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The Last Post: The Knocknashee Series - Book 7
The Last Post - the final book in the Knocknashee Series
As the dark clouds of war finally begin to break, Grace Fitzgerald and Richard Lewis glimpse the possibility of a future together after years of turmoil. Their hard-won love has withstood so much already.
Now, as the Allies launch their final assault on the European continent—determined to rid the world of Nazi terror at whatever cost—Grace must say goodbye once again. Richard has a dual to witness and report on the invasion that will decide the world’s fate, and to fulfil a promise to find someone who vanished without a trace.
But in Richard's absence, Grace faces her own reckoning. Drawn back to an old adversary, she must fight one final battle. Will their love survive not just the war, but the ghosts of their past?
Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Kristen Hannah, and lovers of Irish historical fiction, this sweeping Irish family saga brings a rural Irish village to life against the quiet tensions of WWII Ireland.
As the dark clouds of war finally begin to break, Grace Fitzgerald and Richard Lewis glimpse the possibility of a future together after years of turmoil. Their hard-won love has withstood so much already.
Now, as the Allies launch their final assault on the European continent—determined to rid the world of Nazi terror at whatever cost—Grace must say goodbye once again. Richard has a dual to witness and report on the invasion that will decide the world’s fate, and to fulfil a promise to find someone who vanished without a trace.
But in Richard's absence, Grace faces her own reckoning. Drawn back to an old adversary, she must fight one final battle. Will their love survive not just the war, but the ghosts of their past?
Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, Kristen Hannah, and lovers of Irish historical fiction, this sweeping Irish family saga brings a rural Irish village to life against the quiet tensions of WWII Ireland.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
About the author
Jean Grainger
103 books1,656 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had this as an ARC copy. It's the last in the series and what a story it's been. It's the closing months of WW2 and Grace and Richard are finally re-united. Not for long, as the day of their wedding Richard is sent, as a war correspondant, back to France. He meets up with old friends but several others are either missing or dead. He has to take several chilren across the mountains to Switzerland from where, hopefully, they will be taken to safety.
Meanwhile, Grace is still trying to persuade the evil Canon Rafferty to own up to his past sins and also admit paternity of a little orphaned girl. Right at the last minute, on their way to America, their ship is torpedoed. Who will survive and who wont. Will Grace and Richard fimally have their happiness? Please r.ead the book and find out
Meanwhile, Grace is still trying to persuade the evil Canon Rafferty to own up to his past sins and also admit paternity of a little orphaned girl. Right at the last minute, on their way to America, their ship is torpedoed. Who will survive and who wont. Will Grace and Richard fimally have their happiness? Please r.ead the book and find out
January 19, 2026
I am a fan of Jean Grainger and have read almost all of her novels. That said I loved the series Lilac Ink series, except for the Last Post. This story was rushed and rather annoying the way it came together. Richard and Grace finally do get married and are immediately separated once again. They both have their stories to tell, Richard going back to the war torn Europe and Grace try to deal with Cannon Rafferty once again. Finally when the story is coming to a conclusion in the Epilogue they finally are back together and several years have past and they have children. I felt cheated! The part of their story I would have loved reading was condensed into an epilogue! It was like Jean was tired of writing the story and just wrapped it up quickly. Very disappointed!
January 8, 2026
I hated for this series to end, but like all good things, as they say, so The Last Post is the final book. I began reading Lilac Ink because the synopsis mentioned Savannah, Georgia, where I was born, and it was such a strange pairing with Knocknashee, Ireland. I had never read any books by Jean Grainger, but I was quickly hooked. There is so much history, culture, and a wide variety of social issues woven throughout the series, both Irish and American. I have wept, and I have laughed out loud in each book. The Last Post was as good as it gets for a final book in a series. Realistically, you know that all of your favorite characters won't survive the war, but I appreciated the way the author handled their exits, some with the honor they deserved, and others with the kind of death they deserved. And best of all, there is an epilogue that reassures the readers that all will be well in Knockashee, Ireland, after we're gone. Thank you, Jean Grainger. I loved every page.
