Folded Corners: The Knocknashee Series - Book 5 - Large Print

The Knocknashee Story #5

by Jean Grainger

The winter of 1942 casts a long shadow over pen-friends Richard and Grace. The world is teetering on the brink of destruction as war consumes continent after continent.

When a letter arrives for Grace from a distant land she can scarcely place on a map, it brings news so shocking it reverberates through the entire village, with everyone offering conflicting advice.

Meanwhile in bomb-scarred London, Richard is presented with the journalistic opportunity of a lifetime. The potential for career-defining reporting is immense, but so too are the dangers that shadow every step.

Yet his professional dilemma pales beside the turmoil in his heart. Logic and longing wage their own private war within him, and the battlefield offers no refuge.

Folded Corners is the captivating fifth instalment in the beloved Knocknashee Story series, weaving together threads of loyalty, courage, and impossible love against the darkest chapter of the twentieth century.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Ireland, World War II, Fiction, Friendship

446 pages, Paperback

Published June 25, 2025

About the author

Jean 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.

Reviews

[Melissa Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Story as Always But Enough With the Roadblocks

Let me start by saying that I am a huge Jean Grainger fan; she’s one of my top 3 historical fiction authors. I’ve read every one of her historical fiction novels as well as The Tour series and loved every single book. The writing, story - everything about this book is perfection and yet another wonderful work from the author we all know and love.

Now, having said that, the new roadblock was completely unnecessary. Yes, it makes for a great cliffhanger and yes, it’s setting us up for a heart-stopping resolution in the final book but enough already. How about ending the love story one way or another and following them both through to the war’s end in the final book? I’m sorry but did I not know that there was only one more book, I would probably quit the series. It breaks my heart to say this but I have to be honest.

[Julia A Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank God there is a 6th book. Am invested in these characters. But October, too long a wait...cruel!!!!!!

[Mikaela Bumgardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean has done it again. Breaking my heart and throwing it around like a rag doll. Declan, I am still not over the life they could have had together. Sure we wanted to have Grace and Richard together but to lose Declan so young and tragically is still a crack in my heart.

My hod it is about damn time they finally open their hearts up to each other my hod that meeting was soooooo worth the wait I was so worried when Richard arrived to find her home and then go to the pub and she herd his voice 😭😱🥳

The goodbyes, you could tell Richard was gearing up and that right there was to hard to read. He was preparing his family but I did not want to read that. Everything was going to be fine damn it!

The Epilogue 😵🥹🫣

[Mrs G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are Richard and Grace finally heading for the happiness they deserve? They are both in the same country and are spending time together. Richard has applied to be a reporter with the Air Force and is undergoing his training. Jacob, his Jewish friend is living with his girlfriend, living for the moment. Grace has finally received the letter from Richard which could change her life. She has the dliemna of is it too soon to move on after the tragic death of her husband, whilst Richard is in a relationship with someone else. How can these situations be resolved with war raging all around them? As usual, Jean writes around the problem but we will have to wait for the next book to find out is there going to be a happy ending.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im so glad for the epilogue. The sixth book in this series is out in a month. Thank goodness!

The writing is outstanding, the characters well developed and heartfelt, the plot interesting. Just love it!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war rages on. Richard and his team continue to write news stories and send them back to New York from London as their boss continues to argue about the kind of stories he wants. The excellence of their writing is finally recognized, and the team gets to go home for a few brief days.

Meanwhile life goes on in Ireland, with neutrality occasionally being difficult. The “new normal” day-to-day life goes on. Yet there are changes as well, as always. To say more would have to include spoilers, and I don’t want to do that. Even though this book is part of a series, it can always stand alone. You’ll get to know the characters quickly and easily.

I have said frequently that I love Jean Grainger’s writings. Her ability to bring characters to life remains outstanding. She brings us into events and locations as if we are there. As I said, her books are stand-alones. Once you’ve read this one, however, you’ll want to go back to the beginning. The earlier books are just too good to miss. Happy reading.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This installment of The Knocknashee series sure has some unexpected twists. Richard and Grace continue to write each other when they can as the war prevents timely correspondence. They each hold secrets close to their hearts, unable and unwilling to share for fear of the repercussions. If only they could unburden their hearts....

