at that.
October 17, 2025
Book 6 in this wonderful Irish series lives up to my expectations and beyond. Grace is still reeling from news her fiance, Richard, is missing over Germany and feared dead. She has had such heartache in her young 23 years of life and is distraught. When Richard’s father asks her to come to his memorial service in Savannah, she goes. Meanwhile, Richard is alive and his story of survival is amazing. Will they find each other and get their happy ending??? Lots of twists and turns and the saga will continue, thankfully, in a book 7!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
I have enjoyed all of Jean Grainger's books, but this series has become my favorite. Jean Grainger is masterful at developing characters. It is not only Grace and Richard's story that drew me in, but Charlie's too. The "supporting" characters including the Lewis family, Mrs. McHale, the other residents of Knocknashee, and the French resistance crew are well interwoven into the story and are not just flat background. I went back to read parts of Lilac Ink, the first book in the series, mostly to reread Grace's first letter to St. Jude. This is a wonderful book unto itself, but much, much better as part of this engaging series. There is one more to come and I am looking forward to it.
November 3, 2025
As always, this book had me hooked from the beginning.
What an intriguing story line! With all the twists and turns, this story held my interest from the beginning. While I was reading this, I kept thinking that I needed to slow down because, I am always regretting finishing a book. I become so involved with the characters, it's like losing good friends who move away.
So thank you, Jean Granger, that come December, I can look forward to another visit with these characters.
What an intriguing story line! With all the twists and turns, this story held my interest from the beginning. While I was reading this, I kept thinking that I needed to slow down because, I am always regretting finishing a book. I become so involved with the characters, it's like losing good friends who move away.
So thank you, Jean Granger, that come December, I can look forward to another visit with these characters.
November 3, 2025
Another fabulous installment in the Knocknashee Series. I couldn’t wait for this book - finished it, and now eagerly await the final book in December. Jean Grainger’s historically accurate stories combined with her fictional characters never fail to disappoint. Her series are all different from each other. The setting of this one takes us back and forth from Savanna, GA, USA to Knocknashee, Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula. Jean Grainger’s research about both locales is impressive. If she isn’t your favorite author now, she soon will be!
November 9, 2025
wow
I’m not a writer and I don’t do reviews, unfortunately. I’ve read all Jeans books and that would explain why I’ve read them all.
I don’t have a way with words so I’ll just say that I loved every single book that she’s written!!!! This was my all time favorite of all of her books. I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out. This entire Grace series is probably my favorite since the other big Delia Owen’s book of yrs ago…. They’re absolutely nothing alike except maybe history but I loved them equally. Told you I didn’t do reviews.
I’m not a writer and I don’t do reviews, unfortunately. I’ve read all Jeans books and that would explain why I’ve read them all.
I don’t have a way with words so I’ll just say that I loved every single book that she’s written!!!! This was my all time favorite of all of her books. I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out. This entire Grace series is probably my favorite since the other big Delia Owen’s book of yrs ago…. They’re absolutely nothing alike except maybe history but I loved them equally. Told you I didn’t do reviews.
December 26, 2025
Allied Flames: The Knockashee Series - Book 6 ( The Knocknashee zStory
This book I think was one of the best in the series about Knocknashee, I couldn't put it down. Wondering what was going to happen to our characters in the book. Love that it also gave a leading to more things that could happen in the future to other characters within the story. I don't think things are over for Knockashee, I feel Jean will find a way to bring more adventures to all the characters within this series. Loved it!
This book I think was one of the best in the series about Knocknashee, I couldn't put it down. Wondering what was going to happen to our characters in the book. Love that it also gave a leading to more things that could happen in the future to other characters within the story. I don't think things are over for Knockashee, I feel Jean will find a way to bring more adventures to all the characters within this series. Loved it!
December 31, 2025
The Knocknashee Series- This series feeds the soul, the heart and mind. ❤️
This is a series that lives in your mind day to day. You live happily with the characters and their stories. You want to keep reading and revisit their conversations everyday to see what they are up to and how they are feeling. It offers mystery, tenderness, love, and characters fully developed, and dialogue that feels natural and how people speak. I looked forward to getting into bed every night to see what was happening after a long day at work. It transported me.
This is a series that lives in your mind day to day. You live happily with the characters and their stories. You want to keep reading and revisit their conversations everyday to see what they are up to and how they are feeling. It offers mystery, tenderness, love, and characters fully developed, and dialogue that feels natural and how people speak. I looked forward to getting into bed every night to see what was happening after a long day at work. It transported me.
October 10, 2025
Another wonderful chapter in Grace and Richard's story. Full of beautiful, well researched descriptions of places and historical background, creating visual images and bringing the story to life. I loved the more spiritual musings about death and karma and destiny adding depth and maturity to this already exciting and compelling tale.
More wonderful and highly recommended storytelling from Jean Grainger.
More wonderful and highly recommended storytelling from Jean Grainger.
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