January 12, 2026
Ebook owned
4 stars
Spoilers possible
A good conclusion to this series.
Quick review.
Tears flowed during a particular part.
But smiles later in the epilogue as love between two characters allowed for some healing after the war and loss. I thought it worked and was very appropriate.
Minor frustration was the complete lack of time that Richard and Grace have physically together in the book. Seriously though, did we really have to have Richard get a telegram during their wedding reception that he needed to leave!?!?!?!? Really!?!?!? We couldn’t let the characters have their honeymoon?
And then….
We get to read about their years together in the epilogue!?!!!??? I kid you not. That is when the characters are together again.
4 stars
Spoilers possible
A good conclusion to this series.
Quick review.
Tears flowed during a particular part.
But smiles later in the epilogue as love between two characters allowed for some healing after the war and loss. I thought it worked and was very appropriate.
Minor frustration was the complete lack of time that Richard and Grace have physically together in the book. Seriously though, did we really have to have Richard get a telegram during their wedding reception that he needed to leave!?!?!?!? Really!?!?!? We couldn’t let the characters have their honeymoon?
And then….
We get to read about their years together in the epilogue!?!!!??? I kid you not. That is when the characters are together again.
April 30, 2026
Love a good happy ending!
Overall I’d probably rate the series a 4/5 stars. It was a beautiful story & I grew to love the characters, but I felt like there were a few parts that were a bit too cheesy or seemed too simple to be believable. Overall I would definitely recommend to any historical fiction lovers!
Overall I’d probably rate the series a 4/5 stars. It was a beautiful story & I grew to love the characters, but I felt like there were a few parts that were a bit too cheesy or seemed too simple to be believable. Overall I would definitely recommend to any historical fiction lovers!
March 15, 2026
Mean Grainger stories
Historical fiction full of factual information and interpersonal intrigue. Mean Grainger always includes interesting historical information in her personal struggles.
Historical fiction full of factual information and interpersonal intrigue. Mean Grainger always includes interesting historical information in her personal struggles.
January 6, 2026
I've followed Grace and Richard from the very beginning when Grace tossed her letter into the sea.
What luck that Richard found it in the USA all those miles across the ocean.
There has been heartbreak as Richard followed his writing dream in Europe during the horrors of WW2 and saw the worst possible things imaginable.
Grace and Richard kept up their communication as often as was possible with Grace using her famous lilac ink.
After everything that happened during the years they kept in touch, at times Grace despairing that Richard was lost to her.
This is the last part of the story. Will the couple finally found their longed for happiness?
I have kept with them through thick and thin and wept when things seemed hopeless.
I will miss them all, Richard, Grace, Charlie, Tilly, Sarah, Jacob and all the others.
Thank you Jean for these amazing books and all the hard work that has gone into bringing them into our lives.
With best wishes. Looking forward to the next adventure.
What luck that Richard found it in the USA all those miles across the ocean.
There has been heartbreak as Richard followed his writing dream in Europe during the horrors of WW2 and saw the worst possible things imaginable.
Grace and Richard kept up their communication as often as was possible with Grace using her famous lilac ink.
After everything that happened during the years they kept in touch, at times Grace despairing that Richard was lost to her.
This is the last part of the story. Will the couple finally found their longed for happiness?
I have kept with them through thick and thin and wept when things seemed hopeless.
I will miss them all, Richard, Grace, Charlie, Tilly, Sarah, Jacob and all the others.
Thank you Jean for these amazing books and all the hard work that has gone into bringing them into our lives.
With best wishes. Looking forward to the next adventure.
February 3, 2026
Quite sad I’ve finished this series but thoroughly enjoyed this ending !!
March 1, 2026
7 books later and I’m so sad to say goodbye to this series 💔
February 19, 2026
I have so enjoyed these characters through 7 books now! Grace and Richard have been through so many challenges and are finally marrying at the start of this novel. They have to get through the rest of the vanquishing of the Nazis and the loose ends of their fellow residents stories in the Irish village of Knocknashee. A terrific series!