Ms. Grainger is truly a master storyteller, spinning a tale so interesting that it's very hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and very much look forward to the adventures that await in book 6.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this author has us hooked on Knocknashee, and all its lovely characters, and especialy Grace and Richard. What I like best about this series is that I feel I am learning world history, war history and church history, as well as enjoying some very interesting and intriquing romance stories, and becoming more familiar with Ireland and Irishisms. Looking forward to the next and maybe, the last, Book 6 in this series, but then, who knows.
Another great story by Jean Grainger. I read this story as an ARC reader, and certainly enjoyed it.

[Kay Schuch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don ‘t understand why I am struggling with this particular series. I love the author and for the most part I am enjoying the books. But I seem to feel the reading is often too tedious! Maybe I’m more used to her stories just moving right along. But it just feels like this storyline is taking way too long. I did mention in reviewing one of the other books that I really don’t like the letter writing parts though I understand they are very important to the story. This latest book had less of the letter writing yet the story did just drag on ! Well, I will finish the series because I can’t invest all the time I have and not finish it. I’m kind of anal that way. Just maybe the last 2 books will be different! For now I’m gonna take a wee break from the series and read something different for 2 or 3 books!

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has gone on way too long. Too many characters have to die or be ruined for these two to finally get together. And when it happens, it’s so abrupt. They’ve spent like 5 hours together and for the years they’ve been communicating it’s all been miscommunication! Like what?!

But the pregnancy plot? YUCK. It made me dislike Richard. He treated Pippa so horribly. Just like how I didn’t like the death of Declan and how she never truly loved him. Richard and Grace are losing me. And if Jacob is dead? Oh man that would really bum me out.

[Margot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so wanted this to be a great book…

I felt so disappointed after reading the 5th book of the Knocknashee Series. Perhaps the story should have been finished in the 5th book. The book had a lot of fluff in it that was not very engaging…. I so wanted it to be as great as the other books in this series. I was so looking forward to reading this…I’ve read so many series of Jeans. This was one of my favorites…until I read this one. So wish I could have written a better review..

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Jean Grainger and this series, but book 5 lacked content and crawled slowly to major plot events. Why wait to the end to bring some spice to the story? There was a lot of reader anticipation, before anything interesting or satisfying happened. For that, I found it a bit frustrating and slow at times. I still appreciated Jean Grainger’s well-drawn characters, colorful descriptions, and humor. Overall, this was a decent read, but not the best plot construction in the series.

[Karen Forbes · Rating 2 out of 5]

not as good

It’s a shame how the character of Grace has become a whining “ I’m not good enough “ weakling when she was supposed to be so strong. How many times does a person need to be told she is loved, this went on for pages. Very little happens in book 5 and the ending tells us what obviously happens in book 6 so assuming there is more of Grace deciding she deserves all this misfortune despite everyone telling her otherwise I don’t believe I will bother

[Norma Endersby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy cow … I’m sorry but this story has gone on wa-a-ay too long! I’m at the point where I really don’t care if they get together or not … it’s turned into a sob story of the worst kind … boo hoo! This story could have been easily told in three books instead of six. So much repetition and unnecessary minutiae … I’ll read the last book when it comes out but I feel cheated all the same.

[arthur dickinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written

I found it very difficult story to get interested it. The characters did little to attract me to their backgrounds or where they lived, hence the sole star I awarded to the author.

[Nancy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The well-drawn characters from previous books in the series are back and continue to evolve through numerous events—Grace of course, Richard and Sarah Lewis, Jacob Nunez, Father Iggy, Pippa, Tilly and Eloise. Jacob and Richard receive a prestigious journalistic award in the U.S. for the piece they did on the fall of Singapore. Eleanor’s husband briefly returns from the war, and she is delighted to see him. Dymphna has a newborn, and Charlie McKenna shows his true kindness again, telling Grace that his late son, Declan, would have wanted Grace to find happiness again after he passed. Grace is summoned to the Bishop’s Palace to discuss the issues regarding Canon Rafferty.