January 14, 2026
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
'Tis a long journey that belonged to the pen pals across the pond from each other, one the victim of childhood polio in a small Irish village in Ireland, the other a man of family means and money.
It’s the spellbinding Irish storytelling pen of the author that the following years would be chronicled in a tale that would see Grace outliving her tyrannical older sister to find the strong, intelligent, and resourceful woman she becomes. Richard with his own pen, along with his Jewish buddy and rabid photographer, finds life-shattering journalistic experiences during the horrors of WWII.
It’s in this installment that Grace and Richard finally manage a quick wedding before he’s called immediately back to France. There is egregious loss amid war ascribed by Hitler when it became apparent the Germans had lost the war.
Grace, hampered by the mores of the time and the church, learned how to deal with Canon Rafferty specifically to achieve the safe custody of his victim.
The novel beautifully describes the locations of Savannah, Georgia, and the little town of Knocknashee—the characters are engaging and getting to know them a joy. It’s a deeply emotional narrative, pulling all the strings.
Can Richard safely return to Knocknashee? What becomes of your favorite support characters? Can there be a happy ever after here?
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own. 4.5 points
'Tis a long journey that belonged to the pen pals across the pond from each other, one the victim of childhood polio in a small Irish village in Ireland, the other a man of family means and money.
It’s the spellbinding Irish storytelling pen of the author that the following years would be chronicled in a tale that would see Grace outliving her tyrannical older sister to find the strong, intelligent, and resourceful woman she becomes. Richard with his own pen, along with his Jewish buddy and rabid photographer, finds life-shattering journalistic experiences during the horrors of WWII.
It’s in this installment that Grace and Richard finally manage a quick wedding before he’s called immediately back to France. There is egregious loss amid war ascribed by Hitler when it became apparent the Germans had lost the war.
Grace, hampered by the mores of the time and the church, learned how to deal with Canon Rafferty specifically to achieve the safe custody of his victim.
The novel beautifully describes the locations of Savannah, Georgia, and the little town of Knocknashee—the characters are engaging and getting to know them a joy. It’s a deeply emotional narrative, pulling all the strings.
Can Richard safely return to Knocknashee? What becomes of your favorite support characters? Can there be a happy ever after here?
Many thanks to the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own. 4.5 points
February 24, 2026
well, I can say I liked this book
I’m sort of glad the story has ended and loose ends finally wrapped up in a bow. Many times I was worried about that. And some things didn’t turn out like I’d have liked but that’s life. Not everything goes as expected or desired. It’s the adjustments we have to continually make when life deals us surprises. Jean’s characters made choices that I hope would occur to me in their situations. There is something in this book for everyone to take to heart. People who are different but certainly are like others too. Having a limp, one leg shorter than the other, reminded me of a good doctor who had polio as a child but became a beloved healer in our small town. I can hear his walk in my head as I remember his story. Orphans! Oh yes, there were many after the war. Still today, the young men and women who fight and die in wars others start often leave behind children who have no choice in the matter but learn to love and be loved by non related people who sacrifice for a needful child. It happens over and over and we all probably know someone who is adopted. All things considered, there is definitely something in this series for everyone. Good job, Mrs Grainger!
I’m sort of glad the story has ended and loose ends finally wrapped up in a bow. Many times I was worried about that. And some things didn’t turn out like I’d have liked but that’s life. Not everything goes as expected or desired. It’s the adjustments we have to continually make when life deals us surprises. Jean’s characters made choices that I hope would occur to me in their situations. There is something in this book for everyone to take to heart. People who are different but certainly are like others too. Having a limp, one leg shorter than the other, reminded me of a good doctor who had polio as a child but became a beloved healer in our small town. I can hear his walk in my head as I remember his story. Orphans! Oh yes, there were many after the war. Still today, the young men and women who fight and die in wars others start often leave behind children who have no choice in the matter but learn to love and be loved by non related people who sacrifice for a needful child. It happens over and over and we all probably know someone who is adopted. All things considered, there is definitely something in this series for everyone. Good job, Mrs Grainger!
January 11, 2026
Riveting and touching!
Just finished the seventh and last book in this extraordinary series that I found both touching and riveting. Kudos to Ms. Grainger for bringing such fascinating characters to life -- whether benevolent, wise, heroic, quirky, exasperating, evil, or nearly every variation imaginable.
I applaud her skillful depiction of Hitler's lethal hold on Europe during WWII and the relentless deprivation and destruction that endured for six years. While the war is central to the lives of many of the richly drawn characters, the writer also deftly portrays gripping subplots involving everyday cruelies as well as horrific abuses at the hands of local clergy.
Yet at the same time, Ms. Grainger brilliantly weaves in equally substantial story lines in which loving family bonds (both blood and chosen), community support, and astounding bravery triumph. I will truly miss her many inspiring characters as well as the quaint mid-20th century, Irish village that is the book's main setting.
The series is among numerous Jean Grainger books that have completely captivated me -- and cannot wait to reading many more.
Just finished the seventh and last book in this extraordinary series that I found both touching and riveting. Kudos to Ms. Grainger for bringing such fascinating characters to life -- whether benevolent, wise, heroic, quirky, exasperating, evil, or nearly every variation imaginable.
I applaud her skillful depiction of Hitler's lethal hold on Europe during WWII and the relentless deprivation and destruction that endured for six years. While the war is central to the lives of many of the richly drawn characters, the writer also deftly portrays gripping subplots involving everyday cruelies as well as horrific abuses at the hands of local clergy.
Yet at the same time, Ms. Grainger brilliantly weaves in equally substantial story lines in which loving family bonds (both blood and chosen), community support, and astounding bravery triumph. I will truly miss her many inspiring characters as well as the quaint mid-20th century, Irish village that is the book's main setting.
The series is among numerous Jean Grainger books that have completely captivated me -- and cannot wait to reading many more.
February 9, 2026
I did not want this series to end
Jean Grainger creates characters who become like family to me. I am always sorry when a series ends and I have to say farewell to these new friends. The Knocknashee series is a particular favorite because it describes life on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula during WWII in a way that made me feel that I had experienced it myself. I learn things about World War II, in which my own father fought, that academic history books could never have taught me. The main character, Grace is an amazing, strong, beautiful woman. The more I read, the more I admired Grace. Jean Grainger has a gift for entwining beautiful love stories with the harsh reality of life snd its challenges. Taking us from Dingle, to South Carolina, to NY, to
London and France and Switzerland, we experience joy’s and heartbreaks, and the unexpected with the characters. Ms. Granger also deals with the fact that although there are many good people in religious life, there are also those who inflicted great harm and pain to people of all ages who trusted them.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who appreciates historical fiction at its best.
Jean Grainger creates characters who become like family to me. I am always sorry when a series ends and I have to say farewell to these new friends. The Knocknashee series is a particular favorite because it describes life on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula during WWII in a way that made me feel that I had experienced it myself. I learn things about World War II, in which my own father fought, that academic history books could never have taught me. The main character, Grace is an amazing, strong, beautiful woman. The more I read, the more I admired Grace. Jean Grainger has a gift for entwining beautiful love stories with the harsh reality of life snd its challenges. Taking us from Dingle, to South Carolina, to NY, to
London and France and Switzerland, we experience joy’s and heartbreaks, and the unexpected with the characters. Ms. Granger also deals with the fact that although there are many good people in religious life, there are also those who inflicted great harm and pain to people of all ages who trusted them.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who appreciates historical fiction at its best.
January 12, 2026
Knocknashee Series
While this book ’The Last Post’ tied up the Knocknashee series, I enjoyed the entire series of 7 books. While the main thread of the book is an impossible long distance, the author deftly takes us through the perils and suffering of Ireland and Europe. The tragedies and suffering of folks is unbelievable to our current state of wealth and prosperity. The author gives us a glimpse at the gap between the impoverished and the wealthy. It is startling. The best part of this book in my opinion is the characters. Grace shows resilience, wisdom and strength despite the loss of both parents, polio and abuse from her older sister. My favorite character by far was Mrs McHale who enters the series about halfway through. She is the unintentionally comic relief from all the awful images of WW2. This is a clean story of falling in love despite the odds during a difficult time in the history of the world.