One thing I love about Ms. Grainger’s books is the portrayal of interesting historical background, such as why the Irish generally hated Winston Churchill, even during the WWII timeframe . This was due to him previously sending the Blacks and Tans who were a group of demobilized soldiers from the Great War to fight the IRA during the struggle for independence; they were notoriously “reckless and cruel.” Therefore there was a significant anti-English sentiment in Ireland even during WWII though Ireland did support the allies. This dynamic was certainly never even mentioned in history classes in my American high school. Other tidbits such as that most Irish did not speak English well were surprising to me and useful background.

The local characters re-appear, such as Padraig O’Se, the often-surly cobbler, who at one point gives Grace a better pair of used shoes to replace a worn-out pair impossible to fix. She tells him that he’s “a lot nicer than he lets on,” and he tells her to keep that to herself. One can just imagine!

At times I felt that the growth of Richard’s and Grace’s relationship was unbelievably slow, but understanding the complexities involved made it more believable. Ms. Grainger writes wonderful books with excellent characterization and I highly recommend this installment.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

This being installment 5 of the series, I suspect the author has a few more little twists you won’t see coming.

From the latest revelation by Richard to a letter that sets off another crisis, Grace must wrestle with another predicament. In the meantime, Richard is grappling with his own fearful career opportunity he can’t pass up.

There is never a dull moment in Knocknashee, nor in a series that keeps you coming back for more. As complex as the novels are, teaching history, Irish politics, and religious faith, the author uses compelling and sympathetic characters you’ve come to care about to weave a gripping tale.

You can’t second guess this series, there is always another magic trick and she does just that with this episode. I almost chuckled when I thought I could see how this would come together.

Brilliant!

But we’ll just have to wait and see. I suspect Ms Grainger is still holding out a card or two.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. It’s a mesmerizing series, one that keeps the reader anxious for the next installment. This is a good one, but I’d recommend starting with Book 1 if you haven’t already. 4.5 stars

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed meetings, unexpected crises and coincidences seem to dominate any attempt made by either Grace or Richard to move their relationship to the next anticipated level, maintaining the suspense as to whether this star-crossed couple will ever have any more than hour-long encounters.
Although the primary focus of this fascinating series remains on Irish teacher, Grace, and foreign war correspondent, Richard, Ms Grainger builds the individual personalities and quirks of all her supporting characters in such a manner that the reader becomes an integral part of each community under discussion. In Knocknashee, there is a feeling of unity as the villagers share one another’s joys and grief, in Cork it is the compassion Grace has for the Warringtons and Fr Iggy as they struggle to help others with the little they have at their disposal, and, finally, the daily fearful anticipation experienced by Richard and his companions in London ensures that ‘pages’ are turned as fast as possible…
“Folded Corners”, and the previous Knocknashee books, includes a richly detailed account of so many aspects of life during the War and must be read to gain the full benefit of Ms Grainger’s extensive writing talent. I received this book as an ARC from the author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: Spoilers ahead!

I am completely invested in the characters of the Knocknashee series. This was another great installment. The characters, the story, the narration (Audible - Caroline Lennon) are just wonderful!

The storyline with Pippa was sad and I felt for her. She was used as a "filler" for Richard, and given all she'd been through, I think she deserved more. While her end in the series didn't affect me as much as Declan's end, it still felt wrong and a bit icky.

When it appeared Richard and Grace would once again miss each other, happily that was not the case. What happened soon after seemed cruel and while I understand the need for the main characters to face hardship to move story along, it seems that after so long and after so much heartbreak, they deserve happiness and I, as a reader, want to see them together and happy. I expect there is much more to come based on how the book ended and I'll keep hoping for the happy ending these characters deserve.