While this book ’The Last Post’ tied up the Knocknashee series, I enjoyed the entire series of 7 books. While the main thread of the book is an impossible long distance, the author deftly takes us through the perils and suffering of Ireland and Europe. The tragedies and suffering of folks is unbelievable to our current state of wealth and prosperity. The author gives us a glimpse at the gap between the impoverished and the wealthy. It is startling. The best part of this book in my opinion is the characters. Grace shows resilience, wisdom and strength despite the loss of both parents, polio and abuse from her older sister. My favorite character by far was Mrs McHale who enters the series about halfway through. She is the unintentionally comic relief from all the awful images of WW2. This is a clean story of falling in love despite the odds during a difficult time in the history of the world.
January 15, 2026
4.5 So sad to have finished it…
This is the final book of the series..and although (in my humble opinion) not as good as the first, it was completely wonderful and worth the read! I’m not normally one for romance novels, but I fell head over heels for (almost) all of the characters.. with backdrop of World War II, there is plenty of intrigue, nail biting drama, and villains as well as heartbreaking stories of heroism. What I especially enjoyed about this series is the way the author has tackled many subjects and situations that plagued the world during that time period, and continues to plague the world today. None of the topics were candy coated or glossed over but were tackled in direct, forthright terms, which is imperative if changes are to occur. Thank you, again, Ms. Grainger for capturing my heart and mind with this beautiful series..now I should probably put the kindle down and get back to my family…oh who am I kidding? I’m going to read !!
This is the final book of the series..and although (in my humble opinion) not as good as the first, it was completely wonderful and worth the read! I’m not normally one for romance novels, but I fell head over heels for (almost) all of the characters.. with backdrop of World War II, there is plenty of intrigue, nail biting drama, and villains as well as heartbreaking stories of heroism. What I especially enjoyed about this series is the way the author has tackled many subjects and situations that plagued the world during that time period, and continues to plague the world today. None of the topics were candy coated or glossed over but were tackled in direct, forthright terms, which is imperative if changes are to occur. Thank you, again, Ms. Grainger for capturing my heart and mind with this beautiful series..now I should probably put the kindle down and get back to my family…oh who am I kidding? I’m going to read !!
January 19, 2026
This series is a journey of history, determination, passion and always love
Perhaps it is because this is a tale of the world before, during, and after war that Jean Grainger is able to take us on a journey from the mundane to the miraculous. I was unprepared for the sleepless nights where I had to know what became of our beloved characters Grace and Charlie from Knocknashee or Richard, Jacob and Sarah from Savannah or Alfie, Constance and Bernadette between France and Switzerland. There is a brutal honesty in telling war in detail. Ugly truths about orphaned children, selling Catholic babies, profiteering, and collaborators are just a few of the themes that the series covers. The only character that is always present, death. Perhaps because it is an Irish tale that love and loss as well as hope and despair walk hand in hand. Or maybe it is simply the skill of a intriguing writer.
Perhaps it is because this is a tale of the world before, during, and after war that Jean Grainger is able to take us on a journey from the mundane to the miraculous. I was unprepared for the sleepless nights where I had to know what became of our beloved characters Grace and Charlie from Knocknashee or Richard, Jacob and Sarah from Savannah or Alfie, Constance and Bernadette between France and Switzerland. There is a brutal honesty in telling war in detail. Ugly truths about orphaned children, selling Catholic babies, profiteering, and collaborators are just a few of the themes that the series covers. The only character that is always present, death. Perhaps because it is an Irish tale that love and loss as well as hope and despair walk hand in hand. Or maybe it is simply the skill of a intriguing writer.
May 13, 2026
I enjoyed this book all the way until the ending. It was such an erupt ending, I literally thought my audio app had a glitch and was missing the last chapter. I had to check multiple sources to finally figure out that it wasn't a mistake. It jumped from a story about a small supporting character, not even one of the main characters, to the epilogue that took place 5 years later. It was so confusing and I felt a bit cheated of the main story between Grace and Richard. I wanted more of THEIR story, not everyone else's. I wanted more of what was in the epilogue.