What I love about this series is the cast of supporting characters and the way they have been developed. I'm not only invested in Grace and Richard but in Tilly, Charlie, Sarah, and even Mrs. McHale and Father Iggy. Getting to meet them and to delve into their world has been wonderful.

[Suzanne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series has grown to Beloved status for me!

Because I had used all of my Audible credits, I decided to at least read The Folded Corners on Kindle Unlimited — it’s been so long since I’ve not had a narrator telling me a story (smile!!). Anyway, Jean Grainger’s narrators she arranges to relate her works are top notch and I do miss that format. Love being told a story — takes me back to my own childhood and to that of my children where reading aloud together was a beloved tradition from their babyhood. Deeply pleased that family tradition carries on!
I have come to immensely admire Jean Grainger — and to like very much the woman she is, the family enterprise she and her husband and daughters have created — & the fact that Jean keeps us in her gorgeous loop there on the Dingle Peninsula! She’s personable and real. I’m also grateful to have that and the West of Ireland part of my own heritage, though not my home base this time around! Anyway, Folded Corners continues the Knockashee tales I’ve come to love as have thousands of other grateful readers. If you’re hesitating to pick it up, don’t! You’ll not be disappointed — and yes, it ends abruptly, but heck — there’s more to come pretty soon! Yaay! Thanks, always, Jean!

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!! I have read all Jean’s books and the Knocknashee series is by far her best. I try to find another captivating series to read while waiting for the next of the Knocknashee series to come out but not much can hold my interest while I wait. Thinking about the turmoil of war and the hardships families had to endure is heart breaking. Jean is a master of story telling and brings to light for me what life was like and I can get a glimpse of my father’s service life in the Pacific theater in the Army Air Corp. Reading these stories I can feel the loneliness and worry of my grandparents and his fiancee my Mom. When Sarah came to tell Grace about Richard and Jacob having gone down in the plane and she brought Grace all the letters that Richard saved I realized that maybe I should finally open and read all the letters my parents wrote to one another. I’ve always thought that’s a private area I shouldn’t open up but maybe I should know what real authentic wartime life was like.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a long-time fan of Ms. Grainger and this series has been excellent. The characters are vivid and even the evil ones are good to check in on. The tale spans Ireland, London, and southern USA during WWII and so many lives are impacted in different ways by the war and loyalties and families. There is a lot of angst and tension in the stories and I always long for more happy news, but wartime is tough and sacrifices, loses and depredations were widespread. It is interesting to get the perspective of players from different countries on the war, especially with ireland being formally neutral but not always so in secret. The age-old animosity between Britain and Ireland bleeds through too. And the small, close-knit Irish village is charming. The letters unfold to tell such a lovely and star-crossed romance that develops slowly and you are cheering for them all the way. Ms. Grainger said in the beginning that this wouldn't be a romance per se, but it is very much a romance. Great stories and I look forward to the final 2 books.

[Dianne Charnley · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fifth book we enter this exciting saga as it unfolds for long distance pen pals, Grace and Richard.

Its 1942 and we follow the American journalists Richard and his sister Sarah and her Jewish lover Jacob. They face together more unexpected twists and turns in enduring love, while endeavoring to report to the American people what really is happening during WWII in Europe.

An award winning war correspondent, Richard reports on worn torn England, the heart wrenching devastation, food shortages and rations.

In Knocknashee, Ireland, we find the local headmistress Grace, a well loved teacher. She has faced many hurdles and difficulties in her life including a greedy malicious Canon Rafferty who has caused so much grief to Grace, personally and to the villagers.

So enjoy turning the pages of this fifth installment about their lives and what unexpectedly unfolds next. It is worth it!