But overall, this series was so good and is exactly why I love historical fiction so much. The perfect balance between real historical events that I love learning about, and an interesting and deeply intertwined story of characters I could connect with. I will honestly miss these characters. What a beautiful and heart wrenching series. I will need to read more of Jean Grainger's work.
But overall, this series was so good and is exactly why I love historical fiction so much. The perfect balance between real historical events that I love learning about, and an interesting and deeply intertwined story of characters I could connect with. I will honestly miss these characters. What a beautiful and heart wrenching series. I will need to read more of Jean Grainger's work.
January 10, 2026
wonderful deeply felt series
Jean Grainger is an author of immense talent. This series epitomized this. The characters became part of my life, they were so real. The time in history this story was written during World War II is one of immense grief and evil yet gives warning to the future. Along with the stories of extreme hardship throughout the world comes the everyday events within the microcosm of Knocknasher, Ireland. The human experience is repeated as we are more alike than different, especially emotionally. Grace and Richard come together in pivotal roles through the series by chance or a miracle when Richard finds her letter written in lilac ink stopped in a bottle across the ocean from Ireland in the USA and the adventures start. Thank you for a beautiful and emotionally fulfilling story.
Jean Grainger is an author of immense talent. This series epitomized this. The characters became part of my life, they were so real. The time in history this story was written during World War II is one of immense grief and evil yet gives warning to the future. Along with the stories of extreme hardship throughout the world comes the everyday events within the microcosm of Knocknasher, Ireland. The human experience is repeated as we are more alike than different, especially emotionally. Grace and Richard come together in pivotal roles through the series by chance or a miracle when Richard finds her letter written in lilac ink stopped in a bottle across the ocean from Ireland in the USA and the adventures start. Thank you for a beautiful and emotionally fulfilling story.
January 13, 2026
Outstanding!
Oh my goodness, I couldn't wait to read this book, so I thought that I would read it slowly, comprehending each and every word. I could not help myself, once beginning to read, I found out, this book was like all the others in this series. Just totally kept my interest from the beginning. This is the end of an amazing love story that was challenged from the beginning. Thankfully, the ending is bitter sweet, but I was delighted when it skipped to 1950 and I learned the destiny of most of the characters!
The whole series is consuming! I have been delighted with all seven books, and happy to bring them to a close. I will miss those characters, but I have been fascinated by them throughout the series.
Thanks Jean Grainger for some delightful characters that I became familiar with in a short period.
Oh my goodness, I couldn't wait to read this book, so I thought that I would read it slowly, comprehending each and every word. I could not help myself, once beginning to read, I found out, this book was like all the others in this series. Just totally kept my interest from the beginning. This is the end of an amazing love story that was challenged from the beginning. Thankfully, the ending is bitter sweet, but I was delighted when it skipped to 1950 and I learned the destiny of most of the characters!
The whole series is consuming! I have been delighted with all seven books, and happy to bring them to a close. I will miss those characters, but I have been fascinated by them throughout the series.
Thanks Jean Grainger for some delightful characters that I became familiar with in a short period.
January 18, 2026
I finally finished the seven book Knocknashee series!
"As the dark clouds of war finally begin to break, Grace Fitzgerald and Richard Lewis glimpse the possibility of a future together after years of turmoil. Their hard-won love has withstood so much already.
Now, as the Allies launch their final assault on the European continent—determined to rid the world of Nazi terror at whatever cost—Grace must say goodbye once again. Richard has a dual mission: to witness and report on the invasion that will decide the world’s fate, and to fulfil a promise to find someone who vanished without a trace.
But in Richard's absence, Grace faces her own reckoning. Drawn back to an old adversary, she must fight one final battle. Will their love survive not just the war, but the ghosts of their past?" synopsis copied
"As the dark clouds of war finally begin to break, Grace Fitzgerald and Richard Lewis glimpse the possibility of a future together after years of turmoil. Their hard-won love has withstood so much already.
Now, as the Allies launch their final assault on the European continent—determined to rid the world of Nazi terror at whatever cost—Grace must say goodbye once again. Richard has a dual mission: to witness and report on the invasion that will decide the world’s fate, and to fulfil a promise to find someone who vanished without a trace.
But in Richard's absence, Grace faces her own reckoning. Drawn back to an old adversary, she must fight one final battle. Will their love survive not just the war, but the ghosts of their past?" synopsis copied
January 19, 2026
Sadly, the end of a wonderful series.
I highly recommend this entire series and The Last Post wrapped everything up beautifully. I will miss all the inhabitants of Knocknashee and can only hope that Jean will see fit to include more about rural life in the part of Ireland she clearly loves. Jean brings her characters to life and draws her readers in. At age 84, I feel like I am sitting in my Irish grandmother's kitchen on the East side of Manhattan and finally hearing bits of the stories of her young life way out in the countryside beyond Lismore, at the damp confluence of the Rivers Blackwater and Bride in Waterford. The telling of those difficult times just was not done back then but I at least feel I know a bit about what her family endured. Thank you, Jean Grainger!
I highly recommend this entire series and The Last Post wrapped everything up beautifully. I will miss all the inhabitants of Knocknashee and can only hope that Jean will see fit to include more about rural life in the part of Ireland she clearly loves. Jean brings her characters to life and draws her readers in. At age 84, I feel like I am sitting in my Irish grandmother's kitchen on the East side of Manhattan and finally hearing bits of the stories of her young life way out in the countryside beyond Lismore, at the damp confluence of the Rivers Blackwater and Bride in Waterford. The telling of those difficult times just was not done back then but I at least feel I know a bit about what her family endured. Thank you, Jean Grainger!
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January 2, 2026The Last Post is such a fitting ending to a truly amazing and enjoyable story. Who would have thought that way back in the beginning Grace's throwing a message in a bottle into the Atlantic would lead to all that has gone on since? In her usual style Jean Grainger keeps us coming back for more chapter by chapter. And, as is also her usual style, she doesn't disappoint. I was so enthralled with the comings and goings of this story, despite it being the Christmas season, I read it in less than two days. It's kind of sad saying goodbye to Grace, Richard, and all the other characters we've come to know and love so well, but The Last Post does it in such a wonderful way that it doesn't seem like a goodbye after all. Maybe a more fitting ending would be until we meet again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fitting ending to a great series full of wonderful characters, read as an ARC from the amazing author. If you love character based novels, with amazing settings, and historically based action, you won't be disappointed by this series. The pace of the books are all fantastic - never a boring minute, but still time to savour each word. I can't begin to understand the amount of research that goes into historical fiction books, but I appreciate the attention to detail of this saga that sweeps from the west coast of Ireland to the east coast of America to the war torn European continent. As a non-writer, I can't truly do justice to books, but hope that readers will enjoy this book and series as much as I did.
January 11, 2026
After 7 books and lots of angst and tension and challenges, the Knocknashee story finally came to a satisfying ending. This final book was fast-paced and full of suspense as WWII winds down and the fates of the war correspondents and French resistance operators is finally learned. Back in Ireland, there are many characters whose stories are completed too, including Canon Rafferty who resurfaces and Grace and Tilly and many, many more. Whew, it is hard to keep track of them all, but the loose ends were all tied up, with tears and emotions. You really do get to care about all these people and all they go through in Ireland, Georgia, London and France. It was especially interesting to see the war through different perspectives and experiences. A very good series!
January 18, 2026
This is a remarkable series..........I have read all her series and some stand alone books.....she is at the top of my list for "favorite novelists".
I loved this series.......such outstanding character development. It is so disturbing to read about WWII........and of course who made it back alive and who didn't. For me it was very emotional and at times so sad but Ms. Grainger does an absolute job in writing about this time in history. Thank you so much for this series..........
As a side note: I would like it if I could understand a bit more about the Irish language....really so fascinating. When she wrote some Yiddish words in the book it made me laugh.....the language of my people. She's amazing.....who would ever think an Irish writer would write some Yiddish!