[Naomi Krokowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book about Grace and Richard kept me enthralled! I care deeply about the two of them after 4 prior books that began with polio-stricken and neglected Grace putting a letter in a bottle and tossing it in the sea near her Irish village and it is found by young wealthy American Richard in Savannah Georgia. They’ve now both been deeply affected by the Second World War despite Ireland’s neutrality. Grace and Richard have grown from pen pals to thwarted sweethearts. Will they finally be single at the same time? Can they reunite despite the war? Seeking the answers as I devoured this installment was fascinating and informative. I enjoy learning the historical contexts Grainger reveals to us through these fictional but very realistic characters. I groaned audibly as I saw the next novel doesn’t come out until October. Then I sighed with contentment that at least I have that to look forward to!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 in the series places the characters in the midst of WWII. Will Richard and Grace ever get to be together? I thought this was the last book in the series, but find there is another one coming.
"The winter of 1942 casts a long shadow over pen-friends Richard and Grace. The world is teetering on the brink of destruction as war consumes continent after continent.
When a letter arrives for Grace from a distant land she can scarcely place on a map, it brings news so shocking it reverberates through the entire village, with everyone offering conflicting advice.
Meanwhile in bomb-scarred London, Richard is presented with the journalistic opportunity of a lifetime. The potential for career-defining reporting is immense, but so too are the dangers that shadow every step.
Yet his professional dilemma pales beside the turmoil in his heart. Logic and longing wage their own private war within him, and the battlefield offers no refuge." synopsis copied

[Anne Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace and Richard are such a lovely 😍 couple but unfortunately things have not run smoothly for them and the cards seem stacked against them !

Grace is such a beautiful soul who has a lot of love to give but tragedy struck when her beloved husband Declan died and Grace was once more alone.

Richard her American pen pal is based in war torn London reporting with his friend Jacob for an American newspaper. Richard's sister Sarah is also with them and doing her bit for the war effort.
Richard and Jacob have experienced war first hand whilst on a mission with their job. Through it all Grace has been in his thoughts. He loves her but life has got in the way of them being together.

Grace has a network of good friends, Tilly, Charlie, Dymphna, Father Iggy and her class of loyal children but she is still lonely when she gets home. Things are about to change though when she receives a letter from overseas.

Events take a terrible turn but we look forward with hope for our lovely couple in Book 6.

Jean is a fantastic writer and has you waiting with bated breath for the next episode in this love torn story. Thankyou.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 finds us deep into WWII and Jean Grainger gives us a real taste of what that was like in Ireland and England through these much loved characters of Grace and Richard. Richard is an American journalist and Grace is an Irish schoolteacher who became letter friends by chance in book 1. I found them maturing in their professions and relationships in this book with things seemingly settling down after much loss and upheaval for Grace. There’s no neat and tidy finish to this one though, Jean Grainger keeps us wanting more as the story never pales or stales right to the last page. This series has such depth in every aspect.

[Jackie Mitchell]

This is the most wonderful book and series of life in an Irish village where everyone comes together and is like one huge family! Of course, like most large families there are some not so favorite members. There is sometimes contention and strife. You really should go back and read the first book in the series but they can be ready alone. These books are filled with real life problems, love and adventures. Everything doesn't always turn out perfectly. They will have you laughing, crying, cheering...... But if you like or relate to the Irish, especially, these are the books for you. The hard part is waiting for the next book to be published!

[Gator Girl Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed Kindle Unlimited
4 stars
Spoilers Possible

“IF” the author had once again created a missed opportunity between Richard and Grace to meet…I would have downgraded my stars. ( I don’t know why she went with a near miss. Maybe to show how their love is destiny? But the dang ending makes it out to be a Shakespearean tragedy. I can calmly deal with the ending, well, because of the epilogue. But I knew that he hadn’t died because book 6. Duh. And a book 7 coming next year. )

Lots of growth for Grace in this book. More confidence and speaking up for herself and others.

Good read. Now onto book 6 and I’ll have to wait for 7.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised that a few reviewers wanted this series to finish with this book or even the previous one. Grace and Richard’s wartime love story is the main theme, but the peripheral story lines (Tilly, Maurice, Richard’s relationship with his parents, Sarah and Jacob, Ireland’s political stance, just to name a few) are also interesting and add to my enjoyment of this series. Jean Grainger weaves these things together in a fascinating tale. I am glad there will be another book (or maybe two) telling the story of Grace, Richard, and their families and friends.