I loved this series.......such outstanding character development. It is so disturbing to read about WWII........and of course who made it back alive and who didn't. For me it was very emotional and at times so sad but Ms. Grainger does an absolute job in writing about this time in history. Thank you so much for this series..........
As a side note: I would like it if I could understand a bit more about the Irish language....really so fascinating. When she wrote some Yiddish words in the book it made me laugh.....the language of my people. She's amazing.....who would ever think an Irish writer would write some Yiddish!
January 28, 2026
The Knocknashee Series
I retired 3 years ago and wanted to start reading again. I was thrilled to find Iran Grainger.
Never thought I could stick wit a 7 books series, but I devoured each book.
Grace was so relatable. I felt each and every emotion she was experiencing. I enjoyed learning all about the people of HR family, friends and community.
Richard was a bonus. Once he found Grace it was a roller coaster romance. Life takes you in so many directions. I felt the despair of WW2. You would think we would never find ourselves in that situation again. History does repeat itself.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
Deepest sympathy for all your losses along the way.
I retired 3 years ago and wanted to start reading again. I was thrilled to find Iran Grainger.
Never thought I could stick wit a 7 books series, but I devoured each book.
Grace was so relatable. I felt each and every emotion she was experiencing. I enjoyed learning all about the people of HR family, friends and community.
Richard was a bonus. Once he found Grace it was a roller coaster romance. Life takes you in so many directions. I felt the despair of WW2. You would think we would never find ourselves in that situation again. History does repeat itself.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
Deepest sympathy for all your losses along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review
A heartwarming final chapter in the Knocknashee series
As I turned the first pages of the Last Post, I had to grab my box of tissues. The event was so beautiful as the friends of Grace made it so very special for her and Richard. The story was a tear jerker without a doubt, especially when there was a turn of events that was most unexpected, during a much awaited happy occasion. The suspense continued, as the story unfolded and yes more tears until the very fitting end for Grace and Richard, the couple we came to love.
A beautifully written final chapter in the Knocknashee series, which I have loved from the outset with Lilac Ink. It introduced a charming, lovable, yet most interesting but vunerable character, Grace. A series that is indeed I think the best by far. Now we have farewelled the characters of Knocknashee,
no doubt Jean has some thing rather different and interesting up her sleeve for the next series she will write. I am looking forward to her next release. .
A heartwarming final chapter in the Knocknashee series
As I turned the first pages of the Last Post, I had to grab my box of tissues. The event was so beautiful as the friends of Grace made it so very special for her and Richard. The story was a tear jerker without a doubt, especially when there was a turn of events that was most unexpected, during a much awaited happy occasion. The suspense continued, as the story unfolded and yes more tears until the very fitting end for Grace and Richard, the couple we came to love.
A beautifully written final chapter in the Knocknashee series, which I have loved from the outset with Lilac Ink. It introduced a charming, lovable, yet most interesting but vunerable character, Grace. A series that is indeed I think the best by far. Now we have farewelled the characters of Knocknashee,
no doubt Jean has some thing rather different and interesting up her sleeve for the next series she will write. I am looking forward to her next release. .
January 8, 2026
Wow...a fitting end to an awesome series! After so many struggles, we finally get to see Grace and Richard marry at the beginning of the book. They got their happily ever after. Or do they.... because the struggles continue.
This is a very satisfying conclusion to this series. All ends are neatly tied up, and we even get a glimpse of the future in the epilogue.
I have truly loved getting to know Grace, Richard, Sarah, Jacob, Alfie, Tilly, Charlie and all the other characters in Knocknashee. This has been an emotional ride, and this last book certainly fits that description as well. Have your tissues ready....you are going to need them!
This is a very satisfying conclusion to this series. All ends are neatly tied up, and we even get a glimpse of the future in the epilogue.
I have truly loved getting to know Grace, Richard, Sarah, Jacob, Alfie, Tilly, Charlie and all the other characters in Knocknashee. This has been an emotional ride, and this last book certainly fits that description as well. Have your tissues ready....you are going to need them!